tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249377972030723762024-03-13T21:41:42.243-07:00 A Tripp Down Motherhood Ln.The many adventures in the transitioning life of the Tripp Family. Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-89070269335960948082018-03-14T06:29:00.000-07:002018-03-14T06:29:34.558-07:00Surviving a Strong Willed ChildSo, I read an article last night that really helped me regain my focus as a parent. I’ve been so struggling with how to handle my strong willed, tantrum pitching, constantly screaming 1 yo. I’ve only ever dealt with this through babysitting and with that you can tell the parents and then say adios and leave it for them to handle. Now, with a SWK(Strong willed kid) of my own I can’t run away and not deal with it. I need to be ever present and it’s exhausting. So, I finally looked up some articles for tricks, wisdom, and encouragement, and this blog post from this mama really encouraged my heart and opened my eyes to the treasure of a child I do have even when I feel as though we both won’t make it to his graduation from high school 😂😂 God is teaching me through this blonde blue eyed kiddo of mine, patience, understanding, endurance, unconditional love, and grace....lots of grace and patience again because I need a whole lot of that and God knows it. I’ll pass on to you what this sweet mama said in hopes it encourages you other Mamas as well trying to tread these rough waters of a strong willed kiddo 😉<br />
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“Don’t lose sight of the incredible gift that you have in your SWK because this shift in perspective is worth its weight in gold. When you perceive your SWK from a positive viewpoint, you will be a better parent to your SWK. Period. Not always easy, I get that, really I do. However, it will be so beneficial to see your SWK through a positive lens every day. <br />
Remember how I said that I like control, order, and all of that? I also like to follow rules. I like consistency, and I like congruency. These are all things about me that I’ve had to learn to surrender in dealing with my SWKs much of the time. Try as hard as I may, I can’t control my SWKs and I certainly can’t change them, but I can change the things about me that are only aggravated by the things that my SWKs do that are the opposite of these things. Change you. Change your need to control…you want to guide them not control them. Repeat with me…you want to guide them not control them. Good stuff right there. Repeat as often as necessary<br />
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So often as parents we feel that we are in a battle. It is us against them. However, we are not in battle, although our SWKs like to make us feel like we are in an all-out war almost every day. The thing is, battles need to have a winner and a loser. This is not so in parenting, especially in parenting a SWK. Before engaging in anything that resembles a fight of any kind, ask yourself, “Is it worth it?” Maybe a different question to ask would be, “Does this really matter?”<br />
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Love them unconditionally<br />
We know that as parents we need to love our kids unconditionally, but this is especially true in the case of a SWK. They feel the tension, they feel the stress, they feel your frustration. As much as they like to know that they are controlling you in regards to those things, they don’t need to be wondering if you still love them in spite of it. Make sure they know that they are loved.<br />
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Parenting a strong willed kid can be a challenge, but it can also be an incredible gift. Keeping a few things in mind, having a fresh perspective, and knowing a few tricks to keep up your sleeve can help you navigate the tumultuous waters just a bit, making them a bit smoother. It will be so worth it!"<br />
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Also Remember YOUR CHILD IS A PRECIOUS GIFT and somedays you will scream, you will say things you wish you could take back, you will be a "bad mom". It's ok, we all have our days and our tank runs on E way longer than it should. Know that there are other mamas out there struggling as well and beating themselves up for being that "bad mom" when really they are a great mom who has given so much and keeps giving no matter her level of exhaustion. We sacrifice our lives for our kids and that makes us AWESOME moms. Don't beat yourself up. I had this "bad mom" day just last week. A few choice words were said in my head and slipped out my mouth a few times. I had hit rock bottom. My husband came to the rescue and let me have an afternoon off which was very refreshing and so beyond needed. Being a SAHM means you get no days off though, no weekends off, and even your "off afternoons" aren't really off because, lets face it we still get calls and texts and we also wonder how they are surviving. It's a 24/7, 365 job through good days and hard days. But the job is so rewarding and to be able to watch and raise our legacies is absolutely a blessing! Just remember you are doing your best and its a "learn as you go" job. No mom is perfect, but you are perfectly placed in your child's life by God to guide and direct them. God is not only using you to shape them but He is using them to shape you as well. ;-)<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-25908337290267243752018-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:002018-02-12T11:39:26.923-08:00Real World Mama Living and LovingYou know those Mama posts as you are scrolling through Instagram or Facebook, those “ I’m gonna stand here with my thousand dollar outfit and my kids looking like they just came out of a magazine gleefully smiling away or kissing mama’s cheek” posts. The posts that make you think “I’d like to be that mama someday! I need a new wardrobe, I’d love to look that good! My kids need new clothes, or why can’t my kids be that sweet or calm?”<br />
Well ladies, I wish all that! I’m guilty of looking at their clothes and thinking “how pretty do they look?! And how fit!” But reality sets in and I realize I’m the normal mom over here budgeting for clothes, food, and just everyday needs. I throw on the same pair of jeans I have had for several years that still fit comfortably around my flabby skinned mama belly, that $8 old navy shirt that doesn’t cling to that said mama belly flab, and a belt so my jeans don’t fall off while picking up the toys sprawled across my floor for the upteenth time today. I put on makeup to feel like I am alive after a night of little to no sleep. I have gotten a 3min shower and I dream about a long soak in a tub. I live on little money and a heck of a lot of Faith. So yes, sometimes I wish I were that well put together mama in front of that white super clean backdrop or in that gorgeously laid out nursery, but for reals, would I trade this life for that? Heck No! I’m sure it’s not all rosey as it looks over there and those kids had 5 or 6 tantrums before or after that picture was taken. In this very social media age today, it’s easy for us mamas to compare ourselves to other moms. I have to remind myself all the time that God has so blessed me with the life I have, I have clothes on my back, shoes on my feet, my kids are well fed and healthy and so am I, we are able to pay our bills, we have a gorgeous apt that we live in, wonderful neighbors, clean water, and wonderful kiddos. We may have debts, we may not be able to afford the finest clothes, the fancy foods, the gorgeous house, a nice date nigh, BUT we do have so much more than so many other families have. I am reminded of the trips I took to Guatemala not so many years ago and how they live in the Mayan jungles. I remember walking into one home doing hut to hut evangelism and their baby was hanging in a blanket ON THEIR WALL <---That was the baby’s crib. It was dark inside with mud floors and it was all one big open room with just hammocks hanging from the beams above. This is their life and I’m over here dreaming about new clothes and my kids looking like models in pictures?<br />
I say all this because I’m being honest about the mama life. Not all of us can have the Joanna Gaines dream home or the super stylish kiddos or the hip mama wardrobe, but what we can have are the real life moments with our kids and teach them what’s important in life. They can see a real mama who loves them beyond measure and a Dad who loves them so much he works so very hard to make ends meet. God gives us mana for today. So, when you are dreaming of being that super sexy stylish mama, just know you are beyond perfect the way that you are. Your kids will remember what all you did, not what all you wore. We are all mamas raising our kids to be the best they can be! I’m not saying let yourself go, I’m just saying it’s ok if you have a Walmart or second hand wardrobe. Don’t let the world beat you down. There are far more important things in this life, And you are raising them. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPkVg6TLnqs/WoHrIi2914I/AAAAAAAADp0/cVmKqc9tJQ0uamdSkvEH2uS0ki_bkaSMQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3353.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-27624416547852191962017-09-09T01:08:00.002-07:002017-09-09T04:09:07.578-07:00Caedmon Turns 3! <span style="color: #454545; font-family: "uictfonttextstylebody"; font-size: 17px;">Where do I begin? Well, let's just say that I'm in denial that my Caed is turning 3. I have made his "2" year appointment only to be corrected that it's his 3 year appointment and then after I got off the phone I put it down on our calendar as his "2" year appointment. I'm not claiming preggo brain for this one, just denial. I refuse to except that he is growing up and that it's been 3 years since I brought him into this world. He has definitely hit the more emotional age where one second he is all smiles and laughter and the next he could be wailing away. He and his brother have very few sweet moments and when they happen, I just sit and watch and soak it in. They are usually screaming and pushing each other and such is life with boys so close in age. One day they will all be best buds. Caedmon, couldn't be any smarter though! He loves puzzles and fixing and building things! His mind is always going and now his mouth as well and that part gets annoying at times but we have waited so long that it's so fun to hear all the words he knows and sentences he is putting together. As we always say, he has a personality that far surpasses his height. People make many comments about "oh look at the baby!" "Aww he can talk!" "Look at the baby walking" or a 3 year old girl who came up to him in the buggy and, I swear she looked 5yo, well she starts "talking to the the baby" and her grandmother looks at me and apologizes for her just walking up because "she is only 3", I didn't tell her Caed's age or that would have made her feel even worse, since he literally was a third of her size. But, I knew from the beginning that with every year of Caed's life would come more comments etc. on his height and smallness. I also knew from the beginning that I wouldn't take offense at every comment people made. I want to be a role model for my son, to not get his feathers all ruffled so easily. He will be taught to stand up for himself, yes, but he will also be taught to educate people and practice patience and understanding rather than just acting out of immediate emotions. Yes, people will say mean and nasty things but understanding that to act out of anger just plays right into their hands. That's what they want. Getting offended at every "little" thing is not how I want to raise my child. Yes, he is special but so are people with black skin, white skin, Asians, Mexicans, People with Down syndrome, and people that are super tall, etc. That's what makes the human race so beautiful! Understanding that some people just don't/can't understand that, is key. I haven't run into a person yet who has made a negative comment about my son. Most people think he's the coolest little dude and ask questions and I'm always glad to answer! Telling his story brings me joy because his journey is our greatest learning experience as parents. Caed stretches us daily and I know he has helped me to be a more mature individual and overcome my fears. I always hated docs, hospitals, calling people, handling insurance issues etc. and now I'm my son's biggest advocate talking to Docs all the time, educating most on his diagnosis, spending time in Hospitals, and tackling lovely Insurance when necessary. God has used Caed to shape us as parents and people and our prayer is that we can train him up to see what a gift he is to the world and that his life has a purpose. God has already used him to touch so many lives! I look forward to the many years ahead as God uses Caed to glorify Him and spread the joy and love of Christ through that goofy charming smile and personality of his. But, please slow down time a little. We love you Caedmon more than you will ever know! You are an amazing big bro who deeply cares for others even if somedays it doesn't shine through as much. You have the sweetest heart and you love and laugh so hard. I can't believe you are three. Stay strong and stay goofy always, sweet boy! </span><br />
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-29445943826134467512017-04-12T06:55:00.002-07:002017-04-12T06:55:29.311-07:00Parks, Play Dates, and People. A note from a Special Need's Mom<br />
This is going to be a short post but it's heavy on my heart so thought I would put it to words and post it! Also it's short because time is very limited these days! So, I may get a blog post in every month now haha! Just reality. So I hope all you mamas are doing well and hanging in there! Love and much coffee to all of you!<br />
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As Spring and Summer weather has set in, it's that time of year that we hit up the parks and kid friendly places! Being a Stay at Home Mom during the winter months can be exhausting trying to entertain your kiddos and also keep them from germs especially having a child who's immune system isn't all that great. So, we hibernate a good bit during the winter months. When the first sign of Spring hits the air it's like heaven!!! Let's go outside kiddos!!!<br />
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As a mom of a special needs child(Achondroplasia, dwarfism), this time of season brings many struggles. Park Play dates are usually short lived due to a child that wears out super fast because he can't go at the same pace as an average height/build kid his age can. He also overheats fast. So please don't take our having to leave an hour into a play date as a "we aren't enjoying this". We love parks and playing! Also as a mom of a special kiddo, I have to be ever present wherever he goes on a playground due to his stature. It's hard for him to maneuver the big play equipment and bigger kids. So, a play date means a very busy active time for me as well 😜 I apologize that I can't sit and talk. I would love too but making sure my child stays alive is priority one.<br />
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And to the moms of kids who have questions about my kid and why he is so small, bring them to me and ask me and I will answer those questions. Please don't hush your child if they point and laugh at my son or point out that he's different. Hushing them does nothing but separate them from my son and comes across as "no don't talk about them" and that results in them not wanting to interact with people like him. I know it's embarrassing as a mom to have your kid vocalize their thoughts about others, but that's good! Let's break the barrier of awkwardness. Our children are all learning and let's provide them with those teaching moments. I would love to explain in "kid" form why Caed is different. I am preparing myself for all the comments that come flooding in around this time of the year and especially now that Caed is older. I don't take offense at the comments but I do look at it as an opportunity to spread awareness and Caed's coolness.<br />
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So, as a mom to my cool kid Caed, and I speak for all the moms of special need kids, whether dwarfism, autism, or Down's syndrome, etc. We want to educate others on how special our kid's are, so allow us those opportunities before judging, making a negative comment, or hushing your child for finding that our child is different. They are curious little minds. Let's set good examples of love for people all shapes, sizes, colors, and mental states. It starts with you. Our children are watching and listening. Let's be the change in this world.<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-9065912667208971982017-03-06T10:34:00.002-08:002017-03-06T10:39:43.065-08:00Stay At Home Moms Have All the Time in The World!<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
Ok, sorry it has been so long since my last post. This post goes right along with why that is. We Stay at Home Moms actually do things! (Whaaaaaaat?!!) We don't just sit around popping bonbons watching soaps, well at least I don't. One of the things that really gets to me is people asking me to be a consultant to this or that or asking us to do other random stuff because well, they don't have time and I'm a stay at home mom, I have time I need extra money. </div>
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One, I don't have time. Two I don't need the extra money. My husband and I weighed the pros and cons of me staying home with our kids and I knew when I was very young that I wanted to stay home with my kids one day. My husband works hard to provide for us and I shouldn't feel guilty for not adding to our income. I am adding more than money can, by staying home and raising and teaching our children. I chose to designate 100% of my time to MY CHILDREN. One day I will be able to pursue something that I also love to do and adds to our income, but until my kids graduate I will be giving them 100% of my attention. I also keep our house clean and running smoothly. Many people ask how I keep my house so clean, well I believe highly in time managing. Yes, I may be sleep deprived to an extent due to not napping when my kids nap, but I can go to sleep at night knowing my house is in order and ready for the next day. You can juggle kids and cleaning. If you are a stay at home mom there is not excuse for your house to look like a war zone! (Except for preggo or medical issues) I probably would fit better back in the day when women cooked cleaned and were always dressed and ready for the day. Chilling in your PJs all day was unacceptable. I feel like more and more we become a lazy generation. Messy buns, yoga pants, and oversized sweats and sweatshirts are acceptable. Don't get me wrong I like all those things I just can't stay in them all day! Guess that comes from growing up a PK with our house being the parsonage right next door and anyone just popped in anytime they liked. Call me old school. My kids are happy and so am I and my husband. I know not everyone isn't crazy about cleaning etc...and each family is different. This post isn't meant to guilt anyone. This post is to inform those who don't know any better that we stay at home mom's do DO THINGS!! Our lives are just as busy as a working mom's life because we ARE WORKING! We are getting up at all hours to feed a baby many times at night, we wake when they wake, we are surrounded by constant drool, spit up, poopy diapers, a constant talking/babbling/whining/thrashing/bipolar toddler, a teething and sleep deprived baby, our bosses are very demanding and always keep us on our toes, literally, by dodging sharp toys and cleaning the same toys up a gazillion times a day. We vacuum(at least once a day), sweep, wipe toilets, clean up foods and bodily fluids wiped/smeared across and on anything and everything. We cook and we meal plan and we coupon and we shop! We work too, just we may not get paid in green very valuable paper. We get paid in smiles, coos, hugs, slobbery kisses, watching milestones met, watching when things finally click, watching them walk across a stage and being handed a diploma, and the "thank you mom for everything" at the end of their schooling and the beginning of their independent path ahead. These 18years are so very short and I don't want to miss a moment of their life when I am blessed to be able to stay home with them. So, please don't take it as an insult when I say no to things. My kids have 100% of my attention for now. Yes, one day I would like to take on something fun for some extra mula. But not now, I'm a busy mama raising my very busy boys. </div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-29677715315639350772017-02-07T11:15:00.000-08:002017-02-07T11:15:05.051-08:00And Then There Were Two <div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
When you become a parent of two, you quickly realized how easy your life was with one. Don't get me wrong, life with one is ridiculously hard! With your first kid you are learning so so much! Everything is new and if you have never been around babies, google becomes your best friend! My google search probably read like this "how many breaths does a newborn take, what's colic, what color should a newborn's poop be, how to comfort gassy baby, how to help baby poop, constipated newborn, dwarfism, 3wk growth spurt, growth spurt chart, how to not lose my mind during a several hour newborn cryfest" lol You get the picture. You worry about the slightest things and change their diapers every 2 seconds and have the burp cloth ALWAYS on you or within reach to catch the very slightest little dribble from their absolutely adorable little smiley mouths. It takes 20mins to get everything and their bedroom packed up for a 15min grocery run and you are a frazzled but glowing with the "I'm a new mom" glow. You get home and you sleep when baby sleeps and soak in all the snuggles and kisses and coos and smiles. After a year of all this sweetness, you decide, "hey let's have another! How hard can a second one be! I've got this parent thing down!" </div>
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BAM!!!! You bring new baby home and your sweet little firstborn child seems to have grown a whole year in maturity between the time you went into the hospital and the time you brought the new addition home. You stare at them wondering "where in the world did my baby go?" They seem so big compared to that small newborn in your arms. You feel complete but yet so very sad and somewhat bitter by what you just did. You love that new baby in your arms beyond measure but you also are heartbroken by the fact you just had your first baby become a big boy/girl. Your little duo is now a trio. Then, you think to yourself, "there is only one of me and now two of them!". You now get to learn what REAL multitasking is. You will be amazed at what all you can do while holding a crying baby and toddler around your feet. You learn what TRUE sleep deprivation is. Yeah you thought you knew with your first, that was just a teaser <span style="font-family: '.Apple Color Emoji UI'; line-height: normal;">😜</span> Kiss naps goodbye because your kids have devised a plan against you, where one sleeps while the other makes sure mom/dad doesn't. Also they cry together!! Always! And it never fails, when you have to pee so bad the baby will need feeding and the toddler would have pooped, so now your baby is ballistic, your toddler is crying because the baby is crying, and your living room now smells like a dozen rotten eggs and you are about to pee in your pants. I look back and laugh at how I thought parenting just one child was so hard! I look at these mamas with 4,5 and 6 kids, and man, nothing but respect ladies!!! I'm sure it does get easier though after the third especially when your oldest is old enough to help. It's having kiddos close in age(which is what we wanted) it is just really hard but I wouldn't trade any of these hard moments for the world. It is a difficult transition from 1-2 and I know it has to be especially hard with a third because you and your husband are now outnumbered. No more "you take him/her and I'll get him/her". You don't pick favorites of course but you learn to asses the situation and then prioritize the needs at the moment and decide who stands/walks and who gets held. With each child comes a whole new ballgame especially depending on that new addition's personality. We have been so very thankful and blessed that our second is so chill. Yes, he has his moments but he is rather easy. Total opposite of our first. We love our family of four though! </div>
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To the mama about to be a mama of two(which I know there are many of you) don't feel guilty for missing those special days with just you and your first born. Cherish those memories. Remind yourself of those memories and then remind yourself that you get to now experience it all again, just this time with another sweet little one. The first 2mnths are hard and you will cry and feel pulled between both kiddos and feel like there isn't enough of you to go around. You will feel like you are expecting too much of your oldest and feel guilty for not giving them enough attention. Remember, it is all a growing and learning process for all of you. Take your time! No need to rush to be a super mom! It's a transition process, emotionally, physically, and mentally for ALL of you. You will get there. For now, soak in all those firstborn snuggles and make memories. It all changes so fast. And SLEEP! Lol as much as you can. It's not all rosy but it is the best feeling ever when you see those two kiddos together. The best gift you will ever give your child is their sibling, their best friend. They may not realize it now but they will one day. <span style="font-family: 'Zapf Dingbats'; line-height: normal;">❤</span> </div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-1107119096445221862017-01-29T12:48:00.003-08:002017-01-29T12:48:36.047-08:00Raising Men in a World Full of Boys<div style="color: #454545; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
I had finally put our Walmart trip off long enough, all week actually, so off we go down the mountain to pick up a few necessities ( you know brownies cause I'm craving chocolate and too lazy to make some, and other "needs") We start the process of venturing in after all the parking spot searching(closest spot to the store and near a buggy return). I unfold myself out of the car and sling the car seat over my arm and then lift the toddler up onto my God given baby seat(my hip). We grab a cart and make our way in. Lots of avoiding certain aisles and budgeting in my head if we need this now or if it can wait until payday. Finally, we make it out alive. A lot of emotions go into a grocery trip, excitement(yay! other human beings!, anxiety(hoping the baby stays asleep and no upper or lower eruptions occur), sadness(maybe one day I can buy all this junk food and not gain weight), and then impatience and anger(Self Check out machine that has a mind of it's own + a crying baby and whining toddler). But we made it back to the car with everyone still alive. I get the boys in the car and get so excited that there isn't a car on my side, so I can get in with ease! I push the buggy to the cart return and BAM! A car had pulled in and now I have to wait until they get out so I can get in. So I stand there. An older gentleman steps out of the drivers side and apologizes for me having to wait on his wife. I reassure him that "it's totally fine". He walks to his wife's door and instead of opening her's he opens mine. My jaw dropped. He looks at me with a smile and says "here you go dear, after you" I was in such shock. I can't remember the last time a (car) door had been opened FOR ME. I thanked him and hopped in. I was glowing! I then watched as his wife sat patiently as he opened her door next. Such a sweet man and it absolutely made my whole trip worth the headache! </div>
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This action had me thinking about how it's so sad that chivalry is not dead, but it sure is dying. How sad that many women don't get to experience these sweet actions. We women and men have begun such a battle of the sexes with comparing each other and trying to be equals. We have come across like we are too good for such a treatment or "I can get the door myself! I am capable", I'm guilty of this. Growing up with four brothers I always had to be on my "A" game and kick some butt ;) It always felt weird when a door was opened for me. I guess now that I'm older and have boys of my own I realize it is a sign of great respect and not belittlement. </div>
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Now, entrusted with raising two boys, I want to instill in them the great respect of women. Here are a few things that come to mind. </div>
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<b><i>• Respect for Adults</i></b></div>
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They will always refer to adults as "Mr., Ms., and Mrs." And answer with "yes ma'am and a yes sir" </div>
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Please if my child refers to you with any of these do not discourage them from doing so. In our world today too many kids have lost the respect of adults and many parents have allowed their children to be on the same level. I have found that this results in disobedience and much lack of respect for authority. I grew up referring to adults as Mr. Ms., Mrs, Yes ma'am and sir, and I can't tell you how many times people asked me not to refer to them as such because it made them "feel old" well you are "older" and it is a sign of respect, so please take it as such. </div>
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<b><i>• Respect for Meals Provided</i></b></div>
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(The Dreaded Supper Struggle)</div>
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Man cannot live on chicken nuggets and pizza alone, hence why he created women. You may not be the best cook in the world but you do cook a meal for your family, whether it's running to bojangles and waiting in a long line of other desperate last minute meal mamas(guilty, yes me!), crockpot prep bright and early in the morning, or slaving over the oven most of the day. That meal took time, effort, and much patience as you juggle kids and prepare yourself for the picky eaters to come. Too many times men take for granted their wives and all that goes into a meal for the family. I was taught that whoever prepared the meal everyone else had the cleanup detail. As my boys get older, I want to strive to instill in them the attitude of appreciation for whatever meal is sat before them(whether they like it our not) their meal will end with a "thank you" and "let's start the dishes". Of course it may not sound that chipper, but you get the picture. The most attractive thing to a woman is a man in the kitchen! I'm all about raising a boy to be proud to be a man in the kitchen one day! </div>
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• <b><i>Respecting Himself and Working Hard to be a Man Worthy of Respect. </i></b></div>
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We want to raise our boys to be hard working men willing and able to provide for a family some day. If the wife were to choose to stay home with the kids, she would be more than able to. I want them to know the worth of a dollar and how sitting around playing video games won't get you anywhere. We as a family don't own any sort of video game devices. My child is addicted enough to the iPad I hate to see how he would be with video games <img alt="🙈" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f648" goomoji="1f648" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f648" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /> So, I have instigated the "no video game devices in our home" rule(don't worry I won't judge your family, different rules for different households).I know though, you are probably thinking "well that's really mean, what kind of mom does that?!" "I bet she will take the tv away next!" Well it's been a thought <img alt="😉" class="CToWUd" data-goomoji="1f609" goomoji="1f609" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f609" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /> With educating my kids at home, It would get rid of any distractions for both my children and me. So don't be shocked if it happens! My husband may die but, I think he'll live to appreciate it. It will encourage more creative thinking for the kiddos and better family bonding. In this tech savvy world today family bonding is needed. </div>
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• <b><i>Respect for Women in General</i></b></div>
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Opening doors, giving up a seat, flowers "just because", and random acts of kindness and love shown to women are the greatest encouragers to us women to remind us to be the best we can be because we are loved, respected, and deeply appreciated. As a mom of boys, I want to raise this next generation of men to be just that, men. It may be a lot of unreal expectations but we are up for this challenge. God did not give us these boys for no reason. As I said before in my last post. I'm raising my future. I'm doing this for the future women they come in contact with whether it be random strangers or their wives one day. May they be as blessed as I was when that elderly man opened my door. Change starts with you as their parent. </div>
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I'm honored to say that my boys have many men in their lives who are excellent role models. From many uncles, to grandpas, to a hardworking father. My boys will know what hard work and provision for family, looks like. I am superbly blessed to have a husband who provides just enough for me to stay home with our boys and who is an active role in raising them to be great men. It's time more men stood up and realized the treasures they have in their wives and the legacy they want to leave behind. It's time for boys to become men. </div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-17801392825296679612017-01-22T16:05:00.001-08:002017-01-22T16:05:58.994-08:00Finding Equal Ground and Respect as Moms<div style="color: #454545; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
I am a Stay at Home Mom, I was not robbed of my dreams, my future, or my goals in life. I am daily living them out and watching them soar. </div>
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"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." Neil Postman, The Disappearance of childhood</div>
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The world tells us to live our dreams, achieve our goals, and the measure of a person is that of their achievements and of their successes. "Children will just slow you down." "Make the most of your life without kids because when you have them, your life is over". I hate to break it to you, but having a child is the beginning of the best life you will ever have! Exhausting yes, and self sacrificing, yes, but oh so worth it!</div>
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I am a stay at home mom(SAHM). I may not have the most money in the world, I may not have seen a great majority OF the world, I may not be able to sleep in, stay up late and party the night away, I may not have gone to college, I may not have experienced all the world has to offer, BUT, I get to hold my whole world in my arms each night and wake up to my future each day. My children are my greatest achievement, THEY are my future, THEY are the message I want to send to the rest of the world that I may never see. </div>
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Does being a stay at home Mom make me feel like a lesser person? Some days, yes. The world has yet to realize the blood, sweat, and tears that go into being a stay at home mom. We are beaten down and made to feel lesser of a woman because we aren't out working and adding to our family's income. We are beaten down and made to feel lesser of a woman by those that think we aren't able to educate our children properly and socially. We are beaten down to feel lesser of a woman because we have chosen to forsake our careers and raise our children. This is the part that most working mom's do not see and the truth that many working mom's do not hear about being a SAHM. Being a SAHM is not only physically and mentally draining but also emotionally draining. We daily have to battle the definition of a Mom in the world's eyes. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against working moms. I have the utmost respect for them. I just wish the world had as much respect for SAHMs as it does for working moms. We have chosen to swim against the current and the harder and harder it gets as the journey goes. </div>
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This subject has been heavy on my heart, so I decided to tweak my original blog from one dedicated to my son and his special journey to one of our whole family's special journey as we raise our boys and travel down this ever winding road of parenthood/motherhood. It is meant to be an encouragement to other fellow SAHMs, special needs moms, and mom's in general because motherhood is hard, but we moms are strong enough to handle it most days and we do need encouragement and need to stick together. We all need to know that we are loved, respected, and important. </div>
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To you SAHM, I say this, we may be beaten down for our choice of forsaking our careers or not going to college and pursuing being a stay at home Mom as your dream job. You are not lesser of a woman. You are raising your future. You have one of the most important jobs in the whole world, considering it is the hardest job. Don't be beaten down by the worlds standards of a Mom. Be encouraged by God's great calling on your life. </div>
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To you working moms, don't be discouraged and feel like a lesser Mom because you have to work to help provide for your family. You are important! I respect you and know it is heart wrenching to have to leave your child each day and to miss out on many things, but know that what you are doing is respected. I wish that everyone that desires to stay home with their child could, but I know that in many cases that isn't possible. I don't take for granted my being able to and I'm thankful that I can. It does not make you any lesser of a Mom in any case. <span style="font-family: 'Zapf Dingbats'; line-height: normal;">❤</span> Motherhood is a hard road with many different twists and turns but we are all headed in the same direction, that of raising our children to be the best they possibly can be. May we all respect and encourage each other on this journey. Much Love to You All! </div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-6707597190897254282016-09-08T07:52:00.001-07:002016-09-08T07:52:16.057-07:00CAEDMON TURNS TWO!!! <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Another year in our son, Caed's life has flown by! As we prepare for our next bundle of boy craziness, I can't help but think back to how amazing God has been to us to bless us with our special Caedmon and for bringing us through his first weeks, months, and now another year of his life! I look at our POLP and LP group (parents of little people and little people) groups on Facebook and am reminded how blessed we have been to have a super healthy child with no major surgeries or problems. I am reminded of how strong all these parents are and how precious our kiddos are! They are more than conquerors! As I always say, God knew that we needed Caed and Caed needed us. I wouldn't change a thing! </span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">A lot of people have been asking me and some are scared to ask because they feel like it's awkward, trust me it's not, I am more than happy to answer any questions and share our story with you. </span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The question has been "will this next child have dwarfism as well? What is the likelihood of you having another?"</span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Well the answer is simple, there is a VERY slight-none chance that we will have another child with dwarfism as our geneticist told us early on, it's something that just randomly happens and we were blessed to have it happen to us. We chose not to have any testing done on Josh and I after Caed was born because from all of our research and such and Dr's advice we felt like there was no need unless of course we had another child with achondroplasia. So far, Braddock's measurements have all been normal and there have been no concerns although my midwives and ultrasound tech have run over every detail to make sure. I was scared at first but I know God has everything in His hands and the child he gives us we will more than love and care for! Each child is a gift no matter their stature or condition they may have been born with. Caedmon has been nothing but a huge bright light in our life and has touched so many other's with his smile, waves, winks, goofy faces, and unconditional love for others. I cannot wait to see him as an older brother. He will be excellent and I'm sure very protective. </span><br style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">As for how Caed is doing, we still see early intervention each month(speech and OT) we love Mrs. Serena and Mr. Scott! We have been working on Caed's sign language as we are still working on words. He's trying though and is more expressive and communicates what he wants. Caed also is still on O2 and PulseOx every night until his next sleep study in April 2017. Blessed that he is so used to it that he has started helping us out with putting his oxygen on him! He is practically running these days and dancing and helping mommy with everything from chores to picking up daddy's dirty clothes and putting them in the hamper to picking up stuff when mommy drops it. He knows that baby Braddock is in mommy, when we ask where he is Caed points to mommy's belly or sometimes his own haha. He has tried out all of Baby Braddock's baby gear to make sure it's all Caed approved apparently. We haven't had to deal with any "fall on the floor" tantrums and he usually listens rather well. He is very particular about certain things like if a toy gets put in the wrong bucket or something makes a mess he freaks out a little. Get's his OCD honestly ;) It has just amazed me at how grown up he has become and what a good child he is. Hoping Braddock learns the ropes from Caed ;) Will be interested to see what Brad's personality will be like. Caed is so outgoing we'll see if we have a pretty chill little boy next. Either way Josh and I are very excited as our family grows! We just pray that Braddock's delivery goes smoothly with no complications and no NICU stay so that we can be those parents that get to take their child home soon after birth. That's my biggest hope and prayer! I can't imagine how some parents have to have their child in the NICU for months. It was so hard those two weeks. So we shall see and I will keep everyone posted! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, as we close in on Caed's official Birthday, tomorrow, We are beyond BLESSED by this very special gift God gave us 2 years ago. He keeps us on our toes and reminds me daily how truly honored I am to be his mom and be able to stay </span>home with him and not miss a moment of his life. It's a hard job with no time off or sick days but I wouldn't trade any of it! I love hanging out with my son and all of our adventures together. He is my biggest joy and has made me a better person. We love you Big Boy! Thank you, God for another year with our Crazy Caed! </span><br />
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-24822647804930948712015-12-18T06:32:00.001-08:002015-12-18T06:33:42.368-08:00Update on Our Crazy Caed! <div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And I'm back! I have been slacking on
my posts lately about our crazy Caed! Caed has hit so many milestones since I
last posted. He has blown his speech therapist and Early Intervention
therapist's mind, which makes us so very proud and blessed parents. He is now
walking, pointing, recognizing a few facial features, making a few animal
noises, and getting himself into the standing/walking position from sitting position all
by himself! It all has happened so fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caed started walking about a month and
a half ago and we haven't been able to keep him still or in one place since. He
follows me everywhere and has had a few rough run ins with mom's feet and other
hard objects ;) his poor mouth has been through the ringer as far as bumps go.
I'm prepared now with a frozen passy always available ;) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our Early Intervention therapist, Mrs.
Serena has been blown away with Caed's cognitive skills. Caed loves any kind of
animal but especially dogs and cats so I asked Caed to find a kitty in one of
his books and he turned right to the page and pointed to the kitty. Mrs. Serena
went crazy! She was so excited and said he was way above where he needs to be
and is so smart(I already knew that but I am rather biased ;) and although Caed
hasn't been saying words(just dada, yeah yeah, and uh oh) his speech therapist
was so impressed that Caed does have the "yaya" sound down and said
most kids don't pick that sound up until later. So he said shouldn't be long
until we hear him spouting out words. He communicates so well though with a few
sign language signs like more, done, and bye bye. He definitely lets us know
when he is done and ready to go home when we are out. He waves his arm like
"I'm done, bye people!" It's so cute. Can't wait to hear what words
are first! No "mama" at all right now but he can make those "mm"
sounds. If you ask him what a cow says he goes "mmmm" and
"mmmmm" every time he eats something good or drinks his water. So
shouldn't be too long until we have a nonstop talker ;) His Early Intervention review is next month, and he is ready to show off all he has been up to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Caed has officially built up those
muscles to get himself up into his standing and walking position from a sitting
position. This just happened three nights ago! So proud of him! He is also
getting in those canine teeth top and bottom(broke through last night actually)! These will be his 13th, 14th,
15th, and 16th! Crazy! So happy we are almost done with teething! These have
been rough as he has been waking a couple times at night crying. Oh and best of
all, he's been sleeping <a href="file:///x-apple-data-detectors/::0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6:30pm-6:00am</a>!!!!! Hallelujah!!!! It would
be even better if we can move that to later but for now I'll take it! He's
pretty stern about going to bed before <a href="file:///x-apple-data-detectors/::1" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">7pm</a>. So evening outings are still rather
difficult, so apologies to those we have had to turn down invitations to due to
this fact. Caed is still on O2 and a Pulse Ox every night so when he gets tired
we have to get him hooked up to it in the evenings. Hopefully with His sleep
study in April we will see if he has to continue with it or not. So prayers
appreciated for that when the time comes. Would love for him to be cordless as
he moves a lot when sleeping now and makes keeping the cords from tangling
around him more and more difficult. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Overall though he is thriving and doing
well! He's a busy busy boy! His favorite things these days are magnets(goes
back and fourth between fridge and dishwasher), balls and kicking his soccer
ball around, WALLYKAZAM!(we will try to put anything else on and he finds his
Wally DVD case and brings it to us, kid loves it, I don't argue because it
teaches words and I love bobgoblin;), goldfish, remotes, waffles(eats two every
morning), red sauce(still), kitties and doggies, mac n cheese, following mom EVERYWHERE, and
being outside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are enjoying this Christmas season
so far with an official toddler. He has done so well with our Christmas tree
and presents. Helps that he responds to "No" really really well and
"come here". He did pull the bows off the presents because he just
doesn't like to have stuff on things or on top of things or open. He's kinda
OCD and I have no idea where he got that from lol every time I open the fridge,
dryer, or dishwasher he is right there to close it and he gets into our
Tupperware cabinet now but takes one piece out then closes the cabinet and
repeats. Makes me laugh. He is so good though and we are so blessed :) We love
our Caed! Still can't believe he is a little over 15 months old now! Where did
the time go?! So excited to see what the next year brings. So blessed to be
able to watch our boy grow in personality and stature :) being a parent is the
best thing ever! It may be exhausting and some days you just want to scream and
cry, but the good out weighs the bad doubly! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<o:p></o:p>Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-77472517040774614622015-09-09T04:38:00.001-07:002015-09-09T07:34:32.459-07:00On This Day One Year ago.....<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">On this day, one year ago, we welcomed a precious 9lb, head full of hair, baby boy :) God has blessed us with much joy and showed us just how special our son was and how much He thought of us to send us such a gift. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">After a long hard two days of labor, at 4:03am, September 9th, 2014 we got to meet our hunk of an amazing bundle of joy and sweetness :) He was perfect. Shortly after he was born we were transferred to a room where we began to make ourselves comfortable and soak in this new chapter in our lives, parenting. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Of course not long after Caedmons debut into the world, was his pediatrician check. The pediatrician entered the room, took a look at Caedmon, checked his heart rate, etc etc. Then there was a little silence as he stared at Caedmon and then looked at us. The next words he would say, would stay with me and echo in my head over and over and over. "We believe your son has Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, there are a few tests I would like to run". I of course am in a state of shock and denial and outraged at this pediatrician that he would even think such a thing and then push for these tests. He told me after I had told him that my husband and I would like to discuss this and as of right now we see no need for these tests( personally just thought he was trying to get money out of us)that "what kind of parent am I to not have these tests done?" and started to argue with me. First off don't argue with a woman who has just went through 2 days of hard labor and given birth to a 9lb child and secondly don't question how much we love and care for this child. I was fuming mad. After many calls back and forth we finally decided to get a scan done of Caed's neck and head, but while on the way down the nurse noticed that Caed was breathing very hard and rapidly and called the pediatrician and they admitted him into the NICU. This was Wednesday late morning( the day after Caed was born). Josh answered the phone call telling us what they had done and then he broke the news to me. I took it well at the moment but, when I was getting ready to be wheeled down to the NICU I had a moment of overwhelming emotions and tears. I had never been in a NICU and all I knew was pictures of children in the big clear cribs with all these tubes hooked up to them. I wanted to see my son and knew he was alone down there and I had no idea what I was going to find. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I hadn't heard much about what was going on with him but I knew that when we got down there hopefully someone would tell me what was going on. Once we arrived, after washing several layers off our skin, we found Caed just chilling under the warm light on his back arms by his head and legs spread out. Looked like he was just chilling on a beach somewhere. After a good little laugh at the that fact and the fact that he was the biggest baby in there and that the nurses loved his hair, it made things a little more bearable. He was admitted for respiratory issues due to small lungs and nasal passages. They knew he had dwarfism but didn't push that on us as they knew we were dealing with denial and of course were blinded to the obvious signs medically because we didn't know. They kept referring to Caed's hands as trident hands, basically an obvious sign of dwarfism which we later would realize and come to a state of clarity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The hospital allowed us to stay an extra day in our room while Caed was in the NICU and then the next night we were given a parent room. Caed was put on O2 and a feeding tube as we had problems with breastfeeding and bottle feeding. He wasn't a fan of either. I was given the cursed pump and so began my great bond with I and Medela(the pump) The doctors and nurses were so nice and encouraging during this time. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The first night that we had to go home without our son was very hard. New parents never think about that as a possibility. You pack your bags and the car seat and all those cute little outfits that you can't decide which you want to put your new little one in. You look forward to the wheelchair ride down holding that car seat full of that little bundle you had pictured in that empty spot for weeks leading up to their perfect arrival and venture home. Our first trip home was empty handed and a few errands to Target to get some needed baby supplies. It was hard and my heart goes out to any parent that has to endure that. Walking into your home with all the baby gear empty and room just waiting to be filled, I can't imagine how a parent who has lost their child feels because in that moment I felt so empty and my child was only in the NICU. I knew we would get to bring him home but just didn't know when and that killed me! Josh and I went to the NICU everyday(Him until he needed to go back to work). We always hoped that today would be the day! But, It was a long 2 weeks of weaning Caedmon off his O2, feeding tube, and getting his stats and weight up, and of course a failed car seat test. Thought we would never hear them say those three words, "you're going home!". </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">September 22nd at around noon we got word that Caed was going home! Not in the car seat that we pictured and not free from wires and tubes(as we would find out later) He was sent home on an a sleep apnea monitor and in a "car bed" basically a car seat that lays flat to help with his respiratory issues. We were sent home with many scheduled appointments to see a cardiologist, speech therapist, and a geneticist just to name a few ;) </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">November 6th was Caed's geneticist appt where his diagnosis was confirmed. We went through a time of denial and after the confirmation we couldn't do anything but love our son more and seek God for wisdom on this new journey. It's been a rough year with many a doctors appts, new devices(O2 and pulse ox), a weeks stay at UVA and a sleep study done. We have jumped many hoops and are blessed that there haven't had to be any surgeries thus far and that he is doing wonderfully!</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This next year of Caed's life we have no idea what it could hold medically but we do know that our little guy has us wrapped and that we would do it all over again! He has brought so much joy into our life and lives of others with his goofiness and scrunched nose smile. He has opened our eyes to how God creates us all differently. Caed may be shorter in stature and may have to work harder at things that come so easily to us average height people, but God has given him a personality and temperament that will do nothing but persevere and overcome. We are blessed by so many who have already helped and encouraged and prayed for Caed and us along this path. We are grateful for all the outpouring love you show us daily, through sweet comments or private messages sent to me. We are proud of our son and all he has overcome and accomplished already in a short year's time. He is right where he is supposed to be as far as physical and motor skills go. Every small thing is a huge celebration! Thank you for being such big cheerleaders along the way! We ask for continued prayers as we enter this new year in Caed's life. Next Month(October) is Dwarfism Awareness Month. Please pray for all the families that are raising these precious miracles :) and Happy 1st Birthday, Caedmon. Mommy and Daddy love you to the moon and back and we wouldn't change a thing about you or how you entered the world! God has amazing plans for your life!</span></span><br />
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-40851930810460257272015-08-10T10:19:00.001-07:002015-08-10T10:33:32.298-07:001 More Month until 1!The One month countdown is here. Cannot believe we are almost to the BIG 1! These past 11 months have been the best, hardest, and most full of no sleep and joy that Josh and I have ever experienced! Everyday there is something new and exciting that Caed has learned. His therapist, Mrs. Serena, has been so impressed with all the goals he has met and how fast he has met them. In just 2 weeks time he started saying "da da" and started pulling himself up on things all by himself and standing with little help! Now he thinks he can beat me to anything. I say "no" as he is crawling towards something that he knows he shouldn't and then as soon as he sees me, he starts speeding up. Excited and nervous for when he starts walking. He is going to be so fast and EVERYWHERE! He still wears out really fast, so frequent naps are had ;-) And he is still on oxygen at night. He has gotten to the point where he moves a lot in his sleep so the cords have become a little issue. He's a busy busy boy even in his sleep. He has a pretty set schedule as to when he wakes now at night(still wakes for bottles 9pm,1:30am,and 5:30am, then finally up and at 'em at 7:06am, yes every morning). He won't take any bottles throughout the day anymore so I'm assuming he is weaning himself off of it. He never was a fan of the bottle anyways. I am excited that I don't have to force bottles down his throat anymore. Hoping he takes well to milk. We have tried it but he's definitely going to have to get used to it. These day's his favorite foods are Mac-n-Cheese, fruit and oatmeal, waffles, YELLOW veggie straws, rice teether cookies, veggies, and still anything that consists of red sauce and noodles :-) He loves his Mac-n-Cheese though! It has been such a joy watching him grow into his little personality and overcome these many goals of his! We have been so blessed to have not had to have as many complications and medical issues as other children with Achondroplasia have. We keep praying that he doesn't have to endure many in the future as he grows. It has been hard as Caed is quite the social bug(if mom is around), he enjoys other kids and watching them. He is still so little and kids around his age are twice his size and a little further along with walking, so it has been a little hard for him to interact with them. He just sits and talks to them though hahaha. It's just something that we will have to overcome and he will too as he grows and interacts with kids his age. I am sure he will be able to overcome it quickly ;-) So excited to see what the future holds just wish it would slow down! Planning his 1st Birthday party is so fun and exciting and makes me a little sad. He's getting so big so fast! This past year held so many uncertainties as we progressed not knowing what complications could arise with Caed's diagnosis. It has turned out to be amazing and incredible! Looking at it all and into the future, God is in control and has BIG plans for our boy ;-) So blessed to have our little spunky boy in our life! 1 here we come!<br />
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-61520182769940275662015-06-19T11:21:00.001-07:002015-06-19T11:21:25.187-07:00Our Superman, A Father's Day Post<h2>
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<b>He Never Looks for Praises.</b></div>
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<b>He's never one to boast.</b></div>
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<b>He just goes on quietly working</b></div>
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<b>for those he loves most.</b></div>
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<b>~Karen Boyer</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a special Father's Day as we have the honor of celebrating our true hero on his first Father's day. On this day I get to brag on my husband and father to our little spunky boy. My husband is no where near perfect and neither am I. We have our struggles as we parent like many new and seasoned parents do. Lack of sleep, special medical needs for Caed, crazy schedules, crying baby, worn out mom, exhausted dad, but we manage to keep our sanity and a very happy baby most of the time ;-) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">We are a team, we function as a team and have since this little guy arrived on the scene. I couldn't survive without my other half and I mean that with all honesty! I knew when I married Josh that he would be a great dad but I quickly find out he turns out to be an AWESOME dad. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">From day one, Josh was there to snuggle the chunky little guy and help out with him in any way possible(dealing with 3hr fussy times every evening, waking for feedings at night, tackling those newly baby dirty diapers...etc etc.). We had a hard and what seemed like a LONG start to Caedmon's journey with him being in the NICU for 2 weeks. The nurses were so impressed with Josh and how everyday immediately after work he would come barreling in throwing on that yellow gown and ready to bottle feed and hang out with his son. Caedmon at the time (well still does haha) was fighting his bottles and daddy was the only one that could get him to drink it all. I grew to appreciate Josh more and more as I saw other dad's in the NICU and how they had no clue what to do, how to help or some were just there taking up a seat playing a game on their phone. Josh was hands on and wanted to be a part of everything that involved Caedmon. I know it killed him to have to go to work and not be there for support for Caed and I during that time. </span></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">He continues to be very hands on and Caedmon is all about his daddy. Their bond has been amazing to watch grow over the past short 9 months. As soon as Daddy walks through our door Caedmon turns into a ball of energy ready to play and spend time with him. I am proud to say that I have a man that accepts his role as a husband and father with great respect for the title and knowing what it entails. So many men these days are so distracted by the world that they lose sight of the relationship with their family and what matters most. They come home and plop on the couch to play a video game and wait for their wife to feed them like another child to take care of. Josh is juggling school, providing for our family, being a very present and involved father, and keeping up with all the many bills and financial stuff. Caed and I are blessed to have such a super and godly man leading our family. He is not a man chasing a worthless dream of becoming the richest man, owning the coolest truck, biggest house, traveling the world, or the man with the highest score on a video game. He works hard in a job that he may not love but he realizes that God has provided the job in order for him to provide for his family so his wife can stay home and raise their son. I see how he depends on God and longs to know Him and lead him and our family. It is hard to find that in a man these days so Caed and I count ourselves again blessed to have this man in our life. He was raised by a man who also works hard to provide for his family and a mother who taught him how to respect his dad, others, and his own family one day. He gives 110% in whatever he does and is far from lazy. The Tripp's raised a boy into a man. Caedmon has an amazing godly role model to look to for the rest of his life. Josh you may not be the richest man or see much of the world, but know this, you are leaving a legacy behind, you are rich in how much we love you, and you are our world! We love you! Happy First Father's Day!</span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">"American Dream"~ Casting Crowns</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;" /><br />
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All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But he's moving on full steam<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />He's chasing the American dream<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And he's gonna give his family the finer things<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Not this time son I've no time to waste<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And then he slips into his new BMW<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And drives farther and farther and farther away<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />So He works all day and tries to sleep at night<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />He says things will get better;<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Better in time<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And he works and he builds with his own two hands<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />His American Dream is beginning to seem<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />More and more like a nightmare<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />With every passing day<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />"Daddy, can you come to my game?"<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />"Oh Baby, please don't work late."<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Another wasted weekend<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And they are slipping away<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />He tells them things will get better<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It'll just take a little more time<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins"<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I'll take a shack on the rock<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Over a castle in the sand<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Now he works all day and cries alone at night<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />It's not getting any better<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Looks like he's running out of time<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />'Cause he worked and he built with his own two hands<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />And he poured all he had in a castle made with sand<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But the wind and the rain are coming crashing in<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />His kingdom stands<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />All they really wanted was You</div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Matthew 7:24-27</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">English Standard Version (ESV)</span></h1>
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<span class="text Matt-7-24" id="en-ESV-23341" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Build Your House on the Rock</span></h3>
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<span class="text Matt-7-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23341A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23341A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23341B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23341B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a wise man who built his house on the rock.</span> <span class="text Matt-7-25" id="en-ESV-23342" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.</span><span class="text Matt-7-26" id="en-ESV-23343" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23343C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23343C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a foolish man who built his house on the sand.</span> <span class="text Matt-7-27" id="en-ESV-23344" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”</span></div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-23115697961608299062015-06-02T10:30:00.000-07:002015-06-02T10:30:45.462-07:00Fun Weekends full of Family and Friends"Family, like branches we all grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one"<br />
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We have enjoyed the past couple of weekends full of family, friends, graduations, and "See ya later"s. almost three weekends ago, My youngest brother Gabe graduated from Highschool(King's Academy Homeschool) The last of the King kids. My parents did a superb job homeschooling us all. They encouraged us on our journey into the real world which wasn't hard because they equipped us well to take it on but, yet still stay grounded in our relationship with Christ. We definitely weren't the sheltered homeschool type. My mom always had us involved in sports, co-ops, drama, and many activities. We met many people from all over the world and made lifetime relationships with dear friends young and old. I am planning on Homeschooling Caed if God wills it and I have great role models to look to for support and encouragement.<br />
So as my parents said "CONGRATS YOU MADE IT" to Gabe they also got to celebrate with my older brother Caleb as he graduated from Virginia Tech with his PhD in statistics(yeah he was always the smarter one) haha. Quite the accomplishment! So that weekend was full of celebrations and cherishing every second of family time that we could as my oldest brother from FL was up for the festivities and we don't get to see him very much, our dear friends whom we call family Dave and Kath were in from over the pond, Scotland, my grandparents were up from GA and then Caleb and Lindsay left that week for Albuquerque, NM. So, by that Sunday we said far too many "see ya later"s and shed a few tears. Caed really enjoyed getting to hang out with his Uncle Josh as he hadn't seen him since back in November. They hit it off instantly which is amazing as Caed doesn't go to many people these days. I see fun Uncle adventures in their future! He has a ton of Uncles(6) to enjoy different fun moments and gain lots of wisdom for down the road. I look forward to those fun times! He is one spoiled nephew already! He has many Aunts who love him and dote on him whenever they are around him too. He enjoys the family get togethers I know, cause when we leave and its quiet again he looks around looking for everyone. He loves this crazy family he has been born into and we love him so crazy much!!<br />
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The following weekend we headed down to NC to see MeMe and Granddaddy(Josh's parents) and the Tripp Family. Caed takes to his Uncle Brian like he does to his Uncle Josh, instant smile! We enjoyed getting to show him off at Josh's home church, Bethel, and seeing friends with new little ones as well. Caed sat with his granddaddy and watched PAW PATROL for a lil bit and got his uncle Seth to be his personal PUFF boy, I think Caed almost turned into PUFF with all that Puff intake. Caed also got to pet a dog for the first time and I'm sure, thanks to Paw Patrol, he took right to the dog. He would put his hand out for licks and to pet it. haha. So, sorry Daddy, but looks like we may have a dog in the future or a kitty. Caed met a VERY tiny kitty that my parents found and I was so surprised at what a natural he was with petting it. SO GENTLE! This boy is going to need a pet down the line ;-) But, anyways, we had an absolute fun time laughing with Josh's family at the dinner table, shopping, and eating Sweet Frog for dinner. We are looking forward to the TRIPP BEACH TRIP in July! Excited for Caed's first Beach experience.<br />
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Ok, now to catch up on all the Caed happenings recently. WE HAVE A SCOOTER! He found the use of those legs and when determined he will scoot himself around. His motivation sometimes, the tv remote ;-) Hey if it gets him moving! He has also gotten used to his oxygen and pulse ox! PRAISE THE LORD! He knows it is bedtime when we start putting it on and he helps me hold the tape as I tape the cannula down. Such a blessing! He is still waking every three hours at night hungry but seems to have a lot more energy throughout the days. His heart checked out great and normal. We loved the doctor and he said he will see us in a year! My mind and heart were at ease when I heard that. It was stressing me out a little bit not knowing. He has his 9mnth check up with the pediatrician in the next week or so, hoping all checks out ok then. He is learning how to eat with his new teeth (4 top and two on bottom) and is gritting his teeth now which is driving me crazy and sends shivers up and down my spine when he does it. Hoping that stops quickly. He is a HUGE fan of breads and cake and ice cream! I am trying to get him to FEEL different textures(cucumbers, bananas, strawberries,rice, scrambled eggs) but he isn't a fan and it doesn't last long in his hands or mouth and usually ends up on the floor. He has quite the arm. We are also learning the word "NO" which has been interesting. He at least knows for a few seconds that what he is doing needs to stop. He is stubborn. We are about to get a pool membership so we can take the lil guy swimming. HE LOVES THE WATER! I found a lil plastic container and sat it out on our front walkway, filled it with some water, and let him splash in it. He probably would have done that all day if I had let him. Can't wait to start taking him to the BIG pool. Our little boy is growing too fast! Can't believe that in a swift 3mnths he will be 1! When they said time would fly they mean't it! Cherishing all the little fun moments :-) Even if I want to pull out my hair and close myself in a closet and take a long nap sometimes. He is a boy full of energy, stubbornness, personality, many noises(no words yet) and a great big contagious smile. We are so happy to have him in our life ;-) Now to bombard you with pictures! Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Family Gotta love 'em</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oldest brother and Youngest brother</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our Friends From Scotland, Dave and Kath</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Brother Caleb</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Graduates</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Graduates and The Proud Parents</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Goofin' around</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed's "Are we done with pictures yet?" face</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caleb and his wife, Lindsay</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Grandparents(Dad's side) Boog and Nana</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Beautiful Vanessa</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Brother Micah and his wife Vanessa</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Josh and I</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed in his Superman outfit that Uncle Caleb and Aunt Lindsay gave him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed and Uncle Josh</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Father Than a Speeding Bullet..."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The King Crew</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed and Granddaddy Before Church, just Chillin'</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed at The Cardiologist</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Caed and his truck from the cardiologist</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First Krispy Kreme experience</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hanging with Uncle Josh</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Treated the Family to homemade Pretzels(my first time making them) Turned out great!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Saying our Farewells</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Little Kitten Gabe Rescued and that Caed got to pet</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Morning child.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Saying Our Farewells to Dave and Kath</span><br />
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Fun times with Daddy<br />
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Our Trip to NC<br />
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Again chilling' with Granddaddy!<br />
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At Josh's Home Church<br />
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Crazy Daddy<br />
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"Look I am Uncle Seth"<br />
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Having fun with Uncle Seth<br />
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Shopping at the Smithfield Outlets<br />
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Helping daddy pick out a dress shirt<br />
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Watching John Wayne with Granddaddy<br />
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Our walk to the mailbox<br />
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Always smiling<br />
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Trying out our new bathing suit<br />
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And the hat that cousin Zander gave him. best of both seasons!<br />
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Playin' in the water<br />
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Helping Daddy write his paper<br />
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His favorite thing to do during bath time!<br />
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Eating Poundcake with uncle Gabe<br />
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ALMOST showing off those top teeth!<br />
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Selfie with Mommy<br />
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This boy <3<br />
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-82467663447894058162015-05-09T04:02:00.003-07:002015-05-09T04:02:53.824-07:008 months!! Has it been that long since this kid changed our lives forever??!! Caedmon turns 8 months old today(Saturday May 9th) I cannot believe how fast time is flying by! I hear people tell me all the time cherish it 'cause it flies by and before you know it they are graduating or getting married! Well I am cherishing EVERY moment, the good and the bad, the food spit on me and the smiles right afterward, the constant grunting of "mom I am tired of this just hold me all the time!!", the late night awakenings to an oxygen cannula in his eye instead of his nostrils, the rolling and flipping into places I didn't know he could get to yet, the moments when I walk into his bedroom now due to a lot of LOUD "talking" and look as he is holding the monitor and talking into it knowing that it brings mommy(smart kid), the teething cries, the constant go go go busyness of a little one, but most of all the lil giggles and snuggles and BIG smiles that he shares with me daily to remind me that this job as a full time stay at home mom is worth every headache and sleepless night because I get to witness first hand all of these special moments, something that not many moms get to do. I am blessed to have a husband who works hard, VERY hard to provide for us and to serve a God who always provides even on the days when I worry and am not trusting of that provision. He definitely reminds me of who is in charge and how much He loves our little family. God has truly blessed us the past 8 months with this bundle of busy joy and ray of sunshine. So, I am cherishing and capturing EVERY moment that I can in my heart and on camera of Caedmon's life. I still can't believe that I am a mom to such a sweet, lovable, extremely handsome, cute, funny, goofy, smart little boy that I get to call son for the rest of my life. Hoping we have many more adventures ahead little guy! I love you oh so much!!!<br />
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Now, just for a few updates! We got a call from Caed's pediatrician on Wednesday morning. She was checking up on Caed and was informing us that she has made an appt with a cardiologist here in Lynchburg for an ultrasound of Caed's heart and an EKG. They want to make sure with all this time not being on Oxygen that it hasn't affected anything and that his heart is still healthy and strong. She said that this will be normal as he grows for them to keep a constant check on his heart. So we go Monday afternoon to get all these tests done, so please keep Caed and us in your prayers and pray that his heart is healthy and strong!<br />
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What's new with caed these days other than Drs. appts and therapists? Well, he started sitting in small increments yesterday and that is a HUGE thing! He is building those muscles! So, we are practicing and practicing until he gets to the point where he can sit for long periods of time by himself! I am just so happy that we are at this point! He is also rolling all over the place!!! I can't leave him anywhere now without me, so that has been fun. haha He has rolled almost under the couch and moves himself around his crib(hence the talking into the monitor now) and is just a devious little fellow. Thankfully we have a play pen now (thanks to AMAZON PRIME and their swift delivery) to contain this little adventurer. He is also working on 4 top teeth(yes 4) you can see the white making it's appearance and like I said before he is weathering it extraordinarily well.<br />
Caed, over the past few weeks has started this new very adorable thing. He has this dresser next to his crib and on top of that dresser are all his stuffed animals and such. Every morning and after naps, he has to have us hold him up so that he can touch each one and talk to them. It is so cute!!! I wonder what is going through that head of his.<br />
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One of the more exciting things that has happened which this momma LOVES is WE FOUND A TAPE FOR CAED'S CANNULA AT NIGHT THAT DOESNT LEAVE A RESIDUE OR TAKE AN ARMY OF PEOPLE TO PULL OFF! Such a huge huge blessing as Caed's face was looking rather ragged with all the tape residue and red marks from the tape strength. I felt so bad every morning taking it off of him. Thankfully there is the tape by Nexcare that is just strong enough to hold it in place and yet gentle enough on his poor skin and leaves no residue! I was singing praises the first time we used it! So yes there is a picture of the tape in the photos shared because it earned it's place!<br />
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So, anyways that about covers all of the exciting news in Tripp house! Now for the BEST and my FAVORITE part, PICTURES! Enjoy and hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day to all you moms and the new mommies out there! A special Happy Mother's day to my mom and the one who has taught me all I know, literally. I couldn't be the mom I am today without you! THANK YOU and I LOVE YOU! And to my Mother-in-law, Thank you for the man that you raised to be a hard working, respectable, and godly man who I get to call my husband. I know it was a rough road (as heard by stories of a stubborn son) You did good though and I know he loves you VERY MUCH ;-) Thank you for also being an awesome mom to me too! I am truly blessed by you! Love you!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! </span></div>
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The ever Amazing tape!<br />
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SITTING!!!!<br />
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My little twin!<br />
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Saying Good morning to his Guat elephant from Aunt C and Uncle Josh<br />
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Chilling with mommy<br />
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Enjoying our walks every morning!<br />
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Saying food morning to all his peeps!<br />
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Puff Monster!<br />
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Both are enjoying the new play pen ;-)<br />
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Sitting for Daddy!<br />
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Our little rolly poly<br />
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Caed's Favorite show is Paw Patrol. He gets so excited when he hears the theme song come on.<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-46386246910893977012015-05-05T12:43:00.000-07:002015-05-05T12:43:30.325-07:00A weekend full of friends, firsts for Caed, and sleepless nights with O2 and a Pulse Ox. It has been a wonderful weekend full of friends for dinners and lunches, Caed getting to explore Lowes and eat pancakes for the first time, and there are some sleepless nights going on due to the lovely oxygen machine and pulse ox that Caed has to be on. So needless to say the Tripps are tired. ;-)<br />
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Our weekend started with a visit from Kirk at Tender Hearts to deliver the lovely machines and show us how to properly use them. Kirk has been so awesome! He has been with us from the NICU on. Such a sweet guy. We just don't like to see him as often as we have and with the gifts he keeps bringing us. If I could handle blood and such I probably could go into nursing now and have a good grip on what all is going on with all the equipment we have had to use whether its at the hospital or at home. haha. Anyways, that evening we had my best friend(Beth) and her family(Brandon, James, and Isaiah) join us for Friday night homemade pizza night! We had a blast catching up! Since we had company, over we decided to start Caed's oxygen the following night. It was so nice though because the night that Beth and her family came was the night that Caed slept 6:30 pm-6:20 am!!! I had to wake him at 9pm to give him a bottle! So, I was very sad when he had to start with the oxygen and Pulse Ox.<br />
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The first night he cried as we put it all on him then as soon as we laid him down he went to sleep with little frustration. His Sats(Saturations) and HR(heart rate)(without the oxygen) stayed around 84-90 and 122-150. Now they are at 99 and 100-120 which is awesome and you can tell he is breathing slower just by watching him. It's a world of difference. The only problem is him waking up every 2-3 hours hungry and irritated with the nasal cannula and him knocking it off several times at night and the pulse ox going off due to that. I think I am getting the hang of taping it down though, so it doesn't bother him too much, just have to master removing the tape residue off of his poor little face. Hoping he gets used to it and starts sleeping better and longer again. It's been a booger but it is doing it's job which is allowing his heart to finally rest and his breathing to be so much slower and better. So, it is a love hate relationship right now and mom is finding great refuge in her coffee intake to get her through the days!<br />
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On a happier and a more fun note, Caed has been experiencing a lot of firsts the past couple of days. Josh had to take him on his first trip to the "Manly" store Lowes. Caed loved looking at all the cool tools and touching a few of them and making crazy noises as he talked and talked and talked throughout the store. On, Sunday morning he tried pancakes for the first time which was a hilarious sight. First touch was awful then he kept touching it and licking it till finally he smooshed it and started at it. End result: an obliterated pancake. Next we have had a top tooth come through with the other one not far behind! We have weathered this better than we did the bottom two. YAY! He is looking so much more different with these teeth! He is growing too fast!<br />
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Well, that is about all that has been happening here at the Tripp Casa. Keep us in your prayers as Caed continues to get used to the O2 and hopefully starts sleeping longer so that mommy and daddy can get a little bit of sleep ;-)<br />
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Here are some highlight pics from the weekend!<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-18843304002622544652015-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:002015-04-29T13:12:19.082-07:00Newest additions to the Tripp Family: Pulse OX Monitor and O2, annd a Ping Pong Table!Yep, we got the results back to Caed's sleep study and we are excited to say that we get to trade in his sleep apnea monitor for a Pulse Ox monitor and Oxygen at night! This is going to be quite the adventure! During the sleep study Caed would constantly pull off the cannula for the oxygen so I was up every 5 mins or so throughout the night placing it back in his nose. I am hoping and praying that they will grow to be best friends for however long he has to use it or else this is going to be a lonnnnnng however many months for the Tripp family ;-) But anyways, the results were that he was breathing too hard and too fast and his Dr. was worried that if this keeps up he could wear out his heart quickly overtime. So, Friday night begins the fun adventure! Appreciate prayers as we tackle this next addition to Caedmon's life.<br />
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So, glad that we get to say goodbye to this monitor though! Been with us since we brought the lil guy home. Many nights with it going off all because Caed squirmed around and messed up the leads. And then there was the warning of the neighbors of it's mega loud alarm(which of course NEVER woke Caed up) But, Oh well on to the next fun thing! ;-) </div>
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Well, enough about crazy monitors and no sleep! We got a Ping Pong Table! A huge thank you to some friends of ours that donated to the Tripp family. We are so excited as we have been wanting one for a while but never really had the room. Now we have the room and the ping pong table! I see many fun get togethers in the future with friends, food, and some competitive ping pong! Thanks to our friends Luke and Sarah for helping get it to our Casa :-) Caed really enjoyed watching Luke and Josh play and would cry when they stopped. Was really funny! So it is great entertainment for the lil guy and I am sure it won't be long before he will be the one holding the paddle showing us how it is done. Looking forward to all the fun times that will be held around this table.</div>
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And here are a few pics from the rest of our lovely Wednesday. Caed was introduced to grass and surprisingly didn't eat it! He just ran his fingers through it in amazement. So, we soaked up some rays, as much as we could in the 10mins we spent outside(Caed has awful allergies) Then we came in and got a quick nap(me included!! That NEVER HAPPENS!) After that we made a chocolate chip banana loaf and have just been enjoying this beautiful day(from the inside ;-) </div>
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*Photo Cred my iPhone* </div>
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All in the day in the life of a Stay at Home Mom. I am blessed that I get to spend the whole day with this goober and soak in all these fun moments with my son </div>
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(even if some days I want to just scream, pull my hair out, and run away for just a few moments to myself) </div>
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Hope you are having a wonderful day yourself!</div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-45266123852250832942015-04-28T11:31:00.000-07:002015-04-28T11:31:00.059-07:00It's been a while but here we are....Welcome back to the blog! I figured since of course I have ALLLLL this new time on my hands, with having a little one, that I would start back up my blog ;-) Haha. Yeah. Actually, the truth is I am reopening this blog to keep you up to date on Caed's life and our's, of course, as we tackle this new chapter called parenting and Achondroplasia and a second reason that I will mention later ;-)<br />
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As most of you know, Caedmon was diagnosed shortly after he was born with Achondroplasia(a form of dwarfism) for that story you can go to the link here:<br />
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https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152687986536989.1073741847.651736988&type=1&l=f6f0564ca8<br />
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He definitely keeps us busy with Doctor's appointments, therapists, and his crazy busy self. He has quite the personality and is quite the momma's boy. He won't let me do much without him and I have to be within sight or else! It has been rather hard as most children around his age are sitting up and can play in all those fun jumperoos or activity seats and bumbos, Caed cannot due to his back. In Achondroplasia children and adults tend to have Kyphosis: <br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">ky·pho·sis</span><br />
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">kīˈfōsis/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-log-string="pronunciation-icon-click" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; margin: 0px 2px 4px 5px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Listen"><input height="14" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAA4AAAAOCAQAAAC1QeVaAAAAi0lEQVQokWNgQAYyQFzGsIJBnwED8DNcBpK+DM8YfjMUokqxMRxg+A9m8TJsBLLSEFKMDCuBAv/hCncxfGWQhUn2gaVAktkMXkBSHmh0OwNU8D9csoHhO4MikN7BcAGb5H+GYiDdCTQYq2QubkkkY/E6CLtXdiJ7BTMQMnAHXxFm6IICvhwY8AYQLgCw2U9d90B8BAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==" style="font-size: small;" type="image" width="14" /></span></div>
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excessive outward curvature of the spine, causing hunching of the back.</div>
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Which if not handled properly at his age could end up with some problems down the line. Hence why we have gone through 3 carseats and one stroller before we found one that properly supports his back, found here:<br />
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http://www.amazon.com/Graco-Snugride-Click-Connect-Seat/dp/B00LIRJ2NU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1430239325&sr=1-1&keywords=graco+click+connect+40<br />
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Single-Stroller-Black/dp/B00G3XR7GS/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1430239440&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+jogger+city+mini<br />
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So most toys that sit a child upright cannot be used by Caed until he can work on those back muscles and be able to sit and stand himself. Makes life for mommy a little more difficult as this limits how much he can do and gets easily bored. We were encouraged to get two play mats to switch back and forth with and he also has a bouncy seat that works super great! Most things need to recline in order for him to have the right support. Luckily we were introduced to a group online to gain wisdom, encouragement, and all the info we need from parents with achondroplasia and ones with children with "Achon" which you will see me use that term a lot over time. I have been so blessed by this group to feel like I am not out here alone or crazy when tackling all these Doctors appts and such. It is a lot to take in and can get very draining. I just want to make sure Caed is well taken care of and that I am being proactive in learning about his diagnosis as some Drs. don't have a clue about how to treat him. We are also truly blessed to have an amazing pediatrician who is always studying up on Achondroplasia and is in constant contact with his geneticist to gain wisdom as this is all new to her as well. She truly cares for our son. Caed is right on target for where he needs to be right now at his age. We are still working on beefing him up, which he is eating so much better now and trying a lot of new things. Definitely an answer to prayer! We have truly seen God's hand in every area of Caed's and our life!<br />
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So, now on to why we have moved twice in a month's time! Due to Caed's respiratory issues we were desperately looking for a new apartment because the lady that moved into the bottom apartment smoked heavily resulting in OUR apartment smelling as though she was living there too. It wasn't too long after that, God provided us with a house SMOKE FREE! Then shortly after we moved in, we got news that the location and place we really wanted to be at had an opening and that it was ours if we wanted it. There were many many people who were involved in this process that we are truly grateful to! God provided in a miraculous way! We love our new place and can finally settle in for a little while until God moves us again.<br />
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Josh and I stay pretty busy these days, me as a stay at home mom and him as our hard working provider and a student at Liberty again pursuing God's will for his life in the ministry. We have our little routine down as far as the days go which makes life a lil more bearable and a lil boring sometimes but so is the life of adults and parents. Comes with then territory. It's hard work raising the next generation but it will be so worth it and God has great plans ahead!<br />
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Now for the second reason I have this blog on it's way back to life, PHOTOGRAPHY! I have really neglected my camera for some time now and I am getting a lil rusty. So, I decided I would start documenting our life a little bit more. So to kick it off, I have documented a little taste of a day in the life of Caed and I. We really have a blast together. ;-)<br />
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So here you go! Welcome to the Tripps! and I hope you enjoy this blog and follow along in our journey!<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-55279702428859380922012-12-03T09:25:00.000-08:002012-12-03T09:25:58.024-08:00To all those who want the story, How God brought us together. J&B<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It was mid April when a coworker(Jen) of mine approached me with her phone in hand and the name Josh. All of us at work would joke about match making and sorts. Jen was married and her husband worked at Liberty. As Jen approached me with a big smile on her face, she proceeded to ask me "So Beth, there is this Josh who is interested in you" I then asked "are you sure he's not interested in the other Beth(Bethany O.)" Jen's reply, "nope, he said Beth, and my husband knows the difference between you two". My reply, " Oh! so Ethan(Jen's husband) is in on this too! ok who is this Josh?!" <div>
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Jen and Ethan, the devious couple :-)<br /><div>
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Apparently Josh had noticed me a month ago and Ethan started mentioning a Beth that works at Chick-fil-a and Josh realized it was me he was talking about and so Ethan started his devious plan on his side and Jen on hers. </div>
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The last week in April held many memorable experiences. A batting cage trip that was supposed to be only us ladies (a tradition started as a stress reliever for work) ended up being Josh and I's first time that we met. Josh had been coming to Chick-fil-a for a while and I had never noticed him, sad I know. So many faces I see everyday! lol So yes, this was our first time meeting. All I remember is sitting in my car waiting on Jen and Ethan and Bethany to show up and guess who pulls up first, Josh. I just sit in my car two parking spots away nervous as all get out! I am a very big social bug and not scared of new people but I just couldn't bring myself to get out and go and say hi. So I sat in my car freaking out texting my best friend Beth Nell who was helping me calm down :-) So then pulls up Jen and Ethan and Jen points to both of our cars and then me and hops in my car and Ethan goes over to Josh's. So forced out, the introductions begin. Bethany O. pulls up and gives me the smile of approval. I just met this drop dead goodlookin' man named Josh :-) We would both come to find out our sarcastic sides very quick as we took on the batting cages. Dinner with the group after and a few Facebook chats later someone set up a first date ;-) I texted my Best friend Beth Nell the night I was leaving from the batting cages, "I am going to marry this man"</div>
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APRIL 28th, 2012</div>
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MOVING DAY! I got off of work and began moving for the first time out of my amazing parent's house and into a house in Rivermont full of some wonderfully awesome young woman, 4 to be exact. I also had a first date with an amazing man that evening. I always said when God blesses he usually smacks me in the face with it. What a blessing of a day. I had been praying for a while seeking God's direction as to moving out and such and he answered with a dear friend Katie Halsey and her inviting me to live with them in Lynchburg. I also thought that God had some plan bigger and better than my own understanding around the corner and the first step was moving out. My parents were a huge blessing in that they have always been very supportive of my decision to do so. </div>
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So after unpacking a few boxes and a grocery trip with Katie, I waited patiently for Josh to come and pick me up for our date. He came to the door all decked out in his purple polo and jeans and lookin good. He took me to Neighbors Place where I decided I would be all girl like and get a salad because it would be smaller as I was too nervous to eat much. Well this is what I get for getting a salad:</div>
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So after a good laugh and a long chat, he took me bowling. A decision he would later regret. His comment to me "let's play best 2 out of 3 you may need that third game ;-)" Well someone's butt got whooped 3 games in a row and it wasn't mine. So after beating himself up a good bit and me feeling terribly cruel, we headed to grab coffee at starbucks, finding out that we were going to the same church just different service times, and again a long talk and seeing his face every day for the next 7 months later is how our dating relationship began and continued. My family met him and fell in love. He fits right in with all our craziness.</div>
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NOVEMBER 25th, 2012</div>
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After a long week of Black Friday working craziness and Thanksgiving with the family, Josh decided he wanted to take me out to Waterstone( a nice pizza place downtown) Where he had been asking to take me all week I was just so busy and tired. SO FINALLY, he gets to go. lol We sit down to dinner and we decide to go bowling and bets are made as to whoever wins. Josh's bet was that if he won, he could ask me anything and I would have to agree to it. So I thought "oh gosh now he is going to make me dance in the car which I have refused to for the longest time with fear of embarrassment" My bet was that if I won he would have to watch ALL 6 seasons of LOST in 6 months. He immediately said he would win. Which he did. I hated it. lol the competitive side coming out in me. So we went and got coffee which I thought was weird cause Josh doesn't drink coffee but he got me some. Then he said he wanted to go walking somewhere, which I also thought was funny but didn't get my expectations up. We drove around for a bit and then stopped in Wyndhurst to walk around. Josh knew how I had a fetish for picket fences and so we found a random picket fence where we talked a bit and he told me how the past 7 months have been the funnest and best 7 months of his life and I answered by saying, "well I am exhausted, you gave me mono" hahahaha. Anyways, then he asked me if he could ask me the question from bowling which began and ended with my man on one knee asking me to marry him. I said no just to see his facial reaction but was quick to say yes yes yes soon after :-) It's been an exciting year and most exciting 7 months! I had no idea God would bring the man of my dreams into my life so quick and sudden. I love how God works and watching his hand in all the details through friends. I would hear people say all the time that when love at first sight can happen and when you know you know. Both are very very true. The moment I saw Joshua David Tripp I was in love and couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man :-) He is my best friend and I thank God for him everyday and can't wait to see where God takes us on this adventure ahead. Thank you to all those who have been prayer warriors over my life. Please continue to pray as Josh and I seek God first in our future marriage together. MARCH 9th 2013 couldn't come soon enough! </div>
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Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-91189430160949267842012-04-30T12:28:00.000-07:002012-04-30T12:28:11.078-07:00The Mission<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This video was shown at my Dad's church a couple of Sundays ago and a quote from it has stuck with me and has had me looking at my own life as a "Trader". The quote was "The place where you live doesn't make you a missionary, the mission you are on makes you a missionary" We are all called to spread the gospel where God has us and sends us. Our mission field is wherever we are at the present moment. We talk a lot about going out of the country or state to get out of our comfort zones when in reality all you have to do is step out of your own routine life, pulling out the earphones, putting down the cellphone, and just asking a random someone how their day is. It's just realizing you aren't here for YOU but for Christ and being on mission for him means being vulnerable and willing to say, do, and go. I was reading about a woman and her calling to inner-city missions. She was scared to death of the inner-city, so she avoided it as much as possible. One day sitting at a coffee shop(her favorite place to go and be) she felt a great conviction. She started realizing her fear and how maybe it was God calling her out of her comfort zone. She was letting the fear control and hinder the mission God had for her. I love this quote from her<br />
"It is no longer the inner-city that I fear, but the coffee shop that keeps me away from actually knowing first hand the Lord's heartbeat. I met Christ in the coffee shops, Christ met me among the least of these"<br />
Check out, Matthew 25:31-46. Christ didn't hang out with the cool people he went out and to places we would never think of going. He didn't put us here on earth to just lay back in our lazyboys and be comfortable. We are supposed to feel uncomfortable. This world isn't our home. We are only temporary residents as 1 Peter 2:11 clearly states. Why would we want to waste the time God has us here on earth for our own well being and desires. If we are truly called by God than why aren't we moving and living for Him and really analyzing our lives and making THAT change. Obedience will ALWAYS require something of you. He will require you to give up what you want for what He wants. Like when you were a kid and your parents asked you to do something. Obeying required you to come off your pride and do something you don't really want to do, but the outcome from obeying, either ended in a nice clean room or a life lesson learned and wisdom gained. God only wants our best and and wants to use us, we just need to be willing to be humble vessel's for His service and glory.<br />
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"Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath. We are merely shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth. Not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My hope is in YOU." ~Psalms 39:4-7<br />
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Looking at my own life, I am as guilty when it comes to getting all wrapped up in my own plans, desires, and dreams and losing sight of the real purpose for why I am here. I have found that by setting my goal as Christ and living for Him that He will reveal to me His plans for my life that waaaay surpass any dreams, plans, or hopes I ever had for my life. It's daily asking God to reveal His plans to you for the day and to use you, rather than asking God to use YOUR plans. It is radically surrendering your heart to a Savior who will blow your mind and use your life in ways you can't imagine! I praise God for allowing me to experience some of my own plans to better appreciate the plans He has for this life he has given me. I am blessed to be where I am at today and always learning something new about myself through following my Savior as He takes me through the thick and thin. I am blessed to have a family that is always there helping guide along this crazy adventure called life. I have much to be thankful for and many trials and hard times to look forward to, and I can truly say that out of excitement because it brings me to a new understanding and deeper molding by Christ. The hard times are a beautiful thing!<br />
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So yeah just a lot I have been thinking on over the past few weeks. We serve an Awesome Savior! I am excited to be on this Mission he has for this life He has given me. It's letting go, stepping out, and letting God use your life :-)<br />
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"God has to be in charge of the details if He is going to be in charge of the overall design"<br />
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<br />Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-20306552105084300762012-04-07T16:34:00.001-07:002012-04-07T16:43:28.456-07:00Drive Thru Courtesy and Perspective, good stuff!<link href="file://localhost/Users/Bethany/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link>
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After working in Food Service for going on 3 years and interacting with different people in different areas of this service, I have gained much knowledge and obtained much realization on how what you do effects others. I wrote down, a while back, a list of do's and don't's as to help myself to be a better customer and worker. So I thought I would share to help others better understand both sides. What is more awesome than gaining knowledge on both perspectives! I like to experience life in other people's shoes, may be why I love Missions so much. I like to know and feel what others do. It's eye opening! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMQPMY2jeQ0/T4C4b6CNd9I/AAAAAAAAA4g/y9h5i_IWOwA/s1600/224580_10150263767071989_651736988_7813663_5951870_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tMQPMY2jeQ0/T4C4b6CNd9I/AAAAAAAAA4g/y9h5i_IWOwA/s640/224580_10150263767071989_651736988_7813663_5951870_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>*</b>DO NOT TALK ON THE PHONE WHILE GOING THROUGH THE DRIVE THRU. Please. Really gets to me being in such a technology consumed age, we lose sight of all the people around us and how paying attention to the person there IN person is so critical for any relationships whether it's with your Drive Thru server or a family member. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">At least have some sort of
idea what you are going to get<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t order from the
passenger seat, backseat, or even the trunk<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you have a large order
please come in as the Drive Thru is normally for those who don’t have much time
to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t pay with your years
worth of piggy bank change, exact cash or card is AWESOME and makes a world of difference!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you are having a bad day
please don’t take it out on your Drive Thru<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">6.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t change your order
multiple times at the window<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">7.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Have payment ready at window<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">8.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ask for sauces at the
speaker not at the window<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">9.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">TURN THE MUSIC DOWN!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">10.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you have bronchitis please don’t come through the drive thru, come
in and they can better serve you there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">11.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t take 5mins to order, most people are unaware of the time limit they are on, in order to give you a good swift experience so that you can enjoy your
food promptly, be prepared as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">12.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t skip the BIG SPEAKER and assume they can drop and rearrange
everything to take your order at the window. It effects others in the line.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">13.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t have 5 separate orders through the drive thru<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">14.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t eat your meal and get all settled in while still sitting at the
window after the food has been handed to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">15.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">PLEASE don’t breastfeed while coming through the Drive Thru<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">16.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Put out the cigarette, They really appreciate not inhaling what you are
inhaling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">17.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t speed off your order at the speaker and then pull off as if they got everything you just said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">18.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Project and please don’t get annoyed if they ask you to repeat your order
just a second time. They want to make sure it’s perfect for you and can’t do that
if they can’t hear you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">19.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Clarify COMBO or ENTRÉE, a number 1 is the combo ;-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">20.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t decide to clean your purse out as you sit at the window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">21.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t hand them your trash to throw away<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">22.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t ask for “the usual” as they can’t see you or recognize your voice
sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">23.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Please don’t pull 10 ft from the window or speaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">24.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Adding stuff at the window is ok to an extent, but please don’t add 10
more meals and 5 milkshakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">25.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t order the item at the speaker and then look for the coupon at the
window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">26.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Don’t cut in line<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">27.</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Don't t</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">hrow a dead fish through the window<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">28.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Coning= grabbing the ice cream and not the cone, yeah lets not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">*Things you can do to better your's and the order taker’s Drive Thru
experience:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Rap your order! Always makes for an awesome day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Reciprocate the smile, goes a long way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Laugh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Be patient and understanding<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Get to know your order taker just by little questions each day if you are a usual,
because they want to get to know you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Treat them as human beings that have feelings and emotions too<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Just a simple Thank You is amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Be considerate of the others in line<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Domino effect good deeds. Like paying for the car behind you. Try it!
And if someone does it for you, continue it! It’s really an amazing thing to
watch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt;">·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Know that YOU can change someone’s day and make it positive just by
your acts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Hope you learned lots, laughed a little, and realized how just </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;">acknowledging the person that is serving you can make a positive difference in their life in that day. This goes for not only Drive Thru or Food Service but for any job dealing with the public. Just stuff to think about. What you do effects others :-) So be a beacon not a burden!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-9551726124277385522012-04-02T18:52:00.002-07:002012-04-02T18:52:42.336-07:00Vibrant Impact, who we are and what we do<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf_CzRZFd3E/T3pGNPqTitI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/j2Kq6klTKWk/s1600/IMAG0343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hf_CzRZFd3E/T3pGNPqTitI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/j2Kq6klTKWk/s320/IMAG0343.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yStTpPxVTg0/T3pGNHORtCI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/OZkNcrMUw50/s1600/IMAG0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yStTpPxVTg0/T3pGNHORtCI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/OZkNcrMUw50/s320/IMAG0346.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
Vibrant Impact began 2 years ago as an encouragement group for young girls ages 13-18. God brought together a team of 5 leaders all with the same vision of reaching out to girls and being a light in this dark world in their lives. God planted a passion within our hearts to show His love and make it present in the lives of girls who deal with the struggles the world throws their way, sex, definition of beauty, being loved, self image, guys, and issues of the emotions and the heart. We have been able to talk to many girls and have been blessed to continue to be present in their lives on a continual basis. With the world throwing sex and it's definition of beauty at us everyday we need to take a stand and not battle it alone. We, who have been through many struggles with that issue and continue to go through those struggles, need to be role models for these young girls and show them that who God is making them is the true definition of beauty. We want to be showing Christ's love in a very Vibrant way with our transparent lives. We want the girls to see that yes we make mistakes but God is there to catch us when we fall and he will never fail us. We want them to realize and cherish the Father(God)/Daughter relationship that is so key in the lives of godly women today. Change starts with us.<br />
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As of 2012 we opened the group up to a more college and career aged women's group. I am blessed to be surrounded by such godly women on fire for Christ and willing to go anywhere and serve. We meet at a small coffee shop and dig into God's word and encourage and seek out ways to be a light in this dark world, and it starts with taking that step of Faith and putting it to action in our DAILY lives.<br />
Tonight we talked about Abortion and listened to the sermon "Life" by Matt Chandler excellent points were made and it was so convicting. It got me thinking though, if we as Christians would stop hiding behind our religion and passiveness as to avoid confrontation we could make that change. Why are we so scared to stand up?? What could happen, we could die, but that is our gain! If only more men would stand up and be role models for the younger generations and young woman stand up and be role models for the younger generation what a domino effect that would be. Think about how many unborn children's lives you will save just by that small act of investing maybe a few minutes or even a few years in one young person's life. I can speak from experience. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it wasn't for a younger woman sharing her testimony and investing time into my life at a younger age. Between the ages of 9 and 16 kids are so vulnerable and starting to find out stuff, seek who they are, and the world can clog their judgement if they don't have godly parents and people to invest in them wisdom from our own walks with Christ and to stand firm on what they believe and not be passive Christians who just do the routine by going to church on Sundays because "that is what our parents made us do". When will we stand up and get backbones and live what we say we believe. Abortion, abuse, and trafficking is going on all around us and we could be that change just by looking at our own lives and tuning into the relationship that Jesus died on the cross for so that we could have that intimacy with God. The relationship is not to be taken lightly. It's an honor to have been chosen as God's son or daughter and it's our privileged to serve Him.<br />
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I am excited to see a fellow VI leader put her feet to her Faith as she goes on Mission for Christ to Costa Rica. It's awesome to see a woman sold out for Christ that she would sacrifice everything to serve Him. It is also exciting to see how God is using Vibrant Impact. We may be a small group but God is using it in a mighty way. We are looking to take a team of leaders to Guatemala in January, Lord willing, so we would appreciate your prayers as we seek God's will and as He forms the team. There are a lot of young women who need to know that they are precious and beautiful and cherished by a Father who loves them more than we can imagine. We as VI want to make a impact for Christ and it starts by being vulnerable and transparent with our lives and being willing vessels for Christ to use.<br />
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"Many times we like to keep God at 40,000 ft and not let Him into the intimate relationship with us"-Matt Chandler<br />
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"Jesus is not looking for fans, or just friends, He is looking for devoted Christ followers.<br />
Jesus is looking for people who love Him more than their lives." -Pastor Andrew Moroz (GCC)<br />
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Ephesians 5:1-2<br />
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God."<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I see the king of glory<br />Coming on the clouds with fire<br />The whole earth shakes<br />The whole earth shakes<br /><br />I see his love and mercy<br />Washing over all our sin<br />The people sing<br />The people sing<br /><br />Hosanna<br />Hosanna<br />Hosanna in the highest<br /><br />I see a generation<br />Rising up to take their place<br />With selfless faith<br />With selfless faith<br /><br />I see a near revival<br />Stirring as we pray and seek<br />We're on our knees<br />We're on our knees<br /><br />Heal my heart and make it clean<br />Open up my eyes to the things unseen<br />Show me how to love like you have loved me<br /><br />Break my heart from what breaks yours<br />Everything I am for your kingdoms cause<br />As I go from nothing to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; font-family: verdana; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Eternity</span><br />
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Let's be that generation of change :-)Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-47502021671198475722012-03-12T08:44:00.001-07:002012-03-12T08:44:56.201-07:00Why hello Monday...The Sun is shining and Spring is in the air! Days like today remind me of what an awesome Savior and creator I have directing this life. Reminds me also how even on the rainy crappy days I should be as happy about my Savior. How sad it is that we let certain worldly things and situations dictate our relationship with Christ. Looking back over life I am reminded at how my Savior has been guiding me and holding me through this life and how I couldn't have done all that I have done without him and be where I am today. This life is His and I am honored to have been called by Him to be his daughter and spread His word. Life is an awesome adventure! My life isn't perfect in fact I am far far from perfect, my life isn't beautiful. It's a beautiful disaster, with all the cracks and brokenness filled with an awesome caulk called Christ :-)<br />
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Just a soap box of mine:<br />
Easter is right around the corner and it's the second Sunday out of the year that many people up and decide to get all prettied up, do the Christian thing, and make their appearance to Church like they do at Christmas. Growing up in a Pastor's family I see a lot of this. My heart hurts for those people knowing that they have no idea what it feels like to be in a true relationship with Christ. It also hurts my heart to see people effected by their hypocritical Christian life and how it really does prevent other's from experiencing a relationship with Christ. Being a Christ follower isn't just going to Church twice a year, or every Sunday, It's a lifestyle. When you profess to the Church and the world that you have become a Christian then LIVE it. We need to be a generation of change and we CAN be. Action is involved. We are different from the world. We have been called by Christ to serve him. We can't serve him when we are living in our sin and refusing to move because it feels good where we are. We are comfortable and "satisfied". It's time to step up to the plate and realize you aren't here on this earth for yourself. I mean, what a sad and purposeless life that would be. We can complain about the world being a terrible place but until we do something about it we are just a part of that terrible situation the world is in. So let's step up because we have an AWEsome Creator who died an excruciating, violent, and gruesome death on the cross for US. How little it is that we offer our lives in service to Him. How honoring and humbling it is that He loves and continues to bless us and forgive us. His grace is AMAZING!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Magnificent Holy Father<br />I stand in awe of all I see<br />Of all the things You have created<br />But still You choose to think of me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Who am I that You should suffer<br />Your very life to set me free<br />The only thing that I can give You<br />Is the life You gave to me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is my offering, dear Lord<br />This is my offering to You, God<br />And I will give You my life<br />For it’s all I have to give<br />Because You gave Your life for me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I stand before You at this altar<br />So many have given You more<br />I may not have much I can offer<br />Yet what I have is truly Yours</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is my offering" ~Third Day</span></div>Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-28945137492126098032012-03-07T15:51:00.001-08:002012-03-07T15:51:47.217-08:00A Royal Beach Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RyOmME9h3E/T1fxmOZYWkI/AAAAAAAAAm8/t5ckilb5L4c/s1600/IMG_1575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RyOmME9h3E/T1fxmOZYWkI/AAAAAAAAAm8/t5ckilb5L4c/s320/IMG_1575.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A week at the beach! Memories so far:</div>
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Singing at the top of our lungs on the way to Edisto with my
Bros.</div>
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Playing Things with the Fam. </div>
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Things you wouldn’t say to PETA </div>
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“Is your last name Pan?”</div>
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Things you wouldn’t say in an airport</div>
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“Oh me oh my, I’m so sad. Osama Bin Ladin was my Dad”</div>
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“Dude dat suitcase is da bomb!”</div>
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“Hi, Jack”</div>
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Things you wouldn’t say at a Jail</div>
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“Shoot!”</div>
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Good times! </div>
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Early morning walks on the beach with Bros chasing you down
with starfish. (I am not a fan of starfish especially when they are still
moving……yuck. Ick.) </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1EUJ_9Rx5ME/T1f0Zj6-ckI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Ad9X7HhmtmQ/s1600/432310_10150596216191989_651736988_9327880_1283020567_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1EUJ_9Rx5ME/T1f0Zj6-ckI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Ad9X7HhmtmQ/s320/432310_10150596216191989_651736988_9327880_1283020567_n.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Big Bro Zach acting out a crab after mutilating it for
it’s legs.</div>
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WALTER!!!! Our faithful garbage disposal. Yep we named him.
“Time to feed Walter!”</div>
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Playing Settlers and epically losing twice. But hey I was
close!</div>
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Reading The Hunger Games, finished the first and big
mistake, I DON’T HAVE THE SECOND ONE!!!! Ugh. So good though! Haven’t read a
book cover to cover in so long because I haven’t had time. Felt like I had
accomplished a huge task! –atleast that what my bros would say. LOL</div>
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Went into Charleston, SC and walked around at the cool lil Market and all the shops!</div>
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Took a plunge in the Ocean one evening with my Crazy older Bro Josh. Somebody has to do it! :-) Was awesome!</div>
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Fireworks illegally on the beach one night. Hahahahahaha!
Did some Sparklers after Zach’s grand attempt of lighting them after being like
1year old. They take a lil while to get going. Then a set of firecrackers went
off and we were spotted. LOL So we quickly disperse in the dark before the lady
who spotted us got to the scene of the crime. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No photos at this time. ;-)</span></div>
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Said Goodbye to Zach and Amy as they headed down to FL. Btw,
Zach is my oldest Brother’s best friend and my best Friend Beth’s oldest
Brother whom I call my Big adopted Bro. Yep that explains all about that. So
they left and we went out to the beach!</div>
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The wind was so cold that we bunkered behind some rocks and
watched the boys play with fake swords as we girls chatted. The waves are
gorgeous here! So I mainly watched them crash against the rocks as ocean foam
smacked us in the face. </div>
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Watched The A Team with the Fam <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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Today:</div>
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Well today was awesome!!! </div>
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We played wiffle ball baseball on the beach with the entire
Family! Was so so fun! Hadn’t done something like that in forever, definitely a
wonderful memory. The Boys took a dunk in the water too. Wasn’t that daring
this time a round. </div>
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My Grandparents joined us out on the beach after driving up
from Claxton, GA. Really enjoyed there visit. Love my crazy Nana! Went to the
driving Range. A first for me. LOVED IT!!!! Such an awesome stress reliever! I
have a feeling me and the Driving Range will be close friends in the future ;-)
</div>
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So, so far Vacation 2012 has been amazing! So many fun
memories! God has truly blessed our Family to be able to do this. Love being
able to hang out with my Bros. Just reminds me how Awesome God is <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-324937797203072376.post-30616050846973217212012-02-29T16:29:00.000-08:002012-03-02T16:22:11.512-08:00Launching....I love my devos!<br />
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<i>"Launch out into the deep" </i>(<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="Luke 5.4" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%205.4" style="color: #990000; font-family: Tahoma; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Luke 5:4</a>).</div>
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How deep He does not say. The depth into which we launch will depend upon how perfectly we have given up the shore, and the greatness of our need, and the apprehension of our possibilities. The fish were to be found in the deep, not in the shallow water.</div>
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So with us; our needs are to be met in the deep things of God. We are to launch out into the deep of God's Word, which the Spirit can open up to us in such crystal fathomless meaning that the same words we have accepted in times past will have an ocean meaning in them, which renders their first meaning to us very shallow.</div>
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Into the deep of the Atonement, until Christ's precious blood is so illuminated by the Spirit that it becomes an omnipotent balm, and food and medicine for the soul and body.</div>
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Into the deep of the Father's will, until we apprehend it in its infinite minuteness and goodness, and its far-sweeping provision and care for us.</div>
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Into the deep of the Holy Spirit, until He becomes a bright, dazzling, sweet, fathomless summer sea, in which we bathe and bask and breathe, and lose ourselves and our sorrows in the calmness and peace of His everlasting presence.</div>
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Into the deep of the Holy Spirit, until He becomes a bright, marvelous answer to prayer, the most careful and tender guidance, the most thoughtful anticipation of our needs, the most accurate and supernatural shaping of our events.</div>
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Into the deep of God's purposes and coming kingdom, until the Lord's coming and His millennial reign are opened up to us; and beyond these the bright entrancing ages on ages unfold themselves, until the mental eye is dazed with light, and the heart flutters with inexpressible anticipations of its joy with Jesus and the glory to be revealed.</div>
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Into all these things, Jesus bids us launch. He made us and He made the deep, and to its fathomless depths He has fitted our longings and capabilities. --Soul Food</div>
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<i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">"Its streams the whole creation reach,</i><br />
<i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">So plenteous is the store;</i><br />
<i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Enough for all, enough for each;</i><br />
<i style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Enough forevermore."</i></div>
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The deep waters of the Holy Spirit are always accessible, because they are always <i>proceeding. </i>Will<i> </i>you not this day claim afresh to be immersed and drenched in these waters of life? The waters in Ezekiel's vision first of all oozed from under the doors of the temple. Then the man with the measuring line measured and found the waters to the ankles. Still further measurement, and they were waters to the knees. Once again they were measured and the waters were to the loins. Then they became waters to swim in--a river that could not be passed over. (Read Ezekiel 47). How far have we advanced into this river of life? The Holy Spirit would have a complete self effacement. Not merely ankle-deep, knee-deep, loin-deep, but self-deep. We ourselves hidden out of sight and bathed in this life-giving stream. Let go the shore-lines and launch out into the deep. Never forget, the Man with the measuring line is with us today. --J.G.M.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">Sometimes I feel as though I am not making really any progress in life. I look at life and want to LAUNCH! I feel as though I am in just a puddle of stagnant water, when really God has already launched me and it's the little things that he is using in big ways. I just need to dive into the deep water and embrace the Holy Spirit and tune into Him :-) I need to dive into the Holy Spirit and His work in my life and let Him work through my diving into the Word. I want to get soaked!!! </span></span></div>Bethany K. Tripphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02278757476444316091noreply@blogger.com0