tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90925805808992360792024-03-13T11:37:48.823-07:00Here Am I. Send Me!Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"
And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
~IsaiahBrandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-41399110847812170092013-07-12T06:27:00.000-07:002013-07-12T06:27:42.821-07:00Announcement: {Moving to a New Blog}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9_euD-oe2KFdERs-smBtfAylhIn69yjuX_Hy8RPGuFYTQy-EBwgfEfepdOhEg3FU9MHDV7lQNpapjZioseAgzSl1D8EwrchJ973Q9nmuQyOdf9so0vf_3JYCZT6G3b8wT7ETI37SikQ/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9_euD-oe2KFdERs-smBtfAylhIn69yjuX_Hy8RPGuFYTQy-EBwgfEfepdOhEg3FU9MHDV7lQNpapjZioseAgzSl1D8EwrchJ973Q9nmuQyOdf9so0vf_3JYCZT6G3b8wT7ETI37SikQ/s640/IMG_0560.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Since starting this blog way back in 2008, its been a wonderful place to share about our lives with YWAM. But since we have moved to Oregon, we decided that the blog needed a facelift. A facelift turned into a completely new blog. Please continue to follow me and keep up with us over at <a href="http://wildoakstream.com/" target="_blank">Wild Oak Stream</a>! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmEZLGPdWeZbL-GS_XDfFyqa6Sk_AbQFenegnrK-cuTNyxoVnmz9AY3hh59LyJXMFlBCo_2wArqGCWQ-WWkRUCIFkZA1xCY58kg9UxPEe4VQIVYUWLyPzaH_FxMUNL3bH8YJoKd634GQ/s640/Wild+Oak+Stream+Logo+2.png" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I will keep this blog up for another month or so, but will eventually delete it, so make sure you make the move with me over to the new site! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-26728194323346679302013-06-27T08:52:00.000-07:002013-06-27T08:52:07.208-07:00Thoughts...This past week has been a difficult one. Capri came down with a virus that gave her a fever then a rash. She was extra snuggly, which is great for my mommy-heart, but not great for washing dishes. But the hardest is that Shiloh has begun to test her boundaries a little bit more than before. New testing=new discipline=new parenting.<br />
<br />
I have been praying a lot this past week about it all. How to continue to discipline her. How to grow in my parenting. What kind of behavior do I want to see in Shiloh? What kind do I not want to see? Talking with Brandon about it all so that we are on the same page. {Children have this way of 'divide & conquer'... we are on to you, we know your tricks!}<br />
<br />
But one thing I have noticed also this week is just how much Capri watches her older sister. I mean, she literally will watch her every move.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydpFTnPVo9siD-2CiqPxSm9hBqbkswwIye5mk47-nmBtTTsQ8TfowQwdnWlofnEYu-1PFepoJTsdBQYUgOcksNaSVobTKif3KQBrGc1hYvbfGjc2MkyWQitAVKAfa71QK241g6wARgZ8/s1600/IMG_8202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydpFTnPVo9siD-2CiqPxSm9hBqbkswwIye5mk47-nmBtTTsQ8TfowQwdnWlofnEYu-1PFepoJTsdBQYUgOcksNaSVobTKif3KQBrGc1hYvbfGjc2MkyWQitAVKAfa71QK241g6wARgZ8/s640/IMG_8202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfamcpDoUaeDa7zEOhMGsUHwBFXqUQxcfVBVYkruAM-gWVDD35BN08TCSgA_6kv2ZG0LqmhKXN7gL6FtQCuAptyNRHHkBYxXT2ybdSKfnaGY2FHu9S7pck6IBkesOOy-zZM0f4lsXPiHY/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfamcpDoUaeDa7zEOhMGsUHwBFXqUQxcfVBVYkruAM-gWVDD35BN08TCSgA_6kv2ZG0LqmhKXN7gL6FtQCuAptyNRHHkBYxXT2ybdSKfnaGY2FHu9S7pck6IBkesOOy-zZM0f4lsXPiHY/s640/IMG_8204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-qq8E-efsYqDjstb7hquRIW2N6mLcXVkXyEH1uoNqghdhYPg3h2EEt9rTuBkxuemw6gJ3CZHLY8OQpq3LsZMNcUr5zO6orppAThks3ia1hyphenhyphendSAINAtjf6wUl2n6zAb42VoIBEVpjUhE/s1600/IMG_8218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-qq8E-efsYqDjstb7hquRIW2N6mLcXVkXyEH1uoNqghdhYPg3h2EEt9rTuBkxuemw6gJ3CZHLY8OQpq3LsZMNcUr5zO6orppAThks3ia1hyphenhyphendSAINAtjf6wUl2n6zAb42VoIBEVpjUhE/s640/IMG_8218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa7L5DEs446_lYyaLUfbNQd8phtNLK0OlosBK7-biPqt_6HgUw-ZElLEol4EO2dZ-WnC5Vt-WRMt9u69Qy6dZ2VpeHbMDSvqTphX_Yoozng8uYNg7YN7xEZ9tvamfmzsOWs3-syJWtr8/s1600/IMG_8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa7L5DEs446_lYyaLUfbNQd8phtNLK0OlosBK7-biPqt_6HgUw-ZElLEol4EO2dZ-WnC5Vt-WRMt9u69Qy6dZ2VpeHbMDSvqTphX_Yoozng8uYNg7YN7xEZ9tvamfmzsOWs3-syJWtr8/s640/IMG_8220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She will observe the things that we don't see Shiloh do, and she may imitate it. <i>Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.</i> This won't always be true. But as of this past week, if Shiloh goes into one room, Capri follows. If Shiloh gets hyper, Capri gets hyper. I realized that in these tough and difficult times of learning how to discipline and teach Shiloh, I am perhaps going to reap the benefits with Capri too.<br />
<br />
Its hard work to discipline our girls. Sometimes it feels like I am chasing my tail. But it pays off... or at least that is what we tell ourselves. Shiloh is learning what we expect of her behavior-wise, and we are learning what works and doesn't work to teach her those things.<br />
<br />
And we are praying that Capri begins to learn too... because frankly, that little girl is as curious as a cat... and I don't like cats. :) And telling her 'no' 20 times a day when she tries to eat our shoes is getting old. It'll pay off... I am just hoping that is sooner rather than later.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-11679830992426584762013-06-14T17:37:00.001-07:002013-06-14T17:37:53.366-07:00First Month.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've been living in our new home for a month. We are doing great, adjusting accordingly, and embracing this new season in our lives. Here is a roundup of our first month... pictures do speak louder than my words.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggYK9eyifCBGWdg2NaZiud1XtlQolCt1EbkTqJ7toGUF2T3kJ3ynQQ7lhlkH56qqDO5bkD_EyfvXpdYZHnlSsiZj95j_DD9o8GXmBh79tcBntbsAS2vxC2AemLXERz6_do1b-7wgmHAQ/s1600/IMG_8183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggYK9eyifCBGWdg2NaZiud1XtlQolCt1EbkTqJ7toGUF2T3kJ3ynQQ7lhlkH56qqDO5bkD_EyfvXpdYZHnlSsiZj95j_DD9o8GXmBh79tcBntbsAS2vxC2AemLXERz6_do1b-7wgmHAQ/s640/IMG_8183.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Brandon working alongside his dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5kW9ESHAc6U3DgDA8k1IeBpMMvzo-zD9VqsBqIsvanxg5w8khmKCRFcEWG2nr5ie7u7LoAwoY3s7qYQZir_HlLNlY_lt4RpgMlVLG7hvqGjdU9iyqT5RudlOycNKz1oKTkGtbZhBxWg/s1600/IMG_8213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5kW9ESHAc6U3DgDA8k1IeBpMMvzo-zD9VqsBqIsvanxg5w8khmKCRFcEWG2nr5ie7u7LoAwoY3s7qYQZir_HlLNlY_lt4RpgMlVLG7hvqGjdU9iyqT5RudlOycNKz1oKTkGtbZhBxWg/s640/IMG_8213.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shiloh completing her chores.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQohNUg53elUYf5MClwLC6Kje-dR_LPclK4lm_PujoObTxfX1kPBV2FPVRc6W2WGrj1jFt1Jgs4OUg7uup0gZ5bDDAqXbBvVRqcf93PxCSJyBJ9qrUVdKSXYGz1AMq8yojNHSDc4u7iS8/s1600/IMG_8379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQohNUg53elUYf5MClwLC6Kje-dR_LPclK4lm_PujoObTxfX1kPBV2FPVRc6W2WGrj1jFt1Jgs4OUg7uup0gZ5bDDAqXbBvVRqcf93PxCSJyBJ9qrUVdKSXYGz1AMq8yojNHSDc4u7iS8/s640/IMG_8379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Our amazing heater/wood stove.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneJK3jsNt9UZDHuGYXcgKJWcsVUo19xndJuz-SK78CpbyRMFhzvTDIW2AG8oEGakJP2Ug9qXGTupZ-zolD8-rKNWXBz4Ubz9TgjNKnQWCl7YAn_c4vjtQJkl9yppMgDlm4WX83f6TTVk/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneJK3jsNt9UZDHuGYXcgKJWcsVUo19xndJuz-SK78CpbyRMFhzvTDIW2AG8oEGakJP2Ug9qXGTupZ-zolD8-rKNWXBz4Ubz9TgjNKnQWCl7YAn_c4vjtQJkl9yppMgDlm4WX83f6TTVk/s640/IMG_8217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Sister reading to sister.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8kBUZ-_fdFl2BoMhk_kplzD1ucjJxCxG2BQoY7ii2R9QtYz3ugiFzyg-WqGvoSjJ88dIw73UsuShSxO19J3t3ZxVUGDP5_6tIxkQ5Ot7OX8Qh8pUYRpqyBZprBeTqa2baQdDsra-ih4/s1600/IMG_8290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8kBUZ-_fdFl2BoMhk_kplzD1ucjJxCxG2BQoY7ii2R9QtYz3ugiFzyg-WqGvoSjJ88dIw73UsuShSxO19J3t3ZxVUGDP5_6tIxkQ5Ot7OX8Qh8pUYRpqyBZprBeTqa2baQdDsra-ih4/s640/IMG_8290.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
The dandelions keep us entertained.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY7bb2Vf19IoVJplBBrvndxgj6l1zKL0k6SdTgyzWlxJgMqv3rwkeeb8rQpw2SDWAuUsMJVxM1ixmgdFx2C79NFu_nw_3xMmAmQGmhydwLzlVeFCxql7V76RIq7k-ARHtV5cPRR4XDMM/s1600/IMG_8352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY7bb2Vf19IoVJplBBrvndxgj6l1zKL0k6SdTgyzWlxJgMqv3rwkeeb8rQpw2SDWAuUsMJVxM1ixmgdFx2C79NFu_nw_3xMmAmQGmhydwLzlVeFCxql7V76RIq7k-ARHtV5cPRR4XDMM/s640/IMG_8352.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Oh, and Capri does too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3y11rAFVr-3k-jX-qmru32UqXs1D1BukjcJJS9hCM8rcLpztbiAEiLrUoQYN_1BUtgqjbGef_qFIoQ03C9PrLhqpMET4u9GZ3rNeT6GM5RfhQxoiaqPuDeCy-FiOvCLlgs1i4xW0Ip8/s1600/IMG_8374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3y11rAFVr-3k-jX-qmru32UqXs1D1BukjcJJS9hCM8rcLpztbiAEiLrUoQYN_1BUtgqjbGef_qFIoQ03C9PrLhqpMET4u9GZ3rNeT6GM5RfhQxoiaqPuDeCy-FiOvCLlgs1i4xW0Ip8/s640/IMG_8374.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shiloh's potty chart. We are hoping potty-training-round-6 is the final round.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZxMB0LnZnMg1B2uFSPf2lirTzHVt_d2Xj-O6ONHJKzil6FTp88QRXayEl07Kol7HkblXDVkjaM32tFjsMG2yYlRJdDWIHW-XtUF2h80MaKqkYCV-LY16vKvG2aCtfUxABKsBHGKfJgQ/s1600/IMG_8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZxMB0LnZnMg1B2uFSPf2lirTzHVt_d2Xj-O6ONHJKzil6FTp88QRXayEl07Kol7HkblXDVkjaM32tFjsMG2yYlRJdDWIHW-XtUF2h80MaKqkYCV-LY16vKvG2aCtfUxABKsBHGKfJgQ/s640/IMG_8382.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Can one ever have too many chalkboards?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gKUKKRwjisxbFlRkleLmK0FsLiM-alZkyg_gphU7awCVt3WtMRY6lZkaWOeeMbXlQEhN-8UBq7dTg431ndawdT6jDO-G2mwEBdQX4KEbUp1GnjABcURI7C0Duv-I8AgB7cpfsskpvA8/s1600/IMG_8356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gKUKKRwjisxbFlRkleLmK0FsLiM-alZkyg_gphU7awCVt3WtMRY6lZkaWOeeMbXlQEhN-8UBq7dTg431ndawdT6jDO-G2mwEBdQX4KEbUp1GnjABcURI7C0Duv-I8AgB7cpfsskpvA8/s640/IMG_8356.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Shiloh is my little bug-hunter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s84ZBAh7Z8VvSGdgG3BMihZaxUDAgrz0T3Mls9ik9IvmyHS8M2gy_4aiatrkJXXYZsmr9Ti1BJHZk-VC2FNXSslYC8ARv4entrUYVTRdWDe3C2Ph85QnZDXdySlznN_tyWf-hY9nOjw/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3s84ZBAh7Z8VvSGdgG3BMihZaxUDAgrz0T3Mls9ik9IvmyHS8M2gy_4aiatrkJXXYZsmr9Ti1BJHZk-VC2FNXSslYC8ARv4entrUYVTRdWDe3C2Ph85QnZDXdySlznN_tyWf-hY9nOjw/s640/IMG_8386.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Cleaning up after the girls is endless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjG95yYSRJgYcvIMZE_syvnP8dUYo26UwzFY7adtOCwqv-Tlj8io65VVIAhst6lT5rD0AzU56Zdgz5m-MZ4e5AIGGbmDrvtHg8XPDQExV3pdF5j4ybWoOfNYQ-jEGrFXIIM5wIny_hCs/s1600/IMG_8387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjG95yYSRJgYcvIMZE_syvnP8dUYo26UwzFY7adtOCwqv-Tlj8io65VVIAhst6lT5rD0AzU56Zdgz5m-MZ4e5AIGGbmDrvtHg8XPDQExV3pdF5j4ybWoOfNYQ-jEGrFXIIM5wIny_hCs/s640/IMG_8387.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Its hard to decide where to hang things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGF_BonQLYjNu2uN9hS8YIF1T1_robsXJ96RPABytwMVeZC-5AAXmDVquHpjc0XG-CfrOtMEmM2nnSx7Ynhyphenhyphen3uznznMF54IWyq0Xy99s74xWvhdif5C5bi6BrkOuu0qv4YLXUV2t4Wc0/s1600/IMG_8388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGF_BonQLYjNu2uN9hS8YIF1T1_robsXJ96RPABytwMVeZC-5AAXmDVquHpjc0XG-CfrOtMEmM2nnSx7Ynhyphenhyphen3uznznMF54IWyq0Xy99s74xWvhdif5C5bi6BrkOuu0qv4YLXUV2t4Wc0/s640/IMG_8388.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Big chevron planter & little get brought inside on freezing nights.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCr2fiax-qJyUQCDs9gxFH4dfm5SOvCEvgjF8Ru4ldSBjBmIucXAPbGg0Jppikn091pJQCHXHpioqp38ilDcB1RCyQyKd4yS8zpdqWHYqv2fsb4MhTr2YjKssydTe8-QxzlzDGX0ZW8/s1600/IMG_8389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTtCr2fiax-qJyUQCDs9gxFH4dfm5SOvCEvgjF8Ru4ldSBjBmIucXAPbGg0Jppikn091pJQCHXHpioqp38ilDcB1RCyQyKd4yS8zpdqWHYqv2fsb4MhTr2YjKssydTe8-QxzlzDGX0ZW8/s640/IMG_8389.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dirty work boots have replaced the usual flip-flops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcAd63Nptx4u0Nby0gKYIoxdvE4d5O73QxYXEIt1RcW-DLo6eR3lKu8gJZEX4Rf7uxfhyphenhyphenXRa7asjIZTFgeccNvJ_eVyowmMgcZl7GW-64-XKhc5-HL1-HopIBNZtbxaGGPhma3sRuNpk/s1600/IMG_8249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcAd63Nptx4u0Nby0gKYIoxdvE4d5O73QxYXEIt1RcW-DLo6eR3lKu8gJZEX4Rf7uxfhyphenhyphenXRa7asjIZTFgeccNvJ_eVyowmMgcZl7GW-64-XKhc5-HL1-HopIBNZtbxaGGPhma3sRuNpk/s640/IMG_8249.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Shiloh painting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M73yN3jdiwZf8vH2FdTL5-q0A5x7dNswxfLxcuOIt5zzlnrVCOl3mpnveYAgAvS_k4DOOzPc1ESEfVgCX8H1sYYN1Gjiih4b0dkqVXHJdjWQo1jG2ael5ki8YZg3duYoTKUtq7tnGD8/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M73yN3jdiwZf8vH2FdTL5-q0A5x7dNswxfLxcuOIt5zzlnrVCOl3mpnveYAgAvS_k4DOOzPc1ESEfVgCX8H1sYYN1Gjiih4b0dkqVXHJdjWQo1jG2ael5ki8YZg3duYoTKUtq7tnGD8/s640/IMG_8384.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Her masterpieces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gOPIccK2lS610-v-U77x1EtI8eXtBmOWeBIFiCmiXKWbvtb1kgbDbjNMBlsW9Bcv2titbMG2wdvbqviine5C5WJ7xyg0wIBFXVQ5x_HHsoknC9orCTmv_ajkbIqZCldphuhKGHUF0Uw/s1600/IMG_8390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5gOPIccK2lS610-v-U77x1EtI8eXtBmOWeBIFiCmiXKWbvtb1kgbDbjNMBlsW9Bcv2titbMG2wdvbqviine5C5WJ7xyg0wIBFXVQ5x_HHsoknC9orCTmv_ajkbIqZCldphuhKGHUF0Uw/s640/IMG_8390.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Our second front door is my favorite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoOSYiWM7n6Oeb72-IMVygcQC8IuY2wAcs6_yXyorh468m93rFOM5FDUOg28H6xFcoTk7gS9GsqjKUtSLrB6WkWcy5qIu6KXwXhoPyHgr642lv6IBdkpZ_ZccEv85HOeCEGM2ppwteZg/s1600/IMG_8391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoOSYiWM7n6Oeb72-IMVygcQC8IuY2wAcs6_yXyorh468m93rFOM5FDUOg28H6xFcoTk7gS9GsqjKUtSLrB6WkWcy5qIu6KXwXhoPyHgr642lv6IBdkpZ_ZccEv85HOeCEGM2ppwteZg/s640/IMG_8391.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Napping on Mommy & Daddy's floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5dpXKo8lb03e1fEzuOz67V4fyCBDjE6CP_0PrXTZ2gvPaU4e-7UFQux9ug1B9-U3LefDUyz2HDqQDQlPqs4NSQgkO0Pe-umJkd5mWf8feenmjCkwSojeLOI48TM7eFLrLy1Ce0FrXXc/s1600/IMG_8394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5dpXKo8lb03e1fEzuOz67V4fyCBDjE6CP_0PrXTZ2gvPaU4e-7UFQux9ug1B9-U3LefDUyz2HDqQDQlPqs4NSQgkO0Pe-umJkd5mWf8feenmjCkwSojeLOI48TM7eFLrLy1Ce0FrXXc/s640/IMG_8394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Ah, the clean laundry that stares at me until I fold & put it all away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2ArioWLOxAIHTMGu46c8m1ZzxPWTxqeC4ABypt_UoN6EcJqer976ycVAymFmZWI6NIPEc-c7qabR5MsHcDgZiZd_l_PRrfSryG3yZ_Pp4k487qWrRFUOIckledk2Oi8jHtuzoPfehgk/s1600/IMG_8396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2ArioWLOxAIHTMGu46c8m1ZzxPWTxqeC4ABypt_UoN6EcJqer976ycVAymFmZWI6NIPEc-c7qabR5MsHcDgZiZd_l_PRrfSryG3yZ_Pp4k487qWrRFUOIckledk2Oi8jHtuzoPfehgk/s640/IMG_8396.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
Working on hanging & framing... I can't wait to have decorated walls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JcN_NF2etV2_gk4U76wxZS-XkIB-HBtAf_9Rr6sYbudonCwofrszWQrsGlGg60hIorNMu_UpKL4Qp1_JsaOLtmPpM63Bm9zef4VxkA65agrvi6cCKjqHy-sdZxo85tp49DinXleYAdI/s1600/IMG_8401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JcN_NF2etV2_gk4U76wxZS-XkIB-HBtAf_9Rr6sYbudonCwofrszWQrsGlGg60hIorNMu_UpKL4Qp1_JsaOLtmPpM63Bm9zef4VxkA65agrvi6cCKjqHy-sdZxo85tp49DinXleYAdI/s640/IMG_8401.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I love my ceramic urchin. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRN02NMVXf2mCXL5fU71511XSJB794nZUY7-zGqpZUIpxXtkOCY220csQR_FYgKiOioj5CCcKxL0IjQJ_A2e8gB0neaEn5223v-fnUO2iqLOzvuXWg5i4Ipydv8pITJR4A7W1ovQ8mUU/s1600/IMG_8407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRN02NMVXf2mCXL5fU71511XSJB794nZUY7-zGqpZUIpxXtkOCY220csQR_FYgKiOioj5CCcKxL0IjQJ_A2e8gB0neaEn5223v-fnUO2iqLOzvuXWg5i4Ipydv8pITJR4A7W1ovQ8mUU/s640/IMG_8407.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
I don't love my ever diminishing stock of my favorite Trader Joe's items.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UnvrdbQ6ZTrOeeV6sf98d8Tfc-szXBXs17B1pGEYCyq1X1fRAqcP08yHfjRCHyc8e3f8_DfsCryDUYVak5LC2s1XMxgqXBrnZx0g8uwJwQ0K9EL9N7ajG9-mgb81_iLQm6s89lVIA_E/s1600/IMG_8408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UnvrdbQ6ZTrOeeV6sf98d8Tfc-szXBXs17B1pGEYCyq1X1fRAqcP08yHfjRCHyc8e3f8_DfsCryDUYVak5LC2s1XMxgqXBrnZx0g8uwJwQ0K9EL9N7ajG9-mgb81_iLQm6s89lVIA_E/s640/IMG_8408.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
And Capri LOVES her some sweet potatoes and beets. Seriously, its her favorite.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-47558461650504666242013-03-31T15:06:00.000-07:002013-03-31T15:06:38.281-07:00Big news... {Spring 2013 Newsletter}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs9Tk2CuR1UySfjYYMbaY-jcoGpcyUwid-XHhZZn9Npga3O4LIXh3hfqNsbdLIxaV-put6rfwJOUxBl9vuMyuI4ScxT9ifaa1UQ-jF__Ery3ghAdU0RzdT-SA1oMeX9PTqx_HGw771lA/s1600/Spring+2013+Newsletter+Online+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs9Tk2CuR1UySfjYYMbaY-jcoGpcyUwid-XHhZZn9Npga3O4LIXh3hfqNsbdLIxaV-put6rfwJOUxBl9vuMyuI4ScxT9ifaa1UQ-jF__Ery3ghAdU0RzdT-SA1oMeX9PTqx_HGw771lA/s640/Spring+2013+Newsletter+Online+copy.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
To read our latest, Spring 2013 Newsletter, click <a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BxQSCcK62EA-NmxiZUx1TU9feWs/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. We have some big news, announcements, and would love to have you partner with us in prayer and support!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-59360427091121015052013-03-03T10:42:00.003-08:002013-03-03T10:42:59.629-08:00Fear.I have been meaning to write this post for a while now. But I always hesitated. I don't have much to say about it... due to the fact that I am in the midst of it.<br />
<br />
I never really have been a fearful individual. I have always been an either adventurous girl, or a cautious one, depending on the season of life... but not fearful... at least not how I have been experiencing fear lately. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQ_4-8kzcCH8kImB2qWVqHUC7gFZEsRZniDzTZsDr3ada_bdZJr7GCUiyFC2BrimVb9G4NFimRdk5yMyiawx_DDeDV0L9zDNGpebDDoblGN7X49uaYQ-GTNyKtQbiZ_YLwN7JpYepas/s1600/162_512647209055_6650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdQ_4-8kzcCH8kImB2qWVqHUC7gFZEsRZniDzTZsDr3ada_bdZJr7GCUiyFC2BrimVb9G4NFimRdk5yMyiawx_DDeDV0L9zDNGpebDDoblGN7X49uaYQ-GTNyKtQbiZ_YLwN7JpYepas/s640/162_512647209055_6650_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When Shiloh was born and little I remember having a few anxious moments where fear gripped me. Becoming a Mommy tested my faith. It made me responsible for another delicate life, but I wasn't always able to control things that happened to her... I had to experience faith in new ways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfL1XWMV5Tjbyxt_-_238Sj2_Fhwyhx_pBRAn0pl4o_0az5UA50cnBriQxgeYxaXnC9-EtOigH6oxZek0J44Y9h64SuD3TX680jjm6aP_rQWqxZ8HSGc8CeQrTAXnYYa3M57bIXxZlqk/s1600/IMG_7356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfL1XWMV5Tjbyxt_-_238Sj2_Fhwyhx_pBRAn0pl4o_0az5UA50cnBriQxgeYxaXnC9-EtOigH6oxZek0J44Y9h64SuD3TX680jjm6aP_rQWqxZ8HSGc8CeQrTAXnYYa3M57bIXxZlqk/s640/IMG_7356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4PTgmU0cvq2RnNVRf4iJCVC9rrbpHzOe8AHR_mZcG1AYpSSnrldwWYNbFCfseBqkBxIxlKU8A-rKSSoYvkhrSuH7HLWa8On1UUVmOCTCFIF1F5ah-JAHlnKNvbUhcc12rtxp07ESdxw/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4PTgmU0cvq2RnNVRf4iJCVC9rrbpHzOe8AHR_mZcG1AYpSSnrldwWYNbFCfseBqkBxIxlKU8A-rKSSoYvkhrSuH7HLWa8On1UUVmOCTCFIF1F5ah-JAHlnKNvbUhcc12rtxp07ESdxw/s640/IMG_1239.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ZKRtks4Cz1Xp0YhUSR7P5mOKbA_cRHV5H9R8siFVF2ROMrqhR1e9qI2hSih5zWxxfDn3m78gqVX7q2CcuRVMU_xgQtvQnBWAOJju4kgDQAvZKzbMs7IGYXYnrdBwvll-6-EN8_xGzE/s1600/IMG_4403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4ZKRtks4Cz1Xp0YhUSR7P5mOKbA_cRHV5H9R8siFVF2ROMrqhR1e9qI2hSih5zWxxfDn3m78gqVX7q2CcuRVMU_xgQtvQnBWAOJju4kgDQAvZKzbMs7IGYXYnrdBwvll-6-EN8_xGzE/s640/IMG_4403.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9zYBd1GD9YjQZ5bDEY9_5Y3wdz_iftXBZwjSCibso6o3jNab0asku3mMqOglEShOe1oZUXQXEHJEEK4pCJ_2Fz9aBwX1Wma7slSrOq2SZ26TFipYAVkWGA-q6TSGL5pjZCZIZykMU6k/s1600/IMG_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9zYBd1GD9YjQZ5bDEY9_5Y3wdz_iftXBZwjSCibso6o3jNab0asku3mMqOglEShOe1oZUXQXEHJEEK4pCJ_2Fz9aBwX1Wma7slSrOq2SZ26TFipYAVkWGA-q6TSGL5pjZCZIZykMU6k/s640/IMG_0222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x8hO_4kwqTzsyowiw6SfuPoj4xpMHUxG1jp1zTFyCZXJQxTXyCtxwmxksr9H3zIHRLqCNAbAaNpt9t8YvaaobxL89ITr2Vt9kRWkFPPJv1tsDFiUBcFwhp_o2OquwV65vtrLwhAwKs0/s1600/IMG_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0x8hO_4kwqTzsyowiw6SfuPoj4xpMHUxG1jp1zTFyCZXJQxTXyCtxwmxksr9H3zIHRLqCNAbAaNpt9t8YvaaobxL89ITr2Vt9kRWkFPPJv1tsDFiUBcFwhp_o2OquwV65vtrLwhAwKs0/s640/IMG_0385.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJk5KgtoUw5Vsvvuig2NXARM2MeqAZN_eEP9pTy8iuleko_qCYAOoEfVaWFsU8mdGs1Uitrt5RzYzTRCYP_05rGN-9SQepfGRU6Z5aMjwycGtoR4KixSmyXAtIkG02v-DIRWOipcOPw/s1600/IMG_1121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJk5KgtoUw5Vsvvuig2NXARM2MeqAZN_eEP9pTy8iuleko_qCYAOoEfVaWFsU8mdGs1Uitrt5RzYzTRCYP_05rGN-9SQepfGRU6Z5aMjwycGtoR4KixSmyXAtIkG02v-DIRWOipcOPw/s640/IMG_1121.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But when Capri was born, the anxiety and fear tripled. Okay, maybe it doubled, then tripled, and then multiplied by 10... then lets be honest, then by 100. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn2QE-dkfVqLPWuPqTLSpD96iyTJ0QEd9YY2AhVqqotEdhWCN1lXyS77R-vNfUALVjC2gV13-3YRjtPquqeysEBS0tLkY32DBGD9TwYrWciBZrGa-glPxVecgStlLqBK-7jVMhezcsNg/s1600/IMG_1181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn2QE-dkfVqLPWuPqTLSpD96iyTJ0QEd9YY2AhVqqotEdhWCN1lXyS77R-vNfUALVjC2gV13-3YRjtPquqeysEBS0tLkY32DBGD9TwYrWciBZrGa-glPxVecgStlLqBK-7jVMhezcsNg/s640/IMG_1181.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOKksks8h18NPLT2cXipIU2WEy7WDCcnFWX_0hNWXdU3wbjmA4phLZxWe2m6Oewy9fBu0IDUfSFErvIx8yLBV1EIy0g0N0sF7S67Q4kha3dFt40Bn2irk1lRkb42Sqq1IojGVXjE5pJY/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOKksks8h18NPLT2cXipIU2WEy7WDCcnFWX_0hNWXdU3wbjmA4phLZxWe2m6Oewy9fBu0IDUfSFErvIx8yLBV1EIy0g0N0sF7S67Q4kha3dFt40Bn2irk1lRkb42Sqq1IojGVXjE5pJY/s640/IMG_0091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_HhRX2nNl_2JygvBlkCayHEHLyII2roqjVIlrbsmz5N9oTmViksbl34mBA_Y1WTvVZWCHPLTTm3wTrHbE8vRyQWyIO3OCqXhEbjIhsrztS7qGeiV18O55YAiTUnhDUlK-d9xvmjESfE/s1600/IMG_0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_HhRX2nNl_2JygvBlkCayHEHLyII2roqjVIlrbsmz5N9oTmViksbl34mBA_Y1WTvVZWCHPLTTm3wTrHbE8vRyQWyIO3OCqXhEbjIhsrztS7qGeiV18O55YAiTUnhDUlK-d9xvmjESfE/s640/IMG_0159.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08DxsIGGIg-VBpyOcoRVlIQ8Pnphu7zWZAuC58xIAVqTGUWMom71nqqY5f3SlZkQqo7WQM-w3Sn5_Ai_8z4y5ZzytEpLyOisK1u3WIAMoz0q2otfj4cpJUFHtoQBAyvj01F6_71iHC4/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08DxsIGGIg-VBpyOcoRVlIQ8Pnphu7zWZAuC58xIAVqTGUWMom71nqqY5f3SlZkQqo7WQM-w3Sn5_Ai_8z4y5ZzytEpLyOisK1u3WIAMoz0q2otfj4cpJUFHtoQBAyvj01F6_71iHC4/s640/IMG_1636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLAltL7PkRtt6j7vB3ax7r7hyphenhyphenQay-oKxVSE9Y8ocsYNe7x2V2kdBWUUvvw44pJhEtl13o_re7adKlxfx0Xm6hxKxZIC5Tb0T_EmMnQxLhnDRBeWlbj9JZv8oTXR-ST1rVizRSUpvEGZI/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLAltL7PkRtt6j7vB3ax7r7hyphenhyphenQay-oKxVSE9Y8ocsYNe7x2V2kdBWUUvvw44pJhEtl13o_re7adKlxfx0Xm6hxKxZIC5Tb0T_EmMnQxLhnDRBeWlbj9JZv8oTXR-ST1rVizRSUpvEGZI/s640/IMG_2113.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbVNLzTJLnrXSgpFmfACLuEZszRG4W-8VTpNdzjTf2kFNP_bdWwxj9H8wLRnrHgXSRwVKJJxaCcTpmHllmj1rTJG4mqx3xM3TGtfPe0O343Wdcpg_DjiCfOt9GCMhHHsS1qmf4ia6fbo/s1600/IMG_1848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbVNLzTJLnrXSgpFmfACLuEZszRG4W-8VTpNdzjTf2kFNP_bdWwxj9H8wLRnrHgXSRwVKJJxaCcTpmHllmj1rTJG4mqx3xM3TGtfPe0O343Wdcpg_DjiCfOt9GCMhHHsS1qmf4ia6fbo/s640/IMG_1848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRxybGpXu5LLWZeVzNGtAVAc7gasd7kb1I8VkiFewOOZAxL6zcy14HELkAVNAOMgPxMuEUF8hOc_zCly1oVLWN2naRmNGcr5RMQnBscGD_xOW9PNvKY-HD-nxYPsdpzVmjBt9llWtMYc/s1600/IMG_7719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRxybGpXu5LLWZeVzNGtAVAc7gasd7kb1I8VkiFewOOZAxL6zcy14HELkAVNAOMgPxMuEUF8hOc_zCly1oVLWN2naRmNGcr5RMQnBscGD_xOW9PNvKY-HD-nxYPsdpzVmjBt9llWtMYc/s640/IMG_7719.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tpBOmcpKLZh6sKoJRmyoZIyqppQC3wx-i_BQ85KNBF4jqocTFu7C4P5t2IagfGG2PgwnPQMHckTc3WB6zGl8Pc7KqslMu8zXnDoTSk2yFci7RtmMZlrV0mb4buEzk1MSt-mpGUWqRUE/s1600/IMG_1509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tpBOmcpKLZh6sKoJRmyoZIyqppQC3wx-i_BQ85KNBF4jqocTFu7C4P5t2IagfGG2PgwnPQMHckTc3WB6zGl8Pc7KqslMu8zXnDoTSk2yFci7RtmMZlrV0mb4buEzk1MSt-mpGUWqRUE/s640/IMG_1509.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have a hard time putting it into words. But I felt like I was holding a stack of balancing wine glasses that could topple over and spill at the slightest mistake and then crash to the ground and shatter. But those wine glasses were my children. I feared their safety. I feared their health. I feared for their lives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gTciOoSsYjJrZiOkmxWcdSFJw4NjXjEsGPVubpnPgbjHFGx4_3WmnFQwo3_owWU0j79yz2-U8sktlpMglmcxFrspioLY2Kx_QuSIu_QvqgTTgfgUwrjbtXDunDxg6uZp8WyUeDIMdMk/s1600/IMG_7748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gTciOoSsYjJrZiOkmxWcdSFJw4NjXjEsGPVubpnPgbjHFGx4_3WmnFQwo3_owWU0j79yz2-U8sktlpMglmcxFrspioLY2Kx_QuSIu_QvqgTTgfgUwrjbtXDunDxg6uZp8WyUeDIMdMk/s640/IMG_7748.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil52tbRHTv6Esq17UJUzOPAXvX3UE-svbLgFCMpj0PCyjsl_0btdgOXzEGLTqcAPFI2iPNTxiq6e4mgLyNczrHyk395B_P6bBI26sgVzdkiMRUEBJRvOWIrShxdpK9M-_kcsJ0oj_bSsg/s1600/IMG_2182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil52tbRHTv6Esq17UJUzOPAXvX3UE-svbLgFCMpj0PCyjsl_0btdgOXzEGLTqcAPFI2iPNTxiq6e4mgLyNczrHyk395B_P6bBI26sgVzdkiMRUEBJRvOWIrShxdpK9M-_kcsJ0oj_bSsg/s640/IMG_2182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I am daily working through this fear thing. Having to stop when it hits, take deep breaths, pray and praise Jesus, and then collect myself and move forward. I haven't conquered it. I don't know when I will. But I know its growing me and testing me. Its testing my faith and trust to relinquish control and place my children in God's hands. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"In you, Lord my God, I put my trust."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Psalm 25:1</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-81495111499568924192013-02-28T15:49:00.003-08:002013-02-28T15:51:25.460-08:00Not all those...<div style="text-align: center;">
"Not all those who wander are lost. "</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~J.R.R. Tolkien</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN0EBmEjVKHmkz30O6jJiOlEZdkQmi9M1J7siTqRuROIObm9irvHA8gj5viAm8nrLUgb5ROX_T-EuyyR2CoWFMQuUVpy4A9ZEo2XIVEOy9ZnNm2TTxtCAkcqBlCwV_9QnVUDFon3Dx2s/s1600/IMG_1801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN0EBmEjVKHmkz30O6jJiOlEZdkQmi9M1J7siTqRuROIObm9irvHA8gj5viAm8nrLUgb5ROX_T-EuyyR2CoWFMQuUVpy4A9ZEo2XIVEOy9ZnNm2TTxtCAkcqBlCwV_9QnVUDFon3Dx2s/s640/IMG_1801.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZc0tQ5j-3aN2IkkfFWegJPaiuFyOMt9nztOuOijKsvB17OcQvZwjsvbk-Amm_pFv7EkofP9cy9Hq_bF3iaXmXdoFrJGmy3cq9_PZfGT-6Fn2UhfRgW_W1ZD8d9bniD3cQ5wHnru3ZRw/s1600/IMG_1789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZc0tQ5j-3aN2IkkfFWegJPaiuFyOMt9nztOuOijKsvB17OcQvZwjsvbk-Amm_pFv7EkofP9cy9Hq_bF3iaXmXdoFrJGmy3cq9_PZfGT-6Fn2UhfRgW_W1ZD8d9bniD3cQ5wHnru3ZRw/s640/IMG_1789.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLpVSd8cP1SoNneXRiZTc8aBhYEmQpUyt5J_2awrWIi0L417sfvQmMLmCgGj0Nd28bgSQ07v2dObu7dYN-gkvTn6RHCzvwDnvpo2J7Yw3tVhN9xPtziWglN6oxOXASiPH2tJdw1FRHec/s1600/IMG_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLpVSd8cP1SoNneXRiZTc8aBhYEmQpUyt5J_2awrWIi0L417sfvQmMLmCgGj0Nd28bgSQ07v2dObu7dYN-gkvTn6RHCzvwDnvpo2J7Yw3tVhN9xPtziWglN6oxOXASiPH2tJdw1FRHec/s640/IMG_1816.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDze2wlvhrz4G1Vrahj5YOiPt3LXDWNfXC4rjUBDybU2t4vvvI5Ebj26JZCFQPYFkhfZduj4Xt_Lg4b0Sr5wcO5I7HiQgb3lTI9jGRW8XN_2UbT41ewafLN_vfVqO8dahYMznS0Gdduzw/s1600/IMG_1828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDze2wlvhrz4G1Vrahj5YOiPt3LXDWNfXC4rjUBDybU2t4vvvI5Ebj26JZCFQPYFkhfZduj4Xt_Lg4b0Sr5wcO5I7HiQgb3lTI9jGRW8XN_2UbT41ewafLN_vfVqO8dahYMznS0Gdduzw/s640/IMG_1828.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv_SxYELSkuVNif3MlqOXSZtB1tBCr4Ws5ZFsQ36Lsjb3lZxewBd26Ka9UQyx-TDgMYwmYc4DrBv3Nz6HERHsdN2JUVpsbfLVxVnllyNjv5n6AVQVsR5d305Nu4rOqQEfE7PF0wk0iu4/s1600/IMG_1827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv_SxYELSkuVNif3MlqOXSZtB1tBCr4Ws5ZFsQ36Lsjb3lZxewBd26Ka9UQyx-TDgMYwmYc4DrBv3Nz6HERHsdN2JUVpsbfLVxVnllyNjv5n6AVQVsR5d305Nu4rOqQEfE7PF0wk0iu4/s640/IMG_1827.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ94fsr9h9KecNRC6167rzOU_qsDeLkk7_AI6F3SMpKKkUSoBldeCvSu740qC9-qniosjPq4Wn875KNh3U1HpPRcfuVYhNCWZYi1afl-aEgRgrX3OyP6dHGf_at2ux1oIGGDhqo7LdkQc/s1600/IMG_1829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ94fsr9h9KecNRC6167rzOU_qsDeLkk7_AI6F3SMpKKkUSoBldeCvSu740qC9-qniosjPq4Wn875KNh3U1HpPRcfuVYhNCWZYi1afl-aEgRgrX3OyP6dHGf_at2ux1oIGGDhqo7LdkQc/s640/IMG_1829.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ioTWK2b6kLzgJDeOmgV0hP3ah9TCSwp-YewrTz1aem1RQpxnJpWrqRvBKivE1KxmnkzD1VTRmXv-Us1l8v6DhEXJ-RMPq_D3_-6-N0HorLEPzs0vEQeEECAHze5R_Kt_NUDcVXznBJE/s1600/IMG_1835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ioTWK2b6kLzgJDeOmgV0hP3ah9TCSwp-YewrTz1aem1RQpxnJpWrqRvBKivE1KxmnkzD1VTRmXv-Us1l8v6DhEXJ-RMPq_D3_-6-N0HorLEPzs0vEQeEECAHze5R_Kt_NUDcVXznBJE/s640/IMG_1835.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sLT2j40_Xc8TVMfLhEkI3dxwVxJFmVV815z8S94UA9DIgkcBKDyqEtcYhp0If1bumqTt4uRvvtH8geZdjoLIeBnsBiK4plWjDLMj2fKl9HLSnYQZaDslAokGagW6F3aNAeoscESH7yk/s1600/IMG_1836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sLT2j40_Xc8TVMfLhEkI3dxwVxJFmVV815z8S94UA9DIgkcBKDyqEtcYhp0If1bumqTt4uRvvtH8geZdjoLIeBnsBiK4plWjDLMj2fKl9HLSnYQZaDslAokGagW6F3aNAeoscESH7yk/s640/IMG_1836.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpytYbmt1aqrI2p0CLiANYpQEdt6GHE_wxjtl_oFVvqONPHOdf9cQG0cADkkOazZZw6vTPOCEj5s3ert8VYuH3P9X1YD2cu85p7mm2OVRHK6seNtmOh4vwloHeZgLyRDidBlTXQjRlWq8/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpytYbmt1aqrI2p0CLiANYpQEdt6GHE_wxjtl_oFVvqONPHOdf9cQG0cADkkOazZZw6vTPOCEj5s3ert8VYuH3P9X1YD2cu85p7mm2OVRHK6seNtmOh4vwloHeZgLyRDidBlTXQjRlWq8/s640/IMG_1841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AWh2vTHlmRxnKtpzS2L98y00K3TuTofhqbMHJ3iR9NFQdDewoAYoE-eUdl2MgszVEI4EVlG9iKzwo_5beDdI51C1FDiCEaRMVxrjAk9a3513Dyj2W0fOvuEEaRF99ZUkY289y-F84yc/s1600/IMG_1849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AWh2vTHlmRxnKtpzS2L98y00K3TuTofhqbMHJ3iR9NFQdDewoAYoE-eUdl2MgszVEI4EVlG9iKzwo_5beDdI51C1FDiCEaRMVxrjAk9a3513Dyj2W0fOvuEEaRF99ZUkY289y-F84yc/s640/IMG_1849.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_FTsM7Vmvit4BHNFk3A4s4fCa_VBtxQihe5Bdr4CvwqjB-JX12qNnCpaAXxn9h7PY1J4Slamj0v8zm_8NROAIXRSh_MR2-_VxuJemE8OeRNfKkOp9-dVr5KZYfmmn-2l4Ln6VUQMGMs/s1600/IMG_1870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_FTsM7Vmvit4BHNFk3A4s4fCa_VBtxQihe5Bdr4CvwqjB-JX12qNnCpaAXxn9h7PY1J4Slamj0v8zm_8NROAIXRSh_MR2-_VxuJemE8OeRNfKkOp9-dVr5KZYfmmn-2l4Ln6VUQMGMs/s640/IMG_1870.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0aZdJDmT9hXLAFHkak-dQC6EpZ_rjX12KvcD5trRuzdlujt4ZsirSHWHvqWFBM-L9FmXfCS6Wk-CTPBu93IfcfV50lFhZ9Wu2luWbYftbxgcFlSHvd9IbFxX0ledhEENnJ-3RAwRV_A/s1600/IMG_1850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0aZdJDmT9hXLAFHkak-dQC6EpZ_rjX12KvcD5trRuzdlujt4ZsirSHWHvqWFBM-L9FmXfCS6Wk-CTPBu93IfcfV50lFhZ9Wu2luWbYftbxgcFlSHvd9IbFxX0ledhEENnJ-3RAwRV_A/s640/IMG_1850.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFLy4LgHRr-4etiAaJg09eayyuWTefw285NGE2LD0yCcTItuHWQL0AhNxxmaO5BjYjwbb8QkPL7Gd80B4dRHSi9InNt_1xsDe2tBgWssMQ3PuMdInZjMtf083zbc8v4-dGvJ-L3RTIg8/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFLy4LgHRr-4etiAaJg09eayyuWTefw285NGE2LD0yCcTItuHWQL0AhNxxmaO5BjYjwbb8QkPL7Gd80B4dRHSi9InNt_1xsDe2tBgWssMQ3PuMdInZjMtf083zbc8v4-dGvJ-L3RTIg8/s640/IMG_1882.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN22fFDDihro9n9duUE0vjnHGV3XqLdNNcnmYljVUKx8Sl2zJSJkc1p1d6cBBjA9HwKaThamZQlY4B-x9KFxhIYBoZb3RcfyfFP9I8-5LmVYfXlpwnS6UPljZ51ocITvbWxPB6Q34CFU/s1600/IMG_1875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtN22fFDDihro9n9duUE0vjnHGV3XqLdNNcnmYljVUKx8Sl2zJSJkc1p1d6cBBjA9HwKaThamZQlY4B-x9KFxhIYBoZb3RcfyfFP9I8-5LmVYfXlpwnS6UPljZ51ocITvbWxPB6Q34CFU/s640/IMG_1875.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rxXBFzuSCm_MtUHiGS04YuGWFG3kuLtdYppYQPkdhSHdJKB08bUAZhTRiPEaVyq1oEear6j0KZ1ipC_TRpIb_ljvO30R_vQFLRSsq4e6U6qD-QZYApp-npwIUjcvlZmWIzSq0k50QjI/s1600/IMG_1885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-rxXBFzuSCm_MtUHiGS04YuGWFG3kuLtdYppYQPkdhSHdJKB08bUAZhTRiPEaVyq1oEear6j0KZ1ipC_TRpIb_ljvO30R_vQFLRSsq4e6U6qD-QZYApp-npwIUjcvlZmWIzSq0k50QjI/s640/IMG_1885.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__LNTTBUFx3KjlX4oqb9LaAKbQn6FZotn9wEYzwl-ZgcNsn5mIIvHHVMcwt6OOuArczsH8lnUTg97zgT5-Qi3_rK3Wt8S7WyMJSDjv5MA74liH3PlP0cN9pd5NEvmsRV3A7ytEoD1aiE/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__LNTTBUFx3KjlX4oqb9LaAKbQn6FZotn9wEYzwl-ZgcNsn5mIIvHHVMcwt6OOuArczsH8lnUTg97zgT5-Qi3_rK3Wt8S7WyMJSDjv5MA74liH3PlP0cN9pd5NEvmsRV3A7ytEoD1aiE/s640/IMG_1902.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSYkxSLANWsmuokUELDa9LkI_CxZW4GJkO3Jv-jqqvscEqLbE2g5FR8z7QyyJy9c3UI-zPEmMKviq9fIYYX44x7PIw16p4-OtRwKOuq_ScS2VABNWT9ETDtliuw3PJj21HMAjpQW7xYA/s1600/IMG_1910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSYkxSLANWsmuokUELDa9LkI_CxZW4GJkO3Jv-jqqvscEqLbE2g5FR8z7QyyJy9c3UI-zPEmMKviq9fIYYX44x7PIw16p4-OtRwKOuq_ScS2VABNWT9ETDtliuw3PJj21HMAjpQW7xYA/s640/IMG_1910.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nauUHxfTYmui3Cps9-2wmzMNuJ3gcKyHqIWqBDawhL6fUVkGJdxPW6kalesepHwjrybZ_LefsZ_jRGkqrXdugyjAymLx3sn-C9XsskQ05_Dg-tDD42RgnsFsRjGDusSPQW2TKGnG-mw/s1600/IMG_1889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nauUHxfTYmui3Cps9-2wmzMNuJ3gcKyHqIWqBDawhL6fUVkGJdxPW6kalesepHwjrybZ_LefsZ_jRGkqrXdugyjAymLx3sn-C9XsskQ05_Dg-tDD42RgnsFsRjGDusSPQW2TKGnG-mw/s640/IMG_1889.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG0wyJ7ceVqyk9iZayLMKQBtPLYUrGL51sjQbkkzLAJXOYggKljMKV8_fc0ESMQhjc9NqXnO8V5jSv_xdGsgwUBoyxcX4PjRaKZKoEJfrjAzqAkNVMY9FOAFT48H1f0uG3lIpyvg0W0U/s1600/IMG_1916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG0wyJ7ceVqyk9iZayLMKQBtPLYUrGL51sjQbkkzLAJXOYggKljMKV8_fc0ESMQhjc9NqXnO8V5jSv_xdGsgwUBoyxcX4PjRaKZKoEJfrjAzqAkNVMY9FOAFT48H1f0uG3lIpyvg0W0U/s640/IMG_1916.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichFuhihn027jcBs0tbMF_WXyDuZ_LThtlw7IAmnqExKVPpp3o0CHBXVLS0-mPYnroM_igdZ96Qt5vcY3k6T61DrSrNQLPbT698BnFFA8IAJNQIUJUA_Fcx8hmaVCdikyezNJUoTaWLI0/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichFuhihn027jcBs0tbMF_WXyDuZ_LThtlw7IAmnqExKVPpp3o0CHBXVLS0-mPYnroM_igdZ96Qt5vcY3k6T61DrSrNQLPbT698BnFFA8IAJNQIUJUA_Fcx8hmaVCdikyezNJUoTaWLI0/s640/IMG_1930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7fLYEaPGfLL3qmVdtOoBOLa8qJjA4PrVFfW-txXVQLoiYjQo_q90Jg14Py62INNS_7Qt3sz4Cm1I6a-WgsG_mlsmzIfEMDG1UMEp3WNuxYUZod5QIgVYm4U-sVa4Eqcn7S-DGleWAqo/s1600/IMG_1931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7fLYEaPGfLL3qmVdtOoBOLa8qJjA4PrVFfW-txXVQLoiYjQo_q90Jg14Py62INNS_7Qt3sz4Cm1I6a-WgsG_mlsmzIfEMDG1UMEp3WNuxYUZod5QIgVYm4U-sVa4Eqcn7S-DGleWAqo/s640/IMG_1931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtwVekyZJGSlIhSpyQ8D235mSxB9O3Ne2Zf48tZZ6nKdHz57NF6zF61RfscOHIdCilqmucpA8_7dWiQapWSmUfO-HUXdGpx1O8Sw5Ua7oUcK2s3FdaxV1LC3IgXx8QjzjdMtW4ZHxlA/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAtwVekyZJGSlIhSpyQ8D235mSxB9O3Ne2Zf48tZZ6nKdHz57NF6zF61RfscOHIdCilqmucpA8_7dWiQapWSmUfO-HUXdGpx1O8Sw5Ua7oUcK2s3FdaxV1LC3IgXx8QjzjdMtW4ZHxlA/s640/IMG_1936.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlMbMsiCXJtIBWI8GaHWtvAO5eXvR_Egbb9StHFEFiwtddqMAD8EpRVM20vmEC30kxVdkKFailKHYXAlpyo0m155Q6wxeQVYq6rifi7zyJHqCXGSrfY0_nXZpLJEnmobgYh3s4UdJg7w/s1600/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlMbMsiCXJtIBWI8GaHWtvAO5eXvR_Egbb9StHFEFiwtddqMAD8EpRVM20vmEC30kxVdkKFailKHYXAlpyo0m155Q6wxeQVYq6rifi7zyJHqCXGSrfY0_nXZpLJEnmobgYh3s4UdJg7w/s640/IMG_1952.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TqfjUz0sEQL83yKtT5AFXdML9TS3Z6wKxRCU8jMb15C8P6u-_NbjqxeJCP6zW0xUMd1wXbFIn7Ur-ThF6gG17opoucWp6nuHX9lUmUPOrcqWpmP7g24lYr9M2tLmf7d2fxvgK_GnZh0/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TqfjUz0sEQL83yKtT5AFXdML9TS3Z6wKxRCU8jMb15C8P6u-_NbjqxeJCP6zW0xUMd1wXbFIn7Ur-ThF6gG17opoucWp6nuHX9lUmUPOrcqWpmP7g24lYr9M2tLmf7d2fxvgK_GnZh0/s640/IMG_1954.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxOv9yD2bNyUfHyR4BMQo3YQgh_4izfr6cKsitzdwunpuwwK06yPTS4jIvuSEhDruB2ksuu6UK1LqR2Xs7rVjaE3YYbeBIKbuBfm1w7nZ26y7N_f_PhOAbXveOjISErJX1kEiheUYmBo/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxOv9yD2bNyUfHyR4BMQo3YQgh_4izfr6cKsitzdwunpuwwK06yPTS4jIvuSEhDruB2ksuu6UK1LqR2Xs7rVjaE3YYbeBIKbuBfm1w7nZ26y7N_f_PhOAbXveOjISErJX1kEiheUYmBo/s640/IMG_1939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1E2taQ2FY2aQC4FNyjEusss-2az3d0Lb0UyhJYVncfbWwJM7FGhfyCbPeNjodYsMOh5h3h29-GM_oHjyVdfn6dFAAeheIV0iojvL53tAOPfPQNDofLzFyD-_sw2qVrGtqM8rALXK-KU/s1600/IMG_1960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1E2taQ2FY2aQC4FNyjEusss-2az3d0Lb0UyhJYVncfbWwJM7FGhfyCbPeNjodYsMOh5h3h29-GM_oHjyVdfn6dFAAeheIV0iojvL53tAOPfPQNDofLzFyD-_sw2qVrGtqM8rALXK-KU/s640/IMG_1960.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkEVbu__YcuHWOk0f0QY_ZDnQU8XW6GH7zZlFvv9TjTb7UewjruGLSqYOa25sB7nXkLqpWHdFa20WVYx_S-gcXOvRAaT_Erkab8wP_tbfzVhlcmLrsAcNBhOzfyKs4NnEiDlGxCGWR9Q/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkEVbu__YcuHWOk0f0QY_ZDnQU8XW6GH7zZlFvv9TjTb7UewjruGLSqYOa25sB7nXkLqpWHdFa20WVYx_S-gcXOvRAaT_Erkab8wP_tbfzVhlcmLrsAcNBhOzfyKs4NnEiDlGxCGWR9Q/s640/IMG_1961.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyauiFuQYYvL3jty2HkSi3cDTGnWZPYoetf46akv0U2s0zaommsNNuowPgEH2QwK-MtN-RfT64jfqaDgrtUu3q8DDmwyd6rf3tsgpPX6s7gOu7d5DmAhZKFhyfkWb0pyD8GzNcp89oxzw/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyauiFuQYYvL3jty2HkSi3cDTGnWZPYoetf46akv0U2s0zaommsNNuowPgEH2QwK-MtN-RfT64jfqaDgrtUu3q8DDmwyd6rf3tsgpPX6s7gOu7d5DmAhZKFhyfkWb0pyD8GzNcp89oxzw/s640/IMG_1969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkeXUpcGcylQpHKSnTpIr_-166FF5VOZS4R_GJRZPvTvcTpKel_e0p15edgMnSJKCmw2P1g7JECdYWgHjKJaAmMsnDgXgC2MKsQ99GCJz_1561RlvVd4wjCTzlxTUNzYxOksK8YWerVA/s1600/IMG_1963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkeXUpcGcylQpHKSnTpIr_-166FF5VOZS4R_GJRZPvTvcTpKel_e0p15edgMnSJKCmw2P1g7JECdYWgHjKJaAmMsnDgXgC2MKsQ99GCJz_1561RlvVd4wjCTzlxTUNzYxOksK8YWerVA/s640/IMG_1963.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJhs2rIWYjSeyz8H_1i3IlTd2v8OfPr2TdeAlK6bF3oyxBWY-f2z-8bOj0kgsS0iPQGLF23UxMpx_ZE08WIuz2buO2pAwNAwzZBcFAOR-YD2y5yoeOGplL9zffMaKnKli9VDLMQ4hiuA/s1600/IMG_1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJhs2rIWYjSeyz8H_1i3IlTd2v8OfPr2TdeAlK6bF3oyxBWY-f2z-8bOj0kgsS0iPQGLF23UxMpx_ZE08WIuz2buO2pAwNAwzZBcFAOR-YD2y5yoeOGplL9zffMaKnKli9VDLMQ4hiuA/s640/IMG_1977.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74r3uTIVxNwfp23SD4OAOCTD5J-aX4S07gH7iHFg9BgtNiQFRAuzb2dwRTrdzzb5g9BugVHXTNuNcdCyH40BBHEZT2RCTJ18Qo7PKi7XSFDcDZVucUm1cAOEN61sZpsilHbpCKhLDvFg/s1600/IMG_2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh74r3uTIVxNwfp23SD4OAOCTD5J-aX4S07gH7iHFg9BgtNiQFRAuzb2dwRTrdzzb5g9BugVHXTNuNcdCyH40BBHEZT2RCTJ18Qo7PKi7XSFDcDZVucUm1cAOEN61sZpsilHbpCKhLDvFg/s640/IMG_2018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvmXywo_GhPHFkvRpDsCXgOAeCeFpa2RSHWxJONt2jWtTLfdCn_T75W43g5Mqs3QqjZEVFMTpmpVnMG1CM0hwfsIYX_SKIVoBDOAPdjOzuL_OxJGcLwyJS4tkYBkTXUGvDDp36zd6xdw/s1600/IMG_2022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvmXywo_GhPHFkvRpDsCXgOAeCeFpa2RSHWxJONt2jWtTLfdCn_T75W43g5Mqs3QqjZEVFMTpmpVnMG1CM0hwfsIYX_SKIVoBDOAPdjOzuL_OxJGcLwyJS4tkYBkTXUGvDDp36zd6xdw/s640/IMG_2022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7nkEilVI6s5iiJIOK6vQransPSqcGD00cUoUbN8VabzhPj80NOgU8Q4aGVQ4NvtzFSpHfw_3RM6irMfNA3_GUgYmmS05mym7R6iiWfM3kGA-w4IhAn_o0JyddAAt6XXPariZbDpZAKE/s1600/IMG_2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7nkEilVI6s5iiJIOK6vQransPSqcGD00cUoUbN8VabzhPj80NOgU8Q4aGVQ4NvtzFSpHfw_3RM6irMfNA3_GUgYmmS05mym7R6iiWfM3kGA-w4IhAn_o0JyddAAt6XXPariZbDpZAKE/s640/IMG_2020.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZmcqrNcMdceDYm-9xYeF1QKvvOUiAikCtkgZ9Pv9TfkfsN1LAXRI0bxrC63C5_AzL51fKa9haUOFsP8Y9Di2yHttOaHod2BvXEwcpx_uxodimJxRdI-UEbUynJDp9Ji3JFeIX8XT340/s1600/IMG_2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZmcqrNcMdceDYm-9xYeF1QKvvOUiAikCtkgZ9Pv9TfkfsN1LAXRI0bxrC63C5_AzL51fKa9haUOFsP8Y9Di2yHttOaHod2BvXEwcpx_uxodimJxRdI-UEbUynJDp9Ji3JFeIX8XT340/s640/IMG_2033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5PXU92zZMV6wprrTgrhl0CrVBe73zGI3bILQlf2vKbjqUwlxr6g8W89FBEPidmoE2dEzNSTkn5VDoBbNCWQSmq1njegyG6vuk-OO-3nTkUbwqdAbNZYn8-0lCMGjgqg-Es36dY07pUQ/s1600/IMG_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5PXU92zZMV6wprrTgrhl0CrVBe73zGI3bILQlf2vKbjqUwlxr6g8W89FBEPidmoE2dEzNSTkn5VDoBbNCWQSmq1njegyG6vuk-OO-3nTkUbwqdAbNZYn8-0lCMGjgqg-Es36dY07pUQ/s640/IMG_2069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9V0Tq9NT_mkEFFmaJcsyyczZG9ICxkmGs1t4BZnphBk3x_pLq1LNKkbAReolyCARxp6BcUn8BT0VTezvkZNJXKPpeuF618PBlYgFaUC9E3-v2RkBk_ZTrq3RIhbPrrrabJ6iQPP3_PQ/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9V0Tq9NT_mkEFFmaJcsyyczZG9ICxkmGs1t4BZnphBk3x_pLq1LNKkbAReolyCARxp6BcUn8BT0VTezvkZNJXKPpeuF618PBlYgFaUC9E3-v2RkBk_ZTrq3RIhbPrrrabJ6iQPP3_PQ/s640/IMG_2035.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mUtSWCkUx6NaRL0udZPd91_4YcLuchPDKDpUlZvITadw2urg7NLZbHzb_i_s3G80PD1qb6hUglKm4s7-izkCsd0N1jqt81B7VyZ646WJm5-YHCy-paysmxPgVVHxe8GYe2loNac3llA/s1600/IMG_2038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mUtSWCkUx6NaRL0udZPd91_4YcLuchPDKDpUlZvITadw2urg7NLZbHzb_i_s3G80PD1qb6hUglKm4s7-izkCsd0N1jqt81B7VyZ646WJm5-YHCy-paysmxPgVVHxe8GYe2loNac3llA/s640/IMG_2038.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuJXcoW7QB7diTrjdY6W4YrZIyychOll-8QREaQS9aqJ2icrbitMtgesbgagtRy3YRH4ATu6PwQHjT9FZIqbMxWCjgsS_sfmdXxFD9_WhvVl_AhVsZtPV1UZUV_gKuMm5-9wsIucLvxc/s1600/IMG_2050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuJXcoW7QB7diTrjdY6W4YrZIyychOll-8QREaQS9aqJ2icrbitMtgesbgagtRy3YRH4ATu6PwQHjT9FZIqbMxWCjgsS_sfmdXxFD9_WhvVl_AhVsZtPV1UZUV_gKuMm5-9wsIucLvxc/s640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-rIgGLEF829dfZuI0-7L-M41MUn8RCfcdzmu86OUYzMQJF7NMnCKhPoScyfCF-iRsAC35NhhyPipdV7p7BFYZQ3-q9norkIQ5Nql5a930jHhs2gZWbPjLcGy9tDHghnwreyoMzDByDE/s1600/IMG_2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-rIgGLEF829dfZuI0-7L-M41MUn8RCfcdzmu86OUYzMQJF7NMnCKhPoScyfCF-iRsAC35NhhyPipdV7p7BFYZQ3-q9norkIQ5Nql5a930jHhs2gZWbPjLcGy9tDHghnwreyoMzDByDE/s640/IMG_2047.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJPxMOe-qJnAvtjtk_6PJEzq7gEVrfC6q74ROQIVAqSu2j4aRbZIhL5go-a91oUklaI_jUIOLCB1n6Eb_JV5FdT3stZFgEWSWoIQRXfVypXimDsdvYEYJAuJ0GGtQtjaCuDvg7Phf0Ws/s1600/IMG_2039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJPxMOe-qJnAvtjtk_6PJEzq7gEVrfC6q74ROQIVAqSu2j4aRbZIhL5go-a91oUklaI_jUIOLCB1n6Eb_JV5FdT3stZFgEWSWoIQRXfVypXimDsdvYEYJAuJ0GGtQtjaCuDvg7Phf0Ws/s640/IMG_2039.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiRhTW2o7GWH_jjWwGGYWsOU-IKvBvyPlVj14JYv2y0QyL4lx4URfOgHvvcFfJfkvt3qnNDdTTPoliB4ouhEK7h6_KHcVG_BqFy7tyrUnrao-62gdjSnmkduKMuJPPius1v2u_6sNnYM/s1600/IMG_2053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiRhTW2o7GWH_jjWwGGYWsOU-IKvBvyPlVj14JYv2y0QyL4lx4URfOgHvvcFfJfkvt3qnNDdTTPoliB4ouhEK7h6_KHcVG_BqFy7tyrUnrao-62gdjSnmkduKMuJPPius1v2u_6sNnYM/s640/IMG_2053.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVLPKdRyzc3gOLrqPWy_tTwuSpOx-ZAme4I5yYMUKuLG9YGgYSu1skG-W_n5OVfF_OQuhAwZKvtehPTs05oiyvJ0Px7e462kZgDdM6A63oHLjU4KNYtJrBLX3ZNck0gTXjM0Q0vUwZNQ/s1600/IMG_2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVLPKdRyzc3gOLrqPWy_tTwuSpOx-ZAme4I5yYMUKuLG9YGgYSu1skG-W_n5OVfF_OQuhAwZKvtehPTs05oiyvJ0Px7e462kZgDdM6A63oHLjU4KNYtJrBLX3ZNck0gTXjM0Q0vUwZNQ/s640/IMG_2070.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1dDjyW1JK4xgEaPUdjFhkwfyfI63z9vwH0mrBi_mgeetu2F4FPPw2LWWSxOu9Vyf44W0TDk9qKh5OU1sMABMu9tzs29tZF2iVB6gJAGyjxhkFJZW_QlKPjdhz5RcwDeNdnmf_NomNZQ/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1dDjyW1JK4xgEaPUdjFhkwfyfI63z9vwH0mrBi_mgeetu2F4FPPw2LWWSxOu9Vyf44W0TDk9qKh5OU1sMABMu9tzs29tZF2iVB6gJAGyjxhkFJZW_QlKPjdhz5RcwDeNdnmf_NomNZQ/s640/IMG_2134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBbZbJDlmHnLE_pU7qL-dbrqSD0FvKZa1kjIu1AZ6BHCYDFkYRRUSTKgMLWhtAhUW2rhXU5oPvS7qQNIJnnB4J0wdhVxBXIVtZoQU5fZ5mkDjxWVet3F_YFUuK5zE98yBZUe3Wup3c-I/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBbZbJDlmHnLE_pU7qL-dbrqSD0FvKZa1kjIu1AZ6BHCYDFkYRRUSTKgMLWhtAhUW2rhXU5oPvS7qQNIJnnB4J0wdhVxBXIVtZoQU5fZ5mkDjxWVet3F_YFUuK5zE98yBZUe3Wup3c-I/s640/IMG_2068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1pq4aK47BigCT2o1gt65KQuyq5pQur8TdTDO1vCqyTbWlsw7XufGvJYvoHhZr2KPU8mKHJ1O8SBZ33o1xp-5hsO2HG66D8-utJ_RWQfuTcR5_B5y1_TCVbmJWoA8JHthHQGq8H4ukGw/s1600/IMG_2089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1pq4aK47BigCT2o1gt65KQuyq5pQur8TdTDO1vCqyTbWlsw7XufGvJYvoHhZr2KPU8mKHJ1O8SBZ33o1xp-5hsO2HG66D8-utJ_RWQfuTcR5_B5y1_TCVbmJWoA8JHthHQGq8H4ukGw/s640/IMG_2089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSERKTUjP5YzMa2IOlwbgsXv_rEYpJIfX7NOtl88WH8ku2Zx7-ga5aFxbCg31rshsy9RqUVUsuMTJxS0JjMXxoE6EOJ_6ZtuzEk4VTfvvAiJKxbCXmxoIbWkhST9E-ol39dDuhNKoG8xQ/s1600/IMG_2090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSERKTUjP5YzMa2IOlwbgsXv_rEYpJIfX7NOtl88WH8ku2Zx7-ga5aFxbCg31rshsy9RqUVUsuMTJxS0JjMXxoE6EOJ_6ZtuzEk4VTfvvAiJKxbCXmxoIbWkhST9E-ol39dDuhNKoG8xQ/s640/IMG_2090.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDodm8abCie_ejXXScldODIxcHZYGjXiSnV_3ajcba5JDllAbyheK6BgOI1gCLvwom1V-aWshYoB7ja4q2lXBmbXrwo5KYCIFCdGzVqyxyDgc4F-nSQtnns-KX_5omroHmbDwnXJY1O8/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDodm8abCie_ejXXScldODIxcHZYGjXiSnV_3ajcba5JDllAbyheK6BgOI1gCLvwom1V-aWshYoB7ja4q2lXBmbXrwo5KYCIFCdGzVqyxyDgc4F-nSQtnns-KX_5omroHmbDwnXJY1O8/s640/IMG_2073.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJqUq5W_ZwhLLg8TKbr4l9RPdMDhyphenhyphen_bBkYkYQGhls8e_UYc-_53QfWF4RoZqg7MhduGw3CQHWx7jlxT5uCCcH_oLKOpQ-1KrSMmfG0ceFOQtcbHMRvv7N9iygYLGimEieO4DqszzzTnY/s1600/IMG_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJqUq5W_ZwhLLg8TKbr4l9RPdMDhyphenhyphen_bBkYkYQGhls8e_UYc-_53QfWF4RoZqg7MhduGw3CQHWx7jlxT5uCCcH_oLKOpQ-1KrSMmfG0ceFOQtcbHMRvv7N9iygYLGimEieO4DqszzzTnY/s640/IMG_2117.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNvHY8SjCc343hT_90McmuB3Fahd5lutSZUzRDLd_3vxjZ-IW-Fxiu2dqvF0Su2XPE1lm8K774EWJCCUDS7HkaYunSQns-JyguHxnwvNo8J1daTtvZoO-VJ6Gjcb9cxLRyLJFsyL_K04/s1600/IMG_2131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNvHY8SjCc343hT_90McmuB3Fahd5lutSZUzRDLd_3vxjZ-IW-Fxiu2dqvF0Su2XPE1lm8K774EWJCCUDS7HkaYunSQns-JyguHxnwvNo8J1daTtvZoO-VJ6Gjcb9cxLRyLJFsyL_K04/s640/IMG_2131.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Although they are seeing the world through very young eyes, I pray that my kids fall in love with the world, and look beyond themselves as they grow up. I hope that they are inspired to go across the borders of America and bring love to other nations.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-61270903774224846712013-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:002013-02-25T17:11:34.145-08:00Goodbye DTS...Another DTS season is behind us. These past 6 months have been some of my favorite ones... there was just something very unique and memorable about this DTS. <br />
<br />
Our students graduated Friday night and it was a very joyful, tearful, and beautiful evening. Brandon and I are extremely proud of them all. We are extremely thankful for the staff who worked alongside us, who lead the outreaches, and who sacrificed these past 6 months in order to be obedient to God's call and to usher discipleship into 17 student's lives.<br />
<br />
Thank you Paula, Audrey, and Philip. You are great leaders, and great friends. <br />
<br />
Thank you Lori. You not only are an inspiring DTS Director, but you kicked butt leading the first Basic Leadership School. We love to serve and work under your guidance.<br />
<br />
Thank you Olivia, Sherell, Riana, & Kelsey. You all grew a ton and worked so hard. It did not go unnoticed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Thank you...</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Leonie</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Sierra</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Dan</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Rebecca</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Jules</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Austin</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Emily</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Allie</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Robert</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Hanna</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Jess</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Connor</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Amber</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Lauren</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Nick</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
Alia</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
MacKenzie</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
You guys did it! We will miss you!</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Most of all.... Thank you Lord for your provision, your grace, and the opportunity to do what we do, for the opportunity to grow and learn, for the chance to make mistakes and be forgiven, for the chance to love, to speak truth, to touch lives. Thank you for life itself. Thank you for redemption. Thank you.<br />
<br />
One of our students, (yay, Jules!) made a great video slideshow that sums up the past 6 months as best as one can.... I apologize for the skipping. That is not how Jules made it, but somewhere in the file transferring, converting, and uploading it picked up some skips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx1tRfgZBfugo3H7zt4KwMJjqJkNP_qZ5T27FHEw6vpqOm1B-iP8WaftMDppkVgriH7qBLk3g_27Zxd0NopqQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I have taken away so many great lessons, character building mistakes, and hours pressing into the heart of God. For everything, we are so grateful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-22292277017970495762013-01-29T09:29:00.000-08:002013-01-29T09:29:01.542-08:0012 Hours to Takeoff...So once again we are off. This time I am taking the TWO girls BY. MY. SELF. Which means a lot of prayers and diapers. We have never traveled internationally with a 2 month old. So that will be completely new for me, let alone with two kids, let alone doing it all by myself. I am actually weirdly excited. A little worried. But mostly excited. <br />
<br />
Brandon is already down in Nicaragua with our DTS teams. I have enjoyed hearing from him and listening to him share about how they are doing. I can't wait to join him. <br />
<br />
Like I've shared before, we pack with ziplocs. It works really well for us. Keeps everything separated and organized, and then we can press the air out and get the bags shrunk down to a thin/small size. <br />
<br />
So this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHIygcHkmULuO8aP9WKypZsSoAPwY0koTw7ZJCQMrYr525TH7j3M_JXBc20EiRHkCRJmTS5WVkWEimh2mGg8h5_o1hYMe4HOPDMx804Exjbu5VfEXDOr63Zh4WUTBr-Z1qXLkIf0WGN4/s1600/IMG_7689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHIygcHkmULuO8aP9WKypZsSoAPwY0koTw7ZJCQMrYr525TH7j3M_JXBc20EiRHkCRJmTS5WVkWEimh2mGg8h5_o1hYMe4HOPDMx804Exjbu5VfEXDOr63Zh4WUTBr-Z1qXLkIf0WGN4/s640/IMG_7689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Slowly gets packed away... because we have to bring diapers with us, those take up most of the room in our packs. The first time we went to Nicaragua with Shiloh, we brought hundreds of diapers. Yes, hundreds, I think it was something like 700. But we had a team full of surfers with board bags, so they used the diapers to pack their surfboards up nice and tight. This time we have to bring a little over hundred, with no board bags... at least our bags will be lighter on the flight home. ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_ZyVt9mZBLlq-tPcc0UDOqy3blLQuBZH6v1TS0sFGrFRyp3qoq0NeciQMRWQ_jFs57HZrrWFfvGcmyaX86QJXMrW3JEOLSefJU6vA8pB00A2rUheo2V6t8Qha-t5tyLIcyIAcr1w-K0/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_ZyVt9mZBLlq-tPcc0UDOqy3blLQuBZH6v1TS0sFGrFRyp3qoq0NeciQMRWQ_jFs57HZrrWFfvGcmyaX86QJXMrW3JEOLSefJU6vA8pB00A2rUheo2V6t8Qha-t5tyLIcyIAcr1w-K0/s640/IMG_7691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually the pile gets smaller...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUNlxUUZ8FO6AGZxzk1ooKE_JswElzbtcLhggPnEmSMORptbDgQM2j9Axma_psd-uy6WnMwNCqJrMQXw8fcSPukUa-CN33PGx3w2wFnqE7xVncW1BM4o85gu_2VlVKrCjCmwrXE6csmY/s1600/IMG_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUNlxUUZ8FO6AGZxzk1ooKE_JswElzbtcLhggPnEmSMORptbDgQM2j9Axma_psd-uy6WnMwNCqJrMQXw8fcSPukUa-CN33PGx3w2wFnqE7xVncW1BM4o85gu_2VlVKrCjCmwrXE6csmY/s640/IMG_7692.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGilsqr4BJiNqoKBh_Ge4dL8i74dP0T_F9tDzAFyvD0-YLRR7JaJzTYDETZdJ8lwMLC_gz_8YR6ZviWf8pus0Y2Vvpm6phz1JqrYGBMAw_rPAzBajQ2gPmm0svayqPNgc2IddCqPVnM/s1600/IMG_7693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlGilsqr4BJiNqoKBh_Ge4dL8i74dP0T_F9tDzAFyvD0-YLRR7JaJzTYDETZdJ8lwMLC_gz_8YR6ZviWf8pus0Y2Vvpm6phz1JqrYGBMAw_rPAzBajQ2gPmm0svayqPNgc2IddCqPVnM/s640/IMG_7693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then the bags are packed, filled to the brim with diapers, clothes, and snack food. One 90L bag, 1 regular backpack, and then Capri will ride in the Bjorn. I thankfully only have to carry all that by myself from the baggage claim in Nicaragua, through customs, and then walking out to the area where Brandon will meet me. Not too bad, but its the only part I am worried about. Well that and our potty training little girl, an extremely short layover in Houston, and keeping Capri happy while at the same time keeping Shiloh entertained and well behaved. Prayers please. :)<br />
<br />
I am looking forward to not only reuniting with Brandon (2 weeks is too long), but joining the 23 team members who are busy doing ministry down there! Here's to happy traveling!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-88255354758391845052013-01-15T19:00:00.002-08:002013-01-15T19:01:41.705-08:00Some Creativity...Well, we've been up to some creativity around our casa last year... we've just not shared any of it. Remember <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2011/07/we-have-been-exploring-some-of-our.html">this</a> post from two years ago? Well now you can see more of Brandon's handiwork. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQUPr5Uli7XeLUr9Q3OpnGpNhOBY1YbhgRP7Fy2uXSzHfpkJ38E_t9GlzQX2ANQjmBfQ6saSy0Iv8dM9D9M75PX-cbRQMZNLZ301939zYxW_ddm9vcnZdMervn9T8B648pzWwLWUuwZE/s1600/IMG_7672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQUPr5Uli7XeLUr9Q3OpnGpNhOBY1YbhgRP7Fy2uXSzHfpkJ38E_t9GlzQX2ANQjmBfQ6saSy0Iv8dM9D9M75PX-cbRQMZNLZ301939zYxW_ddm9vcnZdMervn9T8B648pzWwLWUuwZE/s640/IMG_7672.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEoZvwcLdOeL51hgZskaELKJs3d5HMENzygEFc11rvdl5enYf6-cL3lfralFNH4y1TMQgd9XDewRjtUE9IZ0OlmemdWkPZRGeOUMog49q1LxhZ24DfcpoHoo60xv9lHm6mduvYiYoEbs/s1600/IMG_7673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEoZvwcLdOeL51hgZskaELKJs3d5HMENzygEFc11rvdl5enYf6-cL3lfralFNH4y1TMQgd9XDewRjtUE9IZ0OlmemdWkPZRGeOUMog49q1LxhZ24DfcpoHoo60xv9lHm6mduvYiYoEbs/s640/IMG_7673.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Capri's crib</b>. Gosh, its so weird to think we didn't even have a real crib for Shiloh. Its true. She has a little mini pack and play that fit in our closet by our bedside. She went from that tiny thing straight into a twin bed once we moved to our larger apartment. Now we have so much room that a full sized crib AND her bed fit. We scoured craigslist waiting for the right crib to show up, for the right price. These older styled cribs are the kind I was hoping to find. They have gone through so many recalls for their movable parts, so we dismantled all the pieces, replaced it with new, safe hardware, and ordered fixed-side kits that are used for carpenters who built custom cribs. Now its safe, up to the latest crib standards, and yet it retains that vintage design I so love. :) We sanded it down and refinished it on our own. Previously it was a natural wood color, but I wanted to paint it white so that it would work with Capri and then any future babies we are blessed with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg679tru1QRavjzunhA9jkeeoQ2PLNz-vPIEajJD13G_yNMilyu49W01cZVBrGqMLHuWAkQqoqEg0ThDXEh2qxD0quMNcxHNxO6P5B1qMaXLbr2ewAnXw1-mZ-vwfgGh-ROcBr1aARED-s/s1600/IMG_7647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg679tru1QRavjzunhA9jkeeoQ2PLNz-vPIEajJD13G_yNMilyu49W01cZVBrGqMLHuWAkQqoqEg0ThDXEh2qxD0quMNcxHNxO6P5B1qMaXLbr2ewAnXw1-mZ-vwfgGh-ROcBr1aARED-s/s640/IMG_7647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJpe8ycCGF8dhPyq3wGDtt05cGBWnQfUPUy77Q9kvqVAcVuj796hS4gMYbTF5jrJbiFdEeRtpsKme7xkyb8xjrkgJw1kHZkw9UwXf66B4_tejGLd5ufFAOR5CwxDwnOHHTJAyIvgrwqg/s1600/IMG_7639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJpe8ycCGF8dhPyq3wGDtt05cGBWnQfUPUy77Q9kvqVAcVuj796hS4gMYbTF5jrJbiFdEeRtpsKme7xkyb8xjrkgJw1kHZkw9UwXf66B4_tejGLd5ufFAOR5CwxDwnOHHTJAyIvgrwqg/s640/IMG_7639.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZDTO6cRkLY_kSTgVr1pelydPTTtJqzlzGNgJE8bSO7SpcEqHV9aIybG0cnmoot7hM5PhvJtLO4bj5PuQxTz2HFtkt2p2ZaIaW8iC5YEr35F9OWCUtLtVMlL0WEhakCh94ZD9EVJCZaE/s1600/IMG_7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZDTO6cRkLY_kSTgVr1pelydPTTtJqzlzGNgJE8bSO7SpcEqHV9aIybG0cnmoot7hM5PhvJtLO4bj5PuQxTz2HFtkt2p2ZaIaW8iC5YEr35F9OWCUtLtVMlL0WEhakCh94ZD9EVJCZaE/s640/IMG_7644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Indoor Wreaths</b>. They are for the girl's room. I wanted something to hang on the girl's room door so that Shiloh could brag that it was her room... so before she is old enough to write signs like "Keep out. No boys allowed. Or no-parental zone." I have hung a pretty little homemade wreath. I bought some pretty yellow yarn and then used some scraps and other things I found lying around to decorate it. Actually those flowers are from Brandon and my engagement party. The other little green one is hung on their closet door. I just used some scrap fuzzy yarn I had stashed away, and cut up some scrap felt pieces into little flowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlxwbT8KCTNvZEbzWjvQ_pIEAz0ajDSikT9Vv0L2EsTMvs4vX8kM0ARJBTFuA1MOWwoxOJeXaVoV428LeKW_oMAP22NJB2pPlqzea2mW4c_mJxJpKkLMSOyF6lBkUMJ4TBaYMZ2ICrbM/s1600/IMG_7659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlxwbT8KCTNvZEbzWjvQ_pIEAz0ajDSikT9Vv0L2EsTMvs4vX8kM0ARJBTFuA1MOWwoxOJeXaVoV428LeKW_oMAP22NJB2pPlqzea2mW4c_mJxJpKkLMSOyF6lBkUMJ4TBaYMZ2ICrbM/s640/IMG_7659.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLRvXw_BTRAXwc8mBPzeawg-nj4qWTrmyRBZxjcTSg89G4lQ8JAyOTozxMz3nXUJHhmBzKldd0YooC8e8HCdNLjRWLCsgpjRIZauJqRBBTyeiwm0EBKgl13W3VPlqKP4zo5dnRwXZjz4/s1600/IMG_7660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikLRvXw_BTRAXwc8mBPzeawg-nj4qWTrmyRBZxjcTSg89G4lQ8JAyOTozxMz3nXUJHhmBzKldd0YooC8e8HCdNLjRWLCsgpjRIZauJqRBBTyeiwm0EBKgl13W3VPlqKP4zo5dnRwXZjz4/s640/IMG_7660.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Growth Ruler</b>. This is a pinterest inspired project. I found it a long time ago on a blog, pinned it, and never did anything about it. Until finally we were walking through Home Depot and I remembered the ruler project, so we came home that day with a 6x8. Brandon helped me stain it, and I painted on the inch marks. We have yet to hang it. But soon soon!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbzk7lY3XNlq3USN1KR_X1oyMU-1u4mNU17YyIvnskZLpM_flppoIo0fgrVVt5R6yxkcqpfe3jaSjqW6HrRdjEK1nQT0ZGqeWwwMYdGKs9PcpOyDzeVmIyaTAHZ5f3wMs7fQBGyZTnwU/s1600/IMG_7653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbzk7lY3XNlq3USN1KR_X1oyMU-1u4mNU17YyIvnskZLpM_flppoIo0fgrVVt5R6yxkcqpfe3jaSjqW6HrRdjEK1nQT0ZGqeWwwMYdGKs9PcpOyDzeVmIyaTAHZ5f3wMs7fQBGyZTnwU/s640/IMG_7653.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Travel Signs</b>. Not sure what else to call these puppies. But I saw a photo one day of a tall sign with all these places around the world and their corresponding distances... and had the inspiration to turn that idea into a piece of art for our wall. We used scrap wood, and decided to pick places that God has sent us... I love it. I have a feeling it will make a great 'conversation piece'. For now we have it leaning against our hallway wall, but we need to get it safely hung asap.<br />
<br />
We have some more that still need photos taken, so check back later!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-35526738606135382652013-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:002013-01-11T07:00:09.178-08:002012 Superlatives<div>
We loved looking back at 2011 <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011-superlatives.html">here</a>, and figured we should do the same for twenty-twelve.<br />
<br />
<b>Biggest Lock-out</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/02/locked.html">When Shiloh locked herself IN her room</a>... which prompted a mild panic attack on my part, and changing the door knobs on Brandon's part.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFBhJ85SKdr41o9i3YoNe8nCFLub1y7K49ki8eI5jXbXRddiV6ql_7m9R3m5ys6p-z0X4BHGvY12y115GqrskIhBjta0c1jAb4tm-39QP86bYuXLZhvTPLwCOuSZoYvP24WlsIpQpEnM/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFBhJ85SKdr41o9i3YoNe8nCFLub1y7K49ki8eI5jXbXRddiV6ql_7m9R3m5ys6p-z0X4BHGvY12y115GqrskIhBjta0c1jAb4tm-39QP86bYuXLZhvTPLwCOuSZoYvP24WlsIpQpEnM/s640/IMG_0255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Best Dad</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/05/time-for-post.html">When mommy was out of commission</a> due to morning sickness, Brandon kept Shiloh entertained.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7_cnX-4G9To6cek5g7GmQBylnpKrruKC1Te18213AY0u_ST7Shpdrf49d5f7ZoGyEfwIRNNDyejokOXaoyAOLRgsC3dcOPGcJJIfuBdrUqK7gCWaN9K1M4ejsIz_46a7vNkx31XA85M/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7_cnX-4G9To6cek5g7GmQBylnpKrruKC1Te18213AY0u_ST7Shpdrf49d5f7ZoGyEfwIRNNDyejokOXaoyAOLRgsC3dcOPGcJJIfuBdrUqK7gCWaN9K1M4ejsIz_46a7vNkx31XA85M/s640/IMG_0379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Favorite Shoe-Family Photo</b>: We used this to announce that we were <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/05/time-for-post.html">expecting Baby #2</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4HuLrkx86WWc3lYKpsALaNhTL24UmvkQ5U5f3bbxwHXjvNvM4AwhOGbd5U6N1SYMarcRiBdZLHtDbwQpBfSM_RX1baeIbkLlMS6ChSBNZxBRNTBjNrO9cYYmEUMyCfm8m5QHmnZcIHI/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4HuLrkx86WWc3lYKpsALaNhTL24UmvkQ5U5f3bbxwHXjvNvM4AwhOGbd5U6N1SYMarcRiBdZLHtDbwQpBfSM_RX1baeIbkLlMS6ChSBNZxBRNTBjNrO9cYYmEUMyCfm8m5QHmnZcIHI/s640/IMG_7227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Likely to Turn 2</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/05/time-for-post.html">Shiloh's 2nd birthday party</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLy872ZsvtOu42cWEM4njsHI2QP30bDg2bL5khP_F49YR-yKudxY_RRZZ1WvKOzUcux6QqkcEKNP-shiVFhBbhYeY4VtBymvOv-n-6EgiecERyxHuyIlkghfPL_X8SrcToJH2oQF-nNs/s1600/IMG_7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLy872ZsvtOu42cWEM4njsHI2QP30bDg2bL5khP_F49YR-yKudxY_RRZZ1WvKOzUcux6QqkcEKNP-shiVFhBbhYeY4VtBymvOv-n-6EgiecERyxHuyIlkghfPL_X8SrcToJH2oQF-nNs/s640/IMG_7294.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Expanding Waistline</b>: Yes, <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/09/school-pregnancy-update.html">that'd be me</a>... at only 7 months preggo. My feet soon disappeared.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWAy0mzxnLkX6dHK1pZY_HiHLC6fILnVkykdLR86heuvJAekhQlcDKh0qarinG3ucOaLCW9Ar9ukXZJZTlJQOMUB-R4UhccK2GTKbuuKvO-LVhGUlQikeAsAdfT-g9Z68vjYKcxho8k/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWAy0mzxnLkX6dHK1pZY_HiHLC6fILnVkykdLR86heuvJAekhQlcDKh0qarinG3ucOaLCW9Ar9ukXZJZTlJQOMUB-R4UhccK2GTKbuuKvO-LVhGUlQikeAsAdfT-g9Z68vjYKcxho8k/s640/IMG_0799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Airport Pick-Ups</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/09/school-pregnancy-update.html">We picked up</a> 9 students in 4 days for the start of our Fall DTS.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkkIK8XZiPsW_z55_T2xnzowD6V1dB7L8xgnHX8wPfgSCjKi8L0qLZVINgPkPWw2oVYweD7TAECEQRvL1CZG29gQmE2W8ymyzNpMx_j4QpIjWDJM0qoUqa71dPbc9vqZ0ovQqbw9ijzA/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkkIK8XZiPsW_z55_T2xnzowD6V1dB7L8xgnHX8wPfgSCjKi8L0qLZVINgPkPWw2oVYweD7TAECEQRvL1CZG29gQmE2W8ymyzNpMx_j4QpIjWDJM0qoUqa71dPbc9vqZ0ovQqbw9ijzA/s640/IMG_0830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Excited About Baby Sister</b>: Shiloh was born to be a <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/09/school-pregnancy-update.html">big sister</a>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijq6DhT-tKGEM1ORrrMpZ-wm_rs-9ocdBDQPmdb2ZR7TzLhfk2eog73Jcd_LuJuYRIqKEbB04zjVhOmhlUSsploEPIV1RKBLjpIoM_UtWQAxtH2LxtA6yt95N2X-ja6v5Vb0gfHDzwIA/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijq6DhT-tKGEM1ORrrMpZ-wm_rs-9ocdBDQPmdb2ZR7TzLhfk2eog73Jcd_LuJuYRIqKEbB04zjVhOmhlUSsploEPIV1RKBLjpIoM_UtWQAxtH2LxtA6yt95N2X-ja6v5Vb0gfHDzwIA/s640/IMG_0880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Yellowest Clogs</b>: Yes, those are really Dutch clogs. Yes, <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/09/school-pregnancy-update.html">he really wears them</a>... especially on our visit to the Danish village of Solvang where he 'kinda' fit in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpLwMOi0zaxFmA98wTVaML8hE9VoPIXZu9kwg9nGsf-W3bS0OmAVdafAvk5njsMUuTpmhNI5UN-86QkXqZaYyxA2tkiD-lkU9gp8GP_0-k4Neb73nIGnuXgfbOhw0_v68OYcHUWJE9xU/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpLwMOi0zaxFmA98wTVaML8hE9VoPIXZu9kwg9nGsf-W3bS0OmAVdafAvk5njsMUuTpmhNI5UN-86QkXqZaYyxA2tkiD-lkU9gp8GP_0-k4Neb73nIGnuXgfbOhw0_v68OYcHUWJE9xU/s640/IMG_0890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Biggest Boo Boo</b>: When <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-waiting.html">I was backed into</a> while in a parking lot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExy577zhuD7HP0aakjxYWfb4hhotHu3dOMfd8E1wJqTc256MlcfeACw-ijzQ1AuqC1bA0Iei89WgfBWWnJ07PQWipS_8Yy22CeVGvhcd9RYD4-HsnjGcte25KfLh-xOyhbZrDeOnv8/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExy577zhuD7HP0aakjxYWfb4hhotHu3dOMfd8E1wJqTc256MlcfeACw-ijzQ1AuqC1bA0Iei89WgfBWWnJ07PQWipS_8Yy22CeVGvhcd9RYD4-HsnjGcte25KfLh-xOyhbZrDeOnv8/s640/IMG_1035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Rockin' Tea Party</b>: As you can see, <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-waiting.html">all the animals</a> attended. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDf1HMfd7wOA4xbfR7VKW-yoEGPiqWD0IfoVlDOP3KC4dXjCnQ9ay8I0UFXcVsuep-afTAZswaivz6GwdrLaGtoqzZnj-qh-ZgzJygHPapdTETMipH6rJDUGyYq8znI2VgfrAnY3Agak/s1600/IMG_1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDf1HMfd7wOA4xbfR7VKW-yoEGPiqWD0IfoVlDOP3KC4dXjCnQ9ay8I0UFXcVsuep-afTAZswaivz6GwdrLaGtoqzZnj-qh-ZgzJygHPapdTETMipH6rJDUGyYq8znI2VgfrAnY3Agak/s640/IMG_1033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Best Princess Rapunzle</b>: She was in <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-waiting.html">princess</a> heaven!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNQSUY8iNbhOd2IA9Mxoojv1u6L2FGaS_74FGDw11PH-v2sqVchieU0jytKNvxxfn-lWcILEIrinbj471UWHwbWER_todkgWtk0TBo_p7VQLnpkZ1qOZF0YTH4UxFVxOLCEgFMIQeh0/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNQSUY8iNbhOd2IA9Mxoojv1u6L2FGaS_74FGDw11PH-v2sqVchieU0jytKNvxxfn-lWcILEIrinbj471UWHwbWER_todkgWtk0TBo_p7VQLnpkZ1qOZF0YTH4UxFVxOLCEgFMIQeh0/s640/IMG_1084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Prepared</b>: We had <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-waiting.html">our suitcase packed</a> for delivery for an entire MONTH before Capri was actually born. Prepared, sure.... but not for Capri to wait that long to join us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aSpKVuvEy8SIC7nx-jtcRTKPJyxwE89YVENcSrgYv_hIUL7a_8RZ0e4p4aLR_ADn1qAEQFHhdGpUdBZjRKwdggpL9vU_Lj4A3U0RANVyN6iJQxaPiYutQEg33VjeMsjd9CZ9QpoQ6Yc/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aSpKVuvEy8SIC7nx-jtcRTKPJyxwE89YVENcSrgYv_hIUL7a_8RZ0e4p4aLR_ADn1qAEQFHhdGpUdBZjRKwdggpL9vU_Lj4A3U0RANVyN6iJQxaPiYutQEg33VjeMsjd9CZ9QpoQ6Yc/s640/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Anticipated</b>: We had been waiting to meet this little face! We were ecstatic to finally <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome-baby-capri.html">welcome her into our arms</a>. She was much anticipated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU97Qy37tgJx9Hv9wEwFOCXiMhN56LkCT2tQuvY7H8HLtMlVSfziVh4g2eVnlA7FMiJw0BlEZk6v8zQq1aPJ9IlvWIsCS7SL6VSQdW4qFMvRiLwregh0P1YQaRlqFPhfFJY0cHpJx9gc/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU97Qy37tgJx9Hv9wEwFOCXiMhN56LkCT2tQuvY7H8HLtMlVSfziVh4g2eVnlA7FMiJw0BlEZk6v8zQq1aPJ9IlvWIsCS7SL6VSQdW4qFMvRiLwregh0P1YQaRlqFPhfFJY0cHpJx9gc/s640/IMG_1188.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Best Sisters</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome-baby-capri.html">These two</a>. No word. {melt my heart}<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Z2YvqofCt1Kgxom2nlnowhwC277ks2jQXp5dV5E5fwceR2ZRxJhwovMxZTh5TUoDzXX3F8Rrxs8AaVeS1a2I3dCxP5jib5kpTEJQO3msBFE6MEPsbJdol_LqSA2LQElK2P2YwOR-C0/s1600/IMG_1189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Z2YvqofCt1Kgxom2nlnowhwC277ks2jQXp5dV5E5fwceR2ZRxJhwovMxZTh5TUoDzXX3F8Rrxs8AaVeS1a2I3dCxP5jib5kpTEJQO3msBFE6MEPsbJdol_LqSA2LQElK2P2YwOR-C0/s640/IMG_1189.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Littlest Lady</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome-baby-capri.html">Capri was born</a> weighing in at only 6 lbs 15 oz, making her our smallest baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9wrwS_vuGTWA-wd6OUX9NwVlBO6zoH5otmyALRI2PzeZGbuVoWaXMKiKqMx8afCSpUKcW1Sa12_5WiZhBh3NZqEisVCrFbmuMK26UHQmYpWYd0m71a8t2Lv0LYjJJy1piiMTndGF1s/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9wrwS_vuGTWA-wd6OUX9NwVlBO6zoH5otmyALRI2PzeZGbuVoWaXMKiKqMx8afCSpUKcW1Sa12_5WiZhBh3NZqEisVCrFbmuMK26UHQmYpWYd0m71a8t2Lv0LYjJJy1piiMTndGF1s/s640/IMG_1200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xgAOUMQTbVw8Nyw0Vce57zuYeVDMeqHleaeyviiDP90eEvVKqO112dAWgMBM98z3vpjhslyQHva7LmDS8TNU5X27DvTgHcXVW760xNCioTxnJxHlWbhSceRR8KKUPIwPgwhpnFd8tA/s1600/Capri-greyknit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xgAOUMQTbVw8Nyw0Vce57zuYeVDMeqHleaeyviiDP90eEvVKqO112dAWgMBM98z3vpjhslyQHva7LmDS8TNU5X27DvTgHcXVW760xNCioTxnJxHlWbhSceRR8KKUPIwPgwhpnFd8tA/s640/Capri-greyknit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Annoyed by the Camera</b>: Just <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/an-for-effort.html">look</a> at that face! She does not like me interrupting her coloring time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwOxSdICmp4hR3ZDAGLVtf6Ois_t6olwBv1pXQcJXtHYjZ3-4arQVc1nYrK3gZ-ihyphenhyphen-hcucSO8DYv7FznQlldElV4bNY0sy_sz6t5GtDXE5-H_0bIkwWpq81dCEGquRhPPgn5FPBJqrY/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwOxSdICmp4hR3ZDAGLVtf6Ois_t6olwBv1pXQcJXtHYjZ3-4arQVc1nYrK3gZ-ihyphenhyphen-hcucSO8DYv7FznQlldElV4bNY0sy_sz6t5GtDXE5-H_0bIkwWpq81dCEGquRhPPgn5FPBJqrY/s640/IMG_1366.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Best Christmas Morning</b>: Snow + new baby + fun presents = our favorite <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/an-for-effort.html">Christmas</a>-to-date.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_Bfrr182HIN7b-2RGh2KWH5PSP-LClqsQl-Fp_2Pd42VC3R6Eeu3T1iAMbRHVmzZynncVb72jAK5gP8BW11wfFbfvdBY1vfDkf7O5UA1NMyRH7sDTzbVuceUYDD1TYL95X0A2LSq38/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_Bfrr182HIN7b-2RGh2KWH5PSP-LClqsQl-Fp_2Pd42VC3R6Eeu3T1iAMbRHVmzZynncVb72jAK5gP8BW11wfFbfvdBY1vfDkf7O5UA1NMyRH7sDTzbVuceUYDD1TYL95X0A2LSq38/s640/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Cutest DIY</b>: The <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-play-kitchen.html">kitchen that Brandon made</a> for Shiloh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s1600/IMG_7622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s640/IMG_7622.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Pumpkin-y</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-waiting.html">Our day </a>at the Avila Barn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm24RLx8nwALiL0wp_SnNK9xlxctZwAkfCk4VRLiuhnOgDJP8OQO8CH_DQIkDlZSj1fDWa6nJ7VSBgecUM6_Cv6o3owP4quh4Ueh6MW-gIX8mMQgdsSPvixjbAaIcrxTvC2Vkhy6LHtaE/s1600/IMG_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm24RLx8nwALiL0wp_SnNK9xlxctZwAkfCk4VRLiuhnOgDJP8OQO8CH_DQIkDlZSj1fDWa6nJ7VSBgecUM6_Cv6o3owP4quh4Ueh6MW-gIX8mMQgdsSPvixjbAaIcrxTvC2Vkhy6LHtaE/s640/IMG_1062.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Biggest Upgrade</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/01/our-shoe.html">When we moved</a> out of this tiny apartment (our favorite place ever) to our new apartment which was over 3 times bigger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7IGdr58pgKzV2z9LZrvZ2l2zQhfmoR1Uj_qInPT870_uS6ksDrcnfKWv_pVTQYD9ymSZ7iDglfp9ealG3dEUmJMDSujXvYEZ9jScLZS6M42BnUsPiBMC91BHPSO9UXsZUFDtJ9SK5Wc/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7IGdr58pgKzV2z9LZrvZ2l2zQhfmoR1Uj_qInPT870_uS6ksDrcnfKWv_pVTQYD9ymSZ7iDglfp9ealG3dEUmJMDSujXvYEZ9jScLZS6M42BnUsPiBMC91BHPSO9UXsZUFDtJ9SK5Wc/s640/IMG_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Most Missed</b>: <a href="http://brandonandkirsten.blogspot.com/2012/01/10-years.html">My sweet Dad</a> who passed away 10 years ago (well now almost 11). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j9OQBet9Nmc58ELtoCn-cXtLYEfxica0TrD3-OwJOyyvYaE3j5jSFqAe1TV_LEc0lWYPIaFCv48y5-5HrP-LBd93ez6TOFviLIQ3eWBeuKdxlhNR8h9YKvxFcXua2qs-F3gYb5aeMRM/s1600/lap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3j9OQBet9Nmc58ELtoCn-cXtLYEfxica0TrD3-OwJOyyvYaE3j5jSFqAe1TV_LEc0lWYPIaFCv48y5-5HrP-LBd93ez6TOFviLIQ3eWBeuKdxlhNR8h9YKvxFcXua2qs-F3gYb5aeMRM/s640/lap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With 2012 being a year that we had our largest DTS ever, and grew our family by 1 sweet little girl, I am not sure we can top it... but here's to a great 2013!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-70843452402733312292013-01-10T10:56:00.000-08:002013-01-10T10:56:25.591-08:00Snow Day<div>
We had a snow-filled Christmas break up in Oregon. And Shiloh was finally at an age where she could truly enjoy the snow. She put on her new snow bibs, hat, and mittens and posed for us...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HrIErdEHexY-24g_eRmB7dRJIqsyrazJ6vKqDA12B7OFdSxewX_bN4lYPyi42KgeYtVuqdMIhdeblZ4fsy4z_pLpde6p1O8DBTFcch7CoNzqhkUygOBpSdF46yneoJCnIG1AtdbvY4c/s1600/IMG_7534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HrIErdEHexY-24g_eRmB7dRJIqsyrazJ6vKqDA12B7OFdSxewX_bN4lYPyi42KgeYtVuqdMIhdeblZ4fsy4z_pLpde6p1O8DBTFcch7CoNzqhkUygOBpSdF46yneoJCnIG1AtdbvY4c/s640/IMG_7534.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8THrwSht2dcYcaBDzV_yaZ4s6y86g6KsqrdhhsNE0W8Pz4ln7X3UuRu78r80MzUaxQhvQ_wz3oom5BxtKEhz6XbeKdhn5RKbJkXPTY20J702RXCJWQ_9iOw9jz1otzpXLFjEtiJT58k/s1600/IMG_7533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8THrwSht2dcYcaBDzV_yaZ4s6y86g6KsqrdhhsNE0W8Pz4ln7X3UuRu78r80MzUaxQhvQ_wz3oom5BxtKEhz6XbeKdhn5RKbJkXPTY20J702RXCJWQ_9iOw9jz1otzpXLFjEtiJT58k/s640/IMG_7533.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And my favorite.... Smile girl, smile!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQyxclkmXXxpsb6o1mhY20lLICRk3ms1bmOLEkYXV6ghvfzr6IGDDQ-eKpCGl525hGkDmTr_bhXSX1J0rnFeVEXlNRsABS7bnQ-cHQoSdNVYbzTVlmFEXLcC_HwRwYiApnXM6TZycDc4/s1600/IMG_7539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQyxclkmXXxpsb6o1mhY20lLICRk3ms1bmOLEkYXV6ghvfzr6IGDDQ-eKpCGl525hGkDmTr_bhXSX1J0rnFeVEXlNRsABS7bnQ-cHQoSdNVYbzTVlmFEXLcC_HwRwYiApnXM6TZycDc4/s640/IMG_7539.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
She had so much fun making a snowman, playing, and she even got to go sledding. We had to drag her back inside. My little snow bunny. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlXUBrOPlm0-aH8V2Gad0toSZyaJwCQxBPdpMG4WUG9geyiyURV6vSzIJHstEBVsTVHl60IJaQ8K9cxbyyqdoYHz2dg1UXEDz8sCIoM18n9fzMRYB0N7uHwqF43U3AHz8OEK0pYfW8Qc/s1600/IMG_7546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlXUBrOPlm0-aH8V2Gad0toSZyaJwCQxBPdpMG4WUG9geyiyURV6vSzIJHstEBVsTVHl60IJaQ8K9cxbyyqdoYHz2dg1UXEDz8sCIoM18n9fzMRYB0N7uHwqF43U3AHz8OEK0pYfW8Qc/s640/IMG_7546.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1kv9zP1-Qpbklz-2vx8Ca9jk1WhP7vdieODDjn9z5aBHx7qNJ6Q2PQ-06cU44Bi8lglbUZgFCzit0jngEbFnD9FBcuolYH-0BFqSn3nJ_z8qh0RmFHbHJ1GaC13Zyl7xg8z744sRA1A/s1600/IMG_7553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1kv9zP1-Qpbklz-2vx8Ca9jk1WhP7vdieODDjn9z5aBHx7qNJ6Q2PQ-06cU44Bi8lglbUZgFCzit0jngEbFnD9FBcuolYH-0BFqSn3nJ_z8qh0RmFHbHJ1GaC13Zyl7xg8z744sRA1A/s640/IMG_7553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFmn51EP6H1rq0u8vkPUGjEMbZazYX7mRFCaGauZSI6tHE813p6i3rxPuMxNUNyg1Uffq57cPgffdTsGosptoWKwG1vvaeouRxzy0gkr-rcNym7cwdy2YAerLBR0iZvTHtp-QrtrpLNs/s1600/IMG_7550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFmn51EP6H1rq0u8vkPUGjEMbZazYX7mRFCaGauZSI6tHE813p6i3rxPuMxNUNyg1Uffq57cPgffdTsGosptoWKwG1vvaeouRxzy0gkr-rcNym7cwdy2YAerLBR0iZvTHtp-QrtrpLNs/s640/IMG_7550.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDns4-FJ1UD8euzYBmgzYIfoZnW40c8txyzU0WlgoznCBooS0KPk2NNT6KDKySAC_5uGfGZmTCohhUCnmMZWc7tsnaikVY6q_7KMY7oIzH7XCDQzxLQT4_4t5-KJ_SfeBA6AFrFiARsA/s1600/IMG_7558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDns4-FJ1UD8euzYBmgzYIfoZnW40c8txyzU0WlgoznCBooS0KPk2NNT6KDKySAC_5uGfGZmTCohhUCnmMZWc7tsnaikVY6q_7KMY7oIzH7XCDQzxLQT4_4t5-KJ_SfeBA6AFrFiARsA/s640/IMG_7558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzrpRNFscDhTIdMXzpto7zrJ0gRP2LZEC-t-uF0uMBsLg3TslNRU2_VLhlKMotB7y8Aig7gRL2viKiRo463zLmcf4lpXws_R9aYX5c-l0NYpmhc0sdpO9GJP01GtuA4VlsOG44raG7No/s1600/IMG_7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzrpRNFscDhTIdMXzpto7zrJ0gRP2LZEC-t-uF0uMBsLg3TslNRU2_VLhlKMotB7y8Aig7gRL2viKiRo463zLmcf4lpXws_R9aYX5c-l0NYpmhc0sdpO9GJP01GtuA4VlsOG44raG7No/s640/IMG_7555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbVixKxjkE8Yzrlv4MUva3t4xUNEjaWUmNuxzQE_3u_arW72yvPDyGzQzwUrxr05435EL-nPWu2Xmi8nm1cAsIaZHG3ms7T6VngqbuXMsiNG9ARFkZDrvo93Vave32Fmna8PcVAzaKZo/s1600/IMG_7561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbVixKxjkE8Yzrlv4MUva3t4xUNEjaWUmNuxzQE_3u_arW72yvPDyGzQzwUrxr05435EL-nPWu2Xmi8nm1cAsIaZHG3ms7T6VngqbuXMsiNG9ARFkZDrvo93Vave32Fmna8PcVAzaKZo/s640/IMG_7561.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU_Tpb6UsjE2r_yKMe5R4PdJtvY32nA1TUwJua6RTSfiDIQiZb3jpBqU4RG3JhkKhKonk0w7Wv9kmPzHypKRyW14g1X8DceMkmsV0dASIfmiSJi0v52ucxtIuZlEwjr06rrTxGvuySaA/s1600/IMG_7566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU_Tpb6UsjE2r_yKMe5R4PdJtvY32nA1TUwJua6RTSfiDIQiZb3jpBqU4RG3JhkKhKonk0w7Wv9kmPzHypKRyW14g1X8DceMkmsV0dASIfmiSJi0v52ucxtIuZlEwjr06rrTxGvuySaA/s640/IMG_7566.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O4EJBgSSXf30j5gL592qnnmES1NNJL9RW1ttAdEpmS24pml1emeamM9EwnauRLponP3gitUIhrT8sMtAHz5HI2XfIFT3TN0jLQGtT3ZkFY66UcNS0bXPIIEHkpj23Sn9_KzodZ70-0Y/s1600/IMG_7570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5O4EJBgSSXf30j5gL592qnnmES1NNJL9RW1ttAdEpmS24pml1emeamM9EwnauRLponP3gitUIhrT8sMtAHz5HI2XfIFT3TN0jLQGtT3ZkFY66UcNS0bXPIIEHkpj23Sn9_KzodZ70-0Y/s640/IMG_7570.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t6_9eokBncvThuImUXdK32gGriONxLyWV4GV3slGk6eCaa9lAbG-3AGRKQRveb4tx-tjdGy_dwj5OoaoOG52TnBwTuiZlwaQyWQkIr2rrKDnOtE_aB8tqwfx30UodYD2Jo5CBHBZgL4/s1600/IMG_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5t6_9eokBncvThuImUXdK32gGriONxLyWV4GV3slGk6eCaa9lAbG-3AGRKQRveb4tx-tjdGy_dwj5OoaoOG52TnBwTuiZlwaQyWQkIr2rrKDnOtE_aB8tqwfx30UodYD2Jo5CBHBZgL4/s640/IMG_7572.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-75592366563354216662012-12-28T15:56:00.000-08:002012-12-28T15:56:12.599-08:00DIY Play Kitchen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s1600/IMG_7622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s640/IMG_7622.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
This might just be the most fun thing we have ever made together. I think we had more fun making it than Shiloh has had playing with it.... well, maybe not entirely true... she hasn't stopped cooking food since opening it. <br />
<br />
Our inspiration came from <a href="http://vintagesongbird.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-is-fun.html">this kitchen</a>, and then <a href="http://ana-white.com/2009/10/grace-playhouse-kitchen-sink_9146.html">Ana's plans</a>. We initially were going to go the whole up-cycled old night stand route, however since we were traveling up to Oregon for Christmas and therefore wanted Shiloh to be able to open her present up there... we had to think about how to transport it. So instead, Brandon used the plans from <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana's website</a> to come up with a kitchen that he could build, disassemble, then reassemble in Oregon, and disassemble again to bring back home. Complicated. We know. But in the end, it was worth it.<br />
<br />
We started out with a loose drawing so that Brandon could buy the right amount of plywood, and cut it down to the necessary size pieces. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aYB6SMA2PQJ598NB_cP7DVwNYYdLydEsX5ITzcdKk0eVcZDAeZOyVlp8u1E6NlVD7ZgYI59MB4sxk0IDf5ekEMYh_nIcPg2KIY5dd_ZHkwmEyMUeFNOK9lmc7V3z0Ygkr14Aj3QiWmE/s1600/IMG_1377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2aYB6SMA2PQJ598NB_cP7DVwNYYdLydEsX5ITzcdKk0eVcZDAeZOyVlp8u1E6NlVD7ZgYI59MB4sxk0IDf5ekEMYh_nIcPg2KIY5dd_ZHkwmEyMUeFNOK9lmc7V3z0Ygkr14Aj3QiWmE/s640/IMG_1377.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RE2KVthI0fvNM9jX4ngnvVupivZTFafsdb1UgW0T2OqroYLWYAAEDWtOgyWCIqxfilVPy7qTW8bwKeggb4Birn5oOCe_99Mv7jU3iqVQgkvLdZH3usR5GGaACMj4zk6eE7Gu4wUR-Oo/s1600/IMG_1380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-RE2KVthI0fvNM9jX4ngnvVupivZTFafsdb1UgW0T2OqroYLWYAAEDWtOgyWCIqxfilVPy7qTW8bwKeggb4Birn5oOCe_99Mv7jU3iqVQgkvLdZH3usR5GGaACMj4zk6eE7Gu4wUR-Oo/s640/IMG_1380.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
He found cabinet-grade quality plywood, from Home Depot. 1 sheet was enough, plus we already had scraps at home to make the face frame and oven door.<br />
<br />
Then he build the "box" of the kitchen. Next he built the face frame for the front of the kitchen, and the oven door. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIv_ocZyI32fBqp58VLewJDZ4EZ60PSP5Lx6lM88fXl2U0MK5N1vpyfErtMosr05e8ydFG1vufKCiOCssTCFR_BW-97S1wiC2hzgW9G_FNWqNb1SRZz4tvwO9imaYVnxkFMdVp-cpj1M/s1600/IMG_0686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcIv_ocZyI32fBqp58VLewJDZ4EZ60PSP5Lx6lM88fXl2U0MK5N1vpyfErtMosr05e8ydFG1vufKCiOCssTCFR_BW-97S1wiC2hzgW9G_FNWqNb1SRZz4tvwO9imaYVnxkFMdVp-cpj1M/s640/IMG_0686.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI3_1-HN4Pqh2bBF9tew6MpnJZ93VWwyhtYFz_8H88p1R888jEhvlNMbc8hlUTq-wQUlpWte3L1grxDPA5j5TuzGy2DP3v69ezLeFHXFRScWCuIT63xC0LCGLhiEqWW2AbZzT72_H3u4/s1600/IMG_0687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeI3_1-HN4Pqh2bBF9tew6MpnJZ93VWwyhtYFz_8H88p1R888jEhvlNMbc8hlUTq-wQUlpWte3L1grxDPA5j5TuzGy2DP3v69ezLeFHXFRScWCuIT63xC0LCGLhiEqWW2AbZzT72_H3u4/s640/IMG_0687.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
At this point, we had to disassemble everything so that it could pack in our car and be taken to Oregon for Christmas. So once there, we painted it. We swear by Rustoleum's spray paints. We use them for almost everything. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z83BmGMcVauXEHvBwRx8P5cCpLw3VmDkJjxXxYGTz4UNIuJzSZ0z_BDOCHtUzgVVQjUGNoIrEe26UruN54jj_ilLKeY3Ze0wDJeDN_166ABI612AvzIi_wE7MEl5lByqzFUhgVF_CIs/s1600/IMG_7530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z83BmGMcVauXEHvBwRx8P5cCpLw3VmDkJjxXxYGTz4UNIuJzSZ0z_BDOCHtUzgVVQjUGNoIrEe26UruN54jj_ilLKeY3Ze0wDJeDN_166ABI612AvzIi_wE7MEl5lByqzFUhgVF_CIs/s640/IMG_7530.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">So we sprayed on 2 coats of primer, and let that dry overnight. This is what it looked like with only primer on it. We were trying to see how the stovetop would look, spacing and what not.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWxx85AuAkQ0zJe64P3wCUYXL0NsdsTi-KBvyr2YG78tC7VugzybHJBPkbyPDMRPs3WWwFQiEIAihAYlmcOS-fAw3fWWZWNw9_Q8WvWd_ruBJsIYd2rOFk0Nok7VvUDI-vOCSadm6mc0/s1600/IMG_7520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWxx85AuAkQ0zJe64P3wCUYXL0NsdsTi-KBvyr2YG78tC7VugzybHJBPkbyPDMRPs3WWwFQiEIAihAYlmcOS-fAw3fWWZWNw9_Q8WvWd_ruBJsIYd2rOFk0Nok7VvUDI-vOCSadm6mc0/s640/IMG_7520.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1UyBPFDyC49Trni_kYVYfClplGpBjcOUJWRodK34F92ybNj-LQXDvSO4YcHu3N_pMvIA7IcU5Y9uSV1bO1rP9mwzp3lYrAb0gsNxx-6lKHmml3uszW3B3uuOFZI2wSgSujBxweD9kGg/s1600/IMG_7522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1UyBPFDyC49Trni_kYVYfClplGpBjcOUJWRodK34F92ybNj-LQXDvSO4YcHu3N_pMvIA7IcU5Y9uSV1bO1rP9mwzp3lYrAb0gsNxx-6lKHmml3uszW3B3uuOFZI2wSgSujBxweD9kGg/s640/IMG_7522.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We found an old faucet, knobs, and towel bar from our local Habitat For Humanity Re-Store. We had hoped to find the tall kitchen faucet... but they have any in stock, so we found one that looked really cute, even though it was smaller.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblUTZzi30F0hCKSH5l_Qf0vVyf3G-tC-JybNH44_7-GAGjVGh5G8j_RSGYncTRykSdtMKQl1xr7nxjKEtuAj524r90O7z9B68vwI7Z9DGYZiUHNiLexHi5gqsF4DLEEEivJNNNjZhpww/s1600/IMG_7525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblUTZzi30F0hCKSH5l_Qf0vVyf3G-tC-JybNH44_7-GAGjVGh5G8j_RSGYncTRykSdtMKQl1xr7nxjKEtuAj524r90O7z9B68vwI7Z9DGYZiUHNiLexHi5gqsF4DLEEEivJNNNjZhpww/s640/IMG_7525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bowl was from our local Goodwill store. It was the perfect size, and white which was great. The pattern on the side was, well, retro. But it didn't matter because that would be hidden anyway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsPq-_-_MPX0QZvL2nf7co_aCFKFh9asoQ8QlUtQqiHy-ByKceDKyAkh9TGSDK9Usl8UzaXHWAWoHucQB5IEphOtnWaatiS9zUCdZcGAbIYTIrtYp6Fh5l94nadzji7BT73CzGekF8qU/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsPq-_-_MPX0QZvL2nf7co_aCFKFh9asoQ8QlUtQqiHy-ByKceDKyAkh9TGSDK9Usl8UzaXHWAWoHucQB5IEphOtnWaatiS9zUCdZcGAbIYTIrtYp6Fh5l94nadzji7BT73CzGekF8qU/s640/IMG_7527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 old cds made great stovetop burners... we just spray painted them with 3 coats of black paint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjottNUJiCSPBXlm7xVltPF3gNaTB7WVGyBnafsKGFNC-pDFUYc1PF4TJ_qcfZX-OWZUyDf8-Qp_rz5deisSZuqRmYezlm4OQrDoGnK9T324Ospznc7xoEb50vsyp1pYwUwCkEXf5sAngE/s1600/IMG_7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjottNUJiCSPBXlm7xVltPF3gNaTB7WVGyBnafsKGFNC-pDFUYc1PF4TJ_qcfZX-OWZUyDf8-Qp_rz5deisSZuqRmYezlm4OQrDoGnK9T324Ospznc7xoEb50vsyp1pYwUwCkEXf5sAngE/s640/IMG_7529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After painting the whole thing the final color, and letting it set overnight, we then attached the oven door, and began decorating it with the chalkboard, the towel bar, the faux window, sink, faucet, and stove top. We still need to add the shelf next to the window and plexi glass for the oven front, and a pull for the oven door... but that will have to happen once back home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s1600/IMG_7622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4JGvJJsLY4zl1rieXREPqjGk7Nqq19tMKk66jgURfb15RWexDvJwOv4lLyNStXm-rm_VgENiZWpY_GT7_4oLUbKK7I_VUmdmLgFA9hboutJKtnFRYeA-aSd2yU5e_WlQZm_kk8NzXsc/s640/IMG_7622.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu6LHWt8uBnOlRmp1ARYvEKEkedLzq8lY1yTtelCe4BPjMD41_xtyyRbbAvb9EHpbTxIH_dvizQMBLwYgq8_p9rhNf_Q1gmVoimSR0r_uCYb3FUw6B8sFgYSbgjXQ9K6gRR0wHr_JraA/s1600/IMG_7621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu6LHWt8uBnOlRmp1ARYvEKEkedLzq8lY1yTtelCe4BPjMD41_xtyyRbbAvb9EHpbTxIH_dvizQMBLwYgq8_p9rhNf_Q1gmVoimSR0r_uCYb3FUw6B8sFgYSbgjXQ9K6gRR0wHr_JraA/s640/IMG_7621.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
Shiloh opened it up on Christmas morning and began playing immediately! Its a hit! And on the plus side, it only cost us 70 bucks, and we figure that Shiloh will play with it for years, and then Capri will too.... so you can't beat that! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EOoHhnbMI6fL-6ArymnGGZkCiKQz3yLVhQkF2UXGtkUXVY38Yj3B1bdry7xj3b9TnGpKAX4f67biOJBUVFnYXa5i_8Kb8z6KRRf8phplz0WZlXxieDeNdUskBCxu9t0NX7hUSzNW9rs/s1600/IMG_7629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EOoHhnbMI6fL-6ArymnGGZkCiKQz3yLVhQkF2UXGtkUXVY38Yj3B1bdry7xj3b9TnGpKAX4f67biOJBUVFnYXa5i_8Kb8z6KRRf8phplz0WZlXxieDeNdUskBCxu9t0NX7hUSzNW9rs/s640/IMG_7629.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WPXgBxJd8HDptU7C8lAr17JeZySyIP-lcDoYevJ5klu7PuykOzju-HwLq1KEl1KhXU_3jyofviHOORr2CagB9EIF7zJE7YbEtnx3NgiMtCnveIYRJ0wQh7Tbl1bFb7HQAZAwKFDk1_E/s1600/IMG_7632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WPXgBxJd8HDptU7C8lAr17JeZySyIP-lcDoYevJ5klu7PuykOzju-HwLq1KEl1KhXU_3jyofviHOORr2CagB9EIF7zJE7YbEtnx3NgiMtCnveIYRJ0wQh7Tbl1bFb7HQAZAwKFDk1_E/s640/IMG_7632.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
Cost breakdown:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
plywood $30.00<br />other wood free scraps<br />bowl $0.89<br />faucet $10.00<br />knobs $1.00<br />towel bar $3.00<br />cds free (already had)<br />curtains free (already had fabric)<br />paints $12.00 (already owned primer, white spray paint, & chalkboard paint)<br />trim $7.50<br />hindges $2.00<br />velcro $3.00<br />screws free<br />photo free (printed from computer)<br />TOTAL: $69.39 (so once we buy the pull & plexiglass, likely it will be $75.00)</blockquote>
(Would cost a little more if you didn't already have some of these things on hand, or bought some of it brand new, or less if you found a night stand free and didn't have to buy the plywood.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-17833936849083530342012-12-26T21:45:00.001-08:002012-12-26T21:55:11.683-08:00An "A" for EffortLast year we began a family tradition of Advent... celebrating the 25 days leading up to Christmas by doing certain things together as a family each day. It was so much fun. This year we planned to repeat our Advent calendar, we even changed up some of the things with new ideas. <br />
<br />
Then.<br />
We had a baby.<br />
<br />
They don't lie when they say 'a baby changes everything'. And a baby born 2 days before the 1st of December can change the entire Advent fun that <i>was</i> planned. As in going out to do things was no longer easy... or at times even fun. So some of our Advent activities were no longer realistic.<br />
<br />
We're okay with it. We give ourselves an "A" for effort. Out of our 25 planned activities, we managed to do almost all of them. The crossed through ones are the ones that we didn't get to do... some ended up happening accidentally at a later time...<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Attend DTS Christmas party.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O_PjmNloi9newUqbhUa5XNwQm0gZmptTqrsikfbtuh3AS6LKZTyjjkCKhTJWZp3Czo7yZmRQO2YUU_0VtC89B9uRXQpdcRb5elQLvYOjQqJqTlCET1Paz8phI3xixY1tr2I5dTMiDfs/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O_PjmNloi9newUqbhUa5XNwQm0gZmptTqrsikfbtuh3AS6LKZTyjjkCKhTJWZp3Czo7yZmRQO2YUU_0VtC89B9uRXQpdcRb5elQLvYOjQqJqTlCET1Paz8phI3xixY1tr2I5dTMiDfs/s640/IMG_0644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Set up Christmas decorations.<br />
<br />
3. Decorate our tiny Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
4. Attend YWAM staff Christmas party.<br />
<br />
5. Set up nativity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi6DmhKq-b0wqDmpj-J1M_JOfetkIAQLpoGysolvy44duaHB9OZEjQM8FvwdnMLMK0PP4dGOqrfLO4H2GG97-FfynVReQa2g6aJWphFWp9uNoOvzuPSthpSG1Lg5OdZi2GnJNPccwqiU/s1600/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDi6DmhKq-b0wqDmpj-J1M_JOfetkIAQLpoGysolvy44duaHB9OZEjQM8FvwdnMLMK0PP4dGOqrfLO4H2GG97-FfynVReQa2g6aJWphFWp9uNoOvzuPSthpSG1Lg5OdZi2GnJNPccwqiU/s640/IMG_1299.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDzbqx73A_DktylOTjOKvIeXFUlq0pIRsPvvF5V9Tsi4pH2uqPZ8dMNr0RZVQ6Z8ojIJYN-N473MK0bJUIkwyTZ2LNjrh5qWEdKDcO-4Q6TG8j8wycFselvEKOQgGAbMJarB-LJnk36c/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDzbqx73A_DktylOTjOKvIeXFUlq0pIRsPvvF5V9Tsi4pH2uqPZ8dMNr0RZVQ6Z8ojIJYN-N473MK0bJUIkwyTZ2LNjrh5qWEdKDcO-4Q6TG8j8wycFselvEKOQgGAbMJarB-LJnk36c/s640/IMG_1310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
6. <strike>Make holiday crispies and give them to neighbors and friends.</strike><br />
<br />
7. Sing Christmas carols.<br />
<br />
8. Date night with Daddy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VofpIuZMSBYmQwPO5Rw4q5jHCP4qzitBplNJvSWX0Vrklr4AGB5ZFUf6nCwrv2hdDZddKJusWk3DyCGwYHVEG-RzqhKyyYWCiA8rDaGUROuyCjendQ9YiPKbo2_AYn43lht-Ticqzw0/s1600/IMG_0670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7VofpIuZMSBYmQwPO5Rw4q5jHCP4qzitBplNJvSWX0Vrklr4AGB5ZFUf6nCwrv2hdDZddKJusWk3DyCGwYHVEG-RzqhKyyYWCiA8rDaGUROuyCjendQ9YiPKbo2_AYn43lht-Ticqzw0/s640/IMG_0670.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FMQZ5H8i8YAhY8fbPUWxjMUJP9IJiP3kZQQJ5Y8LPzYRQGW7CMqE02E1LsW1pg2KFGNP1fxGtEw3x9dWq4a-SfeDCdXYoFAKh2Jlf7ao607eW9dt_FrHtQethJHlxOEQAOlQDl0LwBs/s1600/IMG_0672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FMQZ5H8i8YAhY8fbPUWxjMUJP9IJiP3kZQQJ5Y8LPzYRQGW7CMqE02E1LsW1pg2KFGNP1fxGtEw3x9dWq4a-SfeDCdXYoFAKh2Jlf7ao607eW9dt_FrHtQethJHlxOEQAOlQDl0LwBs/s640/IMG_0672.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
9. Make a Christmas craft.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjvetb47PpWyOhU_rSyZN9oHizDgVejPY8hMe-ZjVDCv3AjS8ULHBA7f7qDue6WxY-HS6XHiK-i2fMiqSEfGfYHAZqe9Go5eDwTzrJfgoy4b5h62cWKubIZYMH1hbTnfVS54LhnkRHT4/s1600/IMG_1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjvetb47PpWyOhU_rSyZN9oHizDgVejPY8hMe-ZjVDCv3AjS8ULHBA7f7qDue6WxY-HS6XHiK-i2fMiqSEfGfYHAZqe9Go5eDwTzrJfgoy4b5h62cWKubIZYMH1hbTnfVS54LhnkRHT4/s640/IMG_1365.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwOxSdICmp4hR3ZDAGLVtf6Ois_t6olwBv1pXQcJXtHYjZ3-4arQVc1nYrK3gZ-ihyphenhyphen-hcucSO8DYv7FznQlldElV4bNY0sy_sz6t5GtDXE5-H_0bIkwWpq81dCEGquRhPPgn5FPBJqrY/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwOxSdICmp4hR3ZDAGLVtf6Ois_t6olwBv1pXQcJXtHYjZ3-4arQVc1nYrK3gZ-ihyphenhyphen-hcucSO8DYv7FznQlldElV4bNY0sy_sz6t5GtDXE5-H_0bIkwWpq81dCEGquRhPPgn5FPBJqrY/s640/IMG_1366.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjrAMxPabQVA6tDwp5H_HWyZ_b_nvR7LaUyHNB-jyVMzfNdD34Q33vlN_SJVrvdcIlrH8wGwI9dlTbqEJWaqNVJqv5q08jFNn7uP_sQp4Xm_X9JdQvJ2_xcbRZkCMd5s8XIYUGT88pS4/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDjrAMxPabQVA6tDwp5H_HWyZ_b_nvR7LaUyHNB-jyVMzfNdD34Q33vlN_SJVrvdcIlrH8wGwI9dlTbqEJWaqNVJqv5q08jFNn7uP_sQp4Xm_X9JdQvJ2_xcbRZkCMd5s8XIYUGT88pS4/s640/IMG_1368.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tVguinOh3oQsS6QxOfq82uQr7Oq-R1VT59xZVitH7gRff5QbETuhcjXylCnWCR3FnYfM1AwGanITA4mhsIibET8__gRroyb9FIlhUM4SL0lD5Va6oKUiu1o_xBGL3QHS-ZIy0GBOG4I/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tVguinOh3oQsS6QxOfq82uQr7Oq-R1VT59xZVitH7gRff5QbETuhcjXylCnWCR3FnYfM1AwGanITA4mhsIibET8__gRroyb9FIlhUM4SL0lD5Va6oKUiu1o_xBGL3QHS-ZIy0GBOG4I/s640/IMG_1370.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
10. Wrap Christmas presents. (finally got to it on Christmas eve)<br />
<br />
11. <strike>Make family Christmas stockings</strike>. (maybe next year)<br />
<br />
12. Drink peppermint hot chocolate in our pjs.<br />
<br />
13. Read the Christmas story. (Grandpa did on Christmas morning)<br />
<br />
14. <strike>Donate $ to the Salvation Army bucket</strike>.<br />
<br />
15. <strike>Visit Santa Claus</strike>. (I was pretty sad this didn't happen...)<br />
<br />
16. <strike>Pick out and donate a toy</strike>.<br />
<br />
17. Go on a family walk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGI_JZ606pE6F1kEWtMHADAkFIYqUjQx5DrpuIhAuR32Yvn0zVnwPJQ8TXYC60d7emqKqfHTBukbbwaBvDJNNpqrCA1VdlhAgAgtCBm9NuWfxHu4hyTbIuZVfrS73Lb6az4Q-RU-MCfQ/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGI_JZ606pE6F1kEWtMHADAkFIYqUjQx5DrpuIhAuR32Yvn0zVnwPJQ8TXYC60d7emqKqfHTBukbbwaBvDJNNpqrCA1VdlhAgAgtCBm9NuWfxHu4hyTbIuZVfrS73Lb6az4Q-RU-MCfQ/s640/IMG_1336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
18. Road trip to Grandpa's and RooRoo's house.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mDX9hezBg9HYU8-YGpt1Eq9NAF0tPrOeWxS0XLlOHJVrYIL_x-KOCBGHH9mnNrx9fRv7CAGygT_Je1NwLmzlXc2yIhgm1xRpvjOu6UCt53eyg3zJNzfMe9ITcG3tBrrTDo0Ev6t11GI/s1600/IMG_0697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mDX9hezBg9HYU8-YGpt1Eq9NAF0tPrOeWxS0XLlOHJVrYIL_x-KOCBGHH9mnNrx9fRv7CAGygT_Je1NwLmzlXc2yIhgm1xRpvjOu6UCt53eyg3zJNzfMe9ITcG3tBrrTDo0Ev6t11GI/s640/IMG_0697.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5837DGBN1laBBJV9Bd9BHsy8kZ8Tq_Btj6oj86WwmEMOKCoS3lt0MEWZOJyOnz2UD9NuhnomAwv4BagCiSC8_H7Qbpqkxq3xLddKCuGQz50AwoMR9GZO1-7EhJFx5ZgN7WRQxWA-8Lw/s1600/IMG_0699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ5837DGBN1laBBJV9Bd9BHsy8kZ8Tq_Btj6oj86WwmEMOKCoS3lt0MEWZOJyOnz2UD9NuhnomAwv4BagCiSC8_H7Qbpqkxq3xLddKCuGQz50AwoMR9GZO1-7EhJFx5ZgN7WRQxWA-8Lw/s640/IMG_0699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn-uL2xeIUkCl3kKcYO0OJEga94s5wi6miDFTbr3iQ_qisYNhA5IatwsgrRPRe4XoFqQhUeIMoFjGG4OnSr2ezIv43CQT0NXwh5toGPIA9s9ALWJNnUbojt35wOiVwhmLVFwGgkWi_hA/s1600/IMG_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn-uL2xeIUkCl3kKcYO0OJEga94s5wi6miDFTbr3iQ_qisYNhA5IatwsgrRPRe4XoFqQhUeIMoFjGG4OnSr2ezIv43CQT0NXwh5toGPIA9s9ALWJNnUbojt35wOiVwhmLVFwGgkWi_hA/s640/IMG_0701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94xPxExrShLpIcgaYQDlLRfojchliOChDDk0rpTWYAxlwi-Qrvy8RF5JXgOsMrmh9-X8qrAtUw_EuRNxjOni8zEnloGDLFD7mZ7S7zjfkl1z4RaEnKiPYVWipMmNDv1hLdopK5U0JZrY/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94xPxExrShLpIcgaYQDlLRfojchliOChDDk0rpTWYAxlwi-Qrvy8RF5JXgOsMrmh9-X8qrAtUw_EuRNxjOni8zEnloGDLFD7mZ7S7zjfkl1z4RaEnKiPYVWipMmNDv1hLdopK5U0JZrY/s640/IMG_0702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
19. Build a snowman.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7B_kh11YQOYCSL20mhe1bDd1uVLzUGizKhBtFJ3Y7SSBJdj1oicWqzMRsZzoGRDzSxK0_7pJVEISVuyUHv-lxeYQHY-_1Br9jO9Ba8mIf5iWt52XidVMOO22Mnfsk_zMyYyw1bl9rc/s1600/IMG_7566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhd7B_kh11YQOYCSL20mhe1bDd1uVLzUGizKhBtFJ3Y7SSBJdj1oicWqzMRsZzoGRDzSxK0_7pJVEISVuyUHv-lxeYQHY-_1Br9jO9Ba8mIf5iWt52XidVMOO22Mnfsk_zMyYyw1bl9rc/s640/IMG_7566.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
20. Make a gingerbread house. (well we did gingerbread men instead)<br />
<br />
21. Go sledding.<br />
<br />
22. <strike>Make and decorate Christmas cookies</strike>.<br />
<br />
23. Watch a Christmas movie. (How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the old cartoon version, and Elf)<br />
<br />
24. Put out milk and cookies for Santa.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqg24QNLRBCvSbE9s0mVhV67e2gckoc2rk-U4vhBith95sHQdwjh7gO2PIwkfpJBhDzXqCiKvaraA-niUpVKnd3VduV5mFWTUGKBijq2enU5aqQ5fwOxI7dKiiC2iwD_2VB_gHnd7kGw/s1600/IMG_1399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqg24QNLRBCvSbE9s0mVhV67e2gckoc2rk-U4vhBith95sHQdwjh7gO2PIwkfpJBhDzXqCiKvaraA-niUpVKnd3VduV5mFWTUGKBijq2enU5aqQ5fwOxI7dKiiC2iwD_2VB_gHnd7kGw/s640/IMG_1399.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQOp4fv1lbZDnNDvW7WkRDNuLUx92zSqxRSTrqks8VfxHb6DgET_8b7lN2Ns0pTR9wdnfHSU7jB_SJE19ogHK3ZQWlk-efFbfFTGQdRoY_cirMnLM_YK37SEvAXt6FpuP7TF6m47hOrk/s1600/IMG_1401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQOp4fv1lbZDnNDvW7WkRDNuLUx92zSqxRSTrqks8VfxHb6DgET_8b7lN2Ns0pTR9wdnfHSU7jB_SJE19ogHK3ZQWlk-efFbfFTGQdRoY_cirMnLM_YK37SEvAXt6FpuP7TF6m47hOrk/s640/IMG_1401.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
25. Christmas Day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_Bfrr182HIN7b-2RGh2KWH5PSP-LClqsQl-Fp_2Pd42VC3R6Eeu3T1iAMbRHVmzZynncVb72jAK5gP8BW11wfFbfvdBY1vfDkf7O5UA1NMyRH7sDTzbVuceUYDD1TYL95X0A2LSq38/s1600/IMG_1418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJ_Bfrr182HIN7b-2RGh2KWH5PSP-LClqsQl-Fp_2Pd42VC3R6Eeu3T1iAMbRHVmzZynncVb72jAK5gP8BW11wfFbfvdBY1vfDkf7O5UA1NMyRH7sDTzbVuceUYDD1TYL95X0A2LSq38/s640/IMG_1418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next year maybe we'll be able to stick with it better. Hope everyone's Christmas was Merry and full of joy, love, and hope.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-53775463334816573692012-12-12T14:50:00.000-08:002012-12-12T14:50:29.181-08:00Welcome Baby Capri!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTFi1QYBBv8VnqIgcWpHPea8jQyVc7qxwt8g5GNcF4GxKopzt7vLNlyYtk29e5Hz13aT8Ug8r-9LbCWDyN0uoq5OV9ueUfnTv-fQfPWzALoHfTJI12vTrheWVPPT7k_yEJtXV8oeGllQ/s1600/Capri's+Birth+Announcement.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTFi1QYBBv8VnqIgcWpHPea8jQyVc7qxwt8g5GNcF4GxKopzt7vLNlyYtk29e5Hz13aT8Ug8r-9LbCWDyN0uoq5OV9ueUfnTv-fQfPWzALoHfTJI12vTrheWVPPT7k_yEJtXV8oeGllQ/s640/Capri's+Birth+Announcement.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
She's here! After 286 days of pregnancy and 8 hours of laboring in the hospital Brandon 'caught' our 2nd daughter and we welcomed her into our arms. {Warning: photo dump, hahaha}<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU97Qy37tgJx9Hv9wEwFOCXiMhN56LkCT2tQuvY7H8HLtMlVSfziVh4g2eVnlA7FMiJw0BlEZk6v8zQq1aPJ9IlvWIsCS7SL6VSQdW4qFMvRiLwregh0P1YQaRlqFPhfFJY0cHpJx9gc/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTU97Qy37tgJx9Hv9wEwFOCXiMhN56LkCT2tQuvY7H8HLtMlVSfziVh4g2eVnlA7FMiJw0BlEZk6v8zQq1aPJ9IlvWIsCS7SL6VSQdW4qFMvRiLwregh0P1YQaRlqFPhfFJY0cHpJx9gc/s640/IMG_1188.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Capri Avery Ekstrom. She is quite the addition to our family! Once again I have a beautiful daughter who looks more like her daddy than me... hahaha, go figure. She is a grunter... all night long she'll grunt in her sleep, keeping us awake. Gotta love it! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9wrwS_vuGTWA-wd6OUX9NwVlBO6zoH5otmyALRI2PzeZGbuVoWaXMKiKqMx8afCSpUKcW1Sa12_5WiZhBh3NZqEisVCrFbmuMK26UHQmYpWYd0m71a8t2Lv0LYjJJy1piiMTndGF1s/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvW9wrwS_vuGTWA-wd6OUX9NwVlBO6zoH5otmyALRI2PzeZGbuVoWaXMKiKqMx8afCSpUKcW1Sa12_5WiZhBh3NZqEisVCrFbmuMK26UHQmYpWYd0m71a8t2Lv0LYjJJy1piiMTndGF1s/s640/IMG_1200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For me, I had completely expected her to arrive early. So by 37 weeks (3 weeks before Thanksgiving), I was ready. Little did I know she wanted to stay in and make me endure pregnancy into a 10th month. 10 months of pregnancy is no fun. So I was VERY excited when I started feeling contractions late on that Tuesday night. Finally! Everything this time around was 100x better than with Shiloh. I feel like, in a way, it helped redeem the more difficult parts of that experience 2 years ago. Brandon was incredibly supportive and helped me endure labor into the wee hours of the morning. We were ecstatic to finally be holding Capri in our arms, studying her little face & features, and cherishing those first moments. Shiloh joined us later that afternoon, and our hearts overflowed as we watched our daughters become sisters. Shiloh loves her sissy and has been such a great help with little things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Z2YvqofCt1Kgxom2nlnowhwC277ks2jQXp5dV5E5fwceR2ZRxJhwovMxZTh5TUoDzXX3F8Rrxs8AaVeS1a2I3dCxP5jib5kpTEJQO3msBFE6MEPsbJdol_LqSA2LQElK2P2YwOR-C0/s1600/IMG_1189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Z2YvqofCt1Kgxom2nlnowhwC277ks2jQXp5dV5E5fwceR2ZRxJhwovMxZTh5TUoDzXX3F8Rrxs8AaVeS1a2I3dCxP5jib5kpTEJQO3msBFE6MEPsbJdol_LqSA2LQElK2P2YwOR-C0/s640/IMG_1189.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT1YQlYyGleW1PQFx9oGnf0L0rmKeOqPUqqs8VSzrTBSHqPrGELQQMipiTcUWrACdWRsX9Nczh6l6ZAeeJWsFJOig_MDAQTXENTfCWJ9aCoU4oYiKSnx6mfNxF77qgc5PRBop0K0wgAI/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT1YQlYyGleW1PQFx9oGnf0L0rmKeOqPUqqs8VSzrTBSHqPrGELQQMipiTcUWrACdWRsX9Nczh6l6ZAeeJWsFJOig_MDAQTXENTfCWJ9aCoU4oYiKSnx6mfNxF77qgc5PRBop0K0wgAI/s640/IMG_1281.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKYT9wgXAMoScs5K9-YFrm-iTbTRqcEeAgiLlHmBBj6f0xMJ_DeB0MSAosuHZbIiI_E_4fUVac8agpX7rcCSQlOAh7xKpii-IKLfR_tveINUZmc0kWtni2BfN_e9QQDL5lj9f6TjiAzg/s1600/IMG_1329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKYT9wgXAMoScs5K9-YFrm-iTbTRqcEeAgiLlHmBBj6f0xMJ_DeB0MSAosuHZbIiI_E_4fUVac8agpX7rcCSQlOAh7xKpii-IKLfR_tveINUZmc0kWtni2BfN_e9QQDL5lj9f6TjiAzg/s640/IMG_1329.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXeA-9AxczwtwoM6joTk674rUiq27YDHWMUk9fRF1aHWpV91viqdlIKNBz9Eo-Qi8OeyX8-2AiGfUPq43IHP7QaR8LIqNb4gk5bHhbpHKfCD95GkUGDPHI0GfdLDyMZfqKBYllT8bC8Y/s1600/IMG_1326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXeA-9AxczwtwoM6joTk674rUiq27YDHWMUk9fRF1aHWpV91viqdlIKNBz9Eo-Qi8OeyX8-2AiGfUPq43IHP7QaR8LIqNb4gk5bHhbpHKfCD95GkUGDPHI0GfdLDyMZfqKBYllT8bC8Y/s640/IMG_1326.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSbAHYzQBRtIqr2wIBWIkPtjJKvUt1v8v-_P6luz5EePsOlR7uP3EcIqsClCQ12lbjc7ROXBNOVLdO1oPwGHjzF3WgJ-WBtjk8kVKIhMkMaUGo3B2PhofByPZCbs-VmG8DIsTkpLfmbE/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSbAHYzQBRtIqr2wIBWIkPtjJKvUt1v8v-_P6luz5EePsOlR7uP3EcIqsClCQ12lbjc7ROXBNOVLdO1oPwGHjzF3WgJ-WBtjk8kVKIhMkMaUGo3B2PhofByPZCbs-VmG8DIsTkpLfmbE/s640/IMG_1352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are looking forward to a cozy holiday time with our sweet newborn. And we are doing our best to freeze time and soak up all the moments while she is so young and little.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-88oa3Kf_R2xLk7zSyGH9TO7oE31J1dJpjbnf2lbUyaRLXOAuCIkgWQa-pOPanhpWrxDIRE_kbPdxOkDiPIOXNFSb9gAAWIDal501ecqRCs8k6VAXgTrbU0FXLvowJwRXlUHJMmESCY/s1600/IMG_1289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-88oa3Kf_R2xLk7zSyGH9TO7oE31J1dJpjbnf2lbUyaRLXOAuCIkgWQa-pOPanhpWrxDIRE_kbPdxOkDiPIOXNFSb9gAAWIDal501ecqRCs8k6VAXgTrbU0FXLvowJwRXlUHJMmESCY/s640/IMG_1289.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7k1QKlD6Z0xnqThHq01HOve55JG8qEemn9GlG4uBcAi7LkDoML3A6a4V9cPraw_v5j068KtNLXnj3Kkol8PNS1ZMcM6HHX8-5Tk3sU6o5TJLetwcXo1rDnaRM_efe-qcMGq4xBKKqho/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7k1QKlD6Z0xnqThHq01HOve55JG8qEemn9GlG4uBcAi7LkDoML3A6a4V9cPraw_v5j068KtNLXnj3Kkol8PNS1ZMcM6HHX8-5Tk3sU6o5TJLetwcXo1rDnaRM_efe-qcMGq4xBKKqho/s640/IMG_1225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6suUKCGhaycGM6tuCQNFVLQUycYz3o8jaqoNgL2xXHIYNDcJNH9U79iSS2Lx3m23WU8d34U5CLofyx7pN6vPp5TF09ERxhOhaIoitRRW81wPy22epYZW_U6IselGKMhh3SaVVIzJXfus/s1600/IMG_1260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6suUKCGhaycGM6tuCQNFVLQUycYz3o8jaqoNgL2xXHIYNDcJNH9U79iSS2Lx3m23WU8d34U5CLofyx7pN6vPp5TF09ERxhOhaIoitRRW81wPy22epYZW_U6IselGKMhh3SaVVIzJXfus/s640/IMG_1260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkFne8ImEuk6z7TrjpRStoZfIxGJsTkgOkVJKqhhd90VYEnAa5bc0l2yv_DrPkHWC57BjFQBjO_r0OTl5UxqPeu_cpOYJdsMR_OYQ6mUacEOP8Ey6i-tgcFk5ncTnZFVNrg9SclC8ec8/s1600/IMG_1294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkFne8ImEuk6z7TrjpRStoZfIxGJsTkgOkVJKqhhd90VYEnAa5bc0l2yv_DrPkHWC57BjFQBjO_r0OTl5UxqPeu_cpOYJdsMR_OYQ6mUacEOP8Ey6i-tgcFk5ncTnZFVNrg9SclC8ec8/s640/IMG_1294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEvXEDXCtTlvCZ7EStM4K3N7HAhpZLN62fDiLhIVSGC2Di3dAjSC3rByhKNiTvcUjuDhqCl0Xr46bO1u2K3_ZwbybcGWwZjjh3hzHaBaBBZLTu-2JCbgqdNU7YGsy8wPxAN9xMb5bncU/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEvXEDXCtTlvCZ7EStM4K3N7HAhpZLN62fDiLhIVSGC2Di3dAjSC3rByhKNiTvcUjuDhqCl0Xr46bO1u2K3_ZwbybcGWwZjjh3hzHaBaBBZLTu-2JCbgqdNU7YGsy8wPxAN9xMb5bncU/s640/IMG_1336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are over the moon with Capri... Thank you to all who have prayed for us during this time in our family's lives!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xgAOUMQTbVw8Nyw0Vce57zuYeVDMeqHleaeyviiDP90eEvVKqO112dAWgMBM98z3vpjhslyQHva7LmDS8TNU5X27DvTgHcXVW760xNCioTxnJxHlWbhSceRR8KKUPIwPgwhpnFd8tA/s1600/Capri-greyknit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64xgAOUMQTbVw8Nyw0Vce57zuYeVDMeqHleaeyviiDP90eEvVKqO112dAWgMBM98z3vpjhslyQHva7LmDS8TNU5X27DvTgHcXVW760xNCioTxnJxHlWbhSceRR8KKUPIwPgwhpnFd8tA/s640/Capri-greyknit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhnQI3B6SJigR266esFnZTO2LC0PR_B-usC48B1O-BI-ZMEFoDUfE6jFE08dLFra7iN_2QbjwWDGtnRimqMlWQrmq07ATyRxKgnxgDNG5V1M7T_OPsC01fRxjXXTHNzCz9l1khlVMBas/s1600/Capri-scarfdarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBhnQI3B6SJigR266esFnZTO2LC0PR_B-usC48B1O-BI-ZMEFoDUfE6jFE08dLFra7iN_2QbjwWDGtnRimqMlWQrmq07ATyRxKgnxgDNG5V1M7T_OPsC01fRxjXXTHNzCz9l1khlVMBas/s640/Capri-scarfdarker.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-62717022454725741512012-11-05T09:10:00.000-08:002012-11-05T09:10:54.376-08:00When waiting...God knows that out of all the fruits of the spirit, I struggle the most with patience. I mean, its actually "long suffering". And who likes to suffer for a long time? Not this lady. I have always struggled with waiting on things. I am antsy. <br />
<br />
So waiting 9 months is hard. But thankfully between this DTS and having a blurry 2 year old, I am quite distracted. We have found some fun things to fill those moments when the waiting returns.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDf1HMfd7wOA4xbfR7VKW-yoEGPiqWD0IfoVlDOP3KC4dXjCnQ9ay8I0UFXcVsuep-afTAZswaivz6GwdrLaGtoqzZnj-qh-ZgzJygHPapdTETMipH6rJDUGyYq8znI2VgfrAnY3Agak/s1600/IMG_1033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDf1HMfd7wOA4xbfR7VKW-yoEGPiqWD0IfoVlDOP3KC4dXjCnQ9ay8I0UFXcVsuep-afTAZswaivz6GwdrLaGtoqzZnj-qh-ZgzJygHPapdTETMipH6rJDUGyYq8znI2VgfrAnY3Agak/s640/IMG_1033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Have tea parties. Why not? I mean, all the stuffed animals are invited and I might as well attend the party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExy577zhuD7HP0aakjxYWfb4hhotHu3dOMfd8E1wJqTc256MlcfeACw-ijzQ1AuqC1bA0Iei89WgfBWWnJ07PQWipS_8Yy22CeVGvhcd9RYD4-HsnjGcte25KfLh-xOyhbZrDeOnv8/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblExy577zhuD7HP0aakjxYWfb4hhotHu3dOMfd8E1wJqTc256MlcfeACw-ijzQ1AuqC1bA0Iei89WgfBWWnJ07PQWipS_8Yy22CeVGvhcd9RYD4-HsnjGcte25KfLh-xOyhbZrDeOnv8/s640/IMG_1035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Get backed into in a parking lot. Yes. Happened. Despite the fact that I honked the horn to warn the BMW driver that she was about to bump her BMW bum into mine. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBddASY-byAnrGiwvN7_dVY_eiD4YzqE0fn9MtVtsBRsIvFurQQ1qrOetZ8W4mXQC1kO-I00Zq17aGr8vW_0iaFJs1s-zxua-HGR2YyX8aCpbflHnAML4iiqmxU3U7rTv1oEEAjXopFgw/s1600/IMG_1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBddASY-byAnrGiwvN7_dVY_eiD4YzqE0fn9MtVtsBRsIvFurQQ1qrOetZ8W4mXQC1kO-I00Zq17aGr8vW_0iaFJs1s-zxua-HGR2YyX8aCpbflHnAML4iiqmxU3U7rTv1oEEAjXopFgw/s640/IMG_1038.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Shop for itty bitty adorable clothes. Because a lady can NEVER have enough clothing. ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwef06SpLf1jtpXUbyJj9TBq1dSxf7eetSM1kCbvVNPDR1xUwb3VFeFMBxrw1pugpedpeTve-7OXuoo76-cCmjeaLqm21VgxxfJ8Hz5bdkH4cX9ka65YgbTQ6VMNlGOJvWRDYfHqNIeDc/s1600/IMG_1039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwef06SpLf1jtpXUbyJj9TBq1dSxf7eetSM1kCbvVNPDR1xUwb3VFeFMBxrw1pugpedpeTve-7OXuoo76-cCmjeaLqm21VgxxfJ8Hz5bdkH4cX9ka65YgbTQ6VMNlGOJvWRDYfHqNIeDc/s640/IMG_1039.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Take picture of your oldest baby sleeping, because those precious moments of them being your only baby are about to be a thing of the past.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hyphenhyphen5I_W8GIY0Vs_DBP9D6xcli2C6IDGm4s7jNwrs1AmXBwBqQcyI-VpMhNw8snoLvL5aSNr-x7WVZJekr6lXHKzm4Vv_YAf8mbXZdljks8BOG8lCm4N05pQ6VOxWN7pEurBZaB8UN3F4/s1600/IMG_1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hyphenhyphen5I_W8GIY0Vs_DBP9D6xcli2C6IDGm4s7jNwrs1AmXBwBqQcyI-VpMhNw8snoLvL5aSNr-x7WVZJekr6lXHKzm4Vv_YAf8mbXZdljks8BOG8lCm4N05pQ6VOxWN7pEurBZaB8UN3F4/s640/IMG_1040.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Take these. Never hurts to help your body get to the finish line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gWKb5AAfM6s8afRyyN-je5zTslO93PtjmsaTxu3T3lCXrC5ujyucUJBjH75MNUeQUqqEuYqeRxIDduD1hIPFHH7h64jFhL_2VO8p88xD8YhbrTcOqyB4JSIxA3jxFkRVjlZHNp5jiFU/s1600/IMG_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gWKb5AAfM6s8afRyyN-je5zTslO93PtjmsaTxu3T3lCXrC5ujyucUJBjH75MNUeQUqqEuYqeRxIDduD1hIPFHH7h64jFhL_2VO8p88xD8YhbrTcOqyB4JSIxA3jxFkRVjlZHNp5jiFU/s640/IMG_1042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Paint pumpkins. Because carving is too messy and I don't really like big knives. But paints are fun and can entertain an antsy 2 year old and mommy for a good 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQDv1287XJH75Lcrr_o1KK3HqpuRlmfOh1w1gt4GRQCncelf_G14Y_-daHRSCPxbW0Y0hJqpEWqZTTxGhYqJmsYVITnOoXZq8RUt6GhNEeWHOiFKSWZZzbfo215U-rEDxLQ2vC6xMKaw/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQDv1287XJH75Lcrr_o1KK3HqpuRlmfOh1w1gt4GRQCncelf_G14Y_-daHRSCPxbW0Y0hJqpEWqZTTxGhYqJmsYVITnOoXZq8RUt6GhNEeWHOiFKSWZZzbfo215U-rEDxLQ2vC6xMKaw/s640/IMG_1047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Get the old infant carseat out, washed, and re-asembled. Then of course, strap a teddy bear in it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJD6b7OZHXmGrCNF7tprtBofj1QkW0fx4InrIIk-u6LDqBENKwTBwpvstHGr6HYgekTdDDPnHOhaexhSeZDG2-aWSZYE-uTCYZmV3SL2e0ZFdVKn-ZTFbRN8abFTHn1wRC39Y-0hGoAI/s1600/IMG_1054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJD6b7OZHXmGrCNF7tprtBofj1QkW0fx4InrIIk-u6LDqBENKwTBwpvstHGr6HYgekTdDDPnHOhaexhSeZDG2-aWSZYE-uTCYZmV3SL2e0ZFdVKn-ZTFbRN8abFTHn1wRC39Y-0hGoAI/s640/IMG_1054.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Make home made popsicles. Yum! Fun to make, fun to eat!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsqn1dBZ3xQTqg67qJ0NnFL90HY9QD0BHCLc03AYuCTVmIVlvfCFPVcSY4dt0QDIZNBifl8du4W9I5R88F6JpIZ5YIWTfCz_O8hvKqMCPa8lgAxgS_-gtuuZXHVygEGjsSd6qMupnyJc/s1600/IMG_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsqn1dBZ3xQTqg67qJ0NnFL90HY9QD0BHCLc03AYuCTVmIVlvfCFPVcSY4dt0QDIZNBifl8du4W9I5R88F6JpIZ5YIWTfCz_O8hvKqMCPa8lgAxgS_-gtuuZXHVygEGjsSd6qMupnyJc/s640/IMG_1058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Watch old movies. OLD movies. Like Bambi. And laugh like a kid again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm24RLx8nwALiL0wp_SnNK9xlxctZwAkfCk4VRLiuhnOgDJP8OQO8CH_DQIkDlZSj1fDWa6nJ7VSBgecUM6_Cv6o3owP4quh4Ueh6MW-gIX8mMQgdsSPvixjbAaIcrxTvC2Vkhy6LHtaE/s1600/IMG_1062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm24RLx8nwALiL0wp_SnNK9xlxctZwAkfCk4VRLiuhnOgDJP8OQO8CH_DQIkDlZSj1fDWa6nJ7VSBgecUM6_Cv6o3owP4quh4Ueh6MW-gIX8mMQgdsSPvixjbAaIcrxTvC2Vkhy6LHtaE/s640/IMG_1062.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSgwzqgIrSA7MiXo_36mHc6bQkYNYMvcqwaI1rLrspWxvhWFjH7FOyse8ZQ9vWoE5nEy7RTljn7XOIJKMuGWKVtSbOWdpBGDHNl1qUkjfmfSHcfPUS3BJdDeKPtbAwk66gs26D8DxT84/s1600/IMG_1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSgwzqgIrSA7MiXo_36mHc6bQkYNYMvcqwaI1rLrspWxvhWFjH7FOyse8ZQ9vWoE5nEy7RTljn7XOIJKMuGWKVtSbOWdpBGDHNl1qUkjfmfSHcfPUS3BJdDeKPtbAwk66gs26D8DxT84/s640/IMG_1064.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
Go to the pumpkin patch... aka, Avila Barn. Feeding the animals is a lot of fun, and walking around watching your 2 year old squeal at every new kind of sheep or goat is priceless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNxgaOG5vPi7Q9iGEerFU893v2AwnU9XbVN9JwLn4mO84jzFvzqdsEeKZK7dJh_azi5scMsT36oD8-1icWb2Cr4mFhMR7n06bdZHxYL2wB626EnKcr8_IbCYAcIZLVx5Pe8rvqgIqEJg/s1600/IMG_1071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNxgaOG5vPi7Q9iGEerFU893v2AwnU9XbVN9JwLn4mO84jzFvzqdsEeKZK7dJh_azi5scMsT36oD8-1icWb2Cr4mFhMR7n06bdZHxYL2wB626EnKcr8_IbCYAcIZLVx5Pe8rvqgIqEJg/s640/IMG_1071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Tell your husband to build you something.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNQSUY8iNbhOd2IA9Mxoojv1u6L2FGaS_74FGDw11PH-v2sqVchieU0jytKNvxxfn-lWcILEIrinbj471UWHwbWER_todkgWtk0TBo_p7VQLnpkZ1qOZF0YTH4UxFVxOLCEgFMIQeh0/s1600/IMG_1084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzNQSUY8iNbhOd2IA9Mxoojv1u6L2FGaS_74FGDw11PH-v2sqVchieU0jytKNvxxfn-lWcILEIrinbj471UWHwbWER_todkgWtk0TBo_p7VQLnpkZ1qOZF0YTH4UxFVxOLCEgFMIQeh0/s640/IMG_1084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8gr97s-sdFbGexoN7fzwHqntzKccbYmNtIag4BtXlMqnUgohG4YB0vcMKVLcZo1AilhkAUMa99j3NRfPsEcTMmYCnOC-QMbx817q4GalGPLkskWMAV6sce34cva7F0fE8O5MVAiOs6Y/s1600/IMG_1085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8gr97s-sdFbGexoN7fzwHqntzKccbYmNtIag4BtXlMqnUgohG4YB0vcMKVLcZo1AilhkAUMa99j3NRfPsEcTMmYCnOC-QMbx817q4GalGPLkskWMAV6sce34cva7F0fE8O5MVAiOs6Y/s640/IMG_1085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Go trick-or-treating. Because your child's first time is something you will NEVER forget. Plus the walking is always a good idea when you are ready to have a baby.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aSpKVuvEy8SIC7nx-jtcRTKPJyxwE89YVENcSrgYv_hIUL7a_8RZ0e4p4aLR_ADn1qAEQFHhdGpUdBZjRKwdggpL9vU_Lj4A3U0RANVyN6iJQxaPiYutQEg33VjeMsjd9CZ9QpoQ6Yc/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aSpKVuvEy8SIC7nx-jtcRTKPJyxwE89YVENcSrgYv_hIUL7a_8RZ0e4p4aLR_ADn1qAEQFHhdGpUdBZjRKwdggpL9vU_Lj4A3U0RANVyN6iJQxaPiYutQEg33VjeMsjd9CZ9QpoQ6Yc/s640/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Pack your bag for the hospital. Peace of mind. Especially since last time, I hadn't done this and Brandon had to go home and pack for me... not ideal. This time we are ready. :)<br />
<br />
Oh I just thought of another one..... Consider getting more diapers. Because 2 will only last us about an hour...<br />
<br />
From here on out, I am sure we'll be 'nesting' some more, walking a bunch, spending as much time as possible with Shiloh, and finding other little ways to pass the time. Ah, patience.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-40490982265530582922012-09-24T14:47:00.001-07:002012-09-24T14:47:27.413-07:00School & Pregnancy Update...This school has been incredible already. Brandon & I LOVE LOVE LOVE DTS so much & we are so thankful for God's faithfulness already with this school. 17 students (& 4 BLS students alongside them) are just beginning their 3rd week of the school.<br />
<br />
They came from near and far. We have 3 international students, from Switzerland, Germany, & Finland. But we also have 6 from here in California. They have all chosen a track to focus their creative time in: photography, visual arts, performing arts, music, or surfing. Things are just getting started in those tracks, with the first art show this Thursday night at Farmer's Market. I am working with the photography students, so they will be showcasing their photos on Thursday night. Brandon is working with the music students, and I am not sure what they have planned. I am also helping guide the performing arts students, and they are currently putting together a flash mob, 2 dramas, and then later on, another dance.<br />
<br />
Outreach teams have been formed, 3 teams, led by our 3 wonderful DTS staffers. 2 will travel to Kenya, & 1 to South America. Then all 3 teams will journey to Nicaragua & finish their outreach time there. Brandon & I are hoping to join them all at some point... likely we will be able to make it to Kenya and then Nicaragua... but we'll have to see how little miss Capri's entrance to our arms all works out.<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for all your prayers as we were preparing for this DTS... they have been felt!<br />
<br />
This pregnancy has flown by for us. Capri is due in less than 2 months, but we have a hunch she'll arrive a little before. I think God has protected us from worry & anxiety of becoming parents of 2 children by distracting us with everything else going on in life. I rarely have a moment to take it all in. Shiloh is getting more and more excited about 'baby sissy'. She has no idea how much her world is about to change! Hahaha, but she is excited about the fact that when 'Mommy goes to the doctor to take baby sissy out' she 'gets to go play with her friends at their house'. :) She's been enthralled with the few things labeled "Baby Sissy" in her room (ie, the crib, changing pad, tiny baby clothes, car seat, etc). <br />
<br />
I have been more tired than before, but still feeling a whole lot better this pregnancy than with Shiloh's. I am eager to stop expanding. But I know my belly has a whole lot more growing to do. Capri is supposedly about 3lbs now, and so she will at least double in size before she's born. Crazy. We can't wait to see her and what she looks like!<br />
<br />
Thats about all for now, I'll leave you with some photos...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIndwXHysAEGJMbh05b54Py4y4N5vOhBzAu8LYDStdVniD9sqaO6Sef7MTKr0pFTohpRjHVWn41Lm8QX7t7eP87Ml4mAfebqepl9qqUi-svFStP6pffnZI1VB5zXsS_cP49uqClt_VGGk/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIndwXHysAEGJMbh05b54Py4y4N5vOhBzAu8LYDStdVniD9sqaO6Sef7MTKr0pFTohpRjHVWn41Lm8QX7t7eP87Ml4mAfebqepl9qqUi-svFStP6pffnZI1VB5zXsS_cP49uqClt_VGGk/s400/IMG_0774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQ7GXfcOGCm0LTqhBNnZ_Cvvr0jLkPqLP9rUSxvjXaYFmlN_lA1RxEeT_qKXqQBHlMStEFhP77MJ2CjKcfJuGMmeaua49MWUjXOcOKhuom9ht7tthTHWzJbO_mBYRITbnxwY71qAd8k/s1600/IMG_0775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfQ7GXfcOGCm0LTqhBNnZ_Cvvr0jLkPqLP9rUSxvjXaYFmlN_lA1RxEeT_qKXqQBHlMStEFhP77MJ2CjKcfJuGMmeaua49MWUjXOcOKhuom9ht7tthTHWzJbO_mBYRITbnxwY71qAd8k/s400/IMG_0775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtbxQRQjY8RTcZFIJsxp_1kr1q3-O7DyDY40gpBbU1DO1YnU4WMSEW_4gZP5f9U4Vv_LQKQnJ-aFp_axnuf_P2282GPrLPhXwhpF5-Xm6HIL-wy8nJI9QVk_kyy0nS4kk3jvPESmTqE/s1600/IMG_0776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtbxQRQjY8RTcZFIJsxp_1kr1q3-O7DyDY40gpBbU1DO1YnU4WMSEW_4gZP5f9U4Vv_LQKQnJ-aFp_axnuf_P2282GPrLPhXwhpF5-Xm6HIL-wy8nJI9QVk_kyy0nS4kk3jvPESmTqE/s400/IMG_0776.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWAy0mzxnLkX6dHK1pZY_HiHLC6fILnVkykdLR86heuvJAekhQlcDKh0qarinG3ucOaLCW9Ar9ukXZJZTlJQOMUB-R4UhccK2GTKbuuKvO-LVhGUlQikeAsAdfT-g9Z68vjYKcxho8k/s1600/IMG_0799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5OWAy0mzxnLkX6dHK1pZY_HiHLC6fILnVkykdLR86heuvJAekhQlcDKh0qarinG3ucOaLCW9Ar9ukXZJZTlJQOMUB-R4UhccK2GTKbuuKvO-LVhGUlQikeAsAdfT-g9Z68vjYKcxho8k/s400/IMG_0799.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBaccehh1Es8zsRPLW6McWIC_5totIBv1n97sK39BvkVzFI01MeQP218-jQMPkUeyVlKyYPa-BAGr4d5As7dZoUEj790YOz-JMUb28_U3w2oLlI40_4gGIJQlBqL6D9nLxlL_zIBQKo8/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBaccehh1Es8zsRPLW6McWIC_5totIBv1n97sK39BvkVzFI01MeQP218-jQMPkUeyVlKyYPa-BAGr4d5As7dZoUEj790YOz-JMUb28_U3w2oLlI40_4gGIJQlBqL6D9nLxlL_zIBQKo8/s400/IMG_0818.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ-NrOSS1883r7d9letpWA-sn143idNuJK09sNFBkciKXApgmBsiuiD21GTONYdlFnGpiz13t8TFhA1Vy17KlSAw8GGZczUim9V2CnwYX2JYJYAwLd9L0R4a1WR2PV7V7vTH5iLM2Q80/s1600/IMG_0821.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJ-NrOSS1883r7d9letpWA-sn143idNuJK09sNFBkciKXApgmBsiuiD21GTONYdlFnGpiz13t8TFhA1Vy17KlSAw8GGZczUim9V2CnwYX2JYJYAwLd9L0R4a1WR2PV7V7vTH5iLM2Q80/s640/IMG_0821.PNG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VJTXBlMMooTc3sds7jPg1HJrvxpqDB3MNs48ZsLXKWaDoaQ6UBanFFjXdr_2iwK3VWwDfwVQSfQyS9ts2WVuoTNOv6bSVL51GcyRe6SRPxImsERamfiMfNRMg4HiBQih42seIDE17as/s1600/IMG_0825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VJTXBlMMooTc3sds7jPg1HJrvxpqDB3MNs48ZsLXKWaDoaQ6UBanFFjXdr_2iwK3VWwDfwVQSfQyS9ts2WVuoTNOv6bSVL51GcyRe6SRPxImsERamfiMfNRMg4HiBQih42seIDE17as/s400/IMG_0825.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkkIK8XZiPsW_z55_T2xnzowD6V1dB7L8xgnHX8wPfgSCjKi8L0qLZVINgPkPWw2oVYweD7TAECEQRvL1CZG29gQmE2W8ymyzNpMx_j4QpIjWDJM0qoUqa71dPbc9vqZ0ovQqbw9ijzA/s1600/IMG_0830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkkIK8XZiPsW_z55_T2xnzowD6V1dB7L8xgnHX8wPfgSCjKi8L0qLZVINgPkPWw2oVYweD7TAECEQRvL1CZG29gQmE2W8ymyzNpMx_j4QpIjWDJM0qoUqa71dPbc9vqZ0ovQqbw9ijzA/s640/IMG_0830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8qQXpg4_feuVIrsz6Q06wMgJUDt2p5nmJZW-7inBw7i_yy7R0QBC6TafFHYBPGxPxZwi3RMlY2QMrcKwVgRk3f_jTqScMSsTsiTIUHqr77JmYXYfJNRNI14kga6VVW4B-LumEtdMuKM/s1600/IMG_0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8qQXpg4_feuVIrsz6Q06wMgJUDt2p5nmJZW-7inBw7i_yy7R0QBC6TafFHYBPGxPxZwi3RMlY2QMrcKwVgRk3f_jTqScMSsTsiTIUHqr77JmYXYfJNRNI14kga6VVW4B-LumEtdMuKM/s400/IMG_0837.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuWE-G8f8KLq9jxQxWnM1yQ_2-9P5mB7OLhAHbAPABuH2tB54ihs11NzpeDSZt8ipnlhHnzX0V-225u1ivFD5g79Z-G77AMzLcSx5IxAL2LFKuDCMz4O8F5IemGgA74kMnDIxX6kYN-g/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuWE-G8f8KLq9jxQxWnM1yQ_2-9P5mB7OLhAHbAPABuH2tB54ihs11NzpeDSZt8ipnlhHnzX0V-225u1ivFD5g79Z-G77AMzLcSx5IxAL2LFKuDCMz4O8F5IemGgA74kMnDIxX6kYN-g/s400/IMG_0839.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeZoPbGHo_J9jyaZKmfiU7rERwInK67UOAibOGkGKdH1frDlHRs2B5_NTj_zaCWCSAULJSHfjsYM0K1hcQfGHPyP3NvNCzL8vtKxNJCEkwokrEQk5hhpVVv6UoLfpFrmLpp1xekiTodY/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeZoPbGHo_J9jyaZKmfiU7rERwInK67UOAibOGkGKdH1frDlHRs2B5_NTj_zaCWCSAULJSHfjsYM0K1hcQfGHPyP3NvNCzL8vtKxNJCEkwokrEQk5hhpVVv6UoLfpFrmLpp1xekiTodY/s400/IMG_0872.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijq6DhT-tKGEM1ORrrMpZ-wm_rs-9ocdBDQPmdb2ZR7TzLhfk2eog73Jcd_LuJuYRIqKEbB04zjVhOmhlUSsploEPIV1RKBLjpIoM_UtWQAxtH2LxtA6yt95N2X-ja6v5Vb0gfHDzwIA/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijq6DhT-tKGEM1ORrrMpZ-wm_rs-9ocdBDQPmdb2ZR7TzLhfk2eog73Jcd_LuJuYRIqKEbB04zjVhOmhlUSsploEPIV1RKBLjpIoM_UtWQAxtH2LxtA6yt95N2X-ja6v5Vb0gfHDzwIA/s400/IMG_0880.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YWxvxEY4v_YSS2kPqphHrNib1T2tSZrghlgSqSq4hjXGN06-71J4REAczr7YY_jpCNkfwTnFhA-z3PzSdc3FOnriZD0u6HvSI4bifZBaEeYZo3lfy0Kt9XEyDzLdVcIjOLzqoHokuJk/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YWxvxEY4v_YSS2kPqphHrNib1T2tSZrghlgSqSq4hjXGN06-71J4REAczr7YY_jpCNkfwTnFhA-z3PzSdc3FOnriZD0u6HvSI4bifZBaEeYZo3lfy0Kt9XEyDzLdVcIjOLzqoHokuJk/s400/IMG_0883.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpLwMOi0zaxFmA98wTVaML8hE9VoPIXZu9kwg9nGsf-W3bS0OmAVdafAvk5njsMUuTpmhNI5UN-86QkXqZaYyxA2tkiD-lkU9gp8GP_0-k4Neb73nIGnuXgfbOhw0_v68OYcHUWJE9xU/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCpLwMOi0zaxFmA98wTVaML8hE9VoPIXZu9kwg9nGsf-W3bS0OmAVdafAvk5njsMUuTpmhNI5UN-86QkXqZaYyxA2tkiD-lkU9gp8GP_0-k4Neb73nIGnuXgfbOhw0_v68OYcHUWJE9xU/s400/IMG_0890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIduhf4hQc9ZZn9aaXKj8N3c3PuP9BrbeiDjNc_ca4TaqTmaP4ht5jUH290jh37L6lTADqx66zdC2vduZGwLRAzFiM4kA_MT60_HKoTh4C9_lDEq3zzkHUUNrFZdlxcIjdNHGptb0NfwM/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIduhf4hQc9ZZn9aaXKj8N3c3PuP9BrbeiDjNc_ca4TaqTmaP4ht5jUH290jh37L6lTADqx66zdC2vduZGwLRAzFiM4kA_MT60_HKoTh4C9_lDEq3zzkHUUNrFZdlxcIjdNHGptb0NfwM/s400/IMG_0899.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-45949599551906065402012-09-09T12:54:00.000-07:002012-09-09T12:54:38.706-07:00DTS Begins...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3jPHkDoAVSQ62-XG8Hz9Wi1334d2BgmbdrOAppqxCDn_Rp4bQkrHlohUyBa1j89CCDg3VDHbUWugmH8sCuQW4Z4qLNp5VPOxN0k5LfcoBqSc1rGafE_IIr2f2MvVzKJDqMr0Vphm74U/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ3jPHkDoAVSQ62-XG8Hz9Wi1334d2BgmbdrOAppqxCDn_Rp4bQkrHlohUyBa1j89CCDg3VDHbUWugmH8sCuQW4Z4qLNp5VPOxN0k5LfcoBqSc1rGafE_IIr2f2MvVzKJDqMr0Vphm74U/s400/IMG_0665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our much anticipated DTS begins today.<br />
<br />
Whoa.<br />
<br />
17 students. Which is crazy because that is the largest DTS to date for our base.<br />
<br />
Plus there is a Basic Leadership School running alongside this DTS, another first for YWAM Pismo Beach... our first ever secondary school. 5 students on that school. Their school began last week.<br />
<br />
So by this evening when we kick things off, there will be 22 students coming together to embark on a crazy 6 months of discipleship & leadership training. <br />
<br />
Whoa again.<br />
<br />
I always compare DTS to running a marathon. Its a long race, so you can't think 'immediate' or 'now'. You have to have a long haul mentality.<br />
<br />
Our pace of life changes when DTS begins. We love it. It has its hard times... life becomes "go go go" and with intensity.<br />
<br />
:) But its been much anticipated. And we are very excited to begin this DTS & see what God has for these 17... well, 22 incredible people.<br />
<br />
Our staff are incredible as well... Brandon & I are super honored to have 3 people who are so amazing and they really make our work easy (and they make us look gooohoood) hahaha.<br />
<br />
Marathon.<br />
<br />
I also have compared having a baby to that before.<br />
<br />
Shoot. We'll be doing that also. 2 Marathons. Um, whelp, big gulps. More and more dependance on God is never a bad thing!<br />
<br />
Ya'll can be praying for us. <br />
For the students.<br />
For the next 6 months.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-42587993195941179372012-08-29T07:53:00.002-07:002012-08-29T07:53:59.973-07:00Shiloh Covos...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHoi2webBQT6wpqdwVsAjoekZQX1avvZKG95mn1583KKI7brkk_opYS6RFjhpNUHy8saZUAADGpZoXFIG4pWEO68P9dpTHrCg8RZcU4kaoG29VWKjI4XkgkGM27vgz1ycxHIydoLlyQg/s1600/IMG_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHoi2webBQT6wpqdwVsAjoekZQX1avvZKG95mn1583KKI7brkk_opYS6RFjhpNUHy8saZUAADGpZoXFIG4pWEO68P9dpTHrCg8RZcU4kaoG29VWKjI4XkgkGM27vgz1ycxHIydoLlyQg/s320/IMG_0724.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is the latest roundup of covo-fun...<br />
<br />
<br />
Shiloh: "Morning Mommy!" As she walks out of her room in the morning.<br />
She sits in my lap.<br />
Mommy: "Good morning Shiloh. Sleepies good?"<br />
Shiloh: Pointing to her open mouth... "Yucky beth." <i>aka, yucky breath.</i><br />
:)<br />
<br />
<br />
Shiloh: "Daddy ex-eeee-size." <i>(exercise)</i> "Go Daddy Go!"<br />
<br />
<br />
Shiloh: "Daddy! Daddy! Come on! I have kee-wee? Kee-wee so much." <br />
<i>(kee-wee = kiwi)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy: "Oh, did (Shiloh's friend), go stinky poo poo?"<br />
Shiloh: "Hehe, stinky poo poo."<br />
Mommy: "Yup, she needs a new diaper, she went stinky poo poo."<br />
Shiloh: "Stinky poo poo on the floor."<br />
<i>Seriously? What is this girl's deal with pooing on the floor?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy: "Do you want to feel baby sissy kick? She is kicking right now."<br />
Shiloh: "Nope."<br />
Mommy: "Okay."<br />
Shiloh: "Baby sissy sleeping, shhhhh."<br />
<br />
<br />
And this video is from one morning when Shiloh was drawing airplanes and Paula (a friend of ours who skydives) jumping out of the airplane... but she retracts her artistic interpretation once I started videoing, of course. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlN4XrZTNXS_aTzviLOWqM7pFTW24fIGsJGOLgkRD4ojtmL6NS3z41xRDuXDQfJf2q6XjwLcX-HOLRd5X-0SvrHIyTi0BdEYnU3RNz72IgM0a1oXsyO3gc7Zz0gzQUVteKCqzlVRxHYo/s1600/IMG_0747.MOV" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D790bf9a75b73de13%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1348843671%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DA239C4B45952164E11335AAC8CEDB7F08210C87D.48FA055CF375281D4C7CB45EBD64AE1B759E5D83%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D790bf9a75b73de13%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dpicasa%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%253Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1348843671%26sparams%3Did,itag,source,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3DA239C4B45952164E11335AAC8CEDB7F08210C87D.48FA055CF375281D4C7CB45EBD64AE1B759E5D83%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-26743042687477666342012-08-22T07:08:00.000-07:002012-08-22T07:08:30.461-07:00Conversations with a 2 year old...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_I9Z7ErOZaEZYyqLZlJu8KKsxcNUlp75kzayTvs8IMQ2PV0hKxe3pdsvpSuQ-Lpwv3QfnkCi6_9mMET6fcp0bv8vCyGL7oHldr2k3f7_71nll2jQm4VvKqKcf8zpOzRostadIPonFHE/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_I9Z7ErOZaEZYyqLZlJu8KKsxcNUlp75kzayTvs8IMQ2PV0hKxe3pdsvpSuQ-Lpwv3QfnkCi6_9mMET6fcp0bv8vCyGL7oHldr2k3f7_71nll2jQm4VvKqKcf8zpOzRostadIPonFHE/s640/IMG_0310.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes we now have full blown conversations with our little lady. Its sometimes weird to think we are conversing with a 2 year old... she is wiser than she looks folks!<br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorites:<br />
<br />
Mommy: "Whoa, someone went stinky poo poo."<br />
Shiloh: "Hehehe, stinky poo poo."<br />
Mommy: "Did you do that?"<br />
Shiloh: "I go stinky poo poo on the floor."<br />
!!! She hadn't, but where does she come up with that?<br />
<br />
<br />
Shiloh: "Hi Gran-pa!"<br />
Grandpa: "Hi Shiloh."<br />
Shiloh: "Um... puppy Charlie?"<br />
Grandpa: begins to say... "Yea, puppy Charlie..."<br />
Shiloh interrupts: "Puppy Charlie outside, he's a good boy."<br />
<br />
<br />
Mommy: "Guess what Shiloh? Philip & Audrey are engaged!!!"<br />
Shiloh: "Oh yeaaaa, okay they all done now."<br />
<br />
<br />
Shiloh: "Hi Roo Roo! I luv you. You have boo boo? I play for you."<br />
Which in Shiloh language means Roo Roo (Grandma) is sick and she will pray for her.<br />
<br />
<br />
Daddy: "You know Shiloh, you can wear panties now because you are a big girl."<br />
Shiloh: "No I wanna wear diaper."<br />
Daddy: "Don't you want to wear panties? All big girls wear panties, and you are a big girl."<br />
Shiloh: "Liam and Eye-lie wear panties?"<br />
Daddy: "Um.... yea....kinda"<br />
Mommy: :/ Hahaha. <br />
So now she brags how she wears panties and how her big boy friends do too.... great....<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-19622219545631086922012-08-08T07:28:00.000-07:002012-08-08T07:28:40.421-07:00A Family in Missions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c1Yg3aROuoFkDAYbcLRFnA-_Txve_YgkUUk6iAkPJZzNVFYen90JzbzgGyZBBcb0LY38_yZH2y37715tBvKkxHbcMALeUtWU5JHxv0rM4n-s2X6ftm_i9bUHIEv7dtAOsDG6As6ek5k/s1600/IMG_4708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c1Yg3aROuoFkDAYbcLRFnA-_Txve_YgkUUk6iAkPJZzNVFYen90JzbzgGyZBBcb0LY38_yZH2y37715tBvKkxHbcMALeUtWU5JHxv0rM4n-s2X6ftm_i9bUHIEv7dtAOsDG6As6ek5k/s640/IMG_4708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I think one of the most popular questions that come up when someone is asking about our life with YWAM is how we fit being a young family into our work with YWAM.<br />
<br />
Its a good question.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbGmtqY_QPvw8bvNTfjgd3PX-Ew39Tpjew_zDl9abujASMXPb7iG-W2zKSDYBUmnjfd050m65oM69jFaIa9VS7fcYMWYcyOdiJ_Mu_6QaDJdI2CiGWd7CvZsqZ5C6gYRKNaTcaa8ngYc/s1600/IMG_1513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbGmtqY_QPvw8bvNTfjgd3PX-Ew39Tpjew_zDl9abujASMXPb7iG-W2zKSDYBUmnjfd050m65oM69jFaIa9VS7fcYMWYcyOdiJ_Mu_6QaDJdI2CiGWd7CvZsqZ5C6gYRKNaTcaa8ngYc/s640/IMG_1513.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have spent a lot of time thinking about our involvement as a married couple, as an expecting married couple, and as a family with a young baby, and on and on. I don't take it lightly, and I don't merely say "We trust God." I am a practical person. I think about things, weigh the costs, love to plan, and I refuse to sacrifice certain things just because of some 'missionary calling'. <br />
<br />
First off, I tell people that 'we do what we have to do in order to make it work'. What I mean by that is we have made choices that allow us to be a family and still be fully involved as missionaries. For example, we have lived in unusual living situations after having a baby, we have packed her up and taken her overseas, used travel sized pop-up tents for her to sleep in and nap in. We do what we have to. Brandon and I rotate our schedules or one of us sits out if it benefits Shiloh to be at home, napping, or not involved in a certain thing. We take Shiloh with us... she has experienced loud worship sessions, prayer times, lectures, sermons, work days, ministry outreaches, etc... and Brandon and I have learned to parent her in those moments, but also allow her to experience what it means to participate some also. We do what we have to.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirH3AAzr1BuOm8_eEFF8ncUb-0iHEM3n7RXAKKt2mviEC6iU64VrOmU_96QgXLrG5FLs9qVWFhy-vZVE_WykuYTJbo6_PJtiL14G3-R_1-Ltpp3XyDUBHEbUtLVLmwk6Fq0jnJj5XTtXk/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirH3AAzr1BuOm8_eEFF8ncUb-0iHEM3n7RXAKKt2mviEC6iU64VrOmU_96QgXLrG5FLs9qVWFhy-vZVE_WykuYTJbo6_PJtiL14G3-R_1-Ltpp3XyDUBHEbUtLVLmwk6Fq0jnJj5XTtXk/s640/IMG_8235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb_QoWna9uJQ3MNy9LPOYyYcBhYcIMeHiYqaQhbPLmFxQhQxZy_jZPmA3A8Dy7Uvo5PKnkVLD27vk-Qfu5M9oIser332v13suTqR_cBfAB-p2jm-RDgb5acZV9S1cTPSR198bSLfMhSA/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUb_QoWna9uJQ3MNy9LPOYyYcBhYcIMeHiYqaQhbPLmFxQhQxZy_jZPmA3A8Dy7Uvo5PKnkVLD27vk-Qfu5M9oIser332v13suTqR_cBfAB-p2jm-RDgb5acZV9S1cTPSR198bSLfMhSA/s640/IMG_1100.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQmprq48QV9sCjiTZqhpTl64OWTdw_a-a9pReD8xSKclZHvxIqPoyjxaw4YOxV7PUmHGQG_r8s09bD3XTALiKaxl5nMu3mqh4GbtfUOF4IILecn3JDoLvXQJk3cp-QmzfTzd_d09Elr4/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQmprq48QV9sCjiTZqhpTl64OWTdw_a-a9pReD8xSKclZHvxIqPoyjxaw4YOxV7PUmHGQG_r8s09bD3XTALiKaxl5nMu3mqh4GbtfUOF4IILecn3JDoLvXQJk3cp-QmzfTzd_d09Elr4/s640/IMG_1105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKGLgcwjGiMwICwI9_mbjVlMZBjQJ5o8GEW5JuwzqGSEJ1_8YbkgYbKAQVNTJ1nwrvGANY47QRIK6b9QUv4iHjALMxFuZzdd8ttFbloDnbKsDz9-wbokaQUKRoBaXD04LvX3M6vZeA0w/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKGLgcwjGiMwICwI9_mbjVlMZBjQJ5o8GEW5JuwzqGSEJ1_8YbkgYbKAQVNTJ1nwrvGANY47QRIK6b9QUv4iHjALMxFuZzdd8ttFbloDnbKsDz9-wbokaQUKRoBaXD04LvX3M6vZeA0w/s640/IMG_5636.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz34mWtxSlbVlY89jY6raxc4Ko81ve4HJkFsog25ovgRSJNk8uedp7RYLWc4zf3l1E2aUex8Zc9GFDAoQUSyvGwgWSY5-6VcQaPWV4AjE71KUe_PIXeO95Tj1hA23oURcVMcn9flcIIc/s1600/IMG_5640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz34mWtxSlbVlY89jY6raxc4Ko81ve4HJkFsog25ovgRSJNk8uedp7RYLWc4zf3l1E2aUex8Zc9GFDAoQUSyvGwgWSY5-6VcQaPWV4AjE71KUe_PIXeO95Tj1hA23oURcVMcn9flcIIc/s640/IMG_5640.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0jc8_JK_L1xI9swkCM7A8pUhmcdMr-JtLle4ADVw6JUl5yW5Oo39_Xqdw6lmnnypg_bj5h83j-V2SZllmv4JDLG3B7PqQbnfBk3BOVRCqFGlANpV-iDr8tstkdg6CXbJhta6IQyLPM0/s1600/IMG_5404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0jc8_JK_L1xI9swkCM7A8pUhmcdMr-JtLle4ADVw6JUl5yW5Oo39_Xqdw6lmnnypg_bj5h83j-V2SZllmv4JDLG3B7PqQbnfBk3BOVRCqFGlANpV-iDr8tstkdg6CXbJhta6IQyLPM0/s640/IMG_5404.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, I should mention that we fully believe that children are of upmost value, and are no less important to ANY mission that we are as adults. This view has actually spurred us to want Shiloh and other children to be a part of our missionary work. Yes, in many situations, children open more doors for relationships with people. Said another way... our YWAM organization has values that it affirms and uses to guide many choices, and value #15 is:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6THUN9HjvmidtDlI5mX1G0W1JCNVOZHFPcqbFkmLFuqSBtHPGlNF_NWRAkmUqY4z-0GUTOBzQ83Oevy_A5wHJqQStMsCuOfTOLbHPookESL8xk-gF0uxJP8YY6DBk7zXWqA2RJpXgUC0/s1600/IMG_3223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6THUN9HjvmidtDlI5mX1G0W1JCNVOZHFPcqbFkmLFuqSBtHPGlNF_NWRAkmUqY4z-0GUTOBzQ83Oevy_A5wHJqQStMsCuOfTOLbHPookESL8xk-gF0uxJP8YY6DBk7zXWqA2RJpXgUC0/s640/IMG_3223.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOW1pt2EsJy-jP22prIJM50ckZu0U4WE6zUAv_oAB31ItmAByXvZWjMqq2dew55umQYukzYMxiqfOEM1QC9x5t60prow883Wkaar33CCDaYkx7Gsixo-pfKywFm-qLHyhJqaW80z8AJQ/s1600/IMG_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOW1pt2EsJy-jP22prIJM50ckZu0U4WE6zUAv_oAB31ItmAByXvZWjMqq2dew55umQYukzYMxiqfOEM1QC9x5t60prow883Wkaar33CCDaYkx7Gsixo-pfKywFm-qLHyhJqaW80z8AJQ/s640/IMG_6891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGMcspU4AlBc1X6ldzklS1aii1kUFL2WgNzeMoy-VVNpCSZWJeHrfL0EDBHm2GLBGQj5d-V3clXPoQ0YvadvTpuKVeOZVD2SmR2C8posbt9EpN_v1JEqp8Y4Te6qdSYETqLRjv3057JE/s1600/IMG_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGMcspU4AlBc1X6ldzklS1aii1kUFL2WgNzeMoy-VVNpCSZWJeHrfL0EDBHm2GLBGQj5d-V3clXPoQ0YvadvTpuKVeOZVD2SmR2C8posbt9EpN_v1JEqp8Y4Te6qdSYETqLRjv3057JE/s640/IMG_6890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0.7em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>15. VALUE FAMILIES</b><br />
YWAM affirms the importance of families serving God together in missions, not just the father and/or mother. We encourage the development of strong and healthy family units, with each member sharing the call to missions and contributing their gifts in unique and complementary ways.</div>
<div>
Therefore, Brandon and I believe that Shiloh can contribute. And more so, we believe that it is important for us to serve together as a family. Its valuable our ministry that we work as a family, stay together as a family, and/or make decisions that best represent a healthy family unit. We believe that families are something that so many cultures understand, but yet so many people have hurts or bad examples of families.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaqwTpXMnDVevzUwX2-jE2K54qTo-0YS8HdLtpU8rlvl6CEJLoQDT9o-HH20C7NbksdfNkWsyrpis79O3P2_iEOwazi8M3aGxbgpPsEB3UKxOvH9X_mV57CmzVfi8nK0zCuV1kO3DbD0/s1600/IMG_6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaqwTpXMnDVevzUwX2-jE2K54qTo-0YS8HdLtpU8rlvl6CEJLoQDT9o-HH20C7NbksdfNkWsyrpis79O3P2_iEOwazi8M3aGxbgpPsEB3UKxOvH9X_mV57CmzVfi8nK0zCuV1kO3DbD0/s640/IMG_6867.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAS8pqo1qE_8WVO0SEizhvWB4ri4Ic3Ovsq0sGILYTyLOlRBNjnX2zz0i8cZ0u-sNExa_dhKrz3NTXzCevONHtf3Zl0n-59JtD3El7ZH3uqDrjrAi2LFdIh0uRuF5A6NkvJ_APck0q-U/s1600/IMG_6712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAS8pqo1qE_8WVO0SEizhvWB4ri4Ic3Ovsq0sGILYTyLOlRBNjnX2zz0i8cZ0u-sNExa_dhKrz3NTXzCevONHtf3Zl0n-59JtD3El7ZH3uqDrjrAi2LFdIh0uRuF5A6NkvJ_APck0q-U/s640/IMG_6712.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44q8OIOS7z_S60tEpTBqJznjaTgTLUPmeR4ppXcv7FVCaVPkB55Ig-Seye-SjnFFClb9dXMvUcIIsJAp3HFXT74y0Tn3mXXjGf6EzIfX_hfQaXQ42wGmzWEQHIMDLFHutHyuLzKPTElo/s1600/IMG_5533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44q8OIOS7z_S60tEpTBqJznjaTgTLUPmeR4ppXcv7FVCaVPkB55Ig-Seye-SjnFFClb9dXMvUcIIsJAp3HFXT74y0Tn3mXXjGf6EzIfX_hfQaXQ42wGmzWEQHIMDLFHutHyuLzKPTElo/s640/IMG_5533.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But what about safety?? This is usually a follow-up question I get. Safety is very important to us. We are very careful about protecting our family. Just like any other parent we have child-locks on cabinets, we keep a close eye on Shiloh when the oven is on, and we are the same parents whether we are in America or in a foreign country. We probably are actually more precautions when we are traveling on outreach. Some of our traveling might seem 'careless and adventurous' to some... but trust us, we don't throw caution to the wind and knowingly put our family at risk. We take the necessary steps to make sure we know any dangers in the location, and even avoid it if there is a risk, we are careful regarding health risks, and so many others. <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUXwV5HkGl9cTZ1cFf1_wlBJu5fCSLZgpcsm25pMfO9jmY4_rGAjESlTsojQDMLvA2kU-5X-Z4onRTY9r2Z6yHWeGKTg6GbYIzHOqYaF-1c9eC45cdKvGvjMWs-fajTvNK4_ppGmRBh4/s1600/IMG_5891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUXwV5HkGl9cTZ1cFf1_wlBJu5fCSLZgpcsm25pMfO9jmY4_rGAjESlTsojQDMLvA2kU-5X-Z4onRTY9r2Z6yHWeGKTg6GbYIzHOqYaF-1c9eC45cdKvGvjMWs-fajTvNK4_ppGmRBh4/s640/IMG_5891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwedcXLRbWhOChMX0fBTj3ZYUxXfo_xLqHCogqTz17BC9Qv-2RbS-VmtvZiG6GeWh61KMqLxii2r5FdtkAJ2auyBaxu-cNBV5VIPC6DxmUdu6ksPPpOFH6D6wC1snEwJUULIvOe0rfWQ/s1600/IMG_6075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwedcXLRbWhOChMX0fBTj3ZYUxXfo_xLqHCogqTz17BC9Qv-2RbS-VmtvZiG6GeWh61KMqLxii2r5FdtkAJ2auyBaxu-cNBV5VIPC6DxmUdu6ksPPpOFH6D6wC1snEwJUULIvOe0rfWQ/s640/IMG_6075.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Every day of our lives, we make a decision thinking, "what is best for our family?" and "is this best for Shiloh". <br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Yd5MHZZsKAj15SyCpl-rEI77ZyxEbQ18ua8g8EHOl0bmXDjX_S_xMeqT62c-JF3jPxwlDPj92kMDFag8FRHdFLwuXGkz_P9qU1LFMiWJf3uSkEG8Z-ZSotNCqV1aJ5GF3QcZ6TsL3jo/s1600/IMG_5970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Yd5MHZZsKAj15SyCpl-rEI77ZyxEbQ18ua8g8EHOl0bmXDjX_S_xMeqT62c-JF3jPxwlDPj92kMDFag8FRHdFLwuXGkz_P9qU1LFMiWJf3uSkEG8Z-ZSotNCqV1aJ5GF3QcZ6TsL3jo/s640/IMG_5970.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used to think that after being in YWAM with a baby, and traveling overseas with her, I would actually realize that I was more limited.... and that eventually we wouldn't even want to take our whole family on outreaches. Boy was I wrong! The reality is that I was able to do more than I expected. It has been easier than expected. And I actually look forward to involving my entire family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we are awaiting our 2nd baby, we are once again looking at taking a small baby overseas. We are going through all our questions, our thoughts, our decision making factors. We are weighing the costs, the facts. And yes, we are 'trusting God' also. But we are excited in that we know that it is possible. It isn't too difficult. And it is more important for our family to 'go' together, rather than be split apart. We are looking forward to taking #2 with us, and when the timing is right, we will be going all together as a family of 4.</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-49710309425053947212012-07-29T17:16:00.002-07:002012-07-29T17:17:18.462-07:00Reflections from my preggo-self...Many of you who have known me for the last 3 years, know that I have very difficult pregnancies. I am blessed compared to many women who have medically complicated pregnancies. I am not high risk. I do not have any medical conditions that put myself or a baby in danger. But I do get about 9 out of every 10 symptoms possible. <br />
<br />
Shiloh's pregnancy was rough... and I was hoping this one would be easier (I mean, most things are easier the 2nd time around, right?). Nope. I was actually sick for longer with this one. I was more prepared the 2nd time around, so maybe that evened out the playing field a bit. ;)<br />
<br />
I am currently feeling great... enjoying the 2nd trimester where most women feel the best. I only suffer from insomnia, extreme hunger, occasional muscle aches, and my ever-growing waist line. <br />
<br />
As a pregnant woman, I always wonder how Jesus can relate to me. If you think about it, Jesus can relate to us all on so many levels. Being fully man, He experienced joy, pleasure, pain, anguish, friendship, love, compassion, and death. But how does Jesus relate to my large, hormonal, alien-invaded self?? <br />
<br />
I am always brought back to the same place of peace--and that is: that Jesus is the creator of life. God breathed life into man. God created man and woman, and designed new life to come forth the way it does. So, no Jesus was not a woman, and further, never pregnant... but I find immense refuge in the realization that as the Creator, He knows. He understands. He gets my expanding waist line and all the complications that come with it. He gets my raging hormones that can never decide which team they are on. He gets my extremely ferocious appetite. He gets that there is an entirely different, unique, and precious life residing inside my belly. He gets my emotions. He gets it all. <br />
<br />
So despite the difficult pregnancies that I feel will just be my 9 month hurdles to new babies... I find comfort in my Savior. <br />
<br />
:) These are my ramblings from my insomniac plagued thought life lately... <br />
<br />
**Does anyone ever wonder if Mary had morning sickness? She was carrying the Son of God in her womb.... so maybe she had the most perfect 9 months imaginable... But seriously, did she have cravings for olives? Goat milk and honey? Was she the most beautifully glowing pregnant woman to ever grace this earth? Hmmm...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-70343212108378119162012-07-23T11:43:00.001-07:002012-07-24T07:01:48.237-07:00Looking back...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2HGXvslUD2jjrla9XU4roZcSIIu_sI17vbSCjXa8ZjjP75xZ8uI1ZDzUyMuunu8m3KVnnho1C0or6GRnAYrr_1AG2cP4zNu8ZGRKAg0kdu7SAsqUQgiL2ecXk231RV1MqJwL4Ygnqxw/s1600/Brasil+2007+192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2HGXvslUD2jjrla9XU4roZcSIIu_sI17vbSCjXa8ZjjP75xZ8uI1ZDzUyMuunu8m3KVnnho1C0or6GRnAYrr_1AG2cP4zNu8ZGRKAg0kdu7SAsqUQgiL2ecXk231RV1MqJwL4Ygnqxw/s400/Brasil+2007+192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My 10 year high school reunion just took place... we didn't go, for various reasons, but just thinking about how its been TEN YEARS since I finish high school is crazy to me. A lot has happened in 10 years!<br />
<br />
I was 17 when I graduated high school, and now I am 27... <br />
<br />
Graduated at 17.<br />
<br />
Moved to Florida when I was 18. (To attend Florida Atlantic University)<br />
<br />
Moved back to Texas when I was 19. (To transfer to University of Texas, but ended up going back to FAU)<br />
<br />
Went on my first missions trip, let alone international trip, when I was 20. (To Brasil)<br />
<br />
Went to Brasil again on my own when I was 21.<br />
<br />
Again, another Brasil adventure when I was 22.<br />
<br />
Completed my Discipleship Training School with YWAM when I was 23. (Traveled to Vietnam & Thailand, met Brandon)<br />
<br />
Moved to California, got engaged and married when I was 24.<br />
<br />
Had Shiloh when I was 25.<br />
<br />
Took my baby around the world when I was 26. (Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Turkey, Japan, China)<br />
<br />
Now I am 27 (almost 28), and I am expecting my 2nd daughter.<br />
<br />
A lot has happened... I can honestly say that I did a whole lot of growing up in the past 10 years. When I graduated high school, I didn't know who Jesus was... didn't know what it meant to be a follower of Christ, but now I do. I have solidified and made some of the best and deepest friendships of my life. I have found my compliment (husband) in life. I have experienced the pains that come with learning and growing up. I have a beautiful daughter who I am humbled to be her mommy, and now another on the way. I have had the opportunity to disciple many. And have seen God do incredible things around the world. <br />
<br />
Yes, this lady right here is thankful for the past 10 years. And I am excited and hopeful for the next.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-68249870331307229972012-05-22T14:57:00.000-07:002012-05-22T14:57:30.519-07:00Time for a post...Over 2 months! Whoa. Can you tell when life got hectic/morning sickness consumed our family? I promise, the Ekstroms are still here, still chugging away with YWAM and life in Pismo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4HuLrkx86WWc3lYKpsALaNhTL24UmvkQ5U5f3bbxwHXjvNvM4AwhOGbd5U6N1SYMarcRiBdZLHtDbwQpBfSM_RX1baeIbkLlMS6ChSBNZxBRNTBjNrO9cYYmEUMyCfm8m5QHmnZcIHI/s1600/IMG_7227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4HuLrkx86WWc3lYKpsALaNhTL24UmvkQ5U5f3bbxwHXjvNvM4AwhOGbd5U6N1SYMarcRiBdZLHtDbwQpBfSM_RX1baeIbkLlMS6ChSBNZxBRNTBjNrO9cYYmEUMyCfm8m5QHmnZcIHI/s640/IMG_7227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our newest addition has been making this mommy VERY sick. So Brandon has had his workload doubled (dare... tripled?) these past 2 months as he's been helping me out with work, Shiloh, and taking care of me on the worst days. Thankful for great husbands!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7_cnX-4G9To6cek5g7GmQBylnpKrruKC1Te18213AY0u_ST7Shpdrf49d5f7ZoGyEfwIRNNDyejokOXaoyAOLRgsC3dcOPGcJJIfuBdrUqK7gCWaN9K1M4ejsIz_46a7vNkx31XA85M/s1600/IMG_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7_cnX-4G9To6cek5g7GmQBylnpKrruKC1Te18213AY0u_ST7Shpdrf49d5f7ZoGyEfwIRNNDyejokOXaoyAOLRgsC3dcOPGcJJIfuBdrUqK7gCWaN9K1M4ejsIz_46a7vNkx31XA85M/s640/IMG_0379.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-eiI_KKW3kQkBP0HbDVccMw9AV0u-DwciqYpvp2rZYRVgUVbkEXbCYxXgcXFYHs3DRI3yGbq0gSdJFiDtSwQ7ti9ur4hcVGFsgMWqpdnD4ONa9SrjqUdvuHT0kmWEKuaZUsGQLhEjiA/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-eiI_KKW3kQkBP0HbDVccMw9AV0u-DwciqYpvp2rZYRVgUVbkEXbCYxXgcXFYHs3DRI3yGbq0gSdJFiDtSwQ7ti9ur4hcVGFsgMWqpdnD4ONa9SrjqUdvuHT0kmWEKuaZUsGQLhEjiA/s640/IMG_0480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The current DTS is on outreach in Asia. Its quiet around here. We've been just maintaining the base so that the rest can reach the unreached over there. We have heard some amazing reports so far. We said goodbye to one of our closest friends on staff as she returned back to her hometown. And then we welcomed a new staff member from N.C.<br />
<br />
Shiloh turned TWO! Whoa, when did this happened?! She's such a little lady now. She has the sweetest vocabulary, usually thanking us for every little thing. She has been helping out a lot around the house, learning to clean her room, and helping mommy wipe clean messes (or rather everything 3 feet from the ground). She is excited for "her baby" and enjoys hugging and kissing mommy's belly. Melts our hearts!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLy872ZsvtOu42cWEM4njsHI2QP30bDg2bL5khP_F49YR-yKudxY_RRZZ1WvKOzUcux6QqkcEKNP-shiVFhBbhYeY4VtBymvOv-n-6EgiecERyxHuyIlkghfPL_X8SrcToJH2oQF-nNs/s1600/IMG_7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLy872ZsvtOu42cWEM4njsHI2QP30bDg2bL5khP_F49YR-yKudxY_RRZZ1WvKOzUcux6QqkcEKNP-shiVFhBbhYeY4VtBymvOv-n-6EgiecERyxHuyIlkghfPL_X8SrcToJH2oQF-nNs/s640/IMG_7294.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yXp_u0spdtOIEQEmxnfnVYWKDMeXtBnhnqlJaFNiUEhKoLizabfDf6BN8XA9KJduDWGkCLZczzlBfvTLIdNr5-pMytmJ01WqPCHJ4DjWwXwviQYmd-EpONlZ6qC4ir-o081jTf4p2V0/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yXp_u0spdtOIEQEmxnfnVYWKDMeXtBnhnqlJaFNiUEhKoLizabfDf6BN8XA9KJduDWGkCLZczzlBfvTLIdNr5-pMytmJ01WqPCHJ4DjWwXwviQYmd-EpONlZ6qC4ir-o081jTf4p2V0/s640/IMG_0368.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And yes, Shiloh is blurry in real life. I bet most kids are :)<br />
<br />
Brandon and I are in the process of planning for the Fall DTS, and have been busy reviewing applications. You can pray that God would be sending students our way... we are excited to see who He has chosen for this school.<br />
<br />
Welp, thats a brief roundup... I said brief right? <br />
<br />
Please pray for all our students and staff over in Asia! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-12967723270550037412012-03-13T13:11:00.000-07:002012-03-13T13:11:32.806-07:00Spread the word.For those of you who are new friends, new readers, old friends and readers, or just stumbled on this post randomly... I would like to summarize YWAM, our next adventure with DTS, and how you can be a part of it all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7kxnMZcnQH5dy_uys0B64Yl4jBjlHmePSFwjkCTrEUO_kyb5KyQZajJyxyG2nomA92YFillDKRV1DR1noSzu-ws7Wakttb-9bDZa-TJc0bhx5CVQJScUkXtqlSH0J-FRBH2rB67Kyek/s1600/421936_10150653442437708_515462707_9163039_434107880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7kxnMZcnQH5dy_uys0B64Yl4jBjlHmePSFwjkCTrEUO_kyb5KyQZajJyxyG2nomA92YFillDKRV1DR1noSzu-ws7Wakttb-9bDZa-TJc0bhx5CVQJScUkXtqlSH0J-FRBH2rB67Kyek/s640/421936_10150653442437708_515462707_9163039_434107880_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Brandon and I have been with YWAM for many years. Brandon has served for 6 years, while I have been a part of YWAM for almost 4. YWAM, or Youth With A Mission for those of you who do not know about our acronym, is a worldwide missions organization. Over 50 years ago, God guided one man to begin a movement, and that movement has now multiplied into over 1,000 operation locations in more than 180 countries with over 18,000 people working under the YWAM name.<br />
<br />
YWAM values...<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
knowing God</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
making Him known</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
hearing God's voice</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
worship & intercession</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
being visionary</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
championing youth</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
being broad-structure and decentralized</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
being international and interdenominational</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
having a biblical worldview</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
teamwork</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
servant leadership</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
doing first then teaching</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
relationships</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
the individual</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
families in missions</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
depending on God for finances</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
hospitality</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
communicating with integrity.</div>
<br />
As a missions movement, we focus on evangelism, training, and mercy ministries.<br />
<br />
Without going into too much detail, that can summarize the general DNA of YWAM. There are many other incredible ministries around the world, many other amazing missional organizations, and we feel so blessed to be a part of this one.<br />
<br />
Brandon and I have a HUGE heart for the training side of YWAM. We have put this into action by leading and working with DTS, Discipleship Training Schools.<br />
<br />
Currently our base has a DTS running right now. How exciting it is to see students come from all over the world hungry to be discipled. <br />
<br />
We will be leading the next DTS, which begins in September. The school will have 6 focuses: photography, visual arts, performing arts, music, surfing, and skateboarding. We are stepping out in faith and expecting that God will send us 25-30 students (that is over twice the amount of most of our past DTSes). We are also embarking on a new venture for our base... for the first time ever YWAM Pismo Beach will be running a secondary training school: Basic Leadership School (aka, BLS). Brandon and I are VERY excited to see this vision come into fruition. Our DTS will run alongside the BLS, and we are thrilled to see how the BLS will impact the DTS.<br />
<br />
How can you get involved? There are many, so many ways that you can get involved. Praying for us is first and foremost. Some of our readers support, or have supported us financially, in which we are so humbly grateful for your generosity! But I am urging you specifically to get involved in spreading the word about YWAM, about YWAM Pismo Beach, about our DTS... about the BLS.<br />
<br />
If you know someone who is seeking discipleship...<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
...someone who is passionate about photography</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...visual arts</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...performing arts</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...music</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...surfing</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...skateboarding</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...someone who has completed a DTS and would like further training (the BLS is for them)</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
...someone who has completed a DTS and feels called to full-time missions.</div>
<br />
Tell them about the DTS.<br />
Tell them about the BLS.<br />
Tell them about joining staff with us.<br />
<br />
This is how you can help be a part of YWAM.... spread the opportunity... please. I heard of YWAM because someone shared it with me. Brandon heard about YWAM because someone shared it with him. Please keep us on your mind, and don't hesitate to share with someone who you think can benefit from what YWAM can offer. <br />
<br />
Direct them to <a href="http://ywampismobeach.org/">our website</a>.<br />
Have them call us, 805-773-YWAM.<br />
<br />
If you have made it to this sentence, thank you for reading through details and information that might not be the most exciting thing to read. :) But I hope it has given you a snippet about YWAM, and about our upcoming adventures with DTS. It is exciting to us, and we are thankful for what God has in store!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9092580580899236079.post-35628484834420172502012-03-13T09:52:00.001-07:002012-03-13T09:54:32.527-07:00Serious.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLfMXdjYA2Pas6PA28ICwhcc_j3qyS3I_lOIE0gZ_U16Is-EoL9SByt_A5za97vZqRznB74eY1ojsvKwLhp_amiKql92SWBbR0E0fwmBe7OuoeZlbuBKIF_j0CkOUOgaizWQUWa8lIJ4/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLfMXdjYA2Pas6PA28ICwhcc_j3qyS3I_lOIE0gZ_U16Is-EoL9SByt_A5za97vZqRznB74eY1ojsvKwLhp_amiKql92SWBbR0E0fwmBe7OuoeZlbuBKIF_j0CkOUOgaizWQUWa8lIJ4/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
People talk casually about death and heaven, as in when someone dies, that is where they go.<br />
Jesus tells us that His kingdom is in heaven, and He is the King.<br />
And Jesus conquered death.<br />
Neither of which are casual things.<br />
They are serious things.<br />
We can only conquer death with the conquer Himself.<br />
And we can only live in the Kingdom if we are under the King's lordship.<br />
What Jesus did was in no way casual.<br />
It was intentional.<br />
It was powerful.<br />
It was sacrificial.<br />
I do not want to take anything about that casually.<br />
I want to be intentional about my relationship with Jesus.<br />
I want to acknowledge his power.<br />
I want to feel the grace and mercy of His sacrifice.<br />
Then I may know with a serious certainty what will happen when I die.<br />
The hope we have is not a casual hope.<br />
Hope is strong.<br />
It is a gift.<br />
And it was bought with a cost.<br />
It is serious.<br />
<br />
I always humbly hope that when someone dies, they knew of this, and understood the seriousness.<br />
And the seriousness of it is the very reason why people need to hear.<br />
They need to hear about death.<br />
About the conquerer.<br />
About the King.<br />
About hope.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/320/D973D9BF228C72511004B354C099D23C.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Brandon and Kirsten Ekstromhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180939508593822060noreply@blogger.com0