tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25453995862685720202024-02-19T07:12:55.557-06:00Inspired KaraHooray! You made it.Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-26227847412683100562013-04-04T16:14:00.002-05:002013-04-04T16:14:50.242-05:00She is Here.Remember when I used to update this blog? Yeah, me neither.<br />
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A lot has happened in the last few weeks. And if any of you still read my blog who aren't my friends in real life or on Instagram, (do any of you still exist?!) I'd like to introduce you to the cutest little bird of a baby that ever graced the earth.<br />
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Hazel June.<br />
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She came to live with our family on March 20th. Little girl was stubborn and wanted to hang out till the end butt first just like her momma, so our "birth story" happened on an operating table instead of in a labor suite, but I would still love to share it with you. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow, if I'm not to busy cuddling my precious little gumdrop.Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-60316227297024959662013-02-11T21:54:00.000-06:002013-02-11T21:57:05.036-06:00A very long story for you about a simple chair and God's provision <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Last night while working on the nursery this conversation happened: <br /><br />Me: "I really wish I could just find a glider or rocker that I really like. Too bad they all cost like $600"<br /><br />Jake: "Let's pray for one."<br /><br />Me: "Well it's not like we can't afford one, and it's just me being particular. There are a million normal gliders on Craigslist for like $30."<br /><br />Jake: "Well, I'm still going to ask for one."<br /><br />Me: "You're crazy if you think you are going to find an upholstered rocker for like $30"<br /><br />Jake: "Well I'm still going to pray for one."<br /><br />Can you see where this is going? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This morning I did my daily search for the perfect upholstered rocker or glider. Well, one popped up for THIRTY FIVE DOLLARS! I frantically figured out a way to go pick it up before 6 (when the owner had another person coming to look at it), loaded it up in our car all alone and drove it home .... terribly excited, a bit shocked by God's generosity and very very thankful. Well, when I got it home my heart sank. When we put it in the nursery it was so slanted that you almost fell forward out of the chair while sitting in it. Not really the most comfortable spot for rocking your sweet baby girl. Clearly I had purchased a bum chair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wondered why God would provide something so very specific just for it to be a huge big fail. I sat in the living room and felt discouraged, and to be honest, super over emotional. I had been so excited, and now I was so let down. <br /><br />Jake disappeared for awhile and I found him upstairs with the whole chair disassembled. Turns out the entire chair was assembled incorrectly. He fixed it, and the chair worked just as it was intended. <br /><br />Needless to say I learned a lot. I learned that God can and will answer small and silly-seeming prayers to increase our faith. I learned that doubting His specific provision convicted me of my very limited belief in His willingness to provide. And, I learned to trust my husband a bit more. I shouldn't think it is crazy to ask God for what seems impossible. I realize that God will not give us every silly material thing we want, but He will use small situations to reveal large truths. He is capable, generous, and a perfect provider. <br /><br />The chair isn't perfect. It needs a really good washing or a new cover, but I love it. Not just because it fits perfectly in our nursery, but because it reminds me that we serve a loving, generous, and present God who delights in teaching His children about His character. </span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-62777835177493490692013-01-08T11:22:00.000-06:002013-01-08T11:22:43.577-06:00Goodbye Second Trimester!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dear little Hazel, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well it's quite simply near impossible to believe that your second trimester in my belly is here and gone. In fact, we are 29 weeks into this thing together as of today. How CRAZY is that? I'm sure I won't be saying this in a month or two, but carrying you along with me has been fairly simple and very very very quick. However, I must say I feel a bit like a big ol' boat as you grow and grow and grow. You are two pounds already! You used to be a tiny poppy seed and now you are over two whole pounds! I got to see you on camera recently, and you know what? You formed your hands into fists, stretched your head way way far back and STUCK YOUR TONGUE OUT AT ME! It seems that you are going to turn out just as silly as your mommy and daddy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Suddenly I'm tired again, but not as sleepy as when you were first growing. Sleeping is getting a bit more difficult, but I'm just thinking of it as training for when you are here and we're having late night feeding and crying "parties". I've become a bit consumed with preparing for your arrival. Your nursery is coming along quite nicely. I really hope you find it cozy and cute. You have all sorts of gear now and lots of adorable little outfits. I'm even working on making you some cute accessories. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most of all lately, though, I've been scared, worried, and generally just terrified (to be honest) of becoming your mom. Will I know how to care for you? Will we bond ok? Will feeding go well? How on earth will I know what to do for you? Then<b>,</b> I remember that women have been doing this for centuries, and I keep thinking of the <a href="http://www.newoldhymns.com/the-builder-and-the-architect/grace-upon-grace/">hymn from Sandra McCracken</a> that says: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">To thee I run now with great expectation,</span>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">to honor you with trust like a child</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">My hopes and desires seek a new destination</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">and all that you ask, your grace will provide.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am very certain that God has called me to be your Mom. He chose the time you'd come to be a part of our lives, and I hope you learn the hard way one day (as to increase your faith) that his timing is PERFECT. He has called me to be your mother, and all that He asks of me His grace will provide. You, little Hazel, are already teaching me what it means to lean more into my heavenly father. I am learning to trust Him in ways I didn't know I needed to trust before. Thank you for teaching me so much already. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet daughter of mine, I'm praying for you. I pray that you will know and love Christ. That you will learn what it means to be fully dependent on, and in desperate need of, your Savior. I pray that you will be humbled over and over and over again by the good news of the Gospel. It's a prayer I not only say, but plead and feel deep within my bones. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's hard to believe at the end of our next trimester together you will be in our arms. I can't wait to meet you, see you, touch your face and rejoice over you, Hazel. I love you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until then, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom</span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></div>
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Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-13168193812564084472012-12-17T14:20:00.000-06:002012-12-17T14:35:59.610-06:00I meant to send out Christmas cards. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had every good intention of sending out Christmas cards. I even designed the thing for goodness sake. But all of a sudden it is somehow December 17th, and holiday celebrations start this weekend. The idea of rush printing, addressing and sending out these cards all while prepping for Christmas travel, celebrations, and a new baby just seemed impossible. Maybe I'll just print one for our scrapbook I'll probably never start :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So please forgive me dear friends and family. We wont be gracing your fridge or adorable Pinterest-inspired card holder this year. However, I do love all of you very much, and figured this would be as good of a way as any to "send" you your Christmas card. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope your last minute preparations are filled with joy and absent of stress and that you feel in your bones the hope Christmas brings in the assurance of our salvation in Christ. </span><br />
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<br />Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-69278556075011529872012-12-14T15:24:00.001-06:002012-12-14T15:24:13.007-06:00A Hymn Of Comfort<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On a day like today, and any day really, hymns are an incredible resource for helping us form words we can not muster up on our own, confess our doubt and sorrow, and hear truth when we can not find it. I feel indebted to the authors of hymns from across the ages, thankful that we get to learn from their struggle and join in singing with them years later about the pain and tension of walking with Christ in a broken world. Praise choruses are good, but singing deeply and specifically about pain, doubt, mourning and joy are in some way much more helpful and meaningful to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You can listen to this hymn I've had on repeat today <a href="http://indeliblegrace.bandcamp.com/track/pensive-doubting-fearful-heart">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pensive, doubting, fearful heart,
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Hear what Christ the Savior says.
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Every word should joy impart,
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Change thy mourning into praise.
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Yes, he speaks, and speaks to thee,
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May he help thee to believe!
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Then thou presently wilt see,
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Thou hast little cause to grieve.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"Fear thou not, nor be ashamed,
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All thy sorrows soon shall end.
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I who heaven and earth have framed,
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Am thy husband and thy friend.
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I the High and Holy One,
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Israel's GOD by all adored,
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As thy Savior will be known,
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Thy Redeemer and thy Lord.”
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“For a moment I withdrew,
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And thy heart was filled with pain,
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But my mercies I'll renew,
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Thou shalt soon rejoice again.
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Though I scorn to hide my face,
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Very soon my wrath shall cease.
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‘Tis but for a moment's space,
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Ending in eternal peace.”
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“When my peaceful bow appears,
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Painted on the watery cloud,
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'Tis to dissipate thy fears,
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Lest the earth should be overflowed.
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'Tis an emblem too of grace,
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Of my covenant love a sign.
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Though the mountains leave their place,
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Thou shalt be forever mine.
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Though afflicted, tempest-tossed,
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Comfortless awhile thou art,
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Do not think thou canst be lost,
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Thou art graven on my heart.
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All thy walls I will repair,
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Thou shalt be rebuilt anew,
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And in thee it shall appear,
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What a God of love can do.</span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-14306411449619078262012-12-07T13:49:00.000-06:002012-12-07T13:49:03.671-06:00My Cookbook Wishlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cooking is one of my favorite past-times, although I'm sad to say a joy for cooking has been replaced lately with a joy for TV and my bed. I hate to say it, but it's true. I've had cereal or microwave Trader Joe's meals more times than I want to admit lately. I really do miss cooking, and there is nothing like a new cookbook to thumb through to provide inspiration in a way Pinterst can never give. There is a wealth of wonderful cookbook releases this year and i would love to get my hands on any of them. Any of these would make great Christmas gifts for your favorite foodie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>My Cookbook Wishlist: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1. </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bouchon-Bakery-Thomas-Keller/dp/1579654355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354909521&sr=8-1&keywords=bouchon+bakery">Bouchon Bakery</a> - <i>Thomas Keller</i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 2. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Smitten-Kitchen-Cookbook-Perelman/dp/030759565X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y">The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook</a> - <i>Deb Perelman</i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Story-begins-family-table/dp/0062080903/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354909573&sr=1-1&keywords=dinner+a+love+story">Dinner a Love Story</a> - <i>Jenny Rosenstrach</i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 4. </span></b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ad-Hoc-Home-Thomas-Keller/dp/1579653774/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354909592&sr=1-1&keywords=ad+hoc+at+home">Ad Hoc at Home </a>- <i>Thomas Keller</i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">(not a new release, but I've wanted it for years.)</span></i><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> 5. </span></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sprouted-Kitchen-Tastier-Whole-Foods/dp/1607741148/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354909638&sr=1-1&keywords=sprouted+kitchen"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">T</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sprouted-Kitchen-Tastier-Whole-Foods/dp/1607741148/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354909638&sr=1-1&keywords=sprouted+kitchen">he Sprouted Kitchen</a> - <i>Sara Forte</i></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b> 6.</span> </b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Made-Winter-Yvette-Boven/dp/161769004X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1354909657&sr=1-1&keywords=homemade+winter">HOMEMADE Winter</a> - <i>Yvette Van Boven</i></span><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-6278654217433260752012-11-21T09:16:00.002-06:002012-11-21T09:18:04.397-06:00Thanks for Wounded Hands and Side<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving/">{Image by The Sweetest Occasion} </a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My husband is sharing a Thanksgiving hymn he reworked on <a href="http://amusicrisenfromtheground.com/2012/11/21/a-hymn-for-thanksgiving/">his blog</a> today. I love it so much, I could not help but share it here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">From Jake's blog...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>“Thanks to God for My Redeemer” was written by August L. Storm in 1891; I wrote a new tune for it and (along with my friend Dan on mandolin) played it for Thanksgiving weekend services a couple years ago. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for fair and pleasant springtime<br />
Thanks for dark and stormy fall<br />
Thanks for tears by now forgotten<br />
Thanks for grace, Thy sovereign call<br />
Thanks for roses by the wayside<br />
Thanks for thorns their stems contain<br />
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside<br />
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure<br />
Thanks for comfort in despair<br />
Thanks for grace that none can measure<br />
Thanks for love beyond compare<br />
Thanks to God for my Redeemer<br />
Thanks for all Thou dost provide<br />
Thanks for blood poured out to save me<br />
Thanks for wounded hands and side</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered<br />
Thanks for what Thou dost deny<br />
Thanks for storms that I have weathered<br />
Thanks for all Thou dost supply<br />
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow<br />
Thanks that Thou will all redeem<br />
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow<br />
Thanks through all eternity</span><br />
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</span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-63449996567356250602012-11-12T12:31:00.000-06:002012-11-12T12:31:15.926-06:00Half Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Sweet Hazel June, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are a girl! As in, you are going to be our DAUGHTER. I'm still almost brought to tears every time I think about it. I was convinced you were a little gentleman, but it turns out all my wildest dreams came true and God decided a little precious girl was just what our family needed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are named Hazel because it is classic, beautiful and unique... just like we hope for you. Do you know my most common prayer for you, besides your health, is that you will have a BIG and ACTIVE imagination? I hope you lean into your God-given creativity and explore it with all your might. Your Dad and I will try and help you along the way. I want your ears to be filled with music and your eyes to be flooded with beauty. Hopefully you'll get your daddy's singing voice too! We can only hope and pray. Then, you wont be stuck whisper singing in church to spare those around you like your mommy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your middle name is oh-so-very-special. You share it with your Nana Ava ... my mom! It's her middle name too, but among her family and friends back home in North Carolina she goes by June all the time. They don't know her as Ava like we do. She is the strongest woman I know, and you should feel quite honored to share your name with her. She is generous, selfless and HILARIOUS. I can't wait for you to meet her. She is just going to love you and spoil you so much. She's dying to teach you to bake cookies. Your future friends will thank you for this. It just so happens she has the best recipes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm half way through my time carrying you in my tummy. Oh how time is flying! I have a feeling with Thanksgiving and Christmas on the way you will be here before we know it! We've started getting the house ready for your arrival. I can't wait to start decorating your room. I think it is going to to be so sweet and precious. You also are acquiring quite the adorable wardrobe ... I just can't help myself. <br /><br />You're about the length of a BANANA right now!!! Remember when you were just the size of a poppy seed?! It's crazy how fast you are working at growing. My belly is starting to pop out a bit and people are noticing that you've made a home there ... and so am I. I can FEEL you move. It so amazing. I can feel more and more of your little movements and kicks each day. Sometimes they startle me, but they are always welcome. We know you can hear because your daddy yelled into my tummy the other day and you went NUTS! I like to think you were giggling in there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We can't wait to meet you sweet Hazel, and in the meantime we'll do our best to make a warm and welcoming home for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Mommy.</span><br />
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<br />Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-36865000657389706492012-11-07T11:45:00.001-06:002012-11-07T11:45:51.985-06:00A Mantel Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our mantel recently went through a little makeover. Our house is still very much a "work in progress", but I think it is starting to come together quite nicely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here is the before during the home's<i> </i>highly <i>staged</i> phase. We painted the room out grey and updated the mantel in white. Fear not original wood lovers, that mantel was just painted a gross dark brown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK09wQDHimHTmqa8rBp8aMsDlZZgPm09HayY-6sAsIO1nU0Hqt5Hgk3KAjx0aDIWW_wRsQcKQVbG7ayCvC9ylbcWQBRJ3W0wE2QIRyBQ3CUmiGWa5Y2d8-VnEMFNhAHR4OihIzpteeeuDq/s1600/livingroom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK09wQDHimHTmqa8rBp8aMsDlZZgPm09HayY-6sAsIO1nU0Hqt5Hgk3KAjx0aDIWW_wRsQcKQVbG7ayCvC9ylbcWQBRJ3W0wE2QIRyBQ3CUmiGWa5Y2d8-VnEMFNhAHR4OihIzpteeeuDq/s1600/livingroom3.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And here is the after. A crisp white mantel all decorated for fall. Now to find the perfect thing to cover up those old chipping tiles. Hey, a house from 1903 comes with LOTS of "character". </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwduL8qDssHQ0HPOuDdmVj0zV50sCBhyphenhyphen1qFwRV-DojK1K15-pVI7_TRD0qBqIO_7nzAjHHbeUMYWBQlwLPpD-o7DFJgPvuSsPJdI-4yLdyhOAaRryagytKKlWtyvi8e6WZZWhO8bssW3xa/s1600/newmantle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwduL8qDssHQ0HPOuDdmVj0zV50sCBhyphenhyphen1qFwRV-DojK1K15-pVI7_TRD0qBqIO_7nzAjHHbeUMYWBQlwLPpD-o7DFJgPvuSsPJdI-4yLdyhOAaRryagytKKlWtyvi8e6WZZWhO8bssW3xa/s1600/newmantle.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We still need to mount our TV above the mantel, so I just spruced it up for fall with some temporary decorations. </span><br />
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<br />Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-70569017828064957572012-11-01T10:15:00.000-05:002012-11-01T10:15:39.493-05:00Trick-Or-Treat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I had very high hopes for our first Halloween in our home. Tons of cute little kiddos, meeting our neighbors, lots and lots of candy. I even decorated up the porch a bit ..... <i>excessively</i> to try and entice those cutie little costumed kiddos our way.<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were tons of candles lighting the way to our door. But, sadly, the crowds where pretty thin. We had EIGHT kids total. EIGHT! I had such high hopes for our little neighborhood with the big park. Where are all those trick-or-treaters?! I've decided they retreat to other parts of the city for their sweets.<br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This means a couple of things: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1. I'm sad for our neighborhood. I'm already brainstorming ways we can get folks out of their house and hanging out together next Halloween. We met two really great couples from up the street last night. I want to meet more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">2. My candy consumption is about to become embarrassing. Two big bags full of candy + 8 trick-or-treaters = uh oh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I hope you had a wonderful Halloween filled with lots of Twix and cute costumes! </span><br />
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</span> <i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">P.S. Please excuse my dead and dying mums above. I just can't grow plants. I just can't.</span></i>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-34678611226606446322012-10-22T21:13:00.000-05:002012-10-22T21:13:20.055-05:00It's A ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-70794331611850381392012-10-09T09:38:00.000-05:002012-10-09T10:10:25.540-05:00Celebrate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3egD0TPOvBauM05yQ2RZiz2kQFDRnLY0HjdgSfDx0I3ZVbcPE4FyFTEQcfKRD221Bg_YI6IrLlVRZuJaP-3TjdAopQ0kkhyntht74-GqjNTOeB2Rr2llPWDCH2aIWUB6EDm4cqXv450x/s1600/CELEBRATE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3egD0TPOvBauM05yQ2RZiz2kQFDRnLY0HjdgSfDx0I3ZVbcPE4FyFTEQcfKRD221Bg_YI6IrLlVRZuJaP-3TjdAopQ0kkhyntht74-GqjNTOeB2Rr2llPWDCH2aIWUB6EDm4cqXv450x/s1600/CELEBRATE.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It has been a particularly difficult season of life for us. While there has been great joy in our family growing, there has also been great sorrow as we've faced more life change all at once than I thought bearable. Luckily the Lord sustains, comforts and refines through trials. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We had much to celebrate over a <a href="http://pastariastl.com/">delicious dinner</a> last night as we turned the page on a new chapter. Jake started a new job yesterday, we're settling into a new church that has been beyond welcoming to us, and we're creeping closer and closer to being parents by the day.</span> <br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I ache when I think about how silly my heart is. In the face of change I often resort to fear, sorrow and complaining. Rather than focusing on the riches I have in Christ, I dwell on what I do not have. Yet God remains faithful and proves it over and over again. He is a provider, and he carries us through trials not for our comfort, but for His glory by which he increases our faith. Praise be to God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">His oath, His covenant, His blood<br />
Support me in the whelming flood;<br />
When all around my soul gives way,<br />
He then is all my hope and stay.</span></div>
Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-15594015762513881802012-09-28T13:47:00.002-05:002012-09-28T13:47:26.536-05:00The Crib Debate<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you follow me on Pinterest, I apologize. It's clear that all I have on my mind is baby adorableness. Nursery's, strollers, and onsies, oh my! I'm planning to get our Crib in October, but I just can't decide. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Help? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm torn between a </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">modern, streamlined IKEA crib and a </span>traditional vintage-inspired white Jenny Lind crib. Both look wonderful. Both get outstanding reviews. I just can't make up my mind. And with only a $69 price difference, it's making it even trickier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, weigh in here. What do you think? </span><br />
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(<a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/116437/its_all_in_the_details">Gulliver image</a> / <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=82251&relatedPhotoId=84306&index=3">Jenny Lind image</a>)</div>
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Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-18642973863043232152012-09-24T14:20:00.000-05:002012-09-24T14:24:00.368-05:00Goodbye First Trimester!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YVZwCPmrE1HLdsywROiCafo12i8fMPOcg90UdaejmtfNT3kOU3CCuyIRzNbY0sQ9i7n43sZpzM2NXkz2UfOo0F3h-_kinQLl1px4YcetbIIa7sEHh2r5GtJsOlAP0TvlltS4Ef4_9oye/s1600/FIRSTTRIMESTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YVZwCPmrE1HLdsywROiCafo12i8fMPOcg90UdaejmtfNT3kOU3CCuyIRzNbY0sQ9i7n43sZpzM2NXkz2UfOo0F3h-_kinQLl1px4YcetbIIa7sEHh2r5GtJsOlAP0TvlltS4Ef4_9oye/s1600/FIRSTTRIMESTER.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dear sweet little baby Gehret, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's so hard to believe that we found out about you almost three months ago. It seems like just yesterday. I must admit I was a little in shock when I saw the positive test, and a little scared too, but you came just at the right time. God tells us He is sovereign and good and that you are a blessing. So, I'm trusting that when I'm scared and worried that I won't be a good mommy to you or start freaking out about hard life things. Luckily, you already have a perfect heavenly Father who already loves and cares for you far more than I will ever be capable of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You've had several names over the past few weeks. The Poppyseed, Blueberry, Fig, The Lime, Little Shrimp, and your daddy likes to call you Reverend Cannonball. Lucky for you, none of these will be your real name. You've done a lot of hard work growing. You started as a little lump of cells and now you have all of your organs! We've heard your little beating heart twice and you even have your own very unique and special set of finger prints. You also have reflexes! And even though I can't feel you move yet, (hopefully soon I will) I like to rub and press on my tummy a little bit for your entertainment. If you're anything like me, though, you startle easy and I'm probably just terrifying you. Sorry little baby. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You really took it out of me those first few weeks, so I'm thankful to have a bit more energy now to get our home ready to welcome you. Some days I just can't believe that you are on your way to come live with us and be a part of our family. God has trusted us with such a special gift. In just a few weeks we will find out if you are a boy or a girl. I'm pretty sure you are going to be a little gentleman, but I am having trouble being patient. I can't wait to call you by name, buy you a gazillion cute outfits and set up your sweet little nursery.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We love you very much and we can't wait to meet you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your Mommy </span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-25810743582734259542012-09-13T12:17:00.000-05:002012-09-13T12:17:24.579-05:00Honesty. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How we are REALLY feeling about our super exciting news ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKeFyVIdy6m1OXj3tIZ6RegXeCO6eWh4NUNtOG_mSwzs6HNxdHN-EweCnO7zA8c4gWnbbcYNlpDPvg_VDeSSB8JfAqtSudEA-XTrTVuYYf2rh7fPryZMeE0778Xf59bnsBdE8dfR8_LR4/s1600/terrified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSKeFyVIdy6m1OXj3tIZ6RegXeCO6eWh4NUNtOG_mSwzs6HNxdHN-EweCnO7zA8c4gWnbbcYNlpDPvg_VDeSSB8JfAqtSudEA-XTrTVuYYf2rh7fPryZMeE0778Xf59bnsBdE8dfR8_LR4/s1600/terrified.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is just too funny not to post. Yep, we're a bit terrified as well. Surely I can't be alone though, right?</span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-44495193339072888082012-09-12T15:41:00.001-05:002012-09-12T15:41:21.847-05:00What We've Really Been Growing This Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So, I fell off the face of the earth and the From the Garden and Farm Summer Series came to a screeching halt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Want to know why I have not really blogged in oh, two months? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well, we've been growing something even more exciting than Rainbow Chard...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Something that has had me EXHAUSTED and too tired to cook, let alone blog....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7GVl6f-W6stnAkzvoiGKvfwgXVQqZjALv5Mbno5rUUnAeyOE8ZR2HBiLPEXW2Ugi1Ln9-dnY57xVz2zM02F91IUXCaYxFiQYgGnsWY7NuOcPBX2O8-9c0xvT96EdyX65CwzS1beeliLs/s1600/ourfamilyisgrowing(blog).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi7GVl6f-W6stnAkzvoiGKvfwgXVQqZjALv5Mbno5rUUnAeyOE8ZR2HBiLPEXW2Ugi1Ln9-dnY57xVz2zM02F91IUXCaYxFiQYgGnsWY7NuOcPBX2O8-9c0xvT96EdyX65CwzS1beeliLs/s1600/ourfamilyisgrowing(blog).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Yep! I'm going to be a momma come march and I could not be more thrilled with our little surprise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, I've got a nursery to decorate! Stay tuned. </span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-21461537551211892102012-09-10T09:32:00.001-05:002012-09-12T15:39:53.219-05:00Fall is Here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It was in the 60's this weekend. So I opened up the windows, rushed to Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and got to work adding a few fall decorations here and there</span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">around the house. I didn't have to spend much money. Mostly I just re-purposed stuff I had. Let's be honest, a mason jar works for almost every season. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pg_lC2fJ2P9LPCNb-sVbej6LkNRV3vO_9992tJXrmaCmA2dMGx5ds1GHZMxwMHd3raj5HlmorFoBGoZEIiZ1SjoSEgU9TL__c5jLIdR3xRsLnycqwwlK0Ut6ppniUdT1CZtmyEdVzbGY/s1600/falldecortable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pg_lC2fJ2P9LPCNb-sVbej6LkNRV3vO_9992tJXrmaCmA2dMGx5ds1GHZMxwMHd3raj5HlmorFoBGoZEIiZ1SjoSEgU9TL__c5jLIdR3xRsLnycqwwlK0Ut6ppniUdT1CZtmyEdVzbGY/s1600/falldecortable.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I love fall. Crisp air, scarves, pumpkins, and a bonfire with friends can make it seem like everything is going to be alright. I'm thankful. </span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-54175272906999588802012-09-05T16:06:00.000-05:002012-09-05T16:06:26.022-05:00I love that we live here. Come visit!<br />
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Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-90193224601205370592012-07-30T10:59:00.000-05:002012-07-30T11:17:35.903-05:00Rainbow Chard Stem Pickles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've never really cared too much for pickles. They are one of those things that always SOUND good to me and the second I bite in I instantly remember why I hated them in the first place. Luckily, I've discovered I really enjoy other vegetables pickled. I don't know what it is about those pesky cucumbers. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVmacXjfQMRs0aQJnjdbljzFnuuv02BBEJQvlNLBiSMplxaloPiMj4qC09D8mvvLL3Rdt4LrGzc07WqLAqD2rZeZszt7B1-aPx2sOWjfE_RgrEvzZuuhT36KZtyk_TntnKyQy0DGEmxY2/s1600/rainbowchardstempickles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVmacXjfQMRs0aQJnjdbljzFnuuv02BBEJQvlNLBiSMplxaloPiMj4qC09D8mvvLL3Rdt4LrGzc07WqLAqD2rZeZszt7B1-aPx2sOWjfE_RgrEvzZuuhT36KZtyk_TntnKyQy0DGEmxY2/s1600/rainbowchardstempickles.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As many of you know, we've been <a href="http://inspiredkara.blogspot.com/2012/06/rainbow-chard-pesto.html">up to our eyeballs in Rainbow Chard.</a> So, I've been on the hunt for creative ways to use this drought-proof veggie that, to be quite honest, I don't like that much. Turns out, you can quick pickle the stems and store them in your fridge to crunch away on, serve on salads, burgers, a cheese plate ... you name it! </span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can find the recipe <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/06/sriracha-fridge-pickles">from Bon Appetit</a>. It worked out perfectly so there is really nothing to adapt for the blog. But, I couldn't help but share! </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you looking for other creative ways to use your garden, farmers market and CSA veggies? Make sure to follow my <a href="http://pinterest.com/karagehret/from-the-garden-and-farm/">From the Garden and Farm Pinterest board</a> for more inspiration. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What veggies are you using creatively? Share your recipes below!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This post is part of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://inspiredkara.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20the%20Garden%20and%20Farm" style="color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none;"><i>From the Garden and Farm</i> Summer Series</a></span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-59562681904556708132012-07-29T18:38:00.000-05:002012-07-29T18:38:42.458-05:00Weekending<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been a busy weekend, but I've enjoyed every second of it. I've filled up the moments with celebrating one of our dearest friend's birthday, the opening ceremony, an amazing food media conference (I am SO excited to start taking better pictures), date night, and now lounging is ...<br /><br />All. I. Want. To. Do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I'm sprawled out on the couch staring at my amazing new-to-me vintage Swedish map, which was a surprise gift from my husband, and watching episode after episode of Kitchen Nightmares. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My laundry is calling out to me longingly. I'm plugging my ears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How do you waste away your Sunday evenings? </span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-84196928244389803422012-07-24T16:19:00.001-05:002012-07-24T16:23:56.062-05:00Kitchen Sink Quinoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was quite pleased to find golden beets in a recent CSA share. I love beets, but dealing with the classic red ones makes your kitchen look like a crime scene. Praise the Lord for non-staining and delicious Golden Beets. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't know what I wanted do with these little gems, so I just roasted them up. Thankfully, a delicious dinner just kind of happened. I grabbed whatever what going on in the fridge, added it to some quinoa and topped it with a poached egg ... hence kitchen sink quinoa. This is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal. Below is the recipe for what I threw together, but have fun with it! Swap out the veggies and make your own additions. Clean out that fridge!</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kitchen Sink Quinoa</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 bunch of golden beets</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1-2 Tablespoons of coconut oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1/2 onion chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 granny smith apple chopped or grated</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 clove of garlic minced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 1 bunch of asparagus cut in 1 inch pieces</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- A couple of pieces of bacon</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Pea shoots</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 2 Eggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Goat cheese</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Prepared quinoa</span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is quite the mix up of ingredients. I apologize in advance for a hap hazard recipe</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Roast up some veggies (in our case golden beets). Olive oil drizzle + s&p + 375 degree oven + 30 minutes = roasted goodness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. While you are roasting away crisp some bacon and crumble, make some quinoa (I use the microwave, don't tell)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. In the pan you cooked the bacon in, grate the apple and onion and cook it over medium heat in coconut oil till soft, add in the garlic and asparagus and cook through. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Combine it all together and top with a poached egg (<a href="http://thirdrowseat.wordpress.com/2012/03/22/perfectly-poached-eggs/">Erin will teach you how here</a>), goat cheese, and some pea shoots from your CSA :)</span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's hardly a recipe, but trust your instincts, use up those veggies, and make your own version of some delicious kitchen sink quinoa! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This post is part of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://inspiredkara.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20the%20Garden%20and%20Farm" style="color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none;"><i>From the Garden and Farm</i> Summer Series</a></span></span></span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-49969330479621008652012-06-27T16:57:00.001-05:002012-06-28T09:38:06.304-05:00Whoops!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey, remember that time I disappeared for the week? It's been pure craziness around here. We went to Milwaukee and Kenosha for a wedding and to see friends. I went to Orlando for an<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/conferences/2012-womens/"> incredible conference</a>. It was AMAZING. I hope to share some of what I learned here, but who knows if I will ever be able to put words to the experience that does it justice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, i have not been in the kitchen much. We've been trucking through 2 weeks of CSA shares trying to get everything gobbled up in time for tomorrow. Some has been delicious ... some not so much (I don't think we like radishes.) I have much to share. </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for being patient! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, here's what I've been up to ... </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few more things: </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Please note that we have CORN growing in our backyard. That certainly was a surprise. Now we have to figure out how to hand pollenate it. </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I want to say hi to some of my readers I met while in Wisconsin! It is such a small world ... </span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Debbie!! Thank you for being such a faithful reader to my little corner of the internet. It was literally SO GREAT to meet you. Thank you for your prayers, and your support, and your comments. You are the best. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hi Elise and Kelsey! You two are adorable. Simply precious. Also, loved your toast!</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FARYN! How is it even possible that we "met" at Anthropologie without even knowing who we were talking to? God is so funny sometimes. A few thoughts, you were one of the nicest cashiers ever. Keep that up. Also, how on earth can you stand to be around such prettiness all day? I would maybe implode from " I WANT EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME I CAN DIY THAT!" syndrome. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. My house is a wreck. A WRECK. Do you want to come clean it? I can't even see my bedroom floor. Gross. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://amusicrisenfromtheground.com/">My husband started a blog</a>. I'm certain it will be wonderful. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Love to all. </span><br />
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<br />Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-70394442960493736412012-06-20T16:07:00.000-05:002012-06-20T16:07:09.389-05:00Help! Pillow Fabrics.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love gray, and I have a tendency to not purchase anything with color. However, with an empty and undecorated house, I feel it screaming for some warmth and pattern. I'm trying to be thoughtful and intentional with what I put where, creating more of a design than just throwing around what I have. So, I figured I'd start warming the place up with pillows, but I need your help. We have light grey walls, thick white trim, a charcoal grey sofa, and warm wood floors. </span><br />
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<i>All fabrics from <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/">Spoonflower</a>. See specific links on my <a href="http://pinterest.com/karagehret/pillow-fabric-options/">Pinterest board</a>. </i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which patterns do you like? Would you mix and match front and back? If so, what way? Would you make stripes? Would you keep it more simple? What colors do you like? Do you have any other ideas? Should I keep it more neutral?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">note: #5 is a mint and white large stripe pattern. </span></div>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-66370124527307160872012-06-12T11:15:00.001-05:002012-06-12T11:49:43.762-05:00Good Luck Jordyn!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was our privilege to open up our home and celebrate one of the most amazing women I know this weekend. My sister-in-law is moving to Nashville and we hosted a party in her honor. Jordyn is so special. She is the happiest person I know... I love her giggle and the way she instantly makes everyone around her feel loved. I love that she loves Jesus and wants others to love him too. She's an amazing photographer and an even more amazing friend, and now she is off on a grand adventure to Nashville where she will be a speech pathologist at a brand new school. I'm so proud of her. </span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It was such a JOY to throw this party for her. Granted, having tons and tons of folks over right after you move may sound crazy, but this is why we were blessed with our home - to share it.</span>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All photos courtesy of the oh-so-talented <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/jordyn-gehret-photography/228692192990">Jordyn Gehret Photography</a>. </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2545399586268572020.post-2307366383614904552012-06-09T12:30:00.000-05:002012-06-09T12:30:00.176-05:00Berry Berry Delicious<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a little post to let you know ....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is not much better in the world than the following ingredients quickly thrown on a plate for dessert. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh who am I kidding ... for breakfast even. I want to lick the plate. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">local strawberries + goat cheese + balsamic glaze + raw sugar</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go eat this. Right this instant. You want to trust me on this one. You can even buy balsamic glaze pre-bottled at TJ's in the "new products" section. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This post is part of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://inspiredkara.blogspot.com/search/label/From%20the%20Garden%20and%20Farm" style="color: #bf9000; text-decoration: none;"><i>From the Garden and Farm</i> Summer Series</a></span></span></div>
</span>Kara Gehrethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07498723794981545842noreply@blogger.com1