tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37934715841609388672024-03-13T14:37:59.553-04:00Our Life. Our Mess.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-36724510570791170912014-10-08T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-10T21:40:26.238-04:00Making Your Very Own Dream BoardHey Peeps!<br />
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Today I wanted to share with you something I have decided to begin working on. I want to make a dream or vision board. I've never done one before but I thought it would be fun and a great motivation. For those of you who aren't familiar with what that is; it's basically a visual aid to help you layout your goals and desires for any area of your life. Some people do it for their careers, others for their physical (weight loss, health) goals. I'm doing mine to encompass my whole life.<br />
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Here's my short list of instructions on how to make one....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Supplies Needed:</span><br />
Corkboard or poster board<br />
Glue<br />
Scissors<br />
Markers and colored pencils<br />
Pictures of yourself<br />
Stickers or scrap board embellishments<br />
Old magazines and newspaper articles<br />
Internet clippings or pictures<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's Get Started:</span><br />
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1.Begin your process by gathering all of your pictures and clipping/printing them out. This may take a few days so keep them organized in a folder or envelope so you don't lose them. Think about things that represent you or things that you want in your life. Use words, pictures, symbols, anything you want.<br />
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2. Once you have gathered all of your dream clippings, it's time to really get started. Begin to organize them on your board. Starting with the center place your big focus here. Ask yourself WHAT DO I WANT? Once you have that nailed down then spread out the rest from there.You can choose to do it randomly or separate into themes or categories (romance, career, lifestyle, etc.)<br />
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3. When you are happy with the overall layout of your board, go ahead and grab the glue and make it stick. Use your markers, colored pencils, and other embellishments to make it your own. It can be as plain or as ornate as you want.<br />
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4. Now that you have made your board place it somewhere you can easily see it and check it frequently to be sure you are staying focused.<br />
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I've been looking online for some ideas and found some really great examples on Pinterest (of course). Here's some that I really liked<br />
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I love the affirmation words on this board.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FwLzLxduo/VDSBB8O7CpI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bbB3pLO2Uoo/s1600/affirm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FwLzLxduo/VDSBB8O7CpI/AAAAAAAAAJY/bbB3pLO2Uoo/s1600/affirm.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013088512812/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013088512812/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is a very neat option if you wanted to use it as apart of you home décor. The frame dresses it up nicely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92ipYKerfjs/VDSB1A9a0qI/AAAAAAAAAJg/M2RhzTo60hE/s1600/framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92ipYKerfjs/VDSB1A9a0qI/AAAAAAAAAJg/M2RhzTo60hE/s1600/framed.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Mine will most likely look like this. I am so all over the scrapbook embellishments and such.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK5KNVFQBo/VDSCvFIUZcI/AAAAAAAAAJs/-DDqQOdPh-k/s1600/embellesh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bfK5KNVFQBo/VDSCvFIUZcI/AAAAAAAAAJs/-DDqQOdPh-k/s1600/embellesh.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013084417484/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013084417484/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
This one is mainly words. So if you aren't into the pictures this is a good option for you.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="What is a vision board? A vision board is a collage of pictures, phrases, words or items that represent you and your goals. Vision boards are for inspiration; think of it as a vision of the future if you will. These goals can be either short-term or long-term. By seeing these images on a daily basis, you will keep the motivation to reach those goals and desires." class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/b7/3d/2cb73de070ecfea355c5dc39982a9616.jpg" height="320" style="height: 300px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 234px;" width="249" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013089188771/">http://www.pinterest.com/pin/68117013089188771/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sharing this over at the <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/10/link-party-palooza-grr-ripper-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow">Link Party Palooza</a></span></div>
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</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-33076959146946066392014-10-07T10:37:00.000-04:002014-10-07T10:48:09.492-04:00What’s in the Bag? - Hospital Bag Edition<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 1pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr><w:sdt docpart="64FEB1EA5C5B43C689E1FB919575B65A" id="89512082" storeitemid="X_5F329CAD-B019-4FA6-9FEF-74898909AD20" text="t" title="Post Title" xpath="/ns0:BlogPostInfo/ns0:PostTitle"></w:sdt></span>
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<div class="Publishwithline" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>It’s been a while since I’ve done a “what’s in the bag?”
post. So I’m back to share with you another helpful list. In case you missed
it, here’s the link to my first post </em><a href="http://ourlifeourmess.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-in-bag.html"><em>http://ourlifeourmess.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-in-bag.html<o:p></o:p></em></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<img alt="IVs, non-slip socks, gowns, and hospital food. Just a list of my least favorite things. #lupus #WalterReed #imissmybabies" class="_46-i img" height="200" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10713014_10152747205939443_66124707811363622_n.jpg?oh=631878f2ce1e2072ff86e3313c1cef1a&oe=54D0235D" style="left: 0px; top: 0px;" width="200" /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I had to take a visit to the ER which turned into
a hospital stay that ended up lasting a few days. Being that I am a lupus
patient I did know to bring at least an overnight bag just in case. But after having to answer
SEVERAL phone calls from my husband asking "what was that you
wanted?" And "where did you say it was again?" when my stay
extended past the one night. I decided that it would be a good idea to also
have a long term stay bag. Today I'm gonna let you know what I have put in
mine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least try to pack for a week and let family rotate the
dirty stuff home wash it and bring it back. Also, this is NOT a maternity bag!
There are plenty things needed for that occasion that aren't gonna be on this list.
However, this can be used as a starting point; and if I get enough interest I
may do a post for a maternity hospital bag. I’ve broken the list down to two categories
primary items and secondary items. No real explanation needed there. Also, to
save space in my house, I store these items in labeled zip lock bags on the top
shelf of my closet near my travel/overnight bags so they are easily accessible
but out of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Primary<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 pajama sets<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 comfy robe<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 comfortable casual outfits<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Socks (non-slip bottoms)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Panties (at least 3 pair)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bras (at least 2)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Panty liners (just for added protection)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Slippers<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sanitizing wipes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Toiletries <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">toothbrush<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">toothpaste<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">mouthwash <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">shampoo (can be dry or no wash)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">soap<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">chap stick<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">face wipes<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">lotion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">deodorant<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">baby powder <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">hand sanitizer<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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gloss, and maybe eyeliner)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Secondary<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Insurance card<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Emergency Contact list<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Current meds or at least a list documenting them<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Comfy blanket and pillow (for spouse)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Medical record overview sheet<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snacks (bottled water, granola, trail mix, etc)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cellphone and charger<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Air freshener or non-flammable scented items, and Febreeze
(I like for my room and sheets to smell pretty)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tablet/laptop and charger<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Notepad (for writing important information and jotting
down questions for doctors and nurses)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Magazines and books<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Puzzles (crossword, Sudoku, etc.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Hope this helps. Are you dealing with chronic illness that
requires lengthy hospital stays? What’s in your bag?<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-29587345047760996442014-09-02T10:49:00.000-04:002014-10-07T10:54:50.099-04:00First Day of SchoolWe officially have a first grader! I'm so excited for my little guy and hope he does well.<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10624739_10152675945184443_5005703952312189754_n.jpg?oh=0fd6c144ce7c59348b12dc8cfa764119&oe=54B0D100&__gda__=1420837717_6aaf37fc3cbeb0458936b11da1aadad6" style="height: 640px; width: 640px;" width="200" /><br />
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Here's a simple and great prayer that I found online that I want to share for all of our babies....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.caseyandcolter.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/back-to-school-prayer-childlren.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">caseyandcolter.net<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!!!!!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-37650837140009892242014-08-10T10:42:00.000-04:002014-10-07T10:43:57.548-04:00It's My Anniversary!I've been married to my wonderful husband for 8 years today! We've been through many ups and downs and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love him more today and every day.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-71827791073594574282014-07-29T10:00:00.000-04:002014-10-07T11:16:22.066-04:00Summer RecapAs the summer here is drwing to a close and our kids go back to school next week. I find myself reminiscing on all the fun we had this summer and I wanted to share it with you. So here's a quick glance in pictures of what we were able to do this summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Starting the weekend off right!" class="_46-i img" height="320" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10500344_10152498400609443_2397462605575596688_n.jpg?oh=b34380fb69775ac9dc3fe425c00e9181&oe=54ABD802" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite summer activity. Pool time!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Breakfast this morning with my fellas before we head to the pool. #makingmemories #memorialday #mybabies #mysoldier #myoneandonly #hestillleaveshisplateonthetable #YESifuss" class="_46-i img" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10369192_10152437453474443_5049330775034820541_n.jpg?oh=f8aad8e9a083a1d5593207e6468d7a44&oe=54C7103D&__gda__=1421590059_b4dbeeaa0005b8bf3a5dec4ab6b58ecb" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast before the pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Love to see these two together..." class="_46-i img" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10378087_10152507261639443_751193499416697829_n.jpg?oh=8622604cc7ab2157557899ea9dab8fc7&oe=54B77C5A&__gda__=1421275490_f638a08145e22e85ef42dff35ce6607a" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we just hung out and watched movies<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="In the studio with the Divine Vision Radio fam. #GospelRapRadio #ContemporaryGospel #DClivin #SavednHavingFun #DMV" class="_46-i img" height="320" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10561645_10152560974084443_952539225733082049_n.jpg?oh=a167fe9c4638b1c46ec8bed4d5782ab6&oe=54C42219" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I recently joined a gospel hip-hop youth radio station <a href="http://adivinevision.com/" rel="nofollow">Divine Vision Radio</a>. It's been a fun change of pace and I'm having a blast!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Waiting for my hubby. You know you look good when you walk out of the bedroom and your husband asks. Where you going dressed up like that? Side note:loving my summer hair change #summerCut #hewentandchangedhisclothes" class="_46-i img" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10325423_10152444394324443_4321223189087779756_n.jpg?oh=3dc131d73d86a3e649a7f2ea5cae453a&oe=54F896A3&__gda__=1420600600_d8b65e4455bc1579bb2438c1d1a0d574" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I decided to change my hair and get a summer cut. Next year I may do a splash of color.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Didn't bring my hat and sunglasses and earned a nice crispy tan yesterday at the water park." class="_46-i img" height="395" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s526x395/10314684_10152541297274443_7233215569758063089_n.jpg?oh=e219da2903d6f72f49f2fef1fb407361&oe=54C204F3" style="left: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; top: 0px;" width="263" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My niece and nephew visited for about 2 weeks and we were able to take them on our annual waterpark trip<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Hope you enjoyed it! I can't wait until next summer. What did you do this summer?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-10040068419753679102014-07-17T09:35:00.000-04:002014-07-17T11:32:52.428-04:00Theme Park Week: Packing Lunch for Picky Eaters<div dir="ltr">
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On today's Theme Park Week post I will be sharing with you lunch ideas for a picky eater. Although we like to experience the food at the theme park; it can be quite expensive for a family of 4, and mostly not very filling. To solve this dilemma we pack our lunch and a few snacks to supplement our "fun food" purchases.</div>
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Which brings in a whole other "issue". My oldest is a super picky eater. He has a short list of foods he likes and getting him to try new foods is an epic battle of wills... </div>
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While browsing google and some of my favorite blogs for inspiration I came up with a pretty decent menu with plenty of options. We won't be bringing the food (just the small snacks) into the park. Because we know that the park doesn't allow coolers/lunchboxes.</div>
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This gives me a little more packing freedom since I won't have to lug a big cooler around with me when we're in the park.</div>
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Here are a few of the ideas I came across to get away from the typical sandwich and still give my family enough nutritious and filling options. Some of them say school lunch but the same rules apply...</div>
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<a href="http://www.simplebites.net/balanced-school-lunches-for-picky-eaters/">Balanced School Lunches for Picky Eaters</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.happinessishomemade.net/2012/08/27/30-school-lunch-ideas-for-picky-eaters/">30 Plus School Lunch Ideas for Picky Kids</a></div>
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<a href="http://childhood101.com/2012/07/lunch-box-ideas-for-kids-who-dont-like-sandwiches/">Lunchbox Ideas for Kids Who Don't Like Sandwiches</a></div>
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For more lunchtime ideas checkout my Pinterest board <u><a href="http://childhood101.com/2012/07/lunch-box-ideas-for-kids-who-dont-like-sandwiches/">here</a></u></div>
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Do you have a picky eater? What ideas have you had success with?</div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-4426707122286710672014-07-14T08:30:00.000-04:002014-07-17T11:30:53.723-04:00Theme Park Week<div dir="ltr">
Greetings all!</div>
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Hope you had a great weekend. I spent the most of mine recovering from my niece and nephew's two week visit. That was 4 kids under the age of 9 for TWO WHOLE WEEKS! Phew! It was fun but I'm glad im back down to two.</div>
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Summer time and theme parks go hand and hand. Not to mention the fact that I am a theme park LOVER. So it's only right I talk about it a bit. This week in honor of our church trip to Six Flags I will be posting some tips for surviving a trip to the theme park with small children.</div>
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Today's tips are about planning. Here's a short list of things to remember when planning your trip.</div>
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1.Check the weather- 'nouff said</div>
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2. Check what time theme park opens/closes and if going to the water park check when that opens too. Most of the time they don't open right when the theme park does. Sometimes it opens up to 30 mins or more after. We made this nistake last year. We got into the park changed into water gear and walked all the way there just to wait an hour and a half in line.</div>
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3. Check the height requirements for rides you and your little one plan to ride. Nothing is more nerve-racking at a theme park than a fussy kid disappointed that they can't ride the ride they've been talking about all week. </div>
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4. Measure your child! - Now that you know the height requirements, compare that to the list of rides and talk with your little one about what he or she can and cannot ride. Stop by Guest Services and they can measure for you if you want to be sure. Most of the time you can get some type of indicator from them that ride attendants can see and immediately identify your child as a eligible rider.</div>
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5. If packing a lunch, check park policies for coolers and lunch bags. Also find out where the designated eating areas are.</div>
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<br /></div>
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6. Have some sort of plan worked out if you get separated and go over them with your child a few days before. Dinner time is a good time to bring it up and reiterate everyday leading up to the big day.</div>
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<br /></div>
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7. Read the park website's FAQ section- it's always a good idea to be armed with that general knowledge.</div>
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<br /></div>
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8. Make a list and pack at least two days before. So you can be sure you have everything you need. Or at least have time to add what you've forgotten.</div>
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Hope this helps.</div>
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Have any more tips? I'd love to hear from you.</div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-44058217619743413752014-07-04T09:02:00.000-04:002014-10-07T09:02:55.936-04:00Happy Independence DayHope you enjoy plenty of good food, great friends, and family!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img height="300" src="http://www.diabetesmine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Happy-4th-of-July.jpg" width="400" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-6316424883236902902014-05-21T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-07T11:00:03.227-04:00It's My BirthdayAnother year older. I'm so grateful to be here in this moment of my life. I love the wife, mother, sister, and friend that I am growing into. Lord I pray you give me strength and guidance to allow my life to praise you and be a testament to your unwavering grace, love, and peace. <a data-ved="0CAgQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=lD0UW3XXQhO2oM&tbnid=QdlVdUh4Fe1IOM&ved=0CAgQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquote2g.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F08%2Fit-my-birthday-quotes-quotes.html&ei=lv8zVK6sFoX_yQSVnIKQCA&psig=AFQjCNEM81m2vvKJg9ENIGCE_2I0zJ4svg&ust=1412780310444327" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="305" id="irc_mi" src="http://fotoimagepics.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/my_birthday_quotes.jpg" style="margin-top: 196px;" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-78347017200445849212014-04-22T09:57:00.001-04:002014-04-22T09:57:21.931-04:00Spring is Finally Here!<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Happy Tuesday Everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I am so glad to be back on here talking with you all. I won't go into a lot of details about my absence. But I will say this <em><strong><u>LUPUS STINKS!!!</u></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Moving forward the weather is finally starting to resemble the season we're in. The snow is gone, the animals and children are frolicking, and the flowers are blooming. Despite a few days of undesirable weather; we had a wonderful spring break taking the kids around Baltimore. The week ended with church celebrating Resurrection Sunday and an Easter egg hunt. I enjoyed spending time with my wonderfully awesome husband and our two amazing little rascals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I look forward to celebrating my son's 6th birthday, Mother's Day, and my birthday in a few short weeks.</span>Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-37695991871708619492014-04-20T08:00:00.000-04:002014-04-22T10:01:09.783-04:00From my family to yours....<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Happy Resurrection Day!!!</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvKpX44yOUw/U1Z14ZOVM8I/AAAAAAAAF3Q/S6d7nywUmc4/s1600/easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvKpX44yOUw/U1Z14ZOVM8I/AAAAAAAAF3Q/S6d7nywUmc4/s1600/easter.jpg" height="467" width="640" /></a></div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-41050023284824715262014-03-02T11:00:00.000-05:002014-03-03T00:14:20.329-05:00My First Style Post<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going out on a limb and diversifying my blog in efforts to
keep it from being just a “mommy blog”. I want my blog to represent my life;
which includes more than being a wife and mother. Which I thoroughly love and
is a big part of my life; but it isn’t my whole life. My life also includes me
simply being me. A girl who loves GOD, reading, chocolate, fashion, hanging
with my girls, and singing among other things. So, in addition to my usual
“domesticated mommy topics” I will give you a glimpse into me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I wanted to start simple and
share with you something every girl loves….. Fashion!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now I do not in any way consider myself to be a fashion
guru. But I do love clothes, shoes, and feeling pretty. The latter being a
thing I’ve been struggling a lot with since the birth of my youngest. I’m
currently at the largest I’ve ever been in my life and I’m struggling to find
my pretty. I won’t go into that now though. I’ll just say I used to take tons
of pictures (especially selfies) and now I only have a few recent pictures of
myself and maybe one or two that I’m willing to share with the rest of the
world. So I find it a small victory when I pull together something and I have
the confidence to want to share it with the world.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don’t know if this will be a weekly or monthly thing; and
I’m not really in a rush to decide just yet. So I will just take it one post at
a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time, I’m sharing my “Sunday Best”, basically my Sunday
church attire. I grew up in church and it is still a big part of my life today.
So this style of wardrobe takes up a large portion of my closet. Therefore, why
not start here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I want to give a precursor to these pictures by informing you my 5 yr old son was the photographer today as my hubby was M.I.A. Also, this was after we got home from church in the rain so my lovely curly do is no more. I'll do my best to make sure the photos are before I leave the house and by someone over 4 feet tall.....</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today is the first Sunday of the month; which is Communion Sunday for us. I usually try to keep in line with the traditional colors of black and white on these days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="webkit-fake-url://FCC30574-D40A-49AC-864E-3BF7C35E8157/imagejpeg" /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jV6lYNNPRw/UxQHCEVoBeI/AAAAAAAAAIA/GP8kJ5y_ZYU/s1600/blogger-image-757378810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jV6lYNNPRw/UxQHCEVoBeI/AAAAAAAAAIA/GP8kJ5y_ZYU/s1600/blogger-image-757378810.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noP11ZhkpfY/UxQHBIDmnmI/AAAAAAAAAH4/GI_SWduk7Cs/s1600/blogger-image-1577075388.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></div>
The suit is by Kasper purchased at Macy's. My necklace and bracelet (although you can't really see it) are from Charming Charlie and similar ones can be purchased <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/breakout-bib-statement-necklace.html#color=turquoise" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.charmingcharlie.com/jewelry/bracelets/woven-cuff-bracelet.html#color=silver/white" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. I saw a similar bracelet in-store at Old Navy for the same price.<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koHxP0HVEVE/UxQG_Q5WyqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/TuApnN768sY/s1600/blogger-image-34862304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-koHxP0HVEVE/UxQG_Q5WyqI/AAAAAAAAAHo/TuApnN768sY/s1600/blogger-image-34862304.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jV6lYNNPRw/UxQHCEVoBeI/AAAAAAAAAIA/GP8kJ5y_ZYU/s1600/blogger-image-757378810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span> The shoes are an online purchase from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-noreen-cap-toe-pump-assorted-colors/-/A-14679833?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C14678217&CPNG=Shoes&kpid=14678217&LID=PA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=14678217&gclid=CNOE-4XJ9bwCFTIV7Aodb1EA4A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Target</a> on sale right now for $14.95.</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
The bag is by Steve Madden and comes from a shopping trip I wrote about <a href="http://ourlifeourmess.blogspot.com/2013/10/fall-wardrobe-updates.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> a few months back.</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well that's it! I hope you liked it and I definitely promise to work out the kinks on the next one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As always I was not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this post. Links are not an indication of sponsorship or support by myself or the companies listed. It's just me sharing my stuff with you.</span></em></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rQWcqMSv9hU/UxQHAKiVpgI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Db17x5hZQeM/s640/blogger-image-1246197402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rQWcqMSv9hU/UxQHAKiVpgI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Db17x5hZQeM/s640/blogger-image-1246197402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-noP11ZhkpfY/UxQHBIDmnmI/AAAAAAAAAH0/wlHY1S-vbAI/s640/blogger-image-1577075388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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My honey and I wearing handmade <span class="st">Ghanaian attire </span>at the Black History Program this past Friday night.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rQWcqMSv9hU/UxQHAKiVpgI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Db17x5hZQeM/s400/blogger-image-1246197402.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Enjoy your Saturday Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-70744724905834268722014-01-22T08:30:00.000-05:002014-01-22T12:19:00.668-05:002014!!!!!Hey People!<br />
<br />
I'm so glad and grateful to be talking to you all from this side of 2014. Thanks for stopping by to see me and I hope to share more with you in 2014.<br />
<br />
If you read my last post then you know my family and I unplugged and took a hiatus on all things electronic and nonessential to focus on each other, prayer, and setting goals. This is something we do every year and it's a great thing for us. <br />
<br />
I also took this time to get some new ideas for the blog and I can't wait to share them with you. <br />
<br />
But today is a day for my little ones. Who want to go play in the fresh powdery snow. So, I will talk to you awesome people tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Have a great day! And for those of you in the upper east coast like me, BUNDLE UPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-19816208190850476052013-12-31T17:59:00.001-05:002014-01-22T12:08:28.711-05:00Happy New Years Eve!!!!<div class="irc_mutc">
<img class="irc_mut" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQf1qvlO-ymEjNMyKHgNWwkiPVAwql2kmX2bkcIuSFUlqboOEuG" height="212" style="margin-top: 147px;" width="320" /></div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
</div>
<div class="irc_mutc">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>I hope that you have a safe and happy new year's celebration!</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: purple;">* As a part of a tradition our family does every New Year I will be shutting off all electronics (except my cell for emergencies) for 21 days. During those days my family will be focusing on reconnecting, prayer, and setting our goals for the New Year. On January 22nd I will resume blogging and my social internet activities. Until then, I hope you have a safe NYE and see you next year!</span></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-89408664570715458802013-12-24T12:22:00.000-05:002013-12-26T12:22:26.055-05:00From Our Family to Yours
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Kingthings Christmas 2"; font-size: 72pt;">MERRY CHRISTMAS</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Kingthings Christmas 2"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Kingthings Christmas 2"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 36pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For to us a child
is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall
be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince
of Peace. </span></em><span style="color: black; font-size: 36pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Chaparral Pro","serif"; font-size: 20pt;">Hope
your holiday season is filled with love, hope, joy, and peace.</span><span style="font-family: "Chaparral Pro","serif"; font-size: 72pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-38624604567104250532013-12-23T12:01:00.000-05:002014-01-22T12:02:16.595-05:00Christmas Don't Forget List!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever been wrapping Christmas gifts at 12 midnight; and came to the realization that you had forgotten the batteries for all those wonderful "battery not included" toys that are now so neatly wrapped under the tree? Or ready to snap a pic or record a video only to see that annoying message saying "memory full"?</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, me neither....</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me being the Mary Poppins, "practically perfect in every way" girl that I am, I never encounter such a major <i>faux pas. </i>How do I do it? I'm glad you asked. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, it's not a spoonful of sugar or anything remotely <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>Supercalifragil</i></span> ..... Well you get the idea!</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's something very simple that I keep stashed in my Christmas planning folder. </span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A LIST!!!!</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I<b> </b>know shocking isn't it? Yes people, I use a list. Actually, it's several little lists. I am a firm believer in the power of a list and can be a little cray-cray when it comes to people messing with my lists. So save yourself, <b><i>don't do it, you've been warned! </i></b></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></em></strong> </div>
<div>
<b><i><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas Don't Forget List</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<ul style="list-style: square; margin: 0px 0px 1.46em 1.46em; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Batteries (unless you know for sure which ones all toys and devices take, it's safer to just buy multiple packages in a variety of sizes)</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">camcorder charged with memory available <b>(</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Please for the love of everything that is sane! Don't forget this!!!)</b></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">camera charged with memory available (<b>Ditto!)</b></span></span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you can, precook your Christmas Eve and day after Christmas dinners; so that all there is to do is to warm it up and eat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Set up some board games or other activities for guests to do while they wait for the food, etc</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">purchase items for Christmas breakfast</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">healthy and some no-so-healthy :) snacks for the eve, day, and day after Christmas</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Fun crafts and activities for the little ones to do while they wait for the festivities to begin</span></li>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">check your closets and trunk for any gifts you might have forgot (I swear I do this every year! And they end up being birthday gifts for them or a friend later on.)</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wood for the fire and something to light it with if you need it</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">utility scissors for opening those impossible packages</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">screwdrivers for the battery packs</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there are a lot of toys and electronics that need to be charged for 12 hours or more before the first use – take these out and charge now then put back in the box – makes for a easier stressfree morning</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some toys and electronics do not work until you have added the software via computer – open and load now so they’re ready to go</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">buy a few little gifts or poinsettia for anyone that pops in to give a gift </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">plan a week of super simple meals (freezer and one pot/crockpot meals are a great option)</span></span></li>
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</span></ul>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a few things to remember to do for Santa, if you participate in this part of the holiday:</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cookies and a warm glass of milk for Santa</span></li>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">carrots for the reindeer :)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Another cute idea I came across was to not wrap the gift from him and just put a big bow on it. (Other years we did wrap the gift it was just wrapped in different paper.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope this list helps you as much as it helps me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Enjoy your holidays!</span></div>
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Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-60406206589988584362013-12-10T09:14:00.000-05:002013-12-18T09:16:56.378-05:00Holiday Home TourA while back I shared with you my finished Christmas tree. You can see that <a href="http://ourlifeourmess.blogspot.com/2013/12/our-christmas-tree.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you missed it.<br />
<br />
Now I'm back to give you a tour of our holiday home. I did two DIY wreaths this year that I'm very pleased with and look forward to doing again.<br />
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I kept it minimal this year, since we weren't expecting any guests. The major focus was on the tree.<br />
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Without further ado, here's our home.....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mbn2tYNqr8/UrGsmqj8gEI/AAAAAAAAFOk/3IGKMGLf0y4/s1600/IMG_0925-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mbn2tYNqr8/UrGsmqj8gEI/AAAAAAAAFOk/3IGKMGLf0y4/s320/IMG_0925-TWINKLE.gif" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another view of the tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMS-XaAbizc/UrGsmld9dYI/AAAAAAAAFOk/LtXmWi89lwQ/s1600/IMG_0927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GMS-XaAbizc/UrGsmld9dYI/AAAAAAAAFOk/LtXmWi89lwQ/s320/IMG_0927.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how this wreath turned out and I'm very happy I decided to do it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHvAUZJkZRE/UrGsmvckpGI/AAAAAAAAFOk/fTfNvOdNngI/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LHvAUZJkZRE/UrGsmvckpGI/AAAAAAAAFOk/fTfNvOdNngI/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the simplicity of this wreath and that it and it's counterpart aren't permanent so I can change them up each year.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wstE8F_ID60/UrGsXbtSZXI/AAAAAAAAFOc/GyG7I6yWr6c/s1600/IMG_0933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wstE8F_ID60/UrGsXbtSZXI/AAAAAAAAFOc/GyG7I6yWr6c/s320/IMG_0933.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overview</td></tr>
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Hope you enjoyed the tour.</div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-83241083298013916642013-12-09T11:37:00.000-05:002014-01-22T11:38:15.261-05:00Our Christmas CardHey everyone!<br />
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I just wanted to share our family Christmas card with you all. I created it myself online using <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/" target="_blank">Shutterfly</a> which is an online do it yourself photo creation site. I've been using this site for a few years now and I love it! <br />
<br />
The quality and variety of the products and the ease of the site keep me coming back. Not to mention you can enter and keep all of the addresses of your family and friends into an address book and you can select which addresses to send and Shutterfly will send them out for you. I love that they have mobile and iPad apps and they are beautifully interfaced.<br />
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If you are in the market for something like this I strongly suggest you check them out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kkSrKXz9P0/Ut_zfXiWKEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LzuOzOLunMc/s1600/christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6kkSrKXz9P0/Ut_zfXiWKEI/AAAAAAAAAFY/LzuOzOLunMc/s1600/christmas+card.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7D9K5c9UK-E/Ut_zfbkqC-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/LNFGAQVTPOI/s1600/christmas+card(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7D9K5c9UK-E/Ut_zfbkqC-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/LNFGAQVTPOI/s1600/christmas+card(2).jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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<em>Disclosure: This review was not sponsored in any way by Shutterfly or it's affiliates. I am simply sharing a product that I have tried and like. In hopes someone will find this information useful.</em><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11121026888649003996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-15977623458728946362013-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:002013-12-06T20:31:40.321-05:00Rest In Peace<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Nelson Mandela July 18, 1918- December 5, 2013</em></span></div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-39168340859980454372013-12-05T18:52:00.002-05:002013-12-05T18:52:35.454-05:00Sinners' Anonymous Trailer (Release Date: DEC. 14 @7PM)<br />
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My church's young adult group recently filmed a web series called Sinner's Anonymous. In it you find common issues that face not just young Christians but all Christians. It premires on Dec. 14th @ 7 p.m. If you are in the Northern VA, DC, MD area it will be screened live at Living Epistle COGIC same date and time. I hope you check it out and if you do, look for me in a cameo :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_rv9CXEdKDo" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-73914593466462787272013-12-03T09:02:00.000-05:002013-12-18T09:02:58.856-05:00Turkey SoupDo you ever run out of ideas for getting rid of that thanksgiving turkey? Well today I'm going to give you one of my favorite go to recipes... <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fried Turkey Soup</span><br />
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I'm calling it fried turkey because that's what we had this year. But in previous years it's just been a regular cooked in the oven/roaster turkey. So the recipe is still the same. I managed to remember to snap a few pics of each step this time. Getting better.....<br />
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For starters you will need the following ingredients:<br />
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Leftover turkey meat shredded<br />
Turkey legs, wings, and backbone<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
4 large carrots, coined<br />
2 cartons of turkey stock, substitute with water if you don't have<br />
1 bag noodles of your choosing (I used egg noodles. If you use the egg noodles like me and you love lots of noodles in your soup, I suggest you get 2 bags.)<br />
1 large stock pot or crockpot<br />
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1. Place your turkey stock or water in a large crockpot or stockpot along with the turkey legs, wings, and backbone. Bring to a boil and season to taste if necessary.<br />
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2. Once you are satisfied with the taste of your base, then add in the carrots, onions, and the shredded turkey meat and allow to simmer for about 2 hours. If you have a crockpot it will be around for hours. <br />
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3. To thicken the soup mix about 1/4c of cornstarch or flour in a bowl with some of the broth of the soup until all lumps are gone. then add to the soup.<br />
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4. Based on the cooking times of the noodles you get, add them right when you are about to serve the soup to prevent overcooking.<br />
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Here are some more delicious pics</div>
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I always make more than my family needs so I end up sharing every year. This year I took what we didn't need to church and they LOVED IT!<br />
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Try it out and let me know what you think.<br />
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-12508802248383628472013-12-02T08:25:00.000-05:002013-12-18T08:31:38.947-05:00Our Christmas TreeThis year I wanted to do something different from my traditional red, gold, and green tree. I fell in love with one of the White House trees from last year, seen <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/209347082650479505/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, and have been wanting to recreate it. I began to look around online to see what else I can use for inspiration and came across <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243475923578625352/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243475923578626403/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/243475923578626405/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this</a> on Pinterest. After some more browsing around, a quick trip to the store for colorful ornaments, and a sketched mockup; I was ready to decorate our tree.<br />
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I started at the bottom with the colored bulbs I had the most of and then just went up the tree <br />
changing the colors as I went.<br />
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I wanted to do a ribbon around the tree but I didn't have enough on hand and was not up for another trip to the store. Maybe next year.....<br />
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I love how it came out! Don't you?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtJe-S_YAXM/UrGikNEATLI/AAAAAAAAFOA/TkuNxwEhn7w/s1600/IMG_0924-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wtJe-S_YAXM/UrGikNEATLI/AAAAAAAAFOA/TkuNxwEhn7w/s320/IMG_0924-TWINKLE.gif" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WfeUPYyZ2U/UrGikOTrPtI/AAAAAAAAFOA/mGj0IcQdFxg/s1600/IMG_0925-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2WfeUPYyZ2U/UrGikOTrPtI/AAAAAAAAFOA/mGj0IcQdFxg/s320/IMG_0925-TWINKLE.gif" width="239" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the poor quality on the photos. These were taken from my ipad; because my digi camera was low on battery. Hopefully next year, Santa will get me a better camera. </div>
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Anywho, tell me what you think.</div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-42787093068171767802013-11-30T08:30:00.000-05:002013-11-30T17:21:15.326-05:002013 Christmas Advent List<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last
night our family began our annual Christmas Advent countdown. This is our 3rd
year doing advent activities; we started when our oldest Speedy was 3 yrs old
with just simple crafts, Christmas books, and movies. This year we added a lot
more things to our list including the idea of giving to others. Within this
list are things that I hope to make a part of our family traditions (marked
with a *). My goal is to expose my sons to not only the joys of the holiday but
to the true meaning of Christ and giving in the holiday season. As you can
clearly see, my list is longer than 25 items; that’s because some of these
things will be done together. For example, on Dec. 24<sup>th</sup> we will
track Santa on NORAD and write a happy birthday letter to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Well, in no specific order, here it is……</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Kingthings Christmas 2"; font-size: 36pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Kingthings Christmas 2"; font-size: 36pt;">Our
Family Christmas Advent List<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: currentColor; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: 1pt solid windowtext; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make Christmas cookies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Give a Toys for Tots or Angel Tree gift<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Donate books to kids in need<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Go snow tubing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Visit Ticonderoga Farm and pick tree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Make our own Christmas story<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Play family board games<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make hot chocolate and Christmas trail mix
then go look at Christmas lights<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Make a holiday video<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Read Luke Chap. 2 (the story of Christ’s
birth)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Sleep under the Christmas tree<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make breakfast as a family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Visit Christmas carnival @ Bull Run Park
(in Polar Express Style)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make jello in Christmas molds<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Track Santa on NORAD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make Christmas cupcakes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Read 5 Christmas stories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make Christmas crafts as a family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Have a family Christmas carol night<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Make a star ornament and read Matt.
2:1-12 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Write a happy birthday letter to JESUS<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Write a letter to deployed soldiers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 22;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make and send Christmas cards<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 23;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watch 3 Christmas movies<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 24;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Make snow angels and a snowman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 21pt; mso-yfti-irow: 25;">
<td style="background: rgb(146, 208, 80); border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 21pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Visit the National Christmas tree in DC<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 19.7pt; mso-yfti-irow: 26; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background-color: transparent; border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0) windowtext windowtext; border-style: none solid solid; border-width: 0px 1pt 1pt; height: 19.7pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 442.75pt;" valign="top" width="590"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Champagne & Limousines","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;">*Take crazy family Christmas photos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm so excited to do all of these activities and bring the season into our home. I hope this gives you some good ideas
to do with your family.</span><span style="font-family: "Poplar Std"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linking up with <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serenity Now</a> and <a href="http://www.tatertotsandjello.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link Party Palooza</a></span></span></div>
Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3793471584160938867.post-18928616278660554802013-11-29T21:37:00.001-05:002013-11-29T21:37:33.495-05:00Best Gift I Ever ReceivedHey peeps!<br />
<br />
I hope you have recovered from your Thanksgiving turkey and Black Friday shopping. I'm on a slow recovery process due to the delicious fried turkey a friend did for us. It keeps calling from the fridge.... And I's keep answering lol. As for black Friday, I made a game plan and didn't suffer long in the lines due to planning ahead; which is a small blessing in and of itself. <br />
<br />
With all of the talk about gift buying, etc. I began to think back on the gifts I've received in my life. I have been fortunate to be spoiled by my parents as a child and now my hubby. So it's hard for me to narrow down what I would consider to be my best gift ever. But if I had to pick a recent one, I would say my birthday gift from my husband (circa May 2009). When we had my oldest son in May 2008, my husband began to tease me and give me a hard time about my birthday, because it's also in the month of May; and we all know this month is famous for Mother's Day. He would say something like "We have to skip your birthday if you want a mother's day gift." Of course he never did that. I always received something to celebrate the occasion (dinner, a gift, etc.). He just loves to as I call it, play with my emotions.<br />
<br />
This particular year I really wasn't expecting much because we had just come back from a big trip back home and with 3 major events in the month, I was willing to sacrifice for my birthday. My love had other plans. He surprised me with a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas setting sail on the day after my birthday. This gift came as a total surprise and made my heart leap with joy. Coming from a single family with 5 kids my husband isn't big on gifts and gift-giving. So for him to make an effort to plan and execute a gift like this was a big deal. The gift for me was what it took for him to do it more than what he did.<br />
<br />
We had so much fun and didn't want to leave the ship... isn't that <em>always</em> the case? A cruise is definitely a fun way to travel. Can't wait until we do it again.<br />
<br />
<br />
What was your best gift?Sharhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11168281015272461460noreply@blogger.com0