tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78073714201371014032024-02-07T14:03:49.115-06:00BIG LOVE BLOGChantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-17665245757583710632011-05-15T13:36:00.000-05:002011-05-15T13:37:41.288-05:00A short documentary about a place I love dearly....Addis Ababa<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/22937650?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/22937650">The City of Addis - A short documentary</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/session7media">Session 7 Media</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-32674648089240582802011-01-25T16:55:00.000-06:002011-01-25T16:55:45.413-06:00Stories of Faith - Christine Caine<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5LMdiBmhf-Y?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen=""></iframe><br />If you are a Cape G person this is the weekend to visit LaCroix church if you are not already going. Christine Caine will be here from Australia to speak about the injustices of sex trafficking in the world. I heard her speak at the Global Leadership Summit and hands down, the best, most passionate speaker there in my opinion. And there was some serious competition in that arena. <br />Become aware of what is happening in the world around us. I love being a part of a church that stand for those who need a voice! If you are a local, consider LaCroix. Amazing things are happening there and God is in all of it!<br />Her story in the video above...and what a story.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-32561543251284775172011-01-17T13:18:00.003-06:002011-01-17T13:24:22.557-06:00Change<iframe width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w61QB8_KOuc?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />Today we remember Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Wouldn't it be awesome to be able to sit down and have a conversation with him? Why was he so committed to the cause? What made him take action when so many people looked the other way? Even people who hated what was happening...What made him stand so firm for what he believed in? Guts? Yep, but so much more than that. A passion for justice and equality? Yep, but more than that also. I personally believe it was his deep relationship with God and his unfailing desire to see change....SEE CHANGE.<br />How crazy the stuff we fill our lives with...Do these boots match this dress? -CHANGE- Should I buy some more stuff? Wow, I feel terrible that I have missed so many days at the gym. I should really get my butt back there. -CHANGE- I will do it..Tomorrow. I am just tired today and too busy with all of my other distractions. -CHANGE-Who are my friends? Real friends, Who can I trust? Are my kids happy? Am I a good mom?-CHANGE ALREADY!- Wow, I am kind of wandering around aimlessly today, better go to Target and get some more stuff. When I am not sure what to do Target is always the answer. _COME ON!-The days and weeks just seem to slip by and it is like I am not even in the moment. I am so DISTRACTED...I AM SO VAIN....I AM SO RIDICULOUS.<br />Really? Yes, it is me from time to time. Weight is something I don't spend time stressing about-but I know a lot of you can add that to your list. I have so so many more for the list, that I am not willing to post.<br />All of these useless distractions we focus on as time passes us by....People are dying, hurting, sad, starving, and lonely...and we worry about this stuff.<br />I have my own dream also...I don't want distractions to rule my life. I want to take MORE action and I WILL. Join me and let's agree to open our eyes to what is happening in the world-even with the pain, & stop focusing on our stuff. WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD...What is holding you back?<br />Random Thoughts and All-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-13633904822357131282010-12-17T21:28:00.015-06:002010-12-17T23:46:35.263-06:00Be Merry and Bright!Wow, I am on a real role here! Have so missed blogging but life has taken on some BIG changes for the Becking crew! First, let me say to the three readers still following us....MERRY CHRISTMAS!<br />Second, GOD IS HUGE!<br />I know I have said that many times before, but at a whole new level I have seen God work in our family's lives over the past 4-6 months. I don't think I ever try to give the impression that my life is perfect! ha ha Anyone who knows me at all knows that! Like any family, husband and wife, partnership, team- there are always issues that without being dealt with-can take you out...Like completely out. I am guilty...of not dealing with my junk. Anyone know where I am coming from here?<br />Well, God has had another plan in mind for me....So over the past 4-6 months, we have been slowly, surely, fearfully facing tough stuff in life...<br />Sometimes simple choices I have made as a mom, a wife, a friend...Has been to NOT face me stuff.<br />God's plan- like I said, was different for me...He had a plan to force me into a new place. God brought some new people into our lives as a family...I think honestly, people I had been praying for without knowing it for years.<br />It has been awesome, scary, miserable, REAL, and pretty much every other emotion available at times!<br />But, here we are in a new place, yet again watching God carry us through!<br />So much has happened since I last blogged....like God has done some crazy awesome things-not without some pain.<br /><br />Bianca turned FOUR! She is truly just unbelievable. She blows my mind with some of the stuff she says.<br />She prays at dinner and not too long ago...totally out of the blue, and at a pivotal moment for me...She started her little prayer and said this...."God, thank you for THIS LIFE."<br />Ughhh. hit me like a ton of bricks. This LIFE...This one...The life we get to live RIGHT NOW...AS IS....without all of the changes we are moving toward...Even in the middle of the funk.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_7lAKUmw9FdmLTrLAtacZVcPdFK_Db_INn8uFCiTNozoG1uBRJxf3DfADijjhfZ_zoGRvpj9BBSmmV7pb1t4Vb1_PR9nN5jyaDNK5m_YL4qPeHPubgum03wvjxIcBGVdpEBYSj5KKkw/s1600/b+stockings.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_7lAKUmw9FdmLTrLAtacZVcPdFK_Db_INn8uFCiTNozoG1uBRJxf3DfADijjhfZ_zoGRvpj9BBSmmV7pb1t4Vb1_PR9nN5jyaDNK5m_YL4qPeHPubgum03wvjxIcBGVdpEBYSj5KKkw/s320/b+stockings.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891283830969250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaqAJGtmcHtPBg5CuAHhFiuEz0sdgGqVzNs9-_OcgQpo2gQtJ_4reFD70yjtXGntKwAl_bJS8jD_LUKHGPn3eWKdZv5XqnpRdhVzVFOMxdWvvWpUmE1TqiuRipIYf61MHHcvIDiMCKm0/s1600/B+and+dad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaqAJGtmcHtPBg5CuAHhFiuEz0sdgGqVzNs9-_OcgQpo2gQtJ_4reFD70yjtXGntKwAl_bJS8jD_LUKHGPn3eWKdZv5XqnpRdhVzVFOMxdWvvWpUmE1TqiuRipIYf61MHHcvIDiMCKm0/s320/B+and+dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891279334905506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioV41Fz-6U5EKkK1B3AbMpSL8R-OmX0Ol52nCQlEDvD4f3XdmshpNiMgUPkM-su7XlV6wmxB2t4WzNX9CPAHtKDdf0l7-7WFS7izX-y30Y_PuGBVNMejHTerqLXC8GqBiauQE-zkHk1Po/s1600/B+birthday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioV41Fz-6U5EKkK1B3AbMpSL8R-OmX0Ol52nCQlEDvD4f3XdmshpNiMgUPkM-su7XlV6wmxB2t4WzNX9CPAHtKDdf0l7-7WFS7izX-y30Y_PuGBVNMejHTerqLXC8GqBiauQE-zkHk1Po/s320/B+birthday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891267531798610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-syMZaXGNkuZLFS_7_wzL90TGYuXiP-kMeaTiri0EBEV4IySFQcDF-1QmQao8BjPZZOgfPXRowf74f5LQlsH3oHPmD0FBnd_Ii-r32OgiUz9RTsSuZwnX2azoxD2xwAjzODTIpATROA/s1600/me+and+b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-syMZaXGNkuZLFS_7_wzL90TGYuXiP-kMeaTiri0EBEV4IySFQcDF-1QmQao8BjPZZOgfPXRowf74f5LQlsH3oHPmD0FBnd_Ii-r32OgiUz9RTsSuZwnX2azoxD2xwAjzODTIpATROA/s320/me+and+b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551893021999848050" /></a><br /><br />Wow, she teaches me stuff every day.<br /><br />Then there is Solie....The little rocker. That kid has a glow about her that rocks my world. She is happy happy joy joy...Unless you cross her...So, just don't...It's not worth it! A determined blissful little girl with a huge heart for love- That is Sol in a nutshell. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed since she has been home.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHMHjJ3dWzhoN1V47jZPtENeJwAmUHA3DAS2-SjGWm8kRB0_ZonDCi3JZ-l41yLfojX7IajAb5td_p7Yo_7RfhlwmYOJHuGoawg4M1Eeg7svky9a7jXrVEk07Nj5Js9vTSi0l82K_gqU/s1600/sol+halloween.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHMHjJ3dWzhoN1V47jZPtENeJwAmUHA3DAS2-SjGWm8kRB0_ZonDCi3JZ-l41yLfojX7IajAb5td_p7Yo_7RfhlwmYOJHuGoawg4M1Eeg7svky9a7jXrVEk07Nj5Js9vTSi0l82K_gqU/s320/sol+halloween.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891756299475346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMNak8ddt9HM-r_GovsLduYo3rVy16B0q_PQwz8C8Pl0RV33J2aXmedFNNVe7QSqtOkoxP_R5GvPvbuVNTa415zfEoZ16jUZ2YxvbECGxxcD1H7m0aSSdhM0pnzKCDLXtqM3AKXhCAUw/s1600/sol+bending.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbMNak8ddt9HM-r_GovsLduYo3rVy16B0q_PQwz8C8Pl0RV33J2aXmedFNNVe7QSqtOkoxP_R5GvPvbuVNTa415zfEoZ16jUZ2YxvbECGxxcD1H7m0aSSdhM0pnzKCDLXtqM3AKXhCAUw/s320/sol+bending.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891753714703762" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTyjNMz0tNdxffJXQns3ECoHvqmYhek7sAUdjSpHALyIVW1HXpELk3_vpaJltFZkTyNmiYxbrjIYYxLBh1MVPb_4Nh9dmi2Ym8NfI1Ui2ndHbFtP4NVLfPSHy6V6C9yR-TMxfVtXREQ4/s1600/sol+smiling.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTyjNMz0tNdxffJXQns3ECoHvqmYhek7sAUdjSpHALyIVW1HXpELk3_vpaJltFZkTyNmiYxbrjIYYxLBh1MVPb_4Nh9dmi2Ym8NfI1Ui2ndHbFtP4NVLfPSHy6V6C9yR-TMxfVtXREQ4/s320/sol+smiling.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551891744106283474" /></a><br /><br />I have started to work again! I know-Can you believe it? We have had an awesome mentor come into our lives and over time we decided to start a company together. It is very exciting and just so right in general. I will post more about it at some point. So, I am working a few days a week while the little crew goes to their little kid school. I have missed using my business mind, and slowly but surely I am getting back in the swing of things! What an awesome thing that is happening.<br /><br />Eric and I have committed to really work on making a better life for our family. This includes dealing with our "baggage" in life. And while it has been a tough road....and we continue on it- I am thankful God brought us to this place. The NEXT 14 years of marriage will be even better. We are learning to better communicate and to just be better for ourselves and each other. It is freeing! I am not going into any more details here because this is our story and we want to keep it that way. But we are happy to have each other and thankful God has given us THIS LIFE.<br /><br />I have been a part of a new and kinda life changing small group...We just completed the book Radical by David Platt....And wow, have I been knocked out by it. I am ready to get back to travel this year, and waiting to see where God takes me.<br /><br />Awesome, Awesome stuff happening through our church. Last weekend over 2000 volunteers helped pack over 500,000 meals for Feed My Starving Children....AND NO THAT IS NOT A TYPO---500,0000 meals for people in desperate need.<br />If you live in our small town and do not have a church that blows your mind...YOU NEED LaCROIX! Please come and be a part of what God is doing there. I have never had such a deep love for a church in my life and so thankful God put us there! <br /><br />On the missions thing...I have not totally understood it, but God had plans for me to be grounded for the last couple of years. I have so so missed being able to go to Africa and really soak in my passion. Lately, I feel a bit of a release from that. And I am open and ready to see where God leads me. Also, on the same note, I have other passions in life that I have realized or should I say re-ignited and am LOVING it!<br /><br />I have good people in my life....Like really good people. Man, I do. Unlikely friends from all walks of life...It feels right. How great it is to have peeps you can totally count on and love. You know who you are...BIG BIG LOVE to you guys.<br /><br />Pretty humbled over the past months as I realize God is really ALWAYS here for me and He shows up in many many different forms and faces. <br />I am going to post a few more things on the book Radical also...If you have not read it and you are ready to step out there...way out there-GO FOR IT!<br /><br />Happy-deeply happy to see so many people in our lives choosing adoption. Friends are bringing home their kids, getting referrals, making the decision to move forward on their dreams! Wow, you have no idea what is in store-happy for you.<br /><br />Okay, and of course what you are all waiting for...Pics of the girls!!!! (Thank you Cheri for shooting our fam for the holidays. Love you_)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49ZOVorOl8kls0nHcxdpAzMZuRs1T2yEP-QLekFd-L46uO8A64r7BubJmmfF-__dST6yzSuCJjaMF5ppbHAXTHXyj5Dd5FGM5r1cSLm2_OwMrxvTj8xmgW8yy7Au0Z31i9SDqwLFbUfs/s1600/girls+in+car.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49ZOVorOl8kls0nHcxdpAzMZuRs1T2yEP-QLekFd-L46uO8A64r7BubJmmfF-__dST6yzSuCJjaMF5ppbHAXTHXyj5Dd5FGM5r1cSLm2_OwMrxvTj8xmgW8yy7Au0Z31i9SDqwLFbUfs/s320/girls+in+car.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551892368551986770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6SXqOjCmgk4egaEMJbePZC719z-uevFSAE4mfQ23C-qTMzd5NUoNr1iM0ovE-htHbf8YL2RU0rGsCwd_fZHLNDAJrIFK1C2-18Kv1Tx3Tz3kYAML2CgkPWwnl_aPOC3MZnKfAb1m-VI/s1600/girls+and+papa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6SXqOjCmgk4egaEMJbePZC719z-uevFSAE4mfQ23C-qTMzd5NUoNr1iM0ovE-htHbf8YL2RU0rGsCwd_fZHLNDAJrIFK1C2-18Kv1Tx3Tz3kYAML2CgkPWwnl_aPOC3MZnKfAb1m-VI/s320/girls+and+papa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551892358404339186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmhgNre0bI57MtcDXFtcIPxrlz2qzO1DvFiFj6X9bXpbfayoDCehP5reXCxovT5wDokqxP-FHZDpK1shNY7uXcjjx4ipau67mq6DCwH6nq0SBgdiXcPiAEDrRoRYqeSHuPohlD6UQEuk/s1600/dad+and+girls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsmhgNre0bI57MtcDXFtcIPxrlz2qzO1DvFiFj6X9bXpbfayoDCehP5reXCxovT5wDokqxP-FHZDpK1shNY7uXcjjx4ipau67mq6DCwH6nq0SBgdiXcPiAEDrRoRYqeSHuPohlD6UQEuk/s320/dad+and+girls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551892356344357218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL3zRa56gmmow5uMG2mJWC1X226d-ke8zJ0M4jLJhjCMMuiRoNiwza-YAC3b8a1gTUdemYtEDpuXgwy6wMdTW14Ti0zkK40LY0UjvMAdLP-DdQKcVNf9UlU9u88YVFkdUd31YaCq2V34/s1600/photo-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL3zRa56gmmow5uMG2mJWC1X226d-ke8zJ0M4jLJhjCMMuiRoNiwza-YAC3b8a1gTUdemYtEDpuXgwy6wMdTW14Ti0zkK40LY0UjvMAdLP-DdQKcVNf9UlU9u88YVFkdUd31YaCq2V34/s320/photo-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551892352578723970" /></a><br /><br />HALLOWEEN! Bianca the winning costume extraordinaire! LEMONADE STAND!!! All her idea! Solie the little Rocker!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolPmld-F3FnCZrVqXQbJobN3i-f8tz2AippNumaAwx_jGyGWfnW8gcpTmxQpo0EytLk50AJll6V74fjeuOctLxrhPzvFkhWc7ve-h6ZBfeckacIR5X3liHLIkV0x5pk8A51tSTvPtNu4/s1600/girls+halloween.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjolPmld-F3FnCZrVqXQbJobN3i-f8tz2AippNumaAwx_jGyGWfnW8gcpTmxQpo0EytLk50AJll6V74fjeuOctLxrhPzvFkhWc7ve-h6ZBfeckacIR5X3liHLIkV0x5pk8A51tSTvPtNu4/s320/girls+halloween.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551893020382586834" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-43068814283523471752010-08-18T23:15:00.019-05:002010-08-18T23:57:13.802-05:00Summer Fun with Little Peeps we LoveAt long last! Momma found the camera cord! So here a just a few pics of our summer!<br /> FAMILY TIME AT THE POOL!!! LOVE IT!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4fal72Hf4E5OkupOCiGvR1a76jLqvXFDeXAl1XJGkmcy2u3mdJjgGV0VJIl38etbcmsL2a8KCuFQBhj20xL0NzpPt24h7di7zanmlmMF6qhu6v1sySt9_m0rK1FuBPRItLUXLojVlDk/s1600/DSCN0699.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4fal72Hf4E5OkupOCiGvR1a76jLqvXFDeXAl1XJGkmcy2u3mdJjgGV0VJIl38etbcmsL2a8KCuFQBhj20xL0NzpPt24h7di7zanmlmMF6qhu6v1sySt9_m0rK1FuBPRItLUXLojVlDk/s400/DSCN0699.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506979614803028882" /></a><br />Okay, you really have no idea how long it took to get this quality photo! The girls hanging with some of their favorite dudes at Aunt Candy and Uncle Mark's house. We had a ball with them.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wJMPj-bLjo2yZgeAtZ_iWfYS_xactBxTijDz4einqt276aEtD7tMd7yoDaLCTiLwCiknKU8H48Mg93eQvSdpf2T1cnzSIHnTLRz2oPlaohJyoqOU2nP71BQqTcwiEqsPipMEN6R76_8/s1600/DSCN0713.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wJMPj-bLjo2yZgeAtZ_iWfYS_xactBxTijDz4einqt276aEtD7tMd7yoDaLCTiLwCiknKU8H48Mg93eQvSdpf2T1cnzSIHnTLRz2oPlaohJyoqOU2nP71BQqTcwiEqsPipMEN6R76_8/s320/DSCN0713.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506972011692931490" /></a><br />You might wonder if Bianca is wearing makeup here...Why yes, yes, she is...Thanks to Auntie Candy...Bianca went downstairs to hang with her while I was getting ready, then the next thing I knew there was this tiny grown up at my feet claiming to be my kid! Just hurt me to see her like this...sob, sob! Lookin way too grown up!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO_bq2TtBpi3gd2eWLqh2yu6sbM1DkdiRRgGtbncRUm1Fb2ntNtLmWcnZcaUv_iMDRRA6Wz0XtNuKasD4yPP7p96p68eOtSHhlzFAeeC0pXLHxT17QY-4Gf1rB3tjleyunmYzBavcj7A/s1600/DSCN0718.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO_bq2TtBpi3gd2eWLqh2yu6sbM1DkdiRRgGtbncRUm1Fb2ntNtLmWcnZcaUv_iMDRRA6Wz0XtNuKasD4yPP7p96p68eOtSHhlzFAeeC0pXLHxT17QY-4Gf1rB3tjleyunmYzBavcj7A/s320/DSCN0718.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506972003739008962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAbdYj0MurdRRqF85Bq0Evp11ROfqif-svmiQ0Sd5E4fHmiZOHozr-SE2lr4-pJLfEY3D0wovht4JswBkCHc5jP_T5iRVCVPJKXXKkfTw94TXu0uINXRRos6pji0aL4dn9_N4PF4kCb4/s1600/DSCN0721.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAbdYj0MurdRRqF85Bq0Evp11ROfqif-svmiQ0Sd5E4fHmiZOHozr-SE2lr4-pJLfEY3D0wovht4JswBkCHc5jP_T5iRVCVPJKXXKkfTw94TXu0uINXRRos6pji0aL4dn9_N4PF4kCb4/s320/DSCN0721.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506971996569830562" /></a><br />Bianca's first BIG EVENT! Mae Mae invited Bianca to go see Dora at the Show-Me Center. This was their big day! What a hoot! They were pumped!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGZ6dPAYZAIrx8wVCDjjVH-AJGW0qS9ye_z3ztFSkzT8DsgIUOkYRG0wXB6969FwZEXH9Q3cDOv-AzVUTF9epCmw43VznAU-ahxrYJ9qberkSXBGYKwuxDC0XKNy5iJMWKhCim9ul_VA/s1600/DSCN0707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGZ6dPAYZAIrx8wVCDjjVH-AJGW0qS9ye_z3ztFSkzT8DsgIUOkYRG0wXB6969FwZEXH9Q3cDOv-AzVUTF9epCmw43VznAU-ahxrYJ9qberkSXBGYKwuxDC0XKNy5iJMWKhCim9ul_VA/s320/DSCN0707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506978985085069922" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYX5m4nSbLwVg8SWVAhbP0YzAMRyJ6ctMinASQ6iw0nt1uAVHhEYU1BYWLKEcZ84Aa01bFTmZZN7oVjw7BHx6dbJUkY0C2lk54VHt_Z6lwanUK3nsMh9pTVuIChItuSmn8OA1q6OyNSg/s1600/DSCN0706.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJYX5m4nSbLwVg8SWVAhbP0YzAMRyJ6ctMinASQ6iw0nt1uAVHhEYU1BYWLKEcZ84Aa01bFTmZZN7oVjw7BHx6dbJUkY0C2lk54VHt_Z6lwanUK3nsMh9pTVuIChItuSmn8OA1q6OyNSg/s320/DSCN0706.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506978972837242466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rmw3h0VskH1xjd4Yh0V9iPYZPhdh_B1ZHnxA1DoaOKP_CXgZyjECcWqTRs8K0P6nmcAVTqNB0_x-7IootvFDmH1ECW7PdT26gLsKvxy9Yg4Py4ygHQJj5388QuVPA0k6cgUVNCZEpW8/s1600/DSCN0705.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4rmw3h0VskH1xjd4Yh0V9iPYZPhdh_B1ZHnxA1DoaOKP_CXgZyjECcWqTRs8K0P6nmcAVTqNB0_x-7IootvFDmH1ECW7PdT26gLsKvxy9Yg4Py4ygHQJj5388QuVPA0k6cgUVNCZEpW8/s320/DSCN0705.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506970671870948930" /></a><br />I hope everyone who reads my blog had an awesome summer with the people you love. Life is short, so always GO BIG! Take in the sunshine, roll your window down and soak in the pure bliss of summer!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-17257911982417729982010-08-07T22:38:00.000-05:002010-08-07T22:38:46.035-05:00Future Olympian, Bianca Becking!Here is a little of what we have been up to this summer....Okay, A LOT of what we have been doing! Bianca has become a total rockstar swimmer. She is three and can dominate the swimming pool without floaties!!!! Love it. Awesome goal achieved! We still use the little life savers on occasion but so great to see her swim all on her own! This kid is driven. When I asked her a few weeks ago if she wanted to jump off the diving board without her floaties, she said, NO. I said, "okay, no biggie. We will try it some other time." In two more seconds, she responds-" Actually (one of her fave words) I am going to choose...and I can change my mind. I want to do it!" And that was the beginning of a whole new world for her. Once she did it once, she had to do it over and over and over again...Can you imagine? And of course daddy was there with his near worshipped iphone to capture it.<br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/LcRM32f9l6I/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LcRM32f9l6I&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LcRM32f9l6I&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-65308262657539024182010-07-30T13:57:00.013-05:002010-07-30T14:22:03.756-05:00Wise and Honest Friends...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRh9sVwFQ73Z7u8MJXQrcu1VHT8gjNYymVLCKWFUy1BybIncOZRZhTNMvwOT2sVNeNPo48OckiH1MkatbdT9_0VGdgMdc_x-6DGLzYNvGEpvui7lUYPXoVFOckai82_sjdw5425NXaRk/s1600/kendra+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRh9sVwFQ73Z7u8MJXQrcu1VHT8gjNYymVLCKWFUy1BybIncOZRZhTNMvwOT2sVNeNPo48OckiH1MkatbdT9_0VGdgMdc_x-6DGLzYNvGEpvui7lUYPXoVFOckai82_sjdw5425NXaRk/s320/kendra+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499779554821040194" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIfgyTcNI7OCYOuL-Kyb3-KuywbK_E_yR7tvjhazDQMQcl7vpx87X91ZSZYTDX7sOqx6-mQg4tzQpZBUUZrkMkqP9mxPH-u2M12EPxl2FIRifxghFdjnlaOrL_LNHvWBBtl1ab5-DOO8/s1600/Kendra+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 135px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIfgyTcNI7OCYOuL-Kyb3-KuywbK_E_yR7tvjhazDQMQcl7vpx87X91ZSZYTDX7sOqx6-mQg4tzQpZBUUZrkMkqP9mxPH-u2M12EPxl2FIRifxghFdjnlaOrL_LNHvWBBtl1ab5-DOO8/s320/Kendra+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499779547631743794" /></a><br /><em>A quick Big Love shout out to <a href="http://simplystatedphoto.com">Simply Stated</a> for the new shots of the girlies! I know I have been bad about posting photos, but more to come very soon!</em><br /><br />I have been amazed by the emails I have received by some of you who read my last post. So, Yes, I am a freak for putting my thoughts out there so naked and unedited!And thank you to those of you who have embraced my inner freak show! <br />I am actually in a good place. A place I need to live in a higher percentage of my life. UNCOMFORTABLE!!!<br />I want to post something a wise and deeply loved friend of mine sent me that she wrote during a time of major GOD sized life change for her and her family. It moved me, to the core. So, thank you <a href="http://www.soulcitychurch.com/#/who-we-are/leadership">Jeanne</a>. You are loved. And I know your words will speak to others who read this.<br />I know so many of you emailed or commented about being in a similar place right now, so let this give you hope and a new focus, and BE READY....Because CHANGE IS GONNA COME!<br /><br /><strong>LEAVING COMFORT FOR COURAGE</strong><br /><blockquote>Courage will always require an element of leaving. Leaving is just plain<br />hard. When My 3 year old knows I’m about to leave he will often squeeze as<br />hard as he can around my neck to lovingly manipulate me into staying one<br />more minute.<br /><br />I know how he feels – because leaving comfort for courage makes me want to<br />wrap my arms around every ounce of safety in my life – hoping if I hold on<br />tight enough that I won’t have to taste the pain of the leaving what I know<br />is inevitable.<br /><br />Leaving comfort and safety looks and sounds alluring and attractive - but<br />the attraction fades quickly – in fact I have never felt so vulnerable,<br />small, and needy…. words that are not known for their alluring appeal.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to question your decision.<br />It will cause you to look around for the safety bars, seatbelt, and any kind<br />of security button.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to try to make something happen… scheme, make phone calls, send<br />out hail mary e-mails– anything to distract from sitting in the fear.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to doubt your abilities – you will look at everything that you<br />have failed at in the past… failed relationships, failed financial<br />decisions, failed leadership calls, - and you will wonder will you repeat<br />those patterns and are they indicators to go out and look for comfort again.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to doubt the author of the calling on your life. Thinking that God<br />is too busy to take care of your little fear<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to be jealous of your neighbors who seem to be perfectly content<br />with their lives – you will wonder if you are some sort of crazy person that<br />has a unhealthy propensity to live on the edge.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to look for the easy way out.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to pray like never before… wonder if you know any scripture to<br />cast out the inner demon of doubt.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />cause you to white knuckle yourself around anything that feels secure and<br />semi safe – even though you know earthly security and safety is a mirage and<br />the place where Jesus is, is most where you want to be.<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />Cause you to feel weak in the knees – a good indicator that you should stop<br />standing up and get ON your knees..<br /><br />Moving from comfort to courage will…<br />Cause others to question you… especially those that have found security to<br />be a bedrock to build their lives on. You will be misunderstood, questioned,<br />and perhaps even seen as foolish.<br /><br />So today God I feel every one of these fears. I am terrified… straight up<br />terrified. I am calling out to you to be a voice of truth and freedom. Tell<br />me to settle down, to trust you and to release every one of these fears into<br />your arms of faith. I know it is impossible to invite others into a life of<br />obedience if I am unable to live it myself – so today I am re-upping my<br />commitment to obey and be faithful. </blockquote><br /><br />Thanks again Jeanne-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><a href="http://www.soulcitychurch.com/#/who-we-are/leadership"></a><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-75406714671641346382010-07-25T15:04:00.000-05:002010-07-25T15:04:49.174-05:00"Scared," by Tom Davis<object style="background-image:url(http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/uJO2LHX8S6Y/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uJO2LHX8S6Y&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uJO2LHX8S6Y&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><br />Check this out! The award winning author of the book Scared is scheduled to come to Cape Girardeau to speak early October. Go out and get this book if you have not already. It WILL rock your world. An if you are a local..or not, don;t miss this event where Tom Davis will speak live in Cape Girardeau! I will post more details of date and location coming soon...But in the meantime----read the book!!!!!!Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-47096448740087095632010-07-12T09:48:00.002-05:002010-07-12T10:18:03.221-05:00Precious...Okay, so I am a totally crappy blogger lately....I know no one really cares when and if I post and I am sure our followers have diminished over the past months. I guess I have been in a bit of life limbo....Not mid-life crisis just yet, at least I think I am totally not old enough for that! I have not been in a funk, but in just what I feel is straight up limbo.<br />You know what it is like to have dreams...real dreams for your life? Well, I seem to have accomplished mine up to a point and then I kind of got apathetic. And apathy is not the best word for it....Maybe just lost a little. I have dreams...big ones. Ridiculous ones...And I guess I had kind of let my mind go to the place, you know, where you start to believe like most of the people you tell your dreams to...that they are in fact, RIDICULOUS. So the funk has gone on for a few months, and now I am making my come back.<br />I guess honestly, I am still sorting out what it is like to be a mom of 2 awesome girls, a wife, a daughter, a friend, a lover of God, an entreprenuer, a dreamer, and do-er for Africa and everything else big in my heart.<br />I have had very wise people remind me that it is all a journey, and life takes some unique turns we do not expect, and I am in the middle of all of that right now.<br />So, interestingly enough, after reading one of my friend's blog review of the movie Faith Like Potatoes, I rented it over the weekend, and while at the video place I also picked up the movie Precious. Let me say, that we are just NOT movie watchers anymore. We were just saying how we had not rented a movie in so long they did not even recognize us at the store anymore.<br />So, we watch Faith Like Potatoes on our family night with Eric's mom. I will be straight with you and say the first 20 minutes were slow, and YES, I am a critic! But the movie moved on to teach us some good stuff about faith in God and stepping out in a big way when God so moves you. It made me think....really think. I have not been doing too much of that lately...Hmmm, maybe part of the the reason for my limbo? Yes, I think so! Free therapy right here...who knew?<br />Okay, so we move on to last night. I did not go to the movies to see Precious even though I wanted to...Could not find a friend who was willing to "go there" with me. Too depressing everyone said....And at some level I felt some of the same stuff. After watching it last night though, I see it is really no different than all of the people (occasionally including myself) who do not want to hear about what is happening in the world. You know, the really ugly stuff. The stuff that makes your heart sink, and at times, even makes you wonder if you can EVER REALLY make a difference.<br />Precious was one of the most moving and intense films I have seen for a long time. It brought a whole new perspective to my own life and also young girls living likely just around the block from us.<br />I cried....a LOT. I prayed last night...A LOT. I got on my knees and asked God for guidance in my life and forgiveness for my selfishness and overall RIDICULOUSNESS...there is that word again.<br /><br />I get bummed because I feel like some of my dreams are not taking wings...While there is a young girl who hopes to live through the night without being attacked...<br />I think about my lack of motivation of going to the gym at times, while a young girl hopes she can find some sort of food to feed her infant...<br />I think about my "stuff", she thinks about surviving day to day....<br />My Diet Coke addiction, her hope for access to clean water....and the list goes on and gets so much more uncomfortable.<br /><br />I say all of this...likely to mostly myself, to say...This life we are given-so many of us- is already priceless. With and without attaining all of our goals and dreams.<br />And it makes me realize even more on so many levels, that we MUST STAND FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE, and be willing to work harder than we can conceive to reach our crazy goals. LITERALLY ANYTHING IS INDEED POSSIBLE.<br /> <br />Today I commit to go for my dreams...all of them...And to make a bigger difference in the lives of people in need. Hold me to it!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-42909634280957236562010-06-07T21:46:00.001-05:002010-06-07T21:48:15.598-05:00Hilarious Becking Girls "Swimsuit" Video<object style="background-image:url(http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/04RcWYcwa6c/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/04RcWYcwa6c&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/04RcWYcwa6c&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br />Eat your heart out Sports Illustrated! These girls mean business!!!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-62397378155176366192010-05-02T21:38:00.005-05:002010-05-02T22:14:35.942-05:00RUNNING FOR ONE MORE!!! WE DID IT!Well, we did it!!! We finished the Country Music Half Marathon! It was awesome! It had been over 5 years since I last ran this race...Wow, do times change! It was so awesome, inspiring, motivating, challenging, and FUN! We had a great group of people RUN FOR ONE MORE to benefit and raise awareness for Room For One More. Some fabulous people gave and many people raised support to run and at race time $10,000 was raised to give to families for adoption grants! We are so happy to be a part of this organization!<br />The weather held out just long enough for most of our group to finish the race with over 32,000 people running, it was total madness. I loved every minute of it!<br />If nothing else, it was a HUGE reminder that we can really do ANYTHING we commit to doing and most EVERYTHING we FEAR is simply MIND OVER MATTER and of course....GOD!<br />I was inspired to see so many people running that I would never imagine to be runners...People ran for so many reasons and some in memory of others. I realized once again, LIFE IS SHORT...I MUST LIVE IT BIG!<br />I have felt kind of stuck in a spot for a while now in life...It is a challenge to sort out how to be a good mom and still live out the other passions in my life. I am working on it, and it is a slow moving process so bare with me. That is why I have not posted for a while now....I am not sure where I am headed next. God seems to be moving my life in a different direction than I would have imagined, and I want to be faithful and at the same time I am kind of feeling a little in limbo...Guess that is where faith comes in Lord knows this is an area I could use some help with!<br />I think I am about ready to start posting more about the stuff in my mind, so if you are still reading my blog...stay tuned! (that means you mom and whoever else out there is reading....Cheri)ha ha<br />in the meantime check out some photos of the marathon and the little ladies!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCNmZcvvq7i95sheIV43MS00b8_nLDAx62hNdiMFC3VADNt76dnTHfKYFOey6kiUUlOdXiMSWGdU6zo2anRjyCxzFS2ilJytsXEdZkbfHlPNVodNcAAB-xKGpBeysyr6QoSGtWU1cjvc/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCNmZcvvq7i95sheIV43MS00b8_nLDAx62hNdiMFC3VADNt76dnTHfKYFOey6kiUUlOdXiMSWGdU6zo2anRjyCxzFS2ilJytsXEdZkbfHlPNVodNcAAB-xKGpBeysyr6QoSGtWU1cjvc/s320/2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466873588916094802" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7zdF3OH3zijSBZ-8wt_HX9pvcdUPmzgU5jOLw2vZqZH-SadLYdZ2Lpdt9oamAdYpDHosntaGtRD0IyfT2P5TYK3fjYJCjsnZ8UlB2cQArqHoRRvTILtL9HZlaWXUfODCD3fTVSgGCHU/s1600/race11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7zdF3OH3zijSBZ-8wt_HX9pvcdUPmzgU5jOLw2vZqZH-SadLYdZ2Lpdt9oamAdYpDHosntaGtRD0IyfT2P5TYK3fjYJCjsnZ8UlB2cQArqHoRRvTILtL9HZlaWXUfODCD3fTVSgGCHU/s320/race11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466873579965415906" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HyrMSnTvMA3q88v0xo6KiaHUwyUEKrH9UyVOPAAI0LsLBe6Hf0ZjBeQqVL5G5P1ykI3u_s-oExpkhYNZnePFlkmh9nR1GX9-kPuzJ5VUScb-pj4jEbnBaFISLRZwTZw9dREzkbIIPDA/s1600/race9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HyrMSnTvMA3q88v0xo6KiaHUwyUEKrH9UyVOPAAI0LsLBe6Hf0ZjBeQqVL5G5P1ykI3u_s-oExpkhYNZnePFlkmh9nR1GX9-kPuzJ5VUScb-pj4jEbnBaFISLRZwTZw9dREzkbIIPDA/s320/race9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466873575724036018" /></a><br />kid love...IPHONE PHOTO UPDATES<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0V4uemTVbuu3sFPy-uFJm7ZoWUAOqLzqXqKDNMac8SQLxz7kzx17lwkVGXSc2N4yMk1wPTbUaCd_Xfi7TJ8io6q0rFPqzcU1Kkj6RFipeHN-7OEY7qY2-fSzw7BYoIQlN5TyPF6xoZ0/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0V4uemTVbuu3sFPy-uFJm7ZoWUAOqLzqXqKDNMac8SQLxz7kzx17lwkVGXSc2N4yMk1wPTbUaCd_Xfi7TJ8io6q0rFPqzcU1Kkj6RFipeHN-7OEY7qY2-fSzw7BYoIQlN5TyPF6xoZ0/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466876249076708322" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk2AxWNzthRyMDfs4v8WcH7lPhBy1X60xWV-wVFQHc17xpNO6OojIDwOOmSZ0u93WMlMQp7WXWkCyFwUxLTeBY5aaa9H86t7jarXmqtfwu14Sautovmcq_9cng-jieBWZYycxPoUzIdo/s1600/BIANCA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk2AxWNzthRyMDfs4v8WcH7lPhBy1X60xWV-wVFQHc17xpNO6OojIDwOOmSZ0u93WMlMQp7WXWkCyFwUxLTeBY5aaa9H86t7jarXmqtfwu14Sautovmcq_9cng-jieBWZYycxPoUzIdo/s320/BIANCA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466876239337997986" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDqmWFQXQhk3kLZa-O4dhlp6jFTaAW1bWVnC3-ajLdhMUJcjb70A2eXeVKs-sL-Kd6CL0Y6hj4karXwwpPyEtPjOTw-F882JJGt-riZhyphenhyphenoUv9sXd4nMTZvo5fSDOclL7FHpNPqEZDYUM/s1600/12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDqmWFQXQhk3kLZa-O4dhlp6jFTaAW1bWVnC3-ajLdhMUJcjb70A2eXeVKs-sL-Kd6CL0Y6hj4karXwwpPyEtPjOTw-F882JJGt-riZhyphenhyphenoUv9sXd4nMTZvo5fSDOclL7FHpNPqEZDYUM/s320/12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466876232998984578" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pTkF4FeTx5PKA4m5bL8mzpAU-LgcyGb14xnLVtpJRtN0SDg3t7EYxLJekkevtKb-wBw6eu1RbuU6OOA-eYGW7b1nZSgPbzyzwRYrYLBasqfZJ5s0vfAOwBIdtCgK1vOyNfQK9I-Z-ow/s1600/132.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pTkF4FeTx5PKA4m5bL8mzpAU-LgcyGb14xnLVtpJRtN0SDg3t7EYxLJekkevtKb-wBw6eu1RbuU6OOA-eYGW7b1nZSgPbzyzwRYrYLBasqfZJ5s0vfAOwBIdtCgK1vOyNfQK9I-Z-ow/s320/132.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466876232464710130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-43623265578677732092010-03-24T08:27:00.003-05:002010-03-24T08:42:32.904-05:00HELP MAKE A DREAM COME TRUE FOR AN ADOPTIVE FAMILY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKVfnmBWW9lfnqjah4YLfdD2v9tBECPCRNfpY9XXI3XNUf2KL4N34Fr58k3w7ropV37e5QQ7DDpVu1UXP4ahCqsP9o-_gcuKFP2PlGet_Zg8hFn3PGtsEuC0msW0Q8Dr8Ed4Nz2sXMd4/s1600/marquee-legend-continues.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKVfnmBWW9lfnqjah4YLfdD2v9tBECPCRNfpY9XXI3XNUf2KL4N34Fr58k3w7ropV37e5QQ7DDpVu1UXP4ahCqsP9o-_gcuKFP2PlGet_Zg8hFn3PGtsEuC0msW0Q8Dr8Ed4Nz2sXMd4/s400/marquee-legend-continues.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452195019094300194" /></a><br /><br />If you are a follower of our blog, you know that our non-prof. organization-Room For One More is running for a cause...A MAJOR cause!<br />On April 24 a large group of us will RUN FOR ONE MORE...to raise awareness of the orphan crisis in the world and to raise funds for an adoption grant for an adoptive family. We have been blown away by all of the wonderful families we have met since creating Room For One More. So many families want to adopt, but need financial assistance. One area RFOM wants to give back-is to families in this situation. So, as we run, sponsors are being asked to donate to the cause and also we would LOVE to see people buy our t-shirts. We have lots of great options on our website at <a href="http://roomforonemorechild.org">www.roomforonemorechild.org </a>and also we have a shirt created for the race that is really awesome also.<br />Check it out below. You can order any of these shirts online and ALL of the proceeds of the run t-shirt will go to an adoption grant for a family in need.<br />There are so many ways to get involved in saving the life of a child and so little can do so much!<br />There is still time to register to run the half marathon with us, and if not- local Nashville peeps, we would love to see you at the finish lines! Buy a t-shirt and let's come together for this awesome cause.<br />I have read some amazing stories lately of the great sacrifices and stories of major faith in action with adoptive families and I am happy to stand for one of these families to give them some much needed support to bring their children home!<br />We will post the total raised after the race. In the meantime...get involved!!!! We need your help!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-11191897891762731942010-03-19T22:07:00.002-05:002010-03-19T22:10:46.864-05:00Check Out the Sweetness!Look who is one!!!! How adorable is this pic above? Aunt Cheri out did herself again on Solie's one year pics! God is so good to give us two phenomenal, hilarious, amazing girls!!!! <br />I will post a better update soon! I just could not wait to get this pic on the blog!!!<br />Check out more of Cheri's awesome work at <a href="http://simplystatedphoto.com">www.simplystatedphoto.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-19488115499733486802010-03-08T20:17:00.006-06:002010-03-08T20:51:36.417-06:00Attention ALL Potential Country Music Marathon Runners!!!!Hi guys!!! Okay we are back on track for the Country Music Half Marathon! We are running to raise awareness of the orphan crisis in our world and to support Room For One More. I know so many of you have sent emails and have been interested in running. PLEASE PLEASE send me an email and let me know if you are hoping/planning to run. Shari (one of my RFOM peeps) told me today that the marathon is considering Room For One More for a charity sponsor which would be AWESOME and they need to know ASAP how many runners we have. This could be great for our organization and we all RUN FOR ONE on that great day. The Country Music Marathon is a GREAT race to run if you are at all considering it...GO FOR IT!!!! There are great people and bands working this race and it will be a great time! Again PLease email me ASAP if you are interested!<br />Here is a sneak peak at the t-shirts for the race. And we will have options for a shirt that wicks away sweat...We are working on it!!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3a6Kaywq7jqstLTkp3z89rangwG0hT1SkNhkd2wA4aALTqEh303HBehts41MFQTQYdfcAG833cv82v3kHOQbps3pNIYltToa0jDGiXbWzp5aobdwgu5ZvNV4d2yZdzpKuC8gM1XMs_w/s1600-h/RFOM+Marathon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3a6Kaywq7jqstLTkp3z89rangwG0hT1SkNhkd2wA4aALTqEh303HBehts41MFQTQYdfcAG833cv82v3kHOQbps3pNIYltToa0jDGiXbWzp5aobdwgu5ZvNV4d2yZdzpKuC8gM1XMs_w/s400/RFOM+Marathon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446461175254416450" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-79755460877910189142010-03-08T09:07:00.001-06:002010-03-08T09:07:38.015-06:00Least of These Painting by Brian Keith Daniel<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><object height='350' width='425'><param value='http://youtube.com/v/tIwoOizrKnA' name='movie'/><embed height='350' width='425' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' src='http://youtube.com/v/tIwoOizrKnA'/></object></p><p>This was just one more amazing event that took place at Celebrate Hope Cape. This painting was later auctioned off for $8,700 and then the buyer GAVE THE PAINTING to be placed in the new orphanage being built in Swaziland. Truly a night of selflessness for little people around the world. May every child feel loved. God is so amazing and the talent these people brought to the evening was ridiculous! </p></div>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-74174563686032448962010-03-05T08:36:00.006-06:002010-03-05T08:52:31.184-06:00CELEBRATE HOPE ROCKS CAPE G!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtK2z9rV9SO5xWf2DOE9uM7AbnhboMtYliJFYZgISNz9Xg1tEzTstZ8aLr_TsvdwqYoyoPtE04Tpu5s6X48mYMjRV4xpmy7IRido1i3iElHO0-qEGyFkftQQjyrnb4bkftrNqhyMFHAc/s1600-h/NewTemplate_04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 99px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtK2z9rV9SO5xWf2DOE9uM7AbnhboMtYliJFYZgISNz9Xg1tEzTstZ8aLr_TsvdwqYoyoPtE04Tpu5s6X48mYMjRV4xpmy7IRido1i3iElHO0-qEGyFkftQQjyrnb4bkftrNqhyMFHAc/s400/NewTemplate_04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445162651829868242" /></a><br /><br /><br />Wow, where to begin! Saturday night....I am still recovering from it!!! What a mind blowing night for God! We had our first Event in Cape to help Heart For Africa....Long story short...One of my best buds came home from Africa last summer and felt God leading her to raise $100,000 to build a new orphanage in Swaziland for Heart For Africa. When she told me this, I thought, OKAY, this could take a while, but LET"S GET AFTER IT!<br />One small gathering around her kitchen table grew to a second meeting at a local business in town and soon more than 25 people were attending these brainstorming, event planning meetings. God had a plan for this small town America and what HE did is still almost too big to believe.<br />Celebrate Hope Cape became our fundraising event...God got ahold of hearts of business owners all over our town and soon we had thousands of dollars in sponsors. We rented the coolest place in town, God kept giving BIG, and so did the people of our town, and 4 months later Celebrate Hope Cape was a reality. It was our lives really for those four months...We lived and breathed this event and what God was doing in the hearts and minds in some cases of the most unsuspecting people...<br />We had originally really hoped to have 250 people attend....And Saturday night we had 558 people come together to make a difference for children 10,000 miles away!!!!<br />Praise the ULTIMATE BIG MAN! <br />We had the most unbelievable night...Most of it a blur to me really as it was so so oversold....But when the event was over, we not only met the initial goal...<br />GOD RAISED A TOTAL OF $120,000 for Heart For Africa!<br />God is CRAZY HUGE!!!!!<br />Just still cannot process what has happened. Janine Maxwell, the VP for Heart For Africa spoke at the event and she announced that the children's home will house infants to two year old children. These will be babies left in pit latrines, found on the side of the road, and left to be found in hospitals. These children will be raised with their own Swazi cultures and tradition, and will know God very early in life. It is phenomenal! <br />I will say it again...I LOVE THIS TOWN! God is doing crazy wild stuff here and I am hanging on for the ride.<br />Take in this huge gift God has given us and the chance to just be a part of it has been unreal!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-91359538027743199272010-02-14T15:35:00.007-06:002010-02-14T16:25:10.906-06:00Time Flies By! Happy VDay and so Much More!HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!<br />And, YES, I did this to them...I know it is for a limited time before they have a major opinion, so I am going for it while it lasts.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcieTJB3E8U9L9sUBLdhVlBgfV0xPqSLU2ws1ZPaomOvq9AohWrliKdJI_adAEf_4I8FpajKgYu2dx0p9du2lb8vCbPAq4c_ymqeF7ZlniVidq3hUHFFfWvSwevu3-9Ku-zQv29HHDhqk/s1600-h/February+2010+051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcieTJB3E8U9L9sUBLdhVlBgfV0xPqSLU2ws1ZPaomOvq9AohWrliKdJI_adAEf_4I8FpajKgYu2dx0p9du2lb8vCbPAq4c_ymqeF7ZlniVidq3hUHFFfWvSwevu3-9Ku-zQv29HHDhqk/s400/February+2010+051.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438222267496369874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL9nIsEus3XxzNZV5kdn7TJ1jjNgesdfflbb4dtWDEDkZPfVy-WM9W-tOTNUR_SRtDpEEZN7HYUMoOiJhoAQN2Z5pdL7X3EV4rS86_NFTXJVZMegBXqyHXVFuAY3nOsK_9zfgepr5d00/s1600-h/February+2010+071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUL9nIsEus3XxzNZV5kdn7TJ1jjNgesdfflbb4dtWDEDkZPfVy-WM9W-tOTNUR_SRtDpEEZN7HYUMoOiJhoAQN2Z5pdL7X3EV4rS86_NFTXJVZMegBXqyHXVFuAY3nOsK_9zfgepr5d00/s400/February+2010+071.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438222260572982770" /></a><br />Hi everybody! First, let me say a HUGE thanks to everyone who has responded to the Country Music Marathon challenge! We are so so pumped! To get the best up to date info on the race please join the Room For One More group on Facebook. My friend Shari Stroup manages it and we are going To be putting new info on it as the race gets closer. So, for those of you totally in this, go ahead and register via the Country Music Marathon website....Then email or facebook us so we can get an exact count and be able to send out group emails to keep everyone up to date. At this point if you are planning to run, you should be training...And I mean, RUNNING at least 2-3 times a week. It is amazing how it can transform your mind and body in such a short time!<br />Since my last post so much has happened! I have been up to my ears in the planning process for the Celebrate Hope event happening here on Feb. 27th. It is going to be such a rockin' event! I can hardly believe all that has come together to make this happen! To learn more about it go to <a href="http://celebratehopecape.com">www.celebratehopecape.com</a>. Buy your tickets now while they are still available online. We are helping to raise 100k for Heart For Africa to build a new orphanage and it is going to happen!!!! The businesses and people in our town have really blown my mind. I am so thankful to live in this town!<br /><br />On another note, Solie has turned 1 since I last posted! We have had camera problems so I did not get any great pics that day. This kid is so amazing! She has a major head of hair these days and is getting a mouth full of teeth. She is using basic sign language for stuff and truly I think might be the happiest little lady alive. We are in love with Miss Solie Koket, living up to her nickname every day as Little Miss Sunshine!<br /><br />I am not organized as many of you already know, so I have kind of been consumed with a few things happening in life for the past month. And with the Heart for Africa event in just 2 weeks, I will likely continue to be distracted until that is over. Please know however, we are full steam ahead with the marathon and we would LOVE for you to join us! The initial t-shirt design is posted on the Room For One More group in Facebook so you can vote on your favorite.<br /><br />For now check out these adorable Becking Valentines!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxhKjzzYoFtOz2KORZPSysnrx_dN1Sc-E9EDfL2RIG6-3maP5Clgg8qjl6yI-o5EywysJ9TwvUfO4d2OEeXEJEv45BZU8d_76sxwmccm6Bk2QIH7utwA_dJlELxRNM1nSmyG0jlsLhOA/s1600-h/February+2010+073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxhKjzzYoFtOz2KORZPSysnrx_dN1Sc-E9EDfL2RIG6-3maP5Clgg8qjl6yI-o5EywysJ9TwvUfO4d2OEeXEJEv45BZU8d_76sxwmccm6Bk2QIH7utwA_dJlELxRNM1nSmyG0jlsLhOA/s400/February+2010+073.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438223360575971250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JpjlbjW0UN9NObeoxX7H7V0zv6g_0jVyexn_YLngKGUNJWmZZD7PefRJUuqp0fk-K0bmsiuYz4eV7gizQrEcV1fyaMcp30Hn5vFnPH0PfW2g7XMVMBKPManCBzDzoxxK1rCP3W0OBNs/s1600-h/February+2010+077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JpjlbjW0UN9NObeoxX7H7V0zv6g_0jVyexn_YLngKGUNJWmZZD7PefRJUuqp0fk-K0bmsiuYz4eV7gizQrEcV1fyaMcp30Hn5vFnPH0PfW2g7XMVMBKPManCBzDzoxxK1rCP3W0OBNs/s400/February+2010+077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438223353781893490" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG4EyL7_pcTsDOINAI0ywRWnCzs_epYJWMVibfJlTPGJUpw-qQU396u6H2-Mzbw34ehLuN7JbLKLsB2EoP_r2rIgbUWQAXVwZXxQY3IomMo1lK2wPhGOLfEXgvM4NDjM_k4gItDgWgmM/s1600-h/February+2010+069.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVG4EyL7_pcTsDOINAI0ywRWnCzs_epYJWMVibfJlTPGJUpw-qQU396u6H2-Mzbw34ehLuN7JbLKLsB2EoP_r2rIgbUWQAXVwZXxQY3IomMo1lK2wPhGOLfEXgvM4NDjM_k4gItDgWgmM/s400/February+2010+069.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438223344894108178" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGi7WPYaGmf5rLhIvadW7fxjoZpxgQv6Shxe-ZRjnQvWMkH1UJlT-ovMELTCNEr0zpiu5dHvVr0Lxvqe8PbHs5_V_XajgDg_UncBDkDRHcnvQpfCnnr963KHDPdsmU9G_ZbMrGOTRlYo/s1600-h/February+2010+056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGi7WPYaGmf5rLhIvadW7fxjoZpxgQv6Shxe-ZRjnQvWMkH1UJlT-ovMELTCNEr0zpiu5dHvVr0Lxvqe8PbHs5_V_XajgDg_UncBDkDRHcnvQpfCnnr963KHDPdsmU9G_ZbMrGOTRlYo/s400/February+2010+056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438224968595456658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAhsWJGLv9itBjhOj8TTWQ4DTLKJt-jH_zZsETWuxMO6j6fIo2SHdPngo7pGp4cP6mkXCR60fvv8MCGh0wmdhWcbM6WlJKvxnfHtCciGABYwtTHLkFlY3lakfFv01ZoDJMJdbdYLdI-Y/s1600-h/February+2010+065.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhAhsWJGLv9itBjhOj8TTWQ4DTLKJt-jH_zZsETWuxMO6j6fIo2SHdPngo7pGp4cP6mkXCR60fvv8MCGh0wmdhWcbM6WlJKvxnfHtCciGABYwtTHLkFlY3lakfFv01ZoDJMJdbdYLdI-Y/s400/February+2010+065.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438224961787387602" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a><a href="http://celebratehopecape.com"></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-22737788187322320912010-01-19T15:56:00.012-06:002010-01-19T17:11:41.644-06:00Country Music Half Marathon....Run for a Cause!I know it is a crazy time to even talk about something so generic as running with all of the extreme sadness happening in Haiti right now. I guess I have been kind of struggling to sort out my thoughts about it. Heartbreaking. We can all play a role in making a difference there...I am seeing so so much need everywhere I turn these days, it is hard to know how to best help. Maybe I will post more later on this.<br />Today, I want to talk about the Country Music Half Marathon....If you are a local here in Missouri or live anywhere EVEN REMOTELY close to Nashville, please consider this:<br />On behalf of orphans all over the world, Room For One More is pulling together a team to run and raise awareness for this cause. We are putting it out there now...And the response has just been awesome already! We will each wear a shirt with a message about the orphan crisis in the world, and on April 24th we will meet up in Nashcity to run for the cause.<br />This is the perfect time to step out...If you have been thinking that you want to get "back in shape", or, "I have always wanted to run a half marathon"....Or maybe you are completely out of shape and could never imagine doing this race....This is still for you!<br />I have been running the past few weeks, though previous to this past couple of weeks, have taken a hiatus from running for 3 YEARS!!!!<br />Feb 1 really kicks of the training time...12 weeks and you can start as a beginner, no problem.<br />I have friends who are avid runners who will "RUN FOR ONE" and also people who have not exercised in MANY years (you know who you are). This is a time to come together and make a physical sacrifice for a cause close to our hearts.<br />I was running this week inside our gym and I have just been using the time to pray and think about kids in need. I thought how crazy it would be for some of the children I have spent time with in various countries in Africa, and what they would think if they could see me running, in circles no less...I bet they would wonder what the heck I was doing. I was thinking what if they had a bird's eye view into my gym on a typical day. People working up a sweat peddling and peddling a bike that goes nowhere, people running on treadmills going nowhere, and those of us on the track running in circles....Focusing, all pushing ourselves to a "better body".<br />How freakin crazy! When I start to get sick of running, usually early in my run, I think about how a young girl, not much older than Bianca spends a good deal of her day, EVERY day just trying to retrieve water for her family. Carrying a load much heavier than we can imagine, and all at the same time, hoping, praying that she is not attacked on her walk back to her village...No thought of high priced tennis shoes, no heated gym, no perfect workout gear, thinking she needs to lose 10lbs...Just a child trying to help keep her family alive....Rocks my world.<br />This is life for millions.<br />So, when people tell me, "oh, there is no way I would run that race", that is fine, as of course it is totally your personal choice, but for me, it is different. I personally do not enjoy running...AT ALL.<br />But the time I spend running is a time I pray for and think about life for people in other parts of the world. It puts my privileged life in check, and I walk out of the gym with a clearer mission. I am more thankful, much more thankful when I walk down the stairs and pick up my kids in the child care. Overwhelmed sometimes.<br />I am starting to realize, every day, I want to make a difference, but it can be easy to lose focus. Of course, I want to be healthy, and yes, I am still vain in the sense that I want to be a certain size and shape, but even more I want to be "on task" with my life. Wow, life can really get away from you when you are a momma taking care of little people all day. These are precious moments and at times I find myself a little too giddy about the fact that their day school is about to start back...Selfish, yes, of course. These are moments not to miss.<br />I guess you can see where I am coming from here. Anyway, if you read my blog and are remotely interested, email or post me. We would LOVE it! And we will set up a page for support on facebook.<br />We will also partner with any other nonprofits for the race and come together as one. Just contact me about it...Now dust off those running shoes and your spandex...Okay, maybe just the shoes!<br />Face your fears!!!!<br />Here are a few of the latest pics of the girls!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEkxAcoQa5F6LFlDxrzhnjlNiuQ-aoBMXAY_SRuX9QcLeOm7rCOAECvBhLNxrXBo0SazFoIKNh8190sT41SKcdv5XL6PWeoMOE5zdMaCNmuJkBE6__KLWReTF4DHKkv0P5B_yNMSlMyY/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEkxAcoQa5F6LFlDxrzhnjlNiuQ-aoBMXAY_SRuX9QcLeOm7rCOAECvBhLNxrXBo0SazFoIKNh8190sT41SKcdv5XL6PWeoMOE5zdMaCNmuJkBE6__KLWReTF4DHKkv0P5B_yNMSlMyY/s400/2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428590500140411938" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV5CxivppFLvkruzNFnWfdm7HNyDidMYywAGJz4esjoZGfW1ZSPTMo1oSZ7zjBXQsHlahrevfyfyrXwc5ew_HGGzv_MKw7_CRlR4MyQk6WY280HfD2uFZ0m9Cb9khSNcQlbSO5M3ZUm4/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEV5CxivppFLvkruzNFnWfdm7HNyDidMYywAGJz4esjoZGfW1ZSPTMo1oSZ7zjBXQsHlahrevfyfyrXwc5ew_HGGzv_MKw7_CRlR4MyQk6WY280HfD2uFZ0m9Cb9khSNcQlbSO5M3ZUm4/s400/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428590498403031186" /></a><br />I found Solie napping like this yesterday! How adorable<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTnWCU9aiOVvs9R0OFL4O_IXMZVz-R_fx6D-QYMP-ciAu1PKvh-k5IYbyAsJTpFIrwlI_wzvl8xU7Tdg7KZdfC9D_Yunk6BwrEuqLwUEIEd6SVdqnimzrmTkYMn_gaERAiq_MBsRZNRU/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTnWCU9aiOVvs9R0OFL4O_IXMZVz-R_fx6D-QYMP-ciAu1PKvh-k5IYbyAsJTpFIrwlI_wzvl8xU7Tdg7KZdfC9D_Yunk6BwrEuqLwUEIEd6SVdqnimzrmTkYMn_gaERAiq_MBsRZNRU/s400/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428590493087707634" /></a><br />Loving the one day of warm weather!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW6O1vBdtMQ8i8BDILNYC37Nruy3cB7haM-Gr2cyo25UXolVGHtCP8Hv7oWNUt7AW_dN-a_Fgm_W8_jzTup4adAT2Bv6FBMl4ecKRzlxTuIc-3v6LestXna4yijH_9GgxSCFv2Xb3ErU/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfW6O1vBdtMQ8i8BDILNYC37Nruy3cB7haM-Gr2cyo25UXolVGHtCP8Hv7oWNUt7AW_dN-a_Fgm_W8_jzTup4adAT2Bv6FBMl4ecKRzlxTuIc-3v6LestXna4yijH_9GgxSCFv2Xb3ErU/s400/3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428590488504438194" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-18945759696292160222010-01-03T22:41:00.014-06:002010-01-04T22:30:08.481-06:00HOPE RISING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0fXllk0vLquhn2JHCEuFZfSbMFiyv7FzQRYVIyS_kpnbTM58O7qUvTJ7rdKQ9_EDhTbdLhn5cPkK1CJtMk75r0scJ21Vvmb0QmBrF3GNLhtVtGDeeCa2lKqPlrjOXd-RiTuGU0q9Ras/s1600-h/hope-rising-2CmPy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0fXllk0vLquhn2JHCEuFZfSbMFiyv7FzQRYVIyS_kpnbTM58O7qUvTJ7rdKQ9_EDhTbdLhn5cPkK1CJtMk75r0scJ21Vvmb0QmBrF3GNLhtVtGDeeCa2lKqPlrjOXd-RiTuGU0q9Ras/s400/hope-rising-2CmPy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422752808497025906" /></a><br />Today was just an awesome day! I am still blown away by the info I learned today! As most of you know, we go to an awesome church and over the past year our church started a journey to make a difference for orphans in the world....Of course I am encouraging this big time! <br />For any local people reading, it is <a href="http://www.lacroixchurch.org">LaCroix Church </a>and I am just so pumped about what God is doing there! (Please also see this as an open invite to join us at LaCroix if you are a local and looking for a church, checking out church as an option, or just thinking this place might be cool)We just finished a great series called Hope Rising, and it was all about serving the poor and standing for those in need. It had such a huge influence on my life. We were challenged in many ways as a church. One of these challenges was to live for 5 days on what millions of people across the globe live like EVERY DAY. We were allowed tap water and 3 meals a day of one cup of rice and beans.<br />If you know me at all, you know I love food! Too much I have learned. How interesting what we focus our time and thoughts toward...And for me, deciding where to eat or looking forward to my next meal, or snack seemed to be a big part of my life.-The funny thing is, I would have NEVER known this if I had not taken on the food challenge. I pretty much thought doing the challenge would be "good for me". Eric and I both did it as a family. We went to sleep hungry at night and I know we were still eating like kings compared to so so many people who live on so much less than the beans and rice every day. <br /><br /><strong>Here are some of the random things that I learned/pondered during this week:</strong>-Frustration....I felt it big time because I could not be in total control<br />-We spend WAY too much in a week eating out!<br />-Looking at my girls in there warm cushy beds, belly's full- I cried at the thought of the 147 million children in the world who have no parents and no security, much less little to no food most of the time.<br />-I cried about almost everything as a matter of a fact...I was constantly overwhelmed by the feeling of being hungry and how over the top we are as a culture with all of our "stuff" while people around the world are LITERALLY STARVING TO DEATH!<br />-I was in a bad mood on and off all week from the lack of food...and still we had all of the tap water we could drink.<br />-Two days I went to the gym and did my typical cardio burn, and when I walked out of the gym I thought I might pass out...And it made me think of what women and children go through walking for miles to get water, only to carry the heavy container once filled while their bellies ache for nutrition.<br />I caught myself looking in the rear view mirror as I drove our over the top SUV, looking at my girls in the back seat thinking...THIS COULD HAVE BEEN THEM...Not a number that is easy to ignore...MY GIRLS, MY BABIES...BIANCA AND SOLIE<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz_papkDMK9_ixM_D_BsN-9VgSB04l3mUhe6AuEzPbR0YvP7GaJjcLwmZTNRGsKoSfWpSOWXGBGiMzBFoCOJjyypIgBSor1bH4MuFihfGtEAWfa_ef0S2uGzw9vW2HJPv3UoUuHMO0ak/s1600-h/DSCN0575.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkz_papkDMK9_ixM_D_BsN-9VgSB04l3mUhe6AuEzPbR0YvP7GaJjcLwmZTNRGsKoSfWpSOWXGBGiMzBFoCOJjyypIgBSor1bH4MuFihfGtEAWfa_ef0S2uGzw9vW2HJPv3UoUuHMO0ak/s200/DSCN0575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422750718992523890" /></a><br />-I knew the 5 days would end if I could "just make it to the end" and then life would be back to normal....FOR US, NOT THEM<br />-I cheated by drinking tea a few days...How weak can a person be?<br />-I wondered, WHY ME? Why did I get this phenomenal life that I EXPECT, and take for granted, and millions of other people ARE DYING FROM LACK OF FOOD AND LOVE<br />-I still went to bed EVERY NIGHT, in my plush, warm bed, and had a shower every day, love every day, a family every day....a wonderful life...every day<br />Eric and I looked at each other and were brought to tears so many times as we ate our one cup meal, realizing that millions of people would be so so thankful for this one cup meal.<br />Well, the list could go on FOREVER, but this is a <em>taste</em>, if you will.<br /><br />In addition to the food challenge our church partnered with a great organization called <a href="http://www.fmsc.org/Page.aspx?pid=398">Feed My Starving Children</a>, and we packed and shipped <strong>157,000 meals </strong>for people in need.<br />On Christmas Eve an offering was taken in hopes of raising $37,000 to pay for these meals, and also to support a great organization called S.H.A.D.E, wHere we will help increase a feeding program for people already serving the poorest of the poor.<br />Today was the day we were to learn how much our church gave for this need.<br />I went to church so excited I could hardly stand it, and when the amount was revealed, I felt weak in my knees.<br /><br /><strong>PEOPLE, REGULAR PEOPLE, CAME TO THE 4 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES HELD AT OUR CHURCH AND IN THOSE 4 SERVICES A TOTAL OF $116,0000 WAS GIVEN FOR THE HOPE RISING FUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />THE GOAL WAS TO RAISE THE $37,000 THAT WOULD FEED 500 KIDS FOR A YEAR....<br />HERE IS WHAT GOD DID!<br />NOW THE MONEY GIVEN WILL IN FACT FEED 1500 KIDS FOR A YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong> <br /><br />Literally unbelievable!<br />GOD IS GIGANTIC!!!!<br />I am so thankful and humbled and challenged!<br />Are you? Where do you stand? Maybe you have thought about getting involved, maybe you already are involved....We have so much...We can all do more.<br />THIS IS WHAT LIFE IS ABOUT!<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-43715351896618019192010-01-01T23:03:00.015-06:002010-01-02T00:56:56.887-06:00Happy New Year...In case anyone out there is still reading!Much love for 2010! What will be on the horizon for the Beckstein family???? Oh, so much! I dropped the ball on Eric at lunch yesterday in mid conversation, how we would have a lot going on this year as I am sure we will start another adoption....HOLD THE PRESSES!!!! He kind of did a double take, but being his awesome self, pretty much played it cool. Did I mention he is a freakin' awesome dad and husband? Wow, I love that dude! I have been spending this whole holiday season taking in my blessings and I am so so overwhelmed by all of the good good stuff in my life! My whole family is just so great and we are so so thankful to have family who love us so big! The holidays were awesome! We just took it in big time as a family. We don't do a ton of gifts, though other people seem to give our kids tons of stuff. I have really been wanting to take on more as far as giving and have been torn between two great organizations we are involved with. On Christmas day Eric gave me this typed up letter that basically said we could totally go for it and take on a few kids in need or maybe even a family (Africa)and I am so excited, and also a little overwhelmed as there is so so much need in this world. Praying God will lead us to the right spot....which, duh? He always does! Side note: OKAY-I just reread this post and I know it sounds kind of too cheesy to be true...And I am not trying to act like my life is perfect, because I am far from that person, but I am just starting to realize more and more how unimportant alot of the "stuff" is that I have spent my time thinking/stressing about. I am always bummed to see awesome people with low self esteem or just not confident in who they already are. I don't want to get caught up in that....and man, if we could all realize what we HAVE...RIGHT HERE AND RIGHT NOW...I am sure we would all live so differently.(ME INCLUDED!) Just awesome holidays in general and good family time. We went to a great New Year;s Eve party last night and just had a ball. There are some really really cool people in this town! And always fun to meet new people. Going to post some pics now! <br />Solie's First Christmas!<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-adb324bf07477285 height=266 width=320 contentId="adb324bf07477285"></OBJECT><br />Bianca's Giggle Fest<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-ebe67c602d7a43d3 height=266 width=320 contentId="ebe67c602d7a43d3"></OBJECT><br />Caution...Baby behind the wheel!<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-136a759ffb223491 height=266 width=320 contentId="136a759ffb223491"></OBJECT><br />Solie & Dad<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol3Echg2zlnZfe2ozw2WDeq8mAvhL4HszTcRCAoGNajojUtS62RdHq0ySiwVLHrpHMSS3pc3ymm9p7YR8mnFOGJQ2vhWucFfDlPdIuVRPEslyFbtJnEjhGxL9xz9HaRtibSVKNXRYiJw/s1600-h/DSCN0577.JPG"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422011190032160402 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjol3Echg2zlnZfe2ozw2WDeq8mAvhL4HszTcRCAoGNajojUtS62RdHq0ySiwVLHrpHMSS3pc3ymm9p7YR8mnFOGJQ2vhWucFfDlPdIuVRPEslyFbtJnEjhGxL9xz9HaRtibSVKNXRYiJw/s400/DSCN0577.JPG" border=0></A> <br />Happy New Year! I know the hat is cheesy, but it was only worn for a second....All you fashion guru's out there! To a GREAT 2010~~<br /><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7KDVWwh0WiWyHum2eDhQMDXC22QBN6HsDydLriWZEh9AFzc1nwxCIjYLWMwDA3qTkHAOkINpwAoiTJH8Hq941fbXfBzr-OeIjnEwBJVt_VDRfQ7tt_Bp-KCBKklGtiNUSFTCYqacGQ4/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><IMG id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422011193396524130 style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7KDVWwh0WiWyHum2eDhQMDXC22QBN6HsDydLriWZEh9AFzc1nwxCIjYLWMwDA3qTkHAOkINpwAoiTJH8Hq941fbXfBzr-OeIjnEwBJVt_VDRfQ7tt_Bp-KCBKklGtiNUSFTCYqacGQ4/s400/photo.jpg" border=0></A> <br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/35/DDE2796F4E9360AAAB9D9A4466B22D59.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-63922391172160423412009-12-13T22:16:00.015-06:002009-12-13T23:13:07.896-06:00Bianca Turned THREE...and YES, She is a Big Deal!I know it has been a month already and wow, how bad I have been at blogging. But, hey, life happens and if I don't feel it, I don't do it. Don't forget...if anyone is still reading-Eric is the one the the great discipline in our family!<br />Bianca turned three and it is totally hitting me now. So wild how much she has changed just in the past month or so.<br />Here is a little taste of our sassy little lady:<br />*She is funny..And I mean, really funny. She has me laughing all of the time. Just last week she told me that she would always like mommy because I don;t have a moustache....Well not for now at least I told her.<br />*She is freaked out by anyone with facial hair...Deal with it...Just one of her gigs these days.<br />*She has a hear the size of Texas. It blows my mind how much this kid loves. We have been doing some stuff to begin to teach the girls what life is like in other parts of the world, and when Bianca was in the tub this week, she asked if some kids didn't have bathtubs...When I told her no-Not all kids have bathtubs, she then asked me about if all kids have toys...Again I said no.<br />After thinking a second, she said, Mommy, I will share my toys with kids who don't have any. (Proud momma moment)Then she topped it of when she said, I don;t want any kids to feel sad.<br />Me too...<br />*She has a fiery little spirit, which I love MOST of the time! Wow, this kid is creative at getting her way and also very opinionated when she does not succeed at it!<br />* She is an awesome big sister. She loves Solie so much...It blows my mind how much she loves her and tries to mother her...She loves to help feed Solie and she plays so great with her. They are a total little team.<br />* She loves her dad...Big time. Followed by her Mimi, Papa, and Gigi-all equal of course. She loves Dora, Max & Ruby, nail polish, her new Handy Manny repair shop, her babies, church, suckers, gum, bubbles in the bath, and pretty much anything where we can pretend.<br />I could really not be more thankful for this child. God has blown our doors off in the blessing department and I am constantly brought to tears when I think about how different all of our lives could have been.<br />Bianca had an awesome birthday with our family and both sets of grandparents. It was such a great day. Below are some pics of the day together.<br /> <br />Happy B-Day Bianca!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxu2xhIk6GZRoYFkgTH3N6Sm9ohuzdGsoU8tursymtaMp6CPUPLY47iw4BeF9DN2nIpLbuF808KjpUL-8qYsDywmVSRRAWcQEbENqEZx0Ta4n1U7WFR19W0OKRbu7cdyGQppvmyWWlLE/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxu2xhIk6GZRoYFkgTH3N6Sm9ohuzdGsoU8tursymtaMp6CPUPLY47iw4BeF9DN2nIpLbuF808KjpUL-8qYsDywmVSRRAWcQEbENqEZx0Ta4n1U7WFR19W0OKRbu7cdyGQppvmyWWlLE/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943897352210162" /></a><br />Just before SUGAR OVERLOAD!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireti9xPr3AyZWQQZH7Cdfj-4xtCh276UtW84nBfql_AfAPJFlkVW5LyN-nK0wVqmeeclo1SEQKCL5uQIHJfEleIAGiWVDBDyHalWs2tAk_WIBikwIx2dLOZiis8VvPp7TS-fyDjdYLdc/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireti9xPr3AyZWQQZH7Cdfj-4xtCh276UtW84nBfql_AfAPJFlkVW5LyN-nK0wVqmeeclo1SEQKCL5uQIHJfEleIAGiWVDBDyHalWs2tAk_WIBikwIx2dLOZiis8VvPp7TS-fyDjdYLdc/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414954726654145778" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-EXszQKk9t_68xGPxDemIXxt6LOzwitJ1tsyyKo10l4HiRcK9JGfnp7ZQK227Yzsu1d-k0vVbm73otD8CT7HfcfSozF4AAXlWtpV96gm3DSNK0S1COkY81fD8wdmY63cmzKIC2RSL3A/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-EXszQKk9t_68xGPxDemIXxt6LOzwitJ1tsyyKo10l4HiRcK9JGfnp7ZQK227Yzsu1d-k0vVbm73otD8CT7HfcfSozF4AAXlWtpV96gm3DSNK0S1COkY81fD8wdmY63cmzKIC2RSL3A/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414943901088055602" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy25IbSGmVNgd-5XWBfjNTVl68iBLjs44j29yOaXrv7Bnaq1Gi10CwvAG4FH3LEtHxvNEtG6Qr7r6BCti-kNbpWKlMiZkb1oPTepwseaUZNm-Gzk6x8SlxEYAC-JCNzBE1s_JR_pPnkF4/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy25IbSGmVNgd-5XWBfjNTVl68iBLjs44j29yOaXrv7Bnaq1Gi10CwvAG4FH3LEtHxvNEtG6Qr7r6BCti-kNbpWKlMiZkb1oPTepwseaUZNm-Gzk6x8SlxEYAC-JCNzBE1s_JR_pPnkF4/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414948481133183826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS2uKAsWEFY5vQaBstconbviqGIJE6LXXNqq2Uz6ic9pEAppDYSeQ8YCb_BIT1S-6kgY1k-BFJkK6vkAML4dUF1sjP4_YRGQ0bdcfkDhMCkaKPd10D54zZBpfeCGSlDfnILP0c46USks/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS2uKAsWEFY5vQaBstconbviqGIJE6LXXNqq2Uz6ic9pEAppDYSeQ8YCb_BIT1S-6kgY1k-BFJkK6vkAML4dUF1sjP4_YRGQ0bdcfkDhMCkaKPd10D54zZBpfeCGSlDfnILP0c46USks/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+027.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414948478417910098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSX4Unl-lUm1fjrFTb6BeHXT-630zYviaOgVNMBJ5FqMnfAP0ujpwAWr82p1aX7VOhIptjPDI3q2gafGdUNKUJrBSZkKWFhhjcUaekLq4KACv19bcPr-bC8Q_aC-gx5SQgRQhoY83wKk/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcSX4Unl-lUm1fjrFTb6BeHXT-630zYviaOgVNMBJ5FqMnfAP0ujpwAWr82p1aX7VOhIptjPDI3q2gafGdUNKUJrBSZkKWFhhjcUaekLq4KACv19bcPr-bC8Q_aC-gx5SQgRQhoY83wKk/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+041.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414945910408869330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIU0SbFOUvA7Ok4qSVN1gimU4NU_U23WuDtYhpFe35sE3y7zEURn7IuarWyZ3LGKOwclOpBLLaaLnB4EKQmrq5d6aOKBf_VFMnMDvIvYmPpfKTPPs9-J395XF8kcWYqVSrb9UF4stQCs/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIU0SbFOUvA7Ok4qSVN1gimU4NU_U23WuDtYhpFe35sE3y7zEURn7IuarWyZ3LGKOwclOpBLLaaLnB4EKQmrq5d6aOKBf_VFMnMDvIvYmPpfKTPPs9-J395XF8kcWYqVSrb9UF4stQCs/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414948496279686994" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wjbxi4ybNnVYWJy1djfJOyW3x8p3zc2GAWJNxIB8AN1wwrwGIWEW-k5FzXkuJsycgss3kg0XK1B0NL7c7lVpql5_kIlUn3Wm0E-i8al06rxhNQU7kv4GMkt5CAJkQXUY8eKFU6KYr4Y/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wjbxi4ybNnVYWJy1djfJOyW3x8p3zc2GAWJNxIB8AN1wwrwGIWEW-k5FzXkuJsycgss3kg0XK1B0NL7c7lVpql5_kIlUn3Wm0E-i8al06rxhNQU7kv4GMkt5CAJkQXUY8eKFU6KYr4Y/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414945905475718738" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKmvpjuMKa4n5ICtJOUsCY4bkzTqr8oxLwHRLXeX-1Yck-32EbkV_t7oDITUoUU5QWH7LA9DrhGv77LeslxYMXGUpHvZ9vepI-pu4LtZSacm-w3Xj5qCpUeWk95p_WUnkOFgSfC1kwas/s1600-h/Bianca+3rd+Bday+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKmvpjuMKa4n5ICtJOUsCY4bkzTqr8oxLwHRLXeX-1Yck-32EbkV_t7oDITUoUU5QWH7LA9DrhGv77LeslxYMXGUpHvZ9vepI-pu4LtZSacm-w3Xj5qCpUeWk95p_WUnkOFgSfC1kwas/s400/Bianca+3rd+Bday+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414945895987243058" /></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-22639571423478617542009-11-02T17:02:00.006-06:002009-11-02T17:25:38.849-06:00A Hippie, Chick, & Ladybug...Comin' At Ya!Check out the Halloween cuties! What a cool experience having two girls who love to dress up! Solie wore her chick outfit with mostly no complaints and never even tried to take her hat off. What a crack up. Bianca was a hippie for school and then she mixed it up for the trunk or treat as a ladybug. Good times had by all. This is my first official year without full costume, and it will be the last. I love Halloween and we used to have the annual Becking Halloween Bash..but for two years now have missed it. I am stating it here...Next year, the bash is back on. And we are going all out again...Start planning for your babysitters and costumes friends.<br />Don't be jealous ladies, but the Becking girls spent the evening with Brett Micheals...Don't hate us for it! Total hottie!<br />Peace out!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U6sSvsK9AFTdcCl7GUZN5eXrkfVYkN3zgUiDsQuC5YdcEasIRLxxccCh-AAQqiMV1hIPIplQtdnroA5xyHuQdSopfmFjY3Jya3_FNrtuxrgAig4LF83zDtHXB2mhID0wxMkrf825P8Q/s1600-h/DSCN0447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5U6sSvsK9AFTdcCl7GUZN5eXrkfVYkN3zgUiDsQuC5YdcEasIRLxxccCh-AAQqiMV1hIPIplQtdnroA5xyHuQdSopfmFjY3Jya3_FNrtuxrgAig4LF83zDtHXB2mhID0wxMkrf825P8Q/s400/DSCN0447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399647057402853666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV6gZQ6yEs4IFt5_vHOrzyaGANccB0rpbLDv8UD9twW91SHMvcMrMu0FJsbes57-NA69v1ZbF_Omlkcvu45hiEKV1Zcn_jv83FhVzvmWarYJXH0E2aSBmZm37G9ycbljib95PCm3zfwI/s1600-h/DSCN0444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhV6gZQ6yEs4IFt5_vHOrzyaGANccB0rpbLDv8UD9twW91SHMvcMrMu0FJsbes57-NA69v1ZbF_Omlkcvu45hiEKV1Zcn_jv83FhVzvmWarYJXH0E2aSBmZm37G9ycbljib95PCm3zfwI/s400/DSCN0444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399647060094170658" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuxtG-twm6MuUY5F_wMPFbXqF_5nkRB3rR7508jXsWo7-fD-gMH-QvGuntG0ER8PAcsZ09sYke03us5ypa4JAYaLozJuStiLmeXZLrWGi6yB9tA2XCZjM3g8KzI5FHkyJvtbXTXMX8Pg/s1600-h/DSCN0446.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuxtG-twm6MuUY5F_wMPFbXqF_5nkRB3rR7508jXsWo7-fD-gMH-QvGuntG0ER8PAcsZ09sYke03us5ypa4JAYaLozJuStiLmeXZLrWGi6yB9tA2XCZjM3g8KzI5FHkyJvtbXTXMX8Pg/s400/DSCN0446.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399647052224392178" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajS0okksL0qA3Y8N1DOUGGKrkkTVpGIO9OWFM9R9H-EFoBAXUoCjoPvjppZO78EosMhJFva3gZ1KkKM6dF77gLd5TZ8G-NERPKDBZlgcmsaSRHpqgYWpd_ubJQhDu3gGtnVRs9gUXM2g/s1600-h/DSCN0461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajS0okksL0qA3Y8N1DOUGGKrkkTVpGIO9OWFM9R9H-EFoBAXUoCjoPvjppZO78EosMhJFva3gZ1KkKM6dF77gLd5TZ8G-NERPKDBZlgcmsaSRHpqgYWpd_ubJQhDu3gGtnVRs9gUXM2g/s400/DSCN0461.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399648816190634370" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcdgMor5BBXsq8mqLJaShaESQLKg2FAcyQ0FHTcreqRYDnKHe05jUAYmjLiz1q42TFbp_qpTHG3yJ-BsE_L0LxDAxdD8LNTN3J94H45H0wR-AhQWZCvVzpZlL0l0VJ16s1VvK6NjGZZ0/s1600-h/DSCN0453.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCcdgMor5BBXsq8mqLJaShaESQLKg2FAcyQ0FHTcreqRYDnKHe05jUAYmjLiz1q42TFbp_qpTHG3yJ-BsE_L0LxDAxdD8LNTN3J94H45H0wR-AhQWZCvVzpZlL0l0VJ16s1VvK6NjGZZ0/s400/DSCN0453.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399648798490452066" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7GfUYqEnHM0W7Yxv0hvyJFVp9ZuXuIxWc01XXULsKfSVjvMYSUVD_1yu6OoTeXoOc974GMEpOH-WVUB1vItbqutjwF521uChNVidy9tfoI84vr7HE1vN8KtrnK9qvVBs-hy7xhCPDtk/s1600-h/DSCN0456.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY7GfUYqEnHM0W7Yxv0hvyJFVp9ZuXuIxWc01XXULsKfSVjvMYSUVD_1yu6OoTeXoOc974GMEpOH-WVUB1vItbqutjwF521uChNVidy9tfoI84vr7HE1vN8KtrnK9qvVBs-hy7xhCPDtk/s400/DSCN0456.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399648807483717762" /></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-33650000311859472572009-10-16T23:30:00.002-05:002009-10-16T23:40:28.098-05:00Orphan Sunday<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6317258&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6317258&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6317258">Orphan Sunday</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2226554">Christian Alliance for Orphans</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /><br />Orphan Sunday is coming up....If you have not heard about it, check it out. There is still time to have your church get on board. What an awesome and simple concept. Wow, we really are busy in life aren't we? Just missing the boat it seems on God's kids that have been left behind. Time to step up...All of us and give these children a voice. It is no longer an option to ignore this crisis. And for those of us doing something, it is time to do more....I am clearly speaking to myself here! I need to think more along these lines every day. When I think I am starting to "do a good job" at this whole effort...is when I am the most jacked up! It is the tip of the iceberg. The time is now...Time is wasting, but more importantly, children's lives are being lost...senselessly. And there is love that needs to be poured all over so so many children all over the world. <br />Please be in prayer about what God is calling you to do to see change for these 147 million...Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-82009784143986041662009-10-11T21:20:00.015-05:002009-10-12T12:10:51.838-05:002 TOPICS: AWESOME FRIENDS....GETTING MORE DISTURBEDWe have just had the most awesome people come into our lives over the past years. God has so hugely blessed us with people who"get" us and really, I think there is no greater feeling to know you have people like this in your life. Our friends Stacey, Gracie, and Ty came to visit a few weeks ago and what a ball we had. Gracie and Solie were in the same orphanage in Ethiopia together and Stac and I used the same adoption agency, so we became good buddies during our process. God gave us such an above and beyond gift when he divinely organized our pick up trips for the same time. When I finally met Stacey in person, it was crazy awesome. Eric and I just loved Stacy and her husband Mat and we spent some life changing moments together in Ethiopia.<br />I feel like they are our family and Solie and Gracie will grow up loving each other.<br />Thank you Stacey for spending time with our family. We were blessed to spend time with you!!! <br />When they were here best bud Cheri came over and took some pics to celebrate our time together, so below are some of the pics.<br /><br />God is like over the top good. I still dont really get it.<br />We have been so challenged lately to live larger....for God. It is scary...and wonderful, and more exciting than I could imagine.<br />How do we know how much to give? Can we ever outgive God? What do I do with all of the good stuff God has blessed my life with? How do I best share what God has given me? What does it REALLY mean to serve "the least of these"? How disturbed should I be in life? Will God protect us when we step out and do something no one else around us understands?...Okay, I have already tried this one more than once and I know the answer!<br />I am just messed up with so much right now and just done with all of the lack of action on my part. Sure, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I step out on occasion, but I am seeing clearly, that is has been NOTHING like what God is calling me to in life...All of us I guess as Christians. Today at our church an awesome series just finished up called "Disturbed"....and I am! I keep thinking about the words, FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD....<br />Really...<br />I live so extreme sometimes. When I know I am supposed to do something I typically do it, no matter the feedback I receive...But lately I have been having these BIG thoughts come up of things I should do, and so quickly I change my own personal channel, because it feels scary and way outta momma's comfort zone.<br />I am being exposed to some people who are loving LARGE for God and I am floored. Speechless really.<br />So no clue where this is headed, but I had to get it out.<br />The challenge is on...for life! <br /><br />Just look at these girls! They deserve a life full of love and I want to grow up knowing what it looks like to LOVE EVERY PERSON.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBmwO3iiChIZx07Lh1pBTvjEVgwbgcPIRLpAsF9tpNBihpj6b0gBgBPJDVZjCvcCdqnEUA_F8pYe3STjJX5jJg8kkHB1GbquWWjnqX9hcjO0A0EeL4ARa7CQFL02v3_2wQ6b1SCeEsPw/s1600-h/Solie+and+B.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBmwO3iiChIZx07Lh1pBTvjEVgwbgcPIRLpAsF9tpNBihpj6b0gBgBPJDVZjCvcCdqnEUA_F8pYe3STjJX5jJg8kkHB1GbquWWjnqX9hcjO0A0EeL4ARa7CQFL02v3_2wQ6b1SCeEsPw/s400/Solie+and+B.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391534706638921330" /></a><br />Check out this wild crew! Becking girls, Stacey and her kids Gracie and Ty and of course Malaena Sloan made it into the pic (cheri's daughter)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CEpWu1MtuLTicZyeTlJgwBeszy7SPqqIiAv5HkW7jX3w527h4vITUs1InhapCkvRRHO84xTPqtfGWclYJojoJsF2qZUVua58bNNTOY9mu5I6-bVD3_qaWwkKFdyH-EhNXLgojBmx5IQ/s1600-h/Stac+and+crew.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CEpWu1MtuLTicZyeTlJgwBeszy7SPqqIiAv5HkW7jX3w527h4vITUs1InhapCkvRRHO84xTPqtfGWclYJojoJsF2qZUVua58bNNTOY9mu5I6-bVD3_qaWwkKFdyH-EhNXLgojBmx5IQ/s400/Stac+and+crew.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391534305837813810" /></a><br />Little adorable Gracie! We love you!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigk_MfEu47KO3ykSIY80EJS0hZ4G6sP4TYn7bpwn5NtEzyg2EWCKoHZ5zL2Xwr4EzixdK9PegRreFrOlKlu_nzLcae2IseXO4d3P7rz3nCMJnmV_cDMJHS_UxsvilfSkVojEry4U5TNM/s1600-h/Gracie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgigk_MfEu47KO3ykSIY80EJS0hZ4G6sP4TYn7bpwn5NtEzyg2EWCKoHZ5zL2Xwr4EzixdK9PegRreFrOlKlu_nzLcae2IseXO4d3P7rz3nCMJnmV_cDMJHS_UxsvilfSkVojEry4U5TNM/s400/Gracie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391534296560601618" /></a><br />Could she be any happier?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRChbvBt_MGSbbHhUoVhlifKh8qsLuPD12t5bOIly1AmJiTFHQKFXi0U9FRGG-dOsHzOrpkAcIPjNaND4qudY5XbxKEZuGkEYclFobnqoarYxir6G-YjqoXsru4Guao9srBUnB6Z-aOE/s1600-h/Solie+9+month+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRChbvBt_MGSbbHhUoVhlifKh8qsLuPD12t5bOIly1AmJiTFHQKFXi0U9FRGG-dOsHzOrpkAcIPjNaND4qudY5XbxKEZuGkEYclFobnqoarYxir6G-YjqoXsru4Guao9srBUnB6Z-aOE/s400/Solie+9+month+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391534293939651858" /></a><br />3 Little girls that love each other..and one that looks alot like Michael Jackson here...but dont worry, it is not him...Just Bianca..."Who's Bad?"<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHlyWZUNhyFbGrLcA0Pvwes-B_sQKFRY8omLnV-TZCv7MhL1LFqQStRj6vEbQvSa3NLGECAylofw1nOcAkj4DDgRDdVd6XSEo15sSghu7shd5ay1Q3qcdTKl4VCV3zoq9p6qQHW_YzY/s1600-h/Three+girls.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfHlyWZUNhyFbGrLcA0Pvwes-B_sQKFRY8omLnV-TZCv7MhL1LFqQStRj6vEbQvSa3NLGECAylofw1nOcAkj4DDgRDdVd6XSEo15sSghu7shd5ay1Q3qcdTKl4VCV3zoq9p6qQHW_YzY/s400/Three+girls.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391534283669649986" /></a>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7807371420137101403.post-6743597583883781502009-09-22T21:30:00.003-05:002009-09-22T21:46:17.646-05:00Becking Babies Love to Jam!What cracks me up is how much these chicks love music! They both already have their own style, and who am I to INFLUENCE their music love???? ha ha<br />Bianca and Solie are growing like crazy and their little personailites are unstoppable! Here are a few bits of the love! <br />In honor of the first week of Dancing with the Stars, here are the Becking girls rockin it out! Check it out!<br /><br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-1112502374b807f6 height=266 width=320 contentId="1112502374b807f6"></OBJECT>Chantellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03171068331517247717noreply@blogger.com5