tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84121386131631391592024-03-08T15:15:34.843-06:00A Meg MomentI am a stay at home mom who strives to be the help meet and mommy that God desires me to be, despite being very human! This blog is just an online journal that I don't have to remember to buy paper for and can easily include photos and share some photography. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-37332486457589741562015-10-14T07:43:00.005-05:002015-10-26T07:06:12.422-05:00You are Enough!This truth has been really hitting me lately, that I am enough. How completely refreshing, knowing that I simply am enough! It's contrary to what the world tells us, and what we tell ourselves. I often feel the need to be improving, learning, and doing. I feel the need to better myself and strive towards, better. Better health, better wife, better mom, better at schedules, better at homeschooling, better at organizing... Life in general seems to find me constantly coming up short.<br />
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Generally it's a good thing to strive to learn and be productive and help those around you; but things can become unbalanced quickly when you feel yourself constantly coming up short. Notice I used the word "feel." Feelings are neither good nor bad, it's what you do with them and how you use them that dictate the good or bad that can come of your feelings. <br />
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So what do I do with my feelings of inadequacy? Normally I start with a list! And then that materializes into hours spent reading books, blogs, Pinterest, and compiling a four week plan! But where is all this getting me? And where is the bench mark for me to check if I am enough? We all know not to measure ourselves against others, so what do we use? Ourselves? Yesterday? Last year? I don't think any of those things are really useful in letting us know if we're doing alright long term. I have used all those comparisons, but yet somehow, at almost 30 years old I can't seem to ever feel like I have it together enough. I'm never quite balanced enough, doing enough. I constantly struggle with being enough.<br />
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So where do we go? Well, God's word of course! What does God say about us and how we should view and measure ourselves?<br />
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<span class="p"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>We all come up short and lacking!</strong></span></span></div>
<span class="p"><strong>For all have sinned and fallen short</strong> of the Glory of God, </span><br />
<span class="p">Romans 3:23</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>Rules and laws don't just show us what to do, they prove we can't always follow the rules and laws!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 3:20</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>So where do we turn?</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>God is all about grace and giving that grace to us! He saves us from messing up the rules and failing. Grace isn't a onetime thing, but a gift we receive every, single, day. Why? Because He loves us. It's His gift to us</strong></span>.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--<strong>and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ephesians 2:8</span><span class="p"><br /></span><br />
<span class="p"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>We should stick close to God, because anything good we do will only be because of Him!</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; <strong>apart from me you can do nothing.</strong></span><span class="p"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">John 15:5</span></span><br />
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<span class="p"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><strong>We can boldly say, the Maker of Heaven and Earth helps ME! What more assurance do we need that we are going to be alright?!</strong></span></span><br />
<span class="versiontext"></span><span class="p"><strong>My help comes from the LORD</strong>, the Maker of heaven and earth.<br />
Psalm 121:2<br />
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It's always good to learn new things and how to run things around us a little more smoothly, but the things we do or don't do should never be an indicator of if we're "enough." Because we are never enough! Only God is enough. And it's only in Him that we are at rest. It's only when we are abiding, trusting and depending on God and His grace are we enough. It sounds simple doesn't it? Almost too easy? It is! It's simply-<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-77750310157635600342015-09-16T07:33:00.001-05:002015-10-26T07:27:39.813-05:00Good Morning Dear...Good morning dear friend, and what a wonderful morning it is! <br />
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Not that there's anything specific about today or this morning compared to other mornings, but just the fact that it is morning makes my heart glad! I wasn't so glad on first waking up. Every inch of my body felt exhausted and I wanted to stay under the warm covers. The room was so cold and wrapped up in my little cocoon of snuggly warmth the last thing I was thankful for was the fact that it was time to get up!<br />
But I got up, stumbled around a bit as I made hubby a lunch, and took out the dogs. After he left I sat there in the kitchen sipping my mug of hot water ( did I mention I lost my voice?!) staring blankly at the floor while thoughts of the upcoming day came rushing in before I even had a chance to feel awake. <br />
Kids, attitude issues, school, teaching, today's obligations, tomorrows obligations, what am I making for dinner, will I have time to stop for gas this morning, will my voice return so I don't sound like an ogre at today's MOPS meeting... Everything came flooding through at once before I even had all the sleep out of my eyes! <br />
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This happens to me often. It doesn't seem to matter whether I wake up early or later, but upon waking my mind goes from groggy to fast forward in the split of second. I have two options then: have my coffee and get going with my day and start on my list of things, or take time to spend one on one time meditating on God's word and seeking His face in the quite. <br />
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Seeking Christ is what my soul longs to do! I want to feel His peace and His presence and His calm in my life. But that requires my time, which is so hard to hand over to Him. It's not for a lack of trying though! I sit in the quite, knees bent and eyes closed to come forward to Him with prayer, and if I'm not falling asleep I'm trying to block the running list of things going through my head. Waiting still before the Lord is most definitely a learned attribute! And it amazes me after 15 years of morning prayer time I still struggle with waiting quietly and patiently before the Lord!<br />
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But here I am again, sitting with God's word and my journal, head bent in prayer, trying to hear Him and block out the noise coming within. He reminds me that if I seek Him with all my heart, I will find Him. He accounts for our humanness. He knows our minds wander, that we sometimes feel overwhelmed and don't know where to even start having "quite time" with Him. And I'm remained once again that it's ok!<br />
My heart longs for close communion with Him. He knows this, He built me like this. He built us all like this. He didn't design us like this to make us frustrated once we try to commune with Him and fail. He built us like this so we see how human we are and how much we need Him to fill us up, meet us where were at and pick us up where we let go.<br />
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In the midst of my jumbled prayer time I let go. I gave my everything to Him, my short little attention span and loss of words, and just asked Him to guide me. And He did! I opened my bible and read this today:<br />
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<em>Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name;</em></div>
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<em>make known among the nations</em></div>
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<em>what He has done.</em></div>
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<em>Sing to Him, sing praise to Him;</em></div>
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<em>tell of all His wonderful acts.</em></div>
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<em>Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek </em></div>
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<em>the Lord rejoice.</em></div>
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<em>Look to the Lord and His strength;</em></div>
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<em>seek His face always.</em></div>
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<em>1 Chronicles 16: 8 - 11</em></div>
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All a once my frustrated, jumbled bible time melted away. I gave thanks to the Lord for my blessings, a simple prayer of thanks. I love Him and seek him, and sometimes that's enough. There doesn't always need to be a lengthy prayer time, but just a meaningful one where we seek Him and He guides us towards a verse or puts joy and peace in our hearts. </div>
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As I seek Him this morning and let go of expectations and struggle with getting my own self under control, I'm reminded by Him once again that I must seek Him and His strength always, in everything, because He can do more in 2 minutes and a few verses than I could ever do in an hour of dedicated, quite time. Being renewed by Him in the mornings, whether it be in 5 minutes or 50, reminds me that I can lean on Him all day to help me with everything. Somehow all the million things I couldn't keep from running through my brain has stopped and is now calm. God's got this and it's all under control, just like He's got me. And you. Or anyone who can pause just long enough this morning to say, </div>
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"Good morning Lord! I love you, I need you, I seek you and want to know you. I don't always know where to start or what to do, but that's ok. You do. You know everything and you hold everything. Hold me today Lord. Help me to know you. I love you, I praise you, and I thank you Lord for Your faithfulness. Let my life shine Your light,</div>
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Amen~"</div>
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So... Good morning dear one! :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-30898275853602191092015-07-15T07:33:00.002-05:002015-10-26T07:26:43.046-05:00Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit:houseandgarden.uk.com</span></div>
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Although they come early and I'm often fumbling around for the first little while, I love mornings. Sometimes warm and inviting, other times bright and energizing, or even cloudy and agnsty; they always signify a new beginning and a chance to start all over again. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday or what's going to happen tomorrow, today has dawned and it's fresh and new and the possibilities always seem so endless! It's like opening up a new leather bound journal and seeing all those blank, crisp white pages and you sit there holding a pen.<br />
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What kind words could you say that would burn brightly into someones life today? How can you help someone in your family today? Like really help, the kind of help that makes them sleep well at night when they think of the way you touched their life? You don't have to be amazing to touch someone's life in an amazing way, you just have to love them the way they need loving that day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Credit:buzzfeed.com</span></div>
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There's adventure out there too. Lot's of adventure.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">credit:hercampus.com</span></div>
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You should try something new today. There's always something you want to do or look into, today should be that day for you. You try it. Whatever your "it" thing is. Do it!<br />
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I love new days and I'm thankful to worship the God that creates them! Today is your day, go write it!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-25430699208123449272015-06-18T09:00:00.002-05:002015-10-26T07:29:09.073-05:00~ My 100th Blog Post (!) and Some Words about Minimalism ~<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How is it mid-June already? The summer comes and goes quicker and quicker each year! We have had a lot going on this year, but I'm trying to find that delicate balance between filling our time with fun and still taking a moment to just breathe and "be". This,of course, can be very hard with three very high energetic and active children! But that brings me to the subject of this post: minimalism. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dictionary definition of minimalism:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Definition of <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">MINIMALISM</span></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>: a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity</b></span></div>
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I don't like the word "extreme". Extreme is a word I try to stay away from in almost all aspects of my life, but it helps paint a picture. "Extreme simplicity" isn't necessarily a bad thing though. :) But aside from all that, I am working on taking a minimalist approach to my household. I simply spend to much time cleaning, organizing, and fussing with all of our stuff! I want it to end! I love plating with my kids, creating, exploring, reading and just... 'being" Even when I'm keeping up well with house work, there's just to much of it! I don't want to spend so much of my time maintaining a clean household and keeping up with our many items, I want to be living life! Not sorting through another box of toys and folding limitless loads of laundry.</div>
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A quick search of "minimalists" online will bring up some extreme examples. Those who limit themselves to 100 items, people who insist on fitting everything into a certain number of containers, some even insist on cataloging and photographing each and every single item they own.</div>
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Whoa. </div>
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Although you can be overcome and obsessed with all that you own, I have come to the realization that you can also become just as obsessed with what you don't have and maintaining a certain quota. I don't think either of these extremes fit me or our family because I simply don't want to focus on what I own one way or another. I just want to be doing the things that will matter for eternity, like reading outside to my kids or snuggling with hubby and coffee, as compared to washing a ton of dishes while my kids play or doing the umpteenth load of laundry while my husband is sitting in the other room.</div>
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I'm tired of:</div>
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... fighting with the kids about keeping their room clean</div>
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... putting off creating things for my home so I can clean my home</div>
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... an overflowing laudryroom</div>
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...an overflowing closet and nothing to wear</div>
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... feeling overwhelmed with my responsibility of keeping up with all the cooking, cleaning, organizing, folding dishes, ect...</div>
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Ah! There's so much more! But I'm ready to let go and get going with life. It's time to play more and clean less. Create more and organize less. </div>
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It's summer and our family is ready to have fun and come fall, I'l be busy with homeschooling and don't want the pressure of housework constantly looming overhead.</div>
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This will be a ongoing journey for me, as I assume minimalism is much more of journey thing than a destination thing. Especially for me. But, I'm ready to dive in head first and start having less so we are free to do more!</div>
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I'll be posting my progress and sharing in my blog what I'm doing so I can keep track of my progress and help sort out what works and what isn't working. Feel free to follow along and offer suggestions! These are some of the things I'll be working on implementing in our home:</div>
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+ Less table/ desk space = less clutter. Get rid of things that only gather clutter and don't enhance our home atmosphere.</div>
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+ Freezer meal planning / cooking! By shopping in bulk and cooking a bunch of meals at once, I'll be spending less money, cooking less, and washing dishes less! It's a win, win...win. ;)</div>
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+ Creating a capsule wardrobe. Instead of so many "so so" clothes, I'll have less clothing but more timeless, classic clothing that works well with a lot of what I own, as compared to so many odd, trendy, or ill fitting pieces. </div>
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+ Less TV! This may not help with actual clutter, but will help clear the mind clutter :)</div>
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<complete id="goog_869037897">+ </complete>And of course, clean and toss!</div>
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So, here we go! Do you have any tips on letting go???</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-12197605614176573092015-01-13T09:19:00.000-06:002015-10-26T07:29:55.446-05:00Embracing Change in Your Relationship<div>
Happy New Year everyone! I am really excited about this year! Every year I am excited about the coming year, but this year especially so. The last year, the last two years really, have been continually challenging and changing. In 2013 and 2014 We moved across the country, had our third child, got used to living in a big home in the country compared to a little apartment in town (I spend so much more time cleaning and driving!) We started our first official year homeschooling, slowly we are starting to make friends, and my husband started a new job in which he has now worked in two different positions. </div>
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My husband and I have dealt with all these physical, logistical, and emotional changes hand in hand together, but oh so differently! Of course we have dealt with change before this, but when you are first married you kind of begin at the same point, the same starting line. Just like in a board game where everyone starts at start. But as the years go by and more and more changes happens within your life and marriage, you can find you and your spouse on completely different pages. </div>
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But, change and growth is inevitable. In fact, it's absolutely essential for us to change and go through different seasons of life to grow and mature, especially if we want to mature in our walk with Christ. But change can be hard and growth uncomfortable! I also have learned more than ever before that you and your husband won't always change and grow at the same time or in the same way. This can be really frustrating and even scary ( you feel like two totally different people!) But thankfully, growing together isn't always the result of changing together! How you face the changes in your spouse or yourself is more important than the change itself. </div>
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Most recent date picture :)<br />
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So after going through so much change in the last two years, the last several months I have finally started to feel like we have found our peaceful, comfortable new "normal" in our daily lives :) There is so much I have learned on how to act... and how not to react when you find your marriage in a state of flux while you and your spouse are changing and rapidly growing. Here are some ways to not just survive the changes and shifts that happen within your marriage and life, but thrive because of them!</div>
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<strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">1.) Prayer and Praise!</span></u></strong></div>
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No matter what valley you are passing through, prayer and praise is of outmost importance.... Always! The Bible teaches us that it doesn't matter the circumstance we find ourselves in, the correct response is ALWAYS to praise God. Good day, bad day, normal day, through gritted teeth and a tear stained face day, make a conscious choice to choose joy and praise God, and watch with amazement as He softens your heart and instills joy and peace into your life.</div>
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<strong>Be joyful in hope,<sup></sup> patient in affliction,<sup></sup> faithful in prayer.<sup></sup> </strong></div>
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<strong>Romans 12:12</strong></div>
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<strong>Rejoice always,<sup></sup> pray continually,<sup></sup> give thanks in all circumstances;<sup></sup> for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus</strong></div>
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<strong>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>2.) Don't Let External Stress Create Internal War!</u></span></strong><br />
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Stressful situations and change can bring on fights faster than normal, but don't let external stress create internal war. Talk, discuss, get mad, even fight (fairly, without name calling, yelling or threats) but refuse to be divided. Fights are going to happen in marriage eventually, but don't let a fight or argument steal your peace and define your view of your marriage or your spouse. <br />
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<strong>“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. </strong><br />
<strong>Matthew 12:25</strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>3.) Remember, This is Only a Phase!</u></strong></span><br />
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It can be so easy to get caught up in the here and now and focus on how things feel today. But today is really a blessing and a miracle, because although today can be a refection of yesterday and how things are currently, it is also an opportunity to change the your current day and how things will be tomorrow. For better or worse, our lives are in a constant state of flux. Slowly and steadily changing, the little (or big!) choices we make today will have an impact on the way our life will be tomorrow. When you think back on the last 10 years of your life, I'm sure you can see seasons in your life filled with joy and those memories of that perfect day, but also times of pain or struggle. The season of life you find yourself or your spouse in now is not the season of life that will be next. Even if you have found yourself "stuck" in what seems a long season, it is still just that: a season. Jesus gives us hope for our future!<br />
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<strong>And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.</strong><br />
<strong>Philippians 1:6</strong><br />
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<strong>For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</strong><br />
<strong>Jerimiah 29:11</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>4.) Get up and Get out!</u></span></strong><br />
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Oh my goodness.... Yes! It is truly amazing what going outside can do for your spirit! Stepping out and doing things outside has enormous mental benefits. I used to live in the bitter cold winters of Wisconsin, with babies, in an apartment in town with little to no yard. Not the ideal place to live to get a daily dose of fresh air, but the days I made a conscious effort to get out always helped. So don't just sit there, get out! (unless it's today, which just happens to be one of the coldest days of the year, maybe go outside next week! :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Photo credit: unknown, found on Pinterest, "uploaded by user"</span><br />
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<br /><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">5.) Determine to respond with kindness</span></u></strong><br />
Whether it's you going through big changes, your spouse going through changes or your relationship in general, change seems to make tempers shorter! No matter what you may going though, lashing out at others is never the way to respond! We are called to love one another, and this is not dependent on how we feel. And on the flip side, if it's your spouse who is going through something, love them as Christ loves you. Give them grace, give them patience, love them like Christ loves you.<br />
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<strong>Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.</strong><br />
<strong>Romans 12:21</strong><br />
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<strong>Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.</strong><br />
<strong>1 John 4:7</strong><br /><br />
<strong> So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God</strong><br />
<strong>Romans 14:4</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>6.) Reflection is Good, but Stewing is Bad!</u></span></strong><br />
It's been scientifically proven that looking through photographs of past happy memories and times can significantly improve your mood now. This is so true for me! When Im feeling down, going though happy photos from great times always puts me in a better mood. Even better when I actually have some prints made! There is nothing like going to pick up printed photos. Hanging pics, even just on the fridge, is a nice little pick me up. It's cheap too!<br />
But remember to avoid extremes! Reflection on happy times is beneficial, butt sitting around lamenting why things can't "go back to the way they were" helps no one and induces self pity. Don't do that!<br />
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<strong>Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.</strong><br />
<strong>Ecclesiastes 7:10</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><u>7.) Find new Things</u></span></strong><br />
As long as your going through changes elsewhere in your life, why not pick up a new hobby? Or even just a new book or revive a forgotten hobby that you haven't had time for. When we go through changes or periods of stress, it can be easy to be caught up in the whirlwind of making it through each day and adjusting to whatever new change we are adjusting to. Picking up some paint and a canvas or creating a project has enormous therapeutic benefits! Plant a potted plant, grow your own herbs, pick up photography, step into a library, take a walk, knit a scarf, read a book, paint, learn HTML. The possibilities are endless! Starting a new endeavor enlivens our minds and is good for the soul!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: </span><a href="http://knittingnoodles.es/?product=croche-hook-30-mm&lang=en"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://knittingnoodles.es/?product=croche-hook-30-mm&lang=en</span></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">8.) Spend Time Together</span></strong><br />
Spend purposeful time with your spouse. I'm not just talking about going on a date together. If you can go on a date, that's great! Go for it! But even more important than a date night is purposeful, meaningful time together. I love date night, but honestly our home dates feel more beneficial to me than "real" date nights. Our home dates are simple but perfect! We put the kiddos to bed early and then enjoy a nice dinner, ALONE! Then take drinks and sit on our front porch together at night and listen to music and just talk. Or not talk. It's just wonderful :) But in the craziness of life, make time for your relationship and make it meaningful time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photocredit: </span><a href="http://decorology.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-little-decorating-inspiration.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://decorology.blogspot.com/2014/09/a-little-decorating-inspiration.html</span></a></div>
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<strong>Enjoy life with your beloved wife during all the days of your fleeting life that God has given you on earth during all your fleeting days; for that is your reward in life and in your burdensome work on earth. </strong><br />
<strong>Ecclesiastes 9:9</strong><br />
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If you find yourself in the middle of change, hopefully you can find a few helpful ideas or bible verses to carry you through to the next season of your life. I would love to hear what you do when you find yourself in the midst of change! Have a good day all! And remember,<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em><u>The end of a matter is better than its beginning</u></em></strong>, and patience is better than pride. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Ecclesiastes 7:8 </span><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm" title="Ecclesiastes 7:9"></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-64413518293322808252014-11-04T06:54:00.001-06:002015-10-26T17:19:58.885-05:00The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 34:18</span></div>
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Isn't wonderful to know that of all the many things God is, close to the brokenhearted is one of them? It doesn't matter why we are brokenhearted, God draws near to us. It might be a seemingly small reason that can set you off; a tough day at home with your children, a day where nothing goes right, unfulfilled expectations or the pangs of loneliness. It doesn't matter how we got to this point, to God, a hurting heart is a heart that needs love, a heart that needs Him.<br />
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If today you find yourself brokenhearted or your spirit broken down, run to Him. He won't minimize your pain, expect justification, explanation or a promise to be stronger tomorrow. He just wants to hold you, His dear child.<br />
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Let God hold you. Let Him love you. Let Him save you. No strings attached.~<br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3f/6e/f3/3f6ef38f6d0399480f5d9faaa2658e0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. —Psalm 46:10" border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3f/6e/f3/3f6ef38f6d0399480f5d9faaa2658e0a.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: pinterest http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3f/6e/f3/3f6ef38f6d0399480f5d9faaa2658e0a.jpg</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-36619301787729110342014-10-14T09:06:00.001-05:002015-10-26T07:30:44.175-05:00Planning a No Spend Week<h2>
Planning a No Spend Week or: How to Save Extra Money when You Don't have Extra Money</h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">As a large(ish) family living on one income, I’m always looking for ways to save money and lower our weekly and monthly expenses. Through talking to other woman, reading books, blogs and my own trial and error process, God has blessed us with many different ways to save!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I recently have been using another method to save money, called a no spend week. My no spend week is a chance to save a little money in addition to whatever Daniel brings in. Admittedly, my no spend week savings go towards… “fun” money. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We often have a little extra left over at the end of each week, and unless there is something we are in need of or some unforeseen bill or expenses, that’s our “extra” or fun money for the weekend. We don’t do much, normally it’s a weekend breakfast out as a family, gas money to take the Jeeps out to the beach or date night money. So although there is that extra amount, I hate spending our family fun weekend money on say, a new rug. Daniel always encourages me to use what we have if I find something I like (he is so generous and giving!) but I know that the kids and us will have more memories from being at the beach for the day, than say me getting on them for stepping on my new rug with muddy shoes! So, my no spend week is a way for me to have a little fund that I can use to buy things for the home or keep hidden away for a rainy day, it’s a mini savings that won’t take away from the money we put into savings or take away from our weekend fun money budget!</span><br />
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What is a no spend week?:</h3>
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<i>* A no spend week is where you do just that, don’t spend anything that week! </i><br />
<i>Normally each week I carefully budget our $160 to account for all meals for the five of us for the week plus groceries like toilet paper, diapers, pet food, ect. I plan our weekly menu and shop for that week.</i><br />
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<i>* During my “no spend week” I don’t go shopping for anything but some fresh fruit and some milk. That’s it! So for my first week of trying out this method, I saved myself about $140.00! Of course you could take it one step farther and buy nothing, but I get very picky about milk and we eat so much fruit that it would be almost impossible for us not to buy any fruit in a week.</i><br />
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Planning your no spend week:</h3>
Now I say that my first week I saved $140.00 but that took 4-6 weeks of preparation. It‘s a simple plan, you just need to be diligent about keeping stock of what you have and not use the food you are preparing for your week of not buying anything!<br />
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I’m sure there are many people who could do this in less time or on a bigger scale, but this plan is specifically for anyone who doesn’t plan on spending anything more than they normally would in a week’s time.<br />
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Here is step by step how to plan your no spend week:</h3>
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Week 1-4</h4>
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* Buy what’s on sale! This seems obvious, but pay attention to anything that is at a super low price and stock up! If fruit is on sale (and often there is something at it’s peak of ripeness so the price is dramatically cut down.) buy it and freeze! Sale prices on specific items seem to rotate every 4-6 weeks. Our local grocery store has a sale on our favorite bread once a month or so, instead of $1.88 it’s $0.88 that week. So I always buy twice what we need, so I can stash a weeks worth of bread in the freezer for later but I still haven’t spent a penny more than I normally would have.<br />
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* Check out the clearance carts! Lots of small town grocery stores will have a cart or part of an aisle dedicated to clearanced out food. (It’s often just discontinued items or dented cans) this can be a hit or miss, but if you check them every week for 4-6 weeks and stash away at home anything you buy from the clreaenced aisle, you normally have a nice little stash of food for cheap!<br />
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*Always divide up your snacks! I keep 2 plastic shoes boxes in my pantry. One at eye level and one larger sized one (with a lid) way on top in back of the pantry where no one can see it! When I buy a box of nutri grain bars, I dump them all into the main shoe box and stash 2 in my secret shoe box. If I buy pop tarts, all but one pack goes in the snack shoe box. When I buy mini pretzels or animal crackers, ect. I divide the bag up into a bunch of sandwich size ziplock bags and always stash a bag away. At the end of the month for my so spend week, I always have plenty of filler snacks on hand!<br />
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*Freezer meals! This is one of the biggest ways to save money! In order to have enough dinners for your no spend week, you have to squeeze out about 1 to 2 extra dinners a week from your normal budget (without spending extra) . This can be done fairly easy as long as you are willing to get a bit creative! For example, If I’m making meatballs, I add a little oatmeal and some cooked rice to the recipe. Because of that I can then add in extra tomato paste, egg and anything else the recipe calls for. So one pound of ground meat can quickly turn into 2 pounds worth of meatballs. (and they taste just as delicious, I promise!) IN fact, I almost never cook ground beef by itself anymore. By adding finely shredded carrots and onions, you can gain about an additional half pound of “meat” from one pound of ground beef, plus your sneaking in carrots! When I do that, I divived the meat portion for whatever Im making in half and freeze the rest of the meat for tacos.<br />
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French bread pizzas are another good cheap and yummy freezer meal. You can normally pick up French bread for cheap on the bakery sale rack. (once again, not spending anything extra) Then just slice the bread lengthways, top with sauce cheese and whatever toppings you have and bake half and freeze the other half for later!<br />
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So that’s how you squeeze out extra dinners, just 1-2 a week and before you know it you have a stash quickly built up!<br />
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* I also do this with breakfast! Make extra pancakes, freeze half, make extra French toast, freeze half. Using the extra ingredients doesn’t take away enough from our pantry to send me to the store for anything more, but that is at least 2 breakfasts worth sitting in the freezer.<br />
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Week 3</h4>
By the last 2 weeks of prep, I start to take stock of what I have in my pantry and what I have already saved specifically for my no spend week. I build a menu based off of that then make a list of what meals or snacks I’ll still need. I don’t need much and can easily squeeze what I need out of the budget for the next 2 weeks.<br />
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Week 4</h4>
Make hay while the sun shines! Basically, if you’re like us, there are always some weeks you have more money than others. The weeks that hubby got a little overtime or less bills were due that week, that’s when I take the few extra dollars and buy an extra thing of toilet paper or an extra package of diapers and stash away for later. With all this meal planning don’t forget other household necessities!<br />
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Week 5</h4>
On the last week I make sure we have the bulk of the freshest food, like extra fresh vegetables and lots of eggs. We eat eggs often, (scrambled eggs, deviled eggs, hard boiled, in cooking…) so I’ll buy a pack of 5 dozen this week (around $9.00) and that will be more than enough for this week’s menu and next week.<br />
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Week 6</h4>
Bask in all of your hard work and money saved! Since my menu is already planned out, I don’t even need to do that this week, yet alone grocery shopping! Like I said, I do keep a little grocery money on hand ($20.00 more or less) but the rest is there to do what we want! Not only that, but I didn’t realize what a break it would give me the rest of the week as well. Other than sometimes whipping up a side dish, I really didn’t cook all week! I would pull a dinner out of the freezer the night before and stick it in the fridge, then throw it in the oven right before dinner. No prep, no cooking, no dishes yet we still had a good home cooked meal each night.<br />
Breakfast was just as easy! The weekend was pretty much breakfast casserole or quiche and during the week if we wanted French toast, I just would use the toaster to dethaw and heat it up!<br />
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As long as you are willing to put in a little extra effort with meal planning and have some patience, you can easily save $150 or more depending on your weekly grocery budget. This has really helped me save some money, what are some of your favorite sneaky ways to save money?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-24450570258707880592014-08-29T14:26:00.003-05:002015-10-26T07:31:38.614-05:00Before & After Entry<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">I have so many posts rolling around in my head! As usual though, things are always busy and finding time to sit down and write posts for my blog usually take a back seat to other things. like, Pinning on Pinterest, I'm sorry to say :) But here we go with the first of many posts on..... how home renovations have been going! (and by renovation, mean lots of paint :) But seeing my friend (and cousin... in law! ) share all of her inspiring home projects have inspired me to share and come up with my own!</span><br />
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The first project to share.....</div>
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I forget how old this house is (we rent) but I can tell you, many, MANY renovations were done in the 1970 and 1980s! And I don't mean the cool, vintage vibe of the 1970s. More like dark gloomy colors and lots of stained, peeling wallpaper.</div>
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Now, cost is a big factor in the changes to our home. We only plan on being here a short while. So in addition to saving for our dream home (That, God willing, will be a nice piece of Texas land to put a pond in and have a cow :) We don't want to get "to comfortable" renting and seeing this as home. But, after living in an apartment for 5 years and never doing much to that, we really want to make our home really feel like "Our home" and reflect us.</div>
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I'll be share some of the deatils about the decor, but this is how our entryway currently looks:</div>
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So much more lighter, refreshing, and airy! I still have many things I want to do, like paint the trim and get a mirror and some larger pictures. But right now, I'm really just liking the airy and more "us" feel of everything. :) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-3315676467568249962014-07-09T13:08:00.000-05:002015-10-26T07:32:39.055-05:00A Day in Our Home and Some Recipes!<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So tonight I have been unable, or just unwilling to go to sleep. Although it's been a long crazy day and I'm exhausted and my feet hurt, I just lay in bed not wanting to sleep. It's not even that my mind is racing, I feel perfectly peaceful, calm and collected. But that's just it... the calmness! The Peace! The still gentle quietness. I know once I close my eyes it will all slip away the moment I fall asleep. And although my sleep will most likely be a restful one, it still seems like I sleep for a moment and all of the sudden the alarm goes off and another whirl wind of a day starts! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">Today was pretty "average" in all the wonderfulness and tragedy that comes with staying home with young children. So in case you were wondering, this is what a average weekday looks like at our house....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5:00</span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wake up! Hubby gets ready for work while I make coffee and prepare his lunch. We get to talk and snuggle just a few minutes before he is out the door! I also let out the dogs and feed that kittens and dogs.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5:45</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Shower, get geared up for the day, make our bed. Drink coffee! Eat some peanut butter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6:15</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Spend some time with God praying, giving thanks and reading His word. This is so very necessary for me! This quite time in the mornings with my bible and coffee is what keeps me grounded for the day and is the well in which I draw hope and patience for later on!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You know those woman are so patient and slow to wrath? Come to find out, that's not me.... But God picks up where I let off!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:00</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Quick check on emails, blogs, facebook, and Pinterest!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:30</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> First girl wakes up! The second girl isn't far behind! (One always seems to need a little more sleep than the other. :) We all lay around a little and usually watch Micky Mouse Clubhouse on the couch together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8:30</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Caleb is up! He was up a bit ago but seemed content so I let him be so I could finish making breakfast. Once I go to get him though, I find out he has peed through EVERYTHING! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8:45</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> The baby is clean and the bedding is all tossed in the laundry room. I make the girls pancakes and hold Caleb while he drinks some milk. (although he is weaned, he still like to sit on me most mornings cuddled up and drink his milk.) The girls finish their plates, I get them seconds and make Caleb up his plate of pancakes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9:15</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Clean breakfast up, Go hang up laundry on the clothes line, start a new load of laundry. We all spend time together in the living room playing/ I write out my goals for the day. We all eat a snack of fresh blueberries! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10:15 Suntan and bug spray on! We all go outside to play before it get's too hot out. We fill the girl's pool up so they can play in it later. We play with the hose and chase each other around the yard. Caleb finds handfuls of mud and proudly brings them to me :) The Girls dance in the water :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">11:00</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Inside, dry off, Caleb gets changed and put down for a nap.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- The girls and I clean the living room top to bottom. We pick up and put things away. They take turns dusting and washing the windows. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- I tidy up the bathroom and sweep. Girls feed the pets and clean the litter box (Diana loves that job 0_o )</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Go outside to take the laundry of the line, fold it, hang up a new load and start another load of laundry!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12:00</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Eat lunch! Mostly fresh fruit and sandwiches for the girls.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">12:45</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Do a little school! (Very, very laid back school. But learning none the less! :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Practice letters and sounds</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Practice writing out letters</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Do a few pages from pre K and Kindergarten workbooks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Us girls just talk, write in our notebooks and play.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrx9TdsPenIgzKIXj6B3BRUmwvhoDiIiqyngtUDLtGIhMwW1yXJxS1OUFQqrNXpSXESqSbFQJE30Pn_QbAtx0k3X0PKycmYlzOOKvd-dRwgIvVSulh9vrkwSiSAK7ALPqCQUkn1T0coY/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrx9TdsPenIgzKIXj6B3BRUmwvhoDiIiqyngtUDLtGIhMwW1yXJxS1OUFQqrNXpSXESqSbFQJE30Pn_QbAtx0k3X0PKycmYlzOOKvd-dRwgIvVSulh9vrkwSiSAK7ALPqCQUkn1T0coY/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1:30 </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More suntan lotion! (Brutal South Texas sun!) </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NEt8rOuW3b_csVfaNR8AcPhVACLVzLs0FTTHrllaPjaEJ6H0gHPObWUDtbXA7z4Bp9noWCGT7bgWJJZfxqNFwAmjeFU7iOfUy8gzDerbNKPq84XmrHUumfDuKRromuGQT5aDyLCfTp8/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NEt8rOuW3b_csVfaNR8AcPhVACLVzLs0FTTHrllaPjaEJ6H0gHPObWUDtbXA7z4Bp9noWCGT7bgWJJZfxqNFwAmjeFU7iOfUy8gzDerbNKPq84XmrHUumfDuKRromuGQT5aDyLCfTp8/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+05.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I bring fitness and cooking magazines along with my pen and notebook. The girls swim and play in their pool while I plan my freezer cooking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I bought extra food last week so I can cook a bunch of extra dinners for convenience and in anticipation of my no spend week. (More to come on that later!) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With 9 pounds of chicken breasts and a pound of ground beef I plan my dinners:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>- 2 9x13 pans of lasagna roll ups</u></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2011/03/meatless-monday-spinach-lasagna-roll-ups/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIGJyyZcx1X_3LwCNWdmNcH1xZBGoKdniK5Hfsmzbj-ABIUGDPiq1XZo4PYxERD7h7Ie3aMqnYEHbomNs9BEJ_Judb1ciU3kLpRJ_YZC9rkwMy__dOoUhVz8X6C7ck7YqwL49JN2ahos/s1600/freezer-meal-spinach-lasagna-roll-recipe.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><u> source:http://thrivinghomeblog.com/2011/03/meatless-monday-spinach-lasagna-roll-ups/</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><i>- 2 9x13 pans of wild rice and chicken with slivered almonds</i></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/wild-rice-chicken-dinner"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JDLVN9Uj-LInfNS2C-2WqKqMwBQ83UPg791o0YhxTcEmmhWKhQFz4Q8GEi9bGWM0lAT4Ojgd8Ip8oLmlVqwJGJMhXEkDQTaqlcrYp9fWKQqF3qUYAcKLJVHTdxBVOcYBpkigaHB27lY/s1600/freezer+dinner.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><i><span style="color: #38761d;">s</span><span style="color: #990000;">ource:</span></i></u><i><u><span style="color: #990000;">http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/wild-rice-chicken-dinner</span></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>- 2 9x13 pans chicken, green beans and potatoes</u></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaGjTKyyx0fLqDhhLkmkHbQfaHynoFyxuADNUpSJu7HanZkJ31PggmcbfMFXJsU9GteVYQEZ7j8BTFwZrWBhavjzO4jJhGA7kQlnSuOnxc7X-7kVmcSAcwVkFVZRssvVwSaegxgKVw7M/s1600/easy+freezer+dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaGjTKyyx0fLqDhhLkmkHbQfaHynoFyxuADNUpSJu7HanZkJ31PggmcbfMFXJsU9GteVYQEZ7j8BTFwZrWBhavjzO4jJhGA7kQlnSuOnxc7X-7kVmcSAcwVkFVZRssvVwSaegxgKVw7M/s1600/easy+freezer+dinner.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><u>Source:http://www.pinterest.com/pin/178736678932660096/</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>- 1 gallon bag of chicken breasts, onions and vegetables for the crock pot</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>- 1 gallon bag of lightly breaded rosemary and Parmesan chicken strips.</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/food-drink/appetizers-nibbles/2013/05/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders/"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYd3XqKSMmGX-Jd4CdDLPEUiyZijfd8UQFyxtTlr8QUqBG06J7151aCoQ0wmlIqzh1ZnrKoLY0II_tCKDcpomMLkVOENnONaUTwHlU5rqppq8h3R_829YDqw12sC8mP-HJDL1C67YT40I/s1600/CrispyBakedChickenTenders3-TextWEB.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><u><a href="http://www.forkknifeswoon.com/food-drink/appetizers-nibbles/2013/05/crispy-baked-chicken-tenders/">(This source has a fancy recipe, I'm just using a packet from kraft :)</a></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since I pulled out all the meat earlier in the day and everything is just about de thawed, surely I can whip up most of those meals in an hour or so after coming inside... right? :) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I almost call my mom and sisters, but instead spend time talking to the girls while writing out my list :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2:15</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Come inside. dry off! have a snack. I hear Caleb up but wait to get him until the girls go down.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2:30</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> The girls get tucked into bed for quite time and spend some down time cuddling with their kittens.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCxetojpr2fV3I08MMRTFWZNFwjSDCAwuZ8KJcG2xNTA-uRxIpaRX_XGTAFG9fBKkCxNjNPYWNgU-3aWAprmPKMHqSzJHr2ZsdN3OBiPqjZjEEsUQrJvkz0EgMqwRi-H5pccYUj2ug-4/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCxetojpr2fV3I08MMRTFWZNFwjSDCAwuZ8KJcG2xNTA-uRxIpaRX_XGTAFG9fBKkCxNjNPYWNgU-3aWAprmPKMHqSzJHr2ZsdN3OBiPqjZjEEsUQrJvkz0EgMqwRi-H5pccYUj2ug-4/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> I get Caleb after putting them down. Diaper change then lunch for the little man! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63iyG9YcxKOfw4yZJfSf7Zf8jpiC3_Oa04iNaz9bkNZayymGPOwzBrNFI9r7Q8SrtGazSYlzeacIUdNGqxlo1hHgcID-TI3sg5WGEe5KQRqbZZVjfBVTOLju5XM68L89mjAL3HWzBNxE/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63iyG9YcxKOfw4yZJfSf7Zf8jpiC3_Oa04iNaz9bkNZayymGPOwzBrNFI9r7Q8SrtGazSYlzeacIUdNGqxlo1hHgcID-TI3sg5WGEe5KQRqbZZVjfBVTOLju5XM68L89mjAL3HWzBNxE/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+01.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After getting cleaned up I spread toys on the floor and we play with cars then I scoop him up and cuddle and play and swing him into the air and be silly!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't but help think of the dishes and my dinners. But remind myself that the reason I stay at home with my kids isn't to have a perfectly clean home and a bunch of things accomplished (though being at home instead of working helps me get more done around here! ) The reason I stay at home is to lavish much love on all my children! The rest will always be there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3:15</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> The girls get up. All the kids eat a snack. They play and hang out while I divide my attention between playing/checking on them and cleaning the kitchen and dining room and do all the dishes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ef49R5hettNR_AzKV5uC38HXavft9gJtIzUY9BqxdTwWtP_K-B_70knsr7Sfj1Fqj7uXOrJpXG3IkeoZswxyKg_-zj-sHBGVnX31t9_UNrFvpHpYV8QDiJ4fRf1yDkivuyG3DhMjJEQ/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ef49R5hettNR_AzKV5uC38HXavft9gJtIzUY9BqxdTwWtP_K-B_70knsr7Sfj1Fqj7uXOrJpXG3IkeoZswxyKg_-zj-sHBGVnX31t9_UNrFvpHpYV8QDiJ4fRf1yDkivuyG3DhMjJEQ/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+03.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The dishes, they smile at me!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4:00 </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">PBS Wild Kratts starts ( Two 30 minute animal shows, the kids love it!) They watch tv while I start browning the hamburger meat, slicing the chicken breasts up and cook a few batches of lasagna noodles. (I need a bigger pot!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwmQQF1Ekqlv8lPo-gxveqgJkCh0c5SHssRe0rAzy6kiuuL1TDIp2uzCyzoko_R1-orSuWz0ak7Xz5rss_Cqt7mPqKdHZx6DQDvr559KoeVuJAHd4mba1tXaO7u2aVM2MOdwxKbVfO2M/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwmQQF1Ekqlv8lPo-gxveqgJkCh0c5SHssRe0rAzy6kiuuL1TDIp2uzCyzoko_R1-orSuWz0ak7Xz5rss_Cqt7mPqKdHZx6DQDvr559KoeVuJAHd4mba1tXaO7u2aVM2MOdwxKbVfO2M/s1600/stay+at+home+mom+06.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I prepare the filling and lay out the pans for the lasagna dinner. The kid's show is almost done so I have the girls help me! I knew it would be messy and take longer, but decided to go for it anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I brought Caleb's play pen into the kitchen and set up 2 little "stations" so each girl could help with one pan and I stood in the middle to help them.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oh My.....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I knew this would be messy, but the mess far exceeds even what I anticipated! The girls have food everywhere, they are starting to fight and Caleb's fussing has turned into crying. The dogs are chasing the cats and fighting over all the food on the floor and totally under foot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6:00</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Hubby is home! Kids get crazy we try to talk over them and then dinner is done!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6:30</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Dinner time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">7:00</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We finish dinner, Daniel chases the kids around the living room while I sit and watch them all and laugh. Daniel and I literally sit and talk for 10 minutes before the kids start to meltdown. He turns on the tv, they all chill. I start the bathwater for all the kids to take a bath and gather dry diapers and pajamas. By this time the kids are calm and hubby has fallen asleep on the couch. (He worked almost 12 hours outside in the 100* heat! Poor man :( )</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8:00</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Kids are all out of the bath, dried and ready for bed. Hubby is still lightly sleeping so I go ahead and tuck the kids in. I put Caleb down and give him some milk and sing him a song and then go to the girls room, tuck them in and pray with them. Diana's prayer is that she is so thankful we got to do school and Ellie was so happy we got to play outside :)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I put away away dinner and prepare Daniel's lunch for the next day. I take care of the dogs and change into comfy pajamas myself. I check my emails and hubby wakes up!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">8:45 </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Although still somewhat early, we are both exhausted and decide to get ready for bed. By the time we actually finish showers, talking, laying out clothes for the next day get something to drink ect... it's 9:15 when we actually go to bed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">9:20</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> The hubs is already asleep and I'm laying in the peace and quite. I can hear the bull frogs outside and the moon light is shining bright and streaming through the window into our room. So peaceful! I feel as if I could lay here and enjoy the quietness all night. But 2 minutes in and I'm already feeling myself fall asleep. Except, I'm really not. I have gotten out of bed and have been on line for 2 hours! So before much more time passes, good night all!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*Next Day Edit*</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Note to self: When you're exhausted, go stinkin to bed! There is a reason why God lets us feel peaceful and tired at night, it's so we can go to bed and get some sleep and not be dead tired and grumpy the next day! :)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-31613221645360937702014-06-11T12:05:00.000-05:002015-10-26T17:18:07.041-05:00The Houston Ballet: Swan Lake<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Saturday Daniel's brother Josh, hubby and I went to the Houston Ballet's performance of Swan Lake. Oh. My. Goodness. It was completely breathtaking! I have been to 8-9 professional ballet performances between The Milwaukee Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet (Chicago) and the Houston Ballet. Houston'a Swan Lake was by far my favorite! The opportunity to go came at just the right time too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately I have been feeling a little, homesick? I guess that's the word? That isn't completely right, because Texas is home and I'm not totally distraught like I have been in the past missing my family, friends, and all things familiar. But I have been missing everyone/everything none the less. So when Josh randomly asked if we wanted to join him at the ballet that weekend, we said yes! It was the perfect sort of thing to get out of a kind of gloomy mood and have something fun for the weekend planned. Houston is still a very "new" city to me, so I love when an opportunity arises to go do something fun in Houston!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Also, I was finally able to wear my headband of strands of twisted crystal rhinestones that I bought and haven't been able to wear yet. I wish I had a better picture! But, believe it or not I hardly took any pictures! We had so much fun talking in the car and jamming out to music that I did't have time to worry about my camera! That, and you can only take so many selfies when other people are around ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ballet was at the Wortham Center, which is just the most beautiful and perfect place to watch a performance. It's in the heart of downtown, and with it being an evening performance, the downtown city lights just seemed to make everything dazzle.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: iaahouston.com</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaVrm_j5akj-Dd1z5PV-HQt_7GssCijtlanmbTegq9qiMciETCFpZpAhcAncYfizyiZmnuV3o3a-TUwz4c6qNyHqj4lPh6gcv6PCiapse1FGeyqCAcN2qjvdyJey2Teszq3FgJ_IACbI/s1600/wortham+center+downtownhouston.org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAaVrm_j5akj-Dd1z5PV-HQt_7GssCijtlanmbTegq9qiMciETCFpZpAhcAncYfizyiZmnuV3o3a-TUwz4c6qNyHqj4lPh6gcv6PCiapse1FGeyqCAcN2qjvdyJey2Teszq3FgJ_IACbI/s1600/wortham+center+downtownhouston.org.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: downtownhouston.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always get so, so excited for, well, things in general. :) But when I'm eagerly watching the clock as each minute passes and I'm waiting for something to start... well I can hardly stand it! You could tell everyone was excited! I mean, most people. I was excited for the actual ballet, Josh was excited to hear a full, uncut score of Tchaikovsky, and Daniel, well he was excited because he loves to make me happy and spend time with his little brother. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seemed like forever as we eagerly waited in our seats (which, by the way were the very highest and farthest back you could get, and still $50.00 each!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as the curtain raised and the music started, Oddette came gliding in on a boat surrounded by mist. The whole stage was flooded with with deep blue and green lights and there were beautiful, eery trees all around. The music just soared from the orchastra and I settled back into my seat. I could just tell this was going to be stunning!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a good synopsis of Swan Lake, fee free to go here <a href="http://www.houstonballet.org/Ticketing_Schedule/Swan_Lake_Synopsis/">----> Swan Lake</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But in short:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Swan Lake is about a beautiful maiden named Oddette who gets turned into a swan by an evil night named Rothbert. She is a swan by day and a maiden by night.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>After a successful day of hunting, the prince, Seigfreid is reminded by his mother the Queen that this is the last day of his youth. He will need to choose a wife at the ball tomorrow and take on the responsibility of adulthood. He is introduced to four beautiful princesses, none that he falls in love with. He runs deep into the woods alone that night.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i> <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Deep in the forest that evening along the edge of the lake, Siegfried sees a young maiden. She is beautiful, and he falls instantly in love. However, she is terrified, and begs him to leave, to no avail. Charmed by his bravery, Odette finds herself falling in love with him. As the sun begins to rise, the evil knight Rothbart summons Odette. She goes to him and is transformed into a swan and flies away. Soon thereafter, a large flock of swans lands on the lake. Siegfried’s friend and some hunters from the royal party see the flock and prepare to shoot, but the Prince intervenes and orders them to leave. Siegfried notices that one of the swans is Odette and he professes his love to her.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The next night the Queen once again hosts a ball and this time, the evil knight Rothbert arrives, with Odile. Who is the Black swan and mirror image of Odette. Prince Seigfreid is tricked into thinking the dark swan is Odette, professes his love to her only to realize he was fooled and runs after Odette, who was at the ball and he begs for forgiveness. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>The sun is starting to rise and the maidens turn back into swans. Odette is swept back up into the sky along with Rothbert and the black swans. Prince Seigfried, desperate to be with his love, grabs his cross bow to shoot Rothbert. He misses and instead hits Odette. She falls into Prince Seigfreid's arms as a maiden, the curse broken. She dies in his arms. Seigfreid picks her up, holds her close and walks into the lake, drowning himself .</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yeah, not the happiest of stories. But, wow, it sure does make for a dramatic and beautiful ballet! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It really was hauntingly beautiful. The dancers acted just as much as they danced, you were just drawn into the story as they danced and swirled across the stage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the costumes seemed like they walked right out of the page of a story book! The colors were fantastic and everything has just the right bit of whimsy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzB5q8L1l85D8yW5rM9KxmgNnI3a4T3j0v3L9cbjrbVA09m4_kMggzZfrQupobuNteSgehYPQqPb6wwKVC8_0-wrRPhf71sWmGXhFa_FE6bs7bFlKEq6QCdOntQY5pvUsh8MkuMNjgpg/s1600/swan+lake+wortham+center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzB5q8L1l85D8yW5rM9KxmgNnI3a4T3j0v3L9cbjrbVA09m4_kMggzZfrQupobuNteSgehYPQqPb6wwKVC8_0-wrRPhf71sWmGXhFa_FE6bs7bFlKEq6QCdOntQY5pvUsh8MkuMNjgpg/s1600/swan+lake+wortham+center.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The skill of the dancers was just amazing! It's one thing to be able to do an amazing and technically difficult move here or there, but each dance was just one amazing feat after another. Swan Lake is actually considered the most technically difficult ballet ever written and choreographed! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpBqLjaVHjnUwyQ1IyZvo2CX3y3SAiFHZ3UI_dcd54vdp1kNkVyJE4T0xQPmiZYJ0KLeF0GlPalTNL3xLHkPaofuLlg8UuCesK0jQw8TlQZbI9w1xA6gFYaG1iq_9oDTt1PU8SvdHo7k/s1600/houstons+swan+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpBqLjaVHjnUwyQ1IyZvo2CX3y3SAiFHZ3UI_dcd54vdp1kNkVyJE4T0xQPmiZYJ0KLeF0GlPalTNL3xLHkPaofuLlg8UuCesK0jQw8TlQZbI9w1xA6gFYaG1iq_9oDTt1PU8SvdHo7k/s1600/houstons+swan+lake.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Odette and her prince danced a very convincing couple! The love and tenderness in which they showed on stage made every beautiful, gliding movement so romantic!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNZOVOzCyeKVmVodZU1vgHQaAnxTmqawaZadjpkoRdq3uanRYJjHnTTvykPW3yPiyH3HLdsa0wWN3oUlCduwRtgLKh1pZqgtEXIrzTWouVWLcvcruSCfMftPTrmWf-Uaw-oyNBJW-82c/s1600/swan+lake+ballet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNZOVOzCyeKVmVodZU1vgHQaAnxTmqawaZadjpkoRdq3uanRYJjHnTTvykPW3yPiyH3HLdsa0wWN3oUlCduwRtgLKh1pZqgtEXIrzTWouVWLcvcruSCfMftPTrmWf-Uaw-oyNBJW-82c/s1600/swan+lake+ballet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qCdfi1ZEnczHOMHtVZ20OBb92uKUCdrTlaM6xJ7rF8c_t1sYOwq337Rxa6KaPxiD_217cYW2w3SbFS2ypZKdwU44eVL4EOxSijTjPwdRd_0ARrwyS0k-F_T7-kMmVTV6TncjlopHMg/s1600/swan+lake+corps+houston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd0qCdfi1ZEnczHOMHtVZ20OBb92uKUCdrTlaM6xJ7rF8c_t1sYOwq337Rxa6KaPxiD_217cYW2w3SbFS2ypZKdwU44eVL4EOxSijTjPwdRd_0ARrwyS0k-F_T7-kMmVTV6TncjlopHMg/s1600/swan+lake+corps+houston.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was just a beautiful, beautiful story told through dance and some of Tchaikovsky's best work! It was also very long. Often they will cut down the music for swan lake, but this time they kept the whole original score. The ballet was 3 hours long (with 2 short intermissions) and I just loved it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since we went to the later showing at 7:30, we didn't even get out to the car until after 11:00pm We were also starving as we made our way back home. Of course not much was open, and despite being midnight, iHop was packed. So we settled for a classy dinner at Taco Bell :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This last weekend was just so fun! I really do love this city and state and can't wait until the next time we get to see another ballet!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-28911310539513720742014-06-02T16:39:00.001-05:002015-10-26T17:07:38.444-05:00(Not) Losing It: Struggling With the Baby Weight. Part 2<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
OK, so like I was starting to explain in my <a href="http://agemmoment.blogspot.com/2014/05/not-losing-it-struggling-with-baby.html">last post (before getting a bit off track!) </a>Although I'm happy and free, I'm still carrying around extra baby weight. Quite a bit of it. I eat pretty healthy. Extremely lean and healthy almost carb free meals for breakfast and lunch, decent dinners, and sugar is considered a treat that I don't indulge in to often! I mean, not as often as I used to anyway. ;)</div>
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I do pilates, rarely sit down during the day, sleep well, ect... but the weight is just staying put! There are weeks that I do exercise a lot more, but that will literally take up all my free time. I know that sounds like an exaggeration, but my hour in the mornings is bible devotion/sleeping in when I need too (not past 7:30 or 8:00 though!) </div>
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Evenings are family time. I have tried staying up after everyone is in bed asleep, but I'm either so exhausted that I can't make it through a session, or what usually happens, I become totally awake, get wound up, stay up and then become crabby the next morning. I still will do that now and then, but night time is not a good long term solution for me! </div>
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I have tried working out while the kids are up, but in a different room, but with a 5,4, and 1 year old, I'm interrupted so much it's hard to keep my heart rate up for longer than a few minutes!</div>
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Caleb takes 2 naps during the day. The first one is at 10:30. This is school/me and the girls time. So I won't change that! And then during his second nap, I have the girls read or color quietly on their beds for 45 minutes. That way, if they need it they will end up falling asleep, but regardless that's 45 minutes I know that I get each day to get things done. Of course the girls will try to get up, but usually that's just my quite time.</div>
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That's when I will balance the checkbook, make phone calls, go online, pinterest, ect... And let me tell you, that 45 minutes go fast! Often I spend that time just cleaning and getting things done too. So, I guess if I *really* wanted to, I could exercise my little heart out then... and I have for weeks at a time, but spending all my emotionally "quite" time doing cardio, well... makes my heart sad. lol I knowI I know! Being good to your body should make you feel good, and it does, but I need a little time during the day to recharge and have a few minutes to work on my interests (like photography and photo editing!) before hubby gets home, because then our night is just in fast forward until we all go to bed.</div>
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So I'm left with a choice, how much do I dedicate my time and energy to working out and counting each calorie? I want to continue to try to make as many healthy choices as I can each day, but how much do I want to push myself? And why do I need to push myself? Sometimes I worry it's vanity, but other times, each pound seems to drag my 5'3" frame down so much I feel like I'm carrying 100. (Living in a southern, high humidty climate dose not help!) I think about losing weight every day, many times, everyday. I feel like I get way to obsessed about it, and I have been really trying to accept that right now, maybe losing a lot of weight is just not going to happen in this season of life right now. Maybe I need to accept that I have a few extra pounds, enjoy my young children, be glad my life is filled with so much joy, and get on with life.</div>
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Other days, I'm so totally exhausted, I feel like crap and I'm still at times wearing maternity clothes ( I have been for almost 5 years :( how embarrassing) and I cringe whenever I see a picture of myself. I feel slow, tired, and out of shape. </div>
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I know there is a healthy balance between these two, but I'm having a really hard time finding it. Especially when I see so many other moms lose the weight, I wonder how I don't. Is it genetics? Age, what?!?! What am I doing so wrong?</div>
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Anyway, I was standing in line at walmart the other day. And granted, I was wearing one of the said maternity tank tops, so that probably didn't help. But as I was having my things checked out the older lady behind me asked "when is little one due?" "what??" I was in my own little world, and totally off guard and didn't even totally catch what she said, so she motioned to my belly and asked again" when is little one due?!"</div>
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Oh Lord... As she stood there with now her and her husband smiling at my belly I realized she thought I was pregnant. I was so humiliated. I just stood there for a moment, mortified as now her, her husband and the cashier all stood there waiting for my response. "Oh... Uh... "<i> I should just tell them I'm not pregnant, just fat. then maybe they'll feel bad, let it go and I can get out of here. "</i> I opened my mouth and before I knew what happened next I blurted out "I'm 12 weeks" <i>Lord, forgive me for lying....</i> "Well! Your mighty big for only 12 weeks! "oh... it's my fourth, so... <i>(Oh God! Another lie! I'm sorry Lord!) </i>at this the cashier and lady in line proceeded to make comments on have I figured out what causes pregnancy and tried to go into birth control options for me to consider, at which point I grabbed my bags, just laughed and walked out of there as quickly as I could.</div>
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I felt just pissy and mad as I walked through the parking lot and into the jeep, but after I shut the door. I burst into tears. I cried the whole way home. </div>
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Long story short... I was hurt, but I knew not to let one person totally ruin my whole night and just asked God to help me let it go and not become obsessed about it. I did proceed to have a good night, but I do feel like it confirms in my head that I don't just feel heavy, I look it. </div>
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I haven't ever wanted to talk about my weight loss efforts on here because, I keep thinking this is just a phase and I'll get over it quickly. And maybe I'll talk about it after I lose all the weight and can share a success story. But now I feel like I want to share.</div>
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I think being accountable to my blog will help me stay on track to eating clean. I have always used lists, journals and notebooks to help me stay on track. So I think this will not only perhaps help me stay on track, but maybe let other people know they are not alone in trying to lose the weight!</div>
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This life is too short and to fleeting for anyone to judge their value or worth on a stinkin number on the scale, but I'm all for feeling healthy and filling your body with good things! </div>
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So, here is to a fresh start of eating healthy and gaining more energy (and less weight!) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-10585459695018034402014-05-30T07:11:00.003-05:002015-10-26T17:20:47.093-05:00(Not) Losing It: Struggling With the Baby Weight <div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
Let me just preface this by saying that this turned into such a long post covering more that one subject, that I'll finish this post in a second part later :) <a href="http://agemmoment.blogspot.com/2014/06/not-losing-it-struggling-with-baby.html">Second part here is here ---> part 2</a></div>
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Well, as I was talking about in my last post, summer is upon us and in full swing, at least as far as the weather in concerned. Every day this next week is in the mid 80's sometimes hitting 90* and the humidity level is, as always, just off the charts down here. This is all fine and wonderful, I do love the warmth! But it brings attention more and more with each hotter day to my weight.</div>
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Since having Caleb (my 3rd baby) I have had a very uphill struggle with losing the baby weight.</div>
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5 years ago after the birth of my first daughter, I had gained quite a bit of weight (45 pounds!) Part of it was pregnancy itself, indulging in my pregnancy cravings, and still in the "newlywed" phase of our marriage I was cooking large, rich meals. But, after giving birth I lost all but 13 of the 45 pounds in the first 4 months. That was such a great start that I just planned on continuing to work out when I could and drop the rest of the weight and tone up!</div>
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Of course, most of you know that at only 4 months post pardum I became pregnant with my second daughter. It was such an exciting time! I gained another 30 pounds on top of that 13 though. Then, after the birth of Ellie, post pardum depression hit me, hard.</div>
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I have dealt with depression on and off a lot of my life. Thankfully, I know Jesus Christ as my own, personal Savior. As long as I keep my eyes on Him, I'm safe, happy, content, and joy filled. He fills my heart with joy and is a shelter from any storm that is happening on the outside. When I can feel the waves of depression coming on, I go to the one source of true comfort, my God. And the one place where I can get 100% good advice and wise words, the Bible. These two put my life into perspective. God's word banishes fear from my mind, gives peace to my heart and instills a joy so complete this world can't take it away!</div>
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The problem is when I start to try to figure out problems on my own.... when I don't run to God but run to Google, when I don't focus on His word, but my own problems. When my heart feels so heavy I reach down inside myself, instead of up towards God for strength. Of course, my strength fails every time, so I only get more depressed, more withdrawn, and deeper into places where I don't want to go. </div>
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Anyway, my old enemy depression hit me full force, literally hours after Ellie was born. The first day home from the hospital, I spent almost the entire night (when not nursing a baby) in my closet, door shut, bawling my eyes out.</div>
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At this same time, Daniel's hours at work were cut dramatically, we fell behind with bills, money became extremely tight and Daniel was fighting his own battle feeling incredibly home sick for Texas and missing his family.</div>
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Up until this point in our marriage, I would go to Daniel to help my feel better. Not only my best friend, but he himself is so close to God he always just gave the best advice and could make me feel better. But, with us both struggling and hurting on the inside, with nothing left to give the other, we both felt let down and alone. As you can imagine, fights ensued and the newlywed stage came to an abrupt end. </div>
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I knew the answer to my depression was to run to God, but it was like I had fallen so deep so quick, I felt enveloped by my depression and was to weak to fight for joy. </div>
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I felt pretty hopeless, despite knowing where my hope was found. I felt like I had tried to reach out to God.... but just couldn't do any more than I was doing, and just really gave up. The thing about God though, is if you're His, He's yours forever. And even when we let go of Him, He never let's go of us. He might allow us to go through things, but He's never really left us. He finds ways to bring us back to Him and spring new life in the winter that our hearts are in.</div>
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God used one of my very dearest and closet best friends Becky to do just that. Becky and I have been friends now for 21 years(!) Going through phases where we saw each other often and not so often. We hadn't gotten together very recently, but here I was with 2 little children and she was pregnant with her third, so we were both busy. But, she reached out and reached out to me inviting us over. Of course anyone dealing with depression knows that getting together with anyone and trying to muster up a happy facade just sounds like just the most monumentous task, so you refuse.</div>
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But finally, I had run out of reasons not to go... so packed up the kids and came over for a visit. </div>
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That one afternoon at Becky's house was like a ray of a warm sunshine after a dark and horrible storm. I wasn't completely over my struggle, but getting together with my beautiful friend left me feeling energized, hopeful, and not so alone.</div>
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That afternoon, Becky's peaceful joy was so evident, that I couldn't help but be inspired. I think she would think it's funny that I would describe an afternoon at her house as "peaceful." But the funny thing about peace is that it can take many forms, and doesn't always need to be noiseless! Despite the craziness and chaos of having all of our littles together, she has such a beautiful and quite spirit, that God really used her to reach me.</div>
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We started getting together more often. We would share stories, recipes, ideas, ect. We could share and lift each other up as we confided about struggles with children, being good wives, and family things. The thing about Becky that I love is that she can be happy and share her love of her family, but can also be transparent about what's going on her life and share her frustrations. She is just real! </div>
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The weeks went by and turned into months, and I started to let go of things and God picked them up, took care of them and restored my peace and my joy. I recommitted my life to Him, and found myself turning back into the joyful, happy woman that I like to be. With me not so invested on my self, my relationship with my children, and especially my husband once again flourished. Joy abounded in our home and peace was restored to even better than it was before!</div>
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Remember, this joy wasn't due to anything I knew or did, it was simply letting God take the life I so feebly was trying to hold onto. I was a christian and knew God already, but sometimes we fall or slip, because we're human and that happens. No one is immune from heart ache and sin. But the difference between doing it alone and having God; is that God will gladly take your burdens and tears, and trade you for joy and peace. If you want joy, real joy, all you have to do is ask God. That's it. Just tell God that you're tired of doing it on your own and want Him in your life. He'll guide you through the rest.</div>
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How do I know God is real and that He exists? Because He has shown me. He has restored me. He has saved me. If you have never asked God into your life, I would encourage you to do it today... do it now! He is real, He knows you, He loves you, and He wants to help you. But God doesn't go where He's not invited. So won't you invite Him? If you want more information on becoming saved, I would encourage you to go here <a href="http://www.christianity.com/11541702/">-------> Becoming Saved </a></div>
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Have a joyful day friends! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-84540715154671147822014-05-06T16:27:00.002-05:002015-10-26T17:21:44.566-05:00Time for summer!<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: small;">
Welcome summer! Well, almost summer. Summer for me anyway. Although I have lived here in Texas for just over a year, it's going to take longer than that for this cold weather Wisconsin girl to get used to the south Texas weather! So for all the Texans down here, it's spring, but in my mind, if the trees are all lush and green, the flowers in full bloom and every day is in the 80's.... SUMMER!!!!</div>
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Our summer (Spring) has been off to an eventful start! In the last 45 days, we have had 34 days of overnight guests! Not really guests, but my family. :) My sister Amanda came here for about a week, we went to the Houston livestock show and Rodeo, it was so fun! We also so Zac Brown Band, went to the Houston Zoo and just spent a lot of quality time together. She met Caleb for the first time and we got to just be fun giggly sisters together!</div>
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Then, about a week and a half later, my youngest sister Emily came on a whim! This was her third time down, so we didn't do a lot of touristy things, but pretty much hung out. And she finished installing the flooring in the hallway! It was a project Daniel had started, them Emily and I were working on together. I went to town for some shopping and when I got back... volia! She surprised me and went ahead and finished our project. What is family for? ;)</div>
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My grandfather was originally planning on coming a week and a half later, but he changed his plans last minute and got here early, while Emily was still here. Unexpected, but still a blessing. :)</div>
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Em left so it was just Papa (my grandpa) and us for 2 weeks. I'm not going to lie.... we kind of just hit a wall. Everything was going really well, and it was so great to have my 74 year old grandfather with us, but Daniel and I were starting to miss "our time" together. It's amazing how much you need that alone, quite time together to recharge and prepare for the next day.</div>
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That being said, it was really cool to see my grandpa have the same relationship with my kids as I remember him having with me as a child. Grandparents are such a blessing and I'm really going to treasure the time he was here.</div>
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I was so unbelievably excited for my parents to get here! After Grandpa was here for the two weeks my parents flew in!!!!! My goodness I love them! I have always been super close with them both, so not seeing them for a whole year has been extremely hard on me. For the most part I would try not to think about it, because I would just get so overwhelmed with how much I miss them, but as the weeks got closer and then the days, that's almost all I could think about! Caleb and I picking them up from the airport has been one of the best days this year!</div>
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We had an amazing time together, we jam packed so many memories into 10 days it will be enough to get me through until this fall (when they are planning on coming down again :) My grandpa was here for another week after they got here before he left, and then we had just a few days of just my parents. :) I could go on and on.... My mom and dad are just the most God honoring, loving, generous people I know. I love them dearly and miss them fiercely. </div>
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Dropping them off at the airport was really hard and I had an emotional drive back home, but once I actually got home and just sat back on the couch with my hubby while all the kids played, I realized I almost felt relived to have just us again. Almost 5 weeks of overnight family visitors is a lot of late nights, mini road trips, sugary treats, long talks, and happy memories. So many things that make life so beautiful! But all that can also include some schedule changes, crabbiness, and over tiredness. For the kids too! :) </div>
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So despite me missing my family, I'm ready to get my own little family back on schedule. I have a renewed sense of joy and eagerness for life in general and now really feel ready to start our long summer!</div>
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So what about you? Are you ready for summer after this long cold winter?! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-43575641696250835742014-01-14T07:41:00.001-06:002015-10-26T17:22:51.467-05:00TexasI have had a tendency my entire journaling life (the past 18 years or so) to journal with quite a bit of routine, and then drop it for months or even years at a time. I see once again I have let a whole year go by without much recorded! My last post talked about the many exciting changes ahead in our lives, and have there been changes!<br />
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The move across country from Wisconsin to Texas proved to be much harder and far more difficult than I imagined it would be, but on the other hand the birth of our little son was even more joyous and exciting than I could have imagined!<br />
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So here I am in a foreign land (Yes, Texas is that different!) with a new baby and two new puppies (we had a chicken for a short while too!) Now we continue our adventure as a family of five living in South Texas and making a life for ourselves in this wild, but beautiful state. <!--3--><!--3-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-71841722648472716402012-12-10T21:14:00.000-06:002015-10-26T17:23:43.479-05:00<span style="font-family: arial;">Oh my blog you dear friend... I have missed writing! I have taken this whole summer off from writing. It wasn't intentional, but this summer has been just full to the brim with spending time with new friends, connecting with old friends, mini adventures, early mornings, late nights, long walks, and a flurry of photoshoots. </span><br />
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This truly has been one of my favorite summers!</div>
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<i>We also have 2 other big announcements..................</i></div>
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<i><b>We are moving from Wisconsin to Texas in the Spring!</b></i></div>
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We are more excited than you can imagine and bursting at the seams with excitement My hubby and I just love it down there and just thrilled that we'll be moving there!</div>
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110105648235886932933/Misc?authuser=0&feat=embedwebsite">misc</a></td></tr>
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<b><i>Also..... We're expecting baby #3!!!!!</i></b></div>
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Woohooo! So exciting!!!! This was most <em style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; line-height: 16px;">definitely</em> not planned and quite a surprise, but we are already so ready to meet and hold our new little baby! It's hard for me to imagine another little one apart of our family, my joy feels already complete and brimming over, so I am very eager to meet and snuggle this new baby. :)</div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VloEskUK616PpFvKLip3wS0jEAarYgy6Yt2Twm5OPpI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dMdn1yaHbiI/UMajKQvoCqI/AAAAAAAABiw/ybjjX4Mimtk/s640/Texas%2520pregnancy.jpg" width="427" /></a></span></div>
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Our due date is is May 9th! New baby's birthday will be just about 2 weeks after Diana's birthday and 3 weeks before Ellie's. (Those darn hot summer nights, they always seems to get the best of Daniel... if you know what I mean. hehehe :)</div>
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So, despite the amazing summer we have all had, just like all good things, has ended. The warm sun has been replaced with freezing rain and cold winds, our long days outside on walks and at the beach has turned to restless days inside trying to keep 2 toddlers busy and my natural "exercise high" from being out and about and constantly on walks has been replaced with morning sickness, throwing up and migraines. (That's a neat little new pregnancy symptom)</div>
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I'm finding myself missing the freedom to vent, talk and general conversation the blogging world has to offer. I miss my blog friends and keeping up with every one's lives and I miss documenting my own.</div>
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I also feel more freedom to talk on here and update on life rather than on fb. Blogs are so much more unassuming. I often feel, I don't know, maybe bombarded a little on facebook rather then a blog. Sometimes seeing other people's endless rants, endless pictures and endless updates on their life can either annoy me or cause feelings of jealousy to creep in. Like maybe somehow my life isn't measuring up to how exciting, beautiful and happy other's people's lives are. I sometimes wonder if my posts or photo updates annoy people or if I post too often.</div>
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But here on my blog, people can come on here if they want to know what's going on in my life or are curious. As compared to me popping up on their facebook.</div>
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Plus, facebook is addicting and I don't like that! Once I start to get sucked in it's hard to not constantly check it and see what others are doing. Facebook is like seeing someone in the middle of a cross walk on a busy street. You see a moment and hear a sentence or two, and then your gone off to the next thing. </div>
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Blogs are like cozying up with a friend in a sort of way and hearing about their day, their lives, their joys, sorrows and actually catching up. </div>
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Not all people will agree with me on this, but that's just the way I see it.</div>
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So hello again blog world! How have you been and what have you been up too?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-53245913757431302732012-04-15T23:11:00.006-05:002015-10-26T17:24:28.400-05:00Newport Resort, Door County, WI<span style="font-size: 100%;">Mini road trip! This was another last mini get away! Daniel and I have talked about getting away again (despite just being away a few weeks ago) but have not had anything planned aside from our upcoming Texas trip later this summer. But wouldn't you know it, the perfect storm of events happened and we found ourselves up in beautiful Door County, WI this weekend! Door County is very special to me because that's where Daniel and I spent the majority of our honeymoon. :) So, lot's of sweet, happy and romantic memories! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Anyways.... hubby was talking to a friend at work who said what great prices there are up there during off season. When he got home we went online, checked out the place a bit and made reservations for the very next weekend! We stayed at the </span><a href="http://www.newportresort.com/" style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 100%/normal Georgia, serif;">Newport Resort</a><span style="font-size: 100%;"> in Egg Harbor and it was perfect!</span><br />
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Everything was beautiful, inside and out!<br />
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This is the Lobby. You can't see it from this angle, but they have a whole pile of games and stuff you can borrow and use while you're there!<br />
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They sold sweaters and shirts. Rats! I meant to get one. Oh well, I guess we'll have to come back some time. :)</div>
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Of course, what else do you do after you check in? Why, rush up to your room (in a quite manner) and have a look around! Everything was a million times looking better than the photos. It was very "resort-ish" looking without being too stiff but comfortable enough where you felt at home.<br />
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This was the girl's room...<br />
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We rented a two bedroom room, and I'm so thankful we did! Even though I have been wanting to go back up to Door County, I was (all admit, somewhat guiltily) a bit put out we were bringing our two crazy toddlers with us. But, it went better than I imagined because they went to bed early (Score!!!!) They even stayed in their room without fighting or crying or wanting to go home!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"> We tucked them in, turned on a children's </span>station (they had a tv in their room) and kept their door open a crack so they knew we were right there. They were fast asleep quickly and Daniel and I had all night to ourselves!</div>
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This is our room. I wanted to take all the blankets home with me! The sheets were soft cotton and they had a white crisp comforter under the blanket. I got out of bed just so I could get back in it again. Awesomness!<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nPy0RiM9MO7IVIzmVlILcJD8YScZJHSs2ISBg6LkQgo?feat=embedwebsite" style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 100%/normal Georgia, serif;"><img height="427" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PX7Cphwkc8o/T4ubmfaSmwI/AAAAAAAABgk/kKjm2apW9Yg/s640/door%2520county%2520newport%2520resort%25206.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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There were two bathrooms, the one off of Daniel's and my room had a huge Jacuzzi jet tub!<br />
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This is a picture of a mirror. I wore my Texas dress, it's one of my favorites :)<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/45Zvs33EXNHzAaBrx6GfoJD8YScZJHSs2ISBg6LkQgo?feat=embedwebsite" style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 100%/normal Georgia, serif;"><img height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9pIYNzYJaJA/T4ubocDChrI/AAAAAAAABg0/djpxkblfH9U/s640/newport%2520resort%2520egg%2520harbour.jpg" width="430" /></a><br />
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They had a kitchen stocked with not only an oven, stove, fridge, coffee maker, ect. But all the dishes that you could need to cook! It was so handy and very perfect.<br />
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An instant fireplace! This was hand's down a selling point when we made reservations. It was cool. Or hot? ;)</div>
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After looking around a bit and testing out all the couch cushions and the bouncy, comfortableness of the beds, we decided we were famished! We actually didn't bring much food to cook (that was my sweet hubby's idea, he wanted me to be able to relax too and not worry about cooking :) We had planned on calling for Pizza but no one delivered to where we were. The Resort is actually in the middle of almost nowhere. The town (Egg Harbor) is filled with quaint little shops and has a strong nature and art presence. Beautiful, but we still needed a place to eat! There were a few restaurants, but we didn't want to take the kids out and hubby and I wanted to hang out in our room. The nearest take out place was over 15 minutes away! Thankfully, we found a tiny little store called the <a href="http://doorcountygrocery.com/">Main Street Market</a> just a stone's throw from where we were staying. We picked up a few things and headed back to our room!<br />
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When we got back the sun was setting and the view was breathtaking. We had our own little patio that looked out over the woods and the road in the distance. I would have taken more photos but we were just having to much fun all playing together! </div>
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After dinner the kids went to bed quickly (Thank you Lord!) and hubby and I had a good couple of hours to ourselves! We drank some locally made soda, cuddled up on the couch together and watched some tv shows from when were were young. Does anyone remember Tim Allan in <i>Home Improvident? </i>Neither of had seen that show in <i>years. </i>We laughed at the 90's fashion and the slapstick comedy and reveled in the pre-reality primetime. </div>
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Then we just talked, spent a ton of time in the hot tub (my poor muscles already miss it!) and then snuggled up in front of the fireplace before going to bed. The whole day went by to quickly!<br />
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We woke up early the next day and went down and had some breakfast. They served a variety of juices, coffee, cereal, bagels, and such. I thought that was especially nice considering that your room is set up to be able to cook yourself.</div>
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We checked out and were on our way back home! There were so many things Newport Resort had available that we never even got a chance to use. There was an indoor and outdoor pool, an arcade room, and play place for the kids! It was a great place to stay. I highly recommend the Newport Resort to anyone (kids or no kids!) who is planning a trip to Door County, WI!</div>
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So, we are back home and unpacked and ready to start another week. (Though I'm still missing that hot tub pretty bad :) Our mini trip was a big blessing and I'm so thankful that we got to go. Now here starts another week back in reality land!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-17512078265976797462012-04-14T05:40:00.003-05:002015-10-26T17:25:25.385-05:00Red River Gorge, KYRoad trip!!! We recently came back from a mini vacation / getaway / road trip to Kentucky. We weren't really planning on a big get away, Daniel and I had originally planned for just him and I to go for a night or two down to Louisville, KY. But, long story short, Daniel's oldest brother and his girlfriend (from Louisville) his older sister and her husband (from Virginia) and his younger brother (from Texas) and us all met up for about a week in Red River Gorge, KY for an almost week getaway in the mountains! <br />
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Since I don't have a ton of time, I'll share in pictures instead of words our trip. That's my favorite medium of retelling a story anyway......</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M9LwvC_YOY1wnaoe1Dble_aiE6hxuN6cnLSKDb5bp4k?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJJb6NFasgBl6PeN3n0-tWVVsos9OZTDykssngaT9iOJabmrUsjwQc5QC7IX4fzVqIRrAGDKTyW6QYrGB9s8mjwAJyfJsucsgvQ6kWj-SztYq2EKTgqFpo3WPONtziS8Krcx_KoW03P8/s640/kentucky%2520road%2520trip%252016.jpg" width="640" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-4992069544589629742012-03-26T08:52:00.002-05:002015-10-26T17:26:44.174-05:00Wisconsin Restaurant Expo 2012<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sorry about the sporadic posting everyone, life truly has been crazy! But here I am now, again, to share a little of what goes on in the world around me. I'm stepping out of my normal posts about children/ home life to share something special that my little bro and I got to do. We went to the 2012 Wisconsin Restaurant Expo together!</span><br />
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My little brother, Jacob is currently enrolled in culinary school and let me to you everyone, he is amazing! Growing up my family and I all simultaneously agreed that out of everyone he would be the successful business man. Between his business knowledge and his mad cooking skills, he is a force to be reckoned with! Of course, I too have always been in love with my kitchen and cooking (keep watch on mmmmm my blog for an amazing recipe for homemade Naan bread!) So needless to say, a restaurant expo was right up our ally.</div>
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The whole event was great, but one of the most exciting parts was that Duff Goldman was the keynote speaker! He was great and shared a lot of helpful information. He definitely had his own style, not what I was used to as far as presentation style speeches go. He was kind of sporadic and he peppered tons of little funny stories and antidotes throughout his presentation. He veered off track several times too. The whole thing presentation was both entertaining and informative. We both liked it a lot!</div>
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Afterwards he was available for book signing for his bestselling book <span style="background-color: white;">Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes. Jake brought something much cooler for him to sign, one of his mega big pastry cookbooks from school. Awesomeness! Apparently Duff thought it was neat too, he wrote: <b><i>Yes! This book is much more useful than mine! Rock on, Jacob.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Jake was thrilled, as you can imagine. After he signed Jake's book he looked up at me, and kind of looked at my hands like, "Where's her book?" For some reason, even though I knew I was going to book signing, it never occurred to me to bring a book, I just had my camera, of course. I had been snapping pictures the entire time Duff was signing my brother's book, so when he was looking at my bookless hands I commented "Oh, I didn't bring a book because I just wanted a picture, because a picture is worth a thousand words, so by me taking your picture instead of you signing my book, it's like, better than getting a thousand signatures!" ....Um.... Slight pause..... He looked at me like I was an idiot or completely nuts.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Ah well :)</span></div>
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Here are some of the highlights of our day: </div>
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This is Corin Beier. She was one of the students that competitively entered the cooking competition! She was super nice and just looked so "chef-ish" I had to get her picture for the blog. :) Her and my brother were on opposing schools. Fortunately, I think she cooks better than she trash talks ;) Like I said, she was super sweet :)</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Afterwords</span>, before going home, we stopped at the old out of commission Pabst brewery. I don't know how old the buildings are, but they look to be at least 100. Very cool!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">We had a great day and I wish I had time to share more, we took over 200 photos!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-14311015362659222872012-03-09T05:50:00.003-06:002015-10-26T17:27:43.316-05:00Snowy Cozy Days<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">After a whole winter of almost no snow whatsoever (for Wisconsin anyway) this spring has finally brought our expected snow globe white out snow fall! This past weekend we got just a ton of snow, it was breathtakingly beautiful! It was just like the movies, where someone goes to bed to the snow falling down, then wakes up in the morning to find everything covered in a think, shimmery blanket of white. It was just lovely!</span><br />
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So, it wasn't until March that I got to take the kids out in a sled! So I was very excited about that. :) I wanted to spend more time taking pictures, but that was impossible because my poor children's little legs couldn't make it through the drifts and they kept face planting into the snow. It was adorable, actually. :) Every Midwestern child needs lots of memories of face planting in the snow. :)</div>
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I just love the "powdered sugar effect" It looks like their playing in piles of sugar! That's the way I see it. anyway :)</div>
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After being out for only about 25- 30 minutes we came back into our nice cozy home. We cleaned up before starting some crafts. Look at Elle Bell handling the vacuum like a pro!</div>
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I am always on the lookout for things to do with the kids to help us all pass the time with something other than cleaning and watching tv during the day. Building block towers with mega blocks still remains their favorite thing to do, but on our snowy day we had fun with construction paper! </div>
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It was a great snowy day craft. We made everything out of paper (Ha! Come to think of it, everything but paper snowflakes :) I cut out animals for them to play with, they colored on the paper, we practiced writing out all of our names, they picked out colors and I made them paper crowns and we made paper chains. The whole package of paper cost only $1.00 and I bet we didn't even use half! It kept us all busy for a good 2 hours (add an extra 15 minutes for me and cleanup ;)</div>
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Yummmy Red Bull :)</div>
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It was just a great day. It's hard not feel in auto pilot 24/7 and just go through the motions as the hours in a day just pass by. Winters here in Wisconsin have always been a struggle for me, but being a stay at home mom with 2 little people can just be hard. I think it's that way for a lot of people who lives here though. You just have to really make sure to plan things to do so you don't get to caught up in having nothing to do!</div>
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Well, it was just about 70* here just a few days after the snowy day. I love the snow... but we are so ready for warmer days! Here comes Spring!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-45747994681112267132012-03-05T22:34:00.008-06:002015-10-26T17:30:03.919-05:00The Homemade Pasta "UnRecipe"<div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Although this is a "recipe" for pasta, this is actually an un recipe. I'll give all the directions, but if you go a head and make them for yourselves, you'll see that you really made them without any directions at all. So this is my "un recipe" for the best homemade pasta. Ever. In the world. Yes. </div>
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<b>The Homemade Pasta "Un recipe"</b></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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<ul>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>I cup of flour</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon of salt</li>
<li>2 Tablespoons of water</li>
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<b>3 servings</b></div>
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Directions:</div>
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Mix together the salt and flour. Make a "well" or hole that doesn't quite reach the bottom of the bowl and crack a large egg into it. You can do this in a bowl, like I did. Or, if you're feeling brave, do like the Italians do and Just heap the mound of flour directly on the counter and add the eggs into that.</div>
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Since this supposedly is only 3 servings I went ahead and tripled it. As I was adding in the flour I was disrupted by the littles running around me and lost my train of thought (Oh Lord, this is sad. I only had to count to three, for three cups, and I lost my train of thought. This is a new low for me and slightly disturbing) Anyway, I lost my "train of thought" and could not remember if I had done 2 cups or 3 already and I was in a hurry, and it looked about 3 cups but I added about a half cup extra anyway.</div>
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Go ahead and mix that and add the water. The dough should be sticky and firm. This WILL NOT be enough water. I ended up doing about 10 Tablespoons of water and 4 Tablespoons of olive oil. Just add enough water and oil to make a dough you can knead and that looks all doughy and happy.</div>
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Knead this for about 4 minutes. I then let mine sit for 15 minutes.</div>
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Once that is done you can either roll out the dough with a roller or use a pasta maker. I used my nifty pasta maker that my mom gave me. </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RMLrk9iNByoAT_5K--INo3LJrM1z_cyGM_bu1vdCThA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PtxfBSk8YFs/T1WYW3hpPUI/AAAAAAAABJs/SmJ5Sr718qw/s640/home%2520made%2520pasta%2520maker.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took about 1/8 of the dough, floured it and rolled it through twice before rolling it through the pasta side. I decided to let the kids help. This, of course doubled the time it took to do this, but that's ok. :) After a while of this though E. became bored and wandered off and I set D. off to the side of where I was working. She happily, very happily kneaded her little ball of dough in the flour she kept stealing when I wasn't watching her. :)</div>
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Once you have the pasta, let it dry out for a bit before cooking. I let mine sit and become slightly dry, about 20 minutes.</div>
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Start a salted pot of water boiling. These noodles take about 8 minutes (depending on how long you let them dry out for.) to cook. It doesn't look like there a ton of noodles, but they are so very filling! All four of us ate our fill, and there was still enough left over for another whole dinner's worth, at least!</div>
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The rest of the family had the normal pasta sauce, but I rinsed mine until they were cool and added in just a bit of ranch dressing, a tiny bit of Sun Dried Tomato vinaigrette and a slight squeeze of lemon. It was perfect!</div>
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Although this takes longer to make than dumping a box of pasta in a pot, it was worth it! It doesn't even taste like pasta, it taste like long strips of Italian wheat goodness! Try it, you won't be disappointed!</div>
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Come check out some other great recipes and crafts here at:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-56201601170566400392012-03-03T06:28:00.004-06:002015-10-26T17:32:07.427-05:00Whirlwind<span style="font-size: 100%;">So, lately I feel as if my "Spiritual Life" has been lacking. I know that quite alone time with God is only one part of being close to God, but to me it feels like a big part. I feel that setting aside enough time everyday to read at least a little bit of the bible and then spend some time in prayer is not only essential to give myself some time to hear from God, but to show God that He is important enough to me for me to make time for Him. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Almost exactly a year ago today I was spending about an hour almost every morning with special prayer time. It would consist of bible reading/prayer/devotional reading and some journaling. I had about and 1 1/2 - 2hours every morning before the girls would wake up and that hour for me was essential.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Lately though, in these past months, the girls have been getting up much earlier. Sometimes they wake up with hubby and I and other times I might only have 45 minutes or maybe even an hour before they are up. So not only are my chances of getting some quite time before the kids get up slim, let me tell you, I am TIRED. Really TIRED. I eat right, exercise, get almost 8 hours of sleep, but let me tell you there is no cure for being a mom. I feel as if my feet hit the ground running in the morning and I keep it up all day, trying to keep our home clean and running around playing with two toddlers all day. Then in the evening, as everyone is winding down, I'm still busily whisking around the house getting kids ready for bed and finishing all those last little things that accumulate for the end of the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">So, as soon as hubby leaves in the morning, I will read maybe a verse, sometimes a single verse, sigh a breathless prayer to God and fall asleep within seconds. I feel myself fall over on the couch and just hope God understands how exhausted I am. I usually am woken up 30 minutes later around 6:00 with kids jumping on me.</span><br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Today, after hubby left, I sat down with my bible. I already felt defeated and somewhat rushed because I know the girls could wake up any moment. and said to God "Ok Lord, I'm going to try to come to that place today. That place where I am completely enveloped in Your presence and can hear Your voice. Help me to not fall asleep and teach me more about who You are."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">My bible is a devotional bible, so peppered in between the pages are little devotions and poems. I opened my bible at random and my eyes fell on this poem:</span><br />
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<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Once I worked at whipping up a feeling I could </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">call "worship." No more. I have lived</span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">consciously in His presence long enough to know</span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Him, to recognize His pressure on my heart and </span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">mind. We've been together long enough so that</span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">fixing supper, changing the ribbon in my </span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">typewriter, and riding a bike around my shell</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">road have become almost sacramental. This</span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">does not indicate my "holiness." It indicates </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">His - His holiness and His drawing power for my</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">heart or for yours</span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 100%;"><i>----- Eugenia Price</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Wow! I felt as if God was speaking to me directly and that this poem was written just for me. All of the sudden all these "mini memories" of God speaking to me throughout all of my busy days these past few weeks just came back at once. Like all the different people He has laid on my heart to pray for.</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GYLSEVdw-xGfi0FYN_HlPmrJDQ94c7I-f2njQCR6xB0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCCmCNG75WI/TkpFbBkc91I/AAAAAAAAAsk/FCnLmquwUEc/s640/101_0869nn.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">When I'm building block towers or sweeping, He has put so many different people on my heart and I just pray for them. I don't always know what to pray for, but I pray for them. This is worship.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;">While listening to music while chasing the kids around the house a line of music touches my heart so deep I can't help but to feel Him there. I say a quick prayer of thanks for the ability to serve such a Mighty God. This is worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">I'm tired and just want to spend 15 minutes on the computer, but instead I listen to my girls and spend 15 minutes tenderly and joyfully reading them a story. I pray for God's help to be the mother He desires for them. This is worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Although not all at once, all these things work together for the glory of God and in turn worship Him. I can't define "worship" or "holiness" by my terms, I can only go by what He says in the Bible and offer my self as a living sacrifice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's</span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and </span></div>
<div style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: italic bold 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;">pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.</span></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 100%;"><i>Romans 12:1</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Only by being led by the Holy Spirit can I following God's will and worship Him. A year ago that was spending an hour in the mornings with Christ. Since then, I have entered a new season in life and now God makes sure to clearly and precisely speak to me throughout the day. Of course, I do try to set aside even 2 minutes in the morning to dedicate my day to Him, but sometimes 2 minutes is all I have. I know that's ok now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">My two toddlers are up now! Have a wonderful day and know that even if you don't always feel near to God, He is near to you. :)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-90467653492089994922012-02-29T08:05:00.002-06:002015-10-26T17:33:31.195-05:00Wordless Wednesday (Once again, almost wordless ;)<span style="font-size: 100%;">I don't know if it's </span>because<span style="font-size: 100%;"> my children are getting older or </span>because<span style="font-size: 100%;"> of the cold winter weather, but my kids have been going nuts! Oh wait, it's me going nuts! They are just the ones making me nuts. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">I have been trying to come up with more "kid projects" and just things that the kids can do with me and on their own that will help </span>banish<span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span>boredom<span style="font-size: 100%;">. When they get too bored, their moods take a nose dive, and </span>that's<span style="font-size: 100%;"> good for no one. My first big idea was to buy a slide, which we did, and it was AWESOME. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">*Side note, when I first came up with the idea I texted my hubby about it while he was at work and his first question was if the slide was for me or the kids :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">Anyway, so I bought a little slide from walmart for $25.00 and although the girls had a lot of fun with it, we had even more fun making a rocket ship! I actually got the idea from my friend <a href="http://writeread-kensie.blogspot.com/">Kensie and her blog</a> (<a href="http://writeread-kensie.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-just-too-much.html">Which you can read HERE</a>) She's an </span>artist<span style="font-size: 100%;"> and ULTRA creative. She explained in a recent post her reasoning for taking a break from the internet and taking more time to work on her own art (instead of just looking at other's art!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">So, instead of looking up ideas of what to do with the kids that day (For my new kid project idea for that day) I decided to just make something up with what we had laying around. No Looking on the internet allowed!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;">So that's why we made a rocket ship! W</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;">e made our rocket ship out of the box the slide came and old paint that we had. It took the better part of the day. After that, we played in it! It's been a few weeks now, and their rocket ship is not only still intact, but they prefer it over their slide! It was just a really great day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%;">Happy Wednesday everyone!</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mDeEZcC9DwfLKm9KdN4p0C0jEAarYgy6Yt2Twm5OPpI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixpaqUeAOgtZ7fs6UOg3yHCvb4k_0kh8hNd5qCA-_M3dCA0tGMPZ5PcdarLNVJ2KXRLqToHYjMpBtWEU6Fb5H6HaHd_ESIR2pptYCJh7r-_u0SS7baEsjO5Qe60_dFAeqbOvgNtQsTjrE/s640/kid%2520projects%25207.jpg" width="427" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-35567347094280722712012-02-15T11:48:00.003-06:002012-02-15T12:56:18.073-06:00Valentine's Day!<span><span style="font-size: 100%;">So, I have about a 12,000 word post to because I have not posted in so long and I could go on and on about Valentine's Day itself; but I'm going to try to keep it short and sweet!</span></span><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Valentine's Day was just a really great day. We all had fun and got see family and friends! Normally we don't make a huge deal out of Valentine's day, but for whatever reason this year we made a bigger deal and things were more eventful. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">Things started off bright and early with our 4:00am wakeup call! After a kiss hubby left and I read my bible and had some quality quite prayer. The girls sleeping in long enough for me to spend bible study time would have been more than enough of a blessing, but they slept until 6:30. 6:30!!!! I was so excited, I even got take take a nice long shower in peace and quite!</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;">When the girls did get up we had breakfast on heart plates and I cut their </span>sandwiches<span style="font-size: 100%;"> into heart shapes:)</span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NKgXeMe_MdExPTfJdJcq9ugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9O03QUaNq4I/Tzvu1dAILZI/AAAAAAAABG8/amfUohtWpfE/s640/valentines%2520day%2520breakfast.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>We played and then did some cleaning, then came candy! They actually helped pick out their own boxes the other day, but still were surprised to get them anyway. They were even more thrilled that there was chocolate inside! Arn't they just the cutest little boxes?</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MUGW8C4zMP6JQuAeocN8fegtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxeLIHrrLozCZaFAsKm_aNdx_793Dkj1QL3iib2O9xgJ8q1YxK8c-_Ll0mDMWUnlvc5PSKunDYxR-st3hB2273pm9yqY6nIeFOF2fYEGHtfEhDTDmIXJNOWwZTIsvSNEsJNii01tY8dA/s640/valenintes%2520day%2520candy%2520boxes.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>After that I started dinner in the crockpot. It was an amazing crockpot beef roast. I found the recipe on Pinterest. You take 2 pounds of sirloin tips, 2 cans of golden mushroom soup, a package of cream cheese, an onion, 1/2 cup of water, a chopped clove of garlic and whatever spices you want. Set it for low for 7 hours and you're done! It was Soooooo yummy! </span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>After I threw that together both girls got a bath and then there were gifts to open! My grandma sent them presents. They received clothes, headbands, hair bows, a movie (Shirley Temple :) and adorable little stuffed animals! It was all Valentine's Day themed and the girls and can always use more clothes!</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s3SwQKHM3FSUE91K2QkrCOgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-H5QeUv8WiBE/Tzvu6tKiKHI/AAAAAAAABHw/C_bUHAPLnTI/s640/valentines%2520day%2520opening%2520gift.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XHokGsq8NNAPw86oqBgnX-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U0VhXiQgKos/Tzvu3bNV5GI/AAAAAAAABHQ/utf23J8g4RQ/s640/valentines%2520day%2520gifts.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>We then went to my dear friend Becky's house! They were all decked out in pink and red and looking very festive. I brought along with my camera because I recently just got a new lens and have been looking for an opportunity to use it. All the children were adorable of course, so I new it would make for good pictures!</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/htBSgNLJYTj8o0PkcjRyPegtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsH0RIf6yUdngHn_u9LpSzvVIPRhE8LJ6JHZB8uho-dDFmNE3jJXFw_IycSF0Mvmi6xAiklH8yFf9jwBhyQ2-UMxMO3vl0vwsaKWYIpy_m83v5U2zbPcy0ZjVd7-5RquER_sgVYZPGlsA/s640/valentines%2520day%2520play%2520date.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>I just missed the perfect hug shot, but you get the idea. :)</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QBOnLyUUuMVeJuMN5t5-kOgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-iOTRJW36lp4/Tzvu5W5zZzI/AAAAAAAABHo/j2EMupxXKvs/s640/valentines%2520day%2520hug.jpg" height="640" width="437" /></a></span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div>Becky made everyone lunch and I think everyone sat down at the same time for at least 5 minutes. SCORE!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/shDJyif3wXgeLZvC-Ku3v-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WHzDoL91DEw/Tzvu7AP0-4I/AAAAAAAABH4/VTFU4lMpAvk/s640/valentines%2520day%2520lunch.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch the older kids were running around amusing themselves so Becky and I had a mini photo shoot with baby Faith. Ohmygoodess she is just adorable! Becky helped get the cute expressions out and I snapped away! Faith's photos were my favorites of the day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LKSzAC1W0mCqzy89apjsRugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n4Rbgcql3ps/Tzvu0i8rb1I/AAAAAAAABG0/nva9bjgFyCk/s640/valentines%2520day%2520baby.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j7-mVf1fIeruQJPw43G6z-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4BO0hCpp9wMI4fTZCru_cL3i2gs3cO_imxjqOQzedjqfDi99itSRyHeaNKFRrW7tVBZMULVNsZQMQtAfVguOynVmP6QqRaToThEhKq_Z2tczYg91Vy7BAXEO_uM0jhy6BSdUnDcp8mU/s640/valentines%2520day%2520baby%2520photoshoot.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Faith at one point started getting a little fussy so one of the girls tried feeding her a doll bottle. The look is priceless. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bf6Z4kJeHd3nElULEltN9OgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dIi2P60mmuM/Tzvu-IKjbwI/AAAAAAAABIY/1YFbjyPX5Cw/s640/valentines%2520day.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wf6m37mFVS8x84kN0ssEaugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dBVOJ2zH-W8/Tzvu8uIcGCI/AAAAAAAABIA/OsV0y7CYWHs/s640/valentines%2520day%2520photoshoot%2520adorable.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we went to my parent's house and saw my mom! Although we didn't have as long of a visit as I would have wanted, the girls and I had a great time being able to talk and get to see her. While we were getting back in the Jeep Diana actually ran back to my mom and wanted to stay with her. It was cute and I think made her day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Lv161I60CY7B93wP4ZLY9-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_jlsLUJiNeg/Tzvu33x6K_I/AAAAAAAABHY/07YHYZVouY4/s640/valentines%2520day%2520grammy.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>When we got home I could smell dinner and Daniel was home!!!!! That right there made it a perfect day! (hubby being home, not dinner being done ) So then my sweet hubby surprised me with TWO boxes of chocolates and a 42' HDTV. Yup, we got a new TV!!! I somehow don't have picture of the tv, but it is AMAZING! I really felt like we were watching tv for the first time, it was amazingly crystal clear. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RuveSuFWq1sxdN9EAfG4LegtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8Q3EzjwRgC4/Tzvu4TakkgI/AAAAAAAABHg/TLjjatmtonk/s640/valentines%2520day%2520heart%2520box.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZHLXv-FwWfPTCxW8-OfY8OgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B4SIjqS9v44/Tzvu9QXkmVI/AAAAAAAABII/Nd-G8dRMcQQ/s640/valentines%2520day%2520sweet.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>While eating dinner, we watched tv. I know that sounds completely un romantic and disconnected, but it was awesome! We talked the whole time, so I doubt it's considered "watching tv" We ate our dinner and had cupcakes! (The tv has internet on it, so the remote actually has a netflix button!)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PXeRBnZ8Vg3DXLYZIoBf1-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dEFhsRrE_EM/Tzvu2TDDe0I/AAAAAAAABHI/uopOdvgMZdA/s640/valentines%2520day%2520cupcake.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We put the kids to bed early and the hubby and I snuggled together, drank sparkling cider and exchanged cards. It was just special, sweet and relaxing. In fact, I don't even remember going to bed! We must have been tired, because the last thing I remember was jumping into bed, I don't even remember laying down!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great day and I just thank God for all the little extra special blessings. I can't wait for the rest of the week! (I have enough chocolate for the next month!) I hope you had a great day too!!!</div><div><br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-79898527802367869172011-12-27T22:44:00.007-06:002015-10-26T17:34:42.994-05:00Chicago! Part Three<div>
Inside a cool cafe downtown</div>
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This trip was actually my first time riding in a taxi. I don't know how I have managed so long without ever riding in one! Instead of taking your car places and dealing with the crazy traffic only then to end up paying $20.00 for valet parking, it's much simpler to catch a cab for $7.00. Not to mention the crazy cab drivers you meet! That's worth the price itself! (Daniel and I may have differing opinions on this one ;)</div>
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Night time means dinner time!<br />
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Our hotel<br />
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This is the dress Daniel bought me for Christmas! (early :)</div>
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He knows me so well :) Aside from about $100,000 worth of things for his Jeep, he much prefers, always wants, practical gifts. I, on the other hand like pretty things! Now, don't get me wrong, I have been known to ask for measuring cups, a vacuum or even diapers as gifts (for the girls, not me!) but I really do love lovely things. I didn't need a new dress, but was very happy and every so thankful to have one! I really truly do have the kindest and most understanding husband in the world!</div>
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This was taken as we were getting ready for dinner. I had to leave the restaurant before my food came because I was feeling so horrible, but it was a beautiful evening! Especially now that I look back and feel fine :)</div>
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Honestly, it was almost better that I got sick while away, because I was able to spend more time sleeping than I have in a very long time, so that was a blessing. I was very thankful to come home to the girls though. </div>
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We were all sick for a good solid week together, and coming home was just the start of it. Being away for a few days gave me the physical and emotional break I needed to help the girls though their sickness 24/7 for a week. I was very thankful that God had His hand in the timing of it all and that my dad needed Daniel down there for that week. I'm so thankful for such a loving and kind God! He takes care of all our needs and all we need to do is acknowledge Him and Honor and Praise Him. I can truly say with experience, what a mighty God we Serve!</div>
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Really, who else cares so much about a normal little old housewife who has little children to take care of, a house to clean and family to serve? Sometimes I feel so lonely, overwhelmed and over tired. Even with such a wonderful husband and great kids, life can just seem so big and I feel so small. It's in those moments that God scoops me up in His loving arms and shows me He cares enough to give me what I need. Whether it's just a good day, a kind word from a friend or a little time away... He knows my needs! Even before I do! </div>
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Wow... I just still can't get over what a mighty God we serve!</div>
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This last photo was one Daniel took of the girls and I about 3 hours after we back home. It was mixture of sickness, tiredness and thankfulness to all be together again. There is nothing like being back in your home with your family :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05829510282265212487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412138613163139159.post-27641156211340540312011-12-27T22:13:00.005-06:002015-10-27T09:11:16.626-05:00Chicago! Part TwoView from our window<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RZZuJ7mUALtKnxOxz9paFegtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmi4u_91emHx02gwdWX_GDhC0o7Nb-6EUVMJ7js9jXNV4vdIHDgjTox58oxxAf85Xfa4MxtuPxohOUNkLU5tS_bXYzPHbwsIv4u_ELoKIC0VoeXdTVsPMHAk6Vim7SnEN5uSh2zWNueU/s640/chicago%252520embassy%252520hotel.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6y3lpmFVRd5ZbIvvIHzI4OgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MBWjOUP3sPo/TvNDox7TwvI/AAAAAAAABCw/l6cawCBZLMM/s640/chicago%252520hotel%252520room.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7WB-NqoQe28n1ArBWiPgFugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5R9i13XNI1k/TvNDpMXiUaI/AAAAAAAABC4/K2wZAKpztO8/s640/chicago%252520hotel.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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This was taken while Daniel was at work.... :)<br />
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<tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/110105648235886932933/Holidays?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCMSNqbiGnr6X-AE&feat=embedwebsite">Holidays</a></td></tr>
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One of my favorite images, through the peep hole.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RwVg4BOjxHbA3wEqp1uUTugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="425" src="http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HOAvrS0RSG8/TvNDlJwhpYI/AAAAAAAABCg/b0SQpxjXFw8/s640/chicago%252520hotel%252520peep%252520hole.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Once Daniel and my dad got back we went for a little walk. I almost didn't go because I started feeling pretty sick at this point (in fact, I immediately threw up after coming back, but I'll spare you from any more details, lol ) The only reason I feel I have to mention how sick I was is because of my utter disappointment of not getting more photo opportunities and missing out at a quick window shopping stop into Tiffany & Co, Macy's, ect... </div>
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But the walk was delightful and chilly anyway!</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_nWRm_OGDNPmg96LqLcrh-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YpnOHHDoW14/TvNDWHIpMvI/AAAAAAAABAI/zyid3de1k9s/s640/chicago%252520buildings%2525203.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6x03xrccydsYik3ieb6xdOgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DU3WieVzi2I/TvNDWzLzITI/AAAAAAAABAQ/VjfuAxGiiIw/s640/chicago%252520buildings%252520in%252520christmas.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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This is part of the Tribune Tower, it was so cool. There are pieces of buildings and land from all over the world covering the building. There were actual parts of the Great Wall of China, The Alamo, Numerous castles, the World Trade Center, the Colosseum, the Pyramids, a piece of rock from Abraham Lincoln's Tomb, The Taj Mahal, the Berlin wall and there was even a piece of moon rock on display in one of the windows recently! That had to be one of my favorite places. It not only was interesting and covered in history (literally!) but the architecture was stunning.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6ds5976ktfZgCC4T6ZAArugtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTyptCowbjQ/TvNDRciq96I/AAAAAAAAA_g/fZJSlgPN2r0/s640/chiacgo%252520walk.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I love the modern but woodsy look of the white birch bark against the green. Simple and stunning!<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WQbjzyCTcQ1-0Yo_CA8G4egtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N4TMsONcoxs/TvNDau67MMI/AAAAAAAABA4/7kDAlcIusLQ/s640/chicago%252520cool%252520store.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h-P0xWcFyTkS-pKS6gVTGOgtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wvxV527JXtg/TvNDx4XQyJI/AAAAAAAABEA/dqHytcbMPNo/s640/chicago%252520pinkberry%2525205.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e--dtBJj7O78c9UCSc6Vl-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4_Fi_-KmiKY/TvND6xtbdVI/AAAAAAAABFk/IvM_fdqWq9A/s640/chicago%252520walk.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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The only store we walked into. Burberry! I have always planned to get a scarf from them... one of these days perhaps. (considering I could get a new camera lens for the same price! Which I would much rather do) I just really love the simple, sophisticated and timeless look of the Burberry style. One simple shirt that I picked up had a price tag of $495.00 hhmmm.. just a *wee* bit out of my price range. (and I'm a clear thinking adult ;)</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/10jOdIsdyOHByN9uzcFp3-gtHEMjBUqaLo0Cwb5YbS8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JlCPqoxJQTWy5InyyA_xd7CFXTZ-w0tbN94HZ3wfRsIOP0s1DjcC9277RWhtl_yXayBDtTU3VUC7Q0JAv9MRR7orMIvpjJLbVRROC0uZu1CrikE6r1VNHfQSBg9SPpdzwms75i6-8e4/s640/chicago%252520shopping.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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