tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34379490997358651742024-03-21T01:35:54.052+00:00Life Round Clarina'sFamily Lifestyle Blog by a Christian Mama of five!Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.comBlogger1541125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-46022388894812019522024-03-19T07:00:00.005+00:002024-03-19T22:20:53.258+00:00World Book Day // Better Late than Never!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWn2906TGEIG_oBZ3bbHOuOasBUb6peCBXBgHM3H-mI6GqSwcNY1ZOEcmQWMYXOa107pZnohw85hst4VaNqymawywCcktfg6oDVYcJHUkTAHbT9ya42I0MF0SbM-cPghZg2Q3TvkHRNMj7ajGfxuO5Az3dW-5wxTg_zaRROTp7ZXYtZjChmAMlHX3ZPI/s5184/BA299E18-2D1F-44E9-8C02-E42BE34C7732.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRWn2906TGEIG_oBZ3bbHOuOasBUb6peCBXBgHM3H-mI6GqSwcNY1ZOEcmQWMYXOa107pZnohw85hst4VaNqymawywCcktfg6oDVYcJHUkTAHbT9ya42I0MF0SbM-cPghZg2Q3TvkHRNMj7ajGfxuO5Az3dW-5wxTg_zaRROTp7ZXYtZjChmAMlHX3ZPI/w266-h400/BA299E18-2D1F-44E9-8C02-E42BE34C7732.jpeg" width="266"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuB2y5mjqafKHYf_0PaOkvRqvVTGqZV3uL4I1f35EU0qnpuywxI-kHDm1GOh8F6BHnHPd4RauBPfzNi0NWZq4gbqIpEgIB-HHKDc1Ygoq_XtFIEt14DiMiFzZDiaLSC86gCSqhyphenhyphend0q68-635jAG9tTdvM5MffxJADTLEI8xkb0zNsSSs5NbPPJ_VWcSg/s5184/89B55B04-D053-48E7-8F8D-CD9B02CA9B98.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuB2y5mjqafKHYf_0PaOkvRqvVTGqZV3uL4I1f35EU0qnpuywxI-kHDm1GOh8F6BHnHPd4RauBPfzNi0NWZq4gbqIpEgIB-HHKDc1Ygoq_XtFIEt14DiMiFzZDiaLSC86gCSqhyphenhyphend0q68-635jAG9tTdvM5MffxJADTLEI8xkb0zNsSSs5NbPPJ_VWcSg/w266-h400/89B55B04-D053-48E7-8F8D-CD9B02CA9B98.jpeg" width="266"></a></div></div></div><p>A little late to the party, but didn't want to let our first World Book Day with Annika pass us by without documenting it - I also LOVED the kids costume choices this year! They chose well!</p><p>I was on the ball for a change! Usually our costumes are thrown together a bit last minute as all my creative attention has been on Heidi's parties, but this year we had her party a little earlier, and the kids came up with their ideas well in advance, so for once, I was actually on it!<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/world-book-day-better-late-than-never.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-32971542613592738432024-03-18T07:00:00.012+00:002024-03-18T21:37:06.538+00:00Life round ours // A Weekend Documented<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">A few years ago, there was a blogging photo project that I took part in every month called the #homelifeproject - I've assumed its disappeared now, as much of the blogging world has evolved and changed and moved itself onto other platforms, but on Friday afternoon, as the children were going about their different after school activities, I remembered it and the joy of documenting the ordinary, very small, insignificant scenes that are actually the moments that make a life.</span></div><p></p><p>I miss that.</p><p>And so I decided to document again. Just this weekend, to pick up my camera a bit more and not ask for poses or highlights - but just document the every day ordinary...<span><br></span></p><p>FRIDAY</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp_4M7ohtE5NyblCQog0KxyTIY6cQtl242XD9STNuD8nkdHQqs6EOdMiFfZSXgnNr-rY5i1KmxK2HQsXQF3HIRUo5hUIGexOqIT5pyIPX-EqciuNHlUCdEXguKA7PK2y81Rs1v8MSbo0QPL8ZdSEvhFay_8rIulK_huldKrefGkeQa4C1dG845kMzQOM/s5184/6B1F3C6C-BE95-4AF0-BC6D-8952A9244CB7.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp_4M7ohtE5NyblCQog0KxyTIY6cQtl242XD9STNuD8nkdHQqs6EOdMiFfZSXgnNr-rY5i1KmxK2HQsXQF3HIRUo5hUIGexOqIT5pyIPX-EqciuNHlUCdEXguKA7PK2y81Rs1v8MSbo0QPL8ZdSEvhFay_8rIulK_huldKrefGkeQa4C1dG845kMzQOM/w640-h426/6B1F3C6C-BE95-4AF0-BC6D-8952A9244CB7.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><span></span></div><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/life-round-ours-weekend-documented.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-30947838867698160802024-03-16T07:00:00.003+00:002024-03-16T07:00:00.140+00:00Heidi's Escape Room Party - The Circus Medrano Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LsvMhLNc_ka9t8A59r8DoeGoIm_d6Yvzm9epqI4IIJ5vy-I5Df2tQHkaLt4xBBP3QajOHNR2JP0ZaexE-x5JL6Z4SqR6RiRRSBIoggogzjs3dgpilVI2NIw9GynNN6etMYzHa8-Z2k5sKKQKysJkY3GMXjea-WSI9_Bgf27jNc-K35bunQrfduDn2Z8/s5184/313CC9FC-D55D-4A12-A1CA-9C2B6805ECE0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LsvMhLNc_ka9t8A59r8DoeGoIm_d6Yvzm9epqI4IIJ5vy-I5Df2tQHkaLt4xBBP3QajOHNR2JP0ZaexE-x5JL6Z4SqR6RiRRSBIoggogzjs3dgpilVI2NIw9GynNN6etMYzHa8-Z2k5sKKQKysJkY3GMXjea-WSI9_Bgf27jNc-K35bunQrfduDn2Z8/w640-h426/313CC9FC-D55D-4A12-A1CA-9C2B6805ECE0.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Time is flying by at force at the moment, and its hard to believe that two weeks have already passed since Heidi's 11th birthday party! It was such a fun one though, and while I've been a bit lax sharing the birthday parties in recent years, I didn't want to miss this one!<span></span></p></div><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/heidis-escape-room-party-circus-medrano.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-85448441823921750182024-03-14T07:00:00.003+00:002024-03-15T21:25:55.218+00:00Whatever the Weather // On Sleeping Scandi Style!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzuRZdoxOD6FXXPKmBFZmuP9VXT3U65VvtTuBsOK5LhI_QIn2MTbmm7JXYw5Jdu4E_QHy9XoIsLKirkG3N-SZuPAQj4jrKjeRKKMuD_4UZf2hGByrl7kiuj-wPnoQobBUSdK90EcS2-ClnLtsNvpLdHRxjYaI4MLrJYUjqU1MUNIehJkzXqQ63czNI6A/s5184/F0D56CD3-B307-471E-A617-E6AC6B9DC445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzuRZdoxOD6FXXPKmBFZmuP9VXT3U65VvtTuBsOK5LhI_QIn2MTbmm7JXYw5Jdu4E_QHy9XoIsLKirkG3N-SZuPAQj4jrKjeRKKMuD_4UZf2hGByrl7kiuj-wPnoQobBUSdK90EcS2-ClnLtsNvpLdHRxjYaI4MLrJYUjqU1MUNIehJkzXqQ63czNI6A/w640-h426/F0D56CD3-B307-471E-A617-E6AC6B9DC445.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p>In Norway, with very little exception, babies sleep outside in nature. It's a beautiful tradition which has stood the test of time, and which I first adopted on our first trip to Norway as parents back in 2011, when Ava was just nine weeks old. I was a new Mama... still in the overwhelmed stage but definitely out of the initial "shock to the system - life is changed forever" phase. I was eager to learn and very aware of my own cluelessness and was desperate to do a "good job". I read every book I could get my hands on, devoured motherhood blogs and podcasts and soaked in conversations with more seasoned mothers than myself.</p><div>So when I rocked up in Norway, and friends and family began encouraging me with all the benefits of outdoor napping, I bundled my 9 week old baby up, laid her in her pram, put the raincover over her and parked her outside the kitchen window in the drizzle!</div><span></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/whatever-weather-on-sleeping-scandi.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-44045073158404564222024-03-12T19:10:00.007+00:002024-03-12T19:10:53.682+00:00One Week Ago // On Accidents and Thankfulness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW1Xx0DaEcoLpPuZqwCN8EUKhPwBXS8yx-4hV9yUM39eCnzKb6_g6jVm6UvTcJaTlhe6FDbb9tw7pmmox3423qsffWTymHzF9sbiQUwiLcPpgIdHb-RU349FfXDNK6vLd-yQSXpk57yyA1Og3AEOooEuq99VPS387l04Yi5QBgCIKTTr3qeVR8E107YM/s1704/c6afdf5e-6c77-47a8-b4d0-c56db68be61d_VSCO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1704" data-original-width="1278" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW1Xx0DaEcoLpPuZqwCN8EUKhPwBXS8yx-4hV9yUM39eCnzKb6_g6jVm6UvTcJaTlhe6FDbb9tw7pmmox3423qsffWTymHzF9sbiQUwiLcPpgIdHb-RU349FfXDNK6vLd-yQSXpk57yyA1Og3AEOooEuq99VPS387l04Yi5QBgCIKTTr3qeVR8E107YM/s320/c6afdf5e-6c77-47a8-b4d0-c56db68be61d_VSCO.JPG" width="240"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y8kOURzXvzTMWadLUmRTL1d2G91Qx7erCR6XlHkDwzh4xGMALH9AtpXPhr8xBNbaAb_d2NatV-zzliS4IKLiZYTs3YwIFg-Wh2Ub7_ycIvBidXSPtYuUCkL0iA15UW8-OoLuZpjStfe3Ra8eWv4Wg9KDTmBBW9ad2Ed0ycqZqtvfMrggtNV7iARNJrY/s1920/1a0f9a01-48e6-4555-a9d8-dd483599f078_VSCO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0y8kOURzXvzTMWadLUmRTL1d2G91Qx7erCR6XlHkDwzh4xGMALH9AtpXPhr8xBNbaAb_d2NatV-zzliS4IKLiZYTs3YwIFg-Wh2Ub7_ycIvBidXSPtYuUCkL0iA15UW8-OoLuZpjStfe3Ra8eWv4Wg9KDTmBBW9ad2Ed0ycqZqtvfMrggtNV7iARNJrY/s320/1a0f9a01-48e6-4555-a9d8-dd483599f078_VSCO.JPG" width="180"></a></div></div><p>It's only once in a while that you stop and realise that so much of life's direction depends upon a single moment - one decision, one miscalculation, one split-second can send you down a route you never expected. When Ava and I logged onto her parents evening last Tuesday, and David had still not returned, I simply assumed he was running late. It was only when the repeat calls started coming through from a number I did not recognise that I began to wonder...</p><p>"Claire, its me... I've been in an accident"<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/one-week-ago-on-accidents-and.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-60133783490816206802024-03-11T13:30:00.002+00:002024-03-15T20:52:51.569+00:00Annika + Beth // A story of names<br><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYEr_K-Fbtya61bDAvmSORMOrfJ95RhGEuzIRk__gvMTeSXF1VhPEZWSBNyxXuyc33jJd1ZcPghkdwU9YEchzVYrByEV2-_ZuIcBVpy9HgAid8WpFdx-wJseyQvHIE-8aNveq5Eho94BZzN-Zen-uSh1ftxyYIoEh2fTDoiVLBbIeL7WnrYFdbe1g6fo/s4032/IMG_8319.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYEr_K-Fbtya61bDAvmSORMOrfJ95RhGEuzIRk__gvMTeSXF1VhPEZWSBNyxXuyc33jJd1ZcPghkdwU9YEchzVYrByEV2-_ZuIcBVpy9HgAid8WpFdx-wJseyQvHIE-8aNveq5Eho94BZzN-Zen-uSh1ftxyYIoEh2fTDoiVLBbIeL7WnrYFdbe1g6fo/w480-h640/IMG_8319.HEIC" width="480"></a></div><span style="font-family: Times; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><p>It feels like such a responsibility, doesn't it? The choosing of a name... the responsibility of bestowing on your child something they will carry with them throughout their years. We have always wanted names heavy with meaning and purpose, beautiful and strong, names which work across the three languages that flow from our children's tongues. Scandinavian and Germanic influences, and yet names known and appreciated in the country of their birth.<span></span></p></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/annika-beth-story-of-names.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-83529109296454959132024-03-04T11:11:00.004+00:002024-03-04T11:16:28.632+00:00Dear Heidi - you're 11!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsO8kGA9Zfo-4MoNzrH3FRKs-zmqiQr_uBFnBAIXwYIdSZRcFEsrh4ftmfMp__DLRx7e2CKoVewBKWKKF7Kw0Hr_f5gkJpCqP01xS2v9jjcqqHRGwd20xKF0zTCJ1qE7f3pHYwL5KeQsJrhvjr_HZwj37HaOYwIvI-ymrIr9DAYNlRWsvgIsfBExOvq8/s5184/1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzsO8kGA9Zfo-4MoNzrH3FRKs-zmqiQr_uBFnBAIXwYIdSZRcFEsrh4ftmfMp__DLRx7e2CKoVewBKWKKF7Kw0Hr_f5gkJpCqP01xS2v9jjcqqHRGwd20xKF0zTCJ1qE7f3pHYwL5KeQsJrhvjr_HZwj37HaOYwIvI-ymrIr9DAYNlRWsvgIsfBExOvq8/w640-h426/1.png" width="640"></a></div><br>Dear Heidi,<br><p>HAPPY 11TH BIRTHDAY! Hard to believe our two biggest girls are now well into double digits. How the years fly! It makes me more determined than ever to make the most of every minute. Having Annika now, and dressing her in some of your clothes, it feels like those days were yesterday - and yet a lifetime ago. Time is a funny thing.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/03/dear-heidi-youre-11.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-66241909380927742602024-02-16T21:51:00.001+00:002024-02-16T21:51:15.535+00:00One month of Annika!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghadqfsOR7_RVAsZKRI1UjeXu8ZOgMAf4X4M7-ZBpN0Z4-vTWGxwbXXKPXx7OX8x4MTqrLBhyphenhyphenTlzayX_8X8IuX8yQl09D2r2Xm93EK_9UqQOtDVQaLXZcjC_2jr8yks1U81vZ4Vk0gsyRU9HN4CHs7kHYrSbfyESumpU_6TUJ7zHJTThnEyxwqcO0X4j8/s320/IMG_7282.jpg" width="240"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxojZGstAa6Pdsr9vC91SvlcBskJpbW6VGQFqhGGy6DxDtY_-6VT9h9Rty5IJapj2oLIJgFQtd1uzcNW8x8FdFhQMje_BtWR2O-kyO2U3eGAloyEMSldFMUpLaJuZ3utl8mUpfF0GyAWfjGTaUNWeLeNUX-s8D9rxybaK-0Fv-q1CZXnu9MH-LCaIH5I/s4032/IMG_7138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxojZGstAa6Pdsr9vC91SvlcBskJpbW6VGQFqhGGy6DxDtY_-6VT9h9Rty5IJapj2oLIJgFQtd1uzcNW8x8FdFhQMje_BtWR2O-kyO2U3eGAloyEMSldFMUpLaJuZ3utl8mUpfF0GyAWfjGTaUNWeLeNUX-s8D9rxybaK-0Fv-q1CZXnu9MH-LCaIH5I/s320/IMG_7138.jpg" width="240"></a></div><p></p><p>One month of our Annika Beth!<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/02/one-month-of-annika.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-49547407798526830052024-02-02T07:00:00.006+00:002024-02-02T07:00:00.142+00:00Progress, progress, progress...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48hPxhsfu2zvQno7lnDk39k43yWomdot8zQnQTEBATB99YjsmO8nyBwrTeid0FbVzlatsuGeyElvBcS-K7jpLsOUROTcEuSsWWf80jIrM31txomSJtPZ5woqasBcFv8tDOLIDlPydEcJ9BVQOuU99hYntSF299CYzI1H8VA7DUlm64seSTsCSZUYCTjc/s5184/98EABC83-7D2E-4125-83B2-51CEEBEED088.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48hPxhsfu2zvQno7lnDk39k43yWomdot8zQnQTEBATB99YjsmO8nyBwrTeid0FbVzlatsuGeyElvBcS-K7jpLsOUROTcEuSsWWf80jIrM31txomSJtPZ5woqasBcFv8tDOLIDlPydEcJ9BVQOuU99hYntSF299CYzI1H8VA7DUlm64seSTsCSZUYCTjc/w628-h418/98EABC83-7D2E-4125-83B2-51CEEBEED088.jpeg" width="628"></a></div><p>One day at a time... its been my motto for the last two and a half weeks as I have gradually gained strength. While I'm still far from back to normal (I'm still slow at moving, and my stomach muscles are still non-existent!) this week has felt like a bit of a milestone week in terms of progress. It can be frustrating, but I'm trying to notice the little moments of progress that show that I am, slowly, getting better...</p><p></p><p>Like that I <i>finally </i> unpacked my hospital bag...<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/02/progress-progress-progress.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-14273368627489514732024-01-31T07:00:00.004+00:002024-02-01T22:17:01.268+00:00Me and Mine in January //. 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKSXV1IgV_kpw3JR916-dFZf-6dy5QddktfMtVrLKejedK5Jrxm74JMl8SqTxyq_nnNFXDSiZhXY2X9LOjo9Dpgee9dylhkJd2RRRLeMMTKdrRmUZDLXHDP4FGZVloLHxBILyNvzQEf9AHbFa5bgNoPilT427oPN5hcYznWr6QDX2ZNG_6Zq4tODVgrQ/s5184/C95D9C57-9998-4076-B5C3-5FB6F32A3F87.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKSXV1IgV_kpw3JR916-dFZf-6dy5QddktfMtVrLKejedK5Jrxm74JMl8SqTxyq_nnNFXDSiZhXY2X9LOjo9Dpgee9dylhkJd2RRRLeMMTKdrRmUZDLXHDP4FGZVloLHxBILyNvzQEf9AHbFa5bgNoPilT427oPN5hcYznWr6QDX2ZNG_6Zq4tODVgrQ/w640-h426/C95D9C57-9998-4076-B5C3-5FB6F32A3F87.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The final piece to our puzzle that we didn't know we needed, but now can't imagine life without.</p><p></p><p>So grateful to a good God who saw what we needed when we didn't!</p><p>Our family of seven (!!)</p><br /><div><br /></div>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-43718460930209463132024-01-29T07:00:00.029+00:002024-01-29T07:00:00.134+00:00Tending to my Weapons // Thoughts for a Monday Morning<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWnAAs_SF-y8yUpOh_soHPR1NzdMADuic4De1weDpeT-rnJuuLWhkV403h8SzqX_KksPa4Nxycjbm10BDn9sgNupLRbor_KbUWib4KB-KAPX9y_h3CJv651msG1M2Mv6qroM0q3FWPK-XtFRQ8__KAlSHYQ6NUqYH06ZwJrpagqSk5SXt1M2gIVvh7zo/s5184/B82F6EA1-9749-4A8D-BADC-1430FD8DD338_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWnAAs_SF-y8yUpOh_soHPR1NzdMADuic4De1weDpeT-rnJuuLWhkV403h8SzqX_KksPa4Nxycjbm10BDn9sgNupLRbor_KbUWib4KB-KAPX9y_h3CJv651msG1M2Mv6qroM0q3FWPK-XtFRQ8__KAlSHYQ6NUqYH06ZwJrpagqSk5SXt1M2gIVvh7zo/w640-h426/B82F6EA1-9749-4A8D-BADC-1430FD8DD338_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart... we replenish our hearts, not with sleep, but with the Word of God and with prayer"</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>- John Piper - <span></span></b></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/tending-to-my-weapons-thoughts-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-7351790398780098162024-01-26T07:00:00.004+00:002024-01-26T07:00:00.221+00:00Recovery // The Reality<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkwuTBD5ghGjS8s4U8o4Y1FoL3QOzIYRMapQWfb_uFtfI0W01kVm46EhQ3PFG3NcOFjSfEnSWP_cunkeWmCwnjcdXqoEm6Yz1xiPEvuknCXCG1BZiDXFJPPMuZDPgG7tGPpZoNxYWGTfFF_tQA70Ll8PBDxM-rk8uTLswi_74ORYMIvcatnSMHytx1_c/s5184/D05AAE11-A9F4-45EC-A0ED-D8F008B3EB42.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkwuTBD5ghGjS8s4U8o4Y1FoL3QOzIYRMapQWfb_uFtfI0W01kVm46EhQ3PFG3NcOFjSfEnSWP_cunkeWmCwnjcdXqoEm6Yz1xiPEvuknCXCG1BZiDXFJPPMuZDPgG7tGPpZoNxYWGTfFF_tQA70Ll8PBDxM-rk8uTLswi_74ORYMIvcatnSMHytx1_c/w640-h426/D05AAE11-A9F4-45EC-A0ED-D8F008B3EB42.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p>It's been a rollercoaster 9 days - the wonderful highs of Annika - of falling in love with her baby smell, the little happy gulps when she's feeding, the newborn scrunch and the stare of those deep dark eyes taking everything in for the first time. Newborn days are always intense, but I can honestly say I'm enjoying every minute of her - I don't want to miss a moment.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/recovery-reality.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-89009015479270253752024-01-25T07:00:00.003+00:002024-01-25T09:55:58.576+00:00Siblings in January // Together at last!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj917teqZW07Wr2YbsSSn3m2VzKPl8NGeSvXhXVeGBVkrDZ0Om8sekWA4JU2JxFR8LwSqiA4JCWGuMSnEvRrDgxxTA4zVbFRZnM3cZXdPtLoGE7vGrircFCRVEDyuJKYRVaseM0HFtlNSIBApg-_kA55h9WqyR0vQdkG-Zfb8FMEp1luhariaFpq0eCuDU/s5184/3B21F48E-66A5-450C-ABC7-DAB048570F22.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj917teqZW07Wr2YbsSSn3m2VzKPl8NGeSvXhXVeGBVkrDZ0Om8sekWA4JU2JxFR8LwSqiA4JCWGuMSnEvRrDgxxTA4zVbFRZnM3cZXdPtLoGE7vGrircFCRVEDyuJKYRVaseM0HFtlNSIBApg-_kA55h9WqyR0vQdkG-Zfb8FMEp1luhariaFpq0eCuDU/w640-h426/3B21F48E-66A5-450C-ABC7-DAB048570F22.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>When the big children were small, and blogging was part of the tapestry of my everyday life, I took part in a couple of photo projects run by my blogging buddy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dear_beautiful_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lucy</a> (click on her name to find her on instagram - she's a gem and well worth a follow!) As our children have grown up, and social media has moved to more short form recording than blogging, the projects fizzled out, but something about them has stuck with me. There was something lovely about having a monthly family picture for the "Me and Mine" project, and a monthly picture of my crew for the "Siblings" project.<span></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/siblings-in-january-together-at-last.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-75610270998936558342024-01-24T12:51:00.003+00:002024-01-24T20:34:48.998+00:00She's here // Welcoming our littlest love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvtjWB-d1TX-Eg3zEzzAHAkotNirQjiA4Ejn-IyjXUKP5y1XJtve1BCVHkaovbJOyU3-ZTMJe24_pRKZCuSH_H6CccEJjWKPFnODgJpXLKtFQdHylN4jhazIblcXY-k1olznQXb3R4-FT5MkGrCJWzxi5sn2_tTDuiha-X-dJi5miIzyVFAz3slIsaDM/s5184/B1FFDDD7-1505-4023-9DA8-C22EAAEFECF0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvtjWB-d1TX-Eg3zEzzAHAkotNirQjiA4Ejn-IyjXUKP5y1XJtve1BCVHkaovbJOyU3-ZTMJe24_pRKZCuSH_H6CccEJjWKPFnODgJpXLKtFQdHylN4jhazIblcXY-k1olznQXb3R4-FT5MkGrCJWzxi5sn2_tTDuiha-X-dJi5miIzyVFAz3slIsaDM/w640-h426/B1FFDDD7-1505-4023-9DA8-C22EAAEFECF0.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p>One week and one day ago since we welcomed our precious little lady into the world. Annika Beth - the little one we never knew we needed, but who has felt so perfectly part of us since we found out with shock and surprise that we were expecting again. We did not mind at all whether this precious little one was a boy or girl - having two of each meant there was no secret pressure or hope... and yet somehow a little girl to round up our family has felt perfect... and she is utterly adored by all her siblings.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/shes-here-welcoming-our-littlest-love.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-87577528190926601642024-01-13T07:00:00.002+00:002024-01-14T22:05:15.048+00:00Nesting, nesting, nesting<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtzDr4rBs3O0A94CJIpt52idoHuZnzTbuZXk6NYtaFUoAbLgeKORZHAW6iHTZn2kpvGTqwFAcaO3qNaPYSOFJeA5aeYxE2ESoqSUTBWqvGfZMCvLruVciYEnkEqHAcGAy3sbIfrLOZgyetDPscG2diSh79MynjC6OXdVTeLLpRAXepw2f23gPEz8ybTg/s4032/DA8BDF59-CD01-4E66-8BBE-8FBCACF9CD16.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtzDr4rBs3O0A94CJIpt52idoHuZnzTbuZXk6NYtaFUoAbLgeKORZHAW6iHTZn2kpvGTqwFAcaO3qNaPYSOFJeA5aeYxE2ESoqSUTBWqvGfZMCvLruVciYEnkEqHAcGAy3sbIfrLOZgyetDPscG2diSh79MynjC6OXdVTeLLpRAXepw2f23gPEz8ybTg/s320/DA8BDF59-CD01-4E66-8BBE-8FBCACF9CD16.JPG" width="240"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfSkabclwx1ilqDf3oR0dWsg-j9nXR3Omms61RS0KgLHCaQiJBUsu5bPFSwqw3BhbA-SyAZnOPrkSJtURm2auW6AgENpcZLIF2BEfggtyM-y5_cMeq0YzAWF-Ea4Sk28JPquSqwtePXBK7n4KjvkV-f7pQFYhDUKRczAw-1oV1HA-MT3lU4InYCNQU3Q/s4032/99C9C9AD-FCF3-4203-A0B4-51FE77ACF2BA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikfSkabclwx1ilqDf3oR0dWsg-j9nXR3Omms61RS0KgLHCaQiJBUsu5bPFSwqw3BhbA-SyAZnOPrkSJtURm2auW6AgENpcZLIF2BEfggtyM-y5_cMeq0YzAWF-Ea4Sk28JPquSqwtePXBK7n4KjvkV-f7pQFYhDUKRczAw-1oV1HA-MT3lU4InYCNQU3Q/s320/99C9C9AD-FCF3-4203-A0B4-51FE77ACF2BA.JPG" width="240"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div>I'm enjoying these final days of quiet before our lives get turned upside down again by a tiny person. It's been a while since I've been here - just under seven years, to be precise, and I'm enjoying the time to really lean into it. I have the advantage now of perspective and experience... and though both of those things tell me that doesn't make parenting any easier, or mean that this one will be a breeze (far from it - I've learnt all children are very different!)... it has meant I am determined to soak up every minute of these hazy days. With our eldest hurtling towards her teenage years this summer, I'm all too aware of the old adage - "the days are long but the years are short". <div><br></div><div>And so the last few days have been spent sorting and organising, nesting and cleaning, journalling and praying. </div><span></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/nesting-nesting-nesting.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-68461069997112675192024-01-09T07:00:00.003+00:002024-01-13T00:40:15.913+00:00Renovation and Inspiration // A Cabin in a Van<p> </p><p><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAg__TSDoo0sQFX9wuf6Wdwh6JmrZD9F9uvcpYcIlhoAwUvIv9X643yvim3NUTwgjlbAu_gCZ94CBzd_7oOLeia8lMsy96KLx-IsXMJ8basAc8ktTLu8-T-D48nBbP6OtMYY9YkMaTUPNfE3q38HzJeXpovPeB_tIehtsojNJqvlISwGSjfGJ71sx8JE/s3024/00FAF008-0B6A-4C2E-B77C-0AF862BC4316.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2267" data-original-width="3024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAg__TSDoo0sQFX9wuf6Wdwh6JmrZD9F9uvcpYcIlhoAwUvIv9X643yvim3NUTwgjlbAu_gCZ94CBzd_7oOLeia8lMsy96KLx-IsXMJ8basAc8ktTLu8-T-D48nBbP6OtMYY9YkMaTUPNfE3q38HzJeXpovPeB_tIehtsojNJqvlISwGSjfGJ71sx8JE/w640-h480/00FAF008-0B6A-4C2E-B77C-0AF862BC4316.JPG" width="640"></a></div><p></p><p>On Friday last week we had the exciting adventure of visiting our good friend Bobby D in his van. At first glance, the van looks like any other white removal van... chunky, robust, big and not particularly special... but on entering, we stepped into what genuinely could have been a log cabin in the mountains! <span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/renovation-and-inspiration-cabin-in-van.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-43716056232621542592024-01-08T07:00:00.005+00:002024-01-14T22:05:47.158+00:00On Boredom and Creativity // Thoughts for a Monday Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzbXXH7Vl13A1Ge9EuM15k5YXgMDy_gM8yOLYq933JT9yZdMsg0cM3Ywx1iaNRU6yV_i_qUINvE_nBvaVWk33QDt_wEP6FFZHlDQP6vIVDpcDY6CTURq1pdXA_W8gdFQo5wXxqJRmg1KxjdupiNMID_Alj_k4ylzE7PzF7qqEfO7KgB1Fkp5gdtW1XGM/s5184/C118FB3E-AEFD-42CF-97D1-D4D5BADE7B93.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzbXXH7Vl13A1Ge9EuM15k5YXgMDy_gM8yOLYq933JT9yZdMsg0cM3Ywx1iaNRU6yV_i_qUINvE_nBvaVWk33QDt_wEP6FFZHlDQP6vIVDpcDY6CTURq1pdXA_W8gdFQo5wXxqJRmg1KxjdupiNMID_Alj_k4ylzE7PzF7qqEfO7KgB1Fkp5gdtW1XGM/w640-h426/C118FB3E-AEFD-42CF-97D1-D4D5BADE7B93.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><br><p style="text-align: center;">"Boredom is often the precursor to creativity... instead of always being scheduled or entertained, children get creative. They begin building a world of their own making."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>- Kim John Payne - <span></span></b></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/on-boredom-and-creativity-thoughts-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-28401626643875834792024-01-06T07:00:00.002+00:002024-01-07T01:30:52.435+00:00Growing up too quick // An adventure with my biggest girl!<p>I love trawling back through the history of these posts... I started blogging shortly after Ava was born... there are treasure troves of memories here that I'm so thankful to have - moments recorded in word and picture that would have been long forgotten had I not been marking all those memories on this blog. These days our children love to pour over the posts and laugh at the comedy moments. I'm so glad to have it.</p><p>And on Wednesday we hit another milestone as my biggest girl did something that, in my mind at least, catapulted her right into the "really growing up now" category.</p><p>Can you spot the difference?!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWRPkF_68VzkN7i_Gg86oB550AliFEMIwYWjS9UcLcYXs4ZpSplBZL_0Gdj8x1iy-N4XKoP45Tm7tIThcN3p52MSODsPQFOwSrZ2uJQZvMA6Uc2fDjnvMFHglC7sUMdAWsvr3hQUGQ5P61wwvpOoBohjcm3PJyLhqWSTQyEOBphHcMtMs6J6oo_8XfVM/s3088/IMG_5973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWRPkF_68VzkN7i_Gg86oB550AliFEMIwYWjS9UcLcYXs4ZpSplBZL_0Gdj8x1iy-N4XKoP45Tm7tIThcN3p52MSODsPQFOwSrZ2uJQZvMA6Uc2fDjnvMFHglC7sUMdAWsvr3hQUGQ5P61wwvpOoBohjcm3PJyLhqWSTQyEOBphHcMtMs6J6oo_8XfVM/s320/IMG_5973.jpg" width="240"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ855BJI6O9Cenzjzp3jctdLqIv9kkoHa5qMsgMe0_FH-e-RMuyEwrX1GCTmfFqi7DC9myIVO8eLcdn4vCvwc4n_r9KBzCCyJIB-hVZJsq9-phyphenhyphenXdClVgC68JrYXJf3r-CHADHZoF3yUE5Ig4tV0FKZpegkVoGMv12L_ziyN5fZAJrrH5-K9poVx34lk/s3088/IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ855BJI6O9Cenzjzp3jctdLqIv9kkoHa5qMsgMe0_FH-e-RMuyEwrX1GCTmfFqi7DC9myIVO8eLcdn4vCvwc4n_r9KBzCCyJIB-hVZJsq9-phyphenhyphenXdClVgC68JrYXJf3r-CHADHZoF3yUE5Ig4tV0FKZpegkVoGMv12L_ziyN5fZAJrrH5-K9poVx34lk/s320/IMG_5987.jpg" width="240"></a></div></div><br><p><span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/growing-up-too-quick-adventure-with-my.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-21755845620802007422024-01-05T07:00:00.005+00:002024-01-14T22:06:20.163+00:00On the Bookshelf for January // Intro to #whatsonourbookshelves<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQl2exTqrFbBiLrkKWnuuHt07SORIKzOvQE0y3y3ZMn01XrG9Rep-E5exMCJwUZsrVTZllxjY02upK58vz-KmJUtavRjMFp9v0C58DqhPj-TzeKgHrAZVg4OjpWdy6nEfFwnG-w9dLurNietko9-XYUchATWc5b4WJWhJEY38BN7tJGRoPEUZY_W9qj4/s5184/088F62E4-57D1-4925-A631-202E062D8208.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQl2exTqrFbBiLrkKWnuuHt07SORIKzOvQE0y3y3ZMn01XrG9Rep-E5exMCJwUZsrVTZllxjY02upK58vz-KmJUtavRjMFp9v0C58DqhPj-TzeKgHrAZVg4OjpWdy6nEfFwnG-w9dLurNietko9-XYUchATWc5b4WJWhJEY38BN7tJGRoPEUZY_W9qj4/w640-h426/088F62E4-57D1-4925-A631-202E062D8208.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p>I grew up on a diet of books. I remember weekly trips to the library as a child, my Mum reading children's classics to me every night on the sofa downstairs after my younger siblings had gone to bed, summers "camping" in the garden tent, or lying on the hammock, with a book and a bowl of snacks; fiction, historical, biography... it didn't matter - I had an insatiable hunger for learning and books were my favourite way to ingest!<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/on-bookshelf-for-january-intro-to.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-85571179978813483562024-01-02T09:00:00.002+00:002024-01-04T12:51:22.003+00:00Hunkering Down and Hibernating <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3KPVxdAZxpu66otIm0ChyphenhyphenQZd5VKxkg0kGhRfxe4IHvENbifqpGh3A3TWeUqSG49Y1sA0SUFQrTUjham6dvqD7W53Xi-LOtDCGFuHen3THMz2W1WLzolZMNqMiAYJEDRP7ijcQBXBawi_11_RsI5bU_JDfFmA0J9rzhYqlz4j5TuAcYD_YG6OoVqgC7s/s3196/F9EC6A4E-6D7F-4938-9FEF-E4CEFA98EDFB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3KPVxdAZxpu66otIm0ChyphenhyphenQZd5VKxkg0kGhRfxe4IHvENbifqpGh3A3TWeUqSG49Y1sA0SUFQrTUjham6dvqD7W53Xi-LOtDCGFuHen3THMz2W1WLzolZMNqMiAYJEDRP7ijcQBXBawi_11_RsI5bU_JDfFmA0J9rzhYqlz4j5TuAcYD_YG6OoVqgC7s/w606-h640/F9EC6A4E-6D7F-4938-9FEF-E4CEFA98EDFB.jpg" width="606"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I always love the new year, because I absolutely love the idea of a fresh start; a new journal, a blank page, a new phase. There's something in me that loves nothing more than setting new goals and coming up with creative approaches... but I read something the other day which challenged the idea of New Year Resolutions, and it resonated with me.</span></div><p>Is January really the time for that?<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2024/01/hunkering-down-and-hibernating.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-27435890999468342132023-12-31T07:00:00.013+00:002023-12-31T07:00:00.194+00:0012 highlights of 2023!<p>2023 - where to begin?</p><p>It's been a busy year - with so many highlights I couldn't possibly share them all - not mentioned are our crazy weekend round trip to Norway which involved cancelled flights, last minute glam hotel stays, getting to Dave's cousin's wedding by the skin of our teeth, aquarium receptions and flights home in the cockpit! Then there were the theatre trips - Wicked, The King and I (totally underrated but fabulous!), To Kill a Mockingbird, and of course the Junior Theatre Festival itself. Also let's not forget the countless small moments that make up the memories - library books in front of the (fake Netflix) fire, the boys coming in from football covered in mud and smelling of fresh air and grass, time with dear friends, Bible studies and good food and all the things that make up a year in the best possible way.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2023/12/12-highlights-of-2023.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-77349577133905287902023-12-30T07:00:00.003+00:002023-12-30T09:25:06.336+00:00Preparations!<p></p><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/AVvXsEhNYQr_bke3jSVND66fvA38QnubW4MxA49rGLfkHTxG-X0_wawE0yBjlpwZWQc21LDEhLZtLWw6NKdiCFzDMdsq47XMS1UtukEGmgAYchAUhpWt6wxoCUCRLHo5vp2M01GUq32mF9lgv3B5wYsbHyFPcFDitmB9xRHOOdgVBlym_kj79Dql1G5elzEOjNc/s4032/IMG_3361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYQr_bke3jSVND66fvA38QnubW4MxA49rGLfkHTxG-X0_wawE0yBjlpwZWQc21LDEhLZtLWw6NKdiCFzDMdsq47XMS1UtukEGmgAYchAUhpWt6wxoCUCRLHo5vp2M01GUq32mF9lgv3B5wYsbHyFPcFDitmB9xRHOOdgVBlym_kj79Dql1G5elzEOjNc/w640-h480/IMG_3361.jpg" width="640"></a></div><br>And just like that, we've hit 37 weeks. What a whirlwind of a pregnancy this has been... it has flown by - the busyness of life juggling four children, Dave's new job and my work, I suppose. I'm not complaining... though now am starting to feel like I should be more prepared than I am. The bag was half packed and that was about as far as I'd got until yesterday!<span></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2023/12/preparations.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-3603796098815634792023-12-27T22:42:00.005+00:002023-12-29T23:05:48.566+00:00Christmas 23: The Whirlwind and The Countdown!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3ohDKtqrUicuaCXQp5ZgWa1P40IkbEQFc7SbZCukM0gn4xPJwCVwrnXyeQM8KjkuidY87ZtSuJxpGmYfBQKesDImGEX7t9KljM3Rhplq9NYMsBtumLajdfqUcqAbhrMZdXsfj_ffQeYkYVLMgW5EVuROr4KdD6tutLuKE4P3r7aJOC1AqqhGUup5NtE/s5184/6401232D-30CE-4044-AF06-0D10000E2AF7_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3ohDKtqrUicuaCXQp5ZgWa1P40IkbEQFc7SbZCukM0gn4xPJwCVwrnXyeQM8KjkuidY87ZtSuJxpGmYfBQKesDImGEX7t9KljM3Rhplq9NYMsBtumLajdfqUcqAbhrMZdXsfj_ffQeYkYVLMgW5EVuROr4KdD6tutLuKE4P3r7aJOC1AqqhGUup5NtE/w640-h426/6401232D-30CE-4044-AF06-0D10000E2AF7_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640"></a></div><p>Advent and Christmas have been a whirlwind this year... a combination of juggling four kids' school commitments, Dave's first term at a new school, my winding down for maternity leave, a new baby in the family and counting down for our little arrival in a couple more weeks! It's been a busy season, and yet somehow, with a little bit of intention, we have managed to create space every day to build in moments of quiet to stop and remember the reason for this precious season...</p><span></span><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2023/12/christmas-23-whirlwind-and-countdown.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-16801808938783501462023-08-22T06:30:00.119+01:002023-12-29T23:06:29.999+00:00Ava - you're 12!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x8v6JIhaFhIEd1yPy9tTRx5x91Vr7LuBgGQtFDMJPaAhj_bobkO-YcOo92bcMCOmZUgaLr9Zv0iCCZDiMjWYLnSTC98tTvahIWrrsTwX_cHaAEMXvY2NdlEFJRaQ6wxmem_Bum7krlqIFBWMpJyFyzYzkzvbY-h_0WGHy6UO5IZ5Yq0Eik95R3_ckQE/s1062/Screenshot%202023-08-21%20at%2023.10.57.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9x8v6JIhaFhIEd1yPy9tTRx5x91Vr7LuBgGQtFDMJPaAhj_bobkO-YcOo92bcMCOmZUgaLr9Zv0iCCZDiMjWYLnSTC98tTvahIWrrsTwX_cHaAEMXvY2NdlEFJRaQ6wxmem_Bum7krlqIFBWMpJyFyzYzkzvbY-h_0WGHy6UO5IZ5Yq0Eik95R3_ckQE/w640-h400/Screenshot%202023-08-21%20at%2023.10.57.png" width="640"></a></div><p>Dear Ava,</p><p>Another year flown by - another year under our belts. As my body has been growing another little member of our family, so much of this pregnancy has felt eerily familiar to my pregnancy with you. The intense sickness, the tiredness, the teaching with a bump and snaffling ginger biscuits in the cupboard to keep the nausea at bay before facing a class of children. It feels somehow like the right kind of way to bookend our family. Our firstborn and our final. So similar in so many ways.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2023/08/ava-youre-12.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3437949099735865174.post-34064087225246939352023-07-18T19:00:00.007+01:002023-12-29T23:44:45.525+00:00A shock discovery, and a blessed assurance: We have some news!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjcASgDtZ9wW5HWSApaIs1z0GEiID8ejFZQP64cZA5e025Z7H0TzIGLQNWgJhs0fzL-oHBMXMlpGSJfTq4aY0G7vafCS_1Ut01etY4dF3TgwOwgOJE1mKGx51hNBBOeSXB7amaCIufXMjNM1v3hL8hs9Ojlce1Vyh-RAw6eu4OXu68uoQznt3sRqSCxQ/s3024/0E45B8D8-7A78-4F5C-8B96-AABD0676EC21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjcASgDtZ9wW5HWSApaIs1z0GEiID8ejFZQP64cZA5e025Z7H0TzIGLQNWgJhs0fzL-oHBMXMlpGSJfTq4aY0G7vafCS_1Ut01etY4dF3TgwOwgOJE1mKGx51hNBBOeSXB7amaCIufXMjNM1v3hL8hs9Ojlce1Vyh-RAw6eu4OXu68uoQznt3sRqSCxQ/w640-h640/0E45B8D8-7A78-4F5C-8B96-AABD0676EC21.jpg" width="640"></a></div><p>What assurance, what peace there is in knowing that we live within God's sovereign care. The discovery that our 5th little person was going to be arriving in early 2024, though a complete shock to us, was no shock to our Father in Heaven. In fact, this little person was always part of the plan - always part of our story.<span></span></p><a href="https://clarinascontemplations.blogspot.com/2023/07/a-shock-discovery-and-blessed-assurance.html#more">Read more »</a>Clarina1985http://www.blogger.com/profile/16702083166779949852noreply@blogger.com0