tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31201551712935182462024-03-21T07:25:03.442-04:00VIRGINIA ANTEBELLUM Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-91652188634261518612015-01-02T11:13:00.001-05:002015-01-02T11:13:36.283-05:00FarewellWell this is adios! With a new year comes a new blog!<div><br></div><div>I'm so beyond proud of this next step, yet anxious to see what will come of it. </div><div><br></div><div>Follow me at www.littlesouthernblog.com </div><div><br></div><div>!!! </div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-39953703652923005272014-12-27T22:50:00.001-05:002014-12-27T22:50:46.635-05:00ChangesWith every new year I try...attempt...and usually fail, to stick to my resolutions. But not this year! This year I'm going to take that resolution by the horns and run with it! <div>I've decided it's time for a change! A new me! A new and improved super mommy! </div><div><br></div><div>Well....maybe not all that but at least one that has her stuff together... at least most of the time.</div><div>I want to be more organized and I want to make a greater effort at making more mommy friends!</div><div><br></div><div>Ladies I know you agree and understand, making mommy friends is about as hard as finding a husband! Actually I think finding EM was easier!</div><div><br></div><div>It's like dating all over again...and I hated dating. That's why I'm so good at being married..HA!</div><div><br></div><div>Regardless, the goal is to be more organized, get more involved and revamp the blog. Become a real, full fledged mommy blogger! </div><div><br></div><div>And step one....switching to Wordpress!</div><div><br></div><div>I'll post the link to my new page when it's up and running...keep an eye on the horizon ladies and gents!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-92229537198769693322014-12-24T16:47:00.001-05:002014-12-24T17:05:32.696-05:00Christmas Eve - final day of the novenaI can't believe it's already Christmas Eve and the last day of our Christmas Novena! <div><br><div>S is napping in preparations for mass this evening. Poor guy has been tuckered out by all the lovin' he's been getting from his Nonna, Grandpop and four crazy uncles! </div><div>What a blessed little boy; to have so many people who love him!</div><div><br><div><div><div>Since this is his first Christmas, we have decided to start a new tradition for our family. We thought it would be fun to make a Christmas Eve box full of goodies. Every year on Christmas Eve, S and whomever else we have running around, will get a box with a new Christmas pj, movie, book, Santa mug, and hot cocoa. Granted S isn't getting the cocoa this year, but he will get his Santa mug :)</div><div><br></div><div><div>The box idea was something we thought of last minute, however we already thought of adding an ornament and one piece of a nativity set each year. That way when they are all grown they will have a full set. How special would that be?</div><div><br></div><div>Shout out and Thanks to Olivia from To the Heights (www.totheheights.com) for the nativity set idea. She mentioned in a recent post about that being a tradition in her family and it was too sweet to pass up! </div><div><br></div><div>Though his box may be little this year, we are so excited to open it with him after mass tonight! We thought it would be a great way for us to always have our own tradition, no matter where we spent Christmas. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimisIZtWTB3SojUanvzQ8t3X-X36G9eaOgXjgSe3HQfNgQMwMRjCIdykbCoVjNXpmiRp3rbdfgGxKlghCxk9ok27D8zxjgiqH9CyBA-C9mvfDudawLCqoRVRQ-qosYoh0QtlDX2yTd61fX/s640/blogger-image--162440520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimisIZtWTB3SojUanvzQ8t3X-X36G9eaOgXjgSe3HQfNgQMwMRjCIdykbCoVjNXpmiRp3rbdfgGxKlghCxk9ok27D8zxjgiqH9CyBA-C9mvfDudawLCqoRVRQ-qosYoh0QtlDX2yTd61fX/s640/blogger-image--162440520.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the white gift he has the Grinch cartoon on DVD (the original!...obviously!). EM and I both watched it yearly as kids!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What are some of your family favorite traditions? Is there something that just makes Christmas, Christmas? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know for my brothers and I if our Christmas noise isn't going then it just isn't the same!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sounds weird but let me explain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we were little we had one specific ornament on our tree that made a buzzing sound. It has two trains that move inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLARh0v2hSr3fcvn0EY8_xhXzZbkng6qqCr-WIMviYo1o10WJxqqwAK85W0JsZNvUFNeTO9K4tiqjpbOGQr7Km50xsixx9P1f6g8DqKgmn-o_lnl_v1VT3wx13QnA1sJlck4-pTO36YOw/s640/blogger-image-595084560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLARh0v2hSr3fcvn0EY8_xhXzZbkng6qqCr-WIMviYo1o10WJxqqwAK85W0JsZNvUFNeTO9K4tiqjpbOGQr7Km50xsixx9P1f6g8DqKgmn-o_lnl_v1VT3wx13QnA1sJlck4-pTO36YOw/s640/blogger-image-595084560.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Every year we placed that ornament on the tree, though our mother couldn't stand it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As we grew older mom started changing the tree decor and making it more something she enjoyed rather than simply decorating it for us kids. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We love the way she decorates it! Yet every year if that ornament isn't on the tree making its noise, it just ISN'T Christmas! So mom hides it from sight on the back of the tree every year just to make us happy! Isn't she the greatest! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Traditions whether intentional or slowly adopted are really what make the holidays so special. I can't wait for Christmas number 2, with EM's side of the family and all their traditions. I'm so thankful they have shared them with me and now S! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 9 (December 24th) - The Christmas Novena </font></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us to live eternal with You! Jesus, your nativity was not without purpose. Your purpose was to bring us to You. We pray that you will bring us to Life Eternal with you this Christmas.<br><br>We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-86789431107467052812014-12-23T22:14:00.001-05:002014-12-23T22:14:28.268-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 8<a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 8 (December 23rd) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire us to be repulsed by sin! You, Lord, are holy but we are not. We pray that you will make us holy and keep us from temptation this Christmas.<br><br>We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-144357548733024962014-12-22T21:32:00.001-05:002014-12-22T22:58:03.021-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 7I love car trips! We got to spend 3 rainy hours in the car today to visit my family for Christmas. <div>Normally the trip feels like it never ends, yet today it just flew by!! EM and I have been reading Something Other Than God, by Jennifer Fulwiler, and it has been amazing! In between pieces of need her key and cheddar combos, I read aloud and EM drives. <div><br><div>It is the kind of book you want to just keep reading and not put down. Her quest to search for and grasp the Truth is one that I feel many people grapple with. What's so great is her honestly and way with words. She writes as if she were your best friend and she was simply telling you what happened and how she felt. </div><div><br></div><div>It has been especially great since a lot of the things she felt, EM has said he too has felt. It has got him thinking, and Lord knows if one begins to search for the truth they always end up finding God. </div><div><br></div><div>Well...A girl can hope, right? ;)</div><div><br></div><div>Now I'm off to spend time with my mamma! Oh it's so good to be home!!</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 7 (December 22nd) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, move us to forgive others as you forgive us! Your Divine Mercy is unending! We pray for Your Divine Mercy on us and that we may participate in Your mercy by forgiving others this Christmas.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div><div><br></div></div></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-23866142615310507002014-12-22T00:07:00.001-05:002014-12-22T00:07:06.178-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 6It's days like today that make me incredibly thankful to be married to a saint. Yep I said it...EM is a saint. <div><br></div><div>Now if you know him you may laugh and smirk a funny grin. Then if you know me, and know how I can be when stressed, you'd whole heartedly agree. I am so blessed to have this man love me the way he does. <div><br></div><div>Love truly is selfless and he never hesitates to put himself last. </div><div><br></div><div>With packing and gift wrapping stress, family drama, and a teething 8 month old, mama went a little loco. EM truly lived up to his vows with this one.</div><div>Let's all take a quick moment tonight to say thank you to the ones that keep us sane and love us through the ugly, crazy, mama is going to lose it times. Cause we all have those...right??</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 6 (December 21st) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, give us Your peace! You are the Prince of Peace and the ultimate fulfillment of your incarnation brings us to you in heaven where peace will come to perfection. We pray for peace this Christmas.<br><br>We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-55937900180732150122014-12-20T23:32:00.001-05:002014-12-20T23:32:15.657-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 5Oh goodness...today has been so busy. It's amazing how you can get so wrapped up when spending good quality time with your loved ones. Love our little family! So blessed!<div><br></div><div>So sorry for the late post yall! <div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 5 (December 20th) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, inspire in us Your selfless love! You humbled yourself to become like us in all things but sin, and even humbled yourself to die on a cross. We pray that you will help us to love as You love this Christmas.<br><br>We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-2724788517003077672014-12-19T20:22:00.001-05:002014-12-19T20:22:44.550-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 4As I post this, I am pacing across the living room floor. The tree lights are glowing and S is singing his sleepy song. EM is watching Home Alone, and it's simple times like this that remind me of just how blessed we are. <div>Even now when S is teething and sleeping worse than ever, we have so much to be thankful for. </div><div><br></div><div>At times I feel as though I'm undeserving of such wonderful blessings, as though I haven't done anything to merit them. However God has a bigger plan. Every blessing He gives us is for reasons far greater than we can comprehend at times. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today I was reminded, by a fellow mama, that the power of prayer is a wonderful gift to give. </span></div><div><br></div><div>I love the idea praying for those who need it. I'm going to adopt a person/family in prayer each week. I'll make a prayer board and post that persons name up for the week. If prayers are what you need comment below and I would love to add you to the list! </div><div><br></div><div>...now for day 4... </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 4 (December 19th) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, bring us the Hope that saves! Your birth to the Virgin Mary brought a Hope to the world that continues to sustain us. We pray for a saving Hope this Christmas.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-17932253210033753432014-12-18T14:07:00.001-05:002014-12-18T14:07:31.256-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 3Day three, and only seven more days till Christmas! We are so excited to be heading back home for a few days. Four days to spend enjoying time with my family and our friends; all who which we haven't seen in what feels like an ETERNITY! <div>Until then I get to snuggle with this handsome man and watch him explore his world around him. What greater joy is there? </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqjZQ5WjkD6Onx3INDEvZcZu70_PQII1TyB_c4u-3lB8xT2f4hH5dVwL827mCLk-i6UEQIJktjX3kjlQcJDe5hG-vqzx1l0e8NgKmf4RTH0VAMnPwPF1UqwK6xlhCiyXFZ0DIil3YnqKu/s640/blogger-image--2043620102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqjZQ5WjkD6Onx3INDEvZcZu70_PQII1TyB_c4u-3lB8xT2f4hH5dVwL827mCLk-i6UEQIJktjX3kjlQcJDe5hG-vqzx1l0e8NgKmf4RTH0VAMnPwPF1UqwK6xlhCiyXFZ0DIil3YnqKu/s640/blogger-image--2043620102.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So here it is y'all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 3 (December 18th) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, give us the gift of Faith! You, Lord, deserve our complete faith. We pray for deeper and more perfect faith in you this Christmas.<br><br>We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-73675135569670896472014-12-17T20:36:00.001-05:002014-12-17T20:36:24.198-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 2God is so good! So many wonderful things are already happening after starting this novena. Keep the faith my friends! God's blessings are endless!<div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 2 (December 17th) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, grant us great humility! You gave us the model of perfect humility in your incarnation, life and death. We pray for a greater Humility this Christmas.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-31214967857564847952014-12-16T14:36:00.001-05:002014-12-16T14:36:56.355-05:00Christmas Novena - Day 1Alright y'all it's that time again...novena time!!!<div><br></div><div>I really find it so important to keep up with ones prayer life; especially when things can be so hectic in our lives as wives, mothers and working women. Novenas are such a great form of prayer and one that forces you to take that time out each day and focus on Our Lord. </div><div><br></div><div>EM isn't catholic nor do we share the same religious beliefs. He is an atheist. One would assume how could an atheist possibly be ok with praying a novena, or praying at all. </div><div><br></div><div>Well God is good! What we do is that we say it as a couple for an intention we decide upon together. It's one way we can grow closer, something else we can share in. He may simply sit there in silence but that silence speaks volumes. </div><div><br></div><div>Now during the advent season that silence is so important. The silence of reflection and waiting for the birth of the New Born King. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>.....</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://www.praymorenovenas.com/christmas-novena/" target="_blank" style="word-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000">Day 1 (December 16th) - The Christmas Novena </font></strong></a><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, Word of God, You, whose glory is complete, came to us in perfect humility as a child in the womb. Your love for us and Your humility are unsurpassed and bring us to our knees in prayer and worship.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Your incarnation forever changed the world.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O Lord, infant Jesus, fill us with Joy! The birth of any child is a cause for joy and so much more is the birth of You our Savior. We pray in union with Mary, Your mother, for a greater joy this Christmas.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray also for these intentions… (State your intentions here)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">May Your Holy Will be done in my life and with these intentions.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We pray that the work of salvation that Your first coming began will reach fulfillment in each of us.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be, world without end.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-11458885166974141142014-12-16T14:20:00.001-05:002014-12-16T14:20:49.147-05:00So BigI can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. I must admit, I never thought keeping up would be so difficult but woah baby, no pun intended, it's been hard!<div><br></div><div>All you blogger mama extraordinaires...I bow down! </div><div><br></div><div>I have so much to catch up on. S is now 8 almost 9 months old, with two teeth and standing on his own. </div><div><br></div><div>We went to Italy to visit family back in October and it was the best, yet most trying 3 weeks in a really long time. Unfortunately EM wasn't able to go due to work. </div><div><br></div><div>I think the best way to update you all would be to just show you some fun pictures :) enjoy!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzE5U3d9sykDsiDU7Dwq8uHLPGZZ7cBp1CyGbgXYqTLqUSJrY1UyjubL6jZRc4XRRGSsjmnYTvflxgtt3FAlfZPpoCziiv-KC0PFLR9qpIj2E1YyyKWVQ8fLxy7If3lqh9OiHVN43SDPS/s640/blogger-image-1394303205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzE5U3d9sykDsiDU7Dwq8uHLPGZZ7cBp1CyGbgXYqTLqUSJrY1UyjubL6jZRc4XRRGSsjmnYTvflxgtt3FAlfZPpoCziiv-KC0PFLR9qpIj2E1YyyKWVQ8fLxy7If3lqh9OiHVN43SDPS/s640/blogger-image-1394303205.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This picture was taken at our family's beach town just an hour outside of Firenze. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We were so incredibly blessed to have been able to spend such wonderful times with family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMFRE_M-Jp3tyacki4L51XxpTW2xjPyIfEJGUv3fgnhqDvi8Rs5_yqHQDaVinZDvIvdaB0P6ToFCrZisppoCUCWr-PqgRd3kI_QLcJE2z5l2qONjC7sSNjn4qbc7zXoz4lQZLxrYbj4Mv/s640/blogger-image-1638078765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMFRE_M-Jp3tyacki4L51XxpTW2xjPyIfEJGUv3fgnhqDvi8Rs5_yqHQDaVinZDvIvdaB0P6ToFCrZisppoCUCWr-PqgRd3kI_QLcJE2z5l2qONjC7sSNjn4qbc7zXoz4lQZLxrYbj4Mv/s640/blogger-image-1638078765.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">S's First Halloween! He was Sebastian the crab, daddy was a zoo keeper, and mama was a cat burgler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNK_3HxXp0kNCbQeXDNFk7ezmvfajth3g9pL-o-O6QU-xJgZon3v64ODSwMSYodUsL5Lgop7JWLkf5Etvyr1MiGUVUSTM5-NM2pB1tyD_qAG67RDaEMk6uwLuxXnTqoU0gDQrGotbRKq/s640/blogger-image-1909283654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHNK_3HxXp0kNCbQeXDNFk7ezmvfajth3g9pL-o-O6QU-xJgZon3v64ODSwMSYodUsL5Lgop7JWLkf5Etvyr1MiGUVUSTM5-NM2pB1tyD_qAG67RDaEMk6uwLuxXnTqoU0gDQrGotbRKq/s640/blogger-image-1909283654.jpg"></a></div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And lastly one from S's First Thanksgiving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have so much to be thankful for! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now here's my new goal ladies and gentlemen...1 post a week. Might be tricky since our computer crashed. Desperate times call for desperate measures! So let the iPhone posts commence! </div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-24879007416113813612014-07-25T14:51:00.001-04:002014-07-25T14:51:54.284-04:00Day 9 - St Anne Novena (final day)<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most holy mother of the Virgin Mary, glorious Saint Anne, I, a miserable sinner, confiding in your kindness, choose you today as my special advocate. I offer all my interests to your care and maternal solicitude. O my very good mother and advocate, deign to accept me and to adopt me as your child.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">O glorious Saint Anne, I beg you, by the passion of my most loving Jesus, the Son of Mary, your most holy daughter, to assist me in all the necessities both of my body and my soul. Venerable Mother, I beg you to obtain for me the favor I seek in this novena…</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">…and the grace of leading a life perfectly conformable in all things to the Divine Will. I place my soul in your hands and in those of your kind daughter. I ask for your favor in order that, appearing under your patronage before the Supreme Judge, He may find me worthy of enjoying His Divine Presence in your holy companionship in Heaven.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-11773920378138263832014-07-24T22:34:00.001-04:002014-07-24T22:34:31.153-04:00Day 8 - Saint Anne Novena<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Remember, O Saint Anne, you whose name signifies grace and mercy, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, and sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto you, good, and kind mother; I take refuge at your feet, burdened with the weight of my sins. O holy mother of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, despise not my petition…</span></div><div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">…but hear me and grant my prayer.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-49294123915246087842014-07-24T00:05:00.001-04:002014-07-24T00:05:51.107-04:00Day 7 - Saint Anne Novena<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">O Good Saint Anne, so justly called the mother of the infirm, the cure for those who suffer from disease, look kindly upon the sick for whom I pray.</span></div><div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Alleviate their sufferings; cause them to sanctify their sufferings by patience and complete submission to the Divine Will; finally deign to obtain health for them and with it the firm resolution to honor Jesus, Mary, and yourself by the faithful performance of duties.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But, merciful Saint Anne, I ask you above all for the salvation of my soul, rather than bodily health, for I am convinced that this fleeting life is given us solely to assure us a better one. I cannot obtain that better life without the help of God’s graces. I earnestly beg them of you for the sick and for myself, especially the petition for which I am making in this novena…</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">…through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of His Immaculate Mother, and through your efficacious and powerful mediation, I pray.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-40978982527113149042014-07-22T23:24:00.001-04:002014-07-22T23:24:07.686-04:00Day 6 - Saint Anne Novena<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Glorious Saint Anne, mother of the Mother of God, I beg your powerful intercession for the freedom from my sins and the assistance I need in my troubles…</span><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What can I not hope for if you deign to take me under your protection? The Most High has been pleased to grant the prayers of sinners, whenever you have been charitable enough to be their advocate.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Therefore, I beg you to help me in all spiritual and temporal dangers; to guide me in the true path of Christian perfection, and finally to obtain for me the grace of a happy death, so that I may contemplate your beloved Jesus and daughter Mary in your loving companionship throughout all eternity.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-14623841384510939852014-07-21T19:59:00.001-04:002014-07-21T19:59:41.069-04:00Day 5 - St Anne Novena<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Great Saint Anne, how far I am from resembling you. I so easily give way to impatience and discouragement; and so easily give up praying when God does not at once answer my request. Prayer is the key to all heavenly treasures and I cannot pray, because my weak faith and lack of confidence fail me at the slightest delay. O my powerful protectress, come to my aid, listen to my petition…</span><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Make my confidence and fervor, supported by the promise of Jesus Christ, increase as the trial to which God in His goodness subjects me is prolonged, that I may obtain like you more than I can venture to ask for. In the future I will remember that I am made for heaven and not for earth; for eternity and not for time; that consequently I must ask, above all, the salvation of my soul which is assured to all who pray properly and who persevere in prayer.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-14522453499103872632014-07-20T23:43:00.001-04:002014-07-20T23:43:30.959-04:00Day 4 St Anne Novena<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Glorious Saint Anne, I kneel in confidence at your feet, for you also have tasted the bitterness and sorrow of life. My need, the cause of my request, is…</span></div><div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Good Saint Anne, you who did suffer much during the twenty years that preceded your glorious maternity, I beseech you, by all your sufferings and humiliations, to grant my prayer.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I pray to you, through your love for your glorious spouse Saint Joachim, through your love for your immaculate child, through the joy you did feel at the moment of her happy birth, not to refuse me. Bless me, bless my family and all who are dear to me, so that some day we may all be with you in the glory of heaven, for all eternity.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-34860324797317188352014-07-19T23:10:00.001-04:002014-07-19T23:10:35.950-04:00Day 3<div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Beloved of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, mother of the Queen of Heaven, take us and all who are dear to us under your special care. Obtain for us the virtues you instilled in the heart of her who was destined to become Mother of God, and the graces with which you were endowed. O model of Christian womanhood, pray that we may imitate your example in our homes and families, listen to our petitions,</span></div><div><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">(State your intention here.)</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guardian of the infancy and childhood of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, obtain the graces necessary for all who enter the marriage state, that imitating your virtues they may sanctify their homes and lead the souls entrusted to their care to eternal glory.<br><br>Amen.</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</span></p><p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</span></p></div>Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-10778319051195707232014-07-18T20:37:00.000-04:002014-07-18T20:37:27.892-04:00Day at the Museum and Saint Anne Novena - Day 2Today is Day 2 of the Saint Anne novena and it has been a wonderful day! Aside the fact that I just found out that I have to have a colonoscopy, woo! (can you feel my excitement!) EM, S and I spent the afternoon at the Chrysler Museum. It was so much fun, I absolutely love museums. Though I am not a big fan of central american sculpture and pottery, I am a huge fan of european classics! You always see the "usual" paintings of the Virgin Mary, or the many different depictions of Christ...All which I love. However today we stumbled upon St. Sebastian! I was so excited I had a total Catholic nerd moment! #youknowyourecatholicwhen ... you pose your stroller in front of paintings with your son's patron saint. #noshame<br />
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Earlier on however we saw this gorgeous statue...of St. Anne. I was pretty surprised, St. Sebastian and St. Anne are two which are not seen very often. It was fitting that during the novena in her honor, asking for her intercession, we see of sign of her presence in our lives. <br />
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With that here is Day 2!</div>
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Glorious Saint Anne, how can you be otherwise than overflowing with tenderness toward sinners like myself, since you are the grandmother of Him who shed His blood for us, and the mother of her whom the saints call advocate of sinners? To you, therefore, I address my prayers with confidence.</div>
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Vouchsafe to commend me to Jesus and Mary so that, at your request, I may be granted remission of my sins, perseverance, the love of God, charity for all mankind, and the special grace of…</div>
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(State your intention here.)</div>
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…for which I stand in need at the present time. O most powerful protectress, let me not lose my soul, but pray for me that through the merits of Jesus Christ and the intercession of Mary, I may have the great happiness of seeing them, of loving and praising them with you through all eternity.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</div>
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That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Jenna Sue'; font-size: 35px; line-height: 39.866668701171875px;">XOMB</span><br />
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Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-76016961504286899932014-07-17T18:57:00.001-04:002014-07-17T18:57:25.998-04:00Novena to Saint AnneToday marks Day 1 of the Novena to Saint Anne. (the mama of the Blessed Mother!) I am beyond excited to be saying this novena. Novenas are my favorite way of strengthening my prayer life while also learning about all the great saints and devotions that are available to us. God is so great in His infinite mercy and we are truly fortunate to have been given these saints to help us by their example. People are known to pray to Saint Anne for a holy spouse, however you can ask her for any intention. I will be praying for my future daughter and son-in-laws, the strengthening of my own marriage, and for a special intention.<br />
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Day 1</div>
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Great Saint Anne, engrave indelibly on my heart and in my mind the words that have reclaimed and sanctified so many sinners:</div>
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“What shall it profit a man to gain the whole world if he lose his own soul?” May this be the principle fruit of these prayers by which I will strive to honor you during this novena.</div>
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At your feet renew my resolution to invoke you daily, not only for the success of my temporal affairs and to be preserved from sickness and suffering, but above all, that I may be preserved from all sin, that I may gain eternal salvation and that I will receive the special grace of…</div>
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(State your intention here.)</div>
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O most powerful Saint Anne, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of heaven, there with you, your blessed spouse, and your glorious daughter, to sing the praise of the Most Holy and Adorable Trinity forever and ever.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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Pray for us, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim!</div>
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That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Jenna Sue'; font-size: 35px; line-height: 39.866668701171875px;">XOMB</span></div>
Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-57865076939859442792014-07-17T18:46:00.000-04:002014-07-17T18:46:02.981-04:00Pulled Pork 10:30 pm a few night ago my sweet mama texts me asking if I'm awake. Knowing she is usually in bed by this point it had me a little concerned. I quickly responded with an "of course, what's wrong"...typical Italian assuming the worse! Nothing...no response then after many texts on my part freaking out, she finally asks if she can call me. At this point I'm really freaked and am running through every possible horrible scenario in my head. I answer with a quick "are you ok?! what's going on?!" and she proceeds to tell him how her phone is possessed and wont send text messages and that she simply wanted to tell me about the super simple pulled pork crock pot recipe that she made that night.<br />
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Yes...I had a mild heart attack because my dear sweet mama wanted to share a recipe! Gotta love her! After we both cracked up at how scared I had been thinking of the first doom and gloom situation I could possibly come up with she proceeded to tell me of the yumminess she had made that night.</div>
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As every true self respecting southerner knows coleslaw is a must on top of any bbq sandwich. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crock Pot Pulled Pork </span></b></div>
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* Pork, any fairly priced cut will do</div>
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* 1 can of Rootbeer</div>
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* Bottle of favorite BBQ sauce</div>
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All you do is place the pork piece into a crock pot and pour in the rootbeer. Then allow it to cook on high for 4-6 hours (depends on size of meat). After the meat is fully cooked pull apart with two forks. Allow it to sit in the turned off crock pot absorbing as much of the juices as possible. When you are ready to serve strain the cooking liquid and place the meat back into the crock pot and add the bbq sauce...again quantities are based on how much meat you have...can you have too much bbq sauce?!</div>
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The coleslaw was super easy and you could definitely just buy some already made from any grocery store. I made my own and used pre-made coleslaw mix and then added mayo, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard, celery seed, salt and pepper...all to taste. Of course there are plenty of very yummy coleslaw recipes on the internet so just make your favorite. Let me know what you think! I just love easy crock pot meals that taste as though you have slaved away in a kitchen! What are your favorites?<br />
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Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-56487882660016037402014-07-10T15:02:00.002-04:002014-07-10T15:11:38.665-04:00First Meal Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiPyruCZaLYJXZLlE7zkLVB3iJsoBcr7RGuRs01mWFVszOMLxWLeplGSHYJSck8nY4Uuq25_s-diE6BXBohAbXRIsYmreckZt2-w_J_ffJzte0dDR4ykki3Hj8WqQkk7_-8NBqzkNG7UX/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiPyruCZaLYJXZLlE7zkLVB3iJsoBcr7RGuRs01mWFVszOMLxWLeplGSHYJSck8nY4Uuq25_s-diE6BXBohAbXRIsYmreckZt2-w_J_ffJzte0dDR4ykki3Hj8WqQkk7_-8NBqzkNG7UX/s1600/DSC_0484.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I used my Home Base Binder (more info in my previous post) for meal planning, something that it is definitely not my forte but it sure was fun! Anytime I can color code things I'm a happy girl!! What do you think? I love how structured it all is! </div>
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I tried to stick to main things I already had in the house. ie...chicken breast, LOTS of burger meat, pork, quinoa, rice and pasta (but what self respecting Italian doesn't always have a few boxes on hand) then I googled. I found this great blog called <a href="http://damndelicious.net/">Damn Delicious</a> and I found lots of goodies! She too tries to meal plan in a similar manner! I'm going to be trying her quinoa stuffed bell peppers and tonkatsu pork cutlets! The 19th will be EM's 25th birthday ...HURRAY...he requested homemade pizza and I am going to surprise him with a cake (already had the mix!). Now the next step is to see if I can manage to get all this within our budget...guess I shall have to learn to coupon! Any coupon queens out there?</div>
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Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-85426158021349010932014-07-10T12:56:00.000-04:002014-07-10T13:04:31.090-04:00Meal PlanningI must admit I have been very bad at staying accountable and posting regularly! Sorry ya'll! S is truly amazing yet has been incredibly clingy recently and getting used to juggling all my mommy duties has not been the easiest. I hope to have finally mastered it...ha! Well at least I got the gist down so I can manage to do more than one thing at a time. Mothers should all be renamed...we are all officially master jugglers!<br />
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Recently S has discovered his insane strength (though he has always possessed it) and has refused to sit in his swing for more than just a nap...do any moms have some advice on keeping the babe occupied while trying to clean? Suggestions welcome! I cannot seem to get anything done...the few minutes he remains in his swing I take advantage and eat...you know survival and all. As I type this he has decided it is a good idea to steal my right hand and suck/chomp on my thumb...never his own. How convenient for him!</div>
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So something I have wanted to start and have mentioned in the past is simplifying our lives. I have been known to be far less than organized and it is time for a change! Well due to a very generous friend (M) I am now the new owner of the Emily Ley <a href="http://www.emilyley.com/collections/simplified-home-base-binder/products/the-home-base-binder">Home Base Binder </a>! I am so excited for this! Not to mention the <a href="http://www.emilyley.com/collections/life-binder-sheet-sets">Simplified Journal </a>which was also a gift! This has it all! Sections like...Family, Contacts (to simply paste business cards in! how GENIUS!) projects, MEAL PLANNING, Finances and Heart. It really has everything a mama would need to help her family stay organized! With Gorgeous colors and tabs! Head on over to Emily's site...linked above and check it out!</div>
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/9972/products/Emily_Ley_Home_Base_Binder_1_grande.jpg?v=1399495469" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/9972/products/Emily_Ley_Home_Base_Binder_1_grande.jpg?v=1399495469" height="627" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks to this little beauty I am attempting to meal plan. Something I have never been very good at. EM really would love for me to a little more structured, and honestly I completely agree! It's is a skill I have always wanted yet have never attained. So here we go...meal planning!<br />
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Any words of advice before I dive in?<br />
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Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120155171293518246.post-12342955136155157522014-05-19T14:13:00.001-04:002014-05-19T14:13:12.185-04:00Sunday PicnicThis past week I injured my back trying to work out and trying to get back into pre-pregnancy shape. Down 34lbs already...woo hoo!<div>
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I decided to take this weekend off and simply relax and enjoy some family time. Sunday EM and I planned for a picnic at this great state park that is not far from where we live. So we headed to whole foods to pick up some yummies...every picnic needs tiramisu! </div>
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I had never been to this park before, though EM was CONVINCED that he had brought me once before...I would love to know which past girlfriend he is really thinking of...hmm...</div>
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Well I didnt really know what to except and it really blew me away. We discovered this cute little beach that I think we will start taking S to this summer. The water is calmer than at the ocean front and it seems like a quaint little spot for our family to enjoy the sun.</div>
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I am slowly starting to look forward to this summer and living at the beach, something that hasnt happened since we moved her after getting married. I guess every location has its ups and downs...I'm just now seeing the ups. :)</div>
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Martina Bohnslav - little southern bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08112000643939995018noreply@blogger.com0