tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5899226575167388912024-02-18T20:54:47.096-07:00Live, Love, LaughLife isn't about weathering the storm; it's about learning to dance in the rain.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-51009526173989777312013-12-19T12:57:00.000-07:002013-12-19T12:57:12.953-07:00Here, there, and everywhereIt has been quite a year. We've been up to the usual things, in addition to moving twice and running our own business. It's like this year has been out to prove that life really doesn't turn out how you plan. Nevertheless, the kids are growing tall and healthy. We live in a comfy, wonderful home far away from ... well ... anything. Peace and quiet are what I asked for, and that's what I got. Thank goodness!<br />
<br />
It is snowing and foggy here in Idaho. Next week is Christmas, and though I miss my mom to the point of despairing, I try to make Christmas as magical for my kids as she did for us. The house is decorated, the Christmas songs are playing, the tree is up! I think she would be proud of me.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0Rexburg, ID, USA43.8230556 -111.7852778000000243.7314171 -111.94663930000002 43.914694100000006 -111.62391630000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-88270479278555503932013-01-24T17:08:00.000-07:002013-01-24T17:08:03.506-07:00Here we arePhysically, we are in Rexburg, Idaho. Emotionally, spiritually, even financially ... I'm not so sure. Shock is still the prevailing emotion, I think. Shock that our lives can change so completely is such a short amount of time. It shouldn't surprise us; adoption has taught us that lesson twice over.<br />
<br />
But ... here we are.<br />
<br />
We bought our sign shop on Nov. 19 and moved here Dec. 22. A month later, we're working hard and have encountered an entirely new level of stress that only comes from owning your own business ... and having your whole heart, soul, and bank account tied up in said business.<br />
<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/AVvXsEh6xGX6_8Ao3JlqvEeeENysaAwmQus6ngAw-QRwFLK9L2cuZS_QIcZL7EYHNr_cgB0C9AkS3rs66542xGWsyaZyNkkSiwIT3EJt6cSd5kXtsX2Y9PIWFZQs01Zw1QxDbUG8_DBefOxCw_M_/s1600/IMAG0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xGX6_8Ao3JlqvEeeENysaAwmQus6ngAw-QRwFLK9L2cuZS_QIcZL7EYHNr_cgB0C9AkS3rs66542xGWsyaZyNkkSiwIT3EJt6cSd5kXtsX2Y9PIWFZQs01Zw1QxDbUG8_DBefOxCw_M_/s320/IMAG0500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newest member of our family...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No idea where we're going from here. It is all in God's hands.We're just holding on tight and trying to keep up.<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-13353330392770304862012-12-08T21:27:00.000-07:002012-12-08T21:27:51.072-07:00ChangeI think we've pretty firmly established that I do not like change. Change is scary. Change takes me out of my comfort zone and makes me do things I don't think I can do. Nevertheless, over the years I have learned that change is essential and it CAN be good.<br />
<br />
What's changing around here? Well, just about everything!<br />
<br />
Andy and I are happy to announce that we've bought a sign shop in Idaho. Andy is already there, running the shop and filling orders. The kids and I are still here in Montana, hoping and praying our house sells quickly so we can join Andy soon. This particular change came out of the blue, when we least expected it. It has swept us up and carried us along. So far, it has been a stressful, scary, and exciting ride.<br />
<br />
Today's song seems appropriate. Our world is hanging upside down. We're holding out hope and praying we're not hanging ourselves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/IgDNCmGr-Q4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
*** Note: In live version, the words of the song have been changed to "You can understand dependence when you know the Maker's HAND, not land.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-36677853606858087022012-10-26T19:46:00.001-06:002012-10-26T19:46:09.659-06:00Just checking inJust a song of the day today. Surprisingly, not Mumford and Sons. *GASP!*<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/fGLtufyEMFU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-20868884452268892422012-09-29T21:59:00.000-06:002012-09-29T22:03:58.276-06:00S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dBn2ux5vRHk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Party, party, party at the Boyle household! Early bedtime for the kids, special dinner for Andy and me, and an extra episode on Supernatural on Netflix. Yep. We're crazy, wild people! HA!<br />
<br />
Nate and I started putting up Halloween decorations today. Started with the orange lights and the ghost that makes scary noises as it zips along its line. Tomorrow, we'll put up the blinky ghosts lights. Not sure how long we'll be able to wait before we get the pumpkins. Nate is really excited about Halloween this year. In fact, he is really upset when he sees the Christmas decorations out at Walmart. "Halloween isn't even over yet!"<br />
<br />
The homestudy visit is over. It went well. We're trying to decide what to do differently this year. What MORE to do. Any ideas?Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-38480487335072412112012-09-11T20:28:00.000-06:002012-09-11T20:28:38.853-06:00It's a busy week!We have been hustling around here cleaning, cleaning, cleaning this week! Our annual homestudy visit with our caseworker always sends me into a cleaning frenzy and I, in turn, whip the rest of the family into a frenzy. Nate is excited to do the steam cleaning in her room all by himself. Yes, my son, manly men love cleaning!!!<br />
<br />
I have also been hanging out with our foster dog Basil. Oh, I love this boy! Such a distinguished gentleman! Protective of the kids and a complete love. I'm happy he is here, and I'll be sad when he goes to his furever home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYDq-qYbG-BuPs9C6v1AApDr0TowoDc0luBJLRDDsroRWgO5swNxnNjGUPqd6Uy9UIEj4AZS3A8EznJMz2tXKhbyVuqoOUPP_cGQp8MvQox-5CiHNnsjpWx3MiCPsfmpsBQ58lNDqHzkF/s1600/mebasil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYDq-qYbG-BuPs9C6v1AApDr0TowoDc0luBJLRDDsroRWgO5swNxnNjGUPqd6Uy9UIEj4AZS3A8EznJMz2tXKhbyVuqoOUPP_cGQp8MvQox-5CiHNnsjpWx3MiCPsfmpsBQ58lNDqHzkF/s320/mebasil.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In other news, Andy has applied for two different jobs down in Idaho. If you want us down there, you're gonna' have to pray hard, y'all! We've been trying to get back to Idaho since we were married, and it just never seems to work out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also going on at the Boyle household, I'm hoping for a new heater in the near future. Yay! Can't wait to put the old dinosaur we have now to rest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's all, folks! Back to cleaning!</div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-15367965501945511182012-09-08T21:30:00.000-06:002012-09-08T21:30:19.754-06:00Song of the dayJust a song today. It reminds me a lot of adoption. Plus, it's Mumford. How can we go wrong! ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/q_5t2sTaYlw/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q_5t2sTaYlw&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q_5t2sTaYlw&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-39741289853460756102012-09-06T21:02:00.000-06:002012-09-06T21:02:11.980-06:00First week of schoolI'm tired in only the way a mom with two kiddos starting school can be. There's a special anxiety that goes with your kids starting a new school year. I always remember how nervous I was at that age, and I get equally nervous for each of my kids. Darn, it's hard to send them out into the world, away from my watchful eye.<br />
<br />
Hope my readers are having an easier time of it than I am!Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-13610422900321710032012-08-30T17:53:00.000-06:002012-08-30T17:53:46.190-06:00Mary's momcationFor my birthday, my bestest bud got me the most out-of-this-this-world-amazing gift! Tickets to me all-time favorite band: MUMFORD AND SONS!!
My somewhat obsessive interest in Mumford and Sons is kind of complicated. I might go into it in more detail one of these days, but suffice to say their music strikes a chord deep within my soul. So not only am I blessed with an amazing friend who would buy tickets, but she also understood that attending the concert would be a really big deal for me! Awesomely awesome!<br />
<br />
Even now, two days later, I am breathless at the memory of the concert! Breathless, speechless, and completely grateful for the fantastic outpouring of energy Mumford and Sons put into their performance. Marcus danced around the stage, spinning is circles with his guitar while Ben jumped up and down as he pounded on his keyboard. Winston made sweet love to his banjo (watch a recording of them playing live--you'll understand), and Ted closed his eyes as he brought it all together with the bass. It was obvious they were having a ball playing for us. They were feeding off our energy, we were feeding off theirs, and it all mixed into a night of singing, dancing, screaming, and jumping. It was all I had hoped for and so much more!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ELXyaaL-czo" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I bought over-priced merchandise:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK9AUdCgqkYOlBVL1FL0ctEW6JsB5DvTlokni9-B4sWWT7HoRjJVnP9jJhVoPi0hdEb2nlslg1Qll8P8oAmTIBjOyARx2oqVRlJsMHzCjrXHz1S6cVo7G3spwHxY0-rO97wiDIYD5Im-d/s1600/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK9AUdCgqkYOlBVL1FL0ctEW6JsB5DvTlokni9-B4sWWT7HoRjJVnP9jJhVoPi0hdEb2nlslg1Qll8P8oAmTIBjOyARx2oqVRlJsMHzCjrXHz1S6cVo7G3spwHxY0-rO97wiDIYD5Im-d/s320/shirt.jpg" width="240" /></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/AVvXsEhRjK058QqYNVebDBNEhsN7yNDzLSGeSs6hiStGR97wBRz3RYBnxRQtKcbabQwEifXXDJ3zC4KkHvg82f92edYjnqC7z0n2soYzbQc_gAu4ik5tYCWVg_gTCn5_L8VUmd_7jiTthSgUBzw-/s1600/0828121841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjK058QqYNVebDBNEhsN7yNDzLSGeSs6hiStGR97wBRz3RYBnxRQtKcbabQwEifXXDJ3zC4KkHvg82f92edYjnqC7z0n2soYzbQc_gAu4ik5tYCWVg_gTCn5_L8VUmd_7jiTthSgUBzw-/s320/0828121841.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I laughed . . .</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTnKI2xR9QKuhVY70j899HZyxLA6A8cr2Bd8e2tUqU2c7iR8Y4CG1FK9By8VVgQ3ELyNWzYdW4yyPbgyDNz9plCLSeuJBRKgJHY9oVPPruZ2pwHjfnb6AC-alzHp63cQUk4SFIh_9rsq6/s1600/mumford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTnKI2xR9QKuhVY70j899HZyxLA6A8cr2Bd8e2tUqU2c7iR8Y4CG1FK9By8VVgQ3ELyNWzYdW4yyPbgyDNz9plCLSeuJBRKgJHY9oVPPruZ2pwHjfnb6AC-alzHp63cQUk4SFIh_9rsq6/s1600/mumford.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cried . . . (my eyes out . . . all the way through this one . . .)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/F_ogSzrNLK4/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F_ogSzrNLK4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F_ogSzrNLK4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
. . . and left the next day feeling utterly blessed, uplifted, and completely awed:</div>
<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/AVvXsEiQhk73BT7TWDLVDSR1S1RkhLA1aJLfHB9osziJoTIeF8-9BNht_vHr_QtcD2tTjp7dU8dPN6XR_utwr0Zv36zw-hc_SEDRPkG-_DZvl90CFNonDmWYYV4VbJM9aRjUX477X17kf6uWUNcd/s1600/0829120906a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhk73BT7TWDLVDSR1S1RkhLA1aJLfHB9osziJoTIeF8-9BNht_vHr_QtcD2tTjp7dU8dPN6XR_utwr0Zv36zw-hc_SEDRPkG-_DZvl90CFNonDmWYYV4VbJM9aRjUX477X17kf6uWUNcd/s320/0829120906a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wish I had the words to describe it all to you. Powerful, fantastic, splendid, soulful, gripping, heart-wrenching . . . all these are true, but still don't capture the exact experience.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-3034621956807953712012-08-21T19:51:00.002-06:002012-08-25T18:31:11.570-06:00Andyman the fishermanThe thing about Andy is, he's a fisherman--with all that entails.<br />
<br />
A patient man, quiet man, soft-spoken and mild, Andy could sit by the water with a fishing pole all day. Even if he caught nothing, he would count it as time well-spent.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyyPg6_y8oPfUiDbueNH65MQj1aSy78T_BCMvGZp2GXt211jZ1XAryHk1be38vApjYmfbFrOpc4Akqx9KBdFEQQssaYt3BEKSM08PQFTDYnOzquwr8PZVSv8Me36ZBma4viLOK9sG9GoR/s1600/thoreau_quote_8b_sticker-p217107692106302600z85xz_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyyPg6_y8oPfUiDbueNH65MQj1aSy78T_BCMvGZp2GXt211jZ1XAryHk1be38vApjYmfbFrOpc4Akqx9KBdFEQQssaYt3BEKSM08PQFTDYnOzquwr8PZVSv8Me36ZBma4viLOK9sG9GoR/s320/thoreau_quote_8b_sticker-p217107692106302600z85xz_400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"Fishing isn't about catching fish," he often tells me. Fishing, for him, is about being still, thinking, and just BEING.<br />
<br />
And, as the saying goes, still waters run deep. His placid surface hides a deeply thoughtful, kind man who loves to play pranks and tell stories. He is quietly stubborn, invariably kind .Patient and a "go with the flow" kind of guy, he is also the most steady, stalwart, strongest man I've ever met. He survived leukemia and now views life with a zest and child-like joy. In fact, he is currently winning a tickle fight with our two kids, and laughing just as much as they are.<br />
<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/AVvXsEj2_D6ij5ZbwnFv-nPWocd0hzwYkNIKxCtNwSijD638K08FcjhkYvcFekcfAnJxu42hCgjGAG6GQscev7ijZgV1xPdzrzJBBbUF-xZBlhclN2VQJCW0O0y4g1ys34rhZuYyXxlkJ9tbOaRO/s1600/581070_3903177987499_783871381_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_D6ij5ZbwnFv-nPWocd0hzwYkNIKxCtNwSijD638K08FcjhkYvcFekcfAnJxu42hCgjGAG6GQscev7ijZgV1xPdzrzJBBbUF-xZBlhclN2VQJCW0O0y4g1ys34rhZuYyXxlkJ9tbOaRO/s320/581070_3903177987499_783871381_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fisherman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My day isn't complete without one of his big, squishy hugs that squeeze the air out of me. Life hands us our lumps and throws us our curve balls, but I know as long as I have my Andy by my side, all will be well. He's my rock, my calm in the storm, my best friend.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-25404937323837351292012-08-17T13:47:00.000-06:002012-08-17T13:47:16.320-06:00Mary confesses!It must be said!<br />
<br />
I'm an animal-loving, potato-eating, out-loud-laughing farm girl who has been transplanted into Butte, MT. I still long for the wide-open spaces of my youth. <br />
<br />
I love seeing field upon field of wheat, potatoes, and barley growing beneath a clear blue sky. The smell of freshly cut alfalfa fills me with joy, as does the site of ripe wheat in the golden afternoon sunlight. And, most of all, the site of baby animals--even the cows!--just tickles me to no end.<br />
<br />
I'm most comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt. I think a baked potato and a nice grilled steak are fine dining (sorry, vegetarian and vegan friends!). I think kids should play in the dirt, make mud pies, and know the joy of finding a litter of kitties in the hay stack; they should sleep out under the stars, climb trees, and watch thunder storms sweep across the fields with awe and wonder.<br />
<br />
I sometimes dream about living among pine trees, far up in the mountains my mom taught me to love. I still consider the mountains a place apart from the rest of the world . . . almost sacred; a place where I remember who I was and still am, a place where I can immerse myself in God's creations and feel close to Him.<br />
<br />
Life's journey has taken me out away from the farm (but thankfully kept me close to the mountains). But beneath the citified, scatter-brained exterior beats the heart of a simple (still scatter-brained) farm girl. And I wouldn't have it any other way!Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-80723745261538411912012-08-16T17:05:00.000-06:002012-08-16T17:05:26.566-06:00Checking inIt has been a busy day around here. I've been working on my paracord stuff, chasing Lizzie around, trying to whip up dinner, and applying for jobs.<br />
<br />
We've decided to renew the homestudy. Nate was the deciding factor on this one. He was horrified at the thought of quitting. "But...what if a mom is having a baby...and she wants to give it to us?" Well, try to explain THAT to those big, brown eyes! We have always wanted him to feel involved in the adoption process, and this is the first time he has expressed a strong opinion about anything involving it (besides wanting a brother, lol). I'm not thrilled at the thought of searching for another year . . . but at this point, we're so used to it, what could it hurt?<br />
<br />
Song of the day, since it's been a while . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/0kS8RTRi7HA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The video itself makes me motion sick, but the lyrics are perfect. "I'll kneel down, wait for now. . . I will wait, I will wait for you."<br />
<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-53316914760949182912012-08-14T21:30:00.001-06:002012-08-14T21:30:41.238-06:00Still hoping, praying, wishing, trying<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62o_MasZynXwwh4r7x33N2bGhFx67cNn0JXLIPhdlxluWQZ44sr2VYQCTGHusTNn7MiD3wanBH24NxwKL0DX6GlDbmhWMmG7_8HGXVIMW4ZQ4AJ0G_INEr9JtxrURkpAs5zk9OPmy834k/s1600/283591_2167373873481_4203705_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62o_MasZynXwwh4r7x33N2bGhFx67cNn0JXLIPhdlxluWQZ44sr2VYQCTGHusTNn7MiD3wanBH24NxwKL0DX6GlDbmhWMmG7_8HGXVIMW4ZQ4AJ0G_INEr9JtxrURkpAs5zk9OPmy834k/s320/283591_2167373873481_4203705_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Still trying to adopt! Share our page, y'all! We can't do it without you!Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-63517510360105520082012-08-06T22:32:00.000-06:002012-08-06T22:33:29.553-06:00Happy tiredIt has been a busy day of dog rescue! As some of you know, I help out with with my sister's animal rescue. It is a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Today, I gave a ride to a sweet boy who is so, so happy to be with kind humans. It was a great experience for my whole family, even though we only had him a few hours. Helping even just that one sweet soul gave us all a boost.<br />
<br />
Still pondering our options as far as the homestudy. Dunno.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-62733179028148041712012-08-04T16:53:00.001-06:002012-08-04T16:58:05.012-06:00another Saturday...It has been a full day here at the Boyle house! Nate spent the afternoon riding bikes and playing on the spip n slide with one of his buddies. Andy was at a festival selling my paracord stuff all day;Lizzie and I joined him for a while and had fun in the sun! Always nice to have an outing minus tantrums, etc. :) I'm all tuckered out, and I still have to come up with something for dinner. Hmmmm...
We are still trying to decide if we are going to renew the homestudy. We have a lead we are hoping works out...of course, the last time we had a match the birthmom dropped off th emap 2 months later. So, we are taking things one tiny step at a time; we aren't matched yet, and may not be for some time to come...but it is always nice to have a little hope.Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-51153197835929206262012-07-21T13:17:00.000-06:002012-07-21T13:17:58.074-06:00Lazy Saturday morningI'm just hanging out with Lizzie this morning. The boys are up selling my paracord stuff at the farmer's market, so we're just hanging out, listening to Mumford & Sons, and thinking about having popcorn for lunch. Yum!<br />
<br />
We're planning on heading to see "Brave" again this afternoon, and then we're working on our new fence. Fun times! :) We have our awesome friends coming to help, so we're going to burn some hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill in way of thanks. We are so very blessed with the friends we have made here! We are grateful every day for the people we've grown to love here in Butte, America! <3<br />
<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0Butte, Mt, USA46.0038232 -112.534777645.6508962 -113.1664916 46.3567502 -111.9030636tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-62019861227168348812012-07-16T22:40:00.001-06:002012-07-16T22:40:31.558-06:00Tired but happyMy insomnia continues, but I am happy to report that laughing and talking with friends yesterday lifted my spirits and reminded me that . . . hey . . . I'm okay!<br />
<br />
Baseball is finally over. Yay! We love watching Nate play, but ooooh my goodness, the baseball season is looooong! I'm trying to decide if we want to do fall soccer . . . Probably will. Gotta' keep Nate busy or he gets bored, bored, bored! Plus, he thrives when he PLAYS.<br />
<br />
Lizzie is enjoying her down time. She jumps in the wading pool every day and jumps on the trampoline. She eats non-stop 24/7. She makes me laugh every day. She drives me up a wall every day. And I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
Well, I think I might actually be tired! Need to jump on that before it goes away again!<br />
<br />
:)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-89938573205001358382012-07-15T22:51:00.000-06:002012-07-15T22:51:04.883-06:00What a difference a day makesBeing around loving friends always reminds me who I am and who I strive to be. <div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppvFnrZxmxY888cqqY3-DNuTvdgZtFBgGuis1Sf5l-SMa1PjEgBosb2bbMxdnbGpDIKxiSqa5VT9F13vuCumqwj3F_JbrNj16cbTLbr-klZSRyGC2gpccqprNvFLsremPBu42eOwzbN1/s1600/friendship_quotes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOppvFnrZxmxY888cqqY3-DNuTvdgZtFBgGuis1Sf5l-SMa1PjEgBosb2bbMxdnbGpDIKxiSqa5VT9F13vuCumqwj3F_JbrNj16cbTLbr-klZSRyGC2gpccqprNvFLsremPBu42eOwzbN1/s1600/friendship_quotes.gif" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-3424914967481272582012-07-14T23:31:00.000-06:002012-07-14T23:31:04.414-06:00The men reds pt. 2And the men reds continue today. I am trying to channel this negative energy into positive things. Like, taking the long list of doubts and insecurities I have and discarding the ones I have no control over and choosing some to work on that I CAN control. How does that serenity prayer go...?<br />
<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/AVvXsEgu1UNXwc-juHNqV-32lTWxTsqDMlP9WqWMVLOyIuxooP2p62VZKJQ9OjYZPERBmovb7ZpJC3zyb-oOgl0fzRy8scwfcCZU8Udzs0eI0RJV093wXXw2sJvNdDSS5ALEw-AIvNsZDih6cue3/s1600/serenity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1UNXwc-juHNqV-32lTWxTsqDMlP9WqWMVLOyIuxooP2p62VZKJQ9OjYZPERBmovb7ZpJC3zyb-oOgl0fzRy8scwfcCZU8Udzs0eI0RJV093wXXw2sJvNdDSS5ALEw-AIvNsZDih6cue3/s320/serenity.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, that's the one...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />So, now that I've thrown myself on the ground, kicked and screamed, and pretty much had my grown-up temper tantrum (HA! Didn't think I realized what a whiny little brat I was being, did ya?), it's time to pick myself back up, dust myself off, and keep on keepin' on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-5219600259503214352012-07-13T19:53:00.001-06:002012-07-13T19:53:43.930-06:00The mean redsI was awake most of the night last night, staring into the darkness with my brain running a hundred miles an hour. Everything from travel plans for the holidays to whether we're ever going to adopt again to all my insecurities as a wife and mother--it ALL ran through my head last night.<br />
<br />
And I cried.<br />
<br />
I haven't cried that much for a while.<br />
<br />
I cried because I don't know if we'll ever adopt again, and the general opinion of those around us is that we are crazy for wanting to do so.<br />
<br />
I cried because no matter how carefully we plan our visits for the holidays, there's going to be one or more person complaining about how little they saw us and/or how short our visit was. I saw the fights Andy and I will inevitably have, the stress we will go through to make sure everyone else is happy . . . but we won't be . . . we'll be stressed out, sleep deprived, and strapped for cash because of the travelling expenses (cue more fights).<br />
<br />
I cried because I have a LOT of insecurities and they all presented themselves in big, bold letters last night.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I am quite raw and fairly depressed today. I have to admit, things did not look better in the morning, and these thoughts have been plaguing me all day long, to the point where I am doubting everything in my life--every decision, every path taken . . .<br />
<br />
Holly Golightly called it The Mean Reds . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4jsUIgchHXU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-49570131480811958352012-07-09T23:06:00.001-06:002012-07-09T23:06:19.725-06:00Sweatin' it out!Hot, hot, hot!!! And I'm not just talking about my husband! *wink wink* This weather has us all feeling sticky and somewhat unhappy with life. Kids are grouchy cuz playing in the wading pool and sprinkler can only go so far, and the grown ups are grouchy cuz we're tired of fighting with the kids about playing video games and watching TV all day long.<br />
<br />
Plan D is in full effect. We are still stumbling around wondering what we've gotten ourselves into, but forward we go! There's not much to Plan D . . . mainly, the idea is to stay upright and keep going. Keep raising our kids, keep doing what we know is right, keep being ourselves. Keep on keepin' on. Simple, right? Maybe we can actually pull it off . . .Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-67294174161946239092012-07-08T16:14:00.000-06:002012-07-08T16:14:07.302-06:00Sleepy Sunday afternoonVeggies, veggies everywhere! We got a Bountiful Basket yesterday, and I had so much fun throwing veggies into dinner today! Salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, red onion, tomato and crab (the fake kind); and roasted veggies: squash, red pepper, more onion, zuccinni (however you spell it) and egg plant. Just waiting on Andy to fire up the grill and throw the steaks on (those are organic steaks from my Daddy) to make it all complete! All in all, I am feeling like an Awesome Mommy today.<br />
<br />
Although, the kids aren't going to touch any of the veggies ... Lizzie is trying to kick down the bathroom door while Andy is in there, insisting, "Daddy needs help!" ... and Nate went to church in a dirty shirt.<br />
<br />
Ah well. MOSTLY Awesome, then. *Grin*<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-64862534957653129512012-07-03T17:05:00.003-06:002012-07-03T17:05:53.989-06:00Just chillin' (or trying to)Good grief, it's hot! Kids and dogs don't want to go outside and the AC unit is cranked to the max. It's July already, and I'm not sure where the time has gone! Probably toward raising two kids and trying to adopt another, eh? <br />
<br />
We've been having our fair share of fun, too. Like the Boyle family reunion! Hot but fun! So many kids running around, and so much to catch up on with Andy's sisters!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqUL3WPgvx2UWdhnYh5EB-2pMzXSo9OIRr5WcHvLCpuNCVvLltMoY59Vvj90sy1bdI_B1e1bgNfQ4eopSe-JZjHsz8seIJeGS5EDn1uCfvwr5ztCLDAZ5PAWgL28PweMyRkEvBy67imhl/s1600/DSCF0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqUL3WPgvx2UWdhnYh5EB-2pMzXSo9OIRr5WcHvLCpuNCVvLltMoY59Vvj90sy1bdI_B1e1bgNfQ4eopSe-JZjHsz8seIJeGS5EDn1uCfvwr5ztCLDAZ5PAWgL28PweMyRkEvBy67imhl/s320/DSCF0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tgIhI32I7UxXUGY1gUytNmo1sk9p0syGziPPOES7o2RBdlJQD5t7uxrewLjyWo9qUCbB8j4EQGtPhtoqdOCnxQXGDDyPJ_9Nl1i8xRbtbAv2rSHL2VZmNOmtU7hIfEbIRyXKKIO9F8IV/s1600/DSCF0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tgIhI32I7UxXUGY1gUytNmo1sk9p0syGziPPOES7o2RBdlJQD5t7uxrewLjyWo9qUCbB8j4EQGtPhtoqdOCnxQXGDDyPJ_9Nl1i8xRbtbAv2rSHL2VZmNOmtU7hIfEbIRyXKKIO9F8IV/s320/DSCF0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP8fJfFLHLon5E7BDqxAE53uSBzpLCWWuWONECIf3uESXsU_92NjsdjdhoGp9vVqj6Xs4ZCKiB3HgRoWlxcoq8YPoer-9q_jGWfljspuU2YSTv7atjGQpNKRaSpEa6E4Sut_5XNJmCHAu/s1600/DSCF0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP8fJfFLHLon5E7BDqxAE53uSBzpLCWWuWONECIf3uESXsU_92NjsdjdhoGp9vVqj6Xs4ZCKiB3HgRoWlxcoq8YPoer-9q_jGWfljspuU2YSTv7atjGQpNKRaSpEa6E4Sut_5XNJmCHAu/s320/DSCF0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tomorrow, we'll do our usual 4th of July celebration: Parade, fireworks and hotdogs and hamburgers on the grill. Yippee! We do love the 4th! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are also looking forward to my sis, L, and her boys, I and J, coming up for a visit! Maybe they'll make it for the Montana Folk Festival, which is always so much fun! Maybe we can convince Grampa K and Peggy to come up, too, and really make a party of it! We'll have to see how persuasive I can be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But before all that, I have to convince Lizzie to hold still for her new hair do! Wish me luck!</div>
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-8815805263499791222012-07-02T21:37:00.000-06:002012-07-08T16:14:50.705-06:00It's empty in the valley of your heartI'm listening to Mumford and Sons and mourning plans A, B, and C a little. They were good plans, we thought. What happened? Why did they not work out? We don't know. But I can see the paths and life we expected with each plan, and I can't help but feel a bit sad that Plan D hasn't taken us there. Plan D is (we hope) going to take us to equally grand views and still waters ... just different views, different waters.<br />
<br />
<i>"If only, if only," the woodpecker sighed...</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
Well, we can't do anything about the "If only"s. We can only move forward, one step at a time. "Keep on keepin' on," my mom used to say. And so we shall.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"The ghosts that we knew will flicker from view and we'll live a long life."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QUJEomxzCuo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-589922657516738891.post-12384322839569996802012-06-30T23:49:00.000-06:002012-06-30T23:49:05.446-06:00Plan DWell, we think we have a new plan for getting where we think we're supposed to be. Let's see how this one works. I'd much rather not get to plan F. (Sorry, inside joke.) Andy has just sent a very important resume. Prayers are appreciated.<br />
<br />
Other than that ... Life as usual.<br />
<br />
Except for Mumford! Nothing usual about getting to see Mumford & Sons in August!!! It's a trip above and beyond anything I could have imagined for myself. Feeling pretty darn special that I got invited along for the trip. I would have never treated myself to it.<br />
<br />
<br />Andy, Mary, Nate, Lizziehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12039472856853662901noreply@blogger.com0