tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-159390112024-03-18T20:19:28.937-07:00Inadequate Mother... Glorious SaviorTarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-46533844453163446532016-03-29T21:47:00.000-07:002016-03-29T21:47:07.844-07:00What they say is trueI've come back to this little blog a few times over the course of this year. It's been fun to look back. See in just a few short months another school year will finish up and I will start preparing for the next. The next just about blows my mind. I'll have one starting high school, another will have his first year in middle school, another will start her last year of elementary school and the baby- that baby will be starting Kindergarten. Suddenly the years of giving birth, sleepless nights, runny noses, endless why questions, temper tantrums, it'll all be behind me. Ok temper tantrums just change it's form. I was reminiscing with Chris today and we figured that from now till when our baby is 18 is a shorter amount of time then what we've been married. What?! How in the world can that be?!<br />
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So weary young mom don't lose heart. Fight for joy. Soak in that smell of a fresh clean little baby head, take deep breathes through the mess of a house, and just do what you can to survive and love those little faces cause one day you too will see that what they say is true. Time just keeps on moving by. Sometimes slower then we'd like, other times faster but once you're out of the slower you look back and think- wow, that really, truely, did fly by. And I gotta say, for as crazy busy as it is, I'm absolutely loving this new season with my kids.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwySo6zzr3BEQpADORqKHodWZY0Y7i6dIMn8yAuIWD_GVx_2b3pjBcP_lwapEPsmJiboGmZKWhG61eEcHSlBJ4R5tjKHIXrPrK_by2ag5rA_w83ksWQb1ND-jzA2fkrlVGQvB/s1600/daukaskids1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwySo6zzr3BEQpADORqKHodWZY0Y7i6dIMn8yAuIWD_GVx_2b3pjBcP_lwapEPsmJiboGmZKWhG61eEcHSlBJ4R5tjKHIXrPrK_by2ag5rA_w83ksWQb1ND-jzA2fkrlVGQvB/s640/daukaskids1.jpg" width="425" /></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-44769163712040373682014-07-30T18:19:00.000-07:002015-02-12T18:53:04.933-08:00School year finished! Well if you check the date of my last post, September 2013, it's been about a year. And I'd say it's been about that long to process sending two of my kids to a charter school versus our prior six years of homeschooling. I know right?! Glad you aren't me! If there's anything I've learned over my 35 years of life is that it takes me a LONG time to process. So sad really. I feel even more pity for my husband. However, as I try to get quicker and more knowledgable at rehearsing and preaching the Gospel to myself, my processing time speeds up. This year was just a new way and a new opportunity to learn how to do that. <br />
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It's been so good for my soul! My righteousness is in Christ alone. So freeing! I am just as loved this year handing my beautiful children over to capable teachers for a few hours during the week, as I was last year when I chose to keep them home! <br />
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This year was incredible. I was blown away in every aspect by the quality of teachers at this school, the curriculum choices, and most importantly the growth I saw in Trevor & Rylee. I can now appreciate why there are thousands of kids on the wait list for this charter school. That doesn't include other locations for this charter school! Trevor and Rylee LOVED school. Like, never once did they ask to not go, can we please stay home, type of love for school. Their love for learning increased. They grew in responsibility and character. This year was truly sent from God. <br />
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Both Trevor and Rylee ended up with sweet christian teachers. Trevor go so attached to his teacher that he invited/begged her to visit our church. To which she came, twice. She has since moved to Texas to help get this same charter school started there. She confided in me that Trevor was one of her favorites to have in class. My SON, MY SON, a teacher's favorite. He was a leader in all positive aspects of the word this year. He took his studies VERY seriously. Studying late into the night and waking early in the morning to put forth extra effort. Not because he had to but because he wanted to. WHAT?! The kid I could barely get out of bed for school is dressed, ready, homework done, often a 30 minutes before it's time to leave. Crazy. I tell you this teacher was a gift to me and to Trevor. We are blessed that this school looks at the child as a whole person. One observation she had for Trevor was his need to grow in humility. Not really a new category for him ;) However he totally took her observation to heart and asked to pray and do a bible study with Chris on what humility looks like. Trev still has a way to go but there is growth! <br />
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Rylee had a precious teacher. She was just perfect for her. Rylee excelled too academically. I was nervous because her birthday falls right at the cutoff. Something that never matters when it comes to homeschooling. I was encouraged to see her keep pace and even excel in class. She is a eager learner and she too loved school! Rylee joined a choir club this year! The specials at this school are incredible. They are singing in latin, german, impressive harmonies! Really much to be grateful for. Rylee made a special friend this year in class and her family has become special to ours. They have also been attending Grace! Her mom is seriously talented in many realms. One being cake making! A cake is in the works for Rylee that I will post. <br />
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Taylor and I had a great year at home. She joined a High School British literature class with some friends from church and rocked it as a 6th grader. She started a Latin skype class too! Her acting abilities were put to the challenge when she was given, not one, but two leads this spring! She is pretty much amazing. We are waiting to see what the Lord has in store for her this year. She is currently #4 on the wait list for the school Trevor and Rylee go to. We could get called any day or well, we will just have another awesome year here at home. I selfishly want her at home with me. I want her to never leave me. If she gets married I'll build a little house, or I'll move to the little house and they can live with us. Just kidding. Sort of. <br />
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Then there's Lexie. Oh Lexie. Such a sweet, talkative thing. I've learned that I pretty much can't go anywhere "unpresentable". Yes I do that. Often. Don't judge. Not so much anymore. She strikes up conversations everywhere we go. Everywhere. She's such a cute little thing and impresses us with her ability for language and to make friends. <br />
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So here's my "insta" photo's. If I were to get my hard drive out to post photo's from my "real" camera this post will never happen. Pathetic. <br />
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Pick up time was my favorite part of the day! <br />
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The only day they could be out of uniform :) Dress up as your favorite classic character from a book day. Rylee is Charlotte from Charlotte's Web and Trevor is Peter from Chronicles of Narnia. Or maybe Edward. I forget :) <br />
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Field Trip Days: <br />
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Trevor's teacher/Miracle Worker <br />
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Trevor's class encouraged the students to fill out virtue cards for one another. Trevor came home with like 50+. Back to the humility thing right... <br />
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Choir: <br />
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Rylee knocked her two front teeth in half this year. Note to self if you see your child trying to jump rope with a sheet and you think to yourself that's not smart. Say it immediately. Don't even think it. I was to late :( Her sweet friend I mentioned brought over the most beautiful roses the next day to say she missed her at school. <br />
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Taylor as two leads :) <br />
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An award she won! <br />
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Taylor basically helps to keep me sane. God knew she needed to be home this year to make me laugh or maybe someone to laugh at me. Regardless it was helpful :) Here's a little text preview I'm the one in blue... <br />
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And Lex. <br />
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Oh and here's a picture of the cake my friend made for Trevor. Insane. Even more insane is her neighbor's son works at the Bears Stadium and was able to get a signed mini helmet from Brandon Marshall for the top of the cake! WHAT?!?! <br />
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See it's good to look back. I did it. God's grace was all over this year. It was there when I was on the floor crying for days cause I sent my kids off to school and felt like a failure. It was there through friends and a husband who kept pointing me back to Christ through all my struggles! It was there through broken teeth getting fixed. It was there while Grace Church grew and worked hard at ministry... this year without our worship leader. Meaning Chris lead worship and preached nearly every Sunday. Glad to have you back Bischof's! God's hand was all over the place and I'm grateful. Very grateful. <br />
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I finished a blog post. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-57840143443412102122013-09-20T10:25:00.002-07:002013-09-20T12:33:56.556-07:00A "New" Kind of First Day of School <a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Taras-Blog/17923882_k6ZsMd#!i=2777717082&k=tkqCnQJ&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Taras-Blog/i-tkqCnQJ/0/L/trev%26ry1stday-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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This year we had a very different type of “first day” of school. Trevor & Rylee ventured out into the big wide world of school outside the home for the first time!! EEK!! I cried like a baby with all the kindergarten moms! I cried all summer, I cried the first two weeks of school. Lots of tears. Not for them though... they were like "bye mom! See ya later! This is the best day of my life!!" <br />
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So, Tara did you not like homeschooling? Nope loved it. Made me a tad bit crazy but I’ve always teetered on the crazy side anyway. I loved having them home, loved seeing them learn, loved being the one to see light bulbs going off, loved watching them play together as siblings, loved learning alongside them, loved bringing God into all subjects. We joined a formal co-op called Classical Conversations last year that I thoroughly enjoyed. Taylor became "memory master" and the other two enjoyed their day at “school”. It made our year in many ways and I had every intention of continuing. <br />
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So why change? Well largely due to this school. In the state of AZ we are blessed with some pretty incredible charter school options and there is one that we’ve had our eyes on for a few years. It’s never been close enough to consider though. All that changed this year as they planned to open one a few miles from our house. We put the kids on the lottery list to see what would happen and somehow both Trev & Ry got in. All with no sibling preference. It’s a classical, hard-core academic, literature based charter school. It attracts awesome families and the kids that graduate from there are some of the brightest, well-rounded, respectable kids you will see in the state. Much like what I would say about homeschool families. It’s not for everyone. Not every kid can hang. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t have made it a year through the academic rigor ;) But from what we knew it was worth giving it a try. Some friends of ours have tried for three years to get in and their child is still number one hundred and something on the wait list… so it’s not exactly a opportunity you pass up without some serious consideration. Chris felt strongly that we should give it a try. His thought process goes a little something like this. Love the philosophy behind school. Support the curriculum. We try it. It doesn't work they come back home. BAM! Done. Decision made. If only it was so simple for me... <br />
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But he was right and of all years to give it a try, this was a great year. All you have to do is follow me on instagram to see the terror my sweet little lex brings to my house on a almost daily basis. I keep trying to remind her she is the FOURTH child and to chill out and be a good little birth order girl and just sit on her mama’s lap contentedly. But no, she thinks it’s funny to remind me I'm not 20 anymore and give me a run for my money. Add in homeschooling three different grade levels and well… yeah, I almost didn’t make it through last year. Yesterday it was gum. She climbed onto the counter to get into my purse. Chewed a couple of pieces then spit it out into her hair. Nice and stuck. After a few ice cubes I just grabbed the scissors and said what’s a few strands in this head of hair? Today it was her climbing on the counter to get those said pair of scissors so she could try cutting her own hair. Add in giving up naps, transitioning to a toddler bed and I’d say heck ya lets give this school a try this year! <br />
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One month in and all I can say is wow. They are thriving. The fruit I am seeing is incredible, the excitement for learning, the love for the classic books, the Italian opera songs they are learning in music class and the spanish they are picking up in their spanish immersion class. There is not a day that goes by where I don't pick them up and they get in the car giddy, talking all over each other, trying to share what new thing they learned. I think I've been thanked somewhere in the hundreds for getting them into this school. I keep wanting to say, "Come on I wasn't THAT bad was I?" We are blessed to have Christian teachers for both kids. One was even homeschooled through a good portion of elementary school and reached out to me that first week of school knowing it would be an adjustment. She assured me that she would take good care and look out for my children when they were there! That was a gift from God. That day in particular was hard for me. Trevor’s teacher has e-mailed me saying how his behavior is “exemplary”, he is a strong leader in class, he is responsible and a bright light in her day! I resisted the urge to ask her if she had the right parent! Just kidding. Sort of. We went to an open house night and in Trevor's class there is a virtue board. Kids can write cards where they see certain virtues displayed in their classmates. I think of the 10-12 cards Trevor's name was on 8 of them. Needless to say the kid who put every effort in figuring out excuses why he couldn't do school that day is now up at 6am on a Saturday working on a science project adding in a extra sheet of research so he can get extra credit. Um, ok. <br />
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Taylor and I are thoroughly enjoying our time together at home. She was pushed to the wayside last year and asked to be “more challenged” this year. I added in pre-algebra, a formal Latin class, as well as a Brit/lit composition co-op class and I’m thinking she won’t asked to be challenged again ;) No our times are sweet together. She is my motivated, self-learner and though she desires to give this school a try, the wait list has said otherwise. I'm grateful to have her home!<br />
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Maybe one day I will attempt to write and share something to the effect of “how to rid yourself of guilt when putting your kids in school” or “how to make it through another identity crisis”. This whole decision really shook me. Left me wondering how much of the gospel is really functioning in my life. I’m grateful for the shaking and grateful for the friends, who still homeschool, that stood by me through it all, speaking the truth to me. <br />
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Homeschooling doesn’t save our kids. Christ's death on the cross saves our kids. Homeschooling doesn't make me or my kids righteous. Christ's righteousness imputed to us makes us righteous. I still want my kids to see Jesus above all else! It’s just that this year we think that Trev & Ry will better see Jesus by attending this school. Someone asked me today… but do you feel like you never see them? It’s valid. I was concerned about that myself. But honestly with every Wednesday being a half day and practically 2-3 Fridays a month they get out at noon, lunch at home, I feel like I see them more. When they are home they get ALL of mommy. Not tired or going crazy mom. We spend more focused times together then before. I cherish each moment with them!! Our devotions together are still consistent and now we have the opportunity to be praying for new people that they are coming into contact with! <br />
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I know that this is not the normal school and that our experience in it may not even be normal, but I am so incredibly grateful for God’s goodness to us in it this year. That’s our year. One year at a time, one kid at a time. However God leads.<br />
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Hallelujah for uniforms. Love it, love them. <br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-747019144791040282013-07-05T13:35:00.000-07:002013-07-05T13:38:16.741-07:00On My Way- EP Chris & Tara Hello everyone!! I'm sitting here anxiously watching this... <br />
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Yep waiting for that little plane to land. As I wait I have something I'm excited to share! After 13+ yrs of singing and writing with my husband we FINALLY have something to put up online of our music and say, "Here! Listen and check this out!" Our friend Dale offered his studio and time as a birthday present for my husband and I am now there forever, family photographer. :) We titled the EP On My Way. Since Chris and Taylor can say "I'm on my way to Africa" it's fitting. <br />
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First track is: <br />
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<b>On My Way</b>- Our friends Jason (electric), Mark (cello) and Andy (drums) do such a wonderful job adding to Chris and I's guitar/piano tracks. In hindsight we kind of wish we would've played it a little faster but it gets there in the bridge section. It's a catchy tune that gets stuck in your head. Lexie walks around sing/saying "On My Way" <br />
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<b>Not Ours To Keep</b>- Features Taylor! I started writing this song after reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Katie-Relentless-Redemption-ebook">Kisses from Katie</a>. A outstanding and inspiring book! Taylor read it as well and wrote the second verse to this song. She did a great job singing lead on this song! It almost didn't make it on the album as we were running out of time. You should know she did her vocal at 11:30pm in about one take. That's not easy for an adult, trust me I know, let alone a 11yr old! Good job Tay! <br />
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<b>Look Up</b>- I wrote this last spring in thinking about my mom. I actually wrote it about a week before she went in the hospital and almost died. It was looking like their house that they bought (two doors down) was going to fall through and I was despairing in the waiting. Little did I know that God would use this song over and over again to keep reminding me to "look up" and remember his goodness as I would wait to see if she would live or die. Kind of what I'm having to do now as I wait for Chris & Tay to land, minister, and return. I am so honored to have Mark (cello) play on this song too. He did a fabulous job and really makes it! <br />
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So I invite you to download this music <b>FOR FREE</b>. Just take the tip button and scroll it all the way down to 0! Put in your e-mail. They in return give it to me so I can contact you with future music we post. Then you'll get a activation code to download and you are done. That's it! If you however want to tip, awesome! Thanks! All funds go towards paying for this trip. But honestly we are just honored if you'd download and give it a listen it's only taken us 13 years to do something like this. Pretty please. Now. Seeing how many downloads we have gives me something to obsess about other then watching a plane fly on my computer over the Mediterranean Sea :) <br />
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<a href="http://noisetrade.com/chrisandtara">Chris & Tara Artist Page</a><br />
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or go directly to the <a href="http://noisetrade.com/chrisandtara/on-my-way">EP</a><br />
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Enjoy! Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-51779817208559988092013-05-31T06:00:00.000-07:002013-05-31T07:23:18.500-07:00Uganda or Bust<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/carlsbad-2012/24958657_RqH9BM#!i=2057462200&k=WPfMRMC&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/carlsbad-2012/i-WPfMRMC/0/M/chris_tay-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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So most of you, if not all, have heard that Chris & Taylor have the opportunity to go to Uganda this summer. Two whole weeks!! Which means I'll be without BOTH my helpers for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. When? In JULY. The month I want to pack up everything and move to anywhere but PHX, preferable CA or just spend thousand of dollars and put my kids in all sorts of camps so they'll stop driving me crazy. Of course that requires me to get into my 130 degree car so I'm back to moving. Needless to say I can't guarantee I won't have moved to a house on a beach, or put a second mortgage on my house and built a pool in my backyard with water slides when they return. BUT I can say, in all honesty, it was me pushing them to go. I was the first resounding, YES, you have to go and you have to take Taylor, when Chris first presented me with the opportunity. I. am. so. excited. for them! Below you can find our "support" letter which at this point has only been seen on Facebook and people in their amazing generosity are already giving to the fund!<br />
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We have a super easy way to donate coming up in about a week that hopefully some of you will love and get on board with! But even if you want to donate today you will still get that super awesome thing I'm talking about. Stay tuned! <br />
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<i>Uganda was once famously described as 'the pearl of Africa' for its beautiful landscape. Unfortunately, many people live in absolute poverty. Dirt floors and mud soup are not uncommon in the slums and rural village areas. This is something that we may know in our heads, but it's really hard to fathom as prosperous Americans. As we've begun reading about Uganda, it's opened up our hearts to see the deep physical and spiritual needs of these people.<br />
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We've recently been connected with a ministry called Project Nanzala. The goal of this program is to reach out to children in the slums and rural areas who are unable to attend the public school systems due to lack of funds and supplies. These children are stuck in their desperate situations without hope of self-improvement through education because they can't afford it. The Uganda public school system itself is underfunded and supplies in the classroom are slim to none. The teachers have a good heart for the kids but are often untrained in how to run a classroom or effectively teach. This is where Project Nanzala comes in with a three-fold effort.<br />
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The first effort of Project Nanzala will be to provide those children without means of their own supplies and cost to attend school. This includes giving them books, paper, pens, and a pack to put their supplies in. It also includes the school uniform that must be worn by all the students. Incredibly, this can be achieved for approximately $10 per child per month.<br />
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The second effort of Project Nanzala will be to transform the public school system into one which is an environment that is equipped in all facets of education. Teachers will be trained to effectively put lesson plans together and conduct class in efficient and productive ways. Schools will be repaired and rebuilt. Classrooms will be equipped with blackboards and desks. It is often the simple things these schools are lacking that we take for granted in the States.<br />
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The third and most important effort of Project Nanzala is to share the gospel with the people of Uganda through the ministry and relationship we create through revitalizing their school system. Uganda is very open to Christian values and principles taught in their school system. Chris and Taylor have an opportunity to dramatically affect the future of this nation through the Word of God. We all could not be more excited!<br />
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Their plan is to travel to Uganda for two weeks in the summer to press forward these goals. They will be running a teachers conference where teachers from the states will be giving tools of success to the village teachers in Uganda. They will help repair a school building and meet with some of the children who have been enabled through Project Nanzala to attend school and given hope.<br />
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They will also be running a Vacation Bible School program for many of the children in the local villages. They need prayer in planning and executing this event as it can be a powerful tool for sharing the gospel with the young children as well as teaching them the solid principles of discipline, hard work, and relationship building. As a pastor, Chris will have unique opportunities to work with and train some of the local pastors, thereby strengthening their ministries. He's already planning to preach twice in the Uganda churches during the trip!<br />
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Taylor has had a heart for mission work every since she was introduced to World Vision in 2011. When she heard about the opportunity to go to Uganda, she was scared but also excited to join the team. She wants to help change lives, especially the children in Uganda. She is going to be serving in the VBS by acting in the morning skit and I am so pumped! She is also going to be working with many of the children, helping with music, Bible, crafts, and games.<br />
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We are asking for partners to invest in these goals. Here's how you can help:<br />
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Pray – Apart from prayer, Chris and Taylor's efforts will have minimal long-term effect. Please pray for their health, for their travel, for the finances, and for the ministry in Uganda. Also, pray that God continues to break our hearts for the Uganda people.<br />
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Give – We need to raise almost $7000 to cover the expenses of the trip, along with money to support the VBS initiative. We can't fund this all on our own, though we would if we could! We would be grateful for any amount of investment.<br />
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To give:<br />
Please go to this <a href="https://gracechurchaz.onthecity.org/give/login">link</a> and select Mission Fund or mail gifts to 7825 W Deer Valley Rd, Peoria, AZ 85382. Please make any checks out to Grace Church with Mission Fund in the memo line. All giving is tax-deductible. </i>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-87074316043376352962013-05-30T13:36:00.001-07:002013-05-30T13:45:48.643-07:00I don't care what you think of me! Or do I? <br />
I DON’T CARE WHAT YOU THINK OF ME! <br />
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There I said it. It’s not true though. I want it to be. No offense. I just wish one day I could scream it out at the top of my lungs and be free from the self imposed pressure I put on myself to live up to some unrealistic fantasy in my head. <br />
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About two summers ago I did something crazy. Like capital “C” crazy! Chris had been “suggesting” about how cute he thought nose rings were and how he, you know, thought one would look super attractive on my little nose. We just happened to have an anniversary coming up and it seemed like such a fun thing to do. Spice things up a little after 11 years. And well I too thought they were cute on others. Like my super hot sister-in-law Danae. <br />
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Off I went with my new bff, Jamaila. Gosh how have I not blogged about Jamaila?!?! She was from Dubai and lived with us for a summer and was basically God’s gift to me wrapped up in a, “little sister I never had” perfect package. Got engaged while living here and is now a happy wife to James. Chris would come home from working into the night and find us on the floor dying of laughter. Here she is in one of the engagement photo's I took for them. She's gorgeous. James is ok. He kind of ruined my life when he had to marry her and she couldn't live with me anymore ;) <br />
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Back to my story, she and I, already close in friendship, decided to take the plunge and join the nose ring community together. Can’t say I enjoyed getting THAT done. But it was a memory and Chris loved it on me as soon as we got home. <br />
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I woke up the next morning and thought…. No? Did I really? I felt sick to my stomach. Call it nose ring regret. Now it’s just a teeny tiny dot. A, ever so small, sparkle. But in my messed up mind it might as well covered my entire face, and been bright orange with black polka dots. When I looked in the mirror, there it was screaming at me. <br />
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I was convinced that it was the first thing people saw when they looked at me and instantly categorized me as apart of “that" group. I’m not sure exactly what "that" group is. I had never judged people up to that point who had nose rings. Like I said I thought they were super cute. But now I was apart of the rebel without a cause group, the “different” group. In my mind I had just entered into “that” part of society with one swift decision. How could I? I’m a pastor’s wife for goodness sake!!! A homeschool mom! What if people don’t come back to our church because of my nose ring?!?! I have issues I know. <br />
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Chris saw my agony. Granted he didn’t have much of a choice as I’m off sobbing in a corner. He gave me an out:<br />
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“Babe, take it out if you don’t like it. Don’t keep it in for me!”<br />
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"However," he said in all his wisdom, "it seems like God is doing something in you. Breaking you of some sort of legalism you’re holding on to. You might want to keep it in just to let some of this stuff get worked out in your heart."<br />
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He was right. He usually is. I should know that after 13 yrs. Because the truth is I just want people to like me and accept me and think I’m great. But I’m not great. I’m not perfect. I fail miserable at all my attempts to appear perfect. I’m not pinterest worthy or quote worthy. So the nose ring stays in. I hardly even notice it these days but when I do I say to myself, you are secure in Christ. Nothing can shake or take away your inheritance in Him. When God looks at me he doesn’t see a nose ring but his fully loved and justified by the blood of Christ child. It helps me care less about others opinions and live in freedom and being the slow learner I am, the nose ring will probably follow me to my grave. <br />
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*Now is Jamaila's still in you ask? Nope. She showed up at my house a year later as I was like "WHAT THE HECK!?!? Where did it go?!?" That's ok J- I still love you :) </i><br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-3917367872119636092013-05-23T07:18:00.001-07:002013-05-23T07:23:37.863-07:00Best Chicken EverSeriously I just can't hold on to this amazing recipe anymore. I have to share. Of course now everyone will know how easy it is and that I didn't really slave for hours of this delectable dish. But that's ok. For the good of mankind I will share. <br />
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<b><br />
Lime Salsa Chicken</b><br />
(adapted from <a href="http://www.pipandebby.com/">pip & ebby</a>)<br />
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Juice from one lime<br />
1/4 Cup Cilantro<br />
1.25 oz package of taco seasoning (or <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/">make your own</a> so there's no MSG which is what I do. super easy!)<br />
2 jalapeno peppers finely chopped (optional- haven't done this yet) <br />
3 lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs<br />
1 Chopped Red Pepper<br />
1/2 Onion chopped <br />
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Now you can throw all this in a bag and freeze till your ready or throw it directly in the crockpot. Since I seem to be living a day at a time with meals as of late I do the later. <br />
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Mix in a slow cooker and add one 24 oz jar of salsa. I use a pineapple mango salsa but whatever floats your boat works too! <br />
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Cook on high for 3-4 hrs or low for 6-8. <br />
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Shred in crockpot and serve in tortillas or over rice. Add some guacamole, sour cream and pour yourself a nice glass of margarita, if your over 21 that is. Then invite all your friends over and listen to them rave. <br />
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Sorry no picture. It's so good it doesn't need a picture. Your welcome. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-42473725039103164452013-05-16T11:18:00.000-07:002013-05-16T15:56:51.701-07:00The Climb<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Iu6gV_YIG8ZAMorsKvqdirKalRiLNGqUz_-G5TdNngmxu-hXPWXCoFvYusMdW081slUzjieQVDmv8er2V91ui2mI2MDi170JM4BN_XPWlUXtsbZK7SVxucEkf6Csd0bC_mfn/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Iu6gV_YIG8ZAMorsKvqdirKalRiLNGqUz_-G5TdNngmxu-hXPWXCoFvYusMdW081slUzjieQVDmv8er2V91ui2mI2MDi170JM4BN_XPWlUXtsbZK7SVxucEkf6Csd0bC_mfn/s320/photo-3.JPG" /></a><br />
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Today I made a choice to get my tired self out of bed early. Actually it was the sun shining into my poorly covered bedroom at 5:45am that left me with two options. Continue to lay there wishing it was still dark or start the day with a bang. I choose the bang. However after a few attempts at finding everything I needed to hike, I gave up and got back in bed. Great bang Tara. My attempts to fall back asleep fail. I hear our dog bark. On my way down the stairs I find the piece of what I'm missing for my hike. Settle the dog and off I go. <br />
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I started with a steep climb. Halfway up I questioned my poorly chosen start. Maybe I wanted to remind myself just how out of shape I truly am. Or maybe it was the lack of caffeine in my body not allowing my brain to function properly. Regardless I made it up the initial climb and began my journey. One tired limb in front of the other. Music going. Truths being sung. <br />
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<i>“You will not abandon me”<br />
“prone to wander Lord I feel it”<br />
“I will call upon your name and keep my eyes above the waves”</i><br />
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It starts to get a little easier. <br />
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Along the climb I have to move aside for the runners. The crazy people who just aren’t challenged enough with the fact they have a mountain to climb. I grumble inside. I hate them. Not really. I just want to be them. After awhile I realize I don’t have water. Stupid Tara, who does a hike without water? Or coffee? Soon I’m envious of all the water bottles I see hanging on peoples hips and backs and hands. And I just want water. Everything would be easier with water. Then I start to take notice of who doesn’t have water. Who else can do this climb without water? Really Tara? You are going to turn a simple hike into this? Disgusted with myself I look down and continue to climb. I will get to the top I say. Eventually it doesn’t become quite as much work. Or maybe the work is overshadowed by the beauty of the ground below becoming smaller. Suddenly I remember how good it feels to have blood moving through my body. <br />
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Eventually I make it to the top. Along with the runners and those with water bottles and those without and I just soak in the view. Pray for grace to conquer the many mountains I feel that are too great to climb in life. The fight to want to go faster then my body will allow, the covetousness that creeps in when I see others have something that I want that would make my climb easier. The fight to just pull up the covers and not face the mountain of a day. Grace is waiting though as I climb. God is with me and I believe the view will be breathtaking and worth it when my climb is done. One day. <br />
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-65085019953968964412013-02-26T19:22:00.003-08:002013-02-26T19:22:32.476-08:00Beauty and a Beast Once upon a time a little girl wanted to act and be on the stage. That dream came true. Then it came true again, and again, and again, and again. There are about two more "agains" left in this school year. This mama is getting a little worn out with all the shuttling and crazy schedule managing. Well once upon a time there was a boy who wanted to be like this girl. His dream came true as well. <br />
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It's a little nerve-wracking when your kids are in plays. With all the "agains" for Taylor I get a little less nervous for her these days. But man oh man was I nervous for Trevor on a number of levels. Taylor is my rule keeper. She doesn't rock any boats. She's a natural people pleaser, like her mama. Trevor is... well none of the above. He is his own person, he is strong, passionate and if there's something he wants to do or say, doesn't want to do, only the holy spirit could change his mind. So in God's sovereignty there was this one little tea-cup who liked to tell Trevor where to stand, where to sit, what to say, what not to say. Trevor doesn't do bossy well. I'd get all sorts of texts from Taylor at rehearsal. MOM they're at it again you have to get down here. I wouldn't go. I had already given the director my cell and unless she sent me a text I had to let Trevor work this out. Once he locked himself in the dressing room. A number of times he'd come home and quit because of this girl. I told him Daukas' don't quit. Not an option. Oh man. After the first week I knew we were in deep and there was no backing out in my mind. Just a side note. I know my son. He is not innocent. I'm sure this girl went home and wanted to quit after dealing with Trevor as well. I'm grateful for wisdom from above and grace from God and for nights Trevor came home saying everything went perfectly and nights where it didn't but he was able to ignore and not respond back by say trying to tie her up with her scarf. True story. <br />
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He was ADORABLE too. Oh that kid loved the stage like his sister. My favorite part was opening night where he gave Chris a little wink as he came out. He was all drama. There was no "Trevor could you maybe act like you enjoy being on stage". No, if anything it was like, "Tone it down just a tad bud". I loved being in the audience and hear someone behind me say "oh he is just so cute!"<br />
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Presenting, a thousand photo's of Trevor, as Chip the Teacup: <br />
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This was before the curse :) <br />
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The second show fell on his birthday. The cast sang Happy Birthday to him after final bows. He ate up every minute of it. Ok quick side note. This kid seriously cracks me up. He planned every last detail of his party. Down to the type of balloons he wanted in his room for our birthday morning tradition, to requesting trick candles on his cake. Then he acted perfectly suprised by said balloons and candles. HA!! So when Taylor told me that he picked beforehand what girl he wanted to let the singing of Happy Birthday to him it didn't phase me. Man oh man. Here's a few more of the singing time. <br />
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Ok quickly on to Taylor. Here's what you need to know about Taylor. She's good. Really good. She's a complete natural up there. She's also incredibly funny. Her character was one of the three blind mice. I know what you're thinking. The three blind mice are not in Beauty and the Beast?! This script was an adaptation. All sorts of characters were found in this amazing play. Taylor and her other mice friends were asked to do the curtain speech before the show. She ate that up! Here are few pictures of her. I'm hoping to post some video of her from the play she was in before Beauty and the Beast on the blog soon! She was also an amazing sister to her brother. It took her a few rehearsals to figure out her role in his life there. But it warmed my heart to see them hug and hear Trevor to exclaim how happy it made him that he got to do a play with her! <br />
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Now that Trevor finished his commitment and finished well, we are allowing another dream of his to come true. One he has dreamt for two years now. Tackle football. God help me. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-27755915471789082972013-02-16T08:36:00.001-08:002013-02-16T08:39:55.028-08:00Happy 8th Birthday Trevor! <a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/26876041_CXCQTr#!i=2251993786&k=rJt2TvP&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/i-rJt2TvP/0/L/d2-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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So Trevor's update and his 8th birthday will just collide into one post. Man where to even begin with Trevor. I'm not sure I've met a more passionate, funny, intelligent, not afraid to dig his heels in, compassionate, so full of life boy. Man I love this kid. He has grown significantly this past year. Physically, and emotionally. He loves to build with his lego's. Making amazing creations. Sometimes he'll follow instructions to a set but mostly he'll just create what he sees in his head. He remains my math whiz kid. Most days I'm bringing in Chris to help with his Math. Which I know, considering the teacher isn't saying much :)<br />
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He's an incredible big brother to Lexie. She adores him and he does a great job caring and protecting her. After our friend Roxy moved out this past summer we gave Trevor the extra room we have in the loft. Giving him his own room for the first time in his life. He loved moving all his boy stuff out of Rylee's room and I sewed him a bears blanket to complete the boy look. Funny enough, although he likes to play in his own room during the day he still crashes in his sisters room each night. The boy is just not meant to be alone :) <br />
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After watching Taylor get cast in play after play he asked to audition with Taylor for Beauty and the Beast. I told him it wasn't all that likely that he'd get in. He's young, he hasn't done a camp there like Taylor did this past summer. None of the phased Trev. Whether he got in or not he didn't care he just wanted to try. He had such a great attitude about it. I was beyond thrilled when I got the e-mail from the director that said Trevor was cast as Chip the Cup. Taylor got cast in the play as well. Sharing the theater with Taylor and all her theater friends was a little more challenging then anticipated but tonight was opening night and he did fantastic! One show down, five more to go! Pictures to come soon.<br />
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Trevor continues to impress in the athletic department. There is just no way around it the kid is very athletic like his mom. Ha! Ok like Chris too. Although he has shown a lot of promise in basketball and swimming, football remains his passion. We shall see... <br />
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Buddy you are the best 8 yr old son a mom could ever ask for. I love you so much! <br />
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Trying muscles for the first time. They were a hit! <br />
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Giving his presentation in his Classical Conversation class.<br />
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His first football game.... THE BEARS! <br />
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Goofing around with Rylee: <br />
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREVOR!!! Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-10110839528915143032013-01-27T09:01:00.002-08:002013-01-27T09:05:54.359-08:00Kid Update #2- Rylee<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/26876041_CXCQTr#!i=2264763536&k=R6ZmWf6&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/i-R6ZmWf6/0/L/d3-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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Ah my sweet Rylee. 6 1/2. She is my easy, go with the flow, child. She loves to tumble. Like everywhere. If there's anything we are working on with Rylee it's, could you maybe just walk a little more when we call you instead of tumbling towards us? Someone recently asked us where she took lessons at. I was like, um our family room?! She frequented a few classes last Spring but it was just to much money to keep up. She loved it and it's obviously made a lasting impact. The kid just is in constant cartwheel, tumbling motion. Ah Rylee. <br />
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She is a smart one. I LOVE listening to her read. There's pretty much nothing she can't read and it's just adorable hearing her sweet little voice read such big words. She is loving our school curriculum we chose this year, classical conversations. More on that later. But it's quite impressive what this girl has got memorized. <br />
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Taylor was in a musical called Suessical this fall. You would think it would be Taylor walking around singing all the songs but it was Rylee who took the greatest interest. She still takes my computer and turns on Spotify and dances and sings to all the songs. Her love for the piano continues but these days it's mostly focused towards singing and dancing to her picks like Britt Nicole, Jamie Grace and of course back to Suessical. <br />
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Rylee and Trevor have become more like twins over the years. Same height/weight they walk and talk like they are twins. It's quite cute. I've been asked on occasion if they are. She hangs in there with her brother with the best of them. I have a feeling she will rock the athletic world when we let her loose. <br />
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It's fun to watch her become more and more her own person. Being the third child isn't easy. So I hear. Her heart has been drawn to the Lord this year. She has created her own nightly routine of reading from her bible story books. Either to Chris or myself. I love to see a mama's prayers begin to be answered in that way. <br />
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This is classic Rylee! <br />
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She was a flower girl this summer in a friend's wedding. It was one of the first time that I saw a glimpse of an older version of rylee. Beautiful. <br />
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Love you Ry. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-50506979568632865262013-01-25T11:30:00.002-08:002013-01-25T11:30:28.025-08:00Kid Update #1- Lex<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/26876041_CXCQTr#!i=2251999040&k=77Mwc39&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/Daukas-Kids-2012/i-77Mwc39/0/L/d4-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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My oh my this girl is growing faster then I can take. New words, sentences added daily, new ways to make us laugh and new things she finds to destroy ;) She likes to be without a diaper. So after night after night of being woken up to, "MAMA, WET!!!". I have joined the duct tape mama club. That's right I am duct taping her diaper. But guess what? Somehow she's learned if she picks at the duct tape from the back long enough, you know after she takes off the layers of clothes I've put on her including a white snapped onesie, she can get a hold of a little piece and rip the rest off and then she's free. Then pees. Crazy girl. So now I've joined the cut the feet off of Pj's and zip up backwards club. I know what you're thinking. I should really join the my two year old is potty trained club.... but that just didn't happen as quickly as I'd like. So I'll stick with my other clubs for the next few months. Unless she learns how to unzip herself backwards. That might leave me with no other option. <br />
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She loves her new kitchen and making up plates of pretend cheese, turkey, lettuce and cookies. She is totally obsessed with dogs. One of these days I'll grab a picture of every single little, big, plastic, dog's that bark when touched, dogs that move. It's quite comical. Let's just be honest, all those dogs are easier then the real thing. <br />
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Here are a few Lexie pics from my iphone that I am treasuring in light of so many of her getting lost from my hard drive crash. <br />
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Here she is displaying her "Christmas Spirit" <br />
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Notice the baby doll. <br />
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It works people. It really works. <br />
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First night of bowling. <br />
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I'm such a good mom. <br />
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She loves to practice her new founded skill. Opening the fridge door. Usually her attempt ends in something spilled everywhere. Blueberries...stepped on an smashed into the tile grout. Shredded Cheese eaten by the handfuls and then dumped on the carpet. In this picture it was my tub of Trader Joe's Parmesan cheese. She also likes to fill up cups of water with my dispenser and create a pool down by her feet. Thankfully that one has a lock but if one of the kids forgets to relock it, man oh man. <br />
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Nothing like a little black ink to start your day... same day as Parmesan cheese. <br />
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Or how about scissors left out by big brother and sisters. <br />
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Good thing she's adorable. I'm thinking about just keeping her here for the morning time. <br />
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Lexie-lou we love you. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-2791072917980923022013-01-24T20:14:00.004-08:002013-01-24T20:14:56.761-08:00Grateful for Social MediaI've neglected this blog for awhile. I've struggled with the why. Why keep it up? Facebook is so much more efficient for the little things. This blog isn't special in any one area. This isn't a food blog, or a share my deep knowledge blog, or a follow my adoption blog. It's just kind of a "here's" my life take it or leave it blog and that just hasn't been enough to keep me going.<br />
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Something very sad happened this week. Something so sad that I said, "If THIS happens I will quit photography and everything extra in my life and just curl up in a corner and cry."Then a few days ago the call came and "THIS" happened.<br />
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See being a photographer takes up a TON of space on your computer. Having three to four sessions a week, what I can often average in the fall, can not be held on a computer. This winter if became evident it was time to upgrade pretty much everything. I needed a faster computer, the newer version of photoshop, and some new ways of backing up photographs and video's. But there just wasn't anytime so I kept going and going and going. Meanwhile dumping EVERYTHING I loved onto this one hard drive. Newborn photo's, video's of Lexie coming home, her first days, her first laugh, her first step. Need I go on. And for some reason, unbeknownst to me, it just died and all those photo's and video's were ruined by a piece of plastic that scratched away each captured memory. My poor husband didn't even know how to tell me. He just sat across the table after dinner was over and the kids were off playing and said babe it's all gone. Unrecoverable. I cried. Hard. And after crying I reminded myself I'd rather have my children alive then their photo's and video's saved. Then I cried a little more. I still tear up even writing this. I'm sure at some point I'll forgive myself. In all honestly I thought we had Mozy going on our computer but come to find out it was just on Chris'. Ugh.<br />
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The night Chris shared the news with me I was unable to sleep. I found myself visiting this blog. The blog that had very little meaning to me until this point and cried and gave thanks for every post I wrote and every picture I shared. It's not all lost. I also found I had some of my favorite photo's in accounts like Costco photo, flickr, shutterfly and I've been storing a good amount the past six month on smugmug. Even facebook has a few video's and pictures full resolution! Social media to the rescue. <br />
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So I'm back. I see more clearly the why. Life may not ever slow down over here but I have to make it slow down enough to where I have enough time to do the little things that matter to me. Blog and back up :) Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-15061894604056067982012-10-21T19:30:00.002-07:002012-10-21T20:06:28.640-07:00Happy Day!Today was a beautiful day as a Christian mother. I still remember holding my precious firstborn, overwhelmed at the love in my heart for this child that I thought my heart would burst. Then came the prayer. Lord save THIS child. May this child's lips come to confess you as her Lord and Savior. <br />
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The past year and a half Taylor has really wrestled with what she believes. After her asking some questions of the faith she asked to attend our church's Christianity Explored class. There were many late nights during those six weeks. We'd stay up and listen to her ask question after question. She wanted to believe but didn't yet. I felt vulnerable. Up to this point I have never had a child of mine say "I don't believe". But clearly God was at work in her heart so we prayed. Finally the Lord broke through and she believed! Praise the Lord! She asked to get baptized and we thought it best to wait to see fruit from her confession. Indeed we have. <br />
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Today it brought Chris and I, and all her family, great joy to witness her baptism. <br />
Here is the gist of her testimony. As a side note, wow this girl has no issues speaking in public. She went off her notes making it more personable, and made consistent eye contact as she spoke. <br />
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<b><i>As I've gotten older, I've realized that I am a sinner and its not just other people who have problems - I do too. I've cared alot about how I've looked to others so that people might think better of me - that's pride. I didn't see my sin in the moment, when I was boasting, or when I had done something wrong. Even though I was going to church, I didn't think of myself as a Christian. <br />
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I started having conversations with my mom and dad about the gospel and my dad encouraged me to go to Christianity Explored. It gave me questions to ponder like "what is heaven?" and "is there truly everlasting life?" and "is Jesus a real person who really did what the Bible said? This class let me wrestle with what I believe. <br />
As we got deeper into the course, I believed that Jesus really did die on the cross for my sins and that I am need of mercy from God. I've committed myself to following Christ and to recognize my sins and repent. I've read about people whose conversions seemed much more dramatic, but I do believe and that’s what really matters. Romans says, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. <br />
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I have felt God's help with being a servant at home and not caring as much about what I look like or what people think of me. Not that I don't sin, but I am able to recognize my sin and repent. I hope that through support from other Christians and reading the Bible, that through everything the Lord will help me in my walk with Him. I am here to get baptized so that I can say to all my family and friends and Grace Church that I am a committed follower of Christ.</i></b><br />
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There were a couple "amen's" when she said I've read about people whose conversions seemed much more dramatic, but I do believe and that's what really matters. As a mom I'm so grateful that she doesn't have a dramatic conversion :) But really every conversion is dramatic is it not? A dead heart brought to life by the saving power of Jesus Christ! I pray that as the Lord continues his sanctifying process in her life that her faith would grow stronger and be made more evident with each passing trial! <br />
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It was a tad bit cold she said :)<br />
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I had always dreamed of this moment.... Chris baptizing one of our kids!<br />
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So grateful for Chris' family that came today! Grateful after my mom's trying health these past six months that she was able to see her first grandchild get baptized!<br />
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Keith & Carrie, so sorry we couldn't find you for the picture! Probably off chasing one of your three boys :)<br />
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To God be the Glory!Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-60911142899097452802012-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:002012-10-11T05:00:12.063-07:00Happy 2nd Birthday AlexieToday Alexie turns 2. Sometimes I wonder if it's a celebration for the child or the mom for surviving two years with an infant turned toddler. <br />
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ALexie is into everything these days. I do mean everything. She doesn't have a laid back bone in her petite body. Maybe for a few seconds she will sit still if you give her the beloved blankie. But usually that just gets totted alongside her as she runs around. The other day she climbed up onto the kitchen table and was swinging on the chandelier. If the barstools are pushed back she will be on top of the counter in seconds devouring,spilling,destroying whatever was left up there. <br />
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A few weeks ago we were all reviewing our school grammar on the floor in the family room. I gave her a some toys to play with around us and next thing I know I see her whining and pointing at her nose. I take a look and she shoved a teeny tiny bead up her nose as far as it could go. I'm really a pretty calm,collected mom but this made my heart beat a little fast! I wasn't sure where it would go, or if she would choke on it if it went any farther back. Chris had just left town that morning and the kids and I were still in our Pj's for the most part. I threw all the kids in the car and rushed off to our Dr. who said they'd work us in. Off we went into a waiting room with children who should be in school and instead are with their sister who stuck a bead up her nose. And mother of the year goes to...... dang. I lost it again. Anywho. The nurse left and as we waited for the dr. to come in Lexie was getting more and more angry at this bead in her nose. As she screamed at the top of her lungs I had the thought of plugging up her nostril that didn't have a bead in it. Sure enough the pressure made the bead come down just enough to where I could pop it out. Oh happy day. Trevor in his excitement opened up the door and yelled into the nurse/dr's station, "IT'S OUT!!!!!" Wonderful. I snuck out the back door and haven't been back. <br />
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Although Lexie has kept us all busy we so enjoy her. She loves music and dances like crazy when we put something on. She adores her siblings and often will yell for them to come upstairs with her and play dress up. Rylee is now her bath buddy. As I say to Lexie, "It's time for bath" she'll start yelling "Rylee! Rylee!!" And drags her in with her. Although Rylee doesn't mind. She wasn't all that excited about transitioning to showers. Lexie loves when Trevor drives her in her car all around the kitchen. A little fast for my liking but she squeals in delight so as long as no one gets hurt I let it be. She loves Taylor. Taylor is one of the few who can take her from me without crying. When I drop Taylor off somewhere and Lexie is with me she cries, "tay-tay, tay-tay". It's so sad! <br />
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Happy Birthday Alexie Jane: <br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-86473462260810533052012-09-06T09:33:00.001-07:002012-09-08T22:02:52.207-07:00Not Abandon MeThis song has been ministering to my heart as of late. I have it on repeat practically daily. Not only does this song speak to where I feel like I am constantly living, disappointed by earthly things and trying hard to speak truth to my soul, but Rachel's voice and style is something I'd already be drawn to musically. <br />
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Chris calls this our "fall" song. I think it's more of our three year song. Oh how comforting it is to rest in God's goodness and know for certain he will not abandon us. <br />
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<b><i>You will not abandon me<br />
I've got your word your guarantee<br />
When I've forgotten whose I am<br />
I fix my eyes on your right hand<br />
To Christ who mediates my sin<br />
All my life is hid in him<br />
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Though the world around me fades<br />
your love, it's stays the same<br />
And at times you hide your face<br />
the cross is still the place <br />
where I'm convinced<br />
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That you will not abandon me<br />
You sealed my heart your blood the ring<br />
and like a flower opens up<br />
you are teaching me to trust<br />
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Though the world around me fades<br />
Oh your love stays the same<br />
and at times you hide your face<br />
the cross is still the place <br />
where I'm convinced<br />
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That you are not like humans<br />
That you should bend or falter<br />
and we are at a loss to say how beautiful you are<br />
and the source of all our confidence<br />
rests in solely in your goodness<br />
so yesterday, today, forever praise the Yahweh God. </b><br />
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Rachel Smith EP All Of Me<br />
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</i>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-90454443982972194992012-08-23T23:03:00.000-07:002012-08-23T23:03:37.908-07:00A Shelter in the Time of Storm <a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/18234177_Wv7q7T#!i=2030722256&k=2nbJwQj&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/i-2nbJwQj/0/M/ryleesparkler-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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I'm not sure there is a book that I have referenced more this past year then Paul Tripp's book, A Shelter in the time of storm. It is just so, so, rich with God's truth. <br />
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I feel like this quote sums up so beautifully of what the Lord has been teaching me this past year: <br />
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"I have learned and I am learning that the physical delights of the created world were not designed to be the source and hope of my confidence. No, all of those things in their temporary elegance were meant to be signposts that point me to the <br />
eternal <br />
never-failing <br />
always available<br />
never-changing<br />
always holy<br />
grace-infused<br />
goodness that can only be found in you. <br />
I have learned and I am learning that confident living always rests its foundation on You.<br />
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I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Psalm 27:13 Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-67075254718185785192012-08-23T18:51:00.000-07:002015-02-12T18:52:22.828-08:00Losing HeartThis weekend we will celebrate Grace Church's third year anniversary. As one can tell my blogging has taken a much slower pace since church planting began. Life has just been full speed fast. Having a baby while church planting will also to that to you :) <br />
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This picture hangs on Chris' office to remind us of our humble beginnings. Just a group of 20 something kids off to conquer and change the world. We were and still are on a Gospel mission. This picture was taken before a baby among us friend was born dead. Before we saw a marriage fall apart and others on the brink. Before the group of churches we were apart of would go through, and still, a time of shaking like never before. We had no idea what was before us. Chris joked today that he is like the President who looks all youthful and fancy free in his inauguration picture and then a couple years into the deal is completely grey with bags under his eyes. HA! There really is no preparing for being a Sr. Pastor or I'll even venture to say Sr. Pastor's wife. <br />
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I was tremendously fearful to plant this church and I can say sadly that for the first time, as a ministry couple, I have actually wanted to give up at some points in the past three years. It has tried me like nothing else. Which is really kind of sad to say. I do not know suffering. I am blessed beyond belief with a Godly, caring husband and four healthy children. And yet, in my selfish sinful nature I have questioned our ministry's effectiveness, our calling and wanted to throw in the towel. <br />
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<i>Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14.<b></b></i> <br />
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Oh what a beautiful Psalm chapter 27 is. It has been near to my heart for the past year. I dwell on it often and refer back to Paul Trip's book A Shelter in A Time of Struggle almost daily. <br />
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<b>"Your motivation to continue is only as strong as what you have placed your hope in. Perhaps this is why we so easily lose heart in the face of obstacles, opposition, or difficulty. Perhaps what we have unwittingly done is try to build our reason for continuing on the shifting sand of flawed and impermanent things that were never meant ot be the foundation of our meaning and purpose or our inner sense of well-being. No human being is capable of carrying your hope. This side of heaven we are all weak and flawed in some way. No circumstance can carry your hope. Every situation you are in is in some way touched by the brokenness of the fall and isn't under your control. Amassing physical pleasures and possessions won't give you lasting hope. For all of their momentary enjoyment, they fill the senses but do not satisfy the heart. When you look horizontally for your reason to continue you will inevitably end up losing hope.<br />
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There is only one place where stable and reliable hope can be found. There is only one place of rest for your heart and surety for your soul. There is only one reliable place to find your reason to get up in the morning and continue. When your hope is in the Lord, when you are getting your inner sense of well-being and security from him, when he is the reason you continue even when things are hard, then you are building your life on something that is reliable and sure. <i></i></b><br />
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It has been an exhausting, exhilarating three years and I wouldn't trade any of it in for anything. I LOVE our church. I love the realness of people. There is no pretending at Grace Church for the Gospel has freed us to be the sinners in need of grace that we are. Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-74873657433684837402012-08-18T11:48:00.000-07:002012-08-18T11:48:02.347-07:00Road to Oz- Taylor So a little update on Taylor. Last fall she took voice lessons from a local voice coach. Taylor, as we've always known, has a beautiful voice and great pitch! After a few months we decided to give acting a try. There were some free classes at a local library from a youth theatre offering up camps in the summer. Taylor chose to take a week long acting camp. She had a blast! In the midst of the camp were auditions to Road to OZ. She wanted to try out but was really nervous. Chris and I already had plans for the night so we went back and forth and back and forth and decided to not have her audition. Well our plans ended a little early and I said Taylor let's do this! So with a minute to spare she arrived and signed up to audition. The play was for ages 7-18 and Trevor not wanting to be left out, auditioned as well. I was a little shocked but didn't want to discourage his ambition. So off he went into a room by himself with a handful of other seven year olds! I was so nervous for him. He came out and Taylor went in! Then I was nervous for her. There were quite a few youth auditioning that day. I did the math and prepared their hearts to not get a role. I emphasized how proud I was of them. <br />
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A couple days later I received an email from the youth theatre and the headline said, "We're sorry...." So I read it and thought yep like I thought. Then I received another e-mail saying "Congratulations..." I was trying to figure out who got in and who didn't! Well poor Trevor took the news hard that morning. Taylor had gotten a small role. I should've saw that coming but didn't. Thankful Trevor recovered and we have entered the theatre world of rehearsals, tech nights and dress rehearsals! It's been a great experience! <br />
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At this point I should add that Taylor's two neighborhood friends have been on this journey together. From the library, to the acting camp, to auditioning together, to having the three of them getting roles as the three adepts. Aujah, Aurah, and some other "A" name. I was so grateful for other moms to carpool and share the load with and it's been so convenient to live only three miles from the theater! <br />
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Now just in case your wondering what and Adept is. Technically the webster definition is: a highly skilled or well-trained individual. In the the Road to Oz they are adept in sorcery. EEK. My heart sank when I read that first e-mail. I said to Chris... do we let her do this? Sorcery isn't exactly something we condone or practice in our worldview Ha! But this is just a child's play and Taylor's first break! I was conflicted all morning. What we came to was there is good an evil in every story. Chris had just finished preaching a sermon on Exodus where the magicians replicate every plague that the Lord does except for the last one. Will our daughter never be allowed to play an evil part in the bible either? The question for us came down to is Taylor heart drawn towards evil? Does she show consistent understanding of good and evil and embrace a Christian worldview? After answering these questions we decided that she could indeed participate in the play with this role. <br />
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I'm glad we did too. As at first the adepts used their gifts for evil but in the end they made a potion to turn OZ back to love and happiness. The whole tone of the play was upbeat and quite humorous. <br />
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So last night was the girls big debut! Taylor did great and quite enjoyed the stage. As a friend said, performing is in the Daukas blood. It's in the Jones and Winter's blood as well. She comes by it naturally :) Trevor throughly enjoyed watching last night and after it was over was convinced that he indeed could've been the "love magnet" if they had given him the chance. I think he will be joining his sister next summer in some acting camps. <br />
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<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/road-to-oz/24832592_5r3T8F#!i=2032673610&k=bKRzzBV&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/road-to-oz/i-bKRzzBV/0/L/roadtooz11-L.jpg" title="" alt=""></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-32351068757893670302012-08-17T07:26:00.000-07:002012-08-17T07:26:19.101-07:00Happy 6th Birthday Rylee<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/18234177_Wv7q7T#!i=2030748279&k=LkQDrK8&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/i-LkQDrK8/0/L/rylee6-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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Happy Birthday my sweet Rylee. You like to tumble and make people laugh. You still love your blankie despite all our efforts to wean you. You love to cuddle and snuggle close. You are so very smart. I could listen to your cute voice read such big words all day long! You are a free sprit. Artistic. Sometimes just flittering and fluttering at your own pace through life! We are blessed to have you in our family Rylee Grace! Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-36038535631379276462012-08-12T22:51:00.000-07:002012-08-12T22:55:36.700-07:00Familiar GroundIt really is fun having another toddler in the house. With almost four years between Rylee & Alexie I thought for some time I had left the crazy, cute, toddler days behind. I have found myself on familiar ground lately. Something like, "Oh yes I remember now". It's amazing how easy we can forget. I've been grateful for this blog. It's helped me look back and remember Trevor & Rylee as toddlers 15 months apart. <br />
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Not much is different from those days to now. Yes it is unbelievably helpful to have Taylor around. You know when you've discovered poop coming out everywhere it's helpful to be able to say, someone help me, and actually have help and not just give you a blank stare or run around in circles around you and the baby and poop. So basically I just have a bigger house for Alexie to destroy and make messes in, then back in t,t & r's day. <br />
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Having a toddler equals *those* days.<br />
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You know the days when markers get left out by the older ones in the school room and they fail to put them back in the high spot they are supposed to be. Instead they are on the table screaming out to toddler hands. DRAW EVERYWHERE AND ON EVERYTHING FAST!<br />
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So excited to have her picture taken. thanks trevor I think I have a picture of you looking like this too. <br />
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She looks super sorry huh?<br />
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Here I discovered she just finished eating my brand new chapstick...<br />
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Last week I failed to realize that Chris didn't have time to put everything away from dinner as he left for a meeting.<br />
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She had taking bites out of every last piece. No leftovers for the rest of us...<br />
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Ah but yesterday was super fun. Trevor got the grand idea of making a "cage" for an egg and then drop it from the top of the stairs to see if the cage would protect the egg. It didn't. Raw egg everywhere. He did the best he could to clean it up but I discovered that he used my broom and the thingy that you sweep all the stuff into for dumping. Both were covered with raw egg. I am happy to report that his second attempt at creating a cage for the egg was successful. No cracked egg. Aren't I a great mom for letting him try again?!?! Moments later I find that Lexie had a serious poop explosion. Probably from all the watermelon. She had proceeded to come down the two flights of stairs we have on her bottom, exploding just a little bit more out of her diaper with each step. No picture for that one. You're welcome. Oh and all this after I hired a little cleaning help a day earlier due to some back issues I've been having. Why do I even try. Fun times indeed. <br />
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I really can laugh. And I understand better now when mom's say it only gets harder when they get older. I have been feeling the "older" disobedience days lately and it's just not funny. Alexie and her mess I can laugh at. So those with little ones take a picture and laugh :) It will be over before you know it! <br />
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Want to know if it compares to my early t & r days? This <a href="http://taradaukas.blogspot.com/2008/05/and-yet-another-reason-why-im-not-fit.html">old post</a> gave me a good laugh. <br />
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I really do watch my kids. Really. <br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-7250520562457968032012-08-08T22:30:00.002-07:002012-08-08T22:35:03.898-07:0012 Year Trip.Chris and I celebrated 12 years back in early July. First time in awhile we hit an anniversary where I wasn't pregnant or nursing. I was thrilled to learn that Chris had planned a mini trip for the two of us. I was even more thrilled to learn he was taking me to my favorite vacation spot, Carlsbad. We haven't been back there just the two of us without kids since our honeymoon days. Often times trips can be more of a stress then I deem worth. It's so hard finding babysitters and then I fret can our sitters actually handle our children. Will our children do a number on them and they'll see us for the failing parents I often feel like we are? Chris, knowing this was a temptation, sought to find all the sitters ahead of time for us. He went on to sweetly tell me who was taking our kids and where they would be and I was like babe I really don't care. Drop them off where ever and get me the heck out of here. HA! It's just been that kind of year and I knew he needed a chance to breath in deep if not more then I did. Thanks to my sister-in-law and a friend living with us we were able to sneak in one extra night! So we left Sunday late afternoon and arrived in the beautiful Carlsbad California weather. All photo's taken from our phones.. <br />
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Getting ready to take off! <br />
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I can't remember if this was before or after the flight attendant yelled at me. Yep I totally got scolded at the start of my anniversary trip. By this, who I at first thought was cute, Texas lady, strong accent and all. She put me in my place. We sat in the emergency exit row since there were only two seats. Let me mention I do NOT like flying. So I was cracking a few jokes maybe. Well Texas lady came to explain the enormous responsibility we all have sitting in these sets of seats ect. I even pulled out the little card to look at as she was going through. In the middle of the talk about crashing she says something to the effect of, "If any of you feel unsafe sitting in these seats you can asked to be moved." And I laughed. Before I could even take a breath from my laugh she snaps, <br />
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" M'am ARE YOU PAYING ATTENTION?" <br />
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Yes I'm paying attention. It's not these seats that are making me feel unsafe it's the fact that we even see the need to HAVE these seats and your explanation on how to unload the plane that make me unsafe. Ha. It's so fun being married to me... she went on her merry way. Thankful it was a very short flight. <br />
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Back to happy thoughts. How can you go wrong with this forecast?!?!<br />
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Guess what we scored?!? This was not planned but Chris worked the guy at the counter and got us a SWEET deal on this and ended up being just about the same cost as our original rental car plan. <br />
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Oh man I loved this car! Chris mostly drove but the one time I did drive it I thought I had died and gone to heaven. It is now a life long dream to get a convertible. Worldly? Yes. But man oh man I don't think it's a stretch to say God made convertibles for man (woman) to enjoy and enjoy we did! <br />
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Chris' turn! He drove it well. Which suited my preference of dancing like a crazy 20 year old well. <br />
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Ok so honestly it's hard to tell what I like more. Convertibles or beach. Living in Carlsbad has also been a life long dream. So basically this weekend was like all my dreams coming to fruition. I have my dream man, car, place. How does one return to reality after that!? It was hard let me tell ya ;) <br />
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We went to this awesome Italian place that we love in Carlsbad, but are always to stressed to enjoy with our four kids while on vacation, for dinner. <br />
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Afterwards we picked up our tradition of playing cribbage. Best of three. And guess who won? Guess I can't have it all now can I? <br />
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The next day we drove (danced) around town and decided to head to LA to try out a lunch place. <br />
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In typical LA fashion we drove into the downtown area with an LAPD helicopter overhead. Nice. Let's just say living in downtown LA... not a dream of mine. It was crazy nuts. <br />
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The restaurant we went to was amazing and worth all the craziness we endured getting there. Be sure to check it out if you are ever out there. Thanks Andrea for the tip! <br />
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Check out the dessert display case...heck ya!<br />
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Time to head back home. <br />
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I don't think we could've asked for a better anniversary trip! Honestly, short of our honeymoon, it's one of our best trips to date. I would've taken a few more days that's for sure but I am grateful to God for how he stretched out the 2 1/2 days we did have. At the end of the day I left my dream car and dream location behind for my cracker infested minivan and hot and lately humid home. But I left with my dream man. That I wouldn't trade for the world. Happy 12 years babe. Here's to many, many, more. <br />
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I'll end with a little video I took for the kids to see their mom and dad living it up ;) See kids I can be fun!!!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFWtKx0VkirygrLwv-SxxebL4HtmZBq-SvoNSbzpMN5r3-2097Qt-LRuOQPvCIw-8ol7fCWJODEig' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-91724052527391987302012-06-13T21:54:00.000-07:002012-06-13T21:54:50.466-07:00Enduring FatigueIn talking with Chris this week he was mentioning how fatigued he has been as of late. He brought it up to relate to my own recognition a few weeks ago of my growing fatigue. We both had thought that perhaps some levels were off in our bodies or most likely we are just getting old and losing stamina. Then I stopped and said, "Babe let me just remind you of all that has happened since January." <br />
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It began with my parents putting their house up for sale and buying one two doors down. If only it was that simple. It was chalked full of drama. Buyer's in. Buyer's out. Buyer's in. I walked down to the house that was to be theirs the final week and prayed and pleaded at the door to God. I'm sure I looked like a crazy lady with all the pacing I did back and forth with tears. I'm surprised the cops didn't show up. I can't think of anything else I have consistently asked God for the past three years since living in Peoria other then this. "Please God make a way for my parents to move!" I missed them. I missed living close and having grown up with my mom always living on the edge with her health, I have an appreciation for how short time is here on earth. I was sick of spending that time driving an hour one way to visit. <br />
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Back to my recounting, buyer's in. They Move. We help them pack and unpack while mom gets increasingly sicker. We weren't sure why. Mom goes to the ER two weeks to the date of moving in. Was told she mostly likely had Ovarian Cancer and was in the end stages. Cry for 24 hrs straight. I never knew you could have a constant flow of tears. It's actually possible to fall asleep crying and wake up five hours later to realize you are still crying. Then we are told it's not cancer. PRAISE THE LORD! Full hysterectomy is done to remove a 12cm cyst. Rejoice surgery went well. The next day she begins bleeding internally. Another surgery. More tears and real fears of her dying. Four blood transfusions. 16 long days in the hospital mostly ICU. <br />
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One night I returned home around 10pm to find Chris in a growing amount of abdominal pain. We both figured, heck we've been living at a hospital let's just go back. <br />
We left the ER at 2am knowing Chris was in need of gall bladder surgery. <br />
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By God's grace only my mom returned back home, two doors down. I was still fearful of her dying but I guess that's just a state of living I've grown accustomed to. Even though she was returning home, as a dr. put it so nicely the day she was leaving, "you are one sick woman." I wanted to beat him up. Of course after 16 days I wanted to beat everyone up there. We were all done with that place. Mostly my mom. But she had a long road ahead of her. She starts to improve. Rejoice. Infection is found. Tears. And the tunnel, although getting shorter, feels oh so long. <br />
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Meanwhile we sneak in a much needed family week long trip to Disneyland. We didn't even tell the kids till the moment we were leaving. Pure joy. <br />
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We return and Chris goes in for gall bladder surgery. Which was longer and more complicated then anticipated but praise God he gave us the wisdom to take it out before it turned into an even more complicated full abdominal surgery! I was told surgery would take 40 minutes to an hour. 2 1/2 hours later the surgeon comes out to tell me that my husband had one diseased gall bladder. Four times larger then a normal one. That next week was absolutely awful for Chris but he and I survived. I had to do things I never thought I'd have to do for my husband. It helped having my dad two doors down heroically serving and changing bandages left and right for months. I figured I could handle a week. <br />
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Somehow in the midst of all of this I had more photography business then I could handle. I was having to turn people away for the first time ever. I was grateful for the income, we were racking up our fair share of eating out. And also grateful for the occasional distraction from my roller coaster life. I don't think I was aware of the toll it was taking on me. When I returned my last clients edited pictures I felt like I could breath for the first time in awhile. <br />
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Our sweet Taylor turned 10 and I completely redid her room, blue paint and everything, for her birthday. It was all she wanted for her birthday. <br />
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Now Chris and I are finishing up our three weeks stretch of leading worship for blackstone. A privilege we have had for the past eight years. It gives us sweet time together in the mornings But we are up at 5am and back home by 9am. <br />
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So yes love, we are tired. It has been THE most insane, emotional, tiring five months I can remember. God has been faithful. He has sustained our every step. He has kept us in love and unified. But it still has it's effects. I have unreturned e-mails. Phone calls. My house is a disorganized mess. I have put on weight. I've said no to a handful of photography requests and my son might have just memorized every word to Tao Cruz's song Dynamite. But it's ok. I live in a state of renewed gratefulness. For today my loved ones don't have cancer, I am not driving back and forth from home to hospitals. My dad and mom still live two doors down. For today we are alive. We live as imperfect sinners being perfected by our loving Savior. If I've learned anything these past couple months it's that there are no guarantees of anything other then God finishing and completing his work in his children. He WIll bring us safely home. All things WILL be made new. And there WILL be a day where every tear will be wiped away. <br />
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*keep my mama in your prayers. She is most definitely still in the tunnel straining to see the light at the end. And as we have joked with her not "that" light. We mean the light that let's her play with her grandkids, enjoy swimming in her new pool and shopping with her daughter and daughter in-law.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-79432344336195874672012-05-24T19:43:00.001-07:002012-05-24T19:43:25.432-07:00Happy Birthday Taylor!I haven't posted anything in a long time.... life is just so full. Full of laughter, tears, homeschooling, training four hearts, a toddler who won't sit still. I have to break my silence to recognize that Taylor has been apart of Chris & I's life for ten years today. A whole decade!! Oh how I love this girl. She is my daughter and year by year becoming my friend. I have so much fun with her and am beyond excited to see what God has in store for her these next ten years. Although I admit it is bittersweet to see my baby grow up. I've spent the past month looking at pictures of her and just marveling at how fast the time has gone. So, so fast.
Here is a slideshow I put together, quite quickly I should add, of her over the past ten years.
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Love you Tay.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15939011.post-36440040667150769792012-01-28T21:28:00.000-08:002012-01-28T21:28:43.718-08:00Lunar Eclipse 2011For school this year the kids & I are studying Astronomy. We ALL are learning a ton of amazing facts about planets and our solar system. I had one of those "you know you're a homeschool mom when..." moments back in December. I learned that there was going to be a total lunar eclipse. Last one until April 2014! Having just finished a study on the moon there was no way I was going to pass this experience up. I set my alarm quite early, like an ungodly hour. Spent the first hour watching the moon, drinking coffee and sitting under the heater in our backyard by myself. Now I don't even get up on school days this early! Here I was on a Saturday morning waking myself up like it was christmas to see the lunar eclipse :) Around 5:45 or so I woke up Taylor and she joined me in the awe watching of the moon getting swallowed up. Trevor joined us shortly there after but didn't hang quite as long outside as Taylor and I did. Eventually the sun began to rise and the moon was setting to the point where we could no longer see it from our house. Tay & I jumped in the car to get a better view of the horizon but I think during that three minute drive the sun came up to much to see it fully eclipsed. Either way it was totally worth missing my opportunity to sleep in on a Saturday morning. We will however hike a mountain or get a little more out of town for the next one...<br />
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What an amazing creator God we worship! <br />
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<a href="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/18234177_Wv7q7T#!i=1690135138&k=qxxNVJK&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img src="http://taradphotography.smugmug.com/Other/My-Smug-Mug/i-qxxNVJK/0/L/mooneclipse2012-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01819886376774696190noreply@blogger.com0