tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-333416992024-03-14T13:38:13.251+00:00The Ferebee FourTheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-46676527377788791732012-11-16T17:33:00.001+00:002012-11-16T17:33:11.004+00:00Happy Birthday, Madeline!<i>(This should have been posted last Saturday, November 10th, but I had no time. Maybe I get a by this year?)</i><br />
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Dear Madeline,<br />
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Today is your fourth birthday!! Your daddy and I were just talking last night about how we can't believe it has been four years since we became a family. I think you might have been the most anticipated little girl ever born at Durham Hospital - everyone was so anxious to hear about you and welcome you to this world. All of your grandparents, aunts and uncles couldn't wait to see pictures of your sweet little face.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1jwVfAKZWKC11QvDv_qc3dqHz_ufmxJ5rvkYg3Cl6Bpa-XwITQ-0WKPSPYe71g3IEzEMClleGyQ9WtzFXC2FGqgszdcz5mmZdKaFfSoo0uhAdqgQHee-Sq5fGg0HX5r-VcVo/s1600/first+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf1jwVfAKZWKC11QvDv_qc3dqHz_ufmxJ5rvkYg3Cl6Bpa-XwITQ-0WKPSPYe71g3IEzEMClleGyQ9WtzFXC2FGqgszdcz5mmZdKaFfSoo0uhAdqgQHee-Sq5fGg0HX5r-VcVo/s320/first+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Our first family picture. (10 November 2008)<br />Look how young Mommy and Daddy look!</span></b></td></tr>
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I will never forget the first time I looked in your eyes. They were still blue then and from the moment you were born you loved to look around at everything going on. You have always been so inquisitive and interested in what is happening around you. I pray that you never lose your curiosity and your need to ask questions. I remember the first time I held you in my arms and how overwhelmed with love I felt in that moment. I remember watching your daddy rock you in his arms and how you captured his heart in a single breath. He loves you so much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ufwzuNNJkulMDnpoUEGpHOPIskD5pLKhOmV0X01t3m-j8tdLnBn_4rO-SFaFW3zeTTjDwxJwWVuSwXMqRix_FbmpbBk3QTPknyW9IpsLukRBhLNKsDlkiKnX0IF1MaC5uVxi/s1600/1st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ufwzuNNJkulMDnpoUEGpHOPIskD5pLKhOmV0X01t3m-j8tdLnBn_4rO-SFaFW3zeTTjDwxJwWVuSwXMqRix_FbmpbBk3QTPknyW9IpsLukRBhLNKsDlkiKnX0IF1MaC5uVxi/s320/1st.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Your first birthday. You were so excited about your new doll!</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NotzKIKzHfZjQBxYLMQyDWPZzsyIVA-CFkFryjNtJF5l_FGbp7xONq3bb62Z1VMMqVwLgtds0TxngYbad4WHFWMStrujvprxBWpl5w4mn0K4ZN0AVi0Y_gpkzHEt3_x6UJkL/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NotzKIKzHfZjQBxYLMQyDWPZzsyIVA-CFkFryjNtJF5l_FGbp7xONq3bb62Z1VMMqVwLgtds0TxngYbad4WHFWMStrujvprxBWpl5w4mn0K4ZN0AVi0Y_gpkzHEt3_x6UJkL/s320/22.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Your second birthday portraits. I love the mischievous look on your face. </span></b></td></tr>
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Four years later and you are my greatest joy. I love to watch you explore and work through problems in your mind. You often see and think about things in a completely different way than I do and for that I am very grateful. You teach me things every day. Your unconditional love and quick ability to forgive remind me daily of what I can do better. Seeing you learn about God and His love for you with a childlike faith has shown me how quick I am to complicate His love and acceptance of me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNO7-zU4bufW9yyQFrNAq7obk1BzHKvMnU1K5kuNM6S-u1CHtMOSuMq7dBl5QU5gsQ0R-do2WJ49J-cVk1ieuYb2NX33CWTiiLzhH5kJZcHKNhgYRhDOIa0MC7IPF0liEw01r/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNO7-zU4bufW9yyQFrNAq7obk1BzHKvMnU1K5kuNM6S-u1CHtMOSuMq7dBl5QU5gsQ0R-do2WJ49J-cVk1ieuYb2NX33CWTiiLzhH5kJZcHKNhgYRhDOIa0MC7IPF0liEw01r/s320/3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Christmas after your third birthday. <br />One of your favorite things to do...<br />you (sweetly!) demand that we swing you all the time!</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScaS5HIn5YXQoAXyr8dYOId6vlJHn04MbE6S2k6aMOJ_HGE6r0dq2HS1XkJQZsVKgcvK_E9_VBRVLaweAD-s8kfH_fWYvuTsj9ArsDxrLmKIwVy0iTgVD1b5Pfe0mMywuEu9g/s1600/will.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScaS5HIn5YXQoAXyr8dYOId6vlJHn04MbE6S2k6aMOJ_HGE6r0dq2HS1XkJQZsVKgcvK_E9_VBRVLaweAD-s8kfH_fWYvuTsj9ArsDxrLmKIwVy0iTgVD1b5Pfe0mMywuEu9g/s320/will.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">The first picture of you and William together. You are already a wonderful big sister. <br />You are gently and kind and oh so patient. William is so blessed to have you to teach him so many things.</span></b></td></tr>
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My dear Maddie, I am so proud of what a wonderful little girl you are. I pray that you grow to fully know the love of God and allow Him to lead you through life. I am so excited to see what your life will become as you grow.<br />
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You changed my life the day you were born and I am so grateful to be your mommy.<br />
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I love you,<br />
MommyTheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-1757296052645731292012-11-01T10:04:00.003+00:002012-11-01T10:11:10.682+00:00Welcome William Baxter!I am choosing to simply ignore the fact that it has been over a year since I wrote anything on this blog! Instead of writing a long update covering the past year here are the important bullet points:<br />
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<li>In August 2011 I started working part-time at the University in academic administration. My initial contract was for 12 months and this past August it was extended for an additional 3 years (although I don't plan to still be here in 3 years!). </li>
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<li>Chris just began his third and potentially final year of the DPhil (PhD for American readers). There is a possibility that he will submit over the summer and be working in August/September. There are about a hundred things that have to come together in order for that to happen and there is a very real chance that we will opt to spend a fourth year at Oxford.</li>
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<li>We found out I was pregnant in January and were absolutely thrilled. Although I was very sick the first 12 weeks or so (much more than with Madeline) the pregnancy was nearly perfect and overall very easy. I am extremely blessed with easy pregnancies! </li>
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<li>In July we moved into a new house just outside of Oxford in a town called Kidlington. It was a hard decision to leave Summertown and being so close to Oxford city centre but we found that we could afford a small house with a garden if we went outside the ring road (the I-285 of Oxford!). We love our little house and Madeline loves spending time in the garden. Although still very small it feels like a palace to us!</li>
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<li>In September my parents came for a two week visit. We had a wonderful time!! It was the first time either had been to Oxford and the first time my dad had been able to visit us in the UK. Since I was 37 weeks pregnant I am afraid we didn't do as much as we could have but we did make it to London for a day trip and to many of the local sights around Oxford. We can't wait until their next visit and as I have no plans to have another baby in the next 18 months I don't plan on being pregnant when they come!</li>
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Now onto the real reason for this post! This little man joined our family on 9 October 2012 at 6:30am and weighed 9lbs 5oz.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>William Baxter Ferebee</i></td></tr>
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I had a c-section with Madeline since she was footling breech and stuck but this time around I was really hoping to not have another c-section given the amount of recovery time normally associated with one. If I had known William was over 9lbs I am not sure I would have stuck to my VBAC plans! After almost 30 hours the midwife felt that something was not quite right and asked for a doctor to come examine how things were progressing. She told us that she felt confident that his head was turned sideways which was why his progress had stalled. The doctor agreed and our only option at that point was for a forceps delivery. This was terrifying to both Chris and I although I think I am the only one who dared say so at the time. I am so grateful for our amazing midwife and doctors who all went about things calmly and reassured us that everything was going to be fine. </div>
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I will spare everyone the unsettling details of a forceps assisted birth and move on to how wonderful it was when he was finally born! Everyone in the room gasped at the size of him! I don't think anyone expected that he would be as big as he was. Thankfully, outside of a few bruises and a swollen eye from where he was stuck, he was in perfect health and able to be with us immediately. I had a few more issues which almost led to a blood transfusion but again the doctors and midwives were amazing and I am doing great.</div>
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So much of William's birth is a bit of a haze and even now I feel like it was an out of body experience. I keep asking Chris questions about the day or having to really think about the details in order to remember them. It was certainly not the labor and birth that I had dreamed of and hoped for in my quest to have a VBAC but it doesn't matter. He is perfect and lovely and I would do it all again (but not any time soon and maybe never if you ask Chris).<br />
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We spent one night in the hospital and came home after lunch the next day. I don't think I have ever seen Madeline so excited. She ran out to the car and kept saying, "He's here! He's here!". She is settling in really well as a big sister and the transition seems to have been fairly easy. We'll see what the next few months hold!<br />
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Life is busy but wonderful! We are so grateful to God that William is healthy and that there are no lasting effects from his birth (for either of us).<br />
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<i>Our first family outing - 10 days old</i></td></tr>
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"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him." 1 Samuel 1:27</div>
TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-20220166142946652772011-09-15T21:32:00.000+01:002011-09-15T21:32:50.363+01:00A traveling we will goThese people just left our house after 10 days of trains, gardens, tea, palaces and road trips.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front gates of Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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Jim and Debbie are Chris' dad and step-mom. This was their third visit to England but first to the south of the UK. We loved every moment of having them here with us. Madeline loved having grandparents to spoil her! There was no lack of hugs, cuddles and special treats from Granna and Grandaddy.<br />
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Along with enjoying the many exciting things Oxford itself has to offer, we traveled to London for the day and took a tour of the State Rooms at <a href="http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=30#tosee">Buckingham Palace</a>. The tour included an exhibit of the wedding dress and other items from the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge this past April. It was splendid!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back garden terrace of Buckingham Palace </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Ben and Parliament</td></tr>
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We also went to <a href="http://www.blenheimpalace.com/">Blenheim Palace</a>, home of Winston Churchill's family and where he was born. This was seriously one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. To think it is only 20 minutes from our flat. The palace is situated right outside of a village called Woodstock - we are thinking we might need to move there soon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yea, that is just the front gate!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T_XvE1u-Ppg5AzZb3uSRKxa4gd9R8_zJIvo3P9HEQWCU6nXKsaBr9C-Q3S7yOrCnenraLU5GTPVIl3EpiKiI4oQ3RRwdYsICncs5MDgMB8J1wGtgW44aSlGTZ46vzTc0-Iki/s1600/DSC00425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6T_XvE1u-Ppg5AzZb3uSRKxa4gd9R8_zJIvo3P9HEQWCU6nXKsaBr9C-Q3S7yOrCnenraLU5GTPVIl3EpiKiI4oQ3RRwdYsICncs5MDgMB8J1wGtgW44aSlGTZ46vzTc0-Iki/s320/DSC00425.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We road the train to the gardens/playground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFzs0LqrO2vzoHqmzIXsaP8nZsm_9ooLAqJ3iTQSFTOYKZps90AzfJFEPzsJmHf4P3QTqK91MabNLdEPpn-ZM_slEN702JCnir2JAZZXWDJVkcMQXSdxfIhj1uPSpQTgnQbXN/s1600/DSC00430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFzs0LqrO2vzoHqmzIXsaP8nZsm_9ooLAqJ3iTQSFTOYKZps90AzfJFEPzsJmHf4P3QTqK91MabNLdEPpn-ZM_slEN702JCnir2JAZZXWDJVkcMQXSdxfIhj1uPSpQTgnQbXN/s320/DSC00430.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardens</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrPXwZXRl6INQ9XczgVlC0cEpaegPS_iB6z74JFfJsXWM_SKX-D-p8UP0MCGt-uKEJ3q89P_Er-r7q67HLLxL-KUCUXn0U2-gdoMvkFCbBYNxGDqkCOy6SGTO_G9ksXSh74zf/s1600/DSC00436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwrPXwZXRl6INQ9XczgVlC0cEpaegPS_iB6z74JFfJsXWM_SKX-D-p8UP0MCGt-uKEJ3q89P_Er-r7q67HLLxL-KUCUXn0U2-gdoMvkFCbBYNxGDqkCOy6SGTO_G9ksXSh74zf/s320/DSC00436.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of Blenheim Palace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next day we drove up into the <a href="http://www.the-cotswolds.org/top/english/intro.shtml">Cotswolds</a> and attempted to cover some serious territory in just a few hours. It was quite an adventure. First, we went to Stratford-upon-Avon where Shakespeare is from; second, to Stow-on-the-wold where nothing exciting has happened but there are some great pubs; finally, we stopped in Bourton-on-the-water which is quite possibly the most beautiful village I have ever seen. It took all four of us to keep Madeline from going swimming off of one of the bridges.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQs3-ePYfsGb4tkRujN5RVugaYxj8U-lT29bKqtbiyrP3WfcGRsA81lYH4Nf96Ulb4uZVeT-Oq514HTWIq_yYVhRBH-6UyMR9u-e7npfbRfgV7wa0nWPBYLx7I7h4g6W76hML/s1600/DSC00440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQs3-ePYfsGb4tkRujN5RVugaYxj8U-lT29bKqtbiyrP3WfcGRsA81lYH4Nf96Ulb4uZVeT-Oq514HTWIq_yYVhRBH-6UyMR9u-e7npfbRfgV7wa0nWPBYLx7I7h4g6W76hML/s320/DSC00440.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church in Stratford-upon-Avon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuyA10wdcIbeHumNuXsZ0jqVBmbFDO6vVPg0ZS6AivVzJnVB8TUwauY1GqKBLhX3B-vcu_0C-1Vkq9lpwP8waZnPB1MgQ-P713OKMRqNPWT2iNIKEGn_uu9In-v_Qaf0d9ID/s1600/DSC00442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHuyA10wdcIbeHumNuXsZ0jqVBmbFDO6vVPg0ZS6AivVzJnVB8TUwauY1GqKBLhX3B-vcu_0C-1Vkq9lpwP8waZnPB1MgQ-P713OKMRqNPWT2iNIKEGn_uu9In-v_Qaf0d9ID/s320/DSC00442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Shakespeare's grave in the church above.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkihfXKsCsS_nsFDCBJ4Yw2iSHVjgIFr3gOdqQA1Ntxa831Ttg2EuZpAImmZNJ01pxhgyyXzSQ38tyxSXEEaEvVMkiQlzconV8N1g7i5un-KxrDSNsLxdMgvPZRzuw_L0oGI5a/s1600/DSC00456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkihfXKsCsS_nsFDCBJ4Yw2iSHVjgIFr3gOdqQA1Ntxa831Ttg2EuZpAImmZNJ01pxhgyyXzSQ38tyxSXEEaEvVMkiQlzconV8N1g7i5un-KxrDSNsLxdMgvPZRzuw_L0oGI5a/s320/DSC00456.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maddie having a cup of milk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5De7EIAfrm1ASbwW9xCZqflQ9I_Q2aZBEJtxIN3xmdnYMwkW4i2eOncLGXGCUSF3kfRb7l7dUn34FscOImQgBBwQij_bpkZjegboKxaIgcSkDE7DFvV_hL42nvRGo2XjePp9/s1600/DSC00465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5De7EIAfrm1ASbwW9xCZqflQ9I_Q2aZBEJtxIN3xmdnYMwkW4i2eOncLGXGCUSF3kfRb7l7dUn34FscOImQgBBwQij_bpkZjegboKxaIgcSkDE7DFvV_hL42nvRGo2XjePp9/s320/DSC00465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourton-upon-the-water</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpJRv4MYJrYxNZLDjB1cldKZXUMNMbgK9yI6hjKQ-jEeObRNZ1I6P05ccgZsBMfDm1P3B7Zd3YhCsiHfT9L9qXEGHl7k_-9GUK3f4MPypycxmB6HGzkoRaJ6Sw3W6zmvxtaHt/s1600/DSC00463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpJRv4MYJrYxNZLDjB1cldKZXUMNMbgK9yI6hjKQ-jEeObRNZ1I6P05ccgZsBMfDm1P3B7Zd3YhCsiHfT9L9qXEGHl7k_-9GUK3f4MPypycxmB6HGzkoRaJ6Sw3W6zmvxtaHt/s320/DSC00463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
On our last day of traveling outside of Oxford we ventured to Bath. It took a little extra time to get there (couldn't possibly have been the navigator's fault!) but once we did it was well worth it. Bath is an amazing city. It is such a wonderful combination of modern shopping and restaurants with architecture from Roman times and since. I think I could live there!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA3JuD7_ouQFQUzvOfftaECrH-nVHYaWpEGuWtzevg_3HS_VH7AQICR1uzaVgWghfWfCQB8AZDp_LzIwCMjOH-F8r3NvckHLlxSCTKhQbAw06SrFWf5EoRrKbEJqqb5ci9lIt/s1600/DSC00480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmA3JuD7_ouQFQUzvOfftaECrH-nVHYaWpEGuWtzevg_3HS_VH7AQICR1uzaVgWghfWfCQB8AZDp_LzIwCMjOH-F8r3NvckHLlxSCTKhQbAw06SrFWf5EoRrKbEJqqb5ci9lIt/s320/DSC00480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO94jr9nNAJCOjIQNLUe38RUxUz_3GPLuSWG5ZWnceqxxX-GA0T7DeKYpgP9i6qvbD5kR3SDw6xb4xoxo1UzhD9iYlPdDzweCAmfBx2VeHhRB4A03HVXbX9jIouxegih5d5DjV/s1600/DSC00484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO94jr9nNAJCOjIQNLUe38RUxUz_3GPLuSWG5ZWnceqxxX-GA0T7DeKYpgP9i6qvbD5kR3SDw6xb4xoxo1UzhD9iYlPdDzweCAmfBx2VeHhRB4A03HVXbX9jIouxegih5d5DjV/s320/DSC00484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bath Abbey</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxO0aep0-0OH-X4thRnL1RASIMCcShTNaPmIZNjowVcymhcPKvvsclMbfaFJb_uoK-cH_ZfMAqp26KvWnVU8I9c_ZpQ04loEGNRDoysHae6KMc5tDcZvUnsB_1skDtHFdJ-Gb/s1600/DSC00490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxO0aep0-0OH-X4thRnL1RASIMCcShTNaPmIZNjowVcymhcPKvvsclMbfaFJb_uoK-cH_ZfMAqp26KvWnVU8I9c_ZpQ04loEGNRDoysHae6KMc5tDcZvUnsB_1skDtHFdJ-Gb/s320/DSC00490.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3wGxt9hJFXprhOSONiIISury80SqJJyQvK1w7fe6b6cElXzRVHD_lvd2OFWhgSxrQq_loIWm_NNMz-C3GOT26eArAPxSAm9-23RBtASVKcPbA1FO5SXCRvq6xBTotPPvUaWN/s1600/DSC00492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3wGxt9hJFXprhOSONiIISury80SqJJyQvK1w7fe6b6cElXzRVHD_lvd2OFWhgSxrQq_loIWm_NNMz-C3GOT26eArAPxSAm9-23RBtASVKcPbA1FO5SXCRvq6xBTotPPvUaWN/s320/DSC00492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman Baths</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaVlKQEA-bd6spVzVSPQsJ29O7UR1wZBJe6vp67KoIV0KKX019_AC0Sae6iaksVUKW8L9G2cwZPRMOtniFSBGBq1q_Bou7PBIPe7bwAhDvmBI8-W5TVdQkSTHhKM8SPubDdzZ/s1600/DSC00498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKaVlKQEA-bd6spVzVSPQsJ29O7UR1wZBJe6vp67KoIV0KKX019_AC0Sae6iaksVUKW8L9G2cwZPRMOtniFSBGBq1q_Bou7PBIPe7bwAhDvmBI8-W5TVdQkSTHhKM8SPubDdzZ/s320/DSC00498.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Crescent (people live here!)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Our travels around were wonderful! We also did some great things in Oxford, so part two to come soon...</div>
TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-16281799901294231522011-08-22T17:13:00.000+01:002011-08-22T17:13:12.621+01:00My world<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4qhzj515TH3ZKFl9KeZx2igSaqcr2Hi5meS49_X4tDq3qY2FFyPpODWs0PT-Rhfx17I1haXKYr7LIkcjS9Ye16feeqIniYQq-Jz-J5vmGXb7aQd-b7cFMgH_aERbyc0VKUYi/s1600/IMG_2024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4qhzj515TH3ZKFl9KeZx2igSaqcr2Hi5meS49_X4tDq3qY2FFyPpODWs0PT-Rhfx17I1haXKYr7LIkcjS9Ye16feeqIniYQq-Jz-J5vmGXb7aQd-b7cFMgH_aERbyc0VKUYi/s400/IMG_2024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Love</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">Contentment</div><div style="text-align: center;">Joy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Never-ending Energy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kind</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sensitive</div><div style="text-align: center;">Independent</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-60885493439173526282011-08-20T09:08:00.000+01:002011-08-20T09:08:33.929+01:00I have to be out by 8:30AM?Two weeks into my new part-time job and I have had the following revelations:<br />
<br />
- 6:00AM is really early, especially when your two-year old is having separation issues and insists you (only you!) lay in her bed from 2:00AM to 3:00AM. Thankfully, this only lasted for three nights but it was exhausting.<br />
<br />
- My husband is much more fun than I am. Oh the things that the two of them have come up with to keep themselves entertained. I have heard about tree-top houses in the woods, pillow forts in the living room and some crazy chase game that doesn't seem to have any point outside of making a certain little someone very tired. She is loving every minute!<br />
<br />
- How often does a person really need to dust? It is not like it is a hygiene issue like, say the bathrooms...oh, I better go clean the bathrooms!<br />
<br />
- Even when you get up at 6:00AM you will spend the last 6 minutes before running out the door looking for your keys, your phone and quite possibly one of your shoes.<br />
<br />
- Speaking of shoes. One half of my favorite pair of shoes has gone missing. We have turned the flat upside down looking for it with no luck. I am little bit concerned that Maddie keeps insisting that it jumped out the window and is now outside in the grass. While there seems to be no evidence that my pretty red shoe is outside our windows, it is quite possible that a very fashion-conscious badger is sporting a nice addition to her nest.<br />
<br />
- Skinny heels <s>work really well in Oxford</s>. It will be all about my boots this fall.<br />
<br />
- My love for all things Microsoft Outlook and Excel has not diminished at all. They make my heart go pitter-patter every morning! My new boss asked if I could fix some old spreadsheets to make them more user friendly and I couldn't say yes fast enough.<br />
<br />
- A lot of people ride the buses into Oxford city centre. I mean, A LOT of people. I had to wait for four buses to go by before I could squeeze myself onto one. Even then I was practically sitting in the driver's lap. This could be why all the buses stop for me now. I might have a reputation.<br />
<br />
- After five years I still love to see the Mrs. in front of my name. Sadly, there aren't many occasions for this outside of work so when emails to Mrs Ferebee come through I get a little smile. :)<br />
<br />
- I have no idea what I am doing but we are figuring it out!TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-40883552684583223792011-07-26T16:06:00.000+01:002011-07-26T16:06:21.498+01:00Go...cook these...now!<div>Ever get stuck in a dinner rut? Yea, I do all of the time. Somedays we have grilled cheese and fruit. Or macaroni and cheese and fruit. Or quesadillas and fruit. Hmm... there seems to be a pattern. Anyway, I recently came across these two recipes and after a few tweaks I think they are nearly perfect. I have single-handedly saved your boring dinners for the next two nights. You didn't know my love language is words of affirmation? Well, it is and I am not above begging. :)</div><div><br />
</div><i>Chicken Florentine</i><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-florentine-casserole/detail.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">this recipe</span></a></div><div><br />
<div>4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts</div><div>1 tbls. butter</div><div>1/4 cup butter</div><div>3 garlic cloves, minced</div><div>1 tbls. lemon juice</div><div>1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup</div></div><div>1/2 tsp dried oregano</div><div>1/2 tsp. dried basil</div><div>1/2 tsp. dried parsley</div><div>1/2 cup half-and-half (or single cream in the UK)</div><div>1/2 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese </div><div>3-4 handfuls of fresh baby spinach leaves (real scientific measurement, huh?!)</div><div>6 mushrooms, sliced (whatever variety you have on hand)</div><div>4-6 bacon slices</div><div>1-1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</div><div>Salt and pepper to taste</div><div><br />
</div><div>Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Saute the mushrooms, 1 minced garlic clove and spinach in the 1 tbls. of butter until the spinach is wilted. Spread on the bottom of a glass baking dish (I used a 8 inch round dish). Place raw chicken on top. Salt and pepper the chicken to your taste. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Melt the 1/4 cup of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, Stirring constantly mix in the rest of the garlic, lemon juice, cream of mushroom soup, dried herbs, cream and Parmesan cheese. Pour over chicken. Arrange bacon slices on top of the chicken.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Bake 25 minutes uncovered. Take out and sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve with rice. I like to put my chicken directly on top of the rice along with the spinach and mushrooms. Cover with the sauce.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Beef with Peppers</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">adapted from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/03/beef-with-peppers/%C2%A0">this recipe</a></span></div><div><br />
</div><div>1-1 1/2 pound Flank Steak, sliced very thin against the grain (if you are like me and can't find flank steak, any cut that can be sliced thinly should do the trick)</div><div>1/2 cup soy sauce</div><div>3 tbls. sherry</div><div>2 tbls. packed brown sugar</div><div>2 tbls. cornstarch</div><div>2 cloves garlic, minced</div><div>1 tsp. ground ginger</div><div>1 tsp. red chili paste (or a few dashes of red chili oil)</div><div>2 tbls. canola oil</div><div>1 medium yellow onion, sliced</div><div>1 red pepper, sliced</div><div>1 yellow pepper, sliced</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix together soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and chili paste (or chili oil.) Place sliced beef in the mixture and toss to coat. Set aside.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5f6161; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. When it is very hot, throw in the onions and cook for less than a minute. Remove to a separate plate. Return skillet to flame, allow to reheat, and add bell peppers. Cook for a minute, tossing, until peppers have brown/black bits but are still firm. Remove to a plate.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Return skillet to heat and allow to get hot. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add 1/3 of the meat mixture, evenly distributing over the surface of the skillet. Allow to sit for 20 to 30 seconds, then turn with tongs. Cook for another 30 seconds, then remove to a separate plate. Repeat with remaining meat until all brown.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reduce heat to low. Add all meat, onions, and peppers to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour in remaining sauce and stir. Allow to simmer on low for a few minutes. Sauce will slowly thicken. Turn off heat. Serve with rice or rice noodles if you can find them. We also had steamed purple cabbage with this and it was a great compliment.</span></span></span></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 15px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bon appetite! </span></span></span></div></span></div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-72795849527992492552011-07-23T09:09:00.000+01:002011-07-23T09:09:55.504+01:00Thank youI wanted to take just a moment to say thank you to everyone who has written or called after I posted below about the miscarriage. The responses have made me smile and cry at the same time! I hate that others have experienced similar losses. At the same time, it is encouraging to hear how you have walked through the process and are continuing to heal and grow.<br />
<br />
Last week I attended a baby shower for a friend. I would be lying if I said there weren't a few moments of hurt and at times I wondered if going had been the right decision. I came home a little sad and a little discouraged. That night I read an email from a friend who after years of unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant recently adopted a beautiful little girl. I thought about how she had been so present and encouraging when I was pregnant with Madeline. She came to my baby shower and smiled and bought beautiful presents. She followed every post and bump picture. She was the first to say congratulations when Madeline was born. In short, she put aside her own feelings of hurt and disappointment to be my friend and celebrate with me. I never heard her complain or say that she needed space.<br />
<br />
That is the example of a friend who loves through her own pain. That is the example that I wish to emulate. That is the kind of friend God has called me to be.<br />
<br />
I wrote my friend and apologized because, at the time, I didn't understand what she was going through. I was not as sensitive as I should have been. I was naive and although at some level I knew she was going through a hard time I had no idea of the hurt she was experiencing.<br />
<br />
I am a better person and friend today because of her example. I hope that I can be the same in someone else's life.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-63114737462880755412011-07-07T14:25:00.002+01:002011-07-07T17:23:53.728+01:00Small steps forward<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I think I am finally ready to talk about the last 3 months in our lives. I have sat down to write these words so many times and yet, the words wouldn't come. It is weird because I have no problem talking with friends or family about our recent struggles. I don't cry when I talk about it with friends or mention it in passing as our lives move forward. For me, writing is so personal and putting my thoughts and feelings down on paper (screen!) makes everything feel more real. Writing gives me time to sit and dwell on my experiences and feelings which often leads to true transparency. With that in mind, please forgive me if this post gets long and wordy and quite possibly very untidy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On 23 March we went to the hospital for the 12 week ultrasound of our unexpected but very welcome newest addition (</span><a href="http://ukferebee.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011a-big-year.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Announcement</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">) set to arrive at the beginning of October. I had been feeling all the normal 1st trimester sickness but at 12.5 weeks things were starting to improve. We were beyond excited to finally see this little one! We decided to take Madeline with us and looking back I will always regret that decision. The moment the technician started the ultrasound I knew something was wrong. I have seen plenty of ultrasounds and knew that everything looked too small and that there was clearly not a heartbeat. The technician quickly confirmed that the pregnancy was not progressing and that there was no heartbeat. I remember feeling like the air had been sucked from my lungs. I couldn't breathe. All I could see was my little girl excitedly watching the monitor hoping to see a baby and just past her head the screen was empty. What do you say? How do you explain what is happening through your own tears? How do you take in what the nurses and doctors are communicating when all you can think is that you must be dreaming? Of course, we then have to leave and walk out in front of all of the people waiting to see their healthy babies. The nurses and doctors were all amazing and sympathetic but there is nothing that anyone can say in that moment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So much of that day is a blur. I do very distinctly remember sitting on the bus headed home. We had taken the same bus to the hospital just a few hours earlier. What a difference those few hours had made. The ride there had been full of laughter and joy while the ride home was quiet and tearful. So many things raced through my head - how were we going to tell people, should I have the surgery or not, what would we do with Madeline if I did have the surgery, why did this happen, did I do something wrong? The questions wouldn't stop.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We did decide to go ahead with the out-patient surgery. Not an easy decision but once it was made I knew it was the right thing to do. I am so thankful for my dear friend Betsy who offered to keep Madeline in her home all day while we were at the hospital. She has two little girls of her own and her husband was out of the country at the time. That is a true friend and was a huge blessing to us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could go on and on but the basics of the last few months can be summed up pretty easily - I recovered great, have a clean bill of health and we are moving forward. What can't be summed up is the emotional healing that comes in stages. I know that there is no perfect prescription for getting through a miscarriage. There are no immediate answers and no 5 step plans that can make it all better. No one can tell you when you will stop thinking about it or how you will feel every time someone announces a pregnancy. It is different for every person.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Initially, I dealt with all of the normal and probably expected emotions. Sadness, hurt, disappointment, anger all within a few short hours. I was surprised that after the first few days life seemed to settle back to normal. I didn't think about the pregnancy every minute of the day. Being a wife and mom took up my time and I was able continue with every day tasks without breaking down. Then one day it hit me. We were at a function with friends and someone who I had only met that day excitedly shared that she and her husband were expecting their second child. Of course, in the moment, I smiled and said congratulations but inside I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. She had no idea of what we had been through just a few short weeks before. I couldn't be mad at her - it wasn't her fault. I knew what it was like to have such exciting news and to be about to burst to tell people. For the first time that afternoon (since the initial news and surgery), I completely broke down sobbing. It was what I needed. I needed to get it all out and say the things that you're not supposed to say. I was angry that I was the one who was supposed to be pregnant, I was the one who was supposed to find out the gender of our baby in a matter of weeks, I was supposed to be looking for summer maternity clothes and double strollers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since that day there have been plenty of opportunities to break down - pregnant women at the park, newborns in my moms weekly Bible study, when someone innocently asks if Madeline is our only child or if we are thinking about having another. Thankfully, the breakdowns have been few and far between and every day gets easier. I know that it is common and at this point there is no reason to think we won't go on to have more children. I know that I didn't do or eat anything wrong. I know that God has a bigger plan and for some reason that I don't understand this is the path that we are walking. I sent an email to a dear friend a few days after the ultrasound and said this:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I keep remembering that God's ways are perfect and he is sovereign in all things. It is times like this when you go back to the basics - God loves me, God only wants the best for me, God is not surprised by anything."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have held onto those truths through the past 3 months. I have seen God's mercies throughout the whole time. I couldn't ask for a better partner than Chris who has provided such strength and love. Madeline is as always the light in my life. Although I never thought I could love her more than I already did, I am so much more aware of how grateful I am to have her. Our families and friends have prayed for us and sent encouraging words from afar just when we needed them. I have a dear friend here who has stepped into my life and loved me exactly as I needed without pretense or judgment. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are taking small steps forward. We are very excited to be almost done with our first year in Oxford. Hopefully only 2 more to go! I have recently accepted a part-time administrative position at the university that starts in August. Chris has been able to work his schedule to stay home with Madeline for 2 days and she will go to a friend's house for another half day. It means some adjustments to our family but we are confident that this is what God has for us right now. I am excited about a new adventure. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As always, we would appreciate your thoughts and prayers for our family. We are stronger today than we were 6 months ago but that doesn't mean that there aren't hard days as we make these changes.</span></span>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-24161042101884274852011-05-07T14:20:00.000+01:002011-05-07T14:20:32.312+01:00A Few Small ImprovementsWe have been in our white cinderblock circa 1973 apartment for a little over 7 months. It has taken time to adjust to the new space (or lack thereof) and decide what we want to do to make it feel like home. There are always certain limitations when you live in rented accommodation especially when it is university owned accommodation. No nails, no permanent changes, no paint and no removing furniture - you get the idea. Not exactly the easiest place to decorate! <div><br />
</div><div>To start, I added a collage wall of family pictures in the living room (living room/dining room/office). The picture quality is pretty horrible but you get the idea. I plan to find new mats for the 4 pictures that are currently stuck to white copy paper but other than that I am pretty happy with it. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdMAQ99EeVkqO2ERKz9k2sZKt85-QhFe7Vy9iClWh3nCg6Wc7jKezLB_hJbUCZDEbc594S8RS9B4r-h7bEG1yGk_nQ5RSqIVwCe04ZGukgtQigUlrcy5S7PnE3_gmZ-DapEd6/s1600/IMG_1862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdMAQ99EeVkqO2ERKz9k2sZKt85-QhFe7Vy9iClWh3nCg6Wc7jKezLB_hJbUCZDEbc594S8RS9B4r-h7bEG1yGk_nQ5RSqIVwCe04ZGukgtQigUlrcy5S7PnE3_gmZ-DapEd6/s320/IMG_1862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>We don't have a lot of bookshelf space but I did manage to find room for a few more pictures.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigETq3jMySK3D2RsbNPriO2ysHAq7celZMxuV3ppRVFjNW-_UWqyoEUMp0v08AHZK7XlBl7scxRAn-FuHQGmwoq7CXxArYLfVKGAPe7f6DsiQq2zuRNOVSTRJDue6919fR_SdE/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigETq3jMySK3D2RsbNPriO2ysHAq7celZMxuV3ppRVFjNW-_UWqyoEUMp0v08AHZK7XlBl7scxRAn-FuHQGmwoq7CXxArYLfVKGAPe7f6DsiQq2zuRNOVSTRJDue6919fR_SdE/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>There is so much left to do and it can be very overwhelming. I have been working on a list of items/projects big and small to work through over the next few months. </div><div><br />
</div><div>- frame and hang our two prints of Durham city centre in the living room;</div><div>- hang my 4 cream plates (maybe buy some colored ones to include) above the table;</div><div>- throw pillows for the sofa and chair (3 white ones and 1-2 printed ones);</div><div>- curtains for the living room and both bedrooms;</div><div>- runner for the table;</div><div>- hallway rug;</div><div>- rugs for our bedroom;</div><div>- small mirror for above my dresser;</div><div>- 3 framed botanical prints for our bedroom;</div><div>- new shower curtain;</div><div>- fabric bulletin board for Maddie's room;</div><div>- 4 clip frames for Maddie's art display;</div><div><br />
</div><div>I am sure there is more! Writing out all of my ideas has always helped me to organize things in my head and hopefully accomplish them. We shall see! </div><div><br />
</div><div>It is easy to become discouraged in an environment like this. I have to remember that it is only temporary. We are extremely blessed to have a roof, warm beds and a working kitchen. Amidst thinking through the the big projects, I received two small gifts that made me smile.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcuaTzttu9zXrYtBugcJipWW83zSqijHjPZMBuA0QDcBbIkf5O777I5m-_LXmWTOoLJTLZ6XKG8VE5lqx-o2Q6oyLS9KnpmPARGzbre-l3oz-P4OlxKR2bhp1qv-FqVnoQh26/s1600/IMG_1865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcuaTzttu9zXrYtBugcJipWW83zSqijHjPZMBuA0QDcBbIkf5O777I5m-_LXmWTOoLJTLZ6XKG8VE5lqx-o2Q6oyLS9KnpmPARGzbre-l3oz-P4OlxKR2bhp1qv-FqVnoQh26/s320/IMG_1865.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My mom sent me a yummy new candle! It not only makes the whole apartment smell wonderful but it also coordinates with the rug in the living room. I love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ_5prm0Se8PXbGCfSyHsCYK8stSaw6bJbE_s9-MvphcObBolQQtQj_dgzUXJhIiJoAYBLdWhLF5Y5n9zjAer4QfUPR0HfSWl-S_grIaG6sOFX-d2k062AuRsQs3AAMed8pJ3/s1600/IMG_1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJ_5prm0Se8PXbGCfSyHsCYK8stSaw6bJbE_s9-MvphcObBolQQtQj_dgzUXJhIiJoAYBLdWhLF5Y5n9zjAer4QfUPR0HfSWl-S_grIaG6sOFX-d2k062AuRsQs3AAMed8pJ3/s320/IMG_1869.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div>I found this cooking scale in a charity shop for...get ready for it...you won't believe it...</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">£2.00!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had a small scale that I bought in Durham but it broke a few weeks ago. I used it almost every day and desperately wanted to replace it. New ones this size cost more than I am willing to pay. I love to go into the charity shops here (you never know what you will find) and this little baby was just waiting for me to take it home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it is the small things that help make the big things not seem quite so overwhelming!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Since a blog post would not be any fun without a Maddie update, I have to post this picture of her new obsession. She loves to set the table for dinner. I think she does a pretty good job for a 2.5 year old. :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8tavMD7bWPSYfNHv7TOQSG00P-w1Zzn_ihNyxcwNQw2EeqwfCOkob8NXjgxqcIsTCxHIxWw2eitSA156sfsqhGqS9lodxZy8oktfawobl8MAHRkxccQVqwOVjZ0t-kkjv6k/s1600/IMG_1867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRf8tavMD7bWPSYfNHv7TOQSG00P-w1Zzn_ihNyxcwNQw2EeqwfCOkob8NXjgxqcIsTCxHIxWw2eitSA156sfsqhGqS9lodxZy8oktfawobl8MAHRkxccQVqwOVjZ0t-kkjv6k/s320/IMG_1867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div><br />
</div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-91662831388828794422011-04-24T07:04:00.000+01:002011-04-24T07:04:48.220+01:00Happy Easter!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>He is not here;<b> he has risen</b>! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="woj"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>”</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luke 24:1-7</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-38768494013918192052011-04-21T21:40:00.001+01:002011-04-23T21:10:13.396+01:00Welcome....Spring!I have always loved spring. It is a new beginning for me. I love the smell of fresh cut green grass, full bouquets of fresh flowers and the early morning sunshine streaming through my windows. I feel like a person who has awakened from a long sleep.<br />
<br />
That is what winter is to me - a long sleep. I don't enjoy winter. The only thing I find enjoyable about winter is the holidays. If it weren't for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve I would probably not leave my house from November to April. I want to like winter; I really do. I desperately want to joyfully run in the snow and be that graceful creature who ice skates in Central Park but alas I can't ice skate, am not graceful and snow requires far too many layers of clothing for me to joyfully run anywhere.<br />
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Spring is a completely different story. No matter what is going on in life I can always find joy in knowing that everything is fresh and clean and just waiting for me to embrace it. The simple things like bright yellow lemons in a fruit bowl or tender tulips in the garden bring a moment of peace to my day. It is these small things that remind me of God's grace and provision. It is he who designed the seasons. He orchestrated how each plant, animal, human and every unique detail would interact with his creation. The picture of the earth coming alive after a long cold winter is a reminder of God's care for every detail of our world down to when the trees will blossom and where the birds should make their nests. If he can see and know every detail in nature who am I to question his care and attention to the details of my life? He knows my every need before I can even express it, he knows my frustrations and my heartaches and more than anything he knows what tomorrow holds. He knows I need spring and has given me the most beautiful days to enjoy and remember his provision.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-19433265000917950632011-04-15T18:26:00.001+01:002011-04-17T13:05:23.930+01:00M.I.A.Just popping in to say that I haven't forgotten that I have a blog and that there is no point if I don't actually write on it! We have had some developments in our family over the past month that we are working through but not quite ready to share publicly. In case you are concerned, Chris and I are fine. No need to be worried about us.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the last post date of March 11 was driving me crazy and I had to put something up so that it is no longer the first thing I see whenever I see the blog. Amidst everything I have taken quite a few new pictures of Madeline and been on a number of fun outings that I am planning to share when the time is right. Thank you for your patience.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-39351256137812974672011-03-11T09:21:00.000+00:002011-03-11T09:21:49.630+00:00In this quiet momentToday I am grateful for...<br />
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sunshine, beautiful warm sunshine that streams through the windows and makes everything it touches brighter;<br />
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the miracle of new life;<br />
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a good first appointment with the midwife yesterday and answers to a lot of my questions;<br />
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my kindhearted, sensitive little girl who loves unconditionally;<br />
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Redbush tea;<br />
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a husband who doesn't complain when we eat store bought pasta two nights in a row;<br />
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new friends who remind me that this too shall pass and inspire me to be a better person;<br />
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Skype video;<br />
<br />
and finally a few quiet moments this morning to reflect on the goodness of God and be reminded of his faithfulness.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-10321620897816856422011-02-17T15:33:00.001+00:002011-02-17T16:05:17.586+00:00Mommy guiltUgh, where to start? This pregnancy plus toddler thing is hard. I don't think I am more sick than I was with Madeline but coping with work was so much easier than this full-time mommy gig! :) When I was pregnant with Madeline I did almost nothing outside of go to work and sleep for the first 11 weeks - literally nothing. The bare essential housework, no cooking, the occasional load of laundry once a week and that was it. I slept for something like 12 hours every night.<br />
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This time couldn't be more different. Life with a two-year old never stops. She can't live on peanut butter sandwiches and we do way more than 1 load of laundry a week. More than anything she just wants me and I am not me right now which is really hard. She wants to play and chase and go to the park. I want to sleep and not think about what to cook for the next meal because while the actual food doesn't make me sick the thought of cooking it does.<br />
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I consider myself fairly patient with her and understanding of her age limitations but lately I find myself with far less patience and a lot more guilt. I know she won't remember these days and I know that I will eventually feel better (or find a better way to cope!) but right now I feel like I am cheating her out of our time together. This is it...we have 8 months of just us before life changes and although I know that the changes are wonderful and will enhance our family I don't want to miss a single moment with my girl.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong I am so excited about this baby. I know that Madeline is going to (eventually?) love having a brother or sister. I know that I will feel better at some point and if my pregnancy with Madeline is any indication that point is in about 4 weeks. I know that I am not scarring her for life nor diminishing her love for me.<br />
<br />
That is my little pity party and now that I have written it all out and had a good cry I feel much better. This is a good thing since naptime is over and I need to make a valiant attempt at being fun Mommy for a few more hours (and do the laundry and the dishes and make dinner).TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-25776773399426702052011-02-14T17:02:00.000+00:002011-02-14T17:02:11.720+00:002011...A BIG Year2011 is a big year for us with many exciting things to not only reminisce about but many to look forward to as well.<br />
<br />
This year, actually just a few weeks from now, marks the 10 year anniversary of our first date and in May we will celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary. It has also been 10 years since we graduated from high school and six years since I graduated from college. In November Madeline will turn 3 years old and by December Chris will be halfway done with his DPhil.<br />
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The most exciting thing to look forward to this year is a new addition to our little family. Yes, we are expecting another baby due to arrive in early October! We are extremely excited and can't wait to have a precious little one again. It is hard to believe that it has been almost three years since we found out I was pregnant with Madeline - time goes by so quickly! When I think about all of the wonderful moments she has brought to our lives I get simply giddy at the idea of what is to come. I can't wait to hold a newborn and watch Madeline as a big sister. Although she doesn't understand what is going on she is "so excited about the baby"!<br />
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We do have some decisions and possible changes to make, namely finding a larger apartment/house, so please keep us in your prayers. We know that this is God's perfect timing and that he knows what we need and will provide it in his time.<br />
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To answer the questions that always come with this type of announcement:<br />
Due date - Oct 2<br />
I feel great just a little tired.<br />
We plan to find out the gender in May.<br />
<br />
So that is how our 2011 is shaping up!TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-34681855456434204242011-01-29T09:40:00.001+00:002011-01-29T09:40:54.201+00:00PLAY<div>I came across this article and thought it had a lot of interesting observations. Maybe someone else will find it interesting/helpful as well. </div><div><br />
</div><a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/why-play-makes-babies-smarter?page=0%2C0&hpt=Sbin">http://www.parenting.com/article/why-play-makes-babies-smarter?page=0,0&hpt=Sbin</a>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-25902641128415374242011-01-27T10:49:00.001+00:002011-01-27T10:50:30.721+00:00Little handsI am working on an actual post to get up in the next day or so but until then...<br />
<br />
Madeline has learned a new trick that she thinks is hilarious. I am not so enamored although it is pretty funny.<br />
<br />
She loves to sneak up behind me and put her COLD hands on my bare back. She has gotten so good at the sneaking that half time I don't even know she is behind me. Once she elicits a scream of terror from me she laughs hysterically for 5 minutes before she sneaks up again.<br />
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Her new favorite line is "Maddie cold hands tickle Mommy!!!!" with a big smile!<br />
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If she wasn't so cute she would be looking for a new home. :)TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-62775357895501623512011-01-16T17:13:00.001+00:002011-01-20T14:23:05.961+00:00Contentment and Perspective...big words for a Sunday afternoon!I was reading a friend's <a href="http://cortezfamilyblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/great-expectations.html">blog</a> earlier this week and was reminded (in a very nice way) of two things I really struggle with at times...<br />
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Contentment and Perspective.<br />
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You see, if you would have asked me 10 years ago where I would be today I am pretty sure, outside of married with kids, there is not much in my answer that would actually match up with where I am. The life I had in mind was fairly traditional, probably a little predictable and pretty much a carbon copy of my own family growing up. All great things but clearly not what God had in store for me. I never in a million years would have imagined the opportunities and adventures that I would experience in the past 10 years most notably in the past 5 years. I could not have seen how much I would grow by stepping away from the life I thought I was intended to lead and embracing the life that God intended for me.<br />
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Sure, there are things that I miss at times. I would love to have a house and paint and decorate and room for storage. I would love to not constantly be worried about the weather since my every day activities are determined by whether it is raining or too cold outside or whether or not something is within a reasonable walking distance. I would love a KitchenAid stand mixer but have you seen what those babies cost in British pounds? I think I will wait!<br />
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Is it hard not to look around at friends and even random internet strangers who have far more fascinating blogs and be a little envious of their predictable/stable/home-owning lives? It can be at times. It is in those moments when I am reminded that I have been given unbelievable gifts. Gifts can come in many forms and for me they have been experiences, lessons, people, moments in time and words of wisdom. Through those gifts I have learned that what we may think is God's best for us pales in comparison to what his plans entail.<br />
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I have no idea what God has planned for the next ten years (although I do hope there is a house and a few more kids in there somewhere!) but I find peace and contentment in knowing that it is all under control. In the meantime, I choose to live and embrace all that God puts before me and find joy in both the big and small moments.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-41295487324152718442011-01-11T12:11:00.000+00:002011-01-11T12:11:13.290+00:00Sick, sick, sickUgh, I have been sick since Wednesday of last week and am finally feeling like myself today. Mommies can't get sick - it just doesn't work! This is the first time that I have been out of commission with anything more than a headache since Madeline was born and it was hard. Although Chris does a great job taking care of Madeline and making sure we eat and the dishes are clean, it is hard to fight that Mommy instinct to get up and take care of things. I tried to on Friday and definitely paid for it by having to spend Saturday in bed.<br />
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I despise being sick! However, I am so grateful that I felt pretty good yesterday and really good today since Chris had to get back to school/work yesterday. He had stayed home Thursday and Friday and had rehearsals for an opera starting yesterday. Yes, an opera! One of his professors was commissioned to do an opera and asked Chris and a few other students to write some of the music. It has been a bit of a stretch for Chris but definitely a learning experience. I am also incredibly grateful that neither Chris nor Madeline appear to have caught the bug.<br />
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Oh, and before anyone asks (or even thinks it!), I was not pregnant sick! Just regular crummy winter sick. :)<br />
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Thinking of all of our family and friends in GA and SC who are covered in snow. Be safe!TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-13718134829877212752011-01-01T09:32:00.003+00:002011-01-04T20:38:18.108+00:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!We made it to a new year! There have been times when I have wondered if 2010 would ever come to an end and with great anticipation for what God has in store for us I am very excited about 2011. The past 12 months have seen big changes in our lives from me temporarily returning to work part-time to our big move to Oxford and Chris starting his DPhil. It has been a year of challenges and learning experiences but at the stroke of midnight the important things were still in place - our extended families are happy and healthy, we have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs, we are happily married and down the hall a little girl was peacefully sleeping completely unaware that mommy and daddy had a hard year and there were times we weren't sure we were going to keep our heads above water. She does know that she is greatly loved. She is happy and brings a smile to everyone that meets her.<br />
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So, goodbye 2010, God has taught us much in this year and we eagerly anticipate what 2011 will bring for the Ferebee three.<br />
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<br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Verdana; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!" Lamentations 3:22-24</span></span></i></span></div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-6316026472247462812010-12-30T12:22:00.000+00:002010-12-30T12:22:37.350+00:00A Rainy Foggy DayWe are trying to beat the winter doldrums around here by playing with all of Madeline's new Christmas toys. It has been so much fun! We have cooked on her new kitchen, watched a few new movies, played with Thomas the Train on the train track, read the new Olivia books about a million times, drawn Frosty on the magna-doodle and well, you get the picture! Madeline has recently taken a major interest in art which I am trying to encourage. She loves to color and cut out shapes and anything involving glue is a big hit. For Christmas my Hagan grandparents gave her a paint kit which she has been begging me to use since she opened it. Needless to say, when it looks like this outside...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OTRtrI-GaYEGjqSDUdlgI8VvEvQNaZzV5aS5DkB0m8zZqtJzC-SPt38QX2r36UUlHgm8x72zAY6Dph6IVjwSUliG98zRL-Qr8cIsuUhokE9wSSCoz2f249Nv7HJLdv68dojv/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OTRtrI-GaYEGjqSDUdlgI8VvEvQNaZzV5aS5DkB0m8zZqtJzC-SPt38QX2r36UUlHgm8x72zAY6Dph6IVjwSUliG98zRL-Qr8cIsuUhokE9wSSCoz2f249Nv7HJLdv68dojv/s320/IMG_1734.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
the obvious thing to do is PAINT!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokzev_3vo4AZCRFfyql5YBng0PT_Vg3CSq4q1imrnB6jZ8tQuP8i40GNmoevELPUAHaVXppbScugFTsJkO33sG8n7u7zJ6iLQ3-0jtQKuBkNl_Kd8-S_IK7JgyewaLUJ0ca_O/s1600/IMG_1719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokzev_3vo4AZCRFfyql5YBng0PT_Vg3CSq4q1imrnB6jZ8tQuP8i40GNmoevELPUAHaVXppbScugFTsJkO33sG8n7u7zJ6iLQ3-0jtQKuBkNl_Kd8-S_IK7JgyewaLUJ0ca_O/s320/IMG_1719.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to start - not happy since I made her wait so I could get a picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARZsdFp_mpsgLokFK2kiY7u8dYqzYQFy675LQUyDivKG9Da62YJ5MDGxbCYRDK7oqc9Jwho5h9Qn7E4fITStWKNuAl_9bbKm2lTygyNK8bsEmFL_AtctisJ7PWN1hdjM-EIMS/s1600/IMG_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARZsdFp_mpsgLokFK2kiY7u8dYqzYQFy675LQUyDivKG9Da62YJ5MDGxbCYRDK7oqc9Jwho5h9Qn7E4fITStWKNuAl_9bbKm2lTygyNK8bsEmFL_AtctisJ7PWN1hdjM-EIMS/s320/IMG_1721.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoc8hesfc-yZY1nght7WFuLEal_jTAXsvRycvzkkotOKUaYwRHdP5BYI9dWAzbqJ4RE3nMCON8rnMtGUKJEzzAMf-mrMMMPyGQB2_3SFrkCFue2C-GKXTgkznf4vswrUYp8nK/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoc8hesfc-yZY1nght7WFuLEal_jTAXsvRycvzkkotOKUaYwRHdP5BYI9dWAzbqJ4RE3nMCON8rnMtGUKJEzzAMf-mrMMMPyGQB2_3SFrkCFue2C-GKXTgkznf4vswrUYp8nK/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed artwork that will go on her new art line in her room. Pictures to come soon.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</tbody></table>After a shower (and a few accidents - wait, I didn't mention that I chose today to start potty training?!) it was time for lunch.<div><br />
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It is 12:15pm and time for a nap! And yes, as I know you are wondering, that is homemade bread she is eating. I am still getting the hang of making whole sandwich loaves but this was the best one yet so there is hope. :)</div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-43972400200897020732010-12-26T09:15:00.000+00:002010-12-26T09:15:40.061+00:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!Merry Christmas from the Ferebee family! We had a wonderful day - stayed inside where it is warm and cozy! Here are a couple of pictures from our Christmas celebrations.<br />
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</div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-23527974336740442122010-11-18T16:47:00.000+00:002010-11-18T16:47:51.726+00:00Madeline's 2nd Birthday!I am finally getting around to posting a little bit about Madeline's second birthday which was November 10th! Hard to believe that she is 2 years old - it feels like she was just a newborn and now she is talking in sentences and most certainly has a mind of her own. She is kind and loving and fiery! I am amazed every day that God gave us such a special gift 2 years ago and I wouldn't change a single moment.<div><br />
</div><div>It is always challenging to celebrate special birthdays and holidays while being so far from family. I knew that Madeline's birthday would be the first celebration in Oxford and wanted to not only make it special for her but also try to include all of our wonderful family that obviously couldn't be here with us. They all went out of their way to send presents and cards and even get up at the crack of dawn to talk to her on Skype. Thank you to all of our family for everything - she loved every second!</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We, of course, also had a birthday cake and she now thinks that if she goes around saying "happy cake" she gets to eat cake! yesterday, she gave Ellie (her favorite stuffed animal - a monkey) a plate from her tea set and said "happy cake Ellie" and pretended to blow out the candles. So sweet!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promised all of the grandparents that I would put up more birthday videos. If you are not a grandparent you will have to excuse the complete overload of cuteness!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-75986905009292830952010-11-03T18:17:00.000+00:002010-11-03T18:17:35.703+00:00A little inspiration<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: normal;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 16px;"><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I never intended to make this a cooking blog and as I don't have a fancy camera (ahem, Christmas idea for anyone reading) there will be no beautiful pictures of any of the meals below. However, I can absolutely assure you they are all delicious and must be tried!</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">{Stuffed Pork Chops}</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons chopped celery</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons chopped onion</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 apple finely chopped</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 cup large breadcrumbs </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3 tablespoons milk</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 teaspoon paprika</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/8 teaspoon salt</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/8 teaspoon pepper</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 (1-inch thick) boneless pork loin chops</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3/4 cup beef broth</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 tablespoon cornstarch</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons cold water</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a skillet, saute celery and onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender. Transfer to a bowl. Add breadcrumbs, apples, milk, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper. Cut a pocket in each pork chop; fill with stuffing.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a skillet, brown chops in remaining butter. Transfer to a greased 9-in. square baking dish. pour broth into dish. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minute or until a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees F. Remove chops and keep warm.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan; bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; gradually stir into drippings. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with the pork chops.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Stuffed-Pork-Chops/Detail.aspx</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> with a few of my changes.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">{Spaghetti and Meatballs}</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Great the next day leftovers made into meatball subs!</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3 tablespoons olive oil</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3/4 cup chopped onion</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4 cloves garlic, minced</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 (16 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 can tomato sauce</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 cup water</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 cup brown sugar</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 cup oregano, divided</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 dried bay leaf</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 pound LEAN ground mince</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 cup parsley</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 eggs, lightly beaten</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 (16 ounce) package uncooked spaghetti</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, and cook the onion until lightly brown. Mix in 2 cloves garlic, and cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, 1/2 the oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer while preparing meatballs.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">In a bowl, mix the ground round, bread crumbs, remaining oregano, remaining garlic, parsley, eggs, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Roll into 1 inch balls, and drop into the sauce. Cook 40 minutes in the sauce, or until internal temperature of meatballs reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and stir in the spaghetti. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jenns-Out-Of-This-World-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jenns-Out-Of-This-World-Spaghetti-and-Meatballs/Detail.aspx</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> with a few modifications.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">{Chicken Breasts with Balsamic Vinegar}</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">salt and pepper to taste</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">6 cloves garlic</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 cup balsamic vinegar</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">3/4 cup chicken broth</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 bay leaf</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1/4 teaspoon dried thyme</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 tablespoon butter</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">1 package vermicelli or fettucini pasta</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Rinse the mushrooms and pat dry. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and saute the chicken until it is nicely browned on one side (about 3 minutes). </span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Add the garlic. Turn the chicken breasts and scatter the mushrooms over them. Continue frying, shaking the skillet and stirring the mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the vinegar, broth, bay leaf and thyme. Cover tightly and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter and cover with foil. Set aside. Continue simmering the sauce, uncovered, over medium high heat for about 7 minutes. Swirl in the butter or margarine and discard the bay leaf. Pour this mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken and serve on top of pasta.</span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Breasts-with-Balsamic-Vinegar-and-Garlic/Detail.aspx">http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Breasts-with-Balsamic-Vinegar-and-Garlic/Detail.aspx</a></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 12.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div><div style="font: 11.0px Times New Roman; line-height: 16.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And now I go to our kitchen to pop the pizza into the oven. This morning pizza seemed like a good idea and meant easy preparation/clean up for me but after posting these recipes I am wishing I had cooked!!</span></div></span></span></div></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></div>TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33341699.post-42806724212588568382010-10-29T11:50:00.000+01:002010-10-29T11:50:17.863+01:00Look Who's Talking...Madeline has been talking for the past few months but over the last 5 weeks (even more specifically the last 2 weeks) her speech has exploded. I am trying to catch her talking on video so I can post it but have been unsuccessful so far . She likes to run to the camera and look at the screen instead of being the subject of the video. We are working on it!<br />
<br />
Her new favorite phrases are:<br />
"I did it, I did it!"<br />
"No, Mommy/Daddy/Maddie"<br />
"Stop, Mommy/Daddy/Maddie"<br />
"Maddie feet cold" - when she takes off her socks at dinner<br />
"I help!"<br />
"Emme, Emme, play" - her new friend across the hall<br />
"Outside dark/cold/sun"<br />
"Yum, yum, Mommy"<br />
"Name and Place" - such as "Daddy school", "Papa church", "Oma house", "Anslee school"<br />
"I fall down"<br />
"I drop Ellie/milk/etc"<br />
"I love you/Mommy/Daddy"<br />
<br />
I am sure I am forgetting some. It is so cute to watch her learn new things and try them out. The other day she said "Mommy love Maddie" and my heart just melted. She has yet to say it again and since we were having a particularly stressful day that day I wonder if it was a special gift from God to remind me what is important.TheFerebeeThree...Four!http://www.blogger.com/profile/16099181814433803803noreply@blogger.com1