tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020223906535907202024-03-15T05:49:28.544-04:00In Endless SongElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-6325622033195112162018-05-30T15:18:00.000-04:002018-05-30T15:18:37.865-04:00In case you missed it...It has been a while since I have shared my writing in this space, so I thought I would start by compiling the recent pieces I have done, in case you missed them!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Bv9wjlLmUmYa7byzhyphenhyphenWV033VFYSZq-I7cOgAi2llJTLFtblWPHA1j1ZDHrpZJMzu9roPt-lGE968Cxo1uhiFouZtT4oX8Z3Q9k9jbIrfUJhyCxkuu72Eivu0jD_GXNUBzUhTtJ5MZ1s/s1600/2018-1-6_bis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Bv9wjlLmUmYa7byzhyphenhyphenWV033VFYSZq-I7cOgAi2llJTLFtblWPHA1j1ZDHrpZJMzu9roPt-lGE968Cxo1uhiFouZtT4oX8Z3Q9k9jbIrfUJhyCxkuu72Eivu0jD_GXNUBzUhTtJ5MZ1s/s400/2018-1-6_bis.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div>
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/radically-breaking-in" target="_blank">Radically Breaking In</a></i> // a reflection on the Holy Spirit, on Baptism, on God's desire to break through to us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5Il6NV7mfGK3faq7U2Pkx-wzygbYLlm7PHddXeUUiutD-AhCLDnNGbrlT9RPx4ST2wJCQ4LbsaSivABGAtRyV7HkomvqR3D8bEEJF4EG-7GP33z70eDbwPFwHFwhsd3_FS8vrFhzg64/s1600/2018-2-7_bis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5Il6NV7mfGK3faq7U2Pkx-wzygbYLlm7PHddXeUUiutD-AhCLDnNGbrlT9RPx4ST2wJCQ4LbsaSivABGAtRyV7HkomvqR3D8bEEJF4EG-7GP33z70eDbwPFwHFwhsd3_FS8vrFhzg64/s400/2018-2-7_bis.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/heart-check" target="_blank">Heart Check</a> // </i>where I invite you to join me in taking a look within, where we ask the Father to "consecrate us in the truth."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlxMiaqw4q-_qeE0yrAAGLeAL3XFtyB3b02adwe7l0_pyycN5YuOkTOBiAEdtb4GD57M4R6-HAa1mTRQf7We8aW4nfyQc4_0fF5saSJs7LwQCJa4vq_1Z313-4wWD2x9k3hvqjm_HEc4/s1600/2018-3-18_bis-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlxMiaqw4q-_qeE0yrAAGLeAL3XFtyB3b02adwe7l0_pyycN5YuOkTOBiAEdtb4GD57M4R6-HAa1mTRQf7We8aW4nfyQc4_0fF5saSJs7LwQCJa4vq_1Z313-4wWD2x9k3hvqjm_HEc4/s400/2018-3-18_bis-1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/when-you-look-into-his-eyes" target="_blank">When You Look Into His Eyes</a> // </i>an encouragement and guided meditation with our loving God.</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/AVvXsEiM9EWexyl8m-mf2dvPUQMbyVU6030DwZZQBkNWIgbynpSDLXiYByl-vzWJFq8e7YL_KbkhaPWguqLGgqAfqExagQaBVIdanfeDYQPjz8tWVvpalc7Vpg9Y3s8tGKvERSuPWhYJks-pLCM/s1600/2018-4-8_bis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9EWexyl8m-mf2dvPUQMbyVU6030DwZZQBkNWIgbynpSDLXiYByl-vzWJFq8e7YL_KbkhaPWguqLGgqAfqExagQaBVIdanfeDYQPjz8tWVvpalc7Vpg9Y3s8tGKvERSuPWhYJks-pLCM/s400/2018-4-8_bis.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/the-gift-of-divine-mercy" target="_blank">The Gift of Divine Mercy</a> // </i>my third piece for Blessed is She reflecting on the Gospel story of dear doubting Thomas. (I wonder if the Holy Spirit is trying to tell me something as He continues to ask me to reflect upon this Gospel? Ha!)</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/AVvXsEjJbYb1HbjEIT0DQb22busCNQ8aGEmeOLfdJUcJHWyUMyX57IYSX7vovAZzv3gbBQwzUtukVg0cgo2lYsvUyhdjwGqvS3txeCzBOlxSRYakN04VS8b66ln9L_6ffnjPzynEMnC1BD4CGTY/s1600/2018-5-9_bis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbYb1HbjEIT0DQb22busCNQ8aGEmeOLfdJUcJHWyUMyX57IYSX7vovAZzv3gbBQwzUtukVg0cgo2lYsvUyhdjwGqvS3txeCzBOlxSRYakN04VS8b66ln9L_6ffnjPzynEMnC1BD4CGTY/s400/2018-5-9_bis.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/designed-to-seek-him" target="_blank">Designed to Seek Him</a> // </i>an encouragement for those moments when the Lord feels distant.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And finally –</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKZnAlDjjjKtJ4fSgyoge-yqcJ3FTapTNSaExZCIU1nEYor66aWr_oXlYB34Y0-1KBRZlPkb3y4Zvc2H0EHNVeMPIo8O48cj71taiKKxhoLH-i9oWyBh2eS3C5hQKcMA0Z44LLLT8eyQ/s1600/catholic-wedding-gift-guide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKZnAlDjjjKtJ4fSgyoge-yqcJ3FTapTNSaExZCIU1nEYor66aWr_oXlYB34Y0-1KBRZlPkb3y4Zvc2H0EHNVeMPIo8O48cj71taiKKxhoLH-i9oWyBh2eS3C5hQKcMA0Z44LLLT8eyQ/s400/catholic-wedding-gift-guide.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/catholic-wedding-gift-guide/" target="_blank">Catholic Wedding Gift Guide</a></i> <i style="font-weight: bold;">// </i>I put together this list of some of my favorite wedding gifts for Catholic couples. So if you have a wedding to attend this summer, I hope this guide will inspire! (There is <b>so</b> much goodness on the <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/the-blog/" target="_blank">Blessed is She blog</a> – be sure to check it out if you don't follow it regularly!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope to be back to this space very soon – stay tuned!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-15086779150277518922017-12-08T07:07:00.000-05:002017-12-08T14:39:45.854-05:00Dreaming with the Lord<i>Over the past few years I have adopted the tradition of asking the Lord for a word for my year. One year, my word was “quiet.” The Lord called me to greater stillness that year, to slowing down and spending more time in silence with Him. My word for 2017 has been “sing.” As a vocal artist, my first impressions of this word were many, but the Lord continues to reveal a depth of ways He calls me to song – in my vocations as wife, mother and artist, in my prayer life. He meant literally, too; my musical gifts were renewed and shared in a special way this year. His plans when He first spoke this word to me were many and good, and far beyond what I imagined when He placed it upon my heart.<br />
<br />
God’s dreams for us are always better than our own, sisters.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkyYzqLjFtuHc0G38s7o3lqThBf04xwZFS-xH5aBtYUVKcEb4BkAF_-XDEzfRe45mnc8TvgNaQmpX1nMrws7upMnZdv3oreBtaTjKpTVl9hjYp8gHBL4j__aRMv0lhQIwYH4IrvVkuXg/s1600/12-8_bis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkyYzqLjFtuHc0G38s7o3lqThBf04xwZFS-xH5aBtYUVKcEb4BkAF_-XDEzfRe45mnc8TvgNaQmpX1nMrws7upMnZdv3oreBtaTjKpTVl9hjYp8gHBL4j__aRMv0lhQIwYH4IrvVkuXg/s640/12-8_bis.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
You can read the rest of today's devotion I wrote for Blessed is She <b><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/big-dreams-one-word-at-a-time" target="_blank">right here</a></b>. Read it, and then come back, okay?<br />
<br />
.<br />
.<br />
.<br />
<br />
Okay, are you back? :)<br />
<br />
I wanted to emphasize one thing I wrote: God's dreams for you are <b>personal</b>. When we dream with the Lord – and we should always include Him! – we need to keep our eyes on Him. Try not to allow the eyes of your heart to start looking around at other people and what they are doing. Our dreams are not meant to be compared to one another. When God looks at you, He does not compare you to your sister, your friend, your role model. He sees only you, and has dreams for your life that only you can live. What a beautiful gift.<br />
<br />
Here's to dreaming dreams with our Father and waiting expectantly upon our Lord...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. Are you here from instagram looking for the downloadable print I mentioned today? <b><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/blessedisthefruitofyourwomb/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">Click here.</a></b><br />
(affiliate link)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y9Br__oIGFo2wCpKemrIw-EgVC8mTJMwMUNHI1J9JrkcM8StVOTxSlkea92hS3ppSQPcBgVZHCoUqn8Dmv4KrLVoCj8fw0aR1ICJ7dZu5g7W9PBjW3-m3SC1GBdk89qjXE7olRzEPYQ/s1600/IMG_4446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Y9Br__oIGFo2wCpKemrIw-EgVC8mTJMwMUNHI1J9JrkcM8StVOTxSlkea92hS3ppSQPcBgVZHCoUqn8Dmv4KrLVoCj8fw0aR1ICJ7dZu5g7W9PBjW3-m3SC1GBdk89qjXE7olRzEPYQ/s400/IMG_4446.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-32741681759465562822017-12-06T03:00:00.000-05:002017-12-11T16:14:19.127-05:00Booklist // Christmas Books for Little Ones<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. In Endless Song is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</span></i><br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I love seeing what other people are reading. Booklists are not only fun, but they often inspire me to check out a book I may not have heard of or read otherwise. Today I want to share my favorite books for little ones that we love to read throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3L4uZnnGwU7LllWJ9f7HuVZg_DNkYtu-YNEte3XOF8Cmxc3F4ea99e6e7E4IfWBenMgEgXh3LnqE6LIjNyIBGV84TYi1l52iclsrzxe2QUmoYyLAWEFhKjps5qDeVxe7E8BIC46_BI4/s1600/12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3L4uZnnGwU7LllWJ9f7HuVZg_DNkYtu-YNEte3XOF8Cmxc3F4ea99e6e7E4IfWBenMgEgXh3LnqE6LIjNyIBGV84TYi1l52iclsrzxe2QUmoYyLAWEFhKjps5qDeVxe7E8BIC46_BI4/s400/12.png" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399234101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399234101&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=e3dbbeac8759718e48d7dc203e9eece0" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0399234101&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="252" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0399234101" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399234101/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399234101&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=f46ec13a659c29dfe560f1425dfd86fb" target="_blank">Who is Coming to Our House?</a> </b>is a delightful tale of the many animals who prepare a place in their home for Mary and Joseph. The story, told in rhythmic verse, and the beautiful illustrations make it a delight for young readers.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0694012270/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0694012270&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=26821f148374066f408bb67ce23eaeee" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0694012270&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0694012270" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0694012270/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0694012270&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=7b35c3875197706ba2c89e65537ca96e" target="_blank">Christmas in the Manger</a></b> tells the story of the many characters present for the first Christmas. From the ox to the wise men, we hear the part each of them plays in welcoming Jesus. One of our very favorites!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0448490099/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0448490099&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=2c63671909dc2a6b897a075f47c56431" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0448490099&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0448490099" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0448490099/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0448490099&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=506703c99aca15df34e3e90160015d46" target="_blank">The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas 123</a></b> is a simple counting book for the littlest readers, starring children's most beloved caterpillar character. With Eric Carle's characteristic bright illustrations this book is sure to bring a smile!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950494/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416950494&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=528ec87609868daf0850b2c31ff5daff" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=1416950494&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="318" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1416950494" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1416950494/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1416950494&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=1899bd6ab3660052fb7c7fee5c5538ac" target="_blank">Mortimer's Christmas Manger</a> </b>is the book Saint Nicholas brought to our son this year! Mortimer is an endearing little mouse who learns the importance of making room for Christ in our lives – a lesson for all ages to remember.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0448448602/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0448448602&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=fade23c5c43a9d51f020675530758c38" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0448448602&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="300" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0448448602" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0448448602/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0448448602&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=a7fceaebf85bc7e233be15c12002a5c5" target="_blank">My First Christmas</a></b> is a lovely book for the youngest readers in your house. With Tomie dePaola's classic illustrations, your little one learns the signs of the Christmas season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544320417/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544320417&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=f5329f4898ed5f81a831d36709c78920" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="290" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0544320417&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0544320417" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544320417/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544320417&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=db26937dcbc0fdc3a27ecbe607a870eb" target="_blank">Little Blue Truck's Christmas</a></b> is a fun book to have in your collection for any of fans of the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544568036/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544568036&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=d40ee491d6021257c56a8639eebea0a1" target="_blank"><b>Little Blue Truck</b></a> series. Readers help the Little Blue Truck count the Christmas trees and deliver them to his friends. The last page has twinkle lights, too, for added delight!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158617505X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=158617505X&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=a38f273495c38dc52475048e283022b9" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=158617505X&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=158617505X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/158617505X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=158617505X&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=188072a7d92bea9d2b0a05a57ceec443" target="_blank">My First Prayers for Christmas</a></b> is a beautiful book of prayers for children. We pray from this book nightly during the Christmas season. A great addition to your collection! (We love using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1586175033/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1586175033&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=1cfc0c8c667dad0f75dfa0203ae6f46d" target="_blank"><b>this book</b></a> throughout the rest of the year.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763677337/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0763677337&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=21775fef07914cd013cf0b2ff1c1ba76" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="286" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0763677337&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0763677337" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763677337/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0763677337&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=3f4d6ffafdd8dc8965f7306f7b1d7623" target="_blank">Red & Lulu</a> </b>is a welcome addition to our library this year. Red and Lulu are two cardinals who live in the evergreen which soon becomes the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. With beautiful illustrations, this New York City Christmas story will be one we enjoy for many years to come.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854346/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802854346&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=85eb06310429a8bc634ad0ac3a80bfa1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0802854346&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="241" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0802854346" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802854346/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0802854346&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=adf1fe67b692d3a6a37b8a2f3bc9538a" target="_blank">The Legend of Saint Nicholas</a> </b>tells the story of this generous saint. This story is admittedly too lengthy and advanced for our toddler, but we look forward to reading this one as he gets a bit older. A wonderful picture book for our collection!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147509521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0147509521&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=cec3f9c7ad9233edfc1d5c1b23527ff4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0147509521&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="253" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0147509521" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0147509521/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0147509521&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=323b802b6a6726b0211a4ad56bb22fc4" target="_blank">Joy to the World</a> </b>is a collection of some of Tomie dePaola's well-loved Christmas stories, including <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698119010/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0698119010&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=c5f50c0695d55083c74e0ca0aa6d31c5" target="_blank"><i><b>The Night of Las Posadas</b></i></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399209999/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399209999&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=93f7866cc7ff26ba648c9a3ce8f2c42f" target="_blank"><i><b>The Story of the Three Wise Kings</b></i></a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0698115678/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0698115678&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=38ee16d596b78ef212830e17f51aa3c2" target="_blank"><i><b>The Legend of the Poinsettia</b></i></a>. This collection also includes the music for some well-loved Christmas carols. A gem!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062110624/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062110624&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=2ef1dbf731a1bd230027c12893882a06" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0062110624&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="248" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0062110624" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062110624/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062110624&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=75f486aef683ea5ee5b9efdfd4d898bb" target="_blank">Pete the Cat Saves Christmas</a> </b>is sure to be a favorite for any Pete the Cat fans (my son can't get enough of Pete!). With a focus on giving to others and doing your best, this cute tale should bring out the holiday spirit in your family.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399228179/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399228179&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=2be4fd48cdc97bbb672f66b1a95f38fb" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0399228179&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=inendson-20" width="312" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=inendson-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0399228179" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399228179/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0399228179&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=607e1ec47afd8ea845305e45d5d1d8e0" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Country Angel Christmas</a> tells the story of three little angels who get an important job from St. Nicholas. I love that he lives in heaven with the angels in this story which ends with everyone reflecting at the manger scene, including St. Nicholas. So beautiful! While currently out-of-print, it is well-worth purchasing a used copy to add this Tomie dePaola book (can you tell we are fans of his work?) to your collection.<br />
<br />
So, what am I missing? What are your favorite Christmas books? Please let me know in the comments! I would love to hear from you.<br />
<br />
Wishing you cozy holiday reading snuggled up by the Christmas tree with hot cocoa...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRETyLc-OVHAKrdM3inW-Tg3JgvXFER8xV9D0p1ePpHRkryoiQjyBIX94YePNw2amqExBX8ljDNfrJ6EqIr7z14VxX4LvhUQtOS_5GAYdKsvkHp4OLnLz2hr9wjkqgAKRKj5qZVyRjkzw/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-70692952790186206192017-11-16T16:51:00.001-05:002017-12-11T16:17:17.242-05:00Seeking Stillness // Advent 2017The bright autumn colors are fading. Colder winds are blowing these days; leaves fall softly to the ground. The earth seems to slow as winter nears. My soul feels it, too. I need to <b><i>slow down</i></b>.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is the refrain I hear God speak to me: <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Be still and know that I am God. . ." </i>(Psalm 46:10). I need to <i><b>seek</b> <b>quiet</b> </i>as the noise regarding all the things that have to be done to make the holidays a success crescendos. I need to <b><i>step away</i></b> from the harsh brightness of my iPhone screen and spend time with the One who is true Light. I need to <b><i>breathe deeply</i></b> of the Lord's presence and be filled by Him. </div>
<div>
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
The good news is: Advent is coming. This time in the Christian year when we are called to refocus our gaze, to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ, is such a gift. And I really need it this year.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Have you thought about what you might do to celebrate this Advent season? Might I share my simple plans with you?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>// FAMILY ADVENT WREATH //</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hbpHcBB9Ke7AoSxgiVwxHoaKDBIXIa2ZecNkKCCd-f9zrugKFO8A5FszetyEi_iY8wDwGmmerrKhdme6-d7Gma3w-exmdvEO4DanFUgVbBrbitYR-WZSaP-5oJ78n4YwT1jNQ17iUgQ/s1600/IMG_1802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6hbpHcBB9Ke7AoSxgiVwxHoaKDBIXIa2ZecNkKCCd-f9zrugKFO8A5FszetyEi_iY8wDwGmmerrKhdme6-d7Gma3w-exmdvEO4DanFUgVbBrbitYR-WZSaP-5oJ78n4YwT1jNQ17iUgQ/s640/IMG_1802.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Of course: the Advent wreath. Ours is somewhat non-traditional with white candles, and purple + pink ribbons. I usually end up making it with some branches trimmed from our Christmas tree, or from the tree stands around town. (Side note: One of my favorite things about city life are the pop-up Christmas tree stands on any given street corner at this time of year. Sometimes I go out of my way just to walk through one and take a deep inhale of that blessed pine smell.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>// <i><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/advent-2017-prayer-journal/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">IN THE BEGINNING</a></i> // THE <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/advent-2017-prayer-journal/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">BLESSED IS SHE ADVENT JOURNAL</a> //</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir33MTGOLiv9_aoBlHYWykhifTjszBZzCbyu0EwPxNmZSpWmV8iZI9QdbSpVdqcHP31yIKSD-Qq4i1DKBMcoHZXhZJrX0oUzGIMa8eIWqe3drNWv_PLX-M0vu8zGfcFlBblw3f3HR0qU4/s1600/Advent+2017+square.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir33MTGOLiv9_aoBlHYWykhifTjszBZzCbyu0EwPxNmZSpWmV8iZI9QdbSpVdqcHP31yIKSD-Qq4i1DKBMcoHZXhZJrX0oUzGIMa8eIWqe3drNWv_PLX-M0vu8zGfcFlBblw3f3HR0qU4/s400/Advent+2017+square.png" width="400" /></a></div>
I am so looking forward to diving into God's Word with the Blessed is She community this Advent. My friend <a href="http://www.motheringspirit.com/" target="_blank">Laura Kelly Fanucci</a> – one of my very favorite writers – wrote <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/advent-2017-prayer-journal/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">this year's Advent journal</a>. I mean it very sincerely when I say her words never fail to touch my heart. The <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/advent-2017-prayer-journal/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">Advent journal</a> is a way for me to keep myself centered and focused on what matters in the days leading up to Christmas. They are bound to get a little crazy, and I know this will help me stay close to the Lord. In the journal Laura writes,<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><b>"There is nothing to achieve this Advent. There is only ourselves to surrender."</b></i></div>
<br />
That's exactly the kind of Advent I am hoping for this year. If you'd like to join me, you can purchase your copy <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/advent-2017-prayer-journal/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>// A CHRISTMAS TREE //</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FQuuM1SZftQnMIBI146tdZWBFkVPWjH4qtn3DT_sw7-FBG_DpDclNZJlN3LffGkQbQiTjLkfhJKh9QRZe7ApD_IH2RMImj4x9J1VBwnqelLoL4UhCLCRJ0UUGynK7bb4jTZrP7fUDcU/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FQuuM1SZftQnMIBI146tdZWBFkVPWjH4qtn3DT_sw7-FBG_DpDclNZJlN3LffGkQbQiTjLkfhJKh9QRZe7ApD_IH2RMImj4x9J1VBwnqelLoL4UhCLCRJ0UUGynK7bb4jTZrP7fUDcU/s640/IMG_1765.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
This may seem like a given, but we actually have not had a Christmas tree in our apartment since 2014. Between having a baby crawling around, lack of space (hello, NYC living), and traveling for the holidays, we just haven't done it. This year, however, we have freed up a little room to have one. We can hardly wait for the joy we imagine it will bring our toddler. I mean, is there anything quite like twinkle lights on a fresh pine tree?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>// NATIVITY SCENES // </b></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1chlOhvG2km9MlCh8u6sYx-CUzbin-gk7euP4mJBRWA-qUhTBQhdcU_5BDe3lV_ENlXPNYGJJp-cUMwqB7U5qCgYZ1n4zkHeH3h9owrlD600vU9vZKO6YldkAl17PMCJyni_4LDJU4k/s1600/nativity-watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1chlOhvG2km9MlCh8u6sYx-CUzbin-gk7euP4mJBRWA-qUhTBQhdcU_5BDe3lV_ENlXPNYGJJp-cUMwqB7U5qCgYZ1n4zkHeH3h9owrlD600vU9vZKO6YldkAl17PMCJyni_4LDJU4k/s640/nativity-watermarked.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
We have a couple nativity scenes that we will set up around our home, waiting to put the Christ child in the manger until Christmas morning. (The set pictured above belonged to my late grandmother, and we also have <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FRNVNG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=inendson-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000FRNVNG&linkId=90776ace48aaa636f5cf9411e2557ff8" target="_blank">this beautiful one</a>, which we received as a wedding gift.) My son also has the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000067R86/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=inendson-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B000067R86&linkId=6e535c614485ece5610ebb4bd0767c05" target="_blank">Fisher-Price Little People nativity set</a>, which he adores.<br />
<br />
And that's really it! Of course, there will be Christmas gift shopping to do (gift-giving is one of my love languages) and holiday baking (of course!), but overall we hope to keep it pretty simple and just <b>seek the JOY</b>!<br />
<br />
While the world shouts that we need to do more this holiday season, the Lord says otherwise. May we spend this Advent season seeking His presence in the stillness, and may we quiet our hearts enough to hear His voice. For then we might hear Him whisper just <i>how deeply we are loved</i>.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4D65-KgJn4OzraHoGUElS8JYjdqNWkVl4JW2zO1kKN9B6Fc9w_u6_3ClMpLB668hS0rZ0HFcxQ5PB9xNHt9IcttAa1sWGrazjQgZcEkDAGsuWis3BDiX5VFIIDHQ1dwX8oBJXu8jys4/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4D65-KgJn4OzraHoGUElS8JYjdqNWkVl4JW2zO1kKN9B6Fc9w_u6_3ClMpLB668hS0rZ0HFcxQ5PB9xNHt9IcttAa1sWGrazjQgZcEkDAGsuWis3BDiX5VFIIDHQ1dwX8oBJXu8jys4/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This post contains affiliate links. </i></div>
</div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-11441665561494624612017-10-30T16:13:00.000-04:002017-12-11T16:17:35.036-05:00It's that time of year again...<i>Disclosure: This affiliate post contains affiliate links. <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">In Endless Song</a> is a participant in the Minted LLC Affiliate Marketing Program, an affiliate advertising and marketing program that pays advertising fees to sites that advertise and link to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=653554&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EHoliday%20Cards%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Minted.com</a>. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
* * *</div>
<br />
We finally carved our Halloween jack-o-lantern yesterday. It's just over three weeks to Thanksgiving (a celebration not to be forgotten or rushed – giving thanks is so good for the soul!). But ready or not, before we know it, it's going to be Advent and time to prepare our hearts for Christmas.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite holiday traditions is the sending and receiving of Christmas cards. In today's world, communication often consists of a quick text message or, at best, an email. A hand-delivered card in the mailbox? It's something special. I don't know about you, but when I get an envelope that is not a bill or junk mail, I am filled with joy!<br />
<br />
Every year I look forward to receiving certain Christmas cards (The annual photo update from the family I used to babysit! A card from my beloved junior high choir director!). I know some families have a beautiful tradition of saving all the Christmas cards they receive beyond the holiday season. Then, throughout the year they pick one card each night at dinner, and they pray for the person or family that has sent that card. (I'm looking at you, <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/" target="_blank">Whitaker family</a>!) Isn't that a great tradition? One of these years I hope to adopt it in our own family.<br />
<br />
I look forward to sending Christmas cards, too. And my favorite place to shop for Christmas cards online is <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=653554&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=&afftrack=%22%3EHoliday%20Cards%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Minted</a>. For our family, it is an investment to get our Christmas cards here, but to me it is an investment worth making. I love that there are some <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Freligious%2Dchristmas%2Dcards%3Ffeature%3Dtertiary%5Fnav%26event%3Dclick%26l0%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dminted%26l1%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dholiday%26l2%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dholiday%2Bcards%26l3%5Fnode%5Fname%3DReligious%2BChristmas%2BPhoto%2BCards&afftrack=" target="_blank">beautiful religious Christmas card options</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2Ckrk5lKnwUdS4A9OCwSTVKi0dogXxYWuGH5V7GHqKKWUPWSowwELQRfG1N5mrCpH_ycyC6phA3L1Pm2fxZl26cmwO-azUPKIPxZO9DW7K7_924mdlz-l0isMbMIiWzUrKcz7jgL8Ek/s1600/all+because+of+him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="706" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2Ckrk5lKnwUdS4A9OCwSTVKi0dogXxYWuGH5V7GHqKKWUPWSowwELQRfG1N5mrCpH_ycyC6phA3L1Pm2fxZl26cmwO-azUPKIPxZO9DW7K7_924mdlz-l0isMbMIiWzUrKcz7jgL8Ek/s640/all+because+of+him.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fchristmas%2Dphoto%2Dcards%2FMIN%2DMIJ%2DCHR%2Fall%2Dbecause%2Dof%2Dhim%3Fcolor%3DA%26greeting%3Dreligious%26shape%3Ddefault&afftrack=" target="_blank">"all because of Him" card</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like the sentiment of this card – "counting our blessings." Yes! That's the true holiday spirit!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4rDFEqYnrxT98gM1n7e2WGafSVJBZS3WUJNYWAUr54tlF8t6s9PPdkYrhirgQSDY8MkvE9NZTJDoGpIwYciDved05F9Tln2bKDJd_P8PLn9ZnXJwX5P26JIWzO-eyQBa6pxmuMKAmP4/s1600/counting+our+blessings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="706" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4rDFEqYnrxT98gM1n7e2WGafSVJBZS3WUJNYWAUr54tlF8t6s9PPdkYrhirgQSDY8MkvE9NZTJDoGpIwYciDved05F9Tln2bKDJd_P8PLn9ZnXJwX5P26JIWzO-eyQBa6pxmuMKAmP4/s640/counting+our+blessings.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fchristmas%2Dphoto%2Dcards%2FMIN%2DYW3%2DCHR%2Fgrateful%3Fcolor%3DA%26greeting%3Dreligious%26shape%3Ddefault&afftrack=" target="_blank">"grateful" card</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We have no greater joy than Christ, our Lord, so I think this card is super sweet, too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTKZWg_RlulX1DGdCzBRGcYGl4krnqr3wAF-uA6NH8_sWXdxgMWxEzjKixjgECgm6to55EXKLAmao4L6yO2sz5r1gGd2H4rnOb-RuNeQ6Vn7ntS2cFI1Mfj9D_Vo2mIT9F9e0Y5n2RLw/s1600/good+news+of+great+joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="706" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTKZWg_RlulX1DGdCzBRGcYGl4krnqr3wAF-uA6NH8_sWXdxgMWxEzjKixjgECgm6to55EXKLAmao4L6yO2sz5r1gGd2H4rnOb-RuNeQ6Vn7ntS2cFI1Mfj9D_Vo2mIT9F9e0Y5n2RLw/s640/good+news+of+great+joy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fchristmas%2Dphoto%2Dcards%2FMIN%2DZZK%2DCHR%2Fgreatest%2Djoy%3Fcolor%3DA%26greeting%3Dreligious%26shape%3Ddefault&afftrack=" target="_blank">"greatest joy" card</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Minted offers a wonderful selection of <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fnon%2Dphoto%2Dholiday%2Dcards%3Ffeature%3Dtertiary%5Fnav%26event%3Dclick%26l0%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dminted%26l1%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dholiday%26l2%5Fnode%5Fname%3Dholiday%2Bcards%26l3%5Fnode%5Fname%3DNon%2DPhoto%2BCards&afftrack=" target="_blank">non-photo holiday cards</a>, in case adding a picture is not in the cards for you this year (pun intended!).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid_JDhoc7BQ5ESuLWm3CIs-SZ-unyRr5X3pwMC7E4Bo1bfWcKyLEeSm1Xc6YC48aWlrXrqfs9KTEQZ31v19A9sWJIq5yZ48_Z5jR2wyFKWl7MQr1oFOr4NiiqwzuhqY7PnjqPtEVk58A/s1600/merry+christmas+no+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="705" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid_JDhoc7BQ5ESuLWm3CIs-SZ-unyRr5X3pwMC7E4Bo1bfWcKyLEeSm1Xc6YC48aWlrXrqfs9KTEQZ31v19A9sWJIq5yZ48_Z5jR2wyFKWl7MQr1oFOr4NiiqwzuhqY7PnjqPtEVk58A/s640/merry+christmas+no+picture.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=120126&u=915813&m=17025&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fholiday%2Dnon%2Dphoto%2FMIN%2DYWO%2DHNP%2Fnativity%2Dparty%3Fcolor%3DA%26greeting%3Dreligious%26shape%3Ddefault&afftrack=" target="_blank">"nativity party" card</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, I'm off to update my Christmas cards address list, and to try to pick my favorite Minted design for our own family's card! Which one would you pick?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4D65-KgJn4OzraHoGUElS8JYjdqNWkVl4JW2zO1kKN9B6Fc9w_u6_3ClMpLB668hS0rZ0HFcxQ5PB9xNHt9IcttAa1sWGrazjQgZcEkDAGsuWis3BDiX5VFIIDHQ1dwX8oBJXu8jys4/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4D65-KgJn4OzraHoGUElS8JYjdqNWkVl4JW2zO1kKN9B6Fc9w_u6_3ClMpLB668hS0rZ0HFcxQ5PB9xNHt9IcttAa1sWGrazjQgZcEkDAGsuWis3BDiX5VFIIDHQ1dwX8oBJXu8jys4/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-3372717321346428222017-10-26T16:46:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:02:46.930-04:00G R A N O L A(including a pumpkin spice variation!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over the past several months, I have gotten into the habit of making granola on a regular basis. It's a delicious breakfast that both my husband and I enjoy served with milk or over greek yogurt. I have shared in my <a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a> stories about making it, and had some people asked for the recipe. Well, ask and you shall receive! Here's my standard granola recipe, followed by a scrumptious pumpkin spice variation to celebrate autumn.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>// G R A N O L A //</b></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGnO_EClZtBLdQ4h5qE1VeXW-E_Js2j-AaKKhVorrM5u0iwrOfJ3aKQlAaj3fqa4Xt-C7Bqzo1ITtvlLhwndbCoI2CcR_ZnOagRGctUKRiNy5egiPDaFaW8ojmXeVpaDzBhiPnkrhvPQ/s1600/IMG_9876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje00R36ZpFn5zbZ73ODxa3Lp4R2VvCUtNg50RWe2Jl-7cYEtoEyz_2NAQpyblOl5kJNhwjC4raAB35Le4_8x6hKnDo_Sqb6e6DFexKU8CXi2QDDPR2S1pdzwuSJ_MBC_gvW_yTeUqyuug/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje00R36ZpFn5zbZ73ODxa3Lp4R2VvCUtNg50RWe2Jl-7cYEtoEyz_2NAQpyblOl5kJNhwjC4raAB35Le4_8x6hKnDo_Sqb6e6DFexKU8CXi2QDDPR2S1pdzwuSJ_MBC_gvW_yTeUqyuug/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGnO_EClZtBLdQ4h5qE1VeXW-E_Js2j-AaKKhVorrM5u0iwrOfJ3aKQlAaj3fqa4Xt-C7Bqzo1ITtvlLhwndbCoI2CcR_ZnOagRGctUKRiNy5egiPDaFaW8ojmXeVpaDzBhiPnkrhvPQ/s640/IMG_9876.JPG" width="640" /><br />
<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/AVvXsEgQIUl87CCHOD2aKnLPXeXqdvcYbSO8tABqv6RfPWsL4r_ES6uF0N4QbpMTzfjuUGXxgPN-Z5oWkjIoeUwEQEaNGJhdtYvYMkQPUYpKwC_aZ1iQtaqoXvf9ZVCPZoUTw17uJeT2lb10H5U/s1600/IMG_9858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQIUl87CCHOD2aKnLPXeXqdvcYbSO8tABqv6RfPWsL4r_ES6uF0N4QbpMTzfjuUGXxgPN-Z5oWkjIoeUwEQEaNGJhdtYvYMkQPUYpKwC_aZ1iQtaqoXvf9ZVCPZoUTw17uJeT2lb10H5U/s640/IMG_9858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
// INGREDIENTS //</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 cups oats</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup unsweetened coconut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup almonds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 cup pecans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup honey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons coconut oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon almond extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1 Tablespoon cinnamon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9gaf_i1bBzTpds24KRItD7KW1UcczrbIsWi07LJqmsyXvj9FaIVzgXsaw64rr9nncCy9DF_4hYLNZIhFVGsxvlbh5GiRfRzahj63LAeR6stslPcEpZLe7z7ohTufWlHg0Adf_ZN6X4/s1600/IMG_9859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc9gaf_i1bBzTpds24KRItD7KW1UcczrbIsWi07LJqmsyXvj9FaIVzgXsaw64rr9nncCy9DF_4hYLNZIhFVGsxvlbh5GiRfRzahj63LAeR6stslPcEpZLe7z7ohTufWlHg0Adf_ZN6X4/s640/IMG_9859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 300 degrees (Fahrenheit). Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Meanwhile, in a microwave safe container, warm the honey and coconut oil for 45 seconds in the microwave. Mix well. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and stir until combined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pyFafQ0oi2fg_YcKRDmlQQHw0TsiB5MFFN_3kJNXK60WeZsfxAFF43nGC5EZsJGm4eU7YOp9OvyOGqNh3EA-Sga2DS28VuXc0VUqL6kSkAyTqs5NIo8Vz71eFRaCbuMRtE5mJW5TqM8/s1600/IMG_9864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pyFafQ0oi2fg_YcKRDmlQQHw0TsiB5MFFN_3kJNXK60WeZsfxAFF43nGC5EZsJGm4eU7YOp9OvyOGqNh3EA-Sga2DS28VuXc0VUqL6kSkAyTqs5NIo8Vz71eFRaCbuMRtE5mJW5TqM8/s640/IMG_9864.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Pour the warmed honey mixture over the granola and stir until the oats mixture is well-coated.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhWx4DNmi5hse_AI3q0yirofNhNym1ufqstr1KFuCJTLc9zWGuvm3JuqTRdBoAtLSnjrTq_Y_EtoSJVOEKJCGKHno-HGHQ_emwtSyfWsbZs2X6bz3F170FrS3W7LvapGV63CFZhNjhB4/s1600/IMG_9868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhWx4DNmi5hse_AI3q0yirofNhNym1ufqstr1KFuCJTLc9zWGuvm3JuqTRdBoAtLSnjrTq_Y_EtoSJVOEKJCGKHno-HGHQ_emwtSyfWsbZs2X6bz3F170FrS3W7LvapGV63CFZhNjhB4/s640/IMG_9868.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread mixture evenly onto the lined baking sheet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK4JCMwTXSwtYOlXUduEvM-NjovP5xhw9t4Q13cDC4Zlv2aULPQVhvNm8kp0BE34XPfyH1dKy_dG8NCRxl-a_c9zMjFFYpd8WJCQFxC1_ZfWWdJtxJYDdvAW_QbkRKw5O9jN11dq-zEI/s1600/IMG_9875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK4JCMwTXSwtYOlXUduEvM-NjovP5xhw9t4Q13cDC4Zlv2aULPQVhvNm8kp0BE34XPfyH1dKy_dG8NCRxl-a_c9zMjFFYpd8WJCQFxC1_ZfWWdJtxJYDdvAW_QbkRKw5O9jN11dq-zEI/s640/IMG_9875.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Bake the granola in your preheated oven for 7 minutes. Remove the baking sheet and gently toss the granola to ensure even baking. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 7 minutes or until the granola is golden brown.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE2chh-yZXp7TsiXCuaesbxPyCST1InE9QYuoF6ISagfrQBx1hOAIdqaKkVBYhYuTJ932i9ZK7mtcq8OE144rByQovwB3x_xB7P1NIGVAvN93MagK7kzLYqpAQCP8AAPC615r2RB-WsM/s1600/IMG_9877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE2chh-yZXp7TsiXCuaesbxPyCST1InE9QYuoF6ISagfrQBx1hOAIdqaKkVBYhYuTJ932i9ZK7mtcq8OE144rByQovwB3x_xB7P1NIGVAvN93MagK7kzLYqpAQCP8AAPC615r2RB-WsM/s640/IMG_9877.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the granola to cool completely before storing it in an air-tight container.<br />
<br />
Serve with your favorite milk or top a bowl of yogurt with a few generous spoonfuls. We enjoy adding dried cranberries to ours - delicious! Fresh fruit would be yummy, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5OtuCUZr6hZDhvaGCMdbXDYYAja9c0NlYq28CH8AB3MqP39atNOWPtt40V-4srFVciX6rG8g2C3wIzgbpzrAHpaViY13AwreF8RF7gmfaxEo0hpR0Fe4XMM-aIQfoQQpch2qpiDovSM/s1600/IMG_9886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5OtuCUZr6hZDhvaGCMdbXDYYAja9c0NlYq28CH8AB3MqP39atNOWPtt40V-4srFVciX6rG8g2C3wIzgbpzrAHpaViY13AwreF8RF7gmfaxEo0hpR0Fe4XMM-aIQfoQQpch2qpiDovSM/s640/IMG_9886.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As for my pumpkin spice variation...<br />
<br />
// PUMPKIN SPICE GRANOLA INGREDIENTS //<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
4 cups oats</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 cup unsweetened coconut</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 cup chopped pecans</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
3 Tablespoons flaxseed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1/2 cup honey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
2 Tablespoons coconut oil</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
1 Tablespoon pumpkin spice</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Otherwise, simply follow the instructions as directed above. On a cool autumn morning, a bowl of this granola with a cup of warm coffee is enough to make me smile. Hope it will make you + yours smile, too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Enjoy! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-25059690773596880692017-07-31T15:20:00.001-04:002017-11-04T14:03:00.686-04:00That is enough for me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08PTgnkAYXBbTynTu92IQMBKbRtfXlPC_u1PClp5wtRbH02F-aUCs8_hEv_dyaf7qgsSyA2bS0AVTreNxp1UlBsB71b3T589ncJuIuOOpPwep81mBr5yOWsz6kWUJDrTZavbWRRuY-Y/s1600/DSCN0443_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI08PTgnkAYXBbTynTu92IQMBKbRtfXlPC_u1PClp5wtRbH02F-aUCs8_hEv_dyaf7qgsSyA2bS0AVTreNxp1UlBsB71b3T589ncJuIuOOpPwep81mBr5yOWsz6kWUJDrTZavbWRRuY-Y/s640/DSCN0443_1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The gentle warmth of the May sun shines upon my face. I cannot help but smile. My heart knows a deep peace in this moment—that abiding peace which only Christ can give. God’s praises swell within my soul and I sing out in joy to Him with my pen on the paper of my journal. My voice does not ring out now—though it soon will. I have not spoken in six days.</i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjS2j09gjsLfqqNKeHQAAUmBIvEJ7UuvW9eRj8N_9GkVWFhIEvFM0jjgMvru9BPuvgxCPZLa9WV2vdSOzNDEpy_8-6FcO8j2PTxfDLkp0CE-pK5fOSOJS6PDhkax9CxErN6u65VelRUQ/s1600/DSCN0452_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjS2j09gjsLfqqNKeHQAAUmBIvEJ7UuvW9eRj8N_9GkVWFhIEvFM0jjgMvru9BPuvgxCPZLa9WV2vdSOzNDEpy_8-6FcO8j2PTxfDLkp0CE-pK5fOSOJS6PDhkax9CxErN6u65VelRUQ/s640/DSCN0452_1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Well, to be completely honest, I have spoken a little—once each day to my spiritual director, and the responses in Mass. <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Amen. Alleluia. And with your spirit.</span> But otherwise I have spoken only to God in the quiet depths of my heart. It is one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life.</i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytU1GlH37h4JIwoqB3QjekSNrSuv8XxkFJ5R0HXc6F9B3NG-kHDIcOv_1kmqtRk-tUu27a_ePdVA6YdgOWoI729tOPECJt5bvY6O9qb6P60q33hEarwJBe2IEU82uEDY_2ATyBqqIZv8/s1600/DSCN0434_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytU1GlH37h4JIwoqB3QjekSNrSuv8XxkFJ5R0HXc6F9B3NG-kHDIcOv_1kmqtRk-tUu27a_ePdVA6YdgOWoI729tOPECJt5bvY6O9qb6P60q33hEarwJBe2IEU82uEDY_2ATyBqqIZv8/s640/DSCN0434_1.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
The rest of <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/give-me-only-your-love/" target="_blank">my <i>Blessed is She</i> devotion</a> can be read <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/give-me-only-your-love/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3FNjumyMayrTiy5S1Xbb_HLl00xGasPCXNDzKfTgkLjm5aBS13g4nsS7tZMeqO7ErGgBcQSA-ZNED7qjAVOPVy6c88tzSEswyvRN71VFEsjbX9wtF903x8hi7UYlXeLsvvg0f7eqd30/s1600/DSCN0444_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3FNjumyMayrTiy5S1Xbb_HLl00xGasPCXNDzKfTgkLjm5aBS13g4nsS7tZMeqO7ErGgBcQSA-ZNED7qjAVOPVy6c88tzSEswyvRN71VFEsjbX9wtF903x8hi7UYlXeLsvvg0f7eqd30/s640/DSCN0444_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></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/AVvXsEiv_kntQFWb2p2ZwO9vG44G0bwYHBdPaKmYOGbpZnM1HsEJ63ri_EQ7DHpHjwS1CdeigfwRV-FUW-HfVPAcG9188eIGGzUeuO8NXOHLEUbf-vBu7PCd3XQYbOizDsJpPq049eUXh0zBAA8/s1600/DSCN0442_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_kntQFWb2p2ZwO9vG44G0bwYHBdPaKmYOGbpZnM1HsEJ63ri_EQ7DHpHjwS1CdeigfwRV-FUW-HfVPAcG9188eIGGzUeuO8NXOHLEUbf-vBu7PCd3XQYbOizDsJpPq049eUXh0zBAA8/s640/DSCN0442_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>All the pictures in this post are from my time on silent retreat at <a href="https://www.manresa-sj.org/" target="_blank">Manresa Jesuit Retreat House</a>.</i></div>
<br />
In my reflection, I share the Suscipe prayer from Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Below you can see a glimpse of my first encounter with this prayer while I was on retreat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<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/AVvXsEjovTCqj2DHEANAp08kykN6hUX9alEvI_x72mj5dFD4kd8OQe9XTKgMU_HaM5VsH4uOm8Z7ipsYr7oGH5bs1QybI4yjpK0sNX07W2FWUgk_pDly_7yqg0lOyahPlsp0GG6FZZOLu79OFbY/s1600/DSCN0449_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovTCqj2DHEANAp08kykN6hUX9alEvI_x72mj5dFD4kd8OQe9XTKgMU_HaM5VsH4uOm8Z7ipsYr7oGH5bs1QybI4yjpK0sNX07W2FWUgk_pDly_7yqg0lOyahPlsp0GG6FZZOLu79OFbY/s640/DSCN0449_1.JPG" width="478" /></a></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/AVvXsEidjCz_w7oa516g74Dlje2au7f19aoE5Vb6j3fl2bRly_lGTvKbxUS3nbt1fobZ-k_nvBli_mzFmBVQ-fNLgbEN2dK2N0GRIqeS5l-WHqbRRIQRl2Qcgjg7ptRwm7lneTmOU_BOLW6e3uA/s1600/DSCN0450_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjCz_w7oa516g74Dlje2au7f19aoE5Vb6j3fl2bRly_lGTvKbxUS3nbt1fobZ-k_nvBli_mzFmBVQ-fNLgbEN2dK2N0GRIqeS5l-WHqbRRIQRl2Qcgjg7ptRwm7lneTmOU_BOLW6e3uA/s640/DSCN0450_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52wnfsiqZh3M9ebwvQdYAFkMjSJqbO5jmtb2u-tVOGAkXqX4OdyMjO7UhUD7TKixt9N8pGqYLGYU1bUuBmBNVkH2TW0B1qhDszDN4XE2nO3hJoLUXDZcwCRXgGK1ifRSlVilwuIFKlgc/s1600/DSCN0449_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Amen.<br />
<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/AVvXsEgWhLb8-FroCMEXlbTFfg3PqqvmBoLYlYrxI4Z8PjdW9_jYeC8w1XkJDwQZ2pJNBbvMUWFo5Ed4gEIRUIs12PkUuHO-qzNy_c7qDNj2GODB52cdtfY_eW7hxDaUzluSuutcl55Gj7bqCC4/s1600/DSCN0466_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhLb8-FroCMEXlbTFfg3PqqvmBoLYlYrxI4Z8PjdW9_jYeC8w1XkJDwQZ2pJNBbvMUWFo5Ed4gEIRUIs12PkUuHO-qzNy_c7qDNj2GODB52cdtfY_eW7hxDaUzluSuutcl55Gj7bqCC4/s640/DSCN0466_1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Isn't it amazing to recognize that the fruits of Saint Ignatius' life are still being revealed today? His <i>Spiritual Exercises</i> and Ignatian spirituality have been such a gift to me. The holy Jesuit priests I have been blessed to know have played a pivotal role in my Catholic faith formation. I can't imagine how different my life would look if Saint Ignatius had not followed the Lord's call for his life! We may not even have our dear Jesuit Papa, Pope Francis! I am so grateful to God for the gift of the saints.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And to think we are all called to be saints! What can you do today to continue on your journey to becoming one? Might I offer a humble suggestion? (It's one I need to heed myself.) Start with silence. Put down your smart phone. Shut your laptop. Be still before the Lord. Quiet your heart. Practice listening. For it is in the silence that we can more clearly hear His voice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oG61v0iOlKmYOkOgL9egkLOBGQoUZBNP3xEmK9nWfnGSUayQtA3IiUBCjyk9ZvLaSVdIsZCaHvIRLKBVe-gTSomiO7khYRWyOt5YUvBFXkaDg9ylMc4ipDGLG6MuR2p2Pm41exGOBS8/s1600/DSCN0462_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-oG61v0iOlKmYOkOgL9egkLOBGQoUZBNP3xEmK9nWfnGSUayQtA3IiUBCjyk9ZvLaSVdIsZCaHvIRLKBVe-gTSomiO7khYRWyOt5YUvBFXkaDg9ylMc4ipDGLG6MuR2p2Pm41exGOBS8/s640/DSCN0462_1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!<br />
<br />
AMDG – ad majorem Dei gloriam – for the greater glory of God...<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
</div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-36050931685607301852017-07-25T14:17:00.000-04:002017-12-11T16:19:45.594-05:00A Baptism Party for our Precious Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. In Endless Song is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's high time I shared the sweet details from the celebration of our son's baptism. I figured the anniversary of that special day would be the perfect time, so without further ado, here we go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"<i>Children are a heritage from the Lord, </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>they are a reward from Him. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Like arrows in the hands of a warrior </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>are the children born in one's youth.</i>"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
// Psalm 127: 3-4 // </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/AVvXsEiRNlRKnSSJdOC4S8wKKGLGl6DaTF0ljfvRcYFKvpMunLJcAeZeEoxXIu6N9Hn9QPa0MrWFvr1ycJqJAFv3sk7N5iFf-UghlQiBgutC7t1VtWO9wUiq06UV-yKd6XVco4wSmC6nE4gbNHE/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNlRKnSSJdOC4S8wKKGLGl6DaTF0ljfvRcYFKvpMunLJcAeZeEoxXIu6N9Hn9QPa0MrWFvr1ycJqJAFv3sk7N5iFf-UghlQiBgutC7t1VtWO9wUiq06UV-yKd6XVco4wSmC6nE4gbNHE/s640/IMG_2211.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The art print is a <a href="https://lindsayletters.com/products/download-heritage-psalm-127" target="_blank">printable from Lindsay Letters</a>. We also displayed his baptismal candle in a crystal candlestick holder (a wedding gift from my grandfather).<br />
<br />
We decorated with all white flowers for the celebration - beautiful hydrangea, pictured below.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWTOArMQyBbudKc3353Fy-Nwcumt9UnIcRAjQAbFqGg5X5G9f2q4_JSdlM8lujEOqaUt5kbxeTumQBit79qrY5ovIFCkhe3Esa-3nMSpZE4An22jHqKSEe2BYbkeZGDhhEzxQqYvUssc/s1600/IMG_6724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWTOArMQyBbudKc3353Fy-Nwcumt9UnIcRAjQAbFqGg5X5G9f2q4_JSdlM8lujEOqaUt5kbxeTumQBit79qrY5ovIFCkhe3Esa-3nMSpZE4An22jHqKSEe2BYbkeZGDhhEzxQqYvUssc/s640/IMG_6724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite elements of the party were these prayer cards. The cards gave guests a place to write their prayers for our son on his baptism day. When he is older he will be able to look back and know the prayer intentions of his loved ones who were there for this sacred event.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2va4gG6vCKOo1xxl_rOI48dP6lxeqqoDb2EuscizsUckmU7UkPdP11IeEvvCjjoHqGnmzysTjGVBcPR8IKn0VFXglSNXT445ML21ZIfWLanSIN6dvqs1l2xHF8GRu2N19AG6-WDt1VY/s1600/IMG_6704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2va4gG6vCKOo1xxl_rOI48dP6lxeqqoDb2EuscizsUckmU7UkPdP11IeEvvCjjoHqGnmzysTjGVBcPR8IKn0VFXglSNXT445ML21ZIfWLanSIN6dvqs1l2xHF8GRu2N19AG6-WDt1VY/s640/IMG_6704.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The white afghan above and the booties below were knit with love by my husband's granny for the occasion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDN5HLlzxBjd6wsU-F1b86Z7S5tPCT9i6vQOayP7lvHwRHtsIQM-CkQU24bznoLNG0W2EhfpkpWs-9WlPmMwJUAgN98hlZBpgp4rMQDCCXPdBOEoPfscS2j0KGxufdDiBmGJ5HkVn92c/s1600/IMG_6706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDN5HLlzxBjd6wsU-F1b86Z7S5tPCT9i6vQOayP7lvHwRHtsIQM-CkQU24bznoLNG0W2EhfpkpWs-9WlPmMwJUAgN98hlZBpgp4rMQDCCXPdBOEoPfscS2j0KGxufdDiBmGJ5HkVn92c/s640/IMG_6706.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The love is in the details...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFwUvJTw-ayhhRZzBcQi7edcqUBvRiev1qX9MqpiWWw_50OG-vqy7b82fedHt-NhvF0ycjYU2tn-lqVmeHFgMQMOdDzok1cIswHD-bR5dCWkRqx8anbp8Fa6MGIOYlnQTr9iOZOoxLbw/s1600/IMG_6711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFwUvJTw-ayhhRZzBcQi7edcqUBvRiev1qX9MqpiWWw_50OG-vqy7b82fedHt-NhvF0ycjYU2tn-lqVmeHFgMQMOdDzok1cIswHD-bR5dCWkRqx8anbp8Fa6MGIOYlnQTr9iOZOoxLbw/s640/IMG_6711.jpg" width="426" /></a></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/AVvXsEgVrY_w-XyhPBwEebhcMDK-aG-l6AGRQh_eljQSbY5OxaqU8ojn20xG_n6rTMX14OXUuOM_tzakh1cmx8Ax4hDWmBe1-80Av324ji70PpfX4SE9qGytCpHz_EN2G7fdDw8K6KteEthc0ew/s1600/IMG_6721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrY_w-XyhPBwEebhcMDK-aG-l6AGRQh_eljQSbY5OxaqU8ojn20xG_n6rTMX14OXUuOM_tzakh1cmx8Ax4hDWmBe1-80Av324ji70PpfX4SE9qGytCpHz_EN2G7fdDw8K6KteEthc0ew/s640/IMG_6721.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
We decided to serve all-white snacks and desserts for the party, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2HBHK4m11W-ttTrVtwPxGIuKrCKxmXv26_hfpTt9a3MposSdZBei2FlW93loaLsvYlUFjcGb1Vihrg5x8_YR84lCC4A3WIKOTfPkPZJqRX_oiHI9-VrII1bxmRE1B03qgUTyF5uZx7g/s1600/IMG_6713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU2HBHK4m11W-ttTrVtwPxGIuKrCKxmXv26_hfpTt9a3MposSdZBei2FlW93loaLsvYlUFjcGb1Vihrg5x8_YR84lCC4A3WIKOTfPkPZJqRX_oiHI9-VrII1bxmRE1B03qgUTyF5uZx7g/s640/IMG_6713.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
// M E N U //</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>powdered sugar mini donuts</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>freshly-popped popcorn</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>yogurt covered pretzels</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>sugar cookies with white icing</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>cake</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2jj_cQZcZ8BqVAg0YDuxJpiNKJXZJhQ9q-fnp9mTAKTmuwgq7oyHPCdfyRGBKN7nl4Uq5McNpk9eDpVC2IbQ6tThvZq0Ja4JUL_TBrvU_mDFu1cwL31FFtSayEKEbZ7Osob4XFTS1PY/s1600/IMG_6718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2jj_cQZcZ8BqVAg0YDuxJpiNKJXZJhQ9q-fnp9mTAKTmuwgq7oyHPCdfyRGBKN7nl4Uq5McNpk9eDpVC2IbQ6tThvZq0Ja4JUL_TBrvU_mDFu1cwL31FFtSayEKEbZ7Osob4XFTS1PY/s640/IMG_6718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10402/the-best-rolled-sugar-cookies" target="_blank">this recipe</a> for the sugar cookies (using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M24RSHD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01M24RSHD&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=d6e494ba6ddf2429056993207ad672b5" target="_blank">this cookie cutter</a>) and <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/11587/sugar-cookie-icing" target="_blank">this icing recipe</a>. Delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXXPa7qC-1NM5d0jhUhqx19AhLYpBc_A4enEhHMXqY7ZngkqTiaOA1Ln5vg3cx5wCidI-RRp-t8sMSrvwSoNb1eJWEbcLN43MBoZORjKVYRzqrgB8W1VHxBwgk1VbB3a9WDklhcnC178/s1600/IMG_6714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXXPa7qC-1NM5d0jhUhqx19AhLYpBc_A4enEhHMXqY7ZngkqTiaOA1Ln5vg3cx5wCidI-RRp-t8sMSrvwSoNb1eJWEbcLN43MBoZORjKVYRzqrgB8W1VHxBwgk1VbB3a9WDklhcnC178/s640/IMG_6714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i>Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
// Acts 2:38 //<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
It was such a special day celebrating one of the most beautiful moments in our son's life. Keeping the party simple kept the focus on the Sacrament, and the reason for our celebration.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Praying today that the graces of baptism may continue to be nurtured and lived out in the lives of all Christians, for the greater glory of God.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Blessings to you...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-17205972482026135502017-06-06T14:05:00.003-04:002017-11-04T14:03:27.413-04:00Whose image do you bear?I invite you to grab your Bible and open it up to read <a href="http://www.usccb.org/bible/mark/12" target="_blank">Mark 12:13-17</a>. It's a passage I have read or heard many times, but in writing this devotion, God opened my eyes to some new insight.<br />
<br />
<i>"Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God," we hear Jesus instruct in the Gospel today. This is a familiar line from Scripture, yet what does it really mean for us?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>For me, the key to unlocking Jesus' message is not so much in Jesus' above answer, but in the way He first poses the question.</i><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/whose-image/" target="_blank">Read the rest of my devotion here at Blessed is She.</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaU3R0SpKT3Bj0HV3bcDfsi1FtVMpUZfsSWFPDEsHBs1mV7MHbSFA9AOiZZxXER6RMchtW5_Vsh_qt4gEjn-CWCTrvf25zlKoe6GUapSMoE6kM_rnHxAUnSg5A1tElJEED6xziKPEtk8/s1600/2017-6-6+bis+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieaU3R0SpKT3Bj0HV3bcDfsi1FtVMpUZfsSWFPDEsHBs1mV7MHbSFA9AOiZZxXER6RMchtW5_Vsh_qt4gEjn-CWCTrvf25zlKoe6GUapSMoE6kM_rnHxAUnSg5A1tElJEED6xziKPEtk8/s400/2017-6-6+bis+image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Cambria;
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Garamond;
panose-1:2 2 4 4 3 3 1 1 8 3;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:14.0pt;
mso-bidi-font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ascii-font-family:Garamond;
mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Garamond;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page Section1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.Section1
{page:Section1;}
-->
</style>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-53930412034373665612017-05-24T05:00:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:03:40.496-04:00Sweeter Than Honey // A 1st Birthday Party<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Celebrating our boy's first birthday was oh, so sweet! Bumblebees are one of his favorite things to spot when reading books, so we settled upon those yellow + black honey-makers as a theme. I've always called him my little love bug, so that made it feel even more apropos! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzwbuEM8ipTH5pV1WJedZK471-mpyA2zJFBfSrTGM9xmxQ2rev0ETK0neddsy7aaIV0LWk1zl7DId8MQoR7UTjbQy4Sc0qPAcCH5t7bakqptGVuwaSLmxmzdPPAmhepP9jcHEC3MyfLw/s1600/IMG_8346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwzwbuEM8ipTH5pV1WJedZK471-mpyA2zJFBfSrTGM9xmxQ2rev0ETK0neddsy7aaIV0LWk1zl7DId8MQoR7UTjbQy4Sc0qPAcCH5t7bakqptGVuwaSLmxmzdPPAmhepP9jcHEC3MyfLw/s640/IMG_8346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's get to the details, starting with the good stuff – the food! </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>ON THE MENU //</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Bee-Bee-Q PULLED PORK</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrMpcR-AXEL9aCXu2CqQxTYzxeEt69UvJB9Niuj4yWZWo4Qc-f76RKG3_eq70KDWs_kdQbr9KKGcxUJ8OewtLICvXb88V2e3q_ZsLanpX-73yD7bGSoQyUklt3pR1ovvJl7LZwNh8l8k/s1600/IMG_8313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrMpcR-AXEL9aCXu2CqQxTYzxeEt69UvJB9Niuj4yWZWo4Qc-f76RKG3_eq70KDWs_kdQbr9KKGcxUJ8OewtLICvXb88V2e3q_ZsLanpX-73yD7bGSoQyUklt3pR1ovvJl7LZwNh8l8k/s640/IMG_8313.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>CORNBREAD with homemade CINNAMON HONEY BUTTER</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwN5X9SIb-f6RIMX8msl5VkxdY97mCA9tuI4q2fXu7mViW9ShpB3eiqasE-0OH9aRombgSnclVo3slvbxFyVmQjaVLKxzgL78FmYDfJfTLq9S3Uv5Y0eV274fURPeB-pILhU-ZPaZ9KE/s1600/IMG_8314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwN5X9SIb-f6RIMX8msl5VkxdY97mCA9tuI4q2fXu7mViW9ShpB3eiqasE-0OH9aRombgSnclVo3slvbxFyVmQjaVLKxzgL78FmYDfJfTLq9S3Uv5Y0eV274fURPeB-pILhU-ZPaZ9KE/s640/IMG_8314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>SPINACH SALAD with APPLES, CRANBERRIES, ALMONDS + WHITE CHEDDAR,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>served with a HONEY DIJON VINAIGRETTE</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>BUZZY BEE FRUIT SKEWERS with PINEAPPLE, BLACKBERRIES + BANANAS</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ4wWfIR8hEIuqDoAOoj9310nRI36iVHHBMpGAtCLzxnVaKTC1W6ufn8K8UPZpVvE7lPqtl49AYkia4hrf0v6zMQgbAL-QMTjHZooiz14mAdcxT5IteVc0yg1JpJuFk1MN3bRvQPyjk4/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQ4wWfIR8hEIuqDoAOoj9310nRI36iVHHBMpGAtCLzxnVaKTC1W6ufn8K8UPZpVvE7lPqtl49AYkia4hrf0v6zMQgbAL-QMTjHZooiz14mAdcxT5IteVc0yg1JpJuFk1MN3bRvQPyjk4/s640/IMG_8330.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And, of course, the drinks!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>SWEET AS CAN "BEE" LEMONADE</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqvOAiaqbHOsIvtLEdB7QSvdaWp5LM4gVmbxwKFBy8DhIDVpE_IW00lY-6JVlb91vMGNOOR4Mr8w4J2CSszJ_KwHUaSUx9YmkOOW4ZPPvXGoyOtSKIxSGYKxuKqG5qf2dr3X_Sm0qeLM/s1600/IMG_8317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLqvOAiaqbHOsIvtLEdB7QSvdaWp5LM4gVmbxwKFBy8DhIDVpE_IW00lY-6JVlb91vMGNOOR4Mr8w4J2CSszJ_KwHUaSUx9YmkOOW4ZPPvXGoyOtSKIxSGYKxuKqG5qf2dr3X_Sm0qeLM/s640/IMG_8317.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The yellow + white cloth napkins, the black + white party straws, the yellow chevron cups – party details are my jam.</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>ROOT BEE-R</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>and for the grown-ups, the real deal ;)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-hx9iEJ4VWsQVL5YH2C6lEnAsjzU7kT-SMHFOWhXiZMnnxF07a1aLNKQQWWGtVQonnfub-EkATGcPoGqlx9g4bgdJz44q3yLpg_JkTEtVLWu7eVdh_P8VI1wU9XOvW-gaQhLqos-bp0/s1600/IMG_8319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-hx9iEJ4VWsQVL5YH2C6lEnAsjzU7kT-SMHFOWhXiZMnnxF07a1aLNKQQWWGtVQonnfub-EkATGcPoGqlx9g4bgdJz44q3yLpg_JkTEtVLWu7eVdh_P8VI1wU9XOvW-gaQhLqos-bp0/s640/IMG_8319.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Saving the best for last - dessert!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>BIRTHDAY CAKE</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>VANILLA ICE CREAM served with HONEY and a sprinkle of SEA SALT</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>OREOS (the springtime Oreos with yellow frosting were a perfect fit for the party!)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp7ViI71eDaR34J5jORj4rLRjIpOkJbEtmJK6recNMJVguHNfpk7lRgfTtW_2gSMYY9Ga_aULW7tiSPIS4NcaduR7H1eql9LTGDYRirZByhdqnwnje8Hf_HcU37G6LgdB8dfaK_uCYG4/s1600/IMG_8321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYp7ViI71eDaR34J5jORj4rLRjIpOkJbEtmJK6recNMJVguHNfpk7lRgfTtW_2gSMYY9Ga_aULW7tiSPIS4NcaduR7H1eql9LTGDYRirZByhdqnwnje8Hf_HcU37G6LgdB8dfaK_uCYG4/s640/IMG_8321.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I loved making a sweet little smash cake with the #1 candle for my boy. Of course, he wanted nothing to do with it. (insert crying laughing emoji here) Go figure!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a peek inside the cake - I alternated layers of dark chocolate and yellow cake mix to create a bumblebee effect. I love the way it turned out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAoQvuPqTGX25e7jsLxhxnVakq-JIeWAXceuKPw5YAHAQOwcPESHHKMqkOpSd9T5svuOZXUTvFKpfWK35hOxGn8pyGh4YIMkVYa2wRU30aueQ7hePajYZyIBkjOzprEkeYuad1gdQxcY/s1600/IMG_8351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAoQvuPqTGX25e7jsLxhxnVakq-JIeWAXceuKPw5YAHAQOwcPESHHKMqkOpSd9T5svuOZXUTvFKpfWK35hOxGn8pyGh4YIMkVYa2wRU30aueQ7hePajYZyIBkjOzprEkeYuad1gdQxcY/s640/IMG_8351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As an activity for our guests, I filled an apothecary jar with honeycomb cereal and had them guess how many were inside. As a fun touch, I cut the golden cards for guessing into the honeycomb shape. The winner got to take home a big jar of organic wild-collected raw honey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0sDtWKRbTO7Glg9-nENNzcjwuo66hKhROALw7rpLJVJcyyFy9ik1wqp6pktstz-ygLHEMGuqKYWo8RJ-KKql1_RXwZL2OghCfjxsfXmCdMYJAH8A5YFVwyKPrXSI07wDMfX045EBoE/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0O0sDtWKRbTO7Glg9-nENNzcjwuo66hKhROALw7rpLJVJcyyFy9ik1wqp6pktstz-ygLHEMGuqKYWo8RJ-KKql1_RXwZL2OghCfjxsfXmCdMYJAH8A5YFVwyKPrXSI07wDMfX045EBoE/s640/IMG_8339.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I purchased yellow tulips, daffodils, geranium and white ranunculus with yellow centers to use as decoration. Fresh flowers within your party's color scheme brighten the atmosphere in a simple, yet beautiful way. All of mine were purchased at Trader Joe's – my favorite budget-friendly place to buy gorgeous blooms!<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, aren't these billy balls (craspedia) flowers coming out of these tree stumps just the cutest? All thanks to my mom! They added such a fun touch of whimsy to our celebration.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SJEBREbYN04jrsQStp6hfHSgh1v6PHC2LA-Y1Sq7XCbuiXtxqfoWw3EeSjvNrOhMjMSjlTal9bhB-16pZ7B72iD7fTBBWBdQBU0F-thIcWcBPMgO6DcsGOBqJ-V_6uDyQWvViDLCyo0/s1600/IMG_8334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-SJEBREbYN04jrsQStp6hfHSgh1v6PHC2LA-Y1Sq7XCbuiXtxqfoWw3EeSjvNrOhMjMSjlTal9bhB-16pZ7B72iD7fTBBWBdQBU0F-thIcWcBPMgO6DcsGOBqJ-V_6uDyQWvViDLCyo0/s640/IMG_8334.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And a close-up on the party favors – a little jar of honey for each family of guests in attendance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTyMWxaCD32-7uNs0pLoaaBoo8oLeaW7NlVQHjT-v54h_vuv1DmmPwW5e_6OeHoSt-Mc6V3epJLpEJ4pXkd6LvjV1-cpNjxTstn6DiFrgUkLEliRlM1yim127424FXp3nDj30_8M6aGY/s1600/IMG_8335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTyMWxaCD32-7uNs0pLoaaBoo8oLeaW7NlVQHjT-v54h_vuv1DmmPwW5e_6OeHoSt-Mc6V3epJLpEJ4pXkd6LvjV1-cpNjxTstn6DiFrgUkLEliRlM1yim127424FXp3nDj30_8M6aGY/s640/IMG_8335.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
As my friend (and party-planner-extraordinaire) <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/" target="_blank">Kathryn</a> says, love is in the details. They bring me such joy! I cut little hexagonal honeycomb-shaped stickers out by hand and found some yellow + white baker's twine to tie on for an extra sweet finish.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4yRJgg_ngOeRzKSiZf_d2cakYj0hkaq-f1p2eslE6rAGRJv40Wx5ZKMG_StoKpilbESbLkSuFTrjCvslZukwEFu-EOUTwqeA7Wpv_tk91c62n3iSZ3ctZ-tonEhvpFowTLEehRAGQ_o/s1600/IMG_8349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4yRJgg_ngOeRzKSiZf_d2cakYj0hkaq-f1p2eslE6rAGRJv40Wx5ZKMG_StoKpilbESbLkSuFTrjCvslZukwEFu-EOUTwqeA7Wpv_tk91c62n3iSZ3ctZ-tonEhvpFowTLEehRAGQ_o/s400/IMG_8349.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
<br />
Best part of all? No question: being together with those we loved to celebrate our boy. Such a gift.<br />
<br />
We were busy as bees in year number one of his life! Turns out the first year of parenthood is an emotional roller coaster, and I know the ride has only just begun. So grateful for God's sustaining grace through it all.<br />
<br />
If you have questions about party details, please ask in the comments!<br />
<br />
Thanks for being here (or should I say bee-ing here?). Have a bee-autiful day! (I couldn't help myself!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-78528637460141944932017-05-10T07:00:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:03:53.855-04:00One thing I know<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"A season of big changes is
coming up in my life. If I try to imagine six months from now, I cannot; there
are so many unknowns looming ahead. Of course, none of us can really know what
our lives will look like in six months – or tomorrow, for that matter, as every
breath is a gift from God – but many of us probably have a decent guess. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>As for
my family, we hope that my husband will successfully complete his Ph.D. program, receive a job offer, and we’ll pack up our lives and move to who knows
where. (The Lord knows where.) I don’t know if we will move closer to our
families, as we both so desire, or farther from them. I don’t know what the
opportunities for my own work will be in our new location. I don’t know what
parish we will attend, what community we will be a part of, or where my son will
go to preschool. But, one thing I do know."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/devotion/not-my-will-but-yours/" target="_blank">Read the rest of my devotion at Blessed is She today.</a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JVsy__c3k6wnUssJ79OMn2dpYjQHmuy6VWJrYOK9KV74AZV4bt2gDTcNioKQ1A4AvdmS6NyhlwF6O8q9wlpWPJglnURFh37g01T0heKKeJv_eb9ZOPdGEJFPj1CcjXrkv_YohmtL4xI/s1600/may10_bis-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JVsy__c3k6wnUssJ79OMn2dpYjQHmuy6VWJrYOK9KV74AZV4bt2gDTcNioKQ1A4AvdmS6NyhlwF6O8q9wlpWPJglnURFh37g01T0heKKeJv_eb9ZOPdGEJFPj1CcjXrkv_YohmtL4xI/s400/may10_bis-1024x1024.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-41711247278846180352017-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:04:11.467-04:00Let's catch up, shall we?You know those friends whom you don't get to talk to as much as you would like? The friends whom you can go months, even years without seeing, yet when you are back together it's as if you had never been apart? That's kind of how I feel about you as I sit down to write this blog post: like I'm talking to friends I haven't seen (at least not in this space) in a long time. Too long!<br />
<br />
So I'm imagining we are together and about to catch up over a pretty latte or a hot cup of tea, whatever makes your heart smile.<br />
<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/AVvXsEhcwkNFYJ4n4TypDPEdZL53NnAH6GHylbkE_RdrcOc8xfenCV9HamQsn9HX6jMNz_28qY7v27Xl2Si6VRITmtefTZ8DsN6MkQMoOImSJqPGzJ9ufy1xYJiXo56vdXFCyvmV-H4Q0Je2fKc/s1600/IMG_0188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwkNFYJ4n4TypDPEdZL53NnAH6GHylbkE_RdrcOc8xfenCV9HamQsn9HX6jMNz_28qY7v27Xl2Si6VRITmtefTZ8DsN6MkQMoOImSJqPGzJ9ufy1xYJiXo56vdXFCyvmV-H4Q0Je2fKc/s640/IMG_0188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The blog is (subtly) a little tidier and cleaner – did you notice? (I've watched a few episodes of Fixer Upper since we last chatted. If only you could shiplap a blog...)<br />
<br />
And my goodness, we have so much to catch up on, I hardly know where to begin! I want to show you pictures from milestones celebrated – my son's birthday parties and his baptism party, too. I want to tell you how the <a href="http://blessedisshe.net/">Blessed is She</a> sisterhood has changed my life (did you see their<img height="0" src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/plugins/affiliates-manager/imp.php?wpam_refkey=zfyY6CL9onxGpOtnDUzjiUuKtkt20000000000" width="0" /><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product/blessed-liturgical-planner-academic/?wpam_id=27" title="">Liturgical Planner</a> is now available for pre-order?). I've read beautiful books that I want to share, and had some experiences that are just aching to be written.<br />
<br />
For today, though, I just want you to know how wonderful it is to see you! Whether you are an old friend or you're new to my blog, I am delighted that you're here. Your companionship is truly a gift.<br />
<br />
More very soon –<br />
your friend,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
</span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></b> <br />
<br />
<br />Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-57710098087084650122017-01-17T07:28:00.002-05:002017-11-04T14:04:31.481-04:00Anchor Yourself in Him<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">"</span><i>Newspaper headlines tell us the future looks grim: Division in our country and our world are apparent. Sin freely abounds (Lord, have mercy on us all.). Being a Christian, let alone a faithful Catholic, is</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> far from celebrated in the eyes of our modern society. It can be difficult to be a witness to our faith, and it is then that our weary hearts so desperately need to hear – really hear – the words in today’s first reading from the Letter to the Hebrews.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>'God is not unjust so as to
overlook your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name by having
served and continuing to serve the holy ones.' God doesn’t miss anything you do."</i><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqSx9zQJipvMz-uJs3XfJ0L0SDesXQMDNcobnOohO6_HRZmnNE3SK0sGZzktah02RQxT2sH_4nmXoZsveyXev5arcthBYQ9VODyayInsSHUP3Mcv6eV6y4ArU8rKQ3dcD6tNu0exyfAQ/s1600/2017-1-17+bis+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqSx9zQJipvMz-uJs3XfJ0L0SDesXQMDNcobnOohO6_HRZmnNE3SK0sGZzktah02RQxT2sH_4nmXoZsveyXev5arcthBYQ9VODyayInsSHUP3Mcv6eV6y4ArU8rKQ3dcD6tNu0exyfAQ/s400/2017-1-17+bis+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/gods-promises/" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the rest of <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/gods-promises/" target="_blank">my devotion</a> over at Blessed is She today.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
Blessings to you, my friends. Praying your hearts are full of hope this day. </div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.S. In case you missed it, <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/flickers-of-light-and-dark/" target="_blank">here</a> is my last Blessed is She devotion, <i><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/flickers-of-light-and-dark/" target="_blank">Flickers of Light and Dark</a></i>, written for New Year's Eve. I pray it will bless you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
P.P.S. Have you seen the Blessed is She <img height="0" src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/plugins/affiliates-manager/imp.php?wpam_refkey=zfyY6CL9onxGpOtnDUzjiUuKtkd50000000000" width="0" /><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product-category/lent/?wpam_id=27" title="">Put on Love Lent Bundle</a> is now available for pre-order?<br />
It. Is. GORGEOUS. Don't miss it!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="0" src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/plugins/affiliates-manager/imp.php?wpam_refkey=zfyY6CL9onxGpOtnDUzjiUuKtkd40000000000" width="0" /><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product-category/lent/?wpam_id=27"><img src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/put-on-love-journal-1.png" style="border: 0px;" title="" /></a><img height="0" src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/plugins/affiliates-manager/imp.php?wpam_refkey=zfyY6CL9onxGpOtnDUzjiUuKtkZ30000000000" width="0" /><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product-category/lent/?wpam_id=27"><img src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/put-on-love-print.png" style="border: 0px;" title="" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="0" src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/plugins/affiliates-manager/imp.php?wpam_refkey=zfyY6CL9onxGpOtnDUzjiUuKtkt40000000000" width="0" /><a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product-category/lent/?wpam_id=27"><img src="https://blessedisshe.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/stations-of-the-cross-cards.png" style="border: 0px;" title="" /></a><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: The above links are <a href="https://blessedisshe.net/product-category/lent/?wpam_id=27" target="_blank">affiliate links</a>. Thank you for your support!</span></i></div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-25552034813819020442015-06-21T08:00:00.000-04:002017-11-04T14:04:56.156-04:00the love of a father and our FatherThe love of a father - a mother - a parent, has a whole new depth and meaning to me now that our son Peter is here. More than anything else I have a deeper understanding of the love God has for us as His beloved children. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on that lately. It's an amazing kind of love that fills your heart as a parent. What leaves me speechless is that I know His love is bigger and deeper and stronger and wider than I will ever be capable of in my humanness. It's a love I cannot even begin to fathom. What a gift that He loves us in such a way.<br />
<br />
God has abundantly blessed me with a daddy who has shown me an endless amount of love and support my whole life long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWgZI-uJJkUGREBVv0dIacfD6reF58ecJkG9IS6g9L8LPrGaIDJwYC3KtH5cBemnsF5SmCsJEAG3m60LWNR-gWBnyqWo-jWmIfDgzNFsLfoTxAp-izaeYdDjkwr8g1GAFXqNsppV_ncw/s1600/ELMI_0622_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWgZI-uJJkUGREBVv0dIacfD6reF58ecJkG9IS6g9L8LPrGaIDJwYC3KtH5cBemnsF5SmCsJEAG3m60LWNR-gWBnyqWo-jWmIfDgzNFsLfoTxAp-izaeYdDjkwr8g1GAFXqNsppV_ncw/s640/ELMI_0622_01.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He has given me a father-in-law who welcomed me as if I were his own from the start.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXdnqOHlSt8KdxUVLlsDjRU1peWopxhRMRmV0iyltSwjgp0pRSCAjbdW1IBLIM47qCU89c8gQS7D8KDkzRPuuuvub_oxZtMjKWci4u4LZu5srQmJVL1_cUnV4lxYNOoVxVqR_jLwI76Q/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXdnqOHlSt8KdxUVLlsDjRU1peWopxhRMRmV0iyltSwjgp0pRSCAjbdW1IBLIM47qCU89c8gQS7D8KDkzRPuuuvub_oxZtMjKWci4u4LZu5srQmJVL1_cUnV4lxYNOoVxVqR_jLwI76Q/s640/IMG_2595.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And He has given me an amazing husband who is an absolutely incredible dad to our sweet boy. Truly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdmG6yU1VwzXn5K5j7fUmeVXZgbJDJQpLmUsIcxVFz0XEnmskL2J6e7o8YjNHK6F1QjkXrN-fbFFyBDBpjCXOG2uO73iv-Fe-Ce_7lcbmwZnr3UfEwwdHPKQJ9UqqmdV-VGv8Bi8CtW4/s1600/IMG_6178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdmG6yU1VwzXn5K5j7fUmeVXZgbJDJQpLmUsIcxVFz0XEnmskL2J6e7o8YjNHK6F1QjkXrN-fbFFyBDBpjCXOG2uO73iv-Fe-Ce_7lcbmwZnr3UfEwwdHPKQJ9UqqmdV-VGv8Bi8CtW4/s640/IMG_6178.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dads get the short end of the stick appreciation-wise, I think. People are constantly assuming Michael has it easy in comparison to me as Peter's mom, but it's just not true. He has played just as important a role in our son's life. I look forward to celebrating Michael and the gift he is to our family today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. May God bless each of you and all those men who long to be dads, those who miss their dads, those who miss their children, and those who are our spiritual fathers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Praying we all might know the deep and everlasting love of our Father today and every day...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
<b>{From the archives: <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/06/fathers-day-with-child-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">My all-time most-read post from last Father's Day.</a>}</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-50381681678592389812015-06-16T07:23:00.003-04:002017-11-04T14:05:28.897-04:00ThreeThe number three seems to be showing up a lot of places in my life lately. The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity had me thinking about our triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In March (the third month) we became a family of three. Peter is three months old now (how did that happen?), and today Michael and I celebrate three years of marriage. Three years as husband and wife. Three years of God's grace poured upon us in this beautiful sacrament.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdd2l_QYkhIaq_s4HtWj2xeNoIQHviu1f8ImTUp1rkQPTGx62UlLg1onkJ7C-_Lm2bIzYlLyDm9p3lJ6Rh_t3HNrF4VaSwt5a-hXVP0fMzhOznJwYtDf9kY4uZ_C0lMPj3kM5oxFzdvpQ/s1600/ELMI_1591_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdd2l_QYkhIaq_s4HtWj2xeNoIQHviu1f8ImTUp1rkQPTGx62UlLg1onkJ7C-_Lm2bIzYlLyDm9p3lJ6Rh_t3HNrF4VaSwt5a-hXVP0fMzhOznJwYtDf9kY4uZ_C0lMPj3kM5oxFzdvpQ/s640/ELMI_1591_01.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">{WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BY </span><a href="http://atwphotography.com/" style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">A THOUSAND WORDS PHOTOGRAPHY</a><span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold;">}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Gospel reading at our wedding Mass was from John:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jesus said to his disciples:</i><br />
<i>"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.</i><br />
<i>Remain in my love.</i><br />
<i>If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,</i><br />
<i> just as I have kept my Father's commandments</i><br />
<i> and remain in his love.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I have told you this so that my joy might be in you</i><br />
<i> and your joy might be complete.</i><br />
<i>This is my commandment: love one another as I love you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
{John 15:9-12}<br />
<br />
The way He loves is the way we are called to love. And Jesus gives us this commandment that we may receive <i>His</i> joy - not the joy of this world, but an eternal joy. A joy like no other.<br />
<br />
Michael, our joy became a little more complete in this third year as husband and wife. I pray we will continue to grow in joy for the rest of our lives together. Today I renew my commitment to always strive to love you as God loved His Son, and as Jesus loves us. Thank you for loving me even when I fail to do that, and for being so quick to forgive. I am forever grateful you chose me to be your bride.<br />
<br />
Happy Anniversary. I love you more than I can say.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a></span></b> P.S. Just for fun: <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/06/two-years-as-one.html" target="_blank">our two year anniversary post</a> // <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2013/12/in-beginning-our-love-story-part-1.html" target="_blank">our love story</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-65899749960666094662015-05-08T11:20:00.003-04:002015-05-08T11:20:40.849-04:007 Quick Takes {no. 39}On Moms & Motherhood...and a giveaway winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{1}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! Moms, grandmas, great-grandmas, godmothers, spiritual mothers - there are many forms motherhood can take. While it is my first Mother's Day with our sweet Peter, <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/05/on-mothers-and-mary-mondays-in-may.html" target="_blank">my first Mother's Day</a> was last year when my heart was aching for our Thomas Gianna. Know that whether your babies are in your arms or in heaven, whether you are blessed with many children or longing for them, you are in my thoughts and prayers this Mother's Day. May God bless each and every one of you. Sweet Momma Mary, pray for us.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVm5D7CMU9hmOwDz4OjXVAv8Jkm7_wHPvwBFwpwiaE4pxa5a2VCvUuXbDp51Rxn6xNDtvGcjn7SVrchUbf48_zVTux4ODaVSHI3bP-XDzsKpZm8YRT4MKQvHjQAlLH-CTnDOSPqxNZic/s1600/madonna-of-the-streets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUVm5D7CMU9hmOwDz4OjXVAv8Jkm7_wHPvwBFwpwiaE4pxa5a2VCvUuXbDp51Rxn6xNDtvGcjn7SVrchUbf48_zVTux4ODaVSHI3bP-XDzsKpZm8YRT4MKQvHjQAlLH-CTnDOSPqxNZic/s400/madonna-of-the-streets.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Madonna of the Streets}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{2}</b><br />
Motherhood continues to be quite the adventure. These are sacred days, of that I am certain. Peter is smiling so much more lately, and there is just nothing else quite like it. I can't wait to hear his laugh! His sleep patterns still have us puzzled, but we just take each day (and night) as it comes. It's all very much worth it, of course. My heart has never known such a love. I am so thankful for the gift of being Peter's mom.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uMnWGA0f2pXnFpskwiKhWAI4Chzwmh_nDG4BnvZ0J7aIE2SSsEKPaGiIzt6Zia3ZYZnhOOc8Pr-1eiyyo-EEC3R9uYsTU_mOtFvg_imxPrZWBMUw_NdnTA2DQanBvNZoVqo0QncznzE/s1600/IMG_3750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7uMnWGA0f2pXnFpskwiKhWAI4Chzwmh_nDG4BnvZ0J7aIE2SSsEKPaGiIzt6Zia3ZYZnhOOc8Pr-1eiyyo-EEC3R9uYsTU_mOtFvg_imxPrZWBMUw_NdnTA2DQanBvNZoVqo0QncznzE/s400/IMG_3750.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{11 days old}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>{3}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
My parents and my in-laws came to visit us just after Peter was born. It was a very special time for me. Words cannot express what it was like to see my own mother holding my son. What a beautiful gift from God. I am so, so grateful to have a mother who has shown me His love my whole life long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlKM46iLJ_0ddV52uC0xhxiz8haZeoKgJOl9QknW5gQzNPH_dViHUvSd6EWhyphenhyphenTNHjWua1DreDXihy-Ysf7ChKRFT0cu7TwrzvX9TMjyHSkZIfB4g14y_3SDnNFWXIWMIeAYC46ZbvNQ8/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUlKM46iLJ_0ddV52uC0xhxiz8haZeoKgJOl9QknW5gQzNPH_dViHUvSd6EWhyphenhyphenTNHjWua1DreDXihy-Ysf7ChKRFT0cu7TwrzvX9TMjyHSkZIfB4g14y_3SDnNFWXIWMIeAYC46ZbvNQ8/s640/IMG_0121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Happy Mother's Day, Momma.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{4}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year I hosted a <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/05/full-of-grace-marian-linkup.html" target="_blank">Marian linkup</a>, and I wanted to share the link with you here. There are some great reads for this Mother's Day weekend, and in this month of May.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvI13YJV0EcnR9zAvLQFzWDLXlIYB10A5d3ZWTIp0gjrbSbTkrbEbChAbRgjfylPbRGLaZg3S3kM8UnvXEG63NuRNtjXG1qbDytXyrnjBcSYS5wLxL-pYTq7pove70kbhWwVzhgL7X9A/s1600/full+of+grace+linkup+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvI13YJV0EcnR9zAvLQFzWDLXlIYB10A5d3ZWTIp0gjrbSbTkrbEbChAbRgjfylPbRGLaZg3S3kM8UnvXEG63NuRNtjXG1qbDytXyrnjBcSYS5wLxL-pYTq7pove70kbhWwVzhgL7X9A/s400/full+of+grace+linkup+graphic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/05/full-of-grace-marian-linkup.html" target="_blank">{CLICK HERE}</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{5}</b><br />
I have to share a couple of great motherhood posts I've read lately:<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
I so admire the writing of <a href="https://motheringspirit.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Laura</a> at Mothering Spirit. She wrote a gorgeous piece on <a href="https://motheringspirit.wordpress.com/2015/05/04/almost-one-the-mystery-of-a-baby-year/" target="_blank">motherhood in the first year of a baby's life</a>. It captures so many of my current experiences as a new mom. It's a wonderful read. Don't miss it.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're looking for some more momma sweetness, read <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/2015/05/happy-1st-birthday-gigi-the-baby-some-said-we-should-never-have/" target="_blank">this letter</a> my friend Kathryn wrote to her one-year-old daughter, Gianna. It's just beautiful. And then you simply must check out <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/2015/05/a-practically-perfect-mary-poppins-birthday/" target="_blank">Gianna's first birthday party</a>, because it's one of the most fabulous I've ever seen. <a href="http://teamwhitaker.org/" target="_blank">Kathryn</a> knows how to celebrate!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{6}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're in need of a last minute Mother's Day gift, be sure to click on over to <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">my etsy shop</a> to check out my downloadable prints. One of them might make a lovely gift for someone you love. Just download, print, and frame (or don't!) for a perfect little piece that will bless and encourage. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNF402WdI2spihRV2u7W7aw1f5nWHeiXbc76FOUqFO0678cW-u14lQJpfehoUkBmRMib6pUu9BxYmATh7GFk_RuBt4VgtUk0O64oiTSqDPom59rOUg6iQc8OsmUA1MdV0eCN0m8d7MNg/s1600/blessed+is+she+who+believed+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNF402WdI2spihRV2u7W7aw1f5nWHeiXbc76FOUqFO0678cW-u14lQJpfehoUkBmRMib6pUu9BxYmATh7GFk_RuBt4VgtUk0O64oiTSqDPom59rOUg6iQc8OsmUA1MdV0eCN0m8d7MNg/s640/blessed+is+she+who+believed+pink.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{7}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last but not least, the giveaway winner! Thanks so much to each of you lovely ladies who entered. The winner is...Vicki! Congratulations! Be sure to check your e-mail for your prize. </div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-of-course-i-assume-its-a-dead-body/" target="_blank">Linking up</a> my takes with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">Kelly</a> - thanks for hosting us!<br />
<br />
Wishing you a beautiful weekend...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b><br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-91968577944464102172015-05-01T08:54:00.004-04:002015-05-01T09:02:23.153-04:007 Quick Takes {no. 38}New Mom edition & a GIVEAWAY!<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{1}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Well, friends, it's my first seven quick takes as a new momma. You can count on some updates, some pictures of my sweet boy, and a little giveaway of this print at the end.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZmWbkp0CsmDyx93rCo0hV_qnHmzaw6o5lIKgI4-44OX1Cam0mR40v8mbRM7nupJe5qj5aCafrHoAm1_ntgAJJlWqNluEK5DnPiJoiwUxrF34yDO6xJy3pKrQj-K2Hew5AjNu7W4iXRg/s1600/blessed+is+she+who+believed+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZmWbkp0CsmDyx93rCo0hV_qnHmzaw6o5lIKgI4-44OX1Cam0mR40v8mbRM7nupJe5qj5aCafrHoAm1_ntgAJJlWqNluEK5DnPiJoiwUxrF34yDO6xJy3pKrQj-K2Hew5AjNu7W4iXRg/s1600/blessed+is+she+who+believed+pink.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Thank you so much for being here </b>as I try to get back into the swing of blogging a bit more regularly. I really miss this community!<br />
<br /></div>
<b>{2}</b><br />
First of all: I am soooo<b> </b>far behind on all my blog reading. What are the best posts you've read lately? What have I missed from you? Fill me in!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{3}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
In case you missed it, I shared <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2015/04/when-we-welcomed-you-to-world-peters.html" target="_blank">Peter's birth story</a> on the blog earlier this week. Though it admittedly took me several days and many nap times to finish, I really enjoyed writing it all out to commemorate this most momentous occasion in our lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH_t-6xL0ds53Hi8ZvplZijrZ9WVKrXp4EQrR4emOrgJ2iyb_Dw77Iqh48ZW-d64fRKnctmVLkNyrvmmWXj9a1thbpfWGePIsYO_UVx7hxRQwqh8ks0XxM1TpQOedi6HGdvnmJHptyaw/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH_t-6xL0ds53Hi8ZvplZijrZ9WVKrXp4EQrR4emOrgJ2iyb_Dw77Iqh48ZW-d64fRKnctmVLkNyrvmmWXj9a1thbpfWGePIsYO_UVx7hxRQwqh8ks0XxM1TpQOedi6HGdvnmJHptyaw/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
For those of you who read about and are praying for our boy's ASD - thank you. We received good news at his checkup yesterday! The hole is now half the size it was at birth, and the doctor anticipates it may close completely on its own. Either way, he should be able to live a healthy life. So many answered prayers! Please join us in praising God for his goodness and in praying for his heart's complete healing. We appreciate it more than I can say.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{4}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Life as a mom is...well...so hard to put into words. It's truly something that no one can prepare you to experience. All at once it is the hardest thing I've ever done and the most wonderful. Those first few weeks were brutal. Especially the sleep deprivation combined with postpartum hormones combined with the steep learning curve of first-time parenthood. YIKES. Eight weeks in I feel like things are finally starting to even out a little bit. The warm spring weather is a welcome change, too. I find it's always nice to get outside, even just for a bit.<br />
<br />
I can hardly believe just how fast Peter is growing and changing. Case in point: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9eGCxJxsOLFueGElJgkvASNJUKq8kAAIQi4bKRsjTSGinBqFKU3XCXFVsyAjtys_N4PBVAv5I06L2CRyX5k1LzkigDBj2CHCPR4aPGmJqZPhfArPYmIqQ3PKgdA61jiu0w_yeaye7Ok/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9eGCxJxsOLFueGElJgkvASNJUKq8kAAIQi4bKRsjTSGinBqFKU3XCXFVsyAjtys_N4PBVAv5I06L2CRyX5k1LzkigDBj2CHCPR4aPGmJqZPhfArPYmIqQ3PKgdA61jiu0w_yeaye7Ok/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4 days old.</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/AVvXsEgqYyRyReoPI4S_gFi0zcLuhqUVJGxqkZ2ILQWxHMKB5ioe-xSggY17smk87_5K_qaA2bYuqOOeSwiK08pTjCWBLPs2nsNY9CzdLkqpbkVUX6JTIy5JlQKqr83NWUTVr4ScHg2kds6MFOc/s1600/IMG_6167_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYyRyReoPI4S_gFi0zcLuhqUVJGxqkZ2ILQWxHMKB5ioe-xSggY17smk87_5K_qaA2bYuqOOeSwiK08pTjCWBLPs2nsNY9CzdLkqpbkVUX6JTIy5JlQKqr83NWUTVr4ScHg2kds6MFOc/s1600/IMG_6167_3.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1 month old.</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/AVvXsEgfyD6-2SB4XCCI-iZitN1iMkDLt73mHBt8BDetQq66dbZ3eYAeaN00xepwoBp9Zjc_u_dW0a3ZriQwhnjvyRTEM2c_TcbiczvOgnLvOnc0-wfE3o6jQ7jXolMoObCbLFHmqetrftnhMrY/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfyD6-2SB4XCCI-iZitN1iMkDLt73mHBt8BDetQq66dbZ3eYAeaN00xepwoBp9Zjc_u_dW0a3ZriQwhnjvyRTEM2c_TcbiczvOgnLvOnc0-wfE3o6jQ7jXolMoObCbLFHmqetrftnhMrY/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just shy of 2 months old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ahh! It's already going by too quickly. My prayer is that I am able to be really present and savor every second. Goodness, do I love that boy.</div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{5}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Amidst all the craziness of life as a new mom, I did manage to put together a little celebration for the feast day of one of my favorite saints, <a href="http://saintgianna.org/" target="_blank">St. Gianna Beretta Molla</a>. You may have seen on <a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a> that we celebrated with an Italian dinner & dessert, which included <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Balsamic-Bruschetta" target="_blank">bruschetta</a>, spaghetti & <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/meatball-nirvana/" target="_blank">meatballs</a>, <a href="http://laguli.com/shop/Cannolis/A7" target="_blank">the best cannolis</a>, and gelato. Yum! </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8hqztwSCclckyPtMjpK2BJAEOTGb-Vs7BQwTNIEHumuxM5PsOxxLzgwUIx61bJwSaDtr-mvA6dn6YEB3OqzOoDZ6er40AV3Dhtau98WfVRcI4YtDVd7sHLqo2gL_DoPsuKk8BVUbhyphenhyphen4/s1600/watermarked+st+gianna+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8hqztwSCclckyPtMjpK2BJAEOTGb-Vs7BQwTNIEHumuxM5PsOxxLzgwUIx61bJwSaDtr-mvA6dn6YEB3OqzOoDZ6er40AV3Dhtau98WfVRcI4YtDVd7sHLqo2gL_DoPsuKk8BVUbhyphenhyphen4/s1600/watermarked+st+gianna+collage.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br />
</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{6}</b><br />
<div>
And speaking of liturgical celebrations - happy Easter! So glad the Easter season is still going strong so I can say that to you all without being completely belated. Peter's first Easter was a special day. We dressed him up in his Sunday best, and he slept like a little angel through the Easter Mass. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREb_g4DxbDO71R37SBcwOEQUGRl42NGv26v4b4jvbZDveaBN8rENCwlKgJEYHdcgsZe3OAK7laQa1sjMpdMUkkyeMFKoEc-7aCbSnNOo9mXEm5iPxYJ5PyKFKlTG30LUY2SZEG9eZGsk/s1600/IMG_3907_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREb_g4DxbDO71R37SBcwOEQUGRl42NGv26v4b4jvbZDveaBN8rENCwlKgJEYHdcgsZe3OAK7laQa1sjMpdMUkkyeMFKoEc-7aCbSnNOo9mXEm5iPxYJ5PyKFKlTG30LUY2SZEG9eZGsk/s1600/IMG_3907_2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
Once we got home from Mass he was ready to eat (as pictured below), and also promptly had a blowout and spit up all over his Easter outfit. At least he waited for us to take some pictures!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknPzNYuwPIvjQ9tGSUAvXDMWwTXpiWXecB85Sz1a2BB0AlYjVDIFwluvb_3PBrVxGraGg2EwcK3O6bcR4WonNugHsxlJYPdtRG_9zz9FhAEQnNlphmAIMaJIKK1GPnDPunAiVbATew2M/s1600/IMG_6234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjknPzNYuwPIvjQ9tGSUAvXDMWwTXpiWXecB85Sz1a2BB0AlYjVDIFwluvb_3PBrVxGraGg2EwcK3O6bcR4WonNugHsxlJYPdtRG_9zz9FhAEQnNlphmAIMaJIKK1GPnDPunAiVbATew2M/s1600/IMG_6234.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>{7}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last, but certainly not least - a little <b>Mother's Day giveaway</b> for you!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JE_D7ug2DQz4gmeKblWHlK8BfYbQWoJtEk_dGeRdSq5McDSx7YtJJ10eOVqJsco_JW224evMfSUU33x5pWynTf3DOsdd1UJxBa9t6688ln_l6Zz5LY8ZnFy5umdQAi5NfEU9PlRjCi4/s1600/MothersDayGiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JE_D7ug2DQz4gmeKblWHlK8BfYbQWoJtEk_dGeRdSq5McDSx7YtJJ10eOVqJsco_JW224evMfSUU33x5pWynTf3DOsdd1UJxBa9t6688ln_l6Zz5LY8ZnFy5umdQAi5NfEU9PlRjCi4/s1600/MothersDayGiveaway.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
I am giving away a <b>"<i>Blessed is she who believed" </i>downloadable printable in the color of your choosing</b> {available in pink, eggplant, crimson or black} from <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">my etsy shop</a>, {with joy calligraphy}. This 8x10" printable would make a lovely gift for the special mother(s) in your life {think: mom, grandma, mother-in-law, godmother, one for you, etc.!}. <i>Download may be printed up to three times. This giveaway is open through the end of Thursday, May 7, 2015 and the winner will be announced and receive their prize on Friday, May 8, 2015. </i>Good luck, dear readers!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="619fbef22" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/619fbef22/" id="rcwidget_n59c0ase" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sainthoodcrowdsourcing/" target="_blank">Linking up my takes</a> with many more lovely bloggers! Thanks for hosting us, <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">Kelly</a>.<br />
<br />
And <b>thanks again for being here</b>. Wishing you a beautiful May weekend!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-71155729677814119192015-04-29T21:05:00.000-04:002015-04-29T21:05:13.033-04:00When We Welcomed You to the World{Peter's Birth Story}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0QO7wi7ANVvEZSPSztwVeoUcPIH-oJA9yWUscoikn7FRFN-uRQrE3x6kEci2KMRFeu8Rk_TBMrMuBwJwiDRw4i8HxVDAbkzbWAQy6MHuHr56A9jmwp2MtuqE4pazMNxaiwcLBf4MrjE/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0QO7wi7ANVvEZSPSztwVeoUcPIH-oJA9yWUscoikn7FRFN-uRQrE3x6kEci2KMRFeu8Rk_TBMrMuBwJwiDRw4i8HxVDAbkzbWAQy6MHuHr56A9jmwp2MtuqE4pazMNxaiwcLBf4MrjE/s1600/IMG_5886.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
My darling Peter,<br />
<br />
You are quietly napping in your crib as I type this. Every day I am in awe of your little life, and what a miraculous gift you are. I want to write down the story of how you came into this world. I hope that one day, when you are grown up (though Momma doesn't want to think about that just yet), you will read this and smile.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaGRch68ko7gCwR71CPgtgKypBe-faz1Uiwk_36U1U_YtPdLnWaBb-5f7K5gYiWmXSf1StOAUkgTBLr2nliCVZylwlbzhCL6n1F7JUmD39IwhvYMEXPSzQq-iyyMNoFVctyksN0pnJFA/s1600/IMG_0036_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsaGRch68ko7gCwR71CPgtgKypBe-faz1Uiwk_36U1U_YtPdLnWaBb-5f7K5gYiWmXSf1StOAUkgTBLr2nliCVZylwlbzhCL6n1F7JUmD39IwhvYMEXPSzQq-iyyMNoFVctyksN0pnJFA/s1600/IMG_0036_2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
March 1st was a cold, and very snowy Sunday. That evening your Dad & I had just watched the Downton Abbey season finale. (How kind of you to let us watch!) I went to bed for the night while Daddy stayed up to read, both of us completely unaware of how our life was about to change forever. A little after midnight I woke up with a start, rather surprised. I had a (very wet) feeling that my water had broken. Daddy called our doctor who told us to head in to the hospital.<br />
<br />
Seeing as it was over two weeks before your due date (March 18), we were not exactly prepared! I had started packing a hospital bag, but by no means was it finished. Thankfully I had made a list of the other things I wanted to bring. I started trying to gather the things on the list, and to my surprise, was able to remain relatively calm. Your Daddy on the other hand, was just so excited he couldn't think clearly! We worked as a team to get out the door as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
Dad drove us safely through the snow to the hospital in Manhattan. We texted your grandparents, aunts, and uncle to let them know you were on your way. When we arrived, we headed straight for the sixth floor, where the Labor & Delivery Unit was located. Once we settled into a room, they checked me and I was only one centimeter dilated - I had a long way to go! They gave Momma a medicine called pitocin to move things along, and it worked. Very well. I waited several hours to get an epidural, as I was told if I got it too soon it could slow down the labor, and I didn't want that! You better believe I won't wait so long for an epidural if there is a next time. Momma was trying to be brave and tough, but when the nurse told her some patients requested their epidural after one unit of pitocin and that I had already had <i>eighteen</i> units, I no longer felt the need to wait. Oh, what sweet & welcome relief! For me, <i>and</i> for your daddy, who was an absolute champion of support for me throughout the entire labor and delivery process. He is the best - you know that, right?<br />
<br />
Before you were born, Momma and Daddy had prayed for all the nurses and doctors we would encounter at the hospital. God answered our prayers one hundredfold. As soon as my main nurse introduced herself I knew that God had sent her. Her name was Catherine. My confirmation saint is St. Catherine of Alexandria. I just don't believe that was coincidence. Don't you love when God does that sort of thing?<br />
<br />
After the epidural, the nurses encouraged me to try to save up my energy for pushing, as it could take a few hours they warned. I tried to mentally prepare myself for the experience. After laboring most of the day, our doctor arrived to help deliver you. When he went to examine me, your head was already so low that he could see it! Once a contraction came, I started pushing, and only one more contraction later, at 4:09 p.m. on March 2, 2015, you were in my arms! I couldn't believe it! Oh, the tears of joy and relief I cried, sweet boy. Words can't express just how happy I was to meet you. Before long your Daddy got to hold you, too. What a precious, precious moment for us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw4UUMSMu-8RHSw50k6_enpYIlnVerlWpG475pKk47A6nlPoXq1IELnOPPZGiC_DmbWppeHrxReRmSby6FO128rYrFIrAmNC5JK17i8SUNFFioy2wPnR0iySnSALh3I6uACOHvssaEA7k/s1600/IMG_5594_2.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/AVvXsEiw4UUMSMu-8RHSw50k6_enpYIlnVerlWpG475pKk47A6nlPoXq1IELnOPPZGiC_DmbWppeHrxReRmSby6FO128rYrFIrAmNC5JK17i8SUNFFioy2wPnR0iySnSALh3I6uACOHvssaEA7k/s1600/IMG_5594_2.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR2ZWSS0Aii6VtR3HmER_lOGIChLe44jXQznUTuOndoyfu2aiYvMzngxZ8hjVFZvYRLsFr3v6UWXEYfap-IuoengAOPeET2_Iy-HYDYDmcSXNMlR5AKg4Wp3fGcuzBsz00kPumOoK6Bs/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR2ZWSS0Aii6VtR3HmER_lOGIChLe44jXQznUTuOndoyfu2aiYvMzngxZ8hjVFZvYRLsFr3v6UWXEYfap-IuoengAOPeET2_Iy-HYDYDmcSXNMlR5AKg4Wp3fGcuzBsz00kPumOoK6Bs/s1600/IMG_3657.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
While you were still with us in the delivery room, you weren't able to let out very many strong cries. I never imagined I would actually desire to hear you scream and scream. A pediatric doctor came to look at you a couple times, but they said you would be okay before taking you to the nursery for a bath. Your Dad and I were missing you as soon as you were swept away. A little while later our nurse Catherine came back and told us some news we never wanted to hear: you had been admitted to the NICU. Momma cried again, this time tears of fear and sadness. I wanted so badly to have you back in my arms. A very kind doctor came to talk to us and took Daddy down to visit you, since I was still recovering. I was so relieved when he came back and told me you should be okay, but that they needed to keep an extra close eye on you.<br />
<br />
As soon as I was able, I rode in a wheelchair to visit you in the NICU. What an emotional experience to see you there, my sweet boy. You were hooked up to so many cords and they were keeping you warm in a little incubator box. Oh, how I prayed for your well-being and healing. Our NICU journey was predicted to be 48 hours, but ended up being three days long. The second day you were there, a cardiologist found your ASD - <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/CongenitalHeartDefects/AboutCongenitalHeartDefects/Atrial-Septal-Defect-ASD_UCM_307021_Article.jsp" target="_blank">atrial septal defect</a>. No mother ever wants to hear that their precious baby has a hole in his heart, no matter how small. I cried again (I did a lot of crying for several weeks after your birth!), but the doctors told us not to worry (impossible), and that they would check your heart again in two months. We have your checkup tomorrow. We have been praying for Jesus to heal your heart every day. My greatest comfort is that I know He loves you even more than your Daddy and I do, which is more than I even knew was possible.<br />
<br />
When we finally got to bring you home from the hospital, I experienced so many different feelings. I felt scared of being in charge of you after you had been monitored so closely by the medical team in the NICU. I felt utterly exhausted from a complete lack of sleep, what with our middle-of-the-night and all-through-the-day feeding sessions. My emotions were absolutely all over the place with my postpartum hormones. But above all, I was happy, and I was grateful. I'll never forget standing outside our apartment wearing flip flops in the snow (because yes, there was another blizzard, and my feet were so swollen I couldn't get my feet in any other shoes), and I just wept. I thanked God over and over for keeping you safe and for allowing us the gift of bringing you home with us. Our family was finally home. The three of us together, just as we belonged.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrKN59mLG8xGexBuHxp5KQy85xTnRz-6DS_veKpy1bBLjW-pD15tEQWIEXuca6FTNNs-8bVAjfxV8cEgPpSEV5c8-yHW0VaIi47aJAVddBmgWjj4q4djinYz7kKidepxl9-umUUQfXc0/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFrKN59mLG8xGexBuHxp5KQy85xTnRz-6DS_veKpy1bBLjW-pD15tEQWIEXuca6FTNNs-8bVAjfxV8cEgPpSEV5c8-yHW0VaIi47aJAVddBmgWjj4q4djinYz7kKidepxl9-umUUQfXc0/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">You had quite an eventful entrance into this world, baby. In the eight short weeks you've been out here with us, you have brought us - and so many others - more joy than we ever could have imagined. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for your precious life.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMqflZ-bI5MmS1ax785DGmxvKXd5HhvJuCf-J0sbaBIygKFU8Rm_2DWZJKVGRmzXLfuDHz-6ZJxgFLd9Q6pfseRn7CSLqIzFjfIjgXQVcf9_CMrNEoyRgRCCEnWYfBMZoap0DSKZIGb0/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMqflZ-bI5MmS1ax785DGmxvKXd5HhvJuCf-J0sbaBIygKFU8Rm_2DWZJKVGRmzXLfuDHz-6ZJxgFLd9Q6pfseRn7CSLqIzFjfIjgXQVcf9_CMrNEoyRgRCCEnWYfBMZoap0DSKZIGb0/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpb8U6Ig3cz89u4he3RvxMvNScxyTxqIeJj3NVSAm4fPErhOetAJsnloVZYPzImazXyVzJIImJ5n9erAXMmhPZvMQqcTpdViyZMiAlFX3LIC5-TTsHAJoJlSfv0BqgdUh165R-68lYHc/s1600/IMG_5629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpb8U6Ig3cz89u4he3RvxMvNScxyTxqIeJj3NVSAm4fPErhOetAJsnloVZYPzImazXyVzJIImJ5n9erAXMmhPZvMQqcTpdViyZMiAlFX3LIC5-TTsHAJoJlSfv0BqgdUh165R-68lYHc/s1600/IMG_5629.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
We love you, Peter Matthew. So very <span style="text-align: center;">much.</span><br />
Momma & DaddyElisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-87938020234094768742015-03-16T10:42:00.000-04:002015-03-16T10:42:08.269-04:00Welcome to the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please join Michael and I in welcoming our sweet miracle...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWnZa2PXiRDpN0zI6SPEiUiscaUbIfBqhGxPDWpTo9uzemW31l2CCKe2lWeybDS3Ux9nCySETTh3ulnnLsy6t24cXGwzFu1zS0yNxgsGvKv_4h9EAagC-NdAUopfeAC_JAc0gJPZZYn4/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWnZa2PXiRDpN0zI6SPEiUiscaUbIfBqhGxPDWpTo9uzemW31l2CCKe2lWeybDS3Ux9nCySETTh3ulnnLsy6t24cXGwzFu1zS0yNxgsGvKv_4h9EAagC-NdAUopfeAC_JAc0gJPZZYn4/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span id="goog_1562229610"></span><span id="goog_1562229611"></span>Peter Matthew</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
born Monday, March 2, 2015</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4:09 p.m.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7 lbs. 8 oz.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
21 inches long</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our lives have been turned upside down over the past couple weeks as our little man came into the world over two weeks early. I guess he just couldn't wait to get here. :)<br />
<br />
We are totally smitten with our little man. What a gift he is. Pure gift. Thank you, God.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More (hopefully) soon...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
xo</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-85859849071014286872015-02-20T18:43:00.002-05:002015-02-20T18:43:38.115-05:007QT {no. 37} baby showers, baby bumps & birthdays<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{1}</b><br />
I just looked back and my last 7 Quick Takes post was written on <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/12/7-quick-takes-no-36-on-advent-art-st.html" target="_blank">December 5, 2014</a> - clearly it has been <b>too long</b>! So here I am! :)<br />
<br />
<b>{2}</b><br />
In case you missed it, earlier this week I shared about the <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-its-cold-outside-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">baby shower</a> my family threw for us in Ohio. At the time, I promised to share about our baby shower in Michigan. So, without further ado...<br />
<br />
My wonderful in-laws threw us a safari animal-themed baby shower, with the star animal being the giraffe (one of my favorites).<br />
<br />
This crib (our baby's actual crib! yay!) was filled with blankets, toys, clothes & more.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm4iKsBhrOcHljKx0VyKzbd7nYRnS8zl9M-96RrldC6KKW-4NAp0OK-vZ98zGCWDkCABd2-_40HcuL8HhdNq5nex5L87SNxY56YKHGM3zcLIJaUbo1ZVwyMhOtmCsLuYi45y-2IhUp_o/s1600/mich-crib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm4iKsBhrOcHljKx0VyKzbd7nYRnS8zl9M-96RrldC6KKW-4NAp0OK-vZ98zGCWDkCABd2-_40HcuL8HhdNq5nex5L87SNxY56YKHGM3zcLIJaUbo1ZVwyMhOtmCsLuYi45y-2IhUp_o/s1600/mich-crib.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>{3}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
All the food fit right in with the party's theme. My favorites were probably the adorable safari snake subway sandwich...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv5BrGdmgOpXakGWTwalVt4sKCoDNHB2-QW5I2X69xTH5P081EKuFejp066Aa43BId3wRcXYrPsqSdxnY6JbY0pGFdyeKuYEIfJERZZ85nT0kL1RLLIRieiCumfoB11AMIKFeQ11hS9Y/s1600/mich-safari+snake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv5BrGdmgOpXakGWTwalVt4sKCoDNHB2-QW5I2X69xTH5P081EKuFejp066Aa43BId3wRcXYrPsqSdxnY6JbY0pGFdyeKuYEIfJERZZ85nT0kL1RLLIRieiCumfoB11AMIKFeQ11hS9Y/s1600/mich-safari+snake.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and the zebra snacks. Brownies, chocolate-covered pretzel thins, chocolate covered strawberries & grapes -- all drizzled with vanilla almond bark. Yes, please! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZZwKAQlDkh70k7lMimXWxZ0rXO7ilnHpSeaxe2zVJRCy3oyx6ejU5TeywIxTn5NRJIxctJNuJg7bH0k-kfGLCyqoiBQsZ5fMOFqb0TB_YxQ2g-cLrFe5k_VbSr8EESN7PdbU-VbJ1s0/s1600/mich-zebra+snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZZwKAQlDkh70k7lMimXWxZ0rXO7ilnHpSeaxe2zVJRCy3oyx6ejU5TeywIxTn5NRJIxctJNuJg7bH0k-kfGLCyqoiBQsZ5fMOFqb0TB_YxQ2g-cLrFe5k_VbSr8EESN7PdbU-VbJ1s0/s1600/mich-zebra+snacks.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{4}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of my favorite features of the party was that at each table there were books (about giraffes, naturally) where guests could leave a little note for our sweet boy. Such a fun idea!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPeWDUOSPan4feC9CoXh2jVjf772_g1f-eRwymJbbeqkeBEKFQjg_4ApGdpV3v3FLn9Qd6CNIf6AP2Y1aFcYCXaE5hlVWF-kymUdXLTPE8C6rHfVCOlIT3ebYiljsS_S-XnNi2fvTF4o/s1600/mich-books+to+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPeWDUOSPan4feC9CoXh2jVjf772_g1f-eRwymJbbeqkeBEKFQjg_4ApGdpV3v3FLn9Qd6CNIf6AP2Y1aFcYCXaE5hlVWF-kymUdXLTPE8C6rHfVCOlIT3ebYiljsS_S-XnNi2fvTF4o/s1600/mich-books+to+sign.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
We are so thankful to have so much love in our lives. Our baby is being born into two families who already adore him! What a blessing.<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{5}</b></div>
</div>
And here's <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-its-cold-outside-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">a link</a> to the post about <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-its-cold-outside-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">our other baby shower</a>, in case you'd like to take a peek - it's super cute, too!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzBFEFRtv2Q2SiKy7JwDAioEO9yXYix5ypaXA7kWIZvUDl05kRkqjeNSBthChLQGyYftuO0brlMJyJPaZmcJnoGnPQdqbLw4Pray93ls0IoOOKCcQZyda6kc1MZUS2dQny4w7SVoAPRc/s1600/post+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzBFEFRtv2Q2SiKy7JwDAioEO9yXYix5ypaXA7kWIZvUDl05kRkqjeNSBthChLQGyYftuO0brlMJyJPaZmcJnoGnPQdqbLw4Pray93ls0IoOOKCcQZyda6kc1MZUS2dQny4w7SVoAPRc/s1600/post+graphic.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2015/02/baby-its-cold-outside-baby-shower.html" target="_blank">{Baby, it's cold outside!}</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{6}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
While we are catching up on all I haven't blogged about, let's see what else I have missed...<br />
<br />
Ah, yes - my sweet husband's birthday, which was almost a month ago! I always love celebrating him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8aiB_IiY8jHgX2DK0Xz5Pq2UuRG8LiPzKYjYQcoighSUBZVqgx99lzkxi9PpojrNEaccbZprrvkRE5P2mzN8c6zRTk4ym59n5chXXyP6K75ChlejlXFMTfJLlJc7BUYNItvzCzE4wik/s1600/happy27bdaytoM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8aiB_IiY8jHgX2DK0Xz5Pq2UuRG8LiPzKYjYQcoighSUBZVqgx99lzkxi9PpojrNEaccbZprrvkRE5P2mzN8c6zRTk4ym59n5chXXyP6K75ChlejlXFMTfJLlJc7BUYNItvzCzE4wik/s1600/happy27bdaytoM.jpg" height="640" width="378" /></a></div>
<br />
And tomorrow is his church birthday - the anniversary of his Baptism! So much to celebrate!<br />
<br />
Of course, there was Valentine's Day. I made an "I love you" pie instead of my <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-love-you-cake.html" target="_blank">traditional "I love you" cake</a> this year - pictured on the left here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO44OMEXV-YYiiXTUQ4Jo7WhkqiINRGx7hSSno55k6uvwPy6CEw8Ky_9GXGwWwfacq6QLr04wxsf_DVLWxUvdhOyAzgsEEBZ5oiD4zUTFNDt6huw2R-dkjxMbMhZW-GKeE_JOCx92OZsw/s1600/vday+to+mardigras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO44OMEXV-YYiiXTUQ4Jo7WhkqiINRGx7hSSno55k6uvwPy6CEw8Ky_9GXGwWwfacq6QLr04wxsf_DVLWxUvdhOyAzgsEEBZ5oiD4zUTFNDt6huw2R-dkjxMbMhZW-GKeE_JOCx92OZsw/s1600/vday+to+mardigras.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
The picture on the right is our breakfast from Mardi Gras on Tuesday! Yes, I said breakfast. (May I confess: I felt so wild & crazy for serving/allowing this! I guess it doesn't take much for me...ha!)<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>{7}</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
And I'd be remiss not to include a baby bump picture! (Especially after my last one on the blog was at <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/12/why-hello-back-from-unplanned-break.html" target="_blank">27 weeks</a>!) You may have already seen these over on the <a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">'gram</a>. But if not, here are 35 & 36 weeks:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOY2TYNkf-QCmBn3zxSOQ-xrDIHH2HGKVadBUrZDCKqqI9hLdunTjGQ9ITwUrHBJkEaCslkDAvl5Th01sKc81POaHjnW5XLszQJiNY_OsWd7IODLSLfDyQOJeyu_oimwRrV6dl9rmdY/s1600/35&36weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTTOY2TYNkf-QCmBn3zxSOQ-xrDIHH2HGKVadBUrZDCKqqI9hLdunTjGQ9ITwUrHBJkEaCslkDAvl5Th01sKc81POaHjnW5XLszQJiNY_OsWd7IODLSLfDyQOJeyu_oimwRrV6dl9rmdY/s1600/35&36weeks.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1600125907"></span></div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/" target="_blank">Kelly</a> and <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-thanks-betters/" target="_blank">many more lovely bloggers</a>!<br />
<br />
I hope you all are having a very blessed start to your Lent.<br />
Have a beautiful weekend...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-84410647365940154822015-02-17T17:05:00.002-05:002017-11-04T14:06:14.065-04:00Baby, it's cold outside! {a baby shower}Happy Tuesday, friends!<br />
<br />
I know - it's been a while. Again. This poor little blog just has not stood a chance of thriving against my every day life as of late. Alas. It is what it is! The longer I'm away from sharing in this space, the more I feel like I don't know where to begin or what to say, which keeps me from writing anything at all. So! I'm jumping in with both feet today to share about a special evening we had in December - one I don't want to forget.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrboyK0aIbpFcneCX1aAnItwvD_5Bj83OT3g3UDDaO5S69A4hvOL9xNCd4IpE96szRwVDa68upz7z9xDIjKFjWB8b7im6weEHNKE-OVGPvsor7ojip9U73BzB7WqE2AXT1JwL14KslNk/s1600/post+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrboyK0aIbpFcneCX1aAnItwvD_5Bj83OT3g3UDDaO5S69A4hvOL9xNCd4IpE96szRwVDa68upz7z9xDIjKFjWB8b7im6weEHNKE-OVGPvsor7ojip9U73BzB7WqE2AXT1JwL14KslNk/s1600/post+graphic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
When Michael & I were visiting my family in Ohio over the holidays, we were blessed to have a gorgeous baby shower thrown for us. It was a couple's baby shower, which I really liked. The dad should get to celebrate, too! And we're back in town so rarely that it was a great chance for both of us to see our family and friends who attended.<br />
<br />
The theme of the shower was <b>Baby, It's Cold Outside</b>. I know - so. stinking. cute. Right?? The <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=915813&b=120126&m=17025&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fholiday%2Dparty%2Dinvitations%2FMIN%2DSUI%2DHPA%2Fits%2Dcold%2Doutside" target="_blank">coordinating party invitations</a> were from <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=915813&b=120126&m=17025&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom" target="_blank">minted</a>:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPEuQIfFo0NKsd3zRM9qx6GIc2QkhbvdUvM_Zc1WyNheOIRtXblSkYUTEuVHjUWYMINFEDYJJ526mL2drVgnqlJ5wYaRi9293qYJwL4vneAbDgI0u7lsTU08jQkCpy-Xa6IyCjfcfSlw/s1600/minted+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPEuQIfFo0NKsd3zRM9qx6GIc2QkhbvdUvM_Zc1WyNheOIRtXblSkYUTEuVHjUWYMINFEDYJJ526mL2drVgnqlJ5wYaRi9293qYJwL4vneAbDgI0u7lsTU08jQkCpy-Xa6IyCjfcfSlw/s1600/minted+invite.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=915813&b=120126&m=17025&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Eminted%2Ecom%2Fproduct%2Fholiday%2Dparty%2Dinvitations%2FMIN%2DSUI%2DHPA%2Fits%2Dcold%2Doutside" target="_blank">{Baby, it's cold outside INVITATION} via minted.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guests arrived to a luminary lit driveway...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9AM_gCmp8ppWQlA3e5QQVUgxna7YhF8dHXOhZrAN0JLMPQ0qGVatsxNqP14zY9ygG6fJDXOFd4JpR_r8ubLW8l1pMG1AZ2r90yHmp6DLK81bAmllQNKXVFWnN9bLfpHB6qXHx1UAVho/s1600/luminaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9AM_gCmp8ppWQlA3e5QQVUgxna7YhF8dHXOhZrAN0JLMPQ0qGVatsxNqP14zY9ygG6fJDXOFd4JpR_r8ubLW8l1pMG1AZ2r90yHmp6DLK81bAmllQNKXVFWnN9bLfpHB6qXHx1UAVho/s1600/luminaries.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
were instructed to leave their coats on our screened in porch...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zD6JH6WL9l2QeqO9nm1Su5fhELkNUqU0DwwpXFfaVJx0Zi8iqQTZ-ztDaKc7UPRp9gkNKq7yTVdrvw2BbWvZJt7_NNerzqpDx9Ohl3L6XkGWZ1JALX30g3h876EtNNFU8FbrVVUJ6Gg/s1600/come+inside+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zD6JH6WL9l2QeqO9nm1Su5fhELkNUqU0DwwpXFfaVJx0Zi8iqQTZ-ztDaKc7UPRp9gkNKq7yTVdrvw2BbWvZJt7_NNerzqpDx9Ohl3L6XkGWZ1JALX30g3h876EtNNFU8FbrVVUJ6Gg/s1600/come+inside+sign.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...and come inside for the festivities! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every detail of the party was so very thoughtful. There was a place for guests to share their advice for us...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO5fDVMS6lWh-40tz9ZMqWlV7nLDsgcgXG1MpgSHJ7rlbrr4nnodDXkPBheceetdZEhyphenhyphenewsSGj2QyQrolVJKbRnC5ftZMO4bSlgziyCq66eoncdTEldJQL9LMvw8uShDXrZ6FkJTcQLk/s1600/advice+for+mom&dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtO5fDVMS6lWh-40tz9ZMqWlV7nLDsgcgXG1MpgSHJ7rlbrr4nnodDXkPBheceetdZEhyphenhyphenewsSGj2QyQrolVJKbRnC5ftZMO4bSlgziyCq66eoncdTEldJQL9LMvw8uShDXrZ6FkJTcQLk/s1600/advice+for+mom&dad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
...and a place for them to guess when our sweet boy will arrive!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVM_WUvEgpmmSvuiOTOTmFrIl4GFdTWwCZRJQGqEhkGJJjoK0aMxF9KZdy-zOXpk3vY_ye6gjiVhvpI4-gddE4uYPaWJf3cUa1WvHc4vUi7zH47LvJyO9jy-7suLQ3pLmJCcpZu8NjtA/s1600/guessing+calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvVM_WUvEgpmmSvuiOTOTmFrIl4GFdTWwCZRJQGqEhkGJJjoK0aMxF9KZdy-zOXpk3vY_ye6gjiVhvpI4-gddE4uYPaWJf3cUa1WvHc4vUi7zH47LvJyO9jy-7suLQ3pLmJCcpZu8NjtA/s1600/guessing+calendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And then, of course, there was the food. And it was delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDmoRwB2azi106dZjpsQIlC9pe7SEnxHjtggLDPuyz4y0PQFpMxwGWQaNIEX5pGhQ38s4ljzxtLuYTy_sMDTEDrusjMVk9jPGLB3EkbTV-WPu7ZgumD5cQsY1ZNnR46Azl6qa2TmmgLY/s1600/cheese+&+meat+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDmoRwB2azi106dZjpsQIlC9pe7SEnxHjtggLDPuyz4y0PQFpMxwGWQaNIEX5pGhQ38s4ljzxtLuYTy_sMDTEDrusjMVk9jPGLB3EkbTV-WPu7ZgumD5cQsY1ZNnR46Azl6qa2TmmgLY/s1600/cheese+&+meat+spread.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbt11B50TGrH5BhUI79uGuQXzqAgJdyhEWIFQRcP32Dkm93kFAj8qYCvC5AeeGlbj4l_L0rIa5ENjvkZWv80A1ZyuGG7WHZLTtRuw6bT4qISY6rymSZHPthCGo8xfrZkk7SAKlKUco2M/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbt11B50TGrH5BhUI79uGuQXzqAgJdyhEWIFQRcP32Dkm93kFAj8qYCvC5AeeGlbj4l_L0rIa5ENjvkZWv80A1ZyuGG7WHZLTtRuw6bT4qISY6rymSZHPthCGo8xfrZkk7SAKlKUco2M/s1600/popcorn.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwOe0vZG1JJccTObjDdOq4s1OrsfWH5HHkpO3iOQ_E1ahCfFYWC88gHsYTmewOukXP2jzexPByGBE2RwlSlCFjsgaYpP0Duna5Xj3-0ugYeMh4iVvxPbPIO_jbay89ePxN7mojHZZYTw/s1600/chilly+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwOe0vZG1JJccTObjDdOq4s1OrsfWH5HHkpO3iOQ_E1ahCfFYWC88gHsYTmewOukXP2jzexPByGBE2RwlSlCFjsgaYpP0Duna5Xj3-0ugYeMh4iVvxPbPIO_jbay89ePxN7mojHZZYTw/s1600/chilly+bar.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Is this "chilly bar" not the cutest?!</div>
<br />
The sweet treats were also amazing. There were cookies and milk, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008A1ELKG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008A1ELKG&linkCode=as2&tag=inendson-20&linkId=EOFKQDHCRCISK3A7">champagne bubble candies</a>, chocolate cupcakes, vanilla taffy...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXayM3uKzwCURmeTncatQInb6aOd4ddoR3xibnjKtYF-e-ooW7m5ecIoWLoQXdwInjpQNTw0hjQeR8eCiIGI8vOox9RaOwNl9Lm_sDS3BFufrSey8ioJYEwnRIUSx9hTsg2NYyxrxivC4/s1600/chocolate+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXayM3uKzwCURmeTncatQInb6aOd4ddoR3xibnjKtYF-e-ooW7m5ecIoWLoQXdwInjpQNTw0hjQeR8eCiIGI8vOox9RaOwNl9Lm_sDS3BFufrSey8ioJYEwnRIUSx9hTsg2NYyxrxivC4/s1600/chocolate+cupcakes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...but my favorites were probably the scrumptious cake pops {I had never had one before! YUM!}.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myx1ANze7Xgs2x3-47GNzQWJvGdHkB4dl0BZhwSH73DgOI0SllaywLDJTzLnwdhs7iMj_yksbowL-68_e3z9ksjMgPi80jb82WiCNd71gTQrIYQzHAN1pERMB2KHNSWbcMpInRRNK1U/s1600/cake+pop+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9myx1ANze7Xgs2x3-47GNzQWJvGdHkB4dl0BZhwSH73DgOI0SllaywLDJTzLnwdhs7iMj_yksbowL-68_e3z9ksjMgPi80jb82WiCNd71gTQrIYQzHAN1pERMB2KHNSWbcMpInRRNK1U/s1600/cake+pop+closeup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I also loved the hot cocoa bar - so fun! {Hot cocoa and whipped cream not pictured!}<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB0z7flKPWQ9mIDCkMXzs_cM9qte9DxM6FpcC4tuWn93JQ3XUj9w0uCZJyshzy1AO4M4txR7Vq1fBCTBY2XCoLZm5aea9UnKHMK5EMurkyMPqB8fOaTCvCwXFYhyphenhyphen4fq4HWZaOqbzNvsU/s1600/hot+cocoa+bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFB0z7flKPWQ9mIDCkMXzs_cM9qte9DxM6FpcC4tuWn93JQ3XUj9w0uCZJyshzy1AO4M4txR7Vq1fBCTBY2XCoLZm5aea9UnKHMK5EMurkyMPqB8fOaTCvCwXFYhyphenhyphen4fq4HWZaOqbzNvsU/s1600/hot+cocoa+bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All the decorations were beautiful, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_FIhVMx-UpXduBQj4uydKlv9O0F7ZzZMRw-88i7mWYG32mMA-Ni9PlF6rWCqSI8eIoRE28xut-G6Kqy3ge741j_8ZI3_9FRj7vZW16ILfAgoteFpgrk972WqLNF3Zuu-IRC1C7tBfWE/s1600/blue+hydrangea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_FIhVMx-UpXduBQj4uydKlv9O0F7ZzZMRw-88i7mWYG32mMA-Ni9PlF6rWCqSI8eIoRE28xut-G6Kqy3ge741j_8ZI3_9FRj7vZW16ILfAgoteFpgrk972WqLNF3Zuu-IRC1C7tBfWE/s1600/blue+hydrangea.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMwgPTgFrDnXMTRaB7kvg_F4R36WgymCo8mG3tr5y4ldKKsmg1TY8LptL4EhskPBBRWPJIl6wgtBGbOz_BX3LOngdiG2n_SQsJBMVP1zRwlhDD1iZnGiVsDSxCUh7773Bp5NVpWbEmXw/s1600/mantle+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMwgPTgFrDnXMTRaB7kvg_F4R36WgymCo8mG3tr5y4ldKKsmg1TY8LptL4EhskPBBRWPJIl6wgtBGbOz_BX3LOngdiG2n_SQsJBMVP1zRwlhDD1iZnGiVsDSxCUh7773Bp5NVpWbEmXw/s1600/mantle+decor.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{art print by <a href="http://lindsayletters.com/" target="_blank">lindsay letters</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The heart put into the evening was so apparent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH4p4KvBIq_wOJQYkldAw0q8mHiqIiGjNkFrzcDNQOdZcCTC6ocSwJLeaJ1EcNHy7r_PAfonMDdy2SbHHSCZDS6G5nC3iTAITOZ8tDFjOKTB8t7HcOTbtX0ffv0f8UySUWjRxLo72kLw/s1600/heart+streamers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH4p4KvBIq_wOJQYkldAw0q8mHiqIiGjNkFrzcDNQOdZcCTC6ocSwJLeaJ1EcNHy7r_PAfonMDdy2SbHHSCZDS6G5nC3iTAITOZ8tDFjOKTB8t7HcOTbtX0ffv0f8UySUWjRxLo72kLw/s1600/heart+streamers.jpg" width="426" /></a></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/AVvXsEhGUdjmBMsDtnF5JAzvn6dYoIy94caAW2x-bbptJO_Yaecj6KEMgCyRqq7AaJJGHZdZmHoTa9LtwytCFMx9OspPxeUfEq7FMEeWicZcx4V0eyE6Ww82AM30A-wPQrCdXfrguK1819T9e9Q/s1600/tassle+garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGUdjmBMsDtnF5JAzvn6dYoIy94caAW2x-bbptJO_Yaecj6KEMgCyRqq7AaJJGHZdZmHoTa9LtwytCFMx9OspPxeUfEq7FMEeWicZcx4V0eyE6Ww82AM30A-wPQrCdXfrguK1819T9e9Q/s1600/tassle+garland.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Such a special night with dear family and friends to celebrate our baby boy. We are so grateful and feel so blessed! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also...did I mention he is due one month from tomorrow? (!!!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whether it's <i>cold outside</i> where you are or not, I hope you're warm, cozy and well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank you for being here!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="77" data-original-width="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd510pwx6DJ3ARKfEraty7lfsazGkxlFjz7nnry0-bou3P9S1IZ0-w51EIlo1IuW4XSDXEBcx7jidQG-W6_Z2xbQmla27deDmtfsq287f6mqgSQM4O06IqA0lPNWmmiIUBCr7s4Ahnv8/s1600/elise-green+post+signature.png" /></a><br />
<br />
P.S. <b>COMING SOON</b> - pictures from a super cute shower my in-laws threw for us in Michigan!<br />
<br />
<i>This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting {in endless song}!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-7562760181056574142015-01-22T13:32:00.000-05:002015-01-22T13:32:00.826-05:0010 in 2014 {looking back} It may be January 22, but it's still January...which means it's not too late to do a recap of 2014, right?<br />
<br />
2014 was quite a year for our little family. We certainly had our share of highs and lows. Here are ten pictures to help remember the year:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>{1}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y0s43ZkeMzUuli9yGpDT-uMBTC6KiRV0Qwc65IFdu02fjonvhCvAhGRjaPkcIRVxOu52uqQTP5uCRRLffr7TGaj2SFTdbERWWyPRR1mmK6gMyVcI-VMxR5D0ozUiLJTTOo_kwnhXR8I/s1600/quiet+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Y0s43ZkeMzUuli9yGpDT-uMBTC6KiRV0Qwc65IFdu02fjonvhCvAhGRjaPkcIRVxOu52uqQTP5uCRRLffr7TGaj2SFTdbERWWyPRR1mmK6gMyVcI-VMxR5D0ozUiLJTTOo_kwnhXR8I/s1600/quiet+2014.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></b></div>
In January 2014 I chose the word <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-quiet-my-2014-word-of-year.html" target="_blank">quiet</a> as my word for the year. I wrote about my desire to be still and listen more. Looking back over the year as a whole, there were times I succeeded, and many more times I failed with this. But the times of greatest peace in my heart were - surprise, surprise - the times when I was spending the most time in the quiet with the Lord. Let's hope I can carry that lesson with me into this new year and always.<br />
<br />
<b>{2}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjaStMcOUWW9lSjhvnY74Wh3MnvHa9fpeKwh3qnYgQUt_4sjmN1iNPKabA6_J0Ixo_CzNfURIUTPrcnVE8ApTdEsf9tgiG-f7mPME2Fs4keSLSQK3Ahd4AHILDufPB5JCq_X1dTSKfIg/s1600/me&m+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjaStMcOUWW9lSjhvnY74Wh3MnvHa9fpeKwh3qnYgQUt_4sjmN1iNPKabA6_J0Ixo_CzNfURIUTPrcnVE8ApTdEsf9tgiG-f7mPME2Fs4keSLSQK3Ahd4AHILDufPB5JCq_X1dTSKfIg/s1600/me&m+bday.jpg" height="640" width="638" /></a></b></div>
Also in January was <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-loves-birthday.html" target="_blank">my sweet husband's birthday</a>. I love this picture of the two of us. It was taken before we entered into some crazy seasons of our marriage, all of which we got through together. As a team. I don't know how I would have made it without this man.<br />
<br />
<b>{3}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe55AN8pKoBFj0JCLaWe51hujzXtyYDbokPdZW6R-_jroSFlTqBOGJetP_GCK0vhcnrHTvjVNwWzEjwFLr5RV7pRFgsWgiRVjBWRFJpMkcqXZZ9sXzXXO7t_lujed8TXjugChc5TvF5Ts/s1600/IMG_3358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe55AN8pKoBFj0JCLaWe51hujzXtyYDbokPdZW6R-_jroSFlTqBOGJetP_GCK0vhcnrHTvjVNwWzEjwFLr5RV7pRFgsWgiRVjBWRFJpMkcqXZZ9sXzXXO7t_lujed8TXjugChc5TvF5Ts/s1600/IMG_3358.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Valentine's Day 2014 we found out we were expecting our first baby. Our joy was overwhelming. After our first ultrasound in March we found out our sweet baby had a weak heartbeat, and on St. Patrick's Day 2014 we found out our Thomas Gianna had been born into eternal life. The physical, emotional and spiritual cross of <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/04/would-you-pray-for-us.html" target="_blank">miscarriage</a> sent me into the darkest season of my life thus far. But, praise God, <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/04/would-you-pray-for-us.html" target="_blank">you all prayed for us</a>. Oh, the power of prayer! With the love and support of our dearest family and friends, we found <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/07/unfolding.html" target="_blank">hope</a>.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>{4}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTo-_wxzVLWWpusxMTXj5aS7nBjosUlLezZh_m9745jz3y-Zkg0DhmM6NGxLvylmWV6njJO-wSQyaQ-emHnrtV0Lh17o-0ENa_eydj6YH7Pa1HexR8rgpO_-e2a4sLD2-pKnnlfBbyTdA/s1600/st+gianna+novena+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTo-_wxzVLWWpusxMTXj5aS7nBjosUlLezZh_m9745jz3y-Zkg0DhmM6NGxLvylmWV6njJO-wSQyaQ-emHnrtV0Lh17o-0ENa_eydj6YH7Pa1HexR8rgpO_-e2a4sLD2-pKnnlfBbyTdA/s1600/st+gianna+novena+graphic.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In April many of you joined me in praying a <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/04/happy-feast-of-saint-gianna-our-novena.html" target="_blank">novena to Saint Gianna</a>. These were some of my most popular posts of 2014. St. Gianna is a saint I grew to know and love well after our miscarriage, as she suffered two miscarriages herself. She is a great saint for life - the gift we celebrate and honor in a special way today on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. St. Gianna, pray for us! </div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>{5}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWCsfXc53wW0uKgYbZ4-UK2LbpFw82Q3RGoeaWzCiXnQagRQAxjnkVRdIVnLBAbbybMbxNOLsRDRa5od0Vey3PiiyVWax7XK988glRVqB8YNXpehjLGwCmyPk-EnYC0hkjpeFEeORsNo/s1600/my+butter+half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWCsfXc53wW0uKgYbZ4-UK2LbpFw82Q3RGoeaWzCiXnQagRQAxjnkVRdIVnLBAbbybMbxNOLsRDRa5od0Vey3PiiyVWax7XK988glRVqB8YNXpehjLGwCmyPk-EnYC0hkjpeFEeORsNo/s1600/my+butter+half.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Summer was spent in the heat and humidity of Houston, Texas. We celebrated our two-year anniversary with a little getaway to Austin, which is where this picture was taken. I also wrote my second most-viewed post of the year over the summer: <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/06/fathers-day-with-child-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">Father's Day with a Child in Heaven</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>{6}</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk64yQuI5xTQ4DM8-3p9BPftnsH68ipjqmTC10lBITJUOSYgt8dBxqXl5RpUe6LTQl-ii2YLXMdIvORfMLWJGr_JpxGpkjUImbRuEC1chY8T6WCU7P9kTyV_kEXW2v2H5pqSN2Ddix69c/s1600/final+update.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk64yQuI5xTQ4DM8-3p9BPftnsH68ipjqmTC10lBITJUOSYgt8dBxqXl5RpUe6LTQl-ii2YLXMdIvORfMLWJGr_JpxGpkjUImbRuEC1chY8T6WCU7P9kTyV_kEXW2v2H5pqSN2Ddix69c/s1600/final+update.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the fall we raised over $2,000 for the <a href="http://www.saintpetershcs.com/giannacenter/" target="_blank">National Gianna Center for Women</a> in honor of our Thomas Gianna. I have never done anything like this before, and it was such <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-birthday-gift-for-thomas-gianna.html" target="_blank">a special way to remember our baby and to give back</a> to those who gave so much to Michael and I when we were going through our miscarriage. We couldn't have done this without your help, generosity and prayerful support. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>{7}</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohJTbsDaTxOmljCAsN_di1n32PcQUJnwb6OReG_QX59iZtAhIrYEBuibs5LNYrNSiwwIc0W5KbvrYr4GLwah_yir6E3J63aUFRHW_hqLFnbpiBml7qwo4tgvhVdlNWWcVDfzQXpc3TM/s1600/gift+from+above.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohJTbsDaTxOmljCAsN_di1n32PcQUJnwb6OReG_QX59iZtAhIrYEBuibs5LNYrNSiwwIc0W5KbvrYr4GLwah_yir6E3J63aUFRHW_hqLFnbpiBml7qwo4tgvhVdlNWWcVDfzQXpc3TM/s1600/gift+from+above.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In September we shared our joy with you that we are <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-very-very-special-7-quick-takes-no-27.html" target="_blank">expecting our second child</a>. What a gift and blessing to be just over 32 weeks pregnant with our son today! We are so grateful for the gift his life already is to us.</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>{8}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9y5XR1nyYMlZvCR76X7NL-ESgEO0p4f6wOL5WcgimMlUyTNX6ScfpySRuj_SnqeM09qpCXw-H7mZkqJuExNpVFpVpwc0MKfQ6NWDzdgLdIz3mr6MGfCaJVyqbA3XuiVuKGGst5bnUqc/s1600/blue+cake+reveal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9y5XR1nyYMlZvCR76X7NL-ESgEO0p4f6wOL5WcgimMlUyTNX6ScfpySRuj_SnqeM09qpCXw-H7mZkqJuExNpVFpVpwc0MKfQ6NWDzdgLdIz3mr6MGfCaJVyqbA3XuiVuKGGst5bnUqc/s1600/blue+cake+reveal.jpg" height="640" width="460" /></a></b></div>
Y'all loved seeing pictures from our <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/11/its-a.html" target="_blank">gender reveal party</a> {it's a boy!} - and I loved sharing with you!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>{9}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc7sADDo-Oio0DSXUEJOeB6FxcphPwq1xOEcv2G6dRxT_ii1hg0WZ6Y7TtBqZw5j2DJpoyMJp7Z1EhcFHzFmn1XpvvT_u_jpP7DULQTWH4GvEeQiOq7IXCWrbjkKiIf2kzskQgU311xE/s1600/Blessed+is+She+Who.crimson.blogWMpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCc7sADDo-Oio0DSXUEJOeB6FxcphPwq1xOEcv2G6dRxT_ii1hg0WZ6Y7TtBqZw5j2DJpoyMJp7Z1EhcFHzFmn1XpvvT_u_jpP7DULQTWH4GvEeQiOq7IXCWrbjkKiIf2kzskQgU311xE/s1600/Blessed+is+She+Who.crimson.blogWMpic.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></b></div>
One of the greatest blessings of 2014 was getting to be a part of the beautiful <a href="http://blessedisshe.net/" target="_blank">Blessed is She</a> ministry. I love writing a reflection each month, and reading the other devotionals has been an inspiration to my prayer life. {Side note - have you seen the <a href="http://blessedisshe.net/shop/" target="_blank">new Lent journals</a> yet? So exciting.}<br />
<br />
I also expanded <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">my etsy shop</a> to include some inspirational prints, which is something I had wanted to do for some time. The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/213839092/inspiration-printable-blessed-is-she" target="_blank">"Blessed is She who believed" print</a> above is one of my favorites.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>{10}</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3xFqLLWh8-MX_-LWssqgRRGx8QzdoU8WI1WnOQMG6QdpWr0Fbl-PEaWeXmZZfflr51L6m4xD1yxX5a2nRVrus3hnqL8Qvz5ZJARg9Ufrf_Urm0vsBuhfydLyb11L-5_SXe15z7YvgM/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3xFqLLWh8-MX_-LWssqgRRGx8QzdoU8WI1WnOQMG6QdpWr0Fbl-PEaWeXmZZfflr51L6m4xD1yxX5a2nRVrus3hnqL8Qvz5ZJARg9Ufrf_Urm0vsBuhfydLyb11L-5_SXe15z7YvgM/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></b></div>
The last picture in my collection of ten sums up my year perfectly: gift.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father..."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{James 1:17}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While our year had ups and downs, laughter and tears, trials and triumphs, <b>each and every day was a gift and a blessing</b>. And I am so very grateful.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>* * *</b></div>
Thanks for reflecting back on the year with me. If you haven't already, be sure to click on over to see <a href="http://www.houseunseen.com/2014/12/12-in-2014-link-up.html" target="_blank">more <strike>10</strike> 12 in 2014 posts</a>! Thanks so much for hosting us, <a href="http://houseunseen.com/" target="_blank">Dwija</a>! And thanks for leaving your linkup live for slowpokes like me. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4S0wvxU6u2A1yEqb0PCqZuRpLwITh7DDZNQCg31lQl41LFzUOclNpdh51KskgraeHsur1hnUlQh5I-snJIr8yOJEATByMwehDV17RjEyCFhLYkeBJJRsPXbdNSgR7Kq_UTbQYRJsack/s1600/12+in+2014+linkup+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4S0wvxU6u2A1yEqb0PCqZuRpLwITh7DDZNQCg31lQl41LFzUOclNpdh51KskgraeHsur1hnUlQh5I-snJIr8yOJEATByMwehDV17RjEyCFhLYkeBJJRsPXbdNSgR7Kq_UTbQYRJsack/s1600/12+in+2014+linkup+image.jpg" height="218" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
• • • • •</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And on another note - somehow, even with my lack of blogging as of late, at least three of you dear readers nominated me for a <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2015/01/2015-sheenazing-awards.html" target="_blank">Sheenazing Award</a>! Thank you so much. That was so sweet of you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1acjvIzHXWL4HTku_pym-Z6Ke1rxTzLLxH1XI7ZANF6KkTeUqfvrf7hAAT4-ay8DlA8h6LSW94HHsCyKGw5YO9EnUemRGI1-95WEJkRtC286gaCe2FcqkPfLecJa2hkKN2gAdZBriqwg/s1600/15+Nominee+SA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1acjvIzHXWL4HTku_pym-Z6Ke1rxTzLLxH1XI7ZANF6KkTeUqfvrf7hAAT4-ay8DlA8h6LSW94HHsCyKGw5YO9EnUemRGI1-95WEJkRtC286gaCe2FcqkPfLecJa2hkKN2gAdZBriqwg/s1600/15+Nominee+SA.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm nominated in the <b>Best Under-Appreciated Blog</b> category, along with some other wonderful women. If you'd like to <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2015/01/2015-sheenazing-awards.html" target="_blank">cast a vote</a> all you have to do is <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2015/01/2015-sheenazing-awards.html" target="_blank">click over to visit our gracious & sheenazing host, Bonnie</a>. :) Voting ends Friday (tomorrow!), so don't delay!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Wishing you a beautiful day, friends...and here's to a blessed 2015!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-90027810280686309802015-01-14T18:38:00.001-05:002015-01-14T18:38:28.329-05:00Long time, no see!Hi, friends! <b>I'm still here! </b>Are you still there? Oh, I hope so.<br />
<br />
I really <i>thought</i> I was <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/12/why-hello-back-from-unplanned-break.html" target="_blank">back from an unplanned break</a>, and now it's over two weeks later. I'm not sure if it's just getting back into the swing of life post-holidays, or being 31 weeks pregnant today (praise God!) or that I've had a bad cold twice in the last month (colds + pregnancy = no good), but I just can't seem to find the time to write on the blog! The hardest part for me is trying not to be too hard on my type-A self about it. Do you know what I mean? I have all these ideas in my brain about posts to write - a recap of 2014, my word for 2015, what I read in 2014 & my reading goals for 2015, a pregnancy update, sharing baby shower details...sooooo many posts, so little time.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is this: I miss you. Hopefully I'll be back in the swing of things soon. And hopefully you'll still be here to join me!<br />
<br />
In the meantime, if you'd like to keep in touch, you can check in with me a la <a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>. I'll be posting there!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QJHzCuGygt88155u1VGK8DegteFwrE4GNCYtFvAxOPBDcd10R9Dm_C88JPbEFcTSbkxvDsaWTthm1lopHY_LyMfX9eSCHW77FP9GQSErcsEW_MzOPuQLQvSinKrRpXq8fyQ8asKYxWw/s1600/picstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QJHzCuGygt88155u1VGK8DegteFwrE4GNCYtFvAxOPBDcd10R9Dm_C88JPbEFcTSbkxvDsaWTthm1lopHY_LyMfX9eSCHW77FP9GQSErcsEW_MzOPuQLQvSinKrRpXq8fyQ8asKYxWw/s1600/picstitch.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
{By the way - have you been following <a href="http://blessedisshe.net/" target="_blank">Blessed is She's</a> #projectblessed hashtag on social media? It's pretty great!}<br />
<br />
AND one more quick thing - be sure to click over to <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2015/01/nominations-for-2015-sheenazing-awards.html" target="_blank">Bonnie's</a> for the <a href="http://www.aknottedlife.com/2015/01/nominations-for-2015-sheenazing-awards.html" target="_blank">annual, just-for-fun Sheen-azing blog awards</a>. Nominations of your favorite bloggers are due tomorrow, Thursday, so what are you waiting for? :)<br />
<br />
More from me very soon (I hope)...<br />
Thanks for being here.<br />
xo,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>{<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-40469244038301205562014-12-26T09:00:00.000-05:002014-12-26T09:00:06.546-05:00Why, hello!{back from an unplanned break!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Hi, friends! It was not my original plan to take a two (plus) week blogging break, but here we are. It's that time of year when most of us have been so busy. At first I was stressing about not blogging in the midst of the busyness when I decided to accept it and embrace a little break. I made an effort to stay in the present and occasionally even find time for <a href="http://in-endless-song.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-quiet-my-2014-word-of-year.html" target="_blank">quiet</a> (which is not something that comes easily to me).<br />
<br />
I'd love to share a few highlights:<br />
<br />
• I was blessed to attend a special Young Adult Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral with Cardinal Dolan as the presider, and Matt Maher leading the music. It was so great!<br />
<br />
• If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>, you may have noticed we took a trip to San Francisco for a conference Michael had.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_mAFfHvMChyphenhyphenKnVSo4RH_LpzawlgjyO9jr-TiZg_HHkSmuPb-LuULXKIjDMeQ59BlU8TiJAXG5KrYklBDINv5k0XCJLN1Tta4DeKOCjjq03K9RKosHTh_YhYd7VEZHP_jnoRfshwFSfg/s1600/IMG_5296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_mAFfHvMChyphenhyphenKnVSo4RH_LpzawlgjyO9jr-TiZg_HHkSmuPb-LuULXKIjDMeQ59BlU8TiJAXG5KrYklBDINv5k0XCJLN1Tta4DeKOCjjq03K9RKosHTh_YhYd7VEZHP_jnoRfshwFSfg/s1600/IMG_5296.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
And we got to hang out with my sister who lives there, which was the very best part!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKGvHxgbSPSa4IVO459ESrk27qv4dQzFLRQ-fODKnQ1iFCW1rARss9_txHiG3vXMCEMNjz3Xs0Ng0s5QhKnub-zX-xWasLBiEHoIRHkm3Bcr3W8NnPUExrurfqWxwz1JR6N4JdF_X5Zc/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKGvHxgbSPSa4IVO459ESrk27qv4dQzFLRQ-fODKnQ1iFCW1rARss9_txHiG3vXMCEMNjz3Xs0Ng0s5QhKnub-zX-xWasLBiEHoIRHkm3Bcr3W8NnPUExrurfqWxwz1JR6N4JdF_X5Zc/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
• Our pregnancy continues to go well - praise God! I'm 28 weeks pregnant now! Here's a picture from last week at 27 weeks:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-mczkmhKO_ZzE3CPHJOFbqO8ZnpAqVuLLYhIuETSN4Lfdmg4oQmOF9xTohlqAYBhK2Ddo3AkeDg1jipdu3FzFpZM9EzGWFPogtPGlhzhnb9gh6rGFB3rD8YHX78EL9-MvhjOJfzOCcI/s1600/IMG_5319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-mczkmhKO_ZzE3CPHJOFbqO8ZnpAqVuLLYhIuETSN4Lfdmg4oQmOF9xTohlqAYBhK2Ddo3AkeDg1jipdu3FzFpZM9EzGWFPogtPGlhzhnb9gh6rGFB3rD8YHX78EL9-MvhjOJfzOCcI/s1600/IMG_5319.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't believe I'm already in the third trimester! Crazy. We have our first baby shower this weekend, and we are so looking forward to celebrating this sweet blessing with our family and friends in a special way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
• Though I have no photo evidence to document it (oops!), on Sunday I got to meet the beautiful <a href="http://houseunseen.com/" target="_blank">Dwija of House Unseen</a>, and her family. Her family and my in-laws attend the same parish. It's always so much fun to meet my favorite bloggers in person. Love it!</div>
<br />
• Of course, I also spent time preparing for Christmas, which included wrapping gifts. I absolutely adore wrapping gifts for my loved ones. I went with a white and kraft paper theme this year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3xFqLLWh8-MX_-LWssqgRRGx8QzdoU8WI1WnOQMG6QdpWr0Fbl-PEaWeXmZZfflr51L6m4xD1yxX5a2nRVrus3hnqL8Qvz5ZJARg9Ufrf_Urm0vsBuhfydLyb11L-5_SXe15z7YvgM/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA3xFqLLWh8-MX_-LWssqgRRGx8QzdoU8WI1WnOQMG6QdpWr0Fbl-PEaWeXmZZfflr51L6m4xD1yxX5a2nRVrus3hnqL8Qvz5ZJARg9Ufrf_Urm0vsBuhfydLyb11L-5_SXe15z7YvgM/s1600/IMG_5337.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
We spent Christmas Eve and Day with my in-laws, and now are heading to visit my family in Ohio for some more celebrating. After all, there are twelve days of Christmas, so this is only the beginning! (Be sure to follow the #twelvedays hashtag on social media!)<br />
<br />
More coming soon...but I wanted to stop in to say a quick hello. I've missed you!<br />
I hope you and yours have been enjoying this special time of year together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Stay in touch! {<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b></div>
Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302022390653590720.post-48005168488930189312014-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:002014-12-25T06:00:06.778-05:00the Light given to us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1BWISskEz-vCKYZ1WNXjnRp649-0vGMD49mPew6Erlb4XU0ikT4CmYjjBEnH7o2cMuQuhH2m_aCvPpqmOAqEA0Uuo4lUwy5828VuE3biRYYoZ2C8UjLFvxgPa0yAO0oZiXW5KoT-_k0/s1600/the+people+who+walked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1BWISskEz-vCKYZ1WNXjnRp649-0vGMD49mPew6Erlb4XU0ikT4CmYjjBEnH7o2cMuQuhH2m_aCvPpqmOAqEA0Uuo4lUwy5828VuE3biRYYoZ2C8UjLFvxgPa0yAO0oZiXW5KoT-_k0/s1600/the+people+who+walked.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i> </i><i> </i><i>The people who walked in darkness </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>have seen a great light;</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>a light has shone.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>You have brought them abundant joy </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>and great rejoicing,</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>as people make merry when dividing spoils.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>For the yoke that burdened them, </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>the pole on their shoulder,</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>and the rod of their taskmaster </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>For every boot that tramped in battle, </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>every cloak rolled in blood,</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>will be burned as fuel for flames.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>For a child is born to us, a son is given us;</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>upon his shoulder dominion rests.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>They name him </i><i>Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>Father-Forever, </i><i>Prince of Peace.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>His dominion is vast </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>and forever peaceful,</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>from David's throne, and over his kingdom, </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>which he confirms and sustains </i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>by judgment and justice,</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>both now and forever.</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i>The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!</i><br />
<i> </i><i> </i><i> </i>{Isaiah 9:1-6}<br />
<br />
I just love this reading proclaimed at the Midnight Mass. It is such good news for us; it's a scripture brimming with hope and promise. My heart is filled with gratitude this Christmas for so many blessings in my life, the greatest of which is the gift of Christ Himself, who came for me and for you. I sometimes fall into the trap of taking this for granted, but the gift of Christ is truly awesome. <i>Awe<b> </b>-<b> </b></i>some. <b>I pray our hearts would be awakened and filled with wonder at this truth this Christmas, and always.</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavXLAmm0YgfY9tq9X2D0VL8CxjVhxLjIgpmBXCg0vJuWo48HfATDrOEwAHkOvmxiZ06sJtAWfeBWQka0kB4qSqS6Jv5oPI06V8qUJcu1X5m1EBBhX0v5k3rhtXkMhR0nyrBWfLqfjDnE/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavXLAmm0YgfY9tq9X2D0VL8CxjVhxLjIgpmBXCg0vJuWo48HfATDrOEwAHkOvmxiZ06sJtAWfeBWQka0kB4qSqS6Jv5oPI06V8qUJcu1X5m1EBBhX0v5k3rhtXkMhR0nyrBWfLqfjDnE/s1600/IMG_5347.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Michael, Baby Howe & me • Christmas, 2014</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Wishing you and yours a bright and blessed Christmas filled with His peace, joy, and great love...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERrs5Jcra1I1_bbJdMLBXLRQJKS9jUuH-I9zakdbL98dO_AY5X1vHTYHhSSu5Gss1etrmh5_WwxZcHW149lcrxz5xARA4yh8PFYdJmPwc15ZFuUz-lcebAlclbctVhMDl72ZhhjRX7x4/s1600/blog+signature.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Stay in touch! {<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11288599" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>} {<a href="http://instagram.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">instagram</a>} {<a href="http://twitter.com/inendlesssong" target="_blank">twitter</a>} {<a href="http://pinterest.com/ehinendlesssong" target="_blank">pinterest</a>} {<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/withjoycalligraphy" target="_blank">etsy</a>}</b>Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02263351286641410292noreply@blogger.com0