tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24300049523955376832024-02-20T11:09:58.345-06:00The Hibbard FamilyThe Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.comBlogger1251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-7835082440218879852020-09-04T17:29:00.001-05:002020-09-04T17:29:49.562-05:00Happy 17th, Angela!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> I love commemorating birthdays. Remembering the way my children have grown and developed over the course of a year. I told them I'd stop the photo shoots after their 18th birthdays, but I'm so glad I have their years marked here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That means that, for this precious daughter of mine, I have one more year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA7hszf1GDp_6Zqa_Bn1qOTq8FWmzEEoH2WGajItCXPVQHBKQtXHTP3VeL-93oomYsButc6CWTwg33-rdayRowOoWcOy0qnVwpSdBiuumNdvZWOyl8PhgHd_PpW1YfkzBZAdMBN8OsB-M/s2048/Angie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA7hszf1GDp_6Zqa_Bn1qOTq8FWmzEEoH2WGajItCXPVQHBKQtXHTP3VeL-93oomYsButc6CWTwg33-rdayRowOoWcOy0qnVwpSdBiuumNdvZWOyl8PhgHd_PpW1YfkzBZAdMBN8OsB-M/w375-h500/Angie5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To say this has been a crazy year would definitely be an understatement. Much of what this amazing young lady loves has been shut down by the pandemic. Choir, PraiseWorks -- even taking the ACT! </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP4XjueVA3lyrgddTUV0ni80ugi1ahms0ODRtBtHxyh9irhnjCejydE5AlnE-cG_GCcXdHrO20Yqvk4vrNGg1KpmP-YifoXoNozQupg7N31WXO7Bs9jKYWimAwTMugUHePkUZlbbPQ36L/s2048/Angie8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP4XjueVA3lyrgddTUV0ni80ugi1ahms0ODRtBtHxyh9irhnjCejydE5AlnE-cG_GCcXdHrO20Yqvk4vrNGg1KpmP-YifoXoNozQupg7N31WXO7Bs9jKYWimAwTMugUHePkUZlbbPQ36L/w375-h500/Angie8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And yes, the delay in taking the ACT was a huge disappointment for her. Ever since she took it with Olivia when she was in 8th grade (and Olivia was in 11th), she's been looking forward to taking it when it counted. We told her that would be April of her sophomore year. If we'd said February, she would have been fine. But April? No such luck! July ended up being the winner, though, and she actually came out of the test energized and bouncy! Yes, that's our beautiful nerd for you!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS3qTPQuaZiawQ7vJP9WotGB51tHvlZg49MsyXPxKiYzO3S8hNFocWahuhtmpbCnqcC1KI0UyQ3yI_QZsDgWowwM3oNzQ31dBAsu8r9UP5TxJnNBkrA9y5NvPdcy4SYw6aC6Ctwke3Jmd/s2048/Angie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDS3qTPQuaZiawQ7vJP9WotGB51tHvlZg49MsyXPxKiYzO3S8hNFocWahuhtmpbCnqcC1KI0UyQ3yI_QZsDgWowwM3oNzQ31dBAsu8r9UP5TxJnNBkrA9y5NvPdcy4SYw6aC6Ctwke3Jmd/w375-h500/Angie2.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She still loves sewing challenges. She continues to create a line of beautiful doll dresses, and her current passion is researching historical period fashions so she can replicate them as accurately as possible in her custom doll dresses. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlIDTLmyyMrchuIuCsx6DQ9wk2ErZuF2_frU4oQTJW6AqBZZ6h9n7PqIsw29IGMM-OLlLIWXRenr2IvJbwMaIr0x1LiDYqDHtzAxIdKYQ7_-j2Y6lnXjFECwbzkhc9Q0VQ3TSApPsxBER/s2048/Angie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlIDTLmyyMrchuIuCsx6DQ9wk2ErZuF2_frU4oQTJW6AqBZZ6h9n7PqIsw29IGMM-OLlLIWXRenr2IvJbwMaIr0x1LiDYqDHtzAxIdKYQ7_-j2Y6lnXjFECwbzkhc9Q0VQ3TSApPsxBER/w375-h500/Angie4.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She's also enjoyed experimenting with various mask patterns, including outfitting her sister with plenty of masks for the fall semester! Oh, and making sure she has masks that match her favorite dresses. As you can probably imagine, she has a pink one with black straps to match this pink dress!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9ImCXwwh8ufErA0A2_o_bPPU49DrL-gWVSO82APd8Y8kOdCMqlaBoe2tHlFUuQP3fYpAPxxNhmfo2MK53o9s8C9wHaB4oE_xJAWCnd-HCp4t4425KZK79pGYmWNqKrqzlmr6nalGEg31/s2048/Angie9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1770" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9ImCXwwh8ufErA0A2_o_bPPU49DrL-gWVSO82APd8Y8kOdCMqlaBoe2tHlFUuQP3fYpAPxxNhmfo2MK53o9s8C9wHaB4oE_xJAWCnd-HCp4t4425KZK79pGYmWNqKrqzlmr6nalGEg31/w433-h500/Angie9.jpg" width="433" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And anyone who knows her well knows that she always has yarn with her, everywhere she goes. Sometimes it's knitting, sometimes it's crocheting, but she's always got something new going. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a book. Always a book -- or her Kindle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6_nSl8O5dDFwH-h4pbgiqWnqYdFrlkzx-XXGq7z6TxFLQlXYEzkTHmGeLwh5V0yvpFPmpF0GwE_dVngkvWJ3O45KAqitDwht9IuC-Hwi82gC1pi2MoOGPqGDmX_iuM5HtrmRYwCwB2qk/s2048/Angie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1535" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6_nSl8O5dDFwH-h4pbgiqWnqYdFrlkzx-XXGq7z6TxFLQlXYEzkTHmGeLwh5V0yvpFPmpF0GwE_dVngkvWJ3O45KAqitDwht9IuC-Hwi82gC1pi2MoOGPqGDmX_iuM5HtrmRYwCwB2qk/w375-h500/Angie3.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The passion that has been hardest to maintain on her own is her music. Although she's working on guitar and piano, her real passion is vocal music. With Arkansas Youth Chorale suspended indefinitely and no PraiseWorks this year, her choir opportunities have disappeared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But, every Sunday, she stands in the back at church and sings her heart out! And she's had the opportunity to practice some worship leadership skills on Sunday nights as our church continues to do online only for evening services.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc5w7CyeAbGhWLGcL-OHIAMBp2zWICwyIYG8mJF86GS-PkUwOEl5JmBEbqB6NyoKLBbrlNmNWv2Euv_m8gpV5oml_VIOiIYzATRFfqdJp5_gBK-0XVFF2ipVvydw2UxLHYYb739ToP0gS/s2048/Angie7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc5w7CyeAbGhWLGcL-OHIAMBp2zWICwyIYG8mJF86GS-PkUwOEl5JmBEbqB6NyoKLBbrlNmNWv2Euv_m8gpV5oml_VIOiIYzATRFfqdJp5_gBK-0XVFF2ipVvydw2UxLHYYb739ToP0gS/w375-h500/Angie7.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She also has decided that she'd love to explore musical theater at some point, so we're praying for the schedule to work out and doors to open for that once everything starts getting back to "normal."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgSSn993HS29gFCTFF8NEIWWQsv-oMqIQymgx1p0nkB_RZYls8QwvQRX1vxkK-4ClIPFtgxGKLBb_13sU5VUSYqYbMR7a9Zn6BfwIq24gHVnXQeJZkO8YP1m2P_w94lQX84AZgvhN3uhk/s2048/Angie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgSSn993HS29gFCTFF8NEIWWQsv-oMqIQymgx1p0nkB_RZYls8QwvQRX1vxkK-4ClIPFtgxGKLBb_13sU5VUSYqYbMR7a9Zn6BfwIq24gHVnXQeJZkO8YP1m2P_w94lQX84AZgvhN3uhk/w375-h500/Angie1.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meanwhile, she's starting to explore photography as well and has taken some gorgeous pictures! I'm excited to see how she develops that talent. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwym45wczemeZcEWj7lcWyOmH4EljjvpJKhXkdzKFV5SE4AKFotk3kPhoc9WA3EoiijLYkM-fLJ3PwAEUAtooCCP1ufhyphenhyphen3afa35ixFd46-_bM7iKqyg9V37VFZ6oIqndkfjMG8wXArSYOF/s2048/Angie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1526" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwym45wczemeZcEWj7lcWyOmH4EljjvpJKhXkdzKFV5SE4AKFotk3kPhoc9WA3EoiijLYkM-fLJ3PwAEUAtooCCP1ufhyphenhyphen3afa35ixFd46-_bM7iKqyg9V37VFZ6oIqndkfjMG8wXArSYOF/w373-h500/Angie10.jpg" width="373" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't describe what a joy it is to be the mother of this young lady. She's brilliant and witty and creative and fun. I love watching her grow and learn, and I love that she's finding ways to pursue her passions even when everything doesn't easily fall into place. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkwR62G_qmh-S1IALC9DBREYumi3PwK3w2xPGkf4wlkoao5N20Kg4KYlSOQZ281G0VOgwIti3h4Lbk74WxjuDE-HQeXw49J6fF8ikNlaOTpATTpdG98OWJ5d0FeMjjcr50FWrSlkWiNE2/s2048/Angie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkwR62G_qmh-S1IALC9DBREYumi3PwK3w2xPGkf4wlkoao5N20Kg4KYlSOQZ281G0VOgwIti3h4Lbk74WxjuDE-HQeXw49J6fF8ikNlaOTpATTpdG98OWJ5d0FeMjjcr50FWrSlkWiNE2/w375-h500/Angie6.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So proud of you, sweetheart! Happy birthday!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-58200382006018902262020-08-10T10:07:00.004-05:002020-08-10T10:07:29.503-05:00Happy 14th, Steven!<p style="text-align: center;"> How do they change so much in such a short time? Much less in a single year? But I can't deny that this young man has done just that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht_eBjJJs56g_6tgGXVuWIsgO5JqBeCG3rxJ8t7GdBznLjVci8MYHbrqCdGBcCkmKwDGSPZl_TER1Bx5xSZhxyH7ATnam4INgMRvguofi6ggGtcFJ3eZANfAjlCwrB5f8CiuBGGJVQe9gB/w384-h512/Steven2.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="384" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's added a little over two inches to his height, has had to start shaving, and has officially transitioned from tenor to baritone (we knew it was coming!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC5rmW-mU1iTaJdYTywjKenZcwfSlBrcLY86WRCwwoa5whI7oW869XsYUS2BD5tHwYd8VPMZEDfkhg8t6VnqLOYb7hzGbaXwiBd8KOdguxg6p2I1JhQQuQhjftJAG-WEP8_T5u8nmgHtn/s800/Steven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC5rmW-mU1iTaJdYTywjKenZcwfSlBrcLY86WRCwwoa5whI7oW869XsYUS2BD5tHwYd8VPMZEDfkhg8t6VnqLOYb7hzGbaXwiBd8KOdguxg6p2I1JhQQuQhjftJAG-WEP8_T5u8nmgHtn/w384-h512/Steven1.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But some things don't change. He still loves our pets, even if he does get exasperated with them sometimes, and they love him, even if it's sometimes shown through rather "violent" play.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUctE4E0kl0etjddN9k-e7XJ3qaOBeBySq46AgjMXnI2Kh8UBHldvOJ31VQXERhaG3JSHE6TOv7akR2Mx0U0UxRZUKQLhzwdi2YmQ2mw97YKArMnqyEwuU-hG4_KlXLB1NJLnnwQO8Xvwk/s800/Steven4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUctE4E0kl0etjddN9k-e7XJ3qaOBeBySq46AgjMXnI2Kh8UBHldvOJ31VQXERhaG3JSHE6TOv7akR2Mx0U0UxRZUKQLhzwdi2YmQ2mw97YKArMnqyEwuU-hG4_KlXLB1NJLnnwQO8Xvwk/w384-h512/Steven4.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He still keeps us laughing with his fun, dramatic ways. He still loves his sisters dearly and has been rather glad to have the older one home for the past five months, despite the crazy circumstances of her very unexpected presence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2ELiCPkh1Q9rUD6SCc88-dTKAlO4IMDHz1SECH4-SOX9AseHkrnEJn_bEtqkuk4VPxTeRXTv5EI9OHVEMFoOAl1c9b02bl6PIonksHly7w75QYP8GzA1bQQpdMzpD8PY-Di0Lj-Gq47d/s633/Steven8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="600" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2ELiCPkh1Q9rUD6SCc88-dTKAlO4IMDHz1SECH4-SOX9AseHkrnEJn_bEtqkuk4VPxTeRXTv5EI9OHVEMFoOAl1c9b02bl6PIonksHly7w75QYP8GzA1bQQpdMzpD8PY-Di0Lj-Gq47d/w480-h506/Steven8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">And those guitars he had last year? They've multiplied! He now has a variety of options, including a 12-string and another "heritage" guitar. He now owns his great-grandfather's Gibson in addition to his grandfather's Yamaha. The day that was handed to him was probably one of the most exciting days of his young life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wb6z4nde8il6AErkc-28GZxZfjco8qPoOeFpVl4hQetLWf9PETMqbBcXp9KswwE9rSXfcTUpSmlCEuXNuXbEbUcSy4Cjv3bKx_bMC1NiNRou-zHhJel2sBOlA1tEQc4_ga78EdFpy41D/s800/Steven5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Wb6z4nde8il6AErkc-28GZxZfjco8qPoOeFpVl4hQetLWf9PETMqbBcXp9KswwE9rSXfcTUpSmlCEuXNuXbEbUcSy4Cjv3bKx_bMC1NiNRou-zHhJel2sBOlA1tEQc4_ga78EdFpy41D/w384-h512/Steven5.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It didn't take long last fall before he did actually join the church worship team, and his skills have multiplied rapidly. He loves challenging himself to learn new music, and we enjoy a "concert" every morning as he starts the day practicing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdcEdjU9r1bR_6MZt-p5aif3mq-8I6nIlmlrZYuffbdxGHsOjW_tLLK9F22soYec7Qvvg9_u8YGswJXAZsbPBJVWeaLO5O3Qlft2syOeYE0-iH78AQ3K43RE5QiMLBw7uU1hLPIeRiFuL/s785/Steven3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="785" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdcEdjU9r1bR_6MZt-p5aif3mq-8I6nIlmlrZYuffbdxGHsOjW_tLLK9F22soYec7Qvvg9_u8YGswJXAZsbPBJVWeaLO5O3Qlft2syOeYE0-iH78AQ3K43RE5QiMLBw7uU1hLPIeRiFuL/w391-h512/Steven3.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In addition to his guitar, he's also taken a huge interest in 3D modeling and animation. It all started with playing around with digital Lego designs and has progressed to story-writing and 3D design that he coordinates with other design friends from around the world. Who knows where that will take him? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_LacrRr8bsNagh77xZZrvgeQKzKs2NnElVWwkMu1sMW80qlaUJdk2jWZVpkfMO2XohUhx0WQNr68oM6V53eXw1lD07dOKkRBC2H4sUO1vfYvTcYd3F-3_90W3mXi6Cf6eNw8FTlPCdl7/s800/Steven6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_LacrRr8bsNagh77xZZrvgeQKzKs2NnElVWwkMu1sMW80qlaUJdk2jWZVpkfMO2XohUhx0WQNr68oM6V53eXw1lD07dOKkRBC2H4sUO1vfYvTcYd3F-3_90W3mXi6Cf6eNw8FTlPCdl7/w384-h512/Steven6.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who can even begin to guess what this new year will bring? But I'm so very much looking forward to it! Being the mom of this young man has been such a delight for the past 14 years, and I'm so thankful he's still up for the journey. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for being such a contributor of laughter, joy, and excitement to our family, son! We love you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday!!!</div>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-51434095546130598732019-09-04T08:41:00.000-05:002019-09-04T08:42:47.868-05:00Happy 16th, Angela!<div style="text-align: center;">
Sixteen years ago, I'm not sure I would have believed that a child could literally be born all prissy and pink and frilly. Then I gave birth to my sweet Angela, and I couldn't deny it! From day one, this beautiful child has been the essence of a warrior princess. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZMB6K4RAUF3dVQbdIcCvMLOmeJvHz3pXEVn3ScE2-Ti0kZQzk7ThMHIis-p8-oMddm4nJTiRRL_Us83esIm4r7H1_xcg5vL2ELveGlddXGxxr6M79AZUJAyauiw-c6lEgIx1wGrdAEe_/s1600/Angela+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1600" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZMB6K4RAUF3dVQbdIcCvMLOmeJvHz3pXEVn3ScE2-Ti0kZQzk7ThMHIis-p8-oMddm4nJTiRRL_Us83esIm4r7H1_xcg5vL2ELveGlddXGxxr6M79AZUJAyauiw-c6lEgIx1wGrdAEe_/s640/Angela+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pictures can never show the bouncy delight that this young lady expresses any time she's decked out in full pink frill. She loves her big dresses, whether it's the one she made or the full, fluffy, pink formal of her dreams. And somehow, she wears her tiara as if she were made for it. Yes, definitely the princess!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7diPGL3-Ih1D5BsPHMWMgUjIJqJ88u9hOO3JUbSawuUdNJyzTLpK2EWYBnDFUTVCgfmsclEfucTh_l7JKcMi1n53yp0c-BGdqUm4NNA5ZfGfcBVyQ7Dy6qP0rASkHsNFHaJz2yIJfABbo/s1600/Angela+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1600" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7diPGL3-Ih1D5BsPHMWMgUjIJqJ88u9hOO3JUbSawuUdNJyzTLpK2EWYBnDFUTVCgfmsclEfucTh_l7JKcMi1n53yp0c-BGdqUm4NNA5ZfGfcBVyQ7Dy6qP0rASkHsNFHaJz2yIJfABbo/s640/Angela+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, were she a princess, she'd give her kingdom a run for its money with her sass and wit! Oh, and there's that warrior side of her, too. The scissors disguised as a dagger (so innocently resting in her lap), a birthday present from her brother, are quite fitting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJTg1N2U7eeWNVAXQHjlqWp5ceyh7mgJDxOTPNwJ4brI5fm2IOaPCgk1VbGKSc3S-yD6KsFt9xfdKbWqM6e81LxxxaGwXBgSe-2wp68c9iTyteYoQS1eO4eXO7MAFUVnQZwENW05keEbI/s1600/Angela+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJTg1N2U7eeWNVAXQHjlqWp5ceyh7mgJDxOTPNwJ4brI5fm2IOaPCgk1VbGKSc3S-yD6KsFt9xfdKbWqM6e81LxxxaGwXBgSe-2wp68c9iTyteYoQS1eO4eXO7MAFUVnQZwENW05keEbI/s640/Angela+4.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This princess still loves her cows (which I realized we didn't get into the photo shoot for the first time EVER--maybe because the dress and the tiara were the real deal!). She has a bed full of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcOu98-vsL5m7zIXF6YY6_-sTa86dhqczmw-gKgw8DvoFCocUvfJv0M8mgD1XiPvqPQB63GBxzscatHFW-BNJWSP0K9n16bWwbbnN_apdXY0hbnk6Ywi4Kapi3HNhah2M8yj0NkYjoJU5/s1600/Angela+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1110" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcOu98-vsL5m7zIXF6YY6_-sTa86dhqczmw-gKgw8DvoFCocUvfJv0M8mgD1XiPvqPQB63GBxzscatHFW-BNJWSP0K9n16bWwbbnN_apdXY0hbnk6Ywi4Kapi3HNhah2M8yj0NkYjoJU5/s640/Angela+14.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's also still the cat lady. She loves, loves, loves her cat. But, it doesn't just have to be her cat. It can be any cat. As long as it's a cat. (And I suppose being at home for pictures and able to include cats is the other reason the cows were able to take this year off!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMCOvNpxp6UJxFLJz8y3RYu7klvrUtDHkzl8y0SV_J4pYxb-gH4tolgochyrvG01eEt7ywL9NzxQJ1-rJOCuDx6ZyHgb4vtOFJSnQl9IW3cC4WA4G7sfxkMV0K-iZL5NKX97eSGJjgJol/s1600/Angela+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMCOvNpxp6UJxFLJz8y3RYu7klvrUtDHkzl8y0SV_J4pYxb-gH4tolgochyrvG01eEt7ywL9NzxQJ1-rJOCuDx6ZyHgb4vtOFJSnQl9IW3cC4WA4G7sfxkMV0K-iZL5NKX97eSGJjgJol/s640/Angela+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She also still loves anything yarn related. While she does enjoy quilting, it's the crocheting and knitting that she can take anywhere with her. She is never without a ball of yarn. And, if for some reason she accidentally leaves behind a crochet hoot or knitting needles, she will find something she can use. It might be a pencil or even her fingers. But, she will create!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Oh, and for the record, that adorable orange cat looks rather small in the picture below. Don't let him fool you. He's just buried in the pink fluff. He's HUGE!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkXkCrolFlIUhadsOvHMll0tWpU2mog-KpFLv6YnGIWzXx85973ovs_KKIWIGqfVS36CbkkEfa8D1nD9XHhLkNvWFExabqJZUX28Kbs05-i5bDsuYIAovO4bU3cYGvnK8QdMU6w-huAJv/s1600/Angela+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1465" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkXkCrolFlIUhadsOvHMll0tWpU2mog-KpFLv6YnGIWzXx85973ovs_KKIWIGqfVS36CbkkEfa8D1nD9XHhLkNvWFExabqJZUX28Kbs05-i5bDsuYIAovO4bU3cYGvnK8QdMU6w-huAJv/s640/Angela+15.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Angela is still a very avid reader and is usually reading as she knits or crochets. In fact, her most common pose is on the floor, couch, or her bed with a book or Kindle in front of her, a cat in her lap, and yarn in her hands.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b5LFv9_k5bICHC1atwPso7DbjAG0K71rV9H7jjqudfXZ09HXvlccrb_ZPID_kplrsT7W7N0QOj4vEK9srjmRJBct6oMO2IA90_THHanizkLFdhWhWVB4FUVHmsLEuFXulYN-y2KpwiFp/s1600/Angela+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="965" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9b5LFv9_k5bICHC1atwPso7DbjAG0K71rV9H7jjqudfXZ09HXvlccrb_ZPID_kplrsT7W7N0QOj4vEK9srjmRJBct6oMO2IA90_THHanizkLFdhWhWVB4FUVHmsLEuFXulYN-y2KpwiFp/s640/Angela+18.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year was her first full year with Arkansas Youth Chorale, an experience which thrilled her to no end. She continues to work on developing her singing voice in hopes of doing something music related with her life. And she cannot wait until AYC rehearsals resume next week! (Anyone want to join her?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywA7s1mvJtgygjDTK1CXImzcMcdF56G6oD_rffhV9fME_Y8fV9_qEB1th8JVlMZOUm9CfTnzCzDyn-L6A4DccV_UCabZfUBEBPKklu8bGUSRFm4mmyEC5gg9kex1Y3ALTmVSh5nZtUVxs/s1600/Angela+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywA7s1mvJtgygjDTK1CXImzcMcdF56G6oD_rffhV9fME_Y8fV9_qEB1th8JVlMZOUm9CfTnzCzDyn-L6A4DccV_UCabZfUBEBPKklu8bGUSRFm4mmyEC5gg9kex1Y3ALTmVSh5nZtUVxs/s640/Angela+1.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This fall, she's adjusting to a new stage of life without her big sister and best friend around all the time, as Olivia headed off to college a couple of weeks ago. They are starting to learn what their "rest of their lives" adult relationship will look like. It will take some adjustment, which isn't always a happy thing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD_-qE1lkz_baxHbBhqffd-d7_MmUf3ug7OQMTN4y3FmlL0EuZqbroaxHvuH-yIEDFdH21K7Y64wrbXIWcoGPqyU1k8k8cMpnwReNLkh0hYVSGUcdCof5yFc26c8ugKm4r6Kv_AXjr2cW/s1600/Angela+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoD_-qE1lkz_baxHbBhqffd-d7_MmUf3ug7OQMTN4y3FmlL0EuZqbroaxHvuH-yIEDFdH21K7Y64wrbXIWcoGPqyU1k8k8cMpnwReNLkh0hYVSGUcdCof5yFc26c8ugKm4r6Kv_AXjr2cW/s640/Angela+11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, they're both up to the challenge! And they will come out better for it in the long run. I have no doubt that the solid friendship they've always known will continue even as God's plan for each of them puts miles in between them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtKj-rSJVHSqmV7PfUQ-J5rYVPxIILkgrUuT4AFiB_IIGJzeLW2cQt_4DeUkv0V_RpX1yJipdm3QKaSaWH2ADTI1isA31FvI1UAy9cGScUyngyaV845kuH2UvJ0XbvU19q3TX0YjoUYn/s1600/Angela+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1086" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwtKj-rSJVHSqmV7PfUQ-J5rYVPxIILkgrUuT4AFiB_IIGJzeLW2cQt_4DeUkv0V_RpX1yJipdm3QKaSaWH2ADTI1isA31FvI1UAy9cGScUyngyaV845kuH2UvJ0XbvU19q3TX0YjoUYn/s640/Angela+2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm looking forward to seeing how our nerdy, brilliant, creative, thoughtful, sensitive, precious princess blossoms in the coming year. She is such a fun teenager already, and with each new thing she learns about herself, she becomes even more delightful. Oh, what a joy it is to watch our children discover more and more about who God has created them to be! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRPiLm2b2Icx90HuKxSseY79uzjwVIbAAyO6J72zpV4vHoyGLFJZKxBozDS1Z0gkg3_c2M6AN5ymuir0AmzI-DYfDkICJVXLEKCHtT5YCVISGV_Q8W7I2jfAfSMEyW1p5rhurIcmHDd0a/s1600/Angela+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRPiLm2b2Icx90HuKxSseY79uzjwVIbAAyO6J72zpV4vHoyGLFJZKxBozDS1Z0gkg3_c2M6AN5ymuir0AmzI-DYfDkICJVXLEKCHtT5YCVISGV_Q8W7I2jfAfSMEyW1p5rhurIcmHDd0a/s640/Angela+20.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy 16th birthday, Princess! You are a joy and a delight. You are beautiful in every way. Thank you for brightening our family in the most unexpected ways with your wit, your sass, and your utter joy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love you!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74uiPp8SLrqAvwJfRIBL7lwMdh4xELNhJ59QiQxIWYFJbcYZwoS1-ChygVooP9gBhm02ml5ZwrqrshxmQ65gJ7NPBWp8YojPbye8oUwYlZFXbzYvfx3jk4Ly-eQG8qsDbRxHORF4VVdDR/s1600/Angela+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74uiPp8SLrqAvwJfRIBL7lwMdh4xELNhJ59QiQxIWYFJbcYZwoS1-ChygVooP9gBhm02ml5ZwrqrshxmQ65gJ7NPBWp8YojPbye8oUwYlZFXbzYvfx3jk4Ly-eQG8qsDbRxHORF4VVdDR/s640/Angela+10.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-10163665859499889182019-08-10T08:44:00.002-05:002019-08-10T08:44:31.903-05:00Happy 13th, Steven!<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there were three...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWL421hdvLCGed7ZX0LoPq5qi6DQF-Zgh3gQ3lvfCXKtSMKMpWaL-bUXoU2MK22aOhvz3wiCEEohmJ0Xx1CAos3EBpPWSdABFtOQ-h7arbrNtmyY8dfXzuGDaVQPBcOHuWAHLcD2f0yoB/s1600/Steven8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1378" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWL421hdvLCGed7ZX0LoPq5qi6DQF-Zgh3gQ3lvfCXKtSMKMpWaL-bUXoU2MK22aOhvz3wiCEEohmJ0Xx1CAos3EBpPWSdABFtOQ-h7arbrNtmyY8dfXzuGDaVQPBcOHuWAHLcD2f0yoB/s400/Steven8.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...teenagers, that is. Wow. I've never been able to pick a favorite season with my children. All of them have times that are really, really hard. And all of them have times that are just so indescribably, amazingly delightful! And, having had five years of "teen" experience at this point has let me know that teenagers are really fun. This one is going to be no exception, considering how much fun he's already been over the last thirteen years!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTNE3LaIp5WwlU4dxeuRfQc_rc1UK47MBHHMLyBp0zIAU_ys0MvvyE6-fsuBLjjkNI9TvxyNQ7VgV5yMHa6L_UBWJieSxvKgIvWkOsot6TRNqcLErM-diE2ztungCFDMDTAZ0CbmiqIj3/s1600/Steven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTNE3LaIp5WwlU4dxeuRfQc_rc1UK47MBHHMLyBp0zIAU_ys0MvvyE6-fsuBLjjkNI9TvxyNQ7VgV5yMHa6L_UBWJieSxvKgIvWkOsot6TRNqcLErM-diE2ztungCFDMDTAZ0CbmiqIj3/s640/Steven2.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Steven is one of the most kind-hearted young men I know. He is so aware of other people, and that awareness has only grown the older he's gotten. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFsIpyCPF6flUAlu-m5ZpvXOwJqEYWJakkhxAScffv4uoBQ0C1KASLKnID3xOASl8c1miePDTHa3JMEVX5Q83Yr20iUYeRcfftaHgj3ez_Us3O-MkYS87To5pADncOj63Im2gxn0yH5kV/s1600/Steven5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFsIpyCPF6flUAlu-m5ZpvXOwJqEYWJakkhxAScffv4uoBQ0C1KASLKnID3xOASl8c1miePDTHa3JMEVX5Q83Yr20iUYeRcfftaHgj3ez_Us3O-MkYS87To5pADncOj63Im2gxn0yH5kV/s640/Steven5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The past year has seen a lot of change in this kid. He's grown. A lot. His voice has also deepened. A lot. When he first started with Arkansas Youth Chorale last fall, he was still on that border between boy soprano and starting to become a tenor. Now he's not entirely sure he's going to stay a tenor much longer! That baritone range feels a whole lot more comfortable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU4HQ7CTX8TL7iABoFK9TY3IjJJor5l3f4azcx_zQhamK9qoY0bAv_4JpLuoshZDDwpoQgh6CtuuT-YtuAkGKOTGOsOP1xc_nckHvezlWCcBnBGmjt_PnBqUTwnDu4B0ie9sPXvQMj04c/s1600/Steven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU4HQ7CTX8TL7iABoFK9TY3IjJJor5l3f4azcx_zQhamK9qoY0bAv_4JpLuoshZDDwpoQgh6CtuuT-YtuAkGKOTGOsOP1xc_nckHvezlWCcBnBGmjt_PnBqUTwnDu4B0ie9sPXvQMj04c/s640/Steven1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's also grown a bit more comfortable in his own goofiness. Oh can that kid make us laugh! He's learned a love for drama, especially improv. I'm excited to see what doors God opens up to help him fine tune those skills in the coming years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-rErFcjaLMbD7tgmid_Xgf7AucyKMnM9Pwhbltko4JCsaPKlhQPWh8jUn4Umm9aVhlXht2y85ICn2DnyCxfJsnw35VqqZy4ClNdOVIRVI1IjZ-IgjD35iLc33E6Bq-45dC_t6fuexFYx/s1600/Steven6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-rErFcjaLMbD7tgmid_Xgf7AucyKMnM9Pwhbltko4JCsaPKlhQPWh8jUn4Umm9aVhlXht2y85ICn2DnyCxfJsnw35VqqZy4ClNdOVIRVI1IjZ-IgjD35iLc33E6Bq-45dC_t6fuexFYx/s640/Steven6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Steven's musical talents have always been very evident, but over the past year he's grown much more serious about them. In the past, he's just kind of played around. But now he's working harder. I already mentioned the youth chorale. It was such a blessing for him to be a part of an official choir even while his voice was changing, giving him confidence to keep trying and keep singing. It also prepared him for this summer when he moved up from the JoyWorks children's camp to the youth side of PraiseWorks. He thrived that week, without a doubt!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPCnNbJMF2dWDsyX52uYEYI2Lc5WDZ9sazqBOoCBfJhzj0XSKv2ZXVsL1Jmb4PbKXOW7YM6F-jk5ogc8fFYMTZQbKkLwLfzJjEqA77PN9nQvVQch4zmmE8ErZfVVCqb_RB5ixOj0o7OZ4/s1600/Steven9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1600" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPCnNbJMF2dWDsyX52uYEYI2Lc5WDZ9sazqBOoCBfJhzj0XSKv2ZXVsL1Jmb4PbKXOW7YM6F-jk5ogc8fFYMTZQbKkLwLfzJjEqA77PN9nQvVQch4zmmE8ErZfVVCqb_RB5ixOj0o7OZ4/s640/Steven9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He has a great ear for music, too, so he can hear something and pick it out on the piano pretty quickly. But, since we've taught him the written language of music for years, he can easily merge both the ear talent and the reading skill. That combination makes his sisters more than a little envious of his sight-reading abilities!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8mirO7EyIV3mxbRVr37pOFx-7gM1_0X4GvRPK1Hf2UsYcw6bswuIXYTQXWkMuXvYOYuPPnk1ue5M0b5b9REjU4Pob3CnlEP9x5GRr4A2Dz9B321v_YbWPFyd3xTvr1ndaWj8NMQrjZTy/s1600/Steven4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8mirO7EyIV3mxbRVr37pOFx-7gM1_0X4GvRPK1Hf2UsYcw6bswuIXYTQXWkMuXvYOYuPPnk1ue5M0b5b9REjU4Pob3CnlEP9x5GRr4A2Dz9B321v_YbWPFyd3xTvr1ndaWj8NMQrjZTy/s640/Steven4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
But his favorite instrument seems to be guitar. He's been picking around on his PopPop's guitar for a couple of years now, but he'd kind of hit a wall in his progress. Over the past few months, though, he's gotten over that wall. He's not quite ready to jump in and join the church instrumentalists yet, but he does take his guitar to worship team practice every week so he can try the songs. And, when he remembers, he takes his guitar on Sunday mornings and sits on the front row to join in "unplugged." But, he also received a hand-me-down electric guitar this summer. Oh. My. Word. That kids loves that guitar!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16DwrD4dNPJbZPx7gAZHqZCViDo4G9cpW9VLoi6iaV-dOwmR5plr8XaRuyXuci6Gqdmk85lWGr38RFzwY-D15kBV1VNByChAwiJdOJvqR8hM1E8gfIjWmEISgskkXf7ZiNDAHco-evVIj/s1600/Steven7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh16DwrD4dNPJbZPx7gAZHqZCViDo4G9cpW9VLoi6iaV-dOwmR5plr8XaRuyXuci6Gqdmk85lWGr38RFzwY-D15kBV1VNByChAwiJdOJvqR8hM1E8gfIjWmEISgskkXf7ZiNDAHco-evVIj/s640/Steven7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This kid loves his animals, loves helping kids younger than himself, passionately loves his sisters, still enjoys good snuggles, and is not ashamed to give hugs to any of his family members in public. So much of who he is has stayed the same, yet I can look back at a year ago and see what has changed as well. The core of this kid will always remain the tenderhearted, observant, creative, fun, helpful soul he's always been. Yet as he presses through his teen years, he'll discover new interests and passions, fine-tune the ones that are already there, and learn more about himself. I'm thankful to get to be a part of that journey.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_bWuX56-dJ6xMGD-FvzHNjkgFq6JzgjhrYuygL_cKWxtWFuR8pJ7spJUdhi_tKa-I9Q0_pdDWGfpMANTJn29TWXW8JXGG4lCcZhyphenhyphennyhzu7s-32ttKMPhtGNoVGkUBxw5cF4ZbP0ekdNv/s1600/Steven10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_bWuX56-dJ6xMGD-FvzHNjkgFq6JzgjhrYuygL_cKWxtWFuR8pJ7spJUdhi_tKa-I9Q0_pdDWGfpMANTJn29TWXW8JXGG4lCcZhyphenhyphennyhzu7s-32ttKMPhtGNoVGkUBxw5cF4ZbP0ekdNv/s640/Steven10.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy birthday, precious son of mine! We love you so much!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-14274929427332512172019-07-31T09:54:00.001-05:002019-07-31T09:55:21.046-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations...July 30, 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Observations about Today…<i>Wednesday, July 31</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, 2019</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The end of July? Really? There are so many ways in which that just seems off. Like the year has flown to quickly but has also dragged on and on. Like it shouldn't be 2019 yet 2021 should be next year. Time for me is just way off. Of course, that could be partially because I work in school years and in planner design. Thankful for the calendar on the wall and the planner on my desk that remind me of <i>today</i> in the midst of all of the things that force my mind to fixate on <i>other </i>days!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>An Observation about the Week</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's week three of our stretch of routine, and it's finally starting to feel normal again. In a temporary sort of way, though, knowing that our more permanent reality won't be official until the middle of August.<br />
<br />
<b>A General Observation</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am such a structured person that, in the past, I have had in my head that certain blog posts HAD to go on certain days. I'm trying to break that mentality. Like with this particular post. If I missed Monday or Tuesday or whatever random day it was supposed to go on, I just skipped that week, which eventually led to no longer publishing. Now I'm trying to be okay with just publishing when it gets written. Doing it anyway. On the one hand, it's not "me" to do it that way. On the other hand, it's freeing and a bit more motivating to do it that way. So, maybe it's more that "me" needs to learn a little more how to honor my personality and maintain boundaries and guides without turning them into walls.<br />
<br />
Yeah, so that general observation might have turned a bit philosophical. So, let's just go back to the "gonna post when I get the chance" mentality and leave it at that!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I Have Read or Heard</b><br />
Quite a few things hit me this morning in my reading time. Here's just one of the quotes I marked:<br />
<br />
"Limits are where freedom is found. We don't need unlimited choices; that actually limits our ability to choose well. We need a limit on our choices, which actually empowers us to choose well. By limiting stories to a certain number of hours in a week, you introduce the ability to choose them well."<br />
- Justin Whitmel Earley from <i>The Common Rule</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something on My Mind</b><br />
We are a practical family, and our home reflects that. But, we're a family in need of beauty as well. Certain aspects of our home reflect that, but many times the practicality overwhelms. I'm pondering how to incorporate more practical beauty into our home.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Thankful for</b><br />
Pictures. The ability to record and preserve images. Such a treasure for spurring memories and sharing stories and prompting spontaneous smiles. And reminding us of people and things we're thankful for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8aWTQedbpzE9cLLahDbjFWik-UeDHCU685VaMb1FpR-THEkJBBNADOgptQkuzSUwlTYTMT-5I1UlIiMz7PC1ASb8z1BnRRna57t1nK_bIn-qgAMxOSbIQu9KcTkHye0a-YA7sf-vOZam/s1600/2018-11-02+13.43.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8aWTQedbpzE9cLLahDbjFWik-UeDHCU685VaMb1FpR-THEkJBBNADOgptQkuzSUwlTYTMT-5I1UlIiMz7PC1ASb8z1BnRRna57t1nK_bIn-qgAMxOSbIQu9KcTkHye0a-YA7sf-vOZam/s400/2018-11-02+13.43.40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something about My Kids</b><br />
They are so much more well-read than I was at their age! Wow! As much as I loved books, I was very narrow in the books I chose to read when I was a teenager. But these kids really challenge themselves. And are conversant in what they read. They amaze me!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something We're</b><b> Working on</b><br />
Purging! Our giveaway stack gets emptied and then immediately starts growing again. I'm thankful for what we have. But, we have too much. And the purging excites me! I think it is energizing for the rest of the family, too. I hope, anyway!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something from Hibbard Academy</b><br />
Down to one course--French for Angela! Well, and packing up or giving away last year's books and shelving this coming year's books. We start in just under three weeks, and I am feeling more relaxed about preparation than I ever have. It's nice, especially considering how chaotic the summer was until a couple of weeks ago and how behind I felt then. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something That Makes Me Smile</b><br />
The antics of our pets. Even though they make me crazy sometimes, they really are quite funny!<br />
<br />
This is the "Where are my humans?" look that Monty gave Doug quite regularly the week the kids and I were at PraiseWorks. He wasn't too sure about Doug being the <i>only</i> human in the house all week!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vW4jbbPvW1_B-ITpmiy5h_oZo2rVs_-WS7kRKNtEEfhAYPv3W4jnJHZI5vW6WtgtAlqMBJKC8BVDrirbtmHbtBGKCOqcqqUVAV0ztmMit7yMvcogodG-CcBs3I4fRsYKrhomiTsMuN7O/s1600/2019-07-09+13.00.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vW4jbbPvW1_B-ITpmiy5h_oZo2rVs_-WS7kRKNtEEfhAYPv3W4jnJHZI5vW6WtgtAlqMBJKC8BVDrirbtmHbtBGKCOqcqqUVAV0ztmMit7yMvcogodG-CcBs3I4fRsYKrhomiTsMuN7O/s320/2019-07-09+13.00.53.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something Coming</b><br />
Birthday surprises. Goodbyes and new starts.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-75282931369184624732019-07-22T10:50:00.001-05:002019-07-22T10:54:48.076-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations...July 22, 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Observations about Today…<i>Monday, July 22</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, 2019</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I sit down to write, I'm realizing something. I don't want to do the routine today. It worked well last week, but today I want to be distracted. I want to work down the list, which seems to be a productive thought. But, it ends up being random. Scattered. Jumping from this to that. When I approach my days that way, I've always got something else to do, and those something elses almost never allow for the development of nourishing habits like writing and music practice. But, when I work the routine, there are specific blocks of the day set aside for each type of task. Which means that there's a freedom in having a stopping point for the never ending.<br />
<br />
But, it also means that I have to think. To focus. To be disciplined. To hone in on what needs to be done right now. To allow some dormant creativity to be re-engaged.<br />
<br />
That ran decently well last week as I started working on a new routine after a chaotic summer. It was even promising for transition back to school in a few weeks. But, today? It's Monday. And I'm tired. It's taking a lot more discipline today.<br />
<br />
But I'm going to do it. Starting with this post!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>An Observation about the Week</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's supposed to be cooler! We haven't hit official 100s in our temps yet, but we've had mid- to upper-90s with maxed out humidity and nasty heat indices. The kind of heat indices where the peanut butter melts in the cabinet even with the A/C running. This week, though—starting tomorrow—we're looking at highs in the 80s with lows in the 60s and LOW humidity! Yes, I'm doing a happy dance!<br />
<br />
<b>A General Observation</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a hard time contemplating family concepts here. It used to be easier, when the kids were little and always doing cutesy things. Now they're bigger. And they're still amazing, but they're just different. And writing about family stuff is very different. So, my thoughts for blog posts like this more naturally gravitate more toward what I'd write on <i><a href="https://annhibbard.com/" target="_blank">Not Quite Ordinary</a></i> instead. Trying to think about what it means to blog about family here!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I Have Read or Heard</b><br />
"Paying all our spiritual attention to the message of Jesus while ignoring his practices has not only led people like me into devastating life crises, it has also created a country of Christians whose practical lives are divorced from their actual faith. How else do we explain a country of Christians who preach a radical gospel of Jesus while assimilating to the usual contours of American life?"<br />
- Justin Whitmel Earley from <i>The Common Rule</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something on My Mind</b><br />
Community. You can find a wide variety of books and discussions about what's wrong, what's missing, what needs to change, etc. I'm exploring some of them right now myself. And, as a pastor's family, we obviously explore such things on a ministry level. But, there's also the question of what this looks like for our family as a Christian family who wants to live out our faith personally, not just ministerially. In some places we've lived, this has been easy and natural. But, others, including where we are now, not so much. So, what does our family need to change to be more intentional and community-minded in a culture where it's not so natural?<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Thankful for</b><br />
The ability to have friendships across the miles as well as local. Having friends around the world does not excuse me from investing in local relationships and community, but it does remind me that, wherever I go, I'll still have those solid relationships that don't waver no matter how far apart we are.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something about My Kids</b><br />
They're so smart. They just blow my mind sometimes with what they know because they know how to learn and figure things out. I love that!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Working on</b><br />
An afghan. It will be made up of a bunch of crazy square blocks like this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3sCoH7791jxiig90jlX5cEVX47-EFeCz6qkngcxfhJnYs3rWi6dNpXeYQ3g6qCmo50SM8PNvc2doW6k7B1xBBaOtPdJQMhEfgaUUCsee0hgHjBS5QSpontESUG-SLeMiqm-ZFMoo8Znr/s1600/2019-07-22+09.55.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3sCoH7791jxiig90jlX5cEVX47-EFeCz6qkngcxfhJnYs3rWi6dNpXeYQ3g6qCmo50SM8PNvc2doW6k7B1xBBaOtPdJQMhEfgaUUCsee0hgHjBS5QSpontESUG-SLeMiqm-ZFMoo8Znr/s320/2019-07-22+09.55.02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The centers will be a variety of different patterns—essentially, different designs I want to try in small blocks to see if I like them. The colors are variations of blue, cream, and burgandy—some solid, some "textured," and some variegated.<br />
<br />
It's a slow process because I only work on the blocks at certain times. I'll try new patterns on Fridays when I can focus on them. The crazy squares don't require much thought, so I can work on them now and then during portions of work meetings or other things when my brain needs to work but my hands are free.<br />
<br />
I have no idea if the colors I chose really go together, but it will be a fun afghan anyway! And, because of the blocks, I can work on it year-round without getting overheated from being under layers of yard. Haha! When all of the blocks are done, I'll definitely have to make sure to piece them together in the winter!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something from Hibbard Academy</b><br />
All of Steven's planning is done for the new school year! Still a bit to do for Angie, but it's nice to not feel rushed for once. Having several routine weeks in a row AND having two children to plan for instead of three both make a difference. (Although going from three to two is taking a good bit of mental and emotional adjustment!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something That Makes Me Smile</b><br />
Our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ToddYakoubian/?__xts__[0]=68.ARD44NzfTbqBf9vWtTc5OcVUm837Hau1aNKbUMX6lVDFoAKRtxehsDxBV71g19YpbEymTCxMVv5tOgzGu2eXlCIustt_q6hg848BKBMruUTBAI1jqaNlZ-a99Ydk3hf7rI6IQU5ld6K4FKhMRm2139d3IEfC5J4rjtpWPdo1A629hpKUmqeaTqvmIz6U4a2jeBSNBO2_kgNKJ5tOhkmuB-D6jEE94YPxhkcgmKDF1LbHKnRnhCEZeVhLSMLiCH72diorly5Ux9Ea0hVkFxp4WnKaXvBrkwZUuyxt269XV7mjWUWj7tVN1WKtOgrLlXFLptTKkf7y3Q1HZSOo3jjWgNwhm7pnOvT7dLZrAAE2M1gb07z2qV8tveeJ&__tn__=k*F&tn-str=k*F" target="_blank">favorite weather man</a>'s sense of humor. And his "Muggy--Cast" outlook for this week.<br />
<br />
We've had the top two faces for several weeks now, so the smiles are awesome!<br />
<br />
<img alt="No photo description available." height="352" src="https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67294057_3085544581463234_8180166670120124416_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_oc=AQnJvwGZsN7IIy5Y8eUiquRvIwu_zwddgdUl60jAll-hi6Q3_WiNcy7TYSp2hqvSuE4&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=b3ec07fe0f8537dfac3b596f86ba7308&oe=5DB1CB4C" width="640" /><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something Coming</b><br />
In just under three weeks, there will be no more children in our household. My "baby" will officially become a teenager. Fun times!<br />
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-15940200180778138402019-07-16T09:36:00.000-05:002019-07-16T09:36:46.628-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations...July 16, 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Observations about Today…<i>Tuesday, July 16</i></b><i style="font-weight: bold;">, 2019</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a gloomy, rainy day, although we are definitely not getting the rain that our neighbors to the south have gotten from "Barry." Even here in Arkansas, the heavy mess has not yet pushed up to the central part of the state. We're praying for those receiving the deluge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>An Observation about the Week</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's our second full week of routine. We just had a break in the middle for PraiseWorks. Definitely a worthwhile break!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUPSXibpl7DiYw_JEHFnaqkwYs__4SCsipCJgbk8NoAAaT1FJJAG9RWQICA0NC_qz5CVANaNYhqKHpFRdRiD3a2kFrJd_O1uXVz4UWWuh2qpqVKsrAy_IxOhwQALedyNGgGkBSfQFkJuB/s1600/2019-07-08+09.21.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1600" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUPSXibpl7DiYw_JEHFnaqkwYs__4SCsipCJgbk8NoAAaT1FJJAG9RWQICA0NC_qz5CVANaNYhqKHpFRdRiD3a2kFrJd_O1uXVz4UWWuh2qpqVKsrAy_IxOhwQALedyNGgGkBSfQFkJuB/s400/2019-07-08+09.21.43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>A General Observation</b><br />
I love when we discover things about ourselves. Over the past week, two of my children have figured out a truth about themselves--something that, before clarified, was frustrating. Now that they've pinpointed what was causing the frustration, they are both ready and able to take actions that better fit who they have been created to be. I love that!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I Have Read or Heard</b><br />
"Notice how similar the definition of liturgy is to the definition of habit. They're both something repeated over and over, which forms you; the only difference is that liturgy <i>admits </i>that it's an act of worship. Calling habits liturgies may seem odd, but we need language to emphasize the non-neutrality of our day-to-day routines. Our habits often obscure what we're really worshiping, but that doesn't mean we're not worshiping something. The question is, what are we worshiping?"<br />
- Justin Whitmel Early from <i>The Common Rule</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something on My Mind</b><br />
School planning for the fall! My favorite time of year, but it's also one of those times when my mind is in overdrive trying to make sure I don't leave anything out. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Thankful for</b><br />
Four weeks to breathe, catch up a bit, and enjoy life as a family before our family dynamics change.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something about My Kids</b><br />
I heard two guitars going yesterday and discovered that Steven was giving Olivia a guitar lesson. He commented that he was still learning, but both of them recognize two things:<br />
1) Teaching what we know is the best way to reinforce it.<br />
2) We don't have to only learn from experts. Sometimes all we need is someone a step ahead of us.<br />
<br />
I do recognize that, sometimes, limited understanding can be much more dangerous than helpful in a teacher. But, there is also the reality that we should always be willing to share what we know with others, especially if we're humble enough to recognize that we still have much to learn ourselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Working on</b><br />
A routine that will be solid for the next few weeks, but will also morph into a good school-year routine. Trying to help the kids with the same thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something from Hibbard Academy</b><br />
It's really strange this year because I'm not having to do huge amounts of shopping!! So many of our books are reusable. And since I've taught all grades at this point, I only have to pick up consumables and little things that differ from child to child (such as photography and French for Angela or a slightly different approach to language arts for Steven). It's nice on the budget, but it's also a little sad, because we LOVE to explore new resources. Of course, it's also fun to have an automatic reason to reread old favorites.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something That Makes Me Smile</b><br />
While I was gone to PraiseWorks last week, I kept finding fun little cards scattered throughout my luggage. I love the way my amazing hubby is intentional in his love for me!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something Coming</b><br />
We're just going to focus on the routine for the next few weeks and not think too much yet about what's coming in mid-August.<br />
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-4394619957488428702019-07-01T09:46:00.002-05:002019-07-16T09:12:04.006-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Observations about Today…</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Monday, July 1, 2019</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Summer is here in full force. I sit here thankful for my air conditioning while I look out the window and see morning sunshine highlighting the leaves on the crepe myrtle trees in the front yard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1yM4k-wYu3cm-DNZIx2_dRrLpOtuvLcJ4ojTg6HcWMC-bJkVVBk3kZrVdTSfKdLgG5DG0O9MOGMPiaJwG-rWlLw5AtyYbynT02AsQiWaRkqLHI1rshQaTsCW9vDL-UfhXIFnWGGVtApC/s1600/2019-07-01+09.19.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1yM4k-wYu3cm-DNZIx2_dRrLpOtuvLcJ4ojTg6HcWMC-bJkVVBk3kZrVdTSfKdLgG5DG0O9MOGMPiaJwG-rWlLw5AtyYbynT02AsQiWaRkqLHI1rshQaTsCW9vDL-UfhXIFnWGGVtApC/s320/2019-07-01+09.19.30.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm not a huge fan of summer's heat, and I'm kind of sad that our packed schedule kind of had us missing the chance to just enjoy spring before the heat hit. But, I'm thankful for the rest of summer this year. Much of July and the first half of August will hopefully be an opportunity for routine and for enjoying our last weeks with Olivia at home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>An Observation about the Week</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Routine! For the first time in AGES! I think the whole family is looking forward to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A General Observation</b><br />
I can hear Steven practicing piano this morning. That boy has talent. He has quite the ear, but is diligent to learn to read music as well. I love listening to him work hard practicing on the piano and his guitars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uUcnwnPwve3D9omggdHRcXlNTZ0iUZTKfo0JQPnAAnnQ3koOg2vR8juu3KYwL1oEdyhypkEe0byF_fdM5aZgwfGdGHz28KrqRZ3wjYwGtRIpEzs5pvxR0jq_kyvmUUZV3yA1P2b6SZu4/s1600/2019-06-16+15.53.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uUcnwnPwve3D9omggdHRcXlNTZ0iUZTKfo0JQPnAAnnQ3koOg2vR8juu3KYwL1oEdyhypkEe0byF_fdM5aZgwfGdGHz28KrqRZ3wjYwGtRIpEzs5pvxR0jq_kyvmUUZV3yA1P2b6SZu4/s320/2019-06-16+15.53.35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I Have Read or Heard</b><br />
"Reflection and review enables the long-term improvement of all habits because it makes you aware of your mistakes and helps you consider possible paths for improvement. Without reflection, we can make excuses, create rationalizations, and lie to ourselves. We have no process for determining whether we are performing better or worse compared to yesterday."<br />- James Clear, <i>Atomic Habits</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something on My Mind</b><br />
The habits I need to work on to be healthier in every way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Thankful for</b><br />
A chance for routine! Oh wait...have I mentioned that? Sorry. I might be just a wee bit happy about that. The days will still be very full, but with a consistent flow. At least for this week.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something about My Kids</b><br />
Angie has quite a few dolls, not because she's big into playing with dolls, but because she loves to "dress" them in her latest creations.<br />
<br />
The most recent one is a work in progress, as there are several other component Angie wants to make. But apparently this particular doll has been accepted into Hogwarts, and she needs to be make sure she's properly outfitted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2oCLO3XbOH7x8DMa8y-drxvMIU0HEdzyJ2UFSUV-7GhfBmfeYrRPC75C0e2Rxv7EFhAiTDK-mhRsyGMvcnYuDPJnirSIdtr-47fcxJk9x_f9TPnN_4pnw0Il27dpeESEkxCr22QW3RG_/s1600/2019-06-30+19.49.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2oCLO3XbOH7x8DMa8y-drxvMIU0HEdzyJ2UFSUV-7GhfBmfeYrRPC75C0e2Rxv7EFhAiTDK-mhRsyGMvcnYuDPJnirSIdtr-47fcxJk9x_f9TPnN_4pnw0Il27dpeESEkxCr22QW3RG_/s320/2019-06-30+19.49.40.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of my personal favorites, though, is the outfit she made for Olivia's doll: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_y5FOH8YMDQ2GMW-gfNUfYX9S3_h18_hXFgxDO621465Uoez4LLne6jIVADNC4E2BEXSbQUWB7RgdooW1JSAuBCLkbqIrxoEjc_d0r4ed55-eSJUCU5WQ517JlkrJ70br-wH1IZlvO0t/s1600/DSCN0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_y5FOH8YMDQ2GMW-gfNUfYX9S3_h18_hXFgxDO621465Uoez4LLne6jIVADNC4E2BEXSbQUWB7RgdooW1JSAuBCLkbqIrxoEjc_d0r4ed55-eSJUCU5WQ517JlkrJ70br-wH1IZlvO0t/s320/DSCN0890.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something I’m Working on</b><br />
Making music a more intentional part of each day and getting back to writing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something from Hibbard Academy</b><br />
It's summer!!! When the kids were little, summer breaks were more troublesome than helpful. We took off in the fall and winter more frequently. But, with the full summer schedule we have these days, it's nice to not have to work in school.<br />
<br />
BUT...I do get to dive into my favorite part of homeschooling over the course of the next few weeks. I get to do planning! Woo-hoo! My absolute favorite part is getting to create lesson plans in <a href="https://shop.wellplannedgal.com/index.php/shop/well-planned-day-online.html" target="_blank">My Well Planned Day</a> (although being able to purchase a few of the lesson plans already created for me is helpful, too!). Yeah, I'm kind of partial to anything created by Well Planned Gal since I've worked for the company for so long. But, really and truly, these planners--both online and paper--have made my life so much easier the past six or seven years! Love them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something That Makes Me Smile</b><br />
Angela walked in this morning and said, "I started my new planner! It makes me so happy!" She's been waiting so very patiently since the planner first arrived in March.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_ncoWOat9lCNO7gzXsdXHl9cHZNVxw774EO3iUqiDumyzOA27CnpoJcYDsalGJRqfS8QBzGOi7EOKoYoowL_Rp-XOeBkFiOZqnBXRz5SL60Hxk8XzWm4UiG_RVx3SmNZii7yoaQ7STU8/s1600/DSCN0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_ncoWOat9lCNO7gzXsdXHl9cHZNVxw774EO3iUqiDumyzOA27CnpoJcYDsalGJRqfS8QBzGOi7EOKoYoowL_Rp-XOeBkFiOZqnBXRz5SL60Hxk8XzWm4UiG_RVx3SmNZii7yoaQ7STU8/s320/DSCN0244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Now, the day finally comes when she can set aside the old and officially start using the new. I so get that, child. I so very much get that!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Something Coming</b><br />
<a href="https://praiseworksarkansas.com/" target="_blank">PraiseWorks</a> next week. YAY! Then, the countdown begins...on August 16, we move this beautiful gal to college. Oh how we'll miss having her at home, but oh how excited I am for her!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3I6G-kYhMxVz4IqmLGxkMvA7O3GOLzSm5d0nykKyRTUZqW4kw_shqDFPtypjTJhJx6Ag4SS8lBcYk39kzdHbJ56avm4lrZ89lKPTw7QDfxD-sgdFJvJxlaA7lBdCQit57He4g3L1YyKR/s1600/2019-06-22+16.50.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3I6G-kYhMxVz4IqmLGxkMvA7O3GOLzSm5d0nykKyRTUZqW4kw_shqDFPtypjTJhJx6Ag4SS8lBcYk39kzdHbJ56avm4lrZ89lKPTw7QDfxD-sgdFJvJxlaA7lBdCQit57He4g3L1YyKR/s320/2019-06-22+16.50.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-51709785594107750832019-05-26T06:00:00.000-05:002019-07-16T09:12:18.003-05:00Happy 18th, Olivia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have always said that I want to thoroughly enjoy every stage of my children's lives, not losing the treasure of today because I'm grieving the loss of my "babies." It hasn't always been easy to do, because those babies were <i>so very cute</i>! But, then I look at where they are today, and I'm overwhelmed by just how amazing they are as "big kids."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And today we get to celebrate the oldest of those big kids.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxdHa6UhIHvh7W2bhAdyqOfsZKQMWzOaQrc2Q0RyiXcb7ExOH7lp3Eehp9hPMRWZ3yVC_RqQbAW9KL_LAj0LJIPvUSuZy8FNNt9c_l1JPiOun7R09EqsJtWP469e4NXItmWuvkOrqelo4/s1600/Liv6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxdHa6UhIHvh7W2bhAdyqOfsZKQMWzOaQrc2Q0RyiXcb7ExOH7lp3Eehp9hPMRWZ3yVC_RqQbAW9KL_LAj0LJIPvUSuZy8FNNt9c_l1JPiOun7R09EqsJtWP469e4NXItmWuvkOrqelo4/s640/Liv6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you'd asked me to predict who Olivia would become and what she would be like when she turned eighteen, I would not have come close to describing the amazingness of the young woman my firstborn has become. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvI3Jn34MXFsEh7Xtx4eAs3hq-6U6VzQDbOG9J1WK6G6IfBT1nyrbmBb-crMg28vTdejKT2IyzouZ_z0A2fZXQYPxKfSH0R_x7kojotqAVrRlhiSCRTn5FDvhbwU5nPZTaU7YwzN9A_Xj/s1600/Liv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUvI3Jn34MXFsEh7Xtx4eAs3hq-6U6VzQDbOG9J1WK6G6IfBT1nyrbmBb-crMg28vTdejKT2IyzouZ_z0A2fZXQYPxKfSH0R_x7kojotqAVrRlhiSCRTn5FDvhbwU5nPZTaU7YwzN9A_Xj/s640/Liv1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The child who seemed to attract a mess wherever she went, who wanted to open every closed door—especially the locked ones!—and disassemble anything she couldn't figure out, who bucked structure, and who tested and stretched every boundary has become a young woman who has learned to channel every ounce of that curiosity into beautiful productivity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yry0FZZRfIaNf-imF1KGuY_UYrw6NJYWerLpJ0dFMLmiSkecR4x0A4dbljOfdTZqNQ5e-bvLf59ZrXRtIERkO9rEy6Eo3ZyRGakJqAzIMdA86aNVj8P-LpfR-KkclpJ8-18cVLGosEOP/s1600/Liv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yry0FZZRfIaNf-imF1KGuY_UYrw6NJYWerLpJ0dFMLmiSkecR4x0A4dbljOfdTZqNQ5e-bvLf59ZrXRtIERkO9rEy6Eo3ZyRGakJqAzIMdA86aNVj8P-LpfR-KkclpJ8-18cVLGosEOP/s640/Liv4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This gal could live in jeans and t-shirts, wrapping her hair up in her favorite hat and never wearing a stitch of make-up. Every now and then, though, she wants to add a blazer, heels, and jewelry to her jeans and cute top. Or, she wants to find an excuse to wear a formal. Ultimately, though, she always comes back to those jeans—if she's not secretly enjoying them even while dressing up, like wearing jeans UNDER her formal!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8gjAZxajUhQO55fR7u8ew9IqULbfxo84nJYtFZqgkfo2u3cDn3AhUBpq1xS8v4DJNz0csrEJCXEIw1qp7K3ztum_GT-5hL2qcxUWADgmpCH1ZcoCoKXcacI9Ie6Bo9ldHj0AN9o5yIBL/s1600/Liv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8gjAZxajUhQO55fR7u8ew9IqULbfxo84nJYtFZqgkfo2u3cDn3AhUBpq1xS8v4DJNz0csrEJCXEIw1qp7K3ztum_GT-5hL2qcxUWADgmpCH1ZcoCoKXcacI9Ie6Bo9ldHj0AN9o5yIBL/s640/Liv3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She considered prom this year because that would have been a great reason to find a formal, but something was missing from that activity: her sister. Angela loves big poofy dresses as much as Olivia loves her jeans, and Olivia couldn't imagine dressing up without her sister! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bJ_VhMh2kQGl2H8zUaVYq5oWFaLTvzZCMiNoxJ_Ej35hYsbzHmvDt66zx7Y_Jq1cx7pBTVepu2dc4xCx1543p4O-7h7zilEsvBAts2IHh-ZVkNfiyvvwyzsLPSnyiHNtdwzDW5aJCrLi/s1600/Girls1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1166" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bJ_VhMh2kQGl2H8zUaVYq5oWFaLTvzZCMiNoxJ_Ej35hYsbzHmvDt66zx7Y_Jq1cx7pBTVepu2dc4xCx1543p4O-7h7zilEsvBAts2IHh-ZVkNfiyvvwyzsLPSnyiHNtdwzDW5aJCrLi/s640/Girls1.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The solution was to set aside prom and instead enjoy a formal photo shoot (at some point, I'll get Steven in a suit and in a photo shoot with them; he was otherwise occupied on this particular day), followed by a special family dinner—in full formal attire, at least for the two of them—as a graduation/18th birthday celebration. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYf46Pjvrhha6rPEFLLAxNmEPfRDJKkrO5Flpmd-Mu4O3yqo4mGmS3OzRHQrnyexoDlDKPQj-aroUYFP8Tl5UqC7fm86Fvp1PPwkiCTjSLt4zB-JGB_a09kLYnNARQgvwuoMaa3_fx-WJ/s1600/Girls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1543" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYf46Pjvrhha6rPEFLLAxNmEPfRDJKkrO5Flpmd-Mu4O3yqo4mGmS3OzRHQrnyexoDlDKPQj-aroUYFP8Tl5UqC7fm86Fvp1PPwkiCTjSLt4zB-JGB_a09kLYnNARQgvwuoMaa3_fx-WJ/s640/Girls2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The love these two have for each other is so precious to me. And it's another part of the celebration of Olivia's transition to adulthood, because they will learn what it means to go from being childhood best friends to being adult best friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRf5fzSRPYs5n43EBUTMK3OOyV0tJ64knXkYYXwrxi3P051dIl9b1uUcPfkXZ8rp2mXSlkREuJOEv4LEzauAg97aEI0uITr9_I9ze0oqRT_mN2WFg1AevfxiwQctqlK6aFF07HYMod6-T/s1600/Girls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1318" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRf5fzSRPYs5n43EBUTMK3OOyV0tJ64knXkYYXwrxi3P051dIl9b1uUcPfkXZ8rp2mXSlkREuJOEv4LEzauAg97aEI0uITr9_I9ze0oqRT_mN2WFg1AevfxiwQctqlK6aFF07HYMod6-T/s640/Girls4.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over the past year, Olivia continued to put her full effort into bringing in the scholarships needed to attend Ouachita Baptist University in the fall, and she succeeded beautifully! Although the upcoming transition is a little unnerving as she looks ahead to leaving the familiar and the family, we're also all so very excited to see how she blossoms in the coming years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzhEhjBr0fFQLnXlR8oER_MKVqN55Yu5Rt4uixcGBnYQEjUtIHvtDvHZfOb7zJzt03bW0OgSSzuvme9EMOZX-JZubrKtc7GCrwv3CT5u94wBFujjfCrQptNoWcgU6XxsET0QffQSaT6x/s1600/Liv8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZzhEhjBr0fFQLnXlR8oER_MKVqN55Yu5Rt4uixcGBnYQEjUtIHvtDvHZfOb7zJzt03bW0OgSSzuvme9EMOZX-JZubrKtc7GCrwv3CT5u94wBFujjfCrQptNoWcgU6XxsET0QffQSaT6x/s640/Liv8.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She still loves to snuggle with Bunny, dive into fantasy, and create new jewelry designs (including the gorgeous necklace and earrings she designed for her birthday pictures). Writing fantasy and poetry continues to be her go-to activity for relaxation. And she loves being with her sister and brother. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzUPwMpIEP3UTt6__eviO5jleNS-qWnwfma-IhBZTkd55w5cZXmcWO_p1JPmte4HUVwjpw287pYRsCcbXj4ajuVlSgOBARZfy6OPAVU5TsTnlLph7odbc2rHgs-0NlqZrVa7fD6XAieVx/s1600/Liv7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzUPwMpIEP3UTt6__eviO5jleNS-qWnwfma-IhBZTkd55w5cZXmcWO_p1JPmte4HUVwjpw287pYRsCcbXj4ajuVlSgOBARZfy6OPAVU5TsTnlLph7odbc2rHgs-0NlqZrVa7fD6XAieVx/s640/Liv7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia enjoyed getting a full year of participation with <a href="http://www.arkansasyouthchorale.com/about-ayc" target="_blank">Arkansas Youth Chorale</a>, including welcoming her siblings into the choir. The house is full of music with the three of them! But, Olivia is also looking forward to being behind stage instead of on it as she seeks out opportunities to participate with tech crews and audio-visual teams in the coming years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaZ0dBPE8oAMA5KttegsgpDZ2MphdI0Viws2lbyfnWKCyHhpGXTu1pa-RjEEbzoGa_CMH0lnSrfjNHLwDhNdg5VJvJXX8bWyOxGpzOt63ue8r6WPde7kINqc9WHvNXS9xOgMvpcffgB9h/s1600/Liv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaZ0dBPE8oAMA5KttegsgpDZ2MphdI0Viws2lbyfnWKCyHhpGXTu1pa-RjEEbzoGa_CMH0lnSrfjNHLwDhNdg5VJvJXX8bWyOxGpzOt63ue8r6WPde7kINqc9WHvNXS9xOgMvpcffgB9h/s640/Liv2.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so incredibly proud of this amazing young lady. She's learned how to work hard and is seeing the fruit of her labor. We are so excited to see how she continues to discover more about herself, her talents, her interests, and her direction as she grows in her relationship with Christ and her understanding of what it means to surrender herself to His lordship.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWgxhDwsz2uia5VH28M-89Odq2eJmZn_ppQrmg3tcuG8qXCqIrAyjvrc1IJg1GiRRATqNg3BdUSpG1m4ntDPBkMf4OZGDigNObJcWVECvY3xuhz0yINiidShfmeVQAOu2EEeTdDa0Z4d/s1600/Liv5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIWgxhDwsz2uia5VH28M-89Odq2eJmZn_ppQrmg3tcuG8qXCqIrAyjvrc1IJg1GiRRATqNg3BdUSpG1m4ntDPBkMf4OZGDigNObJcWVECvY3xuhz0yINiidShfmeVQAOu2EEeTdDa0Z4d/s640/Liv5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia, you are such a treasure. Thank you for tolerating being the guinea pig and for your patience as I've learned through the years what it means to be your mom. I'm looking forward to learning how to be the mom of an adult daughter. Thanks for wanting us to be a part of that stage of the journey, too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy 18th birthday!</div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-28354775475595053262019-01-27T15:41:00.000-06:002019-01-27T15:41:08.955-06:00A New Stage of FunSometimes it's easy to forget that I have a senior and that life is about to change. We just go through day to day life, and everything's normal.<br />
<br />
Then I get an e-mail with a graduation deadline or another senior events pops up on the calendar - or my "baby" girl hops in the car to head off by herself to another activity - and I'm reminded. And once again there is this odd combination of my heart screaming, "I'm not ready!!!!" and an overwhelming sense of excitement about her future. <br />
<br />
Yes, this stage of life brings tears as I realize the changes that are coming. I'm going to MISS that girl! But, wow - this is so much fun, too!<br />
<br />
It's true. The days are long, but the years are short. And, they really do grow up so fast. And, yes, there are times when I miss them being little and able to curl up in my lap. <br />
<br />
But, I have said before that I love every stage because every stage brings something new and exciting. And, going through this new stage is proving that once again. <br />
<br />
It's not easy. Even in this stage, the days can be long - and some hours are longer (like when she's on the road by herself!). But it definitely is fun. <br />
<br />
And I'm so incredibly proud of that girl! The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-89736298442106704952019-01-12T10:02:00.000-06:002019-01-12T10:02:08.439-06:00The New AdventureRecently, I gave a <a href="https://annhibbard.com/2019/01/07/happy-new-year/" target="_blank">Happy New Year greeting</a> on my personal blog. Not because it was New Year's Day. In fact, I was about a week late on it. But simply because it was a new beginning for me. <br /><br />That's a bit how I feel here, too. It's all new. It's been so long since I've regularly posted anything more than our celebration photo shoots, so this feels like a fresh endeavor. Not a continuation of what was started eleven years ago, but a brand new adventure.<br />
<br />
Of course, in all honesty, it <i>is</i> a brand new adventure. When this blog started, I had littles. Now I have bigs. Really bigs. As in, I'm now the shortest in the family (Although with Angela it does depend on how each of us is standing at the time and who is wearing the thicker-soled shoes. 😉 She's only got me by about a quarter of an inch.) As in, they'll all three be teenagers this year. As in, one is leaving for COLLEGE this year. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OAxArxDMUDfKr-d_ZSyDPqar9SlY4zSFo_SeACk3xKcwUTiDKUc1k5Z1YtbtH5FEny1VipQqs9In1855u_ba84BmTV-NPgYvlBxWzZ5w041f7hhoKUnyhpS-U9IUpxYaSKZdPEHQCwXm/s1600/2019-01-06+11.22.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OAxArxDMUDfKr-d_ZSyDPqar9SlY4zSFo_SeACk3xKcwUTiDKUc1k5Z1YtbtH5FEny1VipQqs9In1855u_ba84BmTV-NPgYvlBxWzZ5w041f7hhoKUnyhpS-U9IUpxYaSKZdPEHQCwXm/s320/2019-01-06+11.22.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, where do I start? I start as if it's a beginning. A fresh introduction to the Hibbard family. Ooh, and do you know what that means? It means I get to redesign the look of the blog and start new habits. Of course, it also means being intentional about choosing to make time for such things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS24fzEhnTUrtgx835AmUctwmf87Q5AiLfjgPKYc2jrH18r9_0bmSjthU7B8kRHef7kipA-mTz1NC3fOfn_I14cZ5VzPj9texNCMtNN3fyDKT9z9Ot49gUq6xwRbODaBjC0AcBtammmt7/s1600/2018-12-15+16.15.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS24fzEhnTUrtgx835AmUctwmf87Q5AiLfjgPKYc2jrH18r9_0bmSjthU7B8kRHef7kipA-mTz1NC3fOfn_I14cZ5VzPj9texNCMtNN3fyDKT9z9Ot49gUq6xwRbODaBjC0AcBtammmt7/s320/2018-12-15+16.15.56.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It means going back through pictures and seeing that we really do still do fun, blog-worthy things that I'd like to remember.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iqpREGzdt5beVTePegZ3_IUmjQ3Qraqf6IZmlLhd7arHreHnbYzkZQbD9lVmMP4Jy0MwM8GWsAGzpEX6oRvIczHLjYA95msnVUkd5yafaKjWtvbbrk8eAJY8RuJNRAp82Im0U6-0OMZy/s1600/2018-12-15+16.16.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iqpREGzdt5beVTePegZ3_IUmjQ3Qraqf6IZmlLhd7arHreHnbYzkZQbD9lVmMP4Jy0MwM8GWsAGzpEX6oRvIczHLjYA95msnVUkd5yafaKjWtvbbrk8eAJY8RuJNRAp82Im0U6-0OMZy/s320/2018-12-15+16.16.44.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
And it means being intentional about processing through the very real changes that are coming in our family over the next five years. Yep, it really is a brand new adventure!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NkTU7Z48uBzj4U9fJ-lj96VTylOwAUpuVikqlAb1E7AQF0wbIcaq9lnpdRohNrffrrgaetDZ85MPYq0siA742dRW6XFImPMyGHm_aPHH-Zlyv095ZP79DQWLvAwFovDOwA9h3aEC_GKy/s1600/2018-12-19+17.51.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NkTU7Z48uBzj4U9fJ-lj96VTylOwAUpuVikqlAb1E7AQF0wbIcaq9lnpdRohNrffrrgaetDZ85MPYq0siA742dRW6XFImPMyGHm_aPHH-Zlyv095ZP79DQWLvAwFovDOwA9h3aEC_GKy/s320/2018-12-19+17.51.37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So, yes, even halfway through January, may I wish you a happy new year and a fresh welcome to the insanity of the Hibbard family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-7824696349908782432018-12-19T10:45:00.000-06:002018-12-19T10:45:44.015-06:00Twenty YearsTwenty years. Wow.<br />
<br />
When I awoke twenty years ago this morning, I was a confusing mass of nervousness and excitement and wonder. I wanted everything to be perfect but also wanted to enjoy the special day instead of giving into the anxiety that seems to often govern such events. I knew that day was just a gateway - an opening celebration to the years of marriage to come. But, I never dreamed how quickly twenty years would pass!<br />
<br />
Today, my amazing, incredible, handsome, fun, wonderful husband and I celebrate twenty years of marriage. We've walked through quite the journey in those twenty years, but I know with each passing day that there is no one I'd rather have walked the journey with than Doug. We've grown stronger as we've navigated the "downs" and celebrated the "ups." And, oh the delight of finding fun in the middle of it all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxK7L0MuHTdNCEsk89u5WsoKzyDYOFm5X30kSAJs0HfnlLQMF_NmXXdhwqUNjxwEZ247RuWcQpIY3BiTcN9wm7SVRix7-mmCdH70q7MYwoZxoPi584YE0rZVbd3Z55QHkQ4zjH3RZyfQ3/s1600/2018-12-15+16.16.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxK7L0MuHTdNCEsk89u5WsoKzyDYOFm5X30kSAJs0HfnlLQMF_NmXXdhwqUNjxwEZ247RuWcQpIY3BiTcN9wm7SVRix7-mmCdH70q7MYwoZxoPi584YE0rZVbd3Z55QHkQ4zjH3RZyfQ3/s320/2018-12-15+16.16.44.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
Sometimes words fail me, and this is one of those moments. I just cannot fathom how to truly express the treasure that twenty years with Doug has been. So, I will simply leave it at this:<br />
<br />
Happy anniversary, my love! Thank you for the blessing of twenty years of faithfulness and the promise of more to come. Thank you for the gift of a sense of humor that adds fun and laughter to it all. Thank you for the treasure of your love. I love you!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBwDCewJaCwTwL2_Q9rrWMByqGBVbrKRkdyhOyVuODwffTJ_qFvul56j4IdzMcedai4TUoKVe9646wT5DeoU6iTjd8rusNwtw6JQEpn2dHZyjmRwwsqAIqisgZIXnzPf1Layc6BIePk0m/s1600/SAM_2431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="852" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBwDCewJaCwTwL2_Q9rrWMByqGBVbrKRkdyhOyVuODwffTJ_qFvul56j4IdzMcedai4TUoKVe9646wT5DeoU6iTjd8rusNwtw6JQEpn2dHZyjmRwwsqAIqisgZIXnzPf1Layc6BIePk0m/s320/SAM_2431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-48953351354376908712018-09-04T11:53:00.003-05:002018-09-04T11:53:56.542-05:00Happy Birthday, Angela!<div style="text-align: center;">
Motherhood is an amazing thing. There is the "child who made me a mama" feeling that is so powerful. But then there's being the mother of the child who shows you all of the extremes. The ups and downs. The depths of inadequacy and the heights of pride. That's the joy of being Angela's mother - a joy I've known, as of today, for fifteen years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAaCmdxJbL9nLIvwK8-OS5e0CeL1vSy_pwUGCQp7V1-HzC5QkbcY1T4EdggTagVCLWazQMHdqbwlFwxbljZcOibHIpQaBNFKByNKpog3dJgi2yIwrnqvPbi3xQvdHknGsNhQM0AZ1F53F/s1600/SAM_2117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAaCmdxJbL9nLIvwK8-OS5e0CeL1vSy_pwUGCQp7V1-HzC5QkbcY1T4EdggTagVCLWazQMHdqbwlFwxbljZcOibHIpQaBNFKByNKpog3dJgi2yIwrnqvPbi3xQvdHknGsNhQM0AZ1F53F/s640/SAM_2117.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the past year, the transformation from middle schooler to high schooler has been made complete. It's amazing and beautiful to watch the growth that occurs mentally, spiritually, and emotionally from thirteen to fifteen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP680rAxLS2sdJQN-du991rr-8VCtCQpJG_rCUhFh-b50OCvGtBKns3UcfejRXcHxV6k24S3Pt8qRKsCZ5m6Cl3oQWXc5OTaRQJJBys0n4QTLDM-c4xmnd_RzwbCUyX0mCB8203IluKf02/s1600/SAM_2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP680rAxLS2sdJQN-du991rr-8VCtCQpJG_rCUhFh-b50OCvGtBKns3UcfejRXcHxV6k24S3Pt8qRKsCZ5m6Cl3oQWXc5OTaRQJJBys0n4QTLDM-c4xmnd_RzwbCUyX0mCB8203IluKf02/s640/SAM_2125.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fun girl is still there. The cows. The dolls. The frills. I think that will always be a part of Angela's personality, even as the reflection of that side of her changes and matures. And she definitely has matured.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomuHkdccqH07Z78FK_o9p2N4uaAcGeB-9EaF2vimQL0Z2U5Eh9A2qzT0gNbQbPxzKSU93mxyl-bevmM0QT5G_o5p8_RHIoZ1KrKOpsX6MZyKZHWh8IqkikknrGI3Z2hiH9DvdS6dXDqAK/s1600/SAM_2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomuHkdccqH07Z78FK_o9p2N4uaAcGeB-9EaF2vimQL0Z2U5Eh9A2qzT0gNbQbPxzKSU93mxyl-bevmM0QT5G_o5p8_RHIoZ1KrKOpsX6MZyKZHWh8IqkikknrGI3Z2hiH9DvdS6dXDqAK/s640/SAM_2158.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although at least one cow still accompanies her most places, it's very different from the once-upon-a-childhood love of carrying a stuffed animal around. Instead, it's a way for her to express the fun side of herself. As an introvert, Angela has learned that certain things help break the ice when interacting socially. Certain things like cows and fun hats and knitting and crocheting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpJXxitaX37BDznpV24A5d81-C20sjjajlAOxrpFuhPo7MqVjlIRlFjA03YouKcY7QJ_GtzyyukWc5gO9OZeEwsM6p1lofQS67m898-g9OTJsn2j9uNB9qHujQYs-zdF5koFB1M7imunL/s1600/SAM_2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpJXxitaX37BDznpV24A5d81-C20sjjajlAOxrpFuhPo7MqVjlIRlFjA03YouKcY7QJ_GtzyyukWc5gO9OZeEwsM6p1lofQS67m898-g9OTJsn2j9uNB9qHujQYs-zdF5koFB1M7imunL/s640/SAM_2145.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angela's social presence is one of the things I've loved watching over the past year. Although she will always prefer being away from any sort of crowd (and her definition of a crowd chooses a much, much smaller number than most other people - even other introverts - would use to define the word!), she is learning just how she best engages.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwoK-N2qQfr5Ei1dynaaaMibJxIoY_wfnz_t9rmmL1m9D_uhSszpmd2zla26QRjeIgy8nABGBSr5w6hAFhHO9c9xMuyGUWMsi4VuLb8iEk0bif_26dp7H79hiONcc6s2NDd41y9SuAlLO/s1600/SAM_2121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwoK-N2qQfr5Ei1dynaaaMibJxIoY_wfnz_t9rmmL1m9D_uhSszpmd2zla26QRjeIgy8nABGBSr5w6hAFhHO9c9xMuyGUWMsi4VuLb8iEk0bif_26dp7H79hiONcc6s2NDd41y9SuAlLO/s640/SAM_2121.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although she's never been a "look at me" kind of girl, the stage is actually where she's most comfortable. Music and drama allow Angela to express herself, even to the point of helping her learn how to more easily engage in face-to-face conversations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA06twwU6t3_3dLMgqvbNnsyKr3Ml8ewl5_HSfmSaZ615eleEOxXcpduOgStx46ruMbv5WzsSPt53P4dShcyVsDHiJbOWdS2ySHKJqHvvbqePu1jpOTbgVI8A7u5tRQY2e3vvG4zuz29g/s1600/SAM_2154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtA06twwU6t3_3dLMgqvbNnsyKr3Ml8ewl5_HSfmSaZ615eleEOxXcpduOgStx46ruMbv5WzsSPt53P4dShcyVsDHiJbOWdS2ySHKJqHvvbqePu1jpOTbgVI8A7u5tRQY2e3vvG4zuz29g/s640/SAM_2154.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Angela's singing voice has matured greatly over the past year as she's helped lead worship for the youth on Wednesday nights and participated in special music on Sundays. At <a href="https://praiseworksarkansas.com/" target="_blank">PraiseWorks</a> this summer, she auditioned for the morning student-led praise team for the experience. She was actually thankful she didn't make it, though, because that allowed her to participate in a drama track. But, she'll try again, without a doubt!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1Isjv5PpwBG76PeVPRAVSD6OVEbeSe26jv9LVrwMEzQpsqiPynSucdUbcH5oTbkXEVOp2KyNcy3Eq9OyB0OPNfYbdkUsN9arOXkhXH3sqOdcpqjfRRj44F1pc8oLBRIW2fRddMbnUIKG/s1600/SAM_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1Isjv5PpwBG76PeVPRAVSD6OVEbeSe26jv9LVrwMEzQpsqiPynSucdUbcH5oTbkXEVOp2KyNcy3Eq9OyB0OPNfYbdkUsN9arOXkhXH3sqOdcpqjfRRj44F1pc8oLBRIW2fRddMbnUIKG/s640/SAM_2151.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, participating in the evening worship choir remained her absolute favorite part of PraiseWorks. And, it only took one rehearsal with <a href="http://www.arkansasyouthchorale.com/" target="_blank">Arkansas Youth Chorale</a> to know she was hooked on that as well. Her new choir friends welcomed her enthusiastically and with open arms, and she is so excited to be a part this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbn6EWF10RNAGpulTfPo5ESxHGZZhlZAOBy7f9YikLC-9doRHsQ_0Hf98oRSvTVPekLU4tzIMscacgZqmVQlRQuT4cIDjXPZnDOsgirGWGBq52wJvSwbhFd4ANZb0VOjdt_2u2nn2MhCa/s1600/SAM_2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbn6EWF10RNAGpulTfPo5ESxHGZZhlZAOBy7f9YikLC-9doRHsQ_0Hf98oRSvTVPekLU4tzIMscacgZqmVQlRQuT4cIDjXPZnDOsgirGWGBq52wJvSwbhFd4ANZb0VOjdt_2u2nn2MhCa/s640/SAM_2112.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sewing, knitting, and crocheting are still a daily part of Angela's life. Her current delight is doll clothes and stuffed animals, and she is constantly making one or the other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6SLBC-Clg4SehtZvFsBu8C_andfxnu8soZiAlLKS3ehEZ9Bq7FoQlsP_qYJuO6wRfqu1j9UQR3fzN_e5cJtHAz7JR1T0RwIxtwmUNWD4v5UnPg46juaerzSPj0EAOH4mSVLjEFtfPYrW/s1600/SAM_2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt6SLBC-Clg4SehtZvFsBu8C_andfxnu8soZiAlLKS3ehEZ9Bq7FoQlsP_qYJuO6wRfqu1j9UQR3fzN_e5cJtHAz7JR1T0RwIxtwmUNWD4v5UnPg46juaerzSPj0EAOH4mSVLjEFtfPYrW/s640/SAM_2149.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, she also loves to cook. Even as I type, she's in the kitchen making her own traditional birthday quiche, a recipe she's requested annually for the past twelve birthdays! She thoroughly enjoys baking, too, following in the footsteps of her dear friend Sarah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79HD9xt4kTRB_YDzI3Ay5S3sp6xxobf5odxmy1YKt1oMAIZ1VIsEtrk6Z-AHfkUB-V2oa-DhwwLNDX_6mY1tLAmkjqL8PTq_JbPjOBJ-eT4Jt4JOHpbgtCog94RfTTCf7fJYAxIo50awX/s1600/SAM_2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79HD9xt4kTRB_YDzI3Ay5S3sp6xxobf5odxmy1YKt1oMAIZ1VIsEtrk6Z-AHfkUB-V2oa-DhwwLNDX_6mY1tLAmkjqL8PTq_JbPjOBJ-eT4Jt4JOHpbgtCog94RfTTCf7fJYAxIo50awX/s640/SAM_2138.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her other birthday activity was to head to the library in honor of her all-time favorite activity: reading. It is quite typical to find her sitting cross-legged somewhere with a book between her toes, knitting or crocheting in her hands, and a cat in her lap. I definitely can't forget the cat. If she'd been able to take her cat Rose with her to the Old Mill for pictures, I'm sure she would have! Angela would happily have a dozen cats if we'd let her!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MVpsSeBuVTZ9YyabysjDWb7N2BVNIkOBmwVoCpnY9GUVhNLMr3UifVM9qqCTZD_bylOFfRqUw-hVUn19WR2lOE_7jJG9ewGgfkToeONwrkF1r5ofWb37_wd3d_J16HbELq-GIRd1UV_D/s1600/SAM_2166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MVpsSeBuVTZ9YyabysjDWb7N2BVNIkOBmwVoCpnY9GUVhNLMr3UifVM9qqCTZD_bylOFfRqUw-hVUn19WR2lOE_7jJG9ewGgfkToeONwrkF1r5ofWb37_wd3d_J16HbELq-GIRd1UV_D/s640/SAM_2166.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, being Angela's mother has truly been an adventure. Sometimes overflowing with joy and other times more on the challenging side. But I wouldn't trade a moment of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you and am so proud of you, my precious middle child! Happy birthday, Angela! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-29141440501730491532018-08-10T13:53:00.001-05:002018-08-10T13:53:26.660-05:00Happy Birthday, Steven!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And just like that, my baby is twelve!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvQsl8aj3OG7bs1Q149jiD5w4nyeZIV-k1kwammOn38y8Uys1lZou5RTO8t2WBPHLTmj3iN1bLsiQNIi8H_l5Uhw-_2tlj-ZYdfzvqem4taQvjrRn-05z3BxFZdMXGDO9E6NhEfStevpn/s1600/SAM_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1332" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvQsl8aj3OG7bs1Q149jiD5w4nyeZIV-k1kwammOn38y8Uys1lZou5RTO8t2WBPHLTmj3iN1bLsiQNIi8H_l5Uhw-_2tlj-ZYdfzvqem4taQvjrRn-05z3BxFZdMXGDO9E6NhEfStevpn/s640/SAM_2045.JPG" width="529" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always say that every stage is fun, and I mean it. It still boggles the mind that my baby, my little boy, could be <i>so very big</i><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>(yes, almost as tall as his mama, which delights him to no end). But, I'm enjoying it. There are days when I wish this mama's boy was still small enough to hold in my lap for some good, long snuggles. But, I'm in awe of how much fun it is to watch him - all of my kids - grow up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U0toi1KC7HdxY3gFWhL4_SoH38PAIc8np3nMaeYAt9m96lBkxNuM18iRK2TaDdH39ayudOR3YwrqgFLWvVV-TCqK53PbafP0iAs-ekxPapjruFWTCQSoSVAPX_bkNuSV1rDrxRF19WsN/s1600/SAM_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U0toi1KC7HdxY3gFWhL4_SoH38PAIc8np3nMaeYAt9m96lBkxNuM18iRK2TaDdH39ayudOR3YwrqgFLWvVV-TCqK53PbafP0iAs-ekxPapjruFWTCQSoSVAPX_bkNuSV1rDrxRF19WsN/s640/SAM_2035.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly didn't expect to see so much change in Steven over the past year. He's not one to embrace change readily, but it seems to have embraced him!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXy3KrY4A8mjEr0XWdzH4NQL1c5X-2JR-NPTo_UpNGShSI8XWFyFCOGOILmSAzndIqSscGYRCqG7fhCFva-Shx2AdYP_mPAjTvtC-pI5FFjlKVivUQK2jsIqVTljpSdzaSTdazNQBXmEG/s1600/SAM_2037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXy3KrY4A8mjEr0XWdzH4NQL1c5X-2JR-NPTo_UpNGShSI8XWFyFCOGOILmSAzndIqSscGYRCqG7fhCFva-Shx2AdYP_mPAjTvtC-pI5FFjlKVivUQK2jsIqVTljpSdzaSTdazNQBXmEG/s640/SAM_2037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Many things <i style="font-weight: bold;">have</i> stayed the same. He still loves Legos and airplanes and animals. The way he loves those things has matured, but he still finds great joy in them. I especially like watching him with the animals - not just his dog Cookie, the family cat Smokey, and Angie's cat Rose, but also with other animals. The day we were taking his birthday pictures, the turtles were out in force. He went to get a closer look, and one swam right up to him (probably looking for a handout!). Steven enjoyed a nice little chat with the turtle before it swam away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KXHjWq2raUUAB8BXZUG-YricMSwF6oAvFO42TnfZsqSh58EaUjPnTRCjfVK56z_U6cdv3bt3pMXZxDmUnFWBoWl4Ox-nMIKWqxkAPY47Lc4cQJP1l3btfA_AgJDP-g1WkEiDyh-NANSy/s1600/SAM_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KXHjWq2raUUAB8BXZUG-YricMSwF6oAvFO42TnfZsqSh58EaUjPnTRCjfVK56z_U6cdv3bt3pMXZxDmUnFWBoWl4Ox-nMIKWqxkAPY47Lc4cQJP1l3btfA_AgJDP-g1WkEiDyh-NANSy/s640/SAM_2062.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He still loves to get up early. In fact, one of his birthday requests was to be able to sleep in (until about 6:15), but still be the only one up for at least thirty minutes. Despite being a clone of his father, he does take after his mama in that way, enjoying the peacefulness of time to himself first thing in the morning. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubjyKML2hfMyhNBNgdKfZujmfn9Embqy4MKpOIDR99cOhCVKHzOFcFnzpHDUi_bzHP4RBaQiSRjCevZjqkhrSvOewES-f7dcLawKyNFnH61QQwsfCrZIdIta0SY2GCuSkw9FBN1UXbqJy/s1600/SAM_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubjyKML2hfMyhNBNgdKfZujmfn9Embqy4MKpOIDR99cOhCVKHzOFcFnzpHDUi_bzHP4RBaQiSRjCevZjqkhrSvOewES-f7dcLawKyNFnH61QQwsfCrZIdIta0SY2GCuSkw9FBN1UXbqJy/s640/SAM_2042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Steven also remains my most tenderhearted child. He empathizes so beautifully, and although he never likes to draw attention to himself, he is also not ashamed of the fact that he feels deeply.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35Gd0N6YpBVPYvJnh50KktTRCIZpMd7IG2uor4BhaeYekdEFRmZE9gyY2LLEZqoHx6agUIOUH7PTA-d9POo1E2YCsYktl7duJfBbNiarl8X06AKx5UlaZQB0WXo2rZnLI_fTAJ5ZuVNxg/s1600/SAM_2057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35Gd0N6YpBVPYvJnh50KktTRCIZpMd7IG2uor4BhaeYekdEFRmZE9gyY2LLEZqoHx6agUIOUH7PTA-d9POo1E2YCsYktl7duJfBbNiarl8X06AKx5UlaZQB0WXo2rZnLI_fTAJ5ZuVNxg/s640/SAM_2057.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One thing that has surprised me has been Steven's budding social interaction. This child who, once upon a time, would not even <i>look</i> at people outside him immediate family now strikes up conversations with complete strangers. He has loved building a relationship with the postal, UPS, and FedEx delivery folks who come to our house. If he knows a UPS package is scheduled to arrive, he plans his day around getting to run out and say hi to and check on his favorite delivery guy. Occasionally he even comes back in with prayer requests to share. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLePJ6CBk-0kXeKzvz5AxoHIunojdR3Pm1mFSv6mtJF_vsVbsedbPNKHqQkiFlw2eoH3-ABPKNeFh8wuVGEPQh5DI_tEj3lswPit4JEnF648QKmS8S9XmBqNTJifVuTrXPklKUDy9Qx3Ap/s1600/SAM_2069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLePJ6CBk-0kXeKzvz5AxoHIunojdR3Pm1mFSv6mtJF_vsVbsedbPNKHqQkiFlw2eoH3-ABPKNeFh8wuVGEPQh5DI_tEj3lswPit4JEnF648QKmS8S9XmBqNTJifVuTrXPklKUDy9Qx3Ap/s640/SAM_2069.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sweet, tenderhearted nature does not mean, though, that he's above teasing and giving people a hard time - especially his sisters! Steven will gladly join his father in a bout of "grab the cow" or "steal the hat" to tease his sisters. He adores them both, but he also loves fulfilling his role as little brother, which has to involve giving them a hard time now and then!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw0qflNk5EA13nmRpjFe92gDtV7z1yMLbqpX6k6Pc6UJj91URv1JUZkqgig5mZ613cGwS725um2Bsp8n4LHTesgVn7OFYN2_w9MzoMgYX8cpnXQO7XVv250en-je1YSH_yS6C7rRXgSpa/s1600/SAM_2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrw0qflNk5EA13nmRpjFe92gDtV7z1yMLbqpX6k6Pc6UJj91URv1JUZkqgig5mZ613cGwS725um2Bsp8n4LHTesgVn7OFYN2_w9MzoMgYX8cpnXQO7XVv250en-je1YSH_yS6C7rRXgSpa/s640/SAM_2056.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the past few months, Steven has also blossomed in his interests. I anticipate that someday he'll go into a field such as mechanical engineering or computer programming that helps him learn how to build the machines or technology that he loves. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pY2C2jXJQS6wkmBjfVLBNI6Z-vb3wVv_We82yvDXk0gznIm-6qZ23-ePioTKcB8NF90Sw572O8hduc78UNE_RzRqYLo_PCrSObttgYCKgMY4VN-TpP63SwWZ0UOH4dEe0N2Kz01chyaZ/s1600/SAM_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pY2C2jXJQS6wkmBjfVLBNI6Z-vb3wVv_We82yvDXk0gznIm-6qZ23-ePioTKcB8NF90Sw572O8hduc78UNE_RzRqYLo_PCrSObttgYCKgMY4VN-TpP63SwWZ0UOH4dEe0N2Kz01chyaZ/s640/SAM_2079.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, no matter what he does vocationally, ministry will be a part of it. He can't help it. It's an innate part of who he is, and he's fully aware of that reality. Whether he ends up in full-time ministry, part-time ministry, or just ministering in whatever secular career he pursues, ministry is in his future as much as it is in his present.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaXZDFKPcjBcMw98KnRKVB4wwGcBAbAiUml_Nn-U8jUg1E3kWFr06H5shNtRgk68q6-V3JjUMX2TVC-8K6ly2kDUI3XfKPnkyPRBvOU1uq7btgzWOTUbTglAayeIEt4JRYpXuNiL9sCVy/s1600/SAM_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaXZDFKPcjBcMw98KnRKVB4wwGcBAbAiUml_Nn-U8jUg1E3kWFr06H5shNtRgk68q6-V3JjUMX2TVC-8K6ly2kDUI3XfKPnkyPRBvOU1uq7btgzWOTUbTglAayeIEt4JRYpXuNiL9sCVy/s640/SAM_2068.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, so is drama. This summer, the dramatic side of Steven has exploded! He's always been a little goofy, but suddenly he is completely unashamed to be wide open.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx_bOnxmsG8DrN4OzciVAQmz8-chod_ykAbp8KrOPLC3LSjh7rqqXfCMGRpyrCdEOXTFKSz5QynKFkAqHcKDspEaPwkvOC6x70xB-PXujFFdE1UhxWnTJMPb4RRQAodi63iTA89QcKaib/s1600/SAM_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgx_bOnxmsG8DrN4OzciVAQmz8-chod_ykAbp8KrOPLC3LSjh7rqqXfCMGRpyrCdEOXTFKSz5QynKFkAqHcKDspEaPwkvOC6x70xB-PXujFFdE1UhxWnTJMPb4RRQAodi63iTA89QcKaib/s640/SAM_2078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The hesitancy he's exhibited in the past to perform in any way is fading fast. Even this past spring, he was unsure about the opportunities ahead of him for being involved in choir or drama. Now he can't wait! He's very excited about the prospect of joining Angela in helping organize drama presentations at church and encouraging others to be comfortable in expressing themselves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdMzuTzsnmiLsbIm9OiicshMr0cZwOQqqTAjU97AR5zlGyABCXYxcL-I7m4mdnoBOvXFrZTQ583bsQoH5Ifq0WNoe2rfEENW0VYn8-wEPRI6cuxllI_daoxKQSYo7Tj646Hu7PMMEhUbs/s1600/SAM_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdMzuTzsnmiLsbIm9OiicshMr0cZwOQqqTAjU97AR5zlGyABCXYxcL-I7m4mdnoBOvXFrZTQ583bsQoH5Ifq0WNoe2rfEENW0VYn8-wEPRI6cuxllI_daoxKQSYo7Tj646Hu7PMMEhUbs/s640/SAM_2081.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he can't wait to join Arkansas Youth Chorale in a few weeks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaD1vTaEhyphenhyphenjPvshwhxNn-l8gdONfavgowjlNSgydrr5Fr0dHKX9iTWIi-wl3sbLxgqC5d9gqwz9bW-OYOUp2gXXuKdNueppczcw03a2-8cD_qPQfyuc6pY6TJ3HRj6KiOWQPZIrjnLAJ9/s1600/SAM_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaD1vTaEhyphenhyphenjPvshwhxNn-l8gdONfavgowjlNSgydrr5Fr0dHKX9iTWIi-wl3sbLxgqC5d9gqwz9bW-OYOUp2gXXuKdNueppczcw03a2-8cD_qPQfyuc6pY6TJ3HRj6KiOWQPZIrjnLAJ9/s640/SAM_2086.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So many changes. So much growing up. So much fun. It's been a great year, and I'm excited to see what the next year holds. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm proud of you, son! I love you immensely, and I'm so thankful that you're still not ashamed to let me know you love me back. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May you have a very, very happy 12th birthday!</div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-92075095500389244692018-06-17T07:34:00.001-05:002018-06-17T07:35:02.530-05:00For My Hubby on Father's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love a lot of things about being married to this amazing man. I always knew he'd be a great dad, but watching him in action with our three precious children never ceases to amaze me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzoreIXiIOzytZ5vL_4fktsXBUGG3dLLdc0pY6me9dmRc6567ZE_YF_7dRD05GeuOTat28pZTkT_3YNqcuow66KA7155N2OK0VoNcGBKkA-PeR7_2uZYltR1Kd_2ULLI-SXPRGZY7vn04/s1600/2018-05-11+14.50.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzoreIXiIOzytZ5vL_4fktsXBUGG3dLLdc0pY6me9dmRc6567ZE_YF_7dRD05GeuOTat28pZTkT_3YNqcuow66KA7155N2OK0VoNcGBKkA-PeR7_2uZYltR1Kd_2ULLI-SXPRGZY7vn04/s320/2018-05-11+14.50.32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the way he plays with them. We all play more and better because of Doug.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1HNlcNdbec7W-qsi_JPvwMWjzVPtFTpHborbHIv8_Y90lAncqO0_PbaSoUQ4_UtKojuceXY-Fw8c21lLZL0CCB2z-3Q36gjsh1nu0U9S9YjDv-gPM3Yjm2N-Zpdq2DxkIzWWPSSx6n9T/s1600/2017-11-19+15.43.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1HNlcNdbec7W-qsi_JPvwMWjzVPtFTpHborbHIv8_Y90lAncqO0_PbaSoUQ4_UtKojuceXY-Fw8c21lLZL0CCB2z-3Q36gjsh1nu0U9S9YjDv-gPM3Yjm2N-Zpdq2DxkIzWWPSSx6n9T/s320/2017-11-19+15.43.49.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the way he makes them laugh. In so many ways. And creatively with each child.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZeNztRzbxjJpwKPb4qGQGGhTZ6hinhQw9M-ZOzZAQ5_8uKmV0fWvHlw3_razrw5bq1fSqA6FVrTZSzAtQqWip9EV5FgPATKl3dxi-6A7vcx92zYkKAZ_dlLo0OjWlo4sDVVPUT0LrURm/s1600/2018-04-01+13.10.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZeNztRzbxjJpwKPb4qGQGGhTZ6hinhQw9M-ZOzZAQ5_8uKmV0fWvHlw3_razrw5bq1fSqA6FVrTZSzAtQqWip9EV5FgPATKl3dxi-6A7vcx92zYkKAZ_dlLo0OjWlo4sDVVPUT0LrURm/s320/2018-04-01+13.10.21.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkUe4b4haHiWBGDujlw1qFFyuLB-9j1QHsltNDYYueJmC3fqohIBtLn0kNNlrFZOPocpHPqAp2WWVOwF90gQzHcwq3KQtXuX8sQrldhpbbnU3B9aVBQozSEodcsFqGQxGXYNc1s9fAixQ/s1600/2018-04-01+13.13.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkUe4b4haHiWBGDujlw1qFFyuLB-9j1QHsltNDYYueJmC3fqohIBtLn0kNNlrFZOPocpHPqAp2WWVOwF90gQzHcwq3KQtXuX8sQrldhpbbnU3B9aVBQozSEodcsFqGQxGXYNc1s9fAixQ/s320/2018-04-01+13.13.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I love the way he teaches them, keeps their love of learning sparked, and makes them think. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7TkiLOzukzNf4cB1FYBNaUhHBAKS6Pj3iANRrJ-6DWDEZX_dhlqtBBVUzS3lxgsI9ydN3S4wcJbB-Pe-2eGztb0QADtpw1axEy8g1-z3_fnTEjWlfCVAnY0Ym1njaiceC0FDSLKKdoWv/s1600/2017-12-22+18.30.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7TkiLOzukzNf4cB1FYBNaUhHBAKS6Pj3iANRrJ-6DWDEZX_dhlqtBBVUzS3lxgsI9ydN3S4wcJbB-Pe-2eGztb0QADtpw1axEy8g1-z3_fnTEjWlfCVAnY0Ym1njaiceC0FDSLKKdoWv/s320/2017-12-22+18.30.27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His son wants to be just like him. His daughters think he's the most wonderful man on the planet. I tend to agree with them!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Father's Day, my love!</div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-90865471676577703372018-06-06T11:07:00.000-05:002018-06-06T11:07:14.273-05:00Arkansas Youth Chorale<div style="text-align: center;">
For quite some time now, Olivia has really, really wanted to be a part of a choir that challenges her in the way her annual <a href="https://praiseworksarkansas.com/" target="_blank">PraiseWorks </a>experience challenges her. Well, back in February, we just so happened to find a choir that we thought might fit that desire.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.arkansasyouthchorale.com/about-ayc" target="_blank">Arkansas Youth Chorale</a> was started five years ago as a place for youth from all over Central Arkansas to be able to come together for the purpose of learning and singing sacred music. The night Olivia showed up to sit in on a rehearsal and see if she was interested in joining, she was welcomed with open arms. And she has loved every minute since then!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFuHgEfjtLgB9-wCN3iGcltRhM9tXfEaiD7WQRz28BfEVq0scdjUo7Nf3jteyfdjvDJ63YDMx6iChdD03jYyyKy-vdOcOv2Tzjv5TrZjH3eH-JuC6sBW0I83w8dlrdWtbX36DZi1D699P/s1600/2018-06-03+18.57.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBFuHgEfjtLgB9-wCN3iGcltRhM9tXfEaiD7WQRz28BfEVq0scdjUo7Nf3jteyfdjvDJ63YDMx6iChdD03jYyyKy-vdOcOv2Tzjv5TrZjH3eH-JuC6sBW0I83w8dlrdWtbX36DZi1D699P/s400/2018-06-03+18.57.31.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The youth come from all educational backgrounds - public, private, and home education. Olivia has loved getting to know all of them. If all goes as expected, she will get to celebrate graduation next spring with several of these new friends. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXapjRelq9l6thdRumgNnxsS8gNhTfRQaA3LANiB_7vijsLNjjn9eaP0DUvgcMb2C4eKQPXrPh_Jr7gMJm1yyfZQCfZMChmcmhV7fxDAsIk3CW5bwR3W_wKNLqY8K1pyeHr4BwvIBQB8E/s1600/2018-06-03+18.59.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXapjRelq9l6thdRumgNnxsS8gNhTfRQaA3LANiB_7vijsLNjjn9eaP0DUvgcMb2C4eKQPXrPh_Jr7gMJm1yyfZQCfZMChmcmhV7fxDAsIk3CW5bwR3W_wKNLqY8K1pyeHr4BwvIBQB8E/s400/2018-06-03+18.59.10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But, of course, the best part, by far, is the music. Olivia joined late in the year, after the other choristers had already worked for months on most of the music. She worked hard to learn quickly so she would have it all memorized in time for late spring/early summer concerts - like the one they had this past Sunday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My video quality is not great, but here's just a glimpse of the talent of these teenagers!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cmtYhBj27Cs" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMFWPAeAnEU" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They finished off the year with a bang, singing "The Star Spangled Banner" to open the evening for the Arkansas Travelers last night, and they did a fantastic job! We were so proud!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oe1hFYBlHDE" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br />The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-3189833472123221132018-05-26T12:22:00.003-05:002018-05-26T12:23:20.234-05:00Happy 17th, Olivia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Recently, Olivia's dear friend Sarah ran across a picture of the two of them and Sarah's brother Benjamin. As our families analyzed the picture, we suspected that it was taken at a birthday celebration many years ago - possibly Olivia's fifth birthday. They were so little and adorable!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELqjFsl6YOHOPZT2IDYuuCFsBMEC-E_wnIlwTwX3YOMvpZF0g52YcGpYsr88c8gaTkaX3s0XxoRU-n3OQL3C5eqc0VBOsUDa8VjXleB-FLDiI3aHD4jJMS0CJs0R_Q64D33DZepJ1XHOK/s1600/Liv8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjELqjFsl6YOHOPZT2IDYuuCFsBMEC-E_wnIlwTwX3YOMvpZF0g52YcGpYsr88c8gaTkaX3s0XxoRU-n3OQL3C5eqc0VBOsUDa8VjXleB-FLDiI3aHD4jJMS0CJs0R_Q64D33DZepJ1XHOK/s640/Liv8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now this amazing young lady is no longer little and adorable. Instead, she is a beautiful, accomplished, dedicated, hard-working young woman. Oh, and those two precious friends from all those years ago? They are still her closest and dearest friends to this day. There is little Olivia loves more than interacting with Sarah and Benjamin and their two younger sisters, Olivia and Katherine - with her own siblings joining in the laughter as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-LgTWCTPtuFAhWR0mLzmV6tdCwZ5x4QEXH8ZAcbiIJXCxbImauWCSn5LcAdu_Ejazagy_aCUbPVAvpGXzQWO8EjXHs5M_dPZhK84ZiX0A6tuRhxUNw6Utn-3dq6Agf62CLNEG4-0qaq8/s1600/Liv13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1416" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-LgTWCTPtuFAhWR0mLzmV6tdCwZ5x4QEXH8ZAcbiIJXCxbImauWCSn5LcAdu_Ejazagy_aCUbPVAvpGXzQWO8EjXHs5M_dPZhK84ZiX0A6tuRhxUNw6Utn-3dq6Agf62CLNEG4-0qaq8/s640/Liv13.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've always been proud of my delightful firstborn. She sees the world so differently than I do, with her creative mind and her ready response of laughter. Sometimes that has caused us to not completely understand one another. But she has become so mature and open about expressing herself, and I love how that allows us to communicate and engage with one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwNjcVA20U0LlWY17cm5lFa0XFGcKOImSn8zxMvtBej97MpzOYF3rsEQkiWPATzRIiqEZXtc7j8SIFl59LB8_1gEPtmVd_lALNWRt7ooop44smrjP-EZPWUhxjDVfEz3D6ssR48uyQhJg/s1600/Liv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwNjcVA20U0LlWY17cm5lFa0XFGcKOImSn8zxMvtBej97MpzOYF3rsEQkiWPATzRIiqEZXtc7j8SIFl59LB8_1gEPtmVd_lALNWRt7ooop44smrjP-EZPWUhxjDVfEz3D6ssR48uyQhJg/s640/Liv1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Over the past year, though, her self-motivation and determination have completely floored me. She has learned how to see long-term benefit and work hard toward it. Nothing proved that more than her hard work in school this year! Olivia's junior year was her most challenging thus far, with subjects like chemistry and Algebra 2that aren't natural fits for her. But, she knows, beyond all doubt, that she wants to attend college at Ouachita Baptist University, and she also knows that she will need a hefty supply of scholarships to accomplish that. So, she was determined that chemistry would not mar her 4.0!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVWX9JoAXwfFEfPaHwM6oAVNO_aRWf-BsMqZpxg_kT0gnZVjql9yau4tjPvxVBxBbij62xy84YnFQYCNUkZWBnAR9TvkU_VKlMOfphvWvvXtRm2xa2p5l-WAlllNKtlO4_8yNszHxU5ZY/s1600/Liv4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVWX9JoAXwfFEfPaHwM6oAVNO_aRWf-BsMqZpxg_kT0gnZVjql9yau4tjPvxVBxBbij62xy84YnFQYCNUkZWBnAR9TvkU_VKlMOfphvWvvXtRm2xa2p5l-WAlllNKtlO4_8yNszHxU5ZY/s640/Liv4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot even begin to put into words how hard Olivia worked this year to achieve that goal. She fought and clawed her way through chemistry and Algebra 2, not only earning those A's but also truly grasping the material before her. Even though other subjects, like art history, were more in her wheelhouse, she still made sure to complete them with excellence. She also has taken it upon herself to start early on scholarship searches and applications, and made sure she was well-prepared to retake the ACT this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzy6OsxAhfXnKQ15JRgbBDwoKbmjVsT4G6Xr4JEyLEEpUd3hLPhqFIVu99iYhsb_2XRsrGbTV1gxepw4t0BeGQC32OFaY-lzsCnzx998RWjgkXwM0z-XtkESm2LVj-mmSnKWlLfjojCuW/s1600/Liv5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzy6OsxAhfXnKQ15JRgbBDwoKbmjVsT4G6Xr4JEyLEEpUd3hLPhqFIVu99iYhsb_2XRsrGbTV1gxepw4t0BeGQC32OFaY-lzsCnzx998RWjgkXwM0z-XtkESm2LVj-mmSnKWlLfjojCuW/s640/Liv5.jpg" width="515" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meanwhile, Olivia has discovered a love for jewelry making, and her creative mind is evident in the fun designs she has created. She loves to research, explore, and study new techniques and styles, then make them her own. Although she enjoys creating designs for herself and Angela and as gifts for various people, she hopes to soon explore avenues for selling some of her creations. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpxLlGVYuQ1TtF8dTOkKaaNp3SVtd_By_o0kgFOY7kA8lYCAAywnQ3JVRnuRkANLk3-incKO4Pdkma5B0czJsj2Nt_uRSuXTdTcNVUnToD7S2uLtoeqxdWMj29lftmGvo3qGqaRsOsNKI/s1600/Liv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpxLlGVYuQ1TtF8dTOkKaaNp3SVtd_By_o0kgFOY7kA8lYCAAywnQ3JVRnuRkANLk3-incKO4Pdkma5B0czJsj2Nt_uRSuXTdTcNVUnToD7S2uLtoeqxdWMj29lftmGvo3qGqaRsOsNKI/s1600/Liv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUpxLlGVYuQ1TtF8dTOkKaaNp3SVtd_By_o0kgFOY7kA8lYCAAywnQ3JVRnuRkANLk3-incKO4Pdkma5B0czJsj2Nt_uRSuXTdTcNVUnToD7S2uLtoeqxdWMj29lftmGvo3qGqaRsOsNKI/s640/Liv2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, there's her creativity in writing. Wow! The novel isn't yet complete, simply because she has so many ideas floating around in her head! She's constantly exploring new story lines. But, her essays for school are just as engaging as her stories. She amazes me with her talent and her way with words.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Poetry is yet another avenue of writing that she has been honing over the past year. Nearly every Monday, Olivia publishes a new poem on her blog. Her way with words explodes into vivid expression through her poetry, and I'm constantly amazed by how beautifully she expresses thoughts and feelings that many of the rest of us struggle to find an outlet for. She says what we want to say in a way that makes us feel so deeply. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJMmnKElFuRqNb-HoJmAVMdv87WvKSdtjS8ojtPC72L-g_uZudlubE6-RApC6xwm9Qg1HWa9TUKnQd7zib24w3pEjDz5TRZ7bgfg2ZKdkfS8KotQF6-V_-P0AGcq07oaVTF43dU-H2P1X/s1600/Liv9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJMmnKElFuRqNb-HoJmAVMdv87WvKSdtjS8ojtPC72L-g_uZudlubE6-RApC6xwm9Qg1HWa9TUKnQd7zib24w3pEjDz5TRZ7bgfg2ZKdkfS8KotQF6-V_-P0AGcq07oaVTF43dU-H2P1X/s640/Liv9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last new delight of the past year has been choir. We discovered <a href="http://www.arkansasyouthchorale.com/about-ayc" target="_blank">Arkansas Youth Chorale</a> back in February, and Olivia was immediately welcomed into the group with incredible warmth. She started making much-needed friends and had the opportunity to grow and train her voice and choir skills. She's looking forward to one more year with AYC before heading off to college next fall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmX_o1aQEQG8f-9TXq70EjEArnDFqYLt_vgeyfBvZbc8YDM9j-Rrj5ntiLmJQsi7t8OeoeeuGO_dIyQWvcuy3geVQS7lgUXZv8qMvoTP8QcJPGJh7lu4o5W5IIHL9I4C4g7qoZIXJYEuW/s1600/Liv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmX_o1aQEQG8f-9TXq70EjEArnDFqYLt_vgeyfBvZbc8YDM9j-Rrj5ntiLmJQsi7t8OeoeeuGO_dIyQWvcuy3geVQS7lgUXZv8qMvoTP8QcJPGJh7lu4o5W5IIHL9I4C4g7qoZIXJYEuW/s640/Liv3.jpg" width="459" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's also excited about growing her tech and crew skills! She gets some experience at church on Sunday and Wednesday nights, but she'll get to hone it all more in an advanced tech training class at PraiseWorks this summer and then, hopefully, as a crew member for a homeschool drama group during the school year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM-0WEWdKgvywYrG0UKYlaYlxj7yD4b-SPhsmJOZit8Sx7Dsba9lfQpC0GVz55QqWhlMd6xrXnujKvF7gd4xuKpmyrNmIamGl_C_lV6Wx20KUQyFte1VICZm2tjlAJmJXtg1UDVvJWCjy/s1600/Liv11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtM-0WEWdKgvywYrG0UKYlaYlxj7yD4b-SPhsmJOZit8Sx7Dsba9lfQpC0GVz55QqWhlMd6xrXnujKvF7gd4xuKpmyrNmIamGl_C_lV6Wx20KUQyFte1VICZm2tjlAJmJXtg1UDVvJWCjy/s640/Liv11.jpg" width="473" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fun side of Olivia still keeps Bunny nearby, even though he doesn't leave her bedroom very often. She loves fantasy and dragons and anything that is bold and bright - except her clothes! She prefers those to be neutral and calm, directing attention instead to the boldness and brightness of the world around her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just can't say enough how proud I am of Olivia. It's such a privilege to watch her blossom and grow in every way - and I haven't even talked about the spiritual growth I've seen in her! Wow! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Olivia, you are a treasure. Thank you for sharing your heart, smile, and talent with us. We love you! Happy birthday!</div>
The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-30055966930148147562018-01-31T08:19:00.001-06:002018-01-31T08:19:13.689-06:00Chasing the Moon<p>We usually don’t get up for a lunar eclipse, but when one occurs completely during normal waking hours, it’s hard to skip! The problem was that, as the moon set, it hid behind the treeline and we couldn’t see it from our house. So, about ten minutes before totality, we hopped in the car and drove to a spot where we could see it. We caught glimpses of the progress through the trees. But, we managed to come to a spot where we could see the moon and pull off the road right about the time it hit totality. It was fun to watch it go from an outline to a pink smudge in the sky to complete nothingness, disappearing in the sunrise as it sank below the horizon.</p><p>By the time we were able to snap a picture of the totality right above this building, it was visible only with the naked eye, not through a cell phone camera. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oEyMzDfo5Wk/WnHQXSHwHcI/AAAAAAAAPnU/EXVIo0N5XGsJxbY43CfHh4P05dGttEmzACHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-01-31%2B06.52.11%255B4%255D"><img width="440" height="331" title="2018-01-31 06.52.11" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-31 06.52.11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bhrs-mlMKbs/WnHQYOjUmYI/AAAAAAAAPnY/xLejr-Lb-ccL7hQUF0ZsQUVqxdbym2-oACHMYCw/2018-01-31%2B06.52.11_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-63607448718194264962018-01-27T14:42:00.001-06:002018-01-27T14:42:36.453-06:00Friday Fun–Jan 26, 2018<p>Friday is our family Sabbath. Our day of obedient rest, remembering that we were not made to go 24/7 without rest and restoration. Because Friday is Doug's day off, homeschooling is flexible, and I have a wonderful boss who supports our need to balance everything, we've been able to adjust our schedule to allow us to switch our focus that one day every week. We’re still learning what this looks like for us – how we can truly rest both as individuals and as a family. When to be hermits and when to be social. How to meet the needs of the more and less interactive members of the family without compromising the needs of either. Here’s a glimpse into this week’s Sabbath explorations. <p>On Friday morning, we all enjoyed some individual nourishment time. Doug and I both had books to finish (that lovely climactic point of a novel!). <p>Steven enjoyed taking boxes and turning them into various forms of entertainment. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDjblG9y7lQ/Wmzj0Xrk_zI/AAAAAAAAPlw/QnZwnOh7LZk7NskFy0XAzXkWsR5uUdkiQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180126_120704%255B4%255D"><img width="240" height="318" title="20180126_120704" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="20180126_120704" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-igpG8byLOzI/Wmzj1XTAYfI/AAAAAAAAPl0/rkMaPJZdvDwdin-u0KBECCFKy_qc98WywCHMYCw/20180126_120704_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p><br><p><br><p>Angie, fully decked out in her poofy pinkness, pulled out the sewing machine to work on doll clothes. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dkH23x61kA/Wmzj3_HBdLI/AAAAAAAAPl4/IDZBftfjD0At6RRYn6a77mor7JINxb6nACHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-01-26%2B10.46.44%255B4%255D"><img width="264" height="351" title="2018-01-26 10.46.44" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 10.46.44" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jY5agVcl_vE/Wmzj5xAF9EI/AAAAAAAAPl8/Hhqt_WC3MM0swNgLTCEdgsB5p4dB3mMTgCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B10.46.44_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>And Olivia sprawled out on her bed to continue hammering away at her novel – writing, not reading.<p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eQIJ0iGCraA/Wmzj8iD7l8I/AAAAAAAAPmA/4_6Er4oMXgk3y85qZAGHDDE4oYh93zMuACHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-01-26%2B10.46.16%255B5%255D"><img width="386" height="290" title="2018-01-26 10.46.16" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 10.46.16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4EGnz9gb0rw/Wmzj-ra9bJI/AAAAAAAAPmE/IiXAx_gPaUgV92uAIEIj8CprFF8DWgTGQCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B10.46.16_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p> Friday is also our dessert day. We had leftover challah dough and donut glaze that needed to be used up, so Steven suggested cinnamon sticks! <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DDwvfOK8c2E/WmzkAN-Sz6I/AAAAAAAAPmI/W2AYLclN2u0ho4aNHb9PnW1i9WDEGY1DQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-01-26%2B14.01.49%255B4%255D"><img width="308" height="409" title="2018-01-26 14.01.49" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 14.01.49" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xu_HjEU10Rs/WmzkBxKqHoI/AAAAAAAAPmM/FFajyCvreCAq5NKmb_apDKTfk_GJ8PR0wCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B14.01.49_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>With a lovely afternoon before us, we all headed outside for a rather hilarious girls-against-guys attempt at badminton. The kids have never really played a real game and are still learning – and it was a bit breezy, with nice gusts catching the birdie at very unexpected moments! So we all ended up getting as much of a workout from laughter as from actual playing! <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTKKCd9fY4chXYjlCZVqVHXaGyOHPDIKxItZhgjVdgpivdU9UGo4r7o74DrlYBcICeGXqAsEMuP23eCRC-cWuQ3_A4FWuwZj77PBh2vE-XUzwZbK05VeVzSiV_GBYY26cDiwDkbUd9FXJ/s1600-h/2018-01-26+15.27.40%255B4%255D"><img width="467" height="351" title="2018-01-26 15.27.40" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 15.27.40" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-otT4N781q_M/WmzkHd3zfjI/AAAAAAAAPmU/tjJXpmsKM1EHJThP7dyGMTamxsGsP2X6QCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B15.27.40_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>And yes, just in case you were thinking your eyes were deceiving you, Angela DID remain decked out in her pink poofiness – simply adding a cape for a little bit of warmth. It reminded me of the scene in Disney’s <em>Robin Hood </em>cartoon where Maid Marion and Clucky are playing badminton, holding their skirts as they do so! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoMZV9X8WRTl-fszQO9YsXGs_HIvft6HzcDQ4b8DpnWQY8Ul6kBztWpGEJAycSSM_6IQB463M3WtQwt0kYa-HQtkihLERaNMUXg5QnNUurWXRFpzee0QsBkgszeT21GKT2pHDWG8tdKWm/s1600-h/2018-01-26+15.27.54%255B6%255D"><img width="197" height="262" title="2018-01-26 15.27.54" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 15.27.54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QaY_r6-fRy4/WmzkLRvkeII/AAAAAAAAPmc/w7_VCaEVTxcVV8KsMvx3s2RL18FsQE-hQCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B15.27.54_thumb%255B4%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a>The girls and I rotated at the serve, so there would always be two of us on the “court” at any time. The third had a very important job while waiting: making sure Smokey got her desperately needed attention! <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jgtRaLLPZGc/WmzkNvLjaMI/AAAAAAAAPmg/fDv_hx63xNIE25muKfVYB6TnDaALPFroACHMYCw/s1600-h/2018-01-26%2B15.33.08%255B4%255D"><img width="312" height="414" title="2018-01-26 15.33.08" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2018-01-26 15.33.08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oAIeYo1YFmM/WmzkOtGvuSI/AAAAAAAAPmk/c2pfTlapUM8QGI59naV3co5m6P6HbBlbwCHMYCw/2018-01-26%2B15.33.08_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><p>We always finish out Friday evenings with date night. The kids eat an early supper, then head upstairs to play something together until it’s time for showers and reading/bedtime while Doug and I stay downstairs and enjoy a just-us meal along with a movie, game, or whatever. I’m sure our Sabbath celebrations will change over the years as our life circumstances change, but for now, we sure do look forward to Fridays! <p><br><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JDjblG9y7lQ/Wmzj0Xrk_zI/AAAAAAAAPlw/QnZwnOh7LZk7NskFy0XAzXkWsR5uUdkiQCHMYCw/s1600-h/20180126_120704%255B4%255D"><br></a>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-62325140451406637382018-01-24T14:31:00.000-06:002018-01-24T14:31:46.207-06:00Things to RememberThe littles years were easier to write about. We all did everything together automatically, and I had to be much more involved in all of the activities of my children’s daily life. Not so much now that two are teenagers and one is fast approaching the teen years. Our engagement is just different. But, this is such a fun stretch of life that I do want to remember. <br />
<br />
It just means a different kind of blogging. A kind I have to learn how to do and make the time for differently than before.<br />
<br />
A kind of blogging that includes short, little clips of fun like this one…<br />
<br />
“I’m having a little trouble understanding my assigned reading from <em>The Hobbit</em> today.” As she tells me this, Angela holds up our lovely hardback copy of the book. In Latin. Goofy child.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0EYf3aKiXIinIDf9XqrVwqNLxDqZ3svOKOn4Ief1wTSYdDVWMfqjIUotktciC1AR00hIiQljAeraRuRJr-pCweSEArdRavXWd0PJXooxLZReyy42hTf719hIRf-JErvdZcdUA3Ijnjbm/s1600/2018-01-23+10.28.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT0EYf3aKiXIinIDf9XqrVwqNLxDqZ3svOKOn4Ief1wTSYdDVWMfqjIUotktciC1AR00hIiQljAeraRuRJr-pCweSEArdRavXWd0PJXooxLZReyy42hTf719hIRf-JErvdZcdUA3Ijnjbm/s320/2018-01-23+10.28.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-84422514729288705752017-09-12T08:16:00.000-05:002017-09-12T08:16:00.734-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations<p align="center"><strong>Something about Today…<em>Tuesday, September 12, 2017</em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>It’s chilly. I love it!</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about the Week</strong></p><p align="center"><em>It’s mostly routine. And I’m discovering something about these routine weeks. After several months of chaos, my brain is having to retrain itself to handle routine. Work and the to-do list are no different, but it seems like the press is a little lighter. There’s room to breathe in routine weeks. Which is an odd feeling. And that can cause the brain to have to readjust in order to maintain productivity. Yes, that is definitely the struggle in these routine weeks. </em></p><p align="center"><em>But I’ll take it. Because I really like the routine!</em><strong><br></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Observed</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>I make little notes and use abbreviations in my planner. They seem perfectly logical at the time, and I’m certain they will be perfect reminders when I return to look at them. Except that when I come back, they aren’t so logical. Instead, they look like they are written in a foreign language or an unbreakable code! You’d think I’d learn, but no. I keep on doing it.</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Read or Heard</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>“If you want to steward every season and derive the full benefit of each, give thanks </em>in<em> all things, and give thanks </em>for<em> all things. Train yourself in this. It doesn’t mean pretending everything in your life is good. It means trusting God, trusting him always, that he is able and willing to work all things, even the worst things, together for good.”</em></p><p align="center"><em>- Mark Buchanan, </em>Spiritual Rhythm</p><p align="center"><em>It’s not new. It’s not earth-shattering. But somehow I need to be reminded constantly of this truth.</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something on My Mind</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Hurricanes, wildfires, needs of friends, miscellaneous family needs</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Thankful for</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>The coolness of the last two weeks, growth, family togetherness</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about My Kids</strong></p><p align="center"><em>I really need to do more jotting down the funny things they do. Olivia did something last week that was so funny! We enjoyed it immensely. Now I’ve forgotten it. Oh how I love my big kids, though!</em></p><p align="center"><em>This was a cute thing. We had a little friend over for a little while last week. Steven helped him with homework while I worked. He came over a few minutes into it and said, “Wow, Mommy! It’s been a long time since my work was that easy!” I couldn’t help but laugh!</em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ujzwwBDIpuY/Wbc1lX2iHFI/AAAAAAAAPjs/-01MK1dTW7Q7bQ5Y9RlgR5AcKfCJPieoQCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-09-05%2B16.16.46%255B4%255D"><img width="211" height="244" title="2017-09-05 16.16.46" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-09-05 16.16.46" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s8XPtAjLaR8/Wbc1mMjq6sI/AAAAAAAAPjw/Q9uQlvdN3Fwkjr-3zeQ6czaAR0A92VBGgCHMYCw/2017-09-05%2B16.16.46_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em><strong></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Working on</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Rethinking the fiction writing. I have missed it so much – it’s been months since I’ve touched it. But I also want to get back to being more regular about writing on my blogs. It’s just a matter of choosing to spend fifteen minutes even when I don’t want to touch it unless I have an hour or more. I just won’t have that amount of time in this stage of life.</em></p><p align="center"><em>Meanwhile, I’m determining what I’m going to make for Christmas so I can get started on that. So many fun things to do!</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something from Hibbard Academy</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>A couple of weeks ago, I was overwhelmed. Still so much to do on the kids’ school planning. Then I made a discovery – I had not noted the things I’d already completed of Steven’s planning! Then, one night I got a lot more done than expected! As of right now, I have one thing left to plan: Olivia’s second semester of literature. That’s it! Ahhhhhh!!</em><br></p><p align="center"><strong>Something That Makes Me Smile</strong></p><p align="center"><em>“I have a birthday gift card! And it’s on sale!” – Angela</em></p><p align="center"><strong>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d0IdRPcc45M/Wbc1nJ2DxrI/AAAAAAAAPj0/69xhOMAWL5MVs0Bai5jaRoTOdC7k5wThACHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-09-07%2B10.02.16%255B3%255D"><img width="244" height="180" title="2017-09-07 10.02.16" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-09-07 10.02.16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wjt1vHS2a-g/Wbc1niIo4yI/AAAAAAAAPj4/-DvgW28Mp804VRg66TH5ABP9r33Q2GNVACHMYCw/2017-09-07%2B10.02.16_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a><br></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Something Coming</strong></p><p align="center"><em>We get to participate in an encouraging “Date Night” activity at church this weekend. Looking forward to it!</em></p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-67846985846367610932017-09-04T11:12:00.001-05:002017-09-04T11:12:15.000-05:00Happy 14th, Angela!<p align="center">How does a child grow up so much in one year? This year our sweet Angela has definitely become a young lady. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G_6WixBFRs8/Wa17CRbbzqI/AAAAAAAAPh4/9gAbUlycvL8bCrB3mPzwGjxBQdvWCJ5sgCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1419%255B8%255D"><img width="333" height="460" title="SAM_1419" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyzcEFBNn5oI8VylPyKls77VKxy8e1OD17QYXBKa9_JdBsGWFtqNqukVrQlPsKqb82UncJHc5dkPeqcIcebjksu2htE6scZkKEXAxovPrqw2PKtqNTsLK6e974aci4cQwMeUJGgim4IQL/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">For nearly two years, Angie explored sides of her personality that somewhat obscured the princess side of her nature. She was no less feminine, but she wasn’t doing nearly as much dressing up and showing off her prissy side. In the last few months, though, the experimentation has settled and she has learned to merge the new discoveries with the princess that has dominated her nature since birth.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TbLpuYq9_io/Wa17EXU5FfI/AAAAAAAAPiA/jN2QpXTamC42G5NQIQXb7rg1zCkFWz9UACHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1448%255B6%255D"><img width="337" height="460" title="SAM_1448" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1448" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yZhXoxhDdKM/Wa17E0gu3KI/AAAAAAAAPiE/-lswWpXTNYoT-kJlA_AazJyijaJgRrIbgCHMYCw/SAM_1448_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Angela’s love for anything sewing related has continued. When she outgrew her last antebellum dress, we went to buy several yards of hot pink fabric so she could make a new one. And make it she did. I intended to help her, but she had it done herself in no time! </p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dTrx94VGmAs/Wa17FoeDtLI/AAAAAAAAPiI/VqfB3UDZQbYzDKAifYtyfcZcIXlZmHIuwCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1439%255B5%255D"><img width="333" height="468" title="SAM_1439" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1439" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p8C6fisfaRI/Wa17GHEPvCI/AAAAAAAAPiM/7f-0eIlCM9w5X78XFWgc7WbIEx6Te8KFQCHMYCw/SAM_1439_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">She still loves quilting and is constantly creating new designs. But, she’s waiting for it to get cooler again before piecing a new one. In the meantime, she is constantly knitting or crocheting something. Her hope is to experiment with creating items she can sell for various fundraisers, whether for camp, mission trips, missions giving, or whatever other need arises. After seeing how much other people charge even for simple patterns, she’s realizing she might be able to create and sell patterns as well as products. It is fun to watch her and her big sister put their heads together to plot such endeavors. She has also explored writing, especially songs and mysteries. But, her primary love will always be the sewing, I think. </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rr2mrTebjIc/Wa17HVrXiOI/AAAAAAAAPiQ/Y9GMuo65Lv4rZORxUFaxeHYJndggpomYwCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1471%255B9%255D"><img width="319" height="489" title="SAM_1471" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1471" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qAYzdwcza0U/Wa17IllXY_I/AAAAAAAAPiU/bwc9CpKQmKMhZRsHV6BcGFbpgpH1zueuACHMYCw/SAM_1471_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Cowie, who is also celebrating her 14th birthday, is now quite the matriarch. Angie and Cowie manage a rather large herd of stuffed cows. Somehow they ALL fit on her bed with her! </p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2WbObNfRMk/Wa17JzykNCI/AAAAAAAAPiY/EFxy1H6sDxE3pwdaa-o2rlo6VtGdgKhYACHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1449%255B9%255D"><img width="335" height="442" title="SAM_1449" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1449" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jubxApViMCA/Wa17KnTJNrI/AAAAAAAAPic/2D96wj7LdaA8s8HvPQI8UWvOWRS8UVwsACHMYCw/SAM_1449_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Our princess would still rather curl up with a book than interact with a group (Her reading goal for this year, including school books, is nearly a book a day! Yikes!), and enjoys a few close friends more than a party. But, she is learning more and more how to be social and interactive – and how to handle those moments when she needs a recharge but also needs to be around people.</p><p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2WbObNfRMk/Wa17JzykNCI/AAAAAAAAPiY/EFxy1H6sDxE3pwdaa-o2rlo6VtGdgKhYACHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1449%255B9%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nTv4eMNL7zo/Wa17LWmao8I/AAAAAAAAPig/pvDCB-gZju8SBqRcChZX3y9vt46dwLhQQCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1429%255B5%255D"><img width="333" height="461" title="SAM_1429" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1429" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bCs4UF6fbRs/Wa17L8Gn7fI/AAAAAAAAPik/PNfguA5lchcmktD--RBgWIV_bPuQl3RoQCHMYCw/SAM_1429_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></a></p><p align="center">Pretty flowers are attracting Angela’s attention more and more. She actually enjoys keeping the iris bed clear of weeds and has been brainstorming ways to improve it. And, she wants to begin learning about other flowers and how to grow them well.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lXq563Xia9o/Wa17NE0QgeI/AAAAAAAAPio/sYRM2b4hr_kp2LQjdWliJoeD3McjOAs-wCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1444%255B3%255D"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JTJrLIa6930/Wa17PKme_rI/AAAAAAAAPis/pgfh_4Ho0Js4RALVtR1OFxxA3Gd7hA9XgCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1444%255B4%255D"><img width="353" height="469" title="SAM_1444" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1444" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0YhM3lWQrzU/Wa17PoLhMtI/AAAAAAAAPiw/uJBMIjBm73Qrj2YgbXfRK5Qmgg4R1EoJQCHMYCw/SAM_1444_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></a></p><p align="center">She has never before been one to care about taking anything apart or discovering how things work. But, she’ll explore a flower, analyze a sweater, or devour a new quilt pattern, considering how she can incorporate the beauty or design into her own creativity.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCfJyaxkCEA/Wa17RLwxUaI/AAAAAAAAPi0/gU2FBc5Oj-IVbpKSvMccc33AlZP6HiNQgCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1480%255B9%255D"><img width="358" height="412" title="SAM_1480" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qvZ_qadxk_A/Wa17Rik6LyI/AAAAAAAAPi4/L6lXYXRiO3oj1zPZZ9sYnbS0ubF5AwoWACHMYCw/SAM_1480_thumb%255B7%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">Oh, and have I mentioned the braids? Angela has a whole Pinterest board devoted to braids. She tries them out on her semi-willing big sister model. Angela is the only one (other than Mom, of course) permitted to mess with Olivia’s hair, and although Olivia is not always overly enthusiastic about Angie’s experiments, she always allows them (well, except for the big bows – she’s not too happy about Angie’s love for big bows!). Angie can’t do most of the braids on herself, though, so she has gotten Mom involved to ensure that she, too, gets to wear the fancy braids. Needless to say, I’m learning a lot about braids!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1T2FXMSsAg/Wa17SZGkwTI/AAAAAAAAPi8/A4xYm4IWAF8c19Kiv3cqbrTNqvE5x3dGQCHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1454%255B4%255D"><img width="351" height="467" title="SAM_1454" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1454" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JlAHGmNGQE0/Wa17S44oTMI/AAAAAAAAPjA/YQwN78-FuWkVwIeYY0Cs0Beinv_zd17NwCHMYCw/SAM_1454_thumb%255B1%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">The child who used to love dresses had stopped wearing them much for a while, but we eventually realized that it was because she still really loved the little girl styles and hadn’t found a more grown-up alternative. But, lately she has managed to collect a great rotation of long, flowing skirts, thanks to hand-me-downs, gifts, and perfect thrift-store finds. That has become her new style, and I don’t think she’s worn pants or shorts, except for yard work or other such activities, in nearly two months!</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zaR7DZR3Dfw/Wa17TrM5hFI/AAAAAAAAPjE/ny--vdPsQQ03Lfk1ev99KCvQHx1_X8vGACHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1462%255B8%255D"><img width="343" height="456" title="SAM_1462" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5ouPoiz0fM7T58HHApWeevK0q_wO-ECg56RF3IpxgoJY-PltgtAsUI_Gh4ojxtMZfjy2D5X1RcpGhnW5OuLP846avRc5c8VPkmgrlb9P3eJ45_dQ2EEFppAD3uQsfQ4vD6dGeQj8ZEx8/?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">But, even if the creative, beautiful, frilly princess is back, the sassy warrior has not disappeared! We still joke that her brain is constantly working to calculate world domination. It’s only a matter of time.</p><p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kjO5thCQOLM/Wa17VaYN4WI/AAAAAAAAPjM/NQASvES8r4scxyqEwtlOsSAFMyer991GACHMYCw/s1600-h/SAM_1432%255B5%255D"><img width="349" height="474" title="SAM_1432" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1432" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQBnRjxSRDU/Wa17VzWY_tI/AAAAAAAAPjQ/2UB0xj52YMs7km0R2J-AGuijlAoVQSQtwCHMYCw/SAM_1432_thumb%255B5%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">I am so proud of this precious girl who loves to learn, create, and explore, but still struggles to realize just how much talent flows through her veins. As she prepares for high school, she is learning what it means to challenge herself academically and that it is okay to have to work to learn some things. But, it’s obvious that learning will always be relatively easy for her, even if some subjects are less desirable than others. </p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFzMa06zZDeIRoJNMjgxAXNjIaPVoXd4TAlThqHBIrqSpgRfI4dIddA4vV3qVcyf99o4h5GEC27NsU2I8eafjjRDzfaPp3BYTbFKthOiVVQ2PcwPrvhod-3obqPlUj4uvwc-nBhAoBI4R/s1600-h/SAM_1460%255B9%255D"><img width="338" height="485" title="SAM_1460" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="SAM_1460" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WzSdHredJTI/Wa17XfrlteI/AAAAAAAAPjY/tMjQX5wI3S0643JDvVxJEP8FfX155KBQgCHMYCw/SAM_1460_thumb%255B6%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></p><p align="center">So, happy 14th birthday, beautiful Angela! We love you, treasure you, and look forward to watching you continue to learn, grow, create, and explore the depths of who God created you to be!</p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-69962997246155707952017-08-29T15:34:00.001-05:002017-08-29T15:34:06.752-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations<p align="center"><strong>Something about Today…Tuesday, August 29, 2017</strong></p><p align="center"><em>Our plan was to take Angie’s birthday pictures today, anticipating the rain that should start tomorrow. The morning was pretty overcast, so I wasn’t sure how the light would be. But, then the sun came out right on time, and it was perfect! Oh, and we have open windows! Love the fresh air. </em></p><p align="center"><em>It’s life as usual here in our corner of the world, but my heart is heavy for those whose normalcy has disappeared, and especially for those who will have to find a new normal in the coming months.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about the Week</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>The last week of August. Wow! Despite a few “extras” being squeezed into the week, it’s actually a full school/work week here. That seems to be harder to come by than I expected as we have started the new school year.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Observed</strong></p><p align="center"><em>All of the news of relief work highlights this organization or that, but rarely is Baptist Disaster Relief publicly mentioned. But, they are there doing so much of the grunt work without seeking the praise or acknowledgment. While many were trying to flee Harvey, disaster relief folks were heading south, choosing to face the hurricane so they could be in place to serve as soon as possible. </em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Read or Heard</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>“I think it’s one of the dirty little secrets of the church of Jesus Christ that many of the things we do are done out of fear and not faith.” </em></p><p align="center"><em>- Paul David Tripp, </em>New Morning Mercies<em>, Aug 26</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something on My Mind</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Those already impacted by the hurricane, of course, but also our beloved farmers. Storms like this are devastating for crops this time of year!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Thankful for</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>The lovely cooler temperatures! Technology that keeps people in touch. Kids that have learned to hold to routine and diligence and get things done. I love that my kids still need me, but that they are also greatly growing in independence in so many ways.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about My Kids</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Yesterday as we were discussing prayer requests, they all had friends on their hearts. They hungered to find ways to encourage and help strengthen those friends in their walk with Christ. They’ve prayed for friends before, but never quite that way, and it was so precious to me!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Working on</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>I actually sat down to sew on Friday for the first time since Christmas!! It was so fun! And productive! We had been needing better storage for our knives. Actually, we had WAY too many knives. So, we narrowed them down to our steak knives, favorite paring knives, then five other knives. We had talked for a while about making a pouch for those five knives to make storage more versatile.</em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oo_pPB0lIw/WaXPozk2uKI/AAAAAAAAPg8/YnzPIX4zVssD0OiBoop_lpn_ULFNfQB5ACHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-25%2B14.57.58%255B5%255D"><img width="275" height="365" title="2017-08-25 14.57.58" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-08-25 14.57.58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DiDAAmb9PBc/WaXPpmBTu7I/AAAAAAAAPhA/gy5NN4BmMqEQCyxfzY-Mcke8mPOjwmRuQCHMYCw/2017-08-25%2B14.57.58_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em>So, I dug around in my fabric stash and found some lightweight canvas.</em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUerm_R3oKRIepeuFYz79d37V9qZSedADvneHNhIe0ujn_ox3HEJIounnLgbmpC-QAwuAHTk0aFbyRIT6EogCvoGwcriv6mioHOppoU_xkLasHHiDUHsAodh1lIvTEPiCiunvZ4ljPuEsC/s1600-h/2017-08-25+14.58.14%255B5%255D"><img width="331" height="249" title="2017-08-25 14.58.14" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; float: none; display: block; background-image: none;" alt="2017-08-25 14.58.14" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3Jd7qa6A20/WaXPrIkgNtI/AAAAAAAAPhI/3RlEwl_g0gcD7AQKM3MUFptfmk1QG1R0wCHMYCw/2017-08-25%2B14.58.14_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em>It wasn’t as heavy as what might be recommended, but I double up the thickness of both colors in hopes of extending the life of the pouch. </em></p><p align="center"><em><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0xlbmc54vyc/WaXPswZtjlI/AAAAAAAAPhM/zhtQ7isAs7AOTHP_CY8RUqW1_nZIK3FNwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-25%2B14.59.16%255B5%255D"><img width="196" height="260" title="2017-08-25 14.59.16" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-08-25 14.59.16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1Iki7ixpR4k/WaXPtqYIZmI/AAAAAAAAPhQ/_Y5vDOHZ8nQa-P1MQaWO3I1TQ3f2TJrZgCHMYCw/2017-08-25%2B14.59.16_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></em></p><p align="center"><em>A little ribbon, and we were good to go!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something from Hibbard Academy</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Olivia is taking art history this year, which I anticipated would be an easy half credit. Um, no. It’s a full credit, including three projects, a paper, and an exam each quarter. She doesn’t thoroughly love all of the reading (even though she does enjoy history), but she is definitely engaging beautifully with this course. For her first project she designed a mask and made it from scratch. She just came to me requesting approval for a unique project not in the list – one that stretches her jewelry making skills. I’m excited to see what she comes up with! </em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something That Makes Me Smile</strong></p><p align="center"><em>Olivia was having issues with her composing software. So, she pulled up her phone for a video chat with her composition “tech support” – aka Benjamin Choate. The kids have absolutely loved having the Choate kids back in the US. We haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities to spend time with them because of the many directions both families are going. But, every couple of days I’ll hear sudden laughter and extra voices, and I’ll see that my kids are huddled around a chat screen or two here with Choate kids huddled around their screens on the other end. Even Sarah, who recently moved off to college, has been able to join in for a 3-way a time or two! I love the enduring friendship between the seven kids, and I’m so thankful for the technology that keeps us connected whether we are separated by an ocean or by schedules.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sneL5DWbZp8/WaXPulQSJ3I/AAAAAAAAPhU/d2swBKoHZSAVgJtBJ1qwubagoad3RSgMwCHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-25%2B12.58.21%255B5%255D"><img width="332" height="442" title="2017-08-25 12.58.21" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-08-25 12.58.21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7i_-C-Xumu4/WaXPvCmybLI/AAAAAAAAPhY/R6LWsxr_oHEvgFysChbvLFBqmg5T3B35ACHMYCw/2017-08-25%2B12.58.21_thumb%255B2%255D?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Something Coming</strong></p><p align="center"><em>Let’s see…someone has a birthday coming up soon. The last one of the year. My babies are growing up, and I’m loving every minute of it!</em></p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-81216980372937727332017-08-25T10:02:00.000-05:002017-08-25T10:02:03.313-05:00Life is Comedy<p align="center"><font size="5">Olivia, after school yesterday: </font></p><p align="center"><font size="5">I don’t need to watch a comedy, I just need to watch my own life. </font></p><p align="center"><font size="5">I just got irrationally excited because I found my Sharpie.</font></p><p align="center"><font size="5"><br></font></p><p align="center"><font size="5">Poor thing. She had a rough Thursday! </font></p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430004952395537683.post-50692647498365517972017-08-24T10:06:00.001-05:002017-08-24T10:06:26.343-05:00Not Quite Ordinary Observations<p align="center"><strong>Something about Today…</strong>Thursday, August 24, 2017</p><p align="center"><em>It’s cool again! Beautifully so! We opened windows last night and slept with fresh air. Our walk this morning was still a bit humid and still, but when it’s in the 60’s outside humid and still feels delightful after the what we’ve had lately.</em></p><p align="center"><em>Other than that, today is a normal Thursday. Which is nice. I like normal very much.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about the Week</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>With the exception of Monday being a bit off schedule, it has been a pretty routine week. That has been nice, especially after a summer of chaos and no routine. It does seem like there’s one off day every week, and the calendar indicates that will continue for a while – definitely through September. But, we have still been able to settle into the new school year well.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Observed</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Our cat Smokey loves hot weather. When it is warm, she does not want to be indoors. At all. She comes in for a few minutes in the morning and evening to eat and then begs to go right back out. She simply loves it outdoors. But, as the weather gets colder, it will be almost impossible to get her to go outside. She would much rather stay indoors and fuss at Angela’s cat all day long!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I Have Read or Heard</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>So many good thoughts lately! But, I think the one that is sticking with me the most right now is from our recently finished spiritual disciplines study. </em></p><p align="center"><em>“Because life never settles down, and since we will always feel as though we have more to do than time to do it, if we are ever going to make progress in godliness through the Spiritual Disciplines we must do so when life is like it is now.” </em></p><p align="center"><em>- </em>Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life <em>by Donald S. Whitney</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something on My Mind</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>I’m having one of those weeks when it’s hard to truly pinpoint what is on my mind. Many thoughts whirling and twirling as I try to continue to catch up for the summer AND move on into the fall. There are several needs on my heart and mind for our church, our friends and loved ones, and our family. I don’t say this piously when I say it’s really wonderful to be able to surrender them in prayer – I think I’d completely suffocate without that freedom! Too many thoughts and needs!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Thankful for</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>The promise of fall!!! Friends who aren’t scared off by my weirdness. Haha!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something about My Kids</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>Their new favorite thing is creating plays. Some improv, some written. Some with just the three of them, some with a group of friends from church. Some original and others based on mash-ups of favorite movies, tv shows, books, etc. All absolutely hilarious! I love imagination.</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something I’m Working on</strong></p><p align="center"><em><strong>
</strong>Still school planning, moving more slowly now that it has to share space with the start of school as well as work and church. So, some days see more progress than others. But, Angie’s school year is done, so that’s one down!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something from Hibbard Academy</strong></p><p align="center"><strong>
</strong><em>The new year is going well. I didn’t take any first day of school pictures, and we haven’t really done anything to celebrate like we have done in recent years. I think we were all just so glad to see the summer end that the return of routine was celebration enough!</em></p><p align="center"><em>For eleventh grade, Olivia is tackling 20th century history, chemistry, Algebra 2, art history, world lit (focusing on literature from and about Africa, Asia, and Latin America), German, and Bible.</em></p><p align="center"><em>For eight grade, Angela is taking her last pre-high school walk through world history and enjoying general science, Algebra 1, a high school prep lit course, French, and some minor other additions.</em></p><p align="center"><em>Steven is straddling two Sonlight cores this year. First semester he will finish US history, then in January we will start an Eastern Hemisphere study that will cover the rest of fifth grade and all of sixth. He still processing through Dr. Wile’s history-based elementary science curriculum, although we are not trying to stay in line with where we are in history. We’re currently in </em>Science in the Ancient World<em>. Then there is the normal round of math and language arts work, supplemented by things like Wordly Wise, one last year of handwriting, and the <a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Balance+Benders">Balance Benders</a> that all three kids love. </em></p><p align="center"><em>All three kids are continuing piano through <a href="https://www.busykidsdopiano.com/">Busy Kids Do Piano</a>, and Steven is adding guitar this year, starting with <a href="http://www.kidsguitarzone.com/">Kids Guitar Zone</a> to get him kicked off. </em></p><p align="center"><em>I might do a more detailed post later, but I can definitely say we are enjoying everything for now!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>Something That Makes Me Smile</strong></p><p align="center"><em>Watching my kids enjoy being silly!</em></p><p align="center"><strong>
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xCPT45ZFljQ/WZ7raD82-HI/AAAAAAAAPgY/x2u02D90hJ8CYz4MOcEmXe3SSFoNFXMSACHMYCw/s1600-h/2017-08-17%2B17.45.29%255B3%255D"><img width="184" height="244" title="2017-08-17 17.45.29" style="display: inline; background-image: none;" alt="2017-08-17 17.45.29" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u9fKm6SyhE4/WZ7rcEUHgsI/AAAAAAAAPgc/3sAKFRmhUhAqm-nDvylQhOCBAkAR1cehwCHMYCw/2017-08-17%2B17.45.29_thumb?imgmax=800" border="0"></a></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>Something Coming</strong></p><p align="center"><em>A mostly normal weekend, I think. Church homecoming on Sunday, then another mostly routine week, with the exception of an extra meeting. Ah, nice!</em></p>The Hibbard Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05066058156943532164noreply@blogger.com0