tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1265371758739484162024-03-05T21:50:58.138-08:00Joy Comes in the MorningPsalm 30:5Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-26883023345188763862012-10-15T13:10:00.001-07:002012-10-15T13:10:42.940-07:00Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IVeu_o8PeEDiwnPfYltbMtCzNMF2zbUGXtgJ2KDfvHiI9JzES_8u1q6DnvRCvackvGsW0Jf5nAUw_0augBRZIfq_gQBZg41EJSuLxgqb9Gx6QuYGRo8KPcHeupEGCtjyFAsSk10pZ_Zd/s1600/294165_2395174955295_1128587432_32862458_1450080086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IVeu_o8PeEDiwnPfYltbMtCzNMF2zbUGXtgJ2KDfvHiI9JzES_8u1q6DnvRCvackvGsW0Jf5nAUw_0augBRZIfq_gQBZg41EJSuLxgqb9Gx6QuYGRo8KPcHeupEGCtjyFAsSk10pZ_Zd/s1600/294165_2395174955295_1128587432_32862458_1450080086_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Remember my to babies in heaven today.</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-14474033937210190412012-09-18T07:34:00.000-07:002012-09-18T07:34:03.343-07:00Getting Easier?Two years ago, Josiah's 10th Birthday, was hard. It was probably the hardest birthday since the first one. I sobbed in the arms of friends several times. This year's birthday came and went with very little pain. I guess that means I am healing and growing, but it scares me. I don't want to think that I am forgetting him. All I have of Josiah are my memories, and I don't want to lose those. Perhaps I can have the memories without the pain, but the two are so intertwined that it is difficult to imagine.Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-61575382748553971192012-09-12T06:59:00.000-07:002012-09-12T06:59:48.311-07:00Twelve YearsHappy 12th heavenly birthday, sweet Josiah. It seems like yesterday that I held you for the first and only time, and it seems like forever. Life has changed a lot since then, but my love for you has not. As always, we celebrated with a trip to Macaroni Grill. <br />
I will hold you in my heart, until I can hold you in my arms again.<br />
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<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-32503707789763181162012-02-16T11:09:00.000-08:002012-02-16T11:09:51.021-08:00The Blog That Wasn'tOK, I should have known that I would not be a good blogger. Over the years people have told me that I should keep a journal for various reasons. I would try, start out all gung ho, and then.... fizzle. And what is a blog except a journal (you know that the whole universe can read). So of course I started out strong and then just ran out of steam. I suppose if I think of something really amazing to say, I'll post it. Or I won't. And I'll just be another failed blogger....Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-86982065106362020252012-01-10T10:55:00.001-08:002012-01-10T10:55:26.977-08:00Kids Say the Darndest Things<div style="text-align: center;">
C: What's this called?</div>
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Me: Reece's Peanut Butter Cup</div>
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C: Don't ever put it in water.</div>
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Thanks, that's good advice</div>
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M, when asked if he wanted more of a spicy food:</div>
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My tongue says no, but my mouth says yes.</div>
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C, while in the car this morning:</div>
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When I get to heaven, I'm going to have a real helicopter. Jesus is gonna make me one. </div>
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:)))</div>Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-51438597390127615462012-01-05T07:10:00.000-08:002012-01-05T07:10:10.448-08:00Thankful ThursdaysI wasn't feeling ungrateful last week, but my parents' computer wouldn't let me into Blogger for some reason.<br />
Anyway, today I am thankful for the week we got to spend with my parents. My kids all stayed healthy, and my dad was feeling better than he had in a long time. He was able to enjoy the time with his grandkids. And they loved spending time with him!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsoxza0MVWyD7uzaGQ3-60To5I0zgNb9doHy1V6rHJl980t3Wqj8CgSL5j9QWVePRADawPjVINmjhhSVrd8oP_rwnjhOLF-tyZ9g2njossnp75lvDyaxTQ9vNK2S7Db_RMZ3cJ38hNOh8/s1600/Grandpa+%2526+Caleb+11-29-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjsoxza0MVWyD7uzaGQ3-60To5I0zgNb9doHy1V6rHJl980t3Wqj8CgSL5j9QWVePRADawPjVINmjhhSVrd8oP_rwnjhOLF-tyZ9g2njossnp75lvDyaxTQ9vNK2S7Db_RMZ3cJ38hNOh8/s320/Grandpa+%2526+Caleb+11-29-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-36206910312073761542011-12-24T20:13:00.000-08:002011-12-24T20:13:44.427-08:00This is the Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This is the forest</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>that my kids made</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>using construction paper</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>on December 23rd</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>to set on the table </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>in celebration on Christmas</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-0i0OM1MZdCxt9j7FeYaT1-N2rQjS6ZXkfMjLdNZLxWzEKg7DLlxIKfd_spwl05FD8kKzt0MArwNydE2j5gFzWa3FG4fY7ckBf0xuksGnuSw1e3ogYUJz72zjwlkjtN48kKuuM4WqeZd/s1600/100_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-0i0OM1MZdCxt9j7FeYaT1-N2rQjS6ZXkfMjLdNZLxWzEKg7DLlxIKfd_spwl05FD8kKzt0MArwNydE2j5gFzWa3FG4fY7ckBf0xuksGnuSw1e3ogYUJz72zjwlkjtN48kKuuM4WqeZd/s320/100_1532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>These are the cookies</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>that my kids decorated</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>with colored frosting and sprinkles</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>on December 24th</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>to fill our tummies</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>in celebration of Christmas</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MuUatU5MIUAJ5g3-4GaEd7Upue7CjLr5jY3Gvns62wUSAbo-0VYqPFvC5cKPFgti0Bo7Kp1rXP870HyXJA-nebtfhcI2tR7y49CnJ2V94DWylcxQQNcXiRI5wPPGQFTinhXy266RI8HR/s1600/100_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5MuUatU5MIUAJ5g3-4GaEd7Upue7CjLr5jY3Gvns62wUSAbo-0VYqPFvC5cKPFgti0Bo7Kp1rXP870HyXJA-nebtfhcI2tR7y49CnJ2V94DWylcxQQNcXiRI5wPPGQFTinhXy266RI8HR/s320/100_1534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry <b>CHRIST</b>mas to all !!</span></div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-81780298149560407262011-12-22T17:09:00.001-08:002011-12-22T17:09:51.297-08:00Thankful Thursdays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am thankful for a daughter</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT4LXDpZFGANUN6CZWjT0wzBd6Eq-MW8X-UbtLsOXzQiFWHtVsZ43kePHlIv58EnuJNz2leVxZDbEYSHYhIEO3a48sq7i10R7jigZon5n4i84X-07xC53urhn2UajhIWD4fRiG7dUKOyk/s1600/100_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjT4LXDpZFGANUN6CZWjT0wzBd6Eq-MW8X-UbtLsOXzQiFWHtVsZ43kePHlIv58EnuJNz2leVxZDbEYSHYhIEO3a48sq7i10R7jigZon5n4i84X-07xC53urhn2UajhIWD4fRiG7dUKOyk/s320/100_1530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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who will be silly at restaurants with me</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoR9Z7w8FF37yUUBXsJLMSAguEcQej03M8WIFRQo7epIS2aBApw17q6LTRXZWd7fOR5p_vwktLDtv8bRk27FuLxwzBt6Ck5_6Q14Ps8KRWkZ3w7Ft7sKD3psFVa0ApO1pF-lWBYlgvMPU/s1600/100_1531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoR9Z7w8FF37yUUBXsJLMSAguEcQej03M8WIFRQo7epIS2aBApw17q6LTRXZWd7fOR5p_vwktLDtv8bRk27FuLxwzBt6Ck5_6Q14Ps8KRWkZ3w7Ft7sKD3psFVa0ApO1pF-lWBYlgvMPU/s320/100_1531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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and go window shopping at the mall too.</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-1670307175272988902011-12-18T13:10:00.000-08:002011-12-18T13:10:17.779-08:00Kids' Christmas Performance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpZxil_3QWd-yPrTVofk8U1-i1iTMS8wztndshgPftPad2XqIYCPuREGVedl033NNX-I_gt3C14vQHT03Lb7E_M460tN0GGxd7W5QUcaMDkZ8LSO43xV8BRghDIMfJVBn45GQNgF9Dp2N/s1600/100_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpZxil_3QWd-yPrTVofk8U1-i1iTMS8wztndshgPftPad2XqIYCPuREGVedl033NNX-I_gt3C14vQHT03Lb7E_M460tN0GGxd7W5QUcaMDkZ8LSO43xV8BRghDIMfJVBn45GQNgF9Dp2N/s320/100_1520.JPG" width="134" /></a></div>
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C</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8-ou6PO5hbFp-fqHoFZyhYS3Zh4TL91mYZBu6VXyNERykM9v-nxIfz11-Qe7nxtvH3EIxDaWhYUtN0M2-L65BZIC-Nvz11uj8ZsUXKBg9VgzFWWzUSAfdVMNeJ0ZnycgeoiSccLkgW8D/s1600/100_1528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8-ou6PO5hbFp-fqHoFZyhYS3Zh4TL91mYZBu6VXyNERykM9v-nxIfz11-Qe7nxtvH3EIxDaWhYUtN0M2-L65BZIC-Nvz11uj8ZsUXKBg9VgzFWWzUSAfdVMNeJ0ZnycgeoiSccLkgW8D/s320/100_1528.JPG" width="195" /></a></div>
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K</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGr6yXRKjkA4qERdXHWRKmaS333hrYbSM6iWKM_2-KxFN6ReyeEtglMjSAFHAd5dNE4IlPDlWtgunpztfpXI9XN95wgGy2CXgvszglCJJ3Lk-uVbbCdCcpeDOxy56VBjw8KJ2eDqA6AHu/s1600/100E1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGr6yXRKjkA4qERdXHWRKmaS333hrYbSM6iWKM_2-KxFN6ReyeEtglMjSAFHAd5dNE4IlPDlWtgunpztfpXI9XN95wgGy2CXgvszglCJJ3Lk-uVbbCdCcpeDOxy56VBjw8KJ2eDqA6AHu/s320/100E1525.JPG" width="106" /></a></div>
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K</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-61459546125150042212011-12-17T20:21:00.001-08:002011-12-20T08:07:46.635-08:00Cancer Sucks, But...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently I found this shirt on the internet:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeHwyLy-bVI2ewCjuUbCmQAYYr3g72aQ7Yb887pAAaE5Cw8cz7hWozKJo3I7k_Uv89w62b-Fyvp_levmRdBNt6WLA-qyOO-2z0HArTLZi0HXo8EXYA-b1lf0iWauI-C9hdYo1h07FQMWS/s1600/tee-pink-copycat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeHwyLy-bVI2ewCjuUbCmQAYYr3g72aQ7Yb887pAAaE5Cw8cz7hWozKJo3I7k_Uv89w62b-Fyvp_levmRdBNt6WLA-qyOO-2z0HArTLZi0HXo8EXYA-b1lf0iWauI-C9hdYo1h07FQMWS/s200/tee-pink-copycat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I like it. It voices my feelings in a clear concise way. </div>
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Cancer is brutal disease, and it seems like everyone has been touched (kicked, punched) by it.</div>
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But, if I were designing this t-shirt, I would have to change it up a bit.</div>
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My shirt would say, "Cancer Sucks!... But God is STILL good!"</div>
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Yes, after losing two babies, and watching my dad fight cancer,</div>
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I still know that to be true.</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-23379211189195330322011-12-15T10:29:00.000-08:002011-12-15T10:29:31.693-08:00Thankful Thursdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today I am thankful for the amazing marriage example that my parents have given me. They have been married for 38 years, and they are still madly in love. Today my dad will start chemo, and it will be my mom who takes him in, sits with him for three hours, drives him home, and takes care of him. Not because she has to, but because she loves him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhAzX-889KNe5Uof77dsVoFVfg96el7ZlK6H1wplejTGiBbRP2VRp84ZOW2dlrnVXLGYf6r6qwnhHXDUiyO4FjAqlduSCfqPV9TkXlKa_tKWIxjdzBwrjVYJCs8UFeGNcKkopNWFeY0lQ/s1600/168536_1661140221535_1628089921_1487921_133053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhAzX-889KNe5Uof77dsVoFVfg96el7ZlK6H1wplejTGiBbRP2VRp84ZOW2dlrnVXLGYf6r6qwnhHXDUiyO4FjAqlduSCfqPV9TkXlKa_tKWIxjdzBwrjVYJCs8UFeGNcKkopNWFeY0lQ/s320/168536_1661140221535_1628089921_1487921_133053_n.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Mom and Dad 12/2010</div>Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-58898703559228641302011-12-13T11:23:00.000-08:002011-12-13T11:23:48.670-08:00Yeah, What She SaidAfter losing my first son, I have had a special affinity for Mary, and perhaps a better understanding of her grief. Yesterday I read an amazing Blog post that touched on this. Since there is no way that I could say things as eloquently as this woman already has, I will just share the link with you.<br />
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http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com/2011/12/pondering-mary.htmlJamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-50944013068274178782011-12-09T20:22:00.001-08:002011-12-09T20:29:47.381-08:00The DuggarsI just had to give my 2 cents on this. I don't watch or follow the Duggars, but yesterday I read on Yahoo that they had lost their baby at 19 weeks. Anytime someone loses a baby it is a tragedy. Having a lot of living children does not make losing one any less difficult to deal with. <br />
What got my attention though were some of the comments left on the article. Rarely had I seen such vile, mean-spirited words. The basic sentiment was, "they are evil for having so many children, and they deserve this loss." Really??? I am dumbfounded. Beyond the fact that no one DESERVES to lose a child, why do people care so much how many children this family has? How is it any concern of theirs? Would I personally give birth to 19 children? No. I don't think I could give enough attention to my kids if I were either pregnant or tending to an infant all the time. However, there are many choices that I would not make for my own family that others make for theirs. I choose not to work outside the home. I choose not to homeschool. I have plenty of friends who have made the opposite choices for their families, and you know what, I have no problem with that. They are not evil, I am not evil. We are just different. So, if the Duggars want to have 20 children, I say, "God bless them." If they are able to take care of all those children, how is it any concern of mine? <br />
The only evil I saw in the Yahoo article was from the people rejoicing over someone else's tragedy. I hope none of those people ever joins the babyloss family. Whether you have no children or 19 children, it is an awful place to be.Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-65046246434277000042011-12-08T06:14:00.001-08:002011-12-08T06:19:05.809-08:00Thankful ThursdaysToday I am so thankful for good friends who love me, pray for me, and hold me up when I feel down. It's like having a glimpse of heaven here on earth. <br />
What are you thankful for today?Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-29716231456999051562011-12-05T11:48:00.001-08:002011-12-05T11:52:43.616-08:00Not Me Monday<br />
<center><a href="http://www.mycharmingkids.net/" target="_blank"><img alt="Mckmama- Not Me Monday" src="http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r208/jennisajoy/OUAB/NotMeMondayButtonV6copy.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Hubby teaches a life skills class for high school students with special needs. Once a week, I go in and teach them basic food preparation skills.</center><center style="text-align: justify;">Last week, I did not get twenty minutes down the road before realizing that I had forgotten all of the ingredients in a bag on the washing machine. I would never let my hubby down like that. And I certainly would never be so scattered and forgetful.</center>Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-63162578247172298302011-12-03T12:02:00.001-08:002011-12-03T12:03:31.922-08:00Josiah's Christmas Ornament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year when I hang up Josiah's ornament, I think not only of my precious son, but of my amazing little sister who gave it to me.</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-2957846442237177392011-12-01T10:41:00.001-08:002011-12-01T10:41:27.207-08:00Thankful ThursdaysUnless you have ever had trouble sleeping this might sound silly; but, today I am thankful that I got a good night's sleep last night. For the past couple of weeks I have had trouble sleeping probably due to a combination of: taking prednisone, worrying about my dad, and getting off schedule over the long weekend. Last night I fell asleep quickly and didn't stir until 6:00. Delightful!<br />
What are you thankful for today?Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-84405966973313914082011-11-29T10:38:00.001-08:002011-11-29T11:13:54.868-08:00Spelling BeeToday the younger boys and I went to watch K in her school Spelling Bee. I have to admit that I was probably as nervous as she was! I hoped that she would at least get through the first round, but she ended up coming in 2nd place! I can tell you that she did not get the good spelling gene from me.<br />
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Every time she got up to spell a word, she would bend her knees and swing her arms back and forth.</div>
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2nd place trophy. I'm so proud of my girl!</div>
<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-71036520573772374362011-11-25T14:54:00.001-08:002011-11-25T14:56:13.325-08:00Letting Christmas Out of the Box<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing up, the Christmas ornaments were always kept in a big box in the garage until it was time to put them up (usually right after Thanksgiving). This became know as "letting Christmas out of the box." As per tradition, today we turned on some Christmas music and let Christmas out of the box. The Christmas season has now officially begun!Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-81561878710175577942011-11-24T08:56:00.001-08:002011-11-24T21:41:50.614-08:00Thankful Thursdays - Thanksgiving EditionSome days it's harder to remember to be thankful than others. This week has been a tough one with my dad's cancer progressing and his surgery keeping us apart on Thanksgiving. But, I am working to be mindful of the things that I have to be thankful for, and there are many. So, on this thanksgiving I am thankful: <br />
1. That I have family to be with today<br />
2. That I have a wonderful dad in my life. So many have dads who are absent, indifferent, abusive; but I have an amazing, loving, Godly dad. So, for everyday that he is in my life, I will be thankful.<br />
3. That heaven is a real place.<br />
What are you thankful for today?Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-62921856020253766802011-11-23T12:23:00.001-08:002011-11-23T12:26:48.705-08:00Things My 5 Year Old Has Said Today<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">"Do we have a sneeze doctor?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">"Are we having grape pie for Thanksgiving?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">"After tomorrow it will never be tomorrow again."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">"There is only one of every day, but there are lots of them"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">"God hears you everywhere. even when he is way in heaven far away from you, He still hears </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;">you"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 12px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-11613778251918018332011-11-18T11:05:00.001-08:002011-11-18T11:12:38.759-08:00What If I Had Known?Sometimes I wish I could look into the future. I would like to see 20 years from now. Where will I be? What will life be like? What will I be doing with all of my kids grown?<br />
Twenty years ago today, I was on the eve of my 18th birthday. The day before "adulthood." I wonder what would I have said if someone had given me a glimpse of the next 20 years? What if someone had told me that by the time I was 38 I would have lost two babies, my grandfather and father-in-law would both be dead, and my dad would have inoperable cancer? I'm pretty sure that I would have responded, "No, I can not bear all that. I will not survive it." Yet, here I am. A few holes in my heart. a few scars here and there. But here, living, loving, laughing, enjoying all that life has to offer. It's definitely not all sunshine and roses. There have been a lot of tears, a lot of anxiety. I still struggle with both sometimes. But if I had to do it all over knowing the outcome, I would do it.<br />
I am sure that another 20 years will bring more holes, more scars, more sorrow, more worry. But I also believe it will bring more joy, more love, more laughter. I probably don't want to know what the journey will be. I'm sure it would scare me. I might wonder if I could survive it. So, I'll just take it each day as it comes, praying for strength along the way.<br />
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Blessings.Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-70655987856810219372011-11-17T06:17:00.001-08:002011-11-17T06:19:15.745-08:00Thankful ThursdaysToday I am thankful for my church. I am thankful that my pastor loves Jesus and teaches from the Bible. I am thankful that when we get together as a church it is like getting together with family. I am thankful for the amazing women there who are not catty or cliquey but love and accept everyone. I LOVE my church! What are you thankful for today?Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126537175873948416.post-27788354768399104632011-11-15T17:27:00.001-08:002011-11-15T17:41:02.788-08:00What brings you joy?I was asked this this question recently, and told I had to think of something other than God, family, friends. Hmmmm, for awhile I was completely blank. Jokingly, I said, "food." Then, after pondering, I realized that was true. I enjoy finding interesting ingredients, searching for new recipes, cooking for others, and seeing people enjoy a meal that I prepared. So, when my M requested apple butter, I decided to make some rather than buy it. After all, what better way to celebrate fall then by smelling cooking apples all day.<br />
As I usually do when I want to make something, I went on Google to search out some recipes. Then I merged a couple together, threw in my own touches, and went to work. According to my taste testers; K, M, C, and N; it was delicious. It was also very easy, and made the house smell wonderful. <br />
Here is the recipe, for anyone else who wants to give it a whirl. Enjoy!<br />
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8 apples (I used Granny Smith but if you use a sweeter apple, you may just want to add a squeeze of lemon juice) cored and chopped (I left the peel on)<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 t cinnamon<br />
1/4 t ground cloves<br />
1/4 t nutmeg<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
1/2 t vanilla<br />
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Throw everything into a pot. Add water to just cover the apples. Cook on low for about 6 hours. Check periodically. If the water gets too low add a bit more to prevent the apples from scorching. When the apples turn nice and brown, it's done. Use an immersion blend to blend it up nice and smooth.<br />
Yummy!<br />
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This week when my 2 year old was stuck on the plastic duck at the park, I did not stop to take his picture BEFORE getting him down.</div>
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Not me. I would never torture my children that way.</div>
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It was also not me who, on Sunday, had a pie smashed in my face in front of all of the Sunday School kids in order to raise money for Operation Christmas Child.</div>
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I am an extremely dignified person, and I would never allow myself to be humiliated in such a public fashion.</div>
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<br />Jamie Leahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17158982197735904354noreply@blogger.com0