tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125931052024-03-13T02:49:46.295-04:00The Dearie's Not-So-DailiesAmy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-48830874079237069582014-09-03T16:28:00.000-04:002014-09-03T16:28:18.249-04:00In ten years...<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohHnN28XWdGufOhH3fAJJxGlcSDqPHBgdKpREpVNXp9NKLSBIXaF6ZDfjQ4tVkGadeABwKnbBcxolElEzYTyD0JGk3RLVfM0gWG_SwhwFDaPKePmzwAZfHV9-ibEjo0OjdR9nrA/s1600/182660_10150108758164310_3970634_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohHnN28XWdGufOhH3fAJJxGlcSDqPHBgdKpREpVNXp9NKLSBIXaF6ZDfjQ4tVkGadeABwKnbBcxolElEzYTyD0JGk3RLVfM0gWG_SwhwFDaPKePmzwAZfHV9-ibEjo0OjdR9nrA/s1600/182660_10150108758164310_3970634_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Engagement Photo</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Our wedding was supposed to take place on the afternoon of September 4th, 2004, but God had other plans. Thanks to Hurricane Francis, we had to bump it up to the evening of September 3rd.. and I still have to stop and think about what the correct real date actually is for our wedding. Still. No lie, I was thinking I was going to write this for *tomorrow*. Hurricane Jeanne crashed our make-up reception 3 weeks later..but that's another entry for another day. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">A lot has happened in our lives in 10 years. One decision you make changes the entire path of your life. And this is not "Sliding Doors" so there is no way to know what life would have been like "If..." But here are some of the high & low points that I could recall with my failing mommy brain.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBedsl9-iLR0Z0J07eYHwd19rNoAxNkekUZfFtoo1Omqko0RThEdGfbupy4dSRjrAv5R_nbFDNlthYEMcBX6APM0eENDjRnhkBU7nOU6sTnq1S8I_KR8nQZoDQ0KHsjz-ob-CRQ/s1600/DSCF5084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBedsl9-iLR0Z0J07eYHwd19rNoAxNkekUZfFtoo1Omqko0RThEdGfbupy4dSRjrAv5R_nbFDNlthYEMcBX6APM0eENDjRnhkBU7nOU6sTnq1S8I_KR8nQZoDQ0KHsjz-ob-CRQ/s1600/DSCF5084.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe6QD-U_t1z9m3CyVxKeHclBfKO6FHpUCDgsjjgrXmF7W7YYQI8jL5r3jXUDqJLP-0KP3UlvbeNzgxS20lzTTEDnYCZyataGr1ouS9QtQ5UF09g6n_6Sd2Pqod7A_9N7xzCPnkA/s1600/4501_87476084309_6285768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZe6QD-U_t1z9m3CyVxKeHclBfKO6FHpUCDgsjjgrXmF7W7YYQI8jL5r3jXUDqJLP-0KP3UlvbeNzgxS20lzTTEDnYCZyataGr1ouS9QtQ5UF09g6n_6Sd2Pqod7A_9N7xzCPnkA/s1600/4501_87476084309_6285768_n.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">In ten years..</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">We've spent approximately 140 days at Walt Disney World. Truth. I love it there and he humors me. We've visited family in Chicago and Ohio, honeymooned in North Carolina and shortly paused in the states in between. We were supposed to [finally] go to NYC for our 10th but without mom, childcare is a hurdle. Maybe someday I'll get to "Be a Part of it". </span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">In ten years..</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">We took over my teenage home, moved when we bought our own house, changed jobs, lost jobs, liked & hated new jobs, and finally settled into positions we love; John a commercial electrician at a company in Orlando that contracts with Disney and me, a SAHM with a little papercrafting on the side.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhlbzbrXc_78xZAGFoGohXp9hdM6_6tLIz1TE09Vg-uOhip3FhMUixSzKwZW9RB8gdpaBJVyowyNgdGurXalCP6N6OxcP12w3q5GsUYC0w0GSfgsgqgYzQoP1GNMZ6m3DT-5svA/s1600/P1010380_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhlbzbrXc_78xZAGFoGohXp9hdM6_6tLIz1TE09Vg-uOhip3FhMUixSzKwZW9RB8gdpaBJVyowyNgdGurXalCP6N6OxcP12w3q5GsUYC0w0GSfgsgqgYzQoP1GNMZ6m3DT-5svA/s1600/P1010380_2.JPG" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I lost one baby at 11 weeks, had a knocked-out emergency C-section with my first delivered child, fought & won for a VBAC on #2 despite great interventions and 2 inductions, and delivered #3 drug-free naturally. Of the 3 different ways for my babies to enter the world, I vote for #3. Only the Lord knows if more are to come though.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I laughed at homeschooling, pondered homeschooling, and SOLD OUT to homeschooling. Funny how a few years can change your perspective on things. When God calls you to it, He'll help you get through it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I've buried a childhood dog, got bit in the face by a dog we were going to adopt [obviously didn't], fought cancer & lost with another, lost a 6 year old poodle way too soon, years later adopted another that only sleeps, and inherited my moms dog that seems to be outliving everyone. Clearly, I'm a dog person. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Found, Met & Connected, for the first time, with my half sister and step sister that will only be called "Sisters" going forward. I went from being an only child to a full whole other family in a matter of 3 years thanks to Facebook.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">John's lost both of his maternal grandparents. I lost my grandmother 4 years ago and my mom this year. Life changed completely for all of us and nothing will ever be the same. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">We've made friends, drifted from friends, had friends traveling on the path with you and those that are driving down another road but you still love them, old friends renewed, new friends that feel like old ones, cried & laughed with friends only God could pick for you, and miss friendships that peacefully parted ways in the ebb & flow of life. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We've had good times, bad times, devastating moments, and times of laughter & fun, been betrayed & loved, disappointed & elated. This is life as humans. There is no perfect man, woman, or marriage on this earth, any expectation of that is delusional. But the splendor is found in adversity, in fighting for your marriage & family, in giving and receiving grace, in realizing that He will bring "beauty from your ashes" and it's only in the Refiner's fire that your true shine will be revealed. There is merit in sticking with it when you *think* it would be easier to walk out, in realizing that God is not finished with me anymore than He is finished with any of us, in knowing that in the hard times we've walk, we are clos</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">er to God and each other. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_10sfeHDSqgxqhT-BubyZBx7C8L3P14HO8BLW88Q1IEt_OVAmZZlcC9OrrPgzQ2wFXlh0sNST3MUYMEsjvjCzMRAToCLXRHoJId-rFQDYLDfN7cWUQiVyQme7Rs6M_izs1qsjdQ/s1600/nate-mundell-photography-lakeland-florida-dearie-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_10sfeHDSqgxqhT-BubyZBx7C8L3P14HO8BLW88Q1IEt_OVAmZZlcC9OrrPgzQ2wFXlh0sNST3MUYMEsjvjCzMRAToCLXRHoJId-rFQDYLDfN7cWUQiVyQme7Rs6M_izs1qsjdQ/s1600/nate-mundell-photography-lakeland-florida-dearie-9.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">God picked you for me, John Dearie, so I'm counting on Him as he reveals each & every step ahead. The verse on our wedding invitation has proven to be so true in our walk, " </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 24px;">“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>. "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 24px;">For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">so my ways are higher than your ways </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and my thoughts higher than your thoughts". </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Isaiah 55:8-9</span><span class="passage-display-version" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline;">NLT </span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">It has not always been easy, as nothing of real value usually is, but I know at the end of my life, I will say "It was worth it".</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Happy 10th Anniversary!</span></b></span></div>
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</script>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-28205214920265266512014-08-05T12:55:00.001-04:002014-08-05T13:20:03.741-04:00What I have learned as a child losing her mom ~My Cautionary TaleIt's been 6 months since <a href="http://thedearies.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-mother-and-our-journey-this-last-year.html" target="_blank">I lost my mom</a>. As we have worked through things, thoughts & lists have formed in my head that I think might benefit others. Please humor me with these random thoughts and, just maybe, let me be your cautionary tale.<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoui_b5XgR0LP9LpphlsbJAfe_8q-ZUyHAE231TW-tQiSSQnkLZ2pp5o2XmJ0SzIkH2UiB_FWo6LXlIyoo0r9ug-fsaFhKyRmQAS_KMleu0DZnGW2qnudtxeIepo84ET-__frPfw/s1600/524142_10151532688179310_1562410890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoui_b5XgR0LP9LpphlsbJAfe_8q-ZUyHAE231TW-tQiSSQnkLZ2pp5o2XmJ0SzIkH2UiB_FWo6LXlIyoo0r9ug-fsaFhKyRmQAS_KMleu0DZnGW2qnudtxeIepo84ET-__frPfw/s1600/524142_10151532688179310_1562410890_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the times she was leaving the hospital..</td></tr>
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To the children: </div>
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<ul>
<li>You aren't taking enough pictures of you with your parents and your kids with their grandparents. I bet you have an album of food pics but very few with your mom. At least, I made this mistake. She was sick that last year she lived with us so we didn't take a lot of pictures with her. She was at events and immersed in our daily life but I only took a few shots. Thought we would go get pictures when she looked and felt better. Only we didn't know it was her last year and that Abigale's birthday would be the last event she's be at.. Don't miss it in your family. You never know when the last time together is the really the last time.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY2CtEbaByAmplhnyBqw2dJAUsISJyKV5Cl53IOQEI1lopCbaiPA4he8usEiW_QvdUBG_j-t45H6ejss9WGZ3INnB8AlYAx6Q1i65p585rGzWGAx-GlSwLLydmGdRXpkmGK-c6A/s1600/IMG1997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHY2CtEbaByAmplhnyBqw2dJAUsISJyKV5Cl53IOQEI1lopCbaiPA4he8usEiW_QvdUBG_j-t45H6ejss9WGZ3INnB8AlYAx6Q1i65p585rGzWGAx-GlSwLLydmGdRXpkmGK-c6A/s1600/IMG1997.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last picture [mom on left] taken at Abigale's birthday with her helping them make snow globes. I didn't even get a "Bday girl & Grandma" pic. Don't miss it like I did.</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li>Please take videos. I took a small amount with my grandma & kids but I thought there was more time and didn't with my mom & kids. Abigale out of nowhere the other day said "I can't remember Grandma's voice. What did it sound like?" Talk about stabbing your heart and trying to drive and not sob. Shoot, I missed that opportunity. Please take a video of them together, maybe reading a book, normal life, something. Now. While you're at it, maybe take some video footage of you with them or speaking to them. Seriously, you never know..</li>
<li>The holidays aren't just about you. There I said it. I didn't want her buying them so many gifts, and sure, it would have been nice if she had got that, but instead of making it awkward, maybe I should have rolled with instead of trying to control the holiday so much. Add some extra grace and deal with it instead of getting your way. You'll have regrets on how you handled it later, if you don't.. ask me.</li>
<li>Don't rely on your parents so much. That sounds opposite to what I have been saying about bringing them in closer. But I have had to completely relearn how to parent my kids. That sounds ridiculous but in the almost 7 years Jesse has been here, my mom [or John] pretty much have always went places with me. I didn't go to Target, a grocery store or an amusement park alone with all 3 of my kids. Mom was either right along side me or kept one or 2 of them at home when she wasn't up to walking. I always had an extra hand and took that for granted at times. The kids had to learn how to function without an extra adult and so did I. She & I both knew how much I relied on her but her absence intensified that reality. Diversify your date night options, too. I miss those. They are very few and far between now since she was mostly the only one that ever watched them [and would always watch them at the drop of a hat]. <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxG4bo8WxyCU_zd9CW55fCAOF2khm5WUa_xhqvmB5MBYYm4I7-BFbYdrBHfWiwjngnckajcUt99jdUq1SXdO6mVeIf4rHqTyVsSiKAkm5wzI9jhDBZC9kk7FIewsd3pfdDhyphenhyphenYbw/s1600/1376498_10151921319834310_1642893823_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxG4bo8WxyCU_zd9CW55fCAOF2khm5WUa_xhqvmB5MBYYm4I7-BFbYdrBHfWiwjngnckajcUt99jdUq1SXdO6mVeIf4rHqTyVsSiKAkm5wzI9jhDBZC9kk7FIewsd3pfdDhyphenhyphenYbw/s1600/1376498_10151921319834310_1642893823_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">October 3, 2013 Last pic before the surgery she would have the next week that would lead to her eventual passing.. She loved to go places with the kids & I.</td></tr>
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To parents:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Let's talk about your wishes. It's awkward and depressing but guess what, it happens to everyone. How about having a book that says "This is what I want done when I die". Directions would have been great. In the midst of grief, the people left behind have to make a hundred decisions in a few days. How about you tell me now your favorite song, Bible verse, thoughts on clothes, caskets, & burial plans. If you could have a plan for the latter in advance, it would help everyone. Let's face it. Everyone will die. <a href="http://thedearies.blogspot.com/2014/02/my-mothers-funeral-and-celebration-of.html" target="_blank">Be a part of your last celebration.</a></li>
<li>Have a will. It doesn't matter what you think will happen, it's extra trouble and money, even if there is no one to contest it. Lawyers, probate courts, personal representative paperwork, estates, ugh.. the legalities I wasn't ready to know the details about, I am now knee deep inside because my mom "meant" to get a will completed. And please make sure when you create it, the will is clear, fair and completed in the right state. Update it as often as needed, when things [or people] change. Previously, I've seen money/inheritances rip a family apart first hand. You think it won't happen in your family but money can bring out some wicked stuff in people you would never imagine. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6SsPZB27wYIgHxvTjQImHowtpaEBDjeaNIfD-FRyqxRIe3KaHVcSvxXh43sK8MWVQPKhVuDhDTnM6d5KAFV0KIRRqEgCdaWNWN-t0K7g0rQzPb1wv4zEzx1oFKkC6QpcJ8dJqA/s1600/She_Who_Dies_with_most_fabric_wins_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6SsPZB27wYIgHxvTjQImHowtpaEBDjeaNIfD-FRyqxRIe3KaHVcSvxXh43sK8MWVQPKhVuDhDTnM6d5KAFV0KIRRqEgCdaWNWN-t0K7g0rQzPb1wv4zEzx1oFKkC6QpcJ8dJqA/s1600/She_Who_Dies_with_most_fabric_wins_sign.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<li>I know you love your stuff, your collections, your supplies. But you can't take it with you..and guess what, someone else has to clean it up when you are gone. I really wish my mom would have marked or verbalized what her real favorites were, what had an actual value if not sentimental, the story about this plate or handkerchief or nativity, what was really important to her. What she wanted to make sure was passed on and not just donated or sold. As I went through her wall of boxes of fabric [yes, wall!], I kept thinking how she laughed at the phrase "She who dies with the most fabric, wins". Nope, no winning, someone else has to figure out what to do with that collection. In my case, I donated 30 garbage bags of fabric to the "Stitches of Love" ministry at our church that make items for the local nursing homes & hospital. Noble cause, but it was still hard to give away her immense treasures. I've spent 7 weeks, 3 days a week, all day, trying to go through 40 years of memories. I'm about a quarter done. :( Maybe scale that collection down because others might not be so gentle with it like I have been this summer. Pretty much everyone has told me to get a dumpster or an estate auctioneer and "let it go". Though I choose not to go those options, that will possibly happen to your stuff.</li>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"..a time to keep and a time to throw away." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">Ecclesiastes 3:6b</span></span></i></div>
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I know more things will come to me as we continue the journey of life & loss. For those that are a part of this awful "club", what are some things you have had to learn after losing a parent? </div>
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Thanks for stopping by and reading.<br />
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-51439264620512910432014-03-19T14:45:00.001-04:002014-03-19T14:52:02.445-04:00Johnathan's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express Birthday #DisneySide<div style="text-align: center;">
How can this little guy be 2 years old already.</div>
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I was picked to host a "<a href="http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com/" target="_blank">DisneySide Home Celebrations</a>" party. </div>
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<a href="http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Show Your Disney Side" border="0" src="http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com/blogbuttons/DisneySide_Button02.png" height="200" width="250" /></a></div>
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What they didn't know is that pretty much every birthday is Disney themed in our little Dearieland! </div>
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I was shipped an amazing piece of luggage, random supplies that had something to do with Disney running & ESPN sports [??], HP cards for printing, Hanes Tshirts to decorate, and Mickey Mouse plates, cups, & Party decorations. </div>
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Since we were having it at a park and it was for a 2 year old, I opted to use only the latter items but passed the other items on to loving homes [except that sweet rolling luggage..that baby is mine!]. </div>
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One of Johnathan's first clear words outside of family names was "Choo Choo". 4+ years ago, Jesse's first grouping of words was Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express. </div>
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So it was a natural theme for the party this year.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uQKXYGcmm6gD0QVGnJ7erDLfZdRUcSIJW3TTJVwQjeadREZa5O1oIU79O4l7P7KMoooq6dCo81Bq-y9w9Jb62Ps2ZOE01Qexey7s65-P7JhxxHpFcmaegllmZNQFkhyphenhyphencWgFROg/s1600/Johnthans+birthday+2014-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uQKXYGcmm6gD0QVGnJ7erDLfZdRUcSIJW3TTJVwQjeadREZa5O1oIU79O4l7P7KMoooq6dCo81Bq-y9w9Jb62Ps2ZOE01Qexey7s65-P7JhxxHpFcmaegllmZNQFkhyphenhyphencWgFROg/s1600/Johnthans+birthday+2014-001.jpg" height="204" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Created using the software of MyDigitalStudio from Stampin UP.</td></tr>
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So all that being said, here is what we did for Johnathan's 2nd birthday.</div>
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Using the balloons they sent and the Mickey dangles, I did a ribbon balloon banner of sorts from one pole to another at the park. Made us easy to find and was a large but inexpensive impact. The balloons were strung on using the tiny little rubber bands for hair.</div>
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Train PB & J sandwiches {Could have been Mickey heads easily, too, but I wanted to bring out the Choo Choo Express side of this party.}</div>
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Veggies, pasta salad, mini subs, & potato chips we brought back from a factory in Ohio during a side trip into Amish country while we there for the funeral.</div>
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We covered all the tables we would use in plastic table covers from the dollar tree. When you are sharing a pavilion at a park, I think it is good to mark your space so your guests know where to sit. Plus it's cleaner, right?!</div>
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We always bring additional tables for the food. The "cake" table, featuring the actual Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Choo Choo Express train. Both my boys are quite train crazy... </div>
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I also made the 3 ingredient Peanut Butter cookies as alternative treat. Both older ones are allergic to dairy & wheat, so no cupcakes for them, but they want some fun food, too!</div>
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These are Death By Oreo cupcakes with the mini Oreos turned to look like ears. :)</div>
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Make a Wish!</div>
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The kids like to dress for the theme of their party and since this was trains, Jesse & Johnathan dressed like train conductors with Abigale in her Minnie wear.</div>
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The next day we went to the Magic Kingdom to continue to celebrate Johnathan's birthday weekend. Often the children dress up when visiting Walt Disney World so Johnathan & Jesse again wore their costumes. Besides a pirate or prince, there isn't much for boys to pick from, Disney.. </div>
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Besides, Jesse's career plans have him eventually working on the Magic Kingdom trains or at least that is what he has stuck with for the last 3 years!</div>
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Abigale took the princess route.</div>
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{I think she was trying to give me a "Princess~like stare". haha</div>
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Had to meet some princesses while we were here, of course! </div>
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Love it!</div>
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Hopefully Johnathan had a fun & memorable birthday weekend and everyone had a great time playing & celebrating their own #DisneySide!</div>
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Thanks for looking~</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Beyond Pinterest, there are some amazing party ideas at these websites, too.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">http://www.disneysidecelebrations.com</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">www.Spoonful.com</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">www.DisneySide.com</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Also just discovered a unique Disney sponsored parenting connection site called www.Babble.com that you might want to check out!</span></span><br />
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-11366613989907520912014-02-19T02:05:00.000-05:002014-02-19T02:05:13.424-05:00My Mother's Funeral and Celebration of Life<div style="text-align: center;">
Not something you ever want to write, "My Mother's Funeral..". Still feel so unreal. I am fine, then all of the sudden a wave of emotion will hit me. The reality that she is really gone. Because she was in the hospital so much, sometimes my brain shuts off and I think she is just in there. Then I realize.."oh, no, she is not coming back." Surreal. When we lost my grandmother, we had the same feelings because she spent summers in Ohio. Still hard to grasp it's not even been 3 weeks. </div>
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Again, I am sharing these details because I want to keep a fresh journal of the events surrounding the loss of my mother for myself and my children. But so many friends have walked this road with us and perhaps someone might need help in their own journey of loss. So forgive my ramblings where they happen.</div>
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My mother, Donna, died on Sunday, February 2, 2014. After arranging the preparations to have her body transferred to Ohio for the funeral and burial, we left on Wednesday at midnight and drove straight through with all the kids. My Aunt Ann was kind enough to host this noisy brood. It was the kids' first time seeing snow and they had a ball, despite the freezing temperatures and situation.</div>
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FYI: The pitter-patter of little feet sound like a herd of elephants in a house with a basement.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ohio/obituary.aspx?n=donna-gale-edmunds-parsons&pid=169561652&fhid=22404" target="_blank">funeral</a> was held in Barberton at Cox Funeral home. My mom's cousin, Pastor Jerry Butcher, brought the message. We played "The Old Rugged Cross" performed by Alan Jackson and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" preformed by mom's favorite, Elvis, before Jerry spoke. Since he grew up with her, he shared special personal memories of her life. He shared of her love to cook & bake, especially her "fold over cookies" she was famous for in the family. He encouraged everyone to bake a batch of cookies and share them with someone to honor and remember her. Such a sweet touch to pass on her passion for giving to others. We closed the funeral service with the song she left this earth hearing, "I'll Fly Away" by Jars of Clay.</div>
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She was buried next to her father and we had a short chapel service at the cemetery since it was too cold to go to the graveside. A meal was served at Pastor Jerry's church, Crossroads Community in Doylestown.</div>
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As you probably know, I am a digital & papercrafter. I had to use my gifts in this area..I just couldn't use the ones from the funeral home. Here is her program. </div>
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That evening we drove back to Florida, once again straight through but with the weather, it took 25 hours. </div>
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Thursday, February 13, 2014, we held her <a href="http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theledger/obituary.aspx?n=DONNA-EDMUNDS&pid=169659969" target="_blank">Celebration of Life</a> service at First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida. Pastor Darrin Brown officiated the service bringign a clear message of the Gospel, with his wife, Kristi, singing "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" in the beginning and once again closing with a resounding send off of "I'll Fly Away". </div>
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Darrin married us, was my boss when I worked at the church, and is a very dear friend to our family. He was also there when mom went to be with the Lord. He encouraged John & I to share from our hearts at the service. I was apprehensive on what to say and if I could even speak. But God gave me the strength to speak about her and our life together. </div>
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So for those that couldn't be there, those that care, and for my children, it's long but this is what I read:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">My mother was born Donna Gale Parsons in Akron, Ohio. She was blessed to grow up in a very loving family, with her mom & dad and 3 younger brothers. My grandmother was the oldest of her 6 brothers & sisters. My mother was the first niece and very close to all her aunts & uncles. She was married for a short time, had me & divorced by the time I was 3 months old. So it was always just her & I. The sacrifices she made to stand up for my safety and become a single mother shows me how strong & brave she was, especially in that era. I will never fully know how much she protected me from, by doing this. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">She taught me the most important thing, about God. From an early age, she said I might not know an earthly father, but I always had God the Father. He made me, He loved me and wanted to be with me forever. And because of that, there was never a lacking or yearning in my life in that area.</span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"> My grandmother was a widow when I came along so we lived with her most of my childhood. This gave me a great appreciation for the stories of the older generations. I think my love of vintage & retro comes from looking at all the pictures of them as young people then being a part of our large family gatherings really connected me to my great aunts & uncles. Our house was often party central since my grandmother was the matriarch of the family. So I learned from an early age how to throw a large gathering. How to make people feel special at an event, that details mattered. So later on when I worked here at the church, she was always at my right hand helping at the YoungMarried events. She was usually in the kitchen filling platters or cutting the desserts. When the kids birthday parties came along, she was right there to help me with the details. She had such a big heart and wanted to make everyone feel special.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">My mother loved to cook & bake and I am blessed to have picked up her love for all of that. She & grandma cooked just about everything from scratch. We laugh that I didn't have Chef Boyardee until a family friend gave it to me when I was 12. She loved to make cookies and candies the most I think. I joke that I grew up in Willy Wonka's house because my mom made chocolate candy creations for every holiday and sold them to area offices and through friends. From an early age, I was filling the colored chocolate little bunnies into the candy molds. In fact one year, she raised enough on easter candy, that we came here to Lakeland on vacation in 1986. She loved it so much and knew this was where we were supposed to live. 2 years later she took a leap of faith and we moved here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">She loved to sew, whether making bridesmaids dresses, children's clothing, quilts or repairs. She loved to collect material, buttons & details for that next potential project. She could alter & make her own patterns, take ideas from one dress & merge them with another, & figure out how things were created just by looking at them. In her notepads, I have found sketch after sketch of dresses she saw & wanted to recreate for Abigale. She used her creative gift to bless others whenever she could, too. She found great joy in giving baby blankets to friends & coworkers. I fully know any creative gifts I have, grew from her love of doing them and teaching me from an early age.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">My mother was a beautician and her beauty parlor was in our basement. She was a single working mom but still always around since she was at home. When she moved here to Florida, she worked in retail as a cashier, head cashier , or the offices at PharMor & Home Depot. She retired in 2004 because of her health. Her work ethic was such an example to me, and others, I think. The Bible says "Do all things to best of your ability as if working for God not man". So whether she was teasing a bouffant hairdo, counting money, customer service, or some menial task; whatever the job you were given was to be completed well. Even in personal life, she cared about the details, whether that meant bows on packages or ironing clothes. I would like to think I carried that "best of my ability" theme into the places I worked and I am trying to instill that character into my kids. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">As a single mom, she focused most of her attention on me. She loved to be a part of the things I loved to do! So whether that was dancing or cheerleading as a kid, chasing the New Kids with me as a teen, helping make food for our singles' Soular Cafe each week, helping me with Stampin' Up classes I was teaching, or being a part of church events I was involved with, she was always right there with me. My friends were her friends. My passions were hers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Her greatest joy started about 6 years ago in Jesse, Abigale & Johnathan. She was born to be a grandmother. When we were pushing along fast, she walked slow with them. She loved to do puzzles with them, to color & craft with them, loved to read to them, to take them out on dates; she'd spend an hour with them just looking at her little buttons collection & answering their questions on where each one came from. She just loved to spend moments with them. My goal is to keep her memory alive for all them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">My mother was my cheerleader, my best friend, my advocate & bodyguard, my lifelong #1 fan, my right hand beside me in everything. She loved me with her whole heart even when I didn't deserve it. We drove each other nuts sometimes as all mothers & daughters can do but I knew she'd kill tigers for me. Through it all, I couldn't imagine her not being a part of every experience. I am a better mother & person because of her. My hope is that I can honor her in life through continuing to serve others like she did. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I can find joy in the fact that I have the blessed assurance that I will see her again. I can clearly see that God has had his hand on us through these last few months, that he was protecting us and preparing us, even when we didn't realize it. And I know He is continuing to hold us up. A few verses that I am clinging to are: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28145A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28145B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>called according to His purpose.</i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Psalm 34:18 </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is close<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14407A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to the brokenhearted<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Ps-34-18" style="position: relative;">and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><strong>Isaiah 41:10 </strong>So do not fear, for I am with <b><b><b>you</b></b></b>; do not be dismayed, for I am <b><b><b>you</b></b></b>r God. I will <b>strengthen</b> <b><b><b>you</b></b></b> and <b>help</b> <b><b><b>you</b></b></b>; I will <b>uphold</b> <b><b><b>you </b></b></b>with my righteous right hand. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5c1101;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">I can't imagine going through all of this without Him and the friends that are His hands & feet in our lives. Thank you all so much.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">So as we continue on this journey of loss, please keep us all in your prayers. I know there will be rough days ahead as we continue to process our grief. We pray that God's providence & glory will shine in our healing and response. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">And you just might hear me humming...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;">"One Day at a Time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking from You"..</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> Jeremiah 29:11 </sup>For I know the plans<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span> I have for you,” declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “plans to prosper<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span> you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</i></span></span></div>
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-71536878204031585712014-02-19T00:44:00.000-05:002014-02-19T00:44:02.418-05:00My Mother and Our Journey This Last Year <div style="text-align: center;">
This is my mother, Donna. This is our journey over this last year. A lot of people ask what happened, what led to this since she was only 67. I know my kids will ask so I am posting this here while I still recall the details. It's long but you are invited to read & share in our story.</div>
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She had heart issues for the last 10 years. In the winter/spring of 2013, heart & lung problems flared up along with a broken foot, making her have to move in with us since she needed help getting around, food, on oxygen, etc. Normally, she lived alone in her own home and was fairly independent. During the summer, she was fine but never moved back to her home, both for comfort of not being alone and lack of motivation probably. She was active and even on October 3rd, went with the kids & I to the Florida Aquarium. This would be the last healthy picture we would take together.</div>
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October 7th, 2013, she had a surgery to repair 3 hernias, a gallbladder removal and to repair & separate her intestines that had become twisted & entwined together with scar tissue, possibly from a previous bout of diverticulitis and/or the surgery she had for it about 6 years ago. In that process, there was a "leak" or fistula, meaning there was an opening somewhere in the intestines that wasn't sealed in the surgical process. She was put on "TPN" which was food/nutrients in IV fluid form, and not allowed to eat or drink. She also had drainage bags on both sides in hopes that the leak would heal itself. She did not leave the hospital in 3 days like they had predicted. Instead, she was in there for 2 months and 2 days straight along with a few other week long stays because of infections and pulling out the drainage on accident. It was over 3 months of time in the hospital within a 4 month span.</div>
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Finally, we were beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel for her being able to eat again & "be normal". On Monday, January 27, 2014, they removed the pic line, which meant she was officially off TPN and they had been weaning her back on normal food, starting with liquids over the previous week. Bless her heart, she was so excited. She had charted on the calender when she would be able to eat chicken, when she could eat beef, etc. She & her friends were already making plans on which restaurants they were going to visit. It had been a long 4 months without food & liquids, as you can imagine, including Thanksgiving & Christmas, so she was ready. </div>
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Unfortunately, Tuesday, a swell came up on her side, that I can only describe as looking like a long balloon under her skin. Her stomach starting hurting, too. By Wednesday morning, she was not only in great pain, but the swell now looked black & bruised. We went to the ER and, of course, she was admitted. We said goodbye that night and surgery was scheduled for Thursday afternoon. She was in so much pain Thursday, they kept her basically sedated but she did kind of respond when I kissed her goodbye. After the surgery, the surgeon kept saying it was very serious, that she could only do part 1 of possibly 3-4 more surgeries, wasn't sure if her body could take the stress, etc. But the problem with going in & out of the hospital so much is you kind of stop taking it seriously. "I know this is bad but she was bad before and came out of it & pulled through".. so I wasn't fully grasping the severity of the situation. </div>
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She was stable on Friday but on Saturday in the afternoon we got the call that you never want to hear. My mom had coded and they were doing CPR on her, "please come quickly". As I drove, I texted friend after friend "please pray". I thanked God for technology, to live in a time where I could reach that many people so quickly and know they would be holding me up in prayer. I was singing "Blessed Be the Name".. this song has proven to be a life song for me through our losses and times of trials. "He gives and takes away, still I will choose to say, Lord, Blessed be Your Name". Did I believe that? Yes.</div>
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When I arrived at the hospital, they had revived her and she was stable but they were saying the next 48 hours would be telling. She was still intubated & sedated from the surgery so she was not responsive. My mother in law was there and tried to get me to speak to her. I just didn't know what to say as I looked at her in that state. Finally as I was going to leave, I said "I love you, mommy" which isn't a term I had called her in quite a long time but it just naturally came out.</div>
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We decided to leave the kids with my mother in law in case they called again and left the hospital for the night. All night my phone beeped with sweet messages & notifications from friends but the phone never rang. </div>
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On Sunday, February 2nd, I decided to go to the hospital instead of church, even though they hadn't called, thinking she must have had a better night. John went to pick up the kids. When I arrived, they frantically told me they had called & left messages, and that she had coded 2 other times. Oddly, I didn't get the voicemails until that evening. I quickly, and kind-of in shock, texted John that he needed to come now. He turned around and dropped the kids back off and came up. </div>
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Shortly after he arrived, she began to code again and we stood there while they preformed CPR on her and medically tried to bring her back again. All I could hear in my head was "This. is. it.". Whether that was God giving me a gentle awareness of the true reality happening here or it was just me, it was on repeat in my head. John was praying, I was singing, and somehow saying "It's okay." After they revived her again, both doctors came over to explain that her organs were shutting down, that her heart was dying, each time they revived her was actually getting worse for her body, they could continue to pound on her and repeat this process...or I could let her heart do what it wanted to do and let her die. What a decision to put on someone...but I knew she didn't want to suffer....so I had to sign the "Do Not Resuscitate" papers. </div>
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Soon, the pastor who had married us and such a dear friend arrived, along with John's brother, who is also a pastor. We surrounded her bed and prayed. I stood next to her and whispered thank yous and I love yous. I sang "I'll Fly Away" into her ear and told her it was okay, she could go, she would always be remembered and loved. As I said a last goodbye and continued singing that favorite hymn, one tear fell from her... and she was gone. Now I will never know this side of heaven if that was her response in all of this, but I will choose to think that she could hear me and that was a little gift from God to know she did. </div>
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If there is a good way to lose someone, this was a precious way to be a part of that departure. To leave here hearing praise and arrive in Heaven hearing praise, in one blink. What a welcome she must have received from all the loved ones that have gone before her. And someday, I know & fully believe, I have the blessed assurance I will see her again. </div>
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She held my hand and whispered sweetness into my ear as I came into this world. And I was able to hold her hand and whisper love to her as she left and entered into Heaven. What a gift. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">so you will not grieve like those who have no hope." 1 Thessalonians 4:13b</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. — Psalm 34:18</span></i></span></div>
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-60322833131286232342013-10-01T15:32:00.001-04:002013-10-01T15:33:37.010-04:00October Dress Project ~ And so it begins<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello! I always like to start my posts like I am beginning a conversation. Between some friends. So here we go..</div>
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I have watched numerous friends be a part of the <a href="http://octoberdressproject.blogspot.ca/p/about-and-faqs.html" target="_blank">October Dress Project</a> over the last 3+ years. I have had an excuse each year not to participate, lame though the excuse might have been. I loved watching them update their Facebook pages and blogs with the experiment results. I really do look at this like an experiment. </div>
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What can you do with what you have?</div>
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Understanding how much you really do already possess.</div>
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Learning new things...Humbling. Gratefulness. Introspection. </div>
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And I suppose I was kind of envious of their adventure but not quite enough to sacrifice my vanity enough to join in their adventure.</div>
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Enter 2013. Last week, I casually browsed the dresses at Ross. I found two that could fit the bill. I had my 3 year old daughter with me and went to try them on in the dressing room. As I sat in front of the mirror, I examined them and me in them and did what a lot of women do.. I started to pick it a part..and to pick <i>me</i> a part in my head. And then I stopped. I looked at A who was confused why I didn't love both beautiful dresses. And I realized that she sees me a whole lot different than I was {critically} seeing myself. She might have just given me a glimpse of the loving way Jesus sees us. He sees us as beautiful, regardless of our outer appearance and what we buy to cover up what ever "flaws" we think we possess. He made us in His image and I am pretty sure I grew up knowing that "God don't make no junk"! </div>
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..And then I didn't buy it. I was still not sure I could do it, I be creative enough, cute enough, if it was flattering enough, and then I had 2 field trips, and our numerous trips to Disney in the Florida heat...enter the lame excuses. </div>
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So I wrestled a little with it, maybe with God, maybe with obedience? And then I started bargaining, maybe "fleecing".. Well, <i>if</i> the dress was still there, then that was the direction, the clear sign, I was supposed to be a part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/132972689585/" target="_blank">#odp13</a>. And a day later, I walked into the store, and it was exactly where I left it the afternoon before. Still on the hanger in the same way I had hung it, in a very busy store during some "dress event". So there you go. I had my clear answer.</div>
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So not sure I can live up to the creativity of my friends, but I have a feeling that is not really the point, now is it?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7thM1rCATuRur1XTfAqFZexKLDBdgFkwFlruUOYn_88oBQmQe83q-pD_OR6htEi1R1RjLKMLKtwGS7oGB7lmqICZOmJosegoO1oomEJ3_M9I-6Io-vjc0VjCbg2s02CrPHhjONw/s1600/1069211_10151916162509310_480130175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7thM1rCATuRur1XTfAqFZexKLDBdgFkwFlruUOYn_88oBQmQe83q-pD_OR6htEi1R1RjLKMLKtwGS7oGB7lmqICZOmJosegoO1oomEJ3_M9I-6Io-vjc0VjCbg2s02CrPHhjONw/s320/1069211_10151916162509310_480130175_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day one. Photo by J Dearie, 5.</td></tr>
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Thanks for reading! If you want to follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/p/e7k1uCBxBL/" target="_blank">instagram</a>, I will be taking a picture everyday hopefully, with a weekly wrap up here.</div>
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Or maybe join us..it's not too late! </div>
Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-30682281729482332372013-07-22T11:52:00.000-04:002013-07-22T11:52:27.747-04:00Homeschooling comparison to Public SchoolSomething to think about and too good not to share!<div>
..Especially glad to see some of the statistics of students of parents that were NOT teachers are in the 88th percentile & even those that spent less than $600 on their educational materials were in the 86th percentile! ;) <div>
<a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/homeschool-domination/"><img alt="Homeschool Domination" border="0" nbsp="" src="http://images.collegeathome.com.s3.amazonaws.com/homeschool-domination.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Created by: <a href="http://www.collegeathome.com/">CollegeAtHome.com</a><script type="text/javascript">
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-33141253476012842732012-10-18T09:34:00.000-04:002012-10-18T10:07:22.672-04:00Hi, friends, both near & far, IRL and net only!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA-ceU8dD4PDb3Ngs8O67Lc3Q1jA1ztNxLIEchblu61FVW1akEW8kx4OS0-8w7ZVC9C9ojdSyuc4OXSIziHvgnf_uWPuUTQzYBKEynAfZqBVTqY4AmRAPlgmYPgNWQ5dXGs23NQ/s1600/banner+for+blog-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOA-ceU8dD4PDb3Ngs8O67Lc3Q1jA1ztNxLIEchblu61FVW1akEW8kx4OS0-8w7ZVC9C9ojdSyuc4OXSIziHvgnf_uWPuUTQzYBKEynAfZqBVTqY4AmRAPlgmYPgNWQ5dXGs23NQ/s400/banner+for+blog-004.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My friends have been in the process of adopting 2 little boys from Uganda and finally have their court date. They need to raise money for the flight so our mutual friend, <a href="http://www.familymusings.com/2012/10/adoptions-airplanes-different-kind-of.html" target="_blank">Jennifer at Family Musings</a>, is hosting a virtual "shower" to raise the funds for these last minute needs.<br />
Please check it out and give if you can.<br />
Everyone can pray so please do that as well that the court dates stick and it is a smooth process. Please also pray for thier 2 homegrown littles as they wait here in the States for their parents & new siblings to come back!<br />
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Such a precious family and story! Please read the story<a href="http://www.familymusings.com/2012/10/adoptions-airplanes-different-kind-of.html" target="_blank"> here</a>.<br />
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</script>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-8096330221121350392012-09-18T20:26:00.001-04:002012-09-18T20:26:38.789-04:00Gutzy Gear ~ What Your BackPack Has Been Waiting For<div style="text-align: center;">
I was excited to be chosen as a party hostess for Gutzy Gear recently. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR48oMFAxV5TtRmwkTv0vOMZIq0rzP3AMafcDqMoMMS0SAjUV-Zxydr_rzq_HvKHlavQe5BWXpi8L67opHmxpyLmIeSVsqzaMNY8aSBl2qSzSEdiZkmytJm6S_SUJ_0CieUh-UGw/s1600/DSCF2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR48oMFAxV5TtRmwkTv0vOMZIq0rzP3AMafcDqMoMMS0SAjUV-Zxydr_rzq_HvKHlavQe5BWXpi8L67opHmxpyLmIeSVsqzaMNY8aSBl2qSzSEdiZkmytJm6S_SUJ_0CieUh-UGw/s320/DSCF2086.JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
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I always enjoy sharing new products with my friends! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaixea59cQImgBkDYzV1lWzeA7V2klnstfJzbPKdwmbT50q344Lwj2jN_Tj_Czh_3Xt2FQ0r-nXhSCRkCgIhg4Ak69JofHMXueI0Ya0jBerFjzoJHXfJGBjiKlv7Ysg9VYZBuH1w/s1600/DSCF2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaixea59cQImgBkDYzV1lWzeA7V2klnstfJzbPKdwmbT50q344Lwj2jN_Tj_Czh_3Xt2FQ0r-nXhSCRkCgIhg4Ak69JofHMXueI0Ya0jBerFjzoJHXfJGBjiKlv7Ysg9VYZBuH1w/s320/DSCF2068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was sent Gutzy Gear straps and Gutzies (patches) and my friends enjoyed picking through the variety of styles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqwPF_W-EmVxcpb57_x8a2iRNBhc68IXLBoKgqFpc1eCE0FyFv09u3YR7GuB-0-VhbPToW078zVwcxwsiJhvU0hupAFegl3vvlc9_GGPnuQBXTGKE_0D4XqzlxA1K8WVjdENYgA/s1600/DSCF2070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqwPF_W-EmVxcpb57_x8a2iRNBhc68IXLBoKgqFpc1eCE0FyFv09u3YR7GuB-0-VhbPToW078zVwcxwsiJhvU0hupAFegl3vvlc9_GGPnuQBXTGKE_0D4XqzlxA1K8WVjdENYgA/s320/DSCF2070.JPG" width="280" /></a></div>
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The straps are made of awesome quality Hook-and-loop material that should stay well on the back pack straps. Then the patches are also all hook-and-loop on the back so they appear to stay securely, too.</div>
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My only hope is that they have more sweet looking characters, too. The gnarly looking patches are probably meant for the older elementary student but most of us have preschoolers. I am sure as this product line grows, a larger variety of "Gutzies" will become available.</div>
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You can check out all they have to offer at their website: <a href="https://www.buygutzygear.com/">https://www.buygutzygear.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPalrQcffR-YA4p7wZYX4wnAMgATcF8eGV2DX9H1Yz_2opmCi5iTMwBDZsGu3DyOfrgnWBurxsKCTfPveYCS9WuYFrpkkrmJ-7LACDHj78hEvAeri7llO8o8cxSK8K8PvrAAZ8cQ/s1600/GG_PartyPlace+button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPalrQcffR-YA4p7wZYX4wnAMgATcF8eGV2DX9H1Yz_2opmCi5iTMwBDZsGu3DyOfrgnWBurxsKCTfPveYCS9WuYFrpkkrmJ-7LACDHj78hEvAeri7llO8o8cxSK8K8PvrAAZ8cQ/s320/GG_PartyPlace+button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jesse was pretty excited at his cool straps so thanks to MomSelect, Mommy Parties, & Gutzy Gear for sharing this fun product with us!</div>
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Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-67785493969003430762012-08-02T12:07:00.000-04:002012-08-02T12:07:14.900-04:00Abigale's 2nd Birthday~ Japanese Theme<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8YyN3I7PSBioN7OkGP6KHOwVr5SZ_TqBZSf8QJE84JzDfLteA19Dm0ZDxsALmv9C_bRsGBI5kbdbphTsMqossMC8HdqNrEgJcF1EPMZ6qw4DB6O7LJh98HuIIG7wDnEakFNwPQ/s1600/P1010218_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8YyN3I7PSBioN7OkGP6KHOwVr5SZ_TqBZSf8QJE84JzDfLteA19Dm0ZDxsALmv9C_bRsGBI5kbdbphTsMqossMC8HdqNrEgJcF1EPMZ6qw4DB6O7LJh98HuIIG7wDnEakFNwPQ/s320/P1010218_2.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Dress by Grandma}</td></tr>
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I was an exchange student to Japan in 1993, the summer before my senior year of high school. It was an amazing experience. Since I never throw anything away, I had lots of mementos from my time there, of course. </div>
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While walking around EPCOT last year and strolling through the large store in "Japan" there, it came to me what theme I wanted to do for Abigale's 2nd birthday. I already had the decorations, the theme easily leads to yummy food, & some of the authentic favors could be obtained in the shop there in EPCOT. So rather than Elmo or the obvious "Abby Cadabby", I opted to go Japanese while I was still in control of her birthday themes. Hah! {Note: Minnie Mouse is the 3rd birthday theme, so I was right in claiming control while I still could. ;) }</div>
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Invitation created using My Digital Studio from Stampin' UP</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCR5XFxf_9zNT0V6juBL2atxwM_fADVOlqIGIkVp0d7rFeS-4L5YYJwxcVKT22eovQdIyR0nv15qHFGddxzxg2HPUZeufD3Hm2wiOEww9I2fukqhVYXDD52st301aaAVdhzpU0A/s1600/Abigale's+Birthday+2012-005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCR5XFxf_9zNT0V6juBL2atxwM_fADVOlqIGIkVp0d7rFeS-4L5YYJwxcVKT22eovQdIyR0nv15qHFGddxzxg2HPUZeufD3Hm2wiOEww9I2fukqhVYXDD52st301aaAVdhzpU0A/s320/Abigale's+Birthday+2012-005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Compilation shot of some of the ideas}</td></tr>
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For the food, I made most of it with sauces I got from the Asian section. We served a veggie tray, featuring Edemame, Rice Krispy "Sushi", "Tokyo snack Mix" I picked up in EPCOT's Japan, Potstickers {one of my favorite foods when I lived there}, Yakisoba noodles {similar to Lo Mein}, and Yakitori {grilled chicken on a stick}. For dessert, I made 3 different cupcakes: Strawberry Limeade, Chocolate Cupcakes topped with Chocolate Ganache and Japanese cookies {from EPCOT}, and Coconut Cupcakes. Some of the food missed the photo shoot but you get the idea. ;)</div>
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I made the banner & other little signs using My Digital Studio and punched the shapes using my Big Shot all from Stampin Up {of course}.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdKFqEVhNjOLoqc5WQPN8wFYkEzeAL7sO1kRU81VlENVl_mHliCZdCYy0WuGu501tNaGt3RbTIGwL0c2R9EEIYJ93TJ9c5EI9Ud1m1DI7R55E60fO1w6k0Bo_PEwEed9NBU7xKw/s1600/Abigale's+Birthday+2012-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdKFqEVhNjOLoqc5WQPN8wFYkEzeAL7sO1kRU81VlENVl_mHliCZdCYy0WuGu501tNaGt3RbTIGwL0c2R9EEIYJ93TJ9c5EI9Ud1m1DI7R55E60fO1w6k0Bo_PEwEed9NBU7xKw/s320/Abigale's+Birthday+2012-006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found the fonts "Last Ninja" & "GoJuOn" on one of the free font sites and downloaded them to use with all the signs.</div>
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For the decoration areas, I got a few books from the library and most of the rest were items from my time there as an exchange student. I was able to borrow a few Asian items from a friend that had hosted a Chinese exchange student, too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybcJcIBVO-T07DnhPcl9oGeN5AVRa_Zoyk_6yxsVLENetmlgUaVizCTOByLApiLJTOE83vZViPPM4okxn3AbEKLD5VN010D1oH7jEWUX9IDDk00S9lL_I79qpQieOLWUL19rz1A/s1600/P1010214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybcJcIBVO-T07DnhPcl9oGeN5AVRa_Zoyk_6yxsVLENetmlgUaVizCTOByLApiLJTOE83vZViPPM4okxn3AbEKLD5VN010D1oH7jEWUX9IDDk00S9lL_I79qpQieOLWUL19rz1A/s320/P1010214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used take out boxes for the boys favor boxes. I bought them from our local Asian take out for a steal! The little Asian purses were actually scored 6+ months in advance from the Dollar Tree, if you can believe that! They were filled with candy from Japan/EPCOT and little toys with an Asian theme I ordered from Oriental Trading under their Chinese New Year Theme. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx8LATzCl0foxbyz2ByVooLkawJZYM3SPKrsV6nrqbP82EgmRz0Mh2PQPcFheJIet0T6PcCB1KiGjKFn73Mwemq5h1159bAFUYe1vNcA-cijyLIbbDsPl0vhVC1-wAEBqhO_uwg/s1600/P1010210_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAx8LATzCl0foxbyz2ByVooLkawJZYM3SPKrsV6nrqbP82EgmRz0Mh2PQPcFheJIet0T6PcCB1KiGjKFn73Mwemq5h1159bAFUYe1vNcA-cijyLIbbDsPl0vhVC1-wAEBqhO_uwg/s320/P1010210_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made tags for each kid with their name in Japanese and a little Japanese character. Arigato means Thank you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzsrPcSOLmlkVmcyIixZKmK6N6d1tR6dlTyDq5YKT55VGEIO7BRBAgYe55eXins5w-DKJG8vknMSa_dJA9K7Rms4BDBlrNKJgEfZVuPVJiuyBe_vqTwUjq1dDBqWnKF7sk5h94A/s1600/P1010218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzsrPcSOLmlkVmcyIixZKmK6N6d1tR6dlTyDq5YKT55VGEIO7BRBAgYe55eXins5w-DKJG8vknMSa_dJA9K7Rms4BDBlrNKJgEfZVuPVJiuyBe_vqTwUjq1dDBqWnKF7sk5h94A/s320/P1010218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We asked friends to dress up in Asian style clothes if they happened to have them and our friends happen to have coats from their Chinese exchange student that worked perfect!</div>
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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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t-gAbc03Uu5q9wWXwTVxlM9WnvjGfeYQHhb5Bd5W2hNyd1jjJC5SalON_204dlgfktXC6oCdLd75u_e76bjZTKseol-qxHa_4Vqoj4LiXKB45a6vYkZ-etJcCy1aqecqTk1YRg/s1600/P1010224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7t-gAbc03Uu5q9wWXwTVxlM9WnvjGfeYQHhb5Bd5W2hNyd1jjJC5SalON_204dlgfktXC6oCdLd75u_e76bjZTKseol-qxHa_4Vqoj4LiXKB45a6vYkZ-etJcCy1aqecqTk1YRg/s320/P1010224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to blow out the candle, little lady!</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzFbrawiEOjGiC7oPB_NKXyFiTkEi098lKfYE5meA_dac-XDZU31bFAOj5U2ZNaOYw1KxRjh7b2oOEa3icM6qJBI-_VHRlNaJxzUull5yzB4CGHEg0pJ2LJYs2CbVqjDIjOEK1Q/s1600/P1010226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzFbrawiEOjGiC7oPB_NKXyFiTkEi098lKfYE5meA_dac-XDZU31bFAOj5U2ZNaOYw1KxRjh7b2oOEa3icM6qJBI-_VHRlNaJxzUull5yzB4CGHEg0pJ2LJYs2CbVqjDIjOEK1Q/s320/P1010226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy, Daddy, & little Abigale</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3P-2n4kLilc6zCq0O5UiMg0QeIF2KI6RczbthINltDBF27ceeNkkgkfR7NHuOzwWkMb7_Heik-Lq2rm7Ljtex1EgdgYxbxB_il0QgoSOsxydQu_ycbx6n7cpSh86ghK0xjp3g/s1600/P1010228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe3P-2n4kLilc6zCq0O5UiMg0QeIF2KI6RczbthINltDBF27ceeNkkgkfR7NHuOzwWkMb7_Heik-Lq2rm7Ljtex1EgdgYxbxB_il0QgoSOsxydQu_ycbx6n7cpSh86ghK0xjp3g/s320/P1010228.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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Hope you enjoyed looking at our pictures as we remembered the fun we had with family & friends celebrating Abigale's 2nd birthday. Our world {and her personality} changed one month later with the addition of her little brother, Johnathan, but that is an entry for another time.</div>
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Thanks for looking!</div>
<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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrGc4_mGgY5OEr-xtyRhMRLxi0BIfnaho06jSvxq6mRNfS1JontyMiOTANaEH7OTqLwX_-3O8lo7HVsxxvFIlJHZnrOJ31ZdEoPWNDGsIGJ6DTVRRMJDsIsEa9ar363tP6FSPyQ/s1600/P1010213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrGc4_mGgY5OEr-xtyRhMRLxi0BIfnaho06jSvxq6mRNfS1JontyMiOTANaEH7OTqLwX_-3O8lo7HVsxxvFIlJHZnrOJ31ZdEoPWNDGsIGJ6DTVRRMJDsIsEa9ar363tP6FSPyQ/s320/P1010213.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Japanese for goodbye!}</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All crafty supplies used to make the various signs are available at my website, <a href="http://www.amydearie.stampinup.net/">www.AmyDearie.StampinUp.net</a>.</span></div>
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</script>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-20561536151495787742012-05-09T00:01:00.001-04:002012-05-09T00:01:49.785-04:00My Experiment of Homemade Yogurt<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ever thought about making your own yogurt? Frankly, I wasn't really sure it was possible. I would like to make my own cheese or press my own olive oil, too, but both of those seemed about as unrealistic for a "normal" person to attempt as yogurt.</div>
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But I found myself with some extra milk and a twinkle of inspiration.</div>
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I follow <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/using-up-extra-milk.html" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a> {<i>and you should, too</i>} and recalled she had a guest post about making your own yogurt and other ways to use up milk. </div>
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Within the post, she linked to someone <a href="http://sarahs-musings.blogspot.com/2009/11/for-love-of-slow-cooker-week-yogurt.html" target="_blank">using their crockpot</a>. I would prefer my slow cooker do all the work so I don't have to dig out the {lost} thermometer and went with her idea.</div>
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I altered my recipe from hers a little so this is what I did to achieve my results:</div>
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<ol>
<li>1/2 gallon of 1% milk {She recommended full fat but that is not what I had.}</li>
<li>6 oz <i>plain</i> Greek yogurt {as the "starter"} Again, she suggested full fat but I only found 0% Greek at Aldi's & Target so that's what I went with instead.
</li>
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That's it! Two Ingredients! Can you believe it?</div>
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Pour the milk in the Crock Pot/Slow Cooker on low and "cook" for 2 1/2 hours. </div>
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Turn it off and let it set with the lid on for 3 hours.</div>
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Stir in the yogurt, put the lid back on, cover the whole thing with a towel {on your counter} and let it set for another 8 hours. </div>
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Yep, <i>on your counter</i>. </div>
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Kind of grosses you out, huh. Yep, that's how bacteria does me, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI9ebguXTCYIeX_D9t-V-8_Bv8tG07Pqvz-sb44DfnNsTYrtC2U9uOKSaWEX1IxC4xx7TNuapPQy0R3LK6UaC-ND5myk1In1jnPSxroNIKg5rOqfVkM-TGKaLItx7hfp5Pc8G_g/s1600/P1010582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBI9ebguXTCYIeX_D9t-V-8_Bv8tG07Pqvz-sb44DfnNsTYrtC2U9uOKSaWEX1IxC4xx7TNuapPQy0R3LK6UaC-ND5myk1In1jnPSxroNIKg5rOqfVkM-TGKaLItx7hfp5Pc8G_g/s320/P1010582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is what it is going to look like, thin & runny. Think drinkable yogurt. And you have to stir every time since there are no pesky chemicals keeping it coagulated. </div>
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Now it is plain, aka no flavor just tangy, so to eat it like yogurt, you might want to mix in honey, fruit or granola.</div>
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I thought this was a fun idea to utilize it, too. Another guest post on Money Saving Mom, for <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/10/homemade-go-gurts.html" target="_blank">making your own frozen Go Gurts</a> or Frozen Yogurt Pops, really.</div>
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What I did with the majority of it was make "Yogurt Smoothies" for my 4 & 2 year olds. At least that is what I called it to them. I put in about 1/3 of the stirred-up yogurt, a good glug of honey and filled the rest with milk. Shake it up and, voila, a Yogurt Smoothie. I bought jars of fruit puree, aka baby food, to stir for Banana or Apple/Carrot Smoothies tomorrow. They are going to love them. Really, they are.</div>
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I also used it to make my own real smoothies via a blender, frozen berries, a banana, & a good helping of the tangy yogurt. Worked great.</div>
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Over the weekend, I made <a href="http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/chicken/chicken-tetrazzini-umbria-style.html" target="_blank">Turkey Tetrazzini </a> and added in about a half cup to give it a little zing. It would be a great trade {as is} for sour cream in numerous recipes, such as Mexican dishes or Beef Stroganoff.<br />
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If the thin consistency doesn't work for you or you love the Greek yogurt texture, like I do, you can strain it like the picture below. </div>
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I used a small mesh strainer and a coffee filter over a bowl. It was in the fridge for almost a day to get the thick texture I was after. I was amazed at how much liquid, or whey, that came out of the small amount I put in the container. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE97IqZUSAQm9G5rh6uhk5UcN14A0uWbccmhlf6v7FQMwiYPejEr6709CMCmwiPfEDf_YIAyqtOCm_o1tHXQsx683dA-27_D1lFS9u4Tg8XUIBMtwRaWW6Ylk3_LZxEdyMz5nFBQ/s1600/P1010584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE97IqZUSAQm9G5rh6uhk5UcN14A0uWbccmhlf6v7FQMwiYPejEr6709CMCmwiPfEDf_YIAyqtOCm_o1tHXQsx683dA-27_D1lFS9u4Tg8XUIBMtwRaWW6Ylk3_LZxEdyMz5nFBQ/s320/P1010584.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I will have to come up with a larger way to strain more at one time but this will be good for my breakfast mixed with some fresh fruit and a little honey. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fZrMiAzBuNVITCPyYlspfgbV8Y6jaCTKB4Ws40036bxiANHLYP2GOGM5Ya4V7vJfFKmWoobswVeRngMh0e2bZLx2VdnXcv4-X-4LmM8jAHqpIRbDhJV8ThVjsP5DqvVlBgQ1A/s1600/P1010586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fZrMiAzBuNVITCPyYlspfgbV8Y6jaCTKB4Ws40036bxiANHLYP2GOGM5Ya4V7vJfFKmWoobswVeRngMh0e2bZLx2VdnXcv4-X-4LmM8jAHqpIRbDhJV8ThVjsP5DqvVlBgQ1A/s320/P1010586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you give this a try! For the experimentation alone, it was worth it. But the savings and health benefits are great bonuses, too! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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</script>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-23889446878929376172012-04-26T21:59:00.000-04:002012-04-26T22:23:19.861-04:00Letters not sent..<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I the only one that creates Christmas cards, addresses them & all that, and never quite sends them out? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have some from last year, lots from this year, and not too long ago, I found a batch of Christmas cards not sent from 1998. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do not mean to be negligent in my greetings. I have every intention of sending them out. Can I tell you how many thank you notes I have found written and not sent. So if you have not received the Thank You note for a gift for Jesse {mind you from 2007}, please do not judge me. I wrote them, then lost them, then found again much too late to send, I assume. Yet, I still continue to create them & write them and, yes, I am still working on the current babies & birthdays... <br />This year I even handmade little photo books for various relatives. You guessed it, only a couple were given out. And, of course, now the photos of us are missing someone, so they are kind of out of date....ugh.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe, one day, I will send a large envelope out to my friends that will include all the correspondence I *meant* to send. So don't be surprised one day if you receive 3 or 4 Christmas cards, a few Thank you Notes, printed pictures from now & years back, and let's not forget those baby announcements I work so hard on designing, then print and never send. <br />So until that package arrives, enjoy this *possible* announcement for our #3. See it hasn't been perfected & printed quite yet...maybe this time they really will get sent.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM_r60Bab11zt_NqWdujANl9W8LrF8Z5uMl_F0Bdps2hjqBxb5Ncj1XMJHkuKclqAD8RrDbf8Ke3eM86WJVuPzW7yRXVUKM9jbXSJFTsYzZHqB-n24OCT2uXiXt9rZ_HSQICR-g/s1600/Johnathan+Announcement-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyM_r60Bab11zt_NqWdujANl9W8LrF8Z5uMl_F0Bdps2hjqBxb5Ncj1XMJHkuKclqAD8RrDbf8Ke3eM86WJVuPzW7yRXVUKM9jbXSJFTsYzZHqB-n24OCT2uXiXt9rZ_HSQICR-g/s640/Johnathan+Announcement-004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I am just including this print I *might*
get made of the beautiful shot that my friend & fantastic
photographer took, <a href="http://www.k-barberphotography.com/" target="_blank">K.Barber Photography</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">If you know who the quote is from, let me know, too. I got it from a baby border on <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=124483&dbwsdemoid=41975" target="_blank">MyDigitalStudio</a>.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thanks for reading!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafkIoYOSs8mC6y3Miw24iGTL79Rym7EVvUdK-qOllEvZL6aU8uvtqle2lv7c9ccUqpA-gnNF5HKZvyR2HI1MnKj7Q0KEB_I3Y407FwqUzBc5x_bSirmuEoMOnYTiUe_przyPGVA/s1600/Johnathan+Announcement-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafkIoYOSs8mC6y3Miw24iGTL79Rym7EVvUdK-qOllEvZL6aU8uvtqle2lv7c9ccUqpA-gnNF5HKZvyR2HI1MnKj7Q0KEB_I3Y407FwqUzBc5x_bSirmuEoMOnYTiUe_przyPGVA/s640/Johnathan+Announcement-001.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by K.Barber Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-54429145251493445192012-02-06T23:06:00.000-05:002012-02-06T23:06:02.131-05:00Gigi's Hands<div style="text-align: center;">I was in line at Wendy's waiting for a refill when I saw her. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She was an older lady, slumped a bit from weariness I recognized, her arms slightly folded with her head of thinning hair looking down.. and then I saw them. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Her hands. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The veins and bones protruding from years of hard work, too many blood tests, and the attack of time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just like hers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYgrL_DRUHHtVpDRxdhi-D-ggKEdnxe6_0ho5n64eE-eV82q78ddNyFkZHOEtPWZW-oBnrVQTQS7Vr3gHqZ1DbwMOxVMTXEU_3l3RS_HvWlx_hNuvs2bq_CRQRe1Jgma-1_ZMMg/s1600/gramjessemom_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrYgrL_DRUHHtVpDRxdhi-D-ggKEdnxe6_0ho5n64eE-eV82q78ddNyFkZHOEtPWZW-oBnrVQTQS7Vr3gHqZ1DbwMOxVMTXEU_3l3RS_HvWlx_hNuvs2bq_CRQRe1Jgma-1_ZMMg/s320/gramjessemom_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I fought back tears and tried to get control as best I could before my turn came to get our drinks. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was starting to lose it when I went back to the table to get mom & the kids. </div><div style="text-align: center;">"Let's just go" is all I could leak out to her questions of what was wrong.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I could no longer hold back the sorrowful sobs coming from my core as we stepped outside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is so strange how little things will hit you out of nowhere like that. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandma, or "Gigi" as my kids called her, has been gone for almost 1 1/2 years and yet looking at those hands brought flooding memories of her that no damn could contain. </div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxMT6AQmKw5S9vWUEwxBr-QGO6wmLbUYhxlSkZwPfAUyOQChYc_kolrW0qezbGfmrckdMXsS7_sDlOTW5Z4lNMxAu7T7b3iHdjI_tKHZN8pEu5CHzz74T2r5VZM3VH5VEzP10Xw/s1600/gramjessemom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigxMT6AQmKw5S9vWUEwxBr-QGO6wmLbUYhxlSkZwPfAUyOQChYc_kolrW0qezbGfmrckdMXsS7_sDlOTW5Z4lNMxAu7T7b3iHdjI_tKHZN8pEu5CHzz74T2r5VZM3VH5VEzP10Xw/s320/gramjessemom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi, Jesse at 1 month, Grandma~my mom, 12/08.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> It was so deep in me, the ache of missing her presence, out of nowhere, so suddenly, so inconsolable.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am sure being 38 weeks along doesn't help my emotional state. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the thought of how excited she would be about Johnathan's pending arrival, how she should be here, how much she has missed out on with Abigale & Jesse, how different things would be if she were still with us... She was there for Abigale's birth and I am sure those memories of that time are coming to the surface, too.</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw82QFbWU0mzSiI8t7Z-nF7g-u7D52_7eEAe3mFLPb_yVy4IJSWmmBNBIPQkCJ5tk2q3R5W1XpG2mi_8y8oDrsuLqOp2aoA2vOewC1rKGiBSkc3bKqp3toNUC2S5Uu6JBJjiALA/s1600/sweetlookingdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihw82QFbWU0mzSiI8t7Z-nF7g-u7D52_7eEAe3mFLPb_yVy4IJSWmmBNBIPQkCJ5tk2q3R5W1XpG2mi_8y8oDrsuLqOp2aoA2vOewC1rKGiBSkc3bKqp3toNUC2S5Uu6JBJjiALA/s1600/sweetlookingdown.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 Generations with Jesse, December 2008</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know she is literally at the feet of Jesus, praising him, in a much better place, healthy & happy...maybe with flawless hands raised high. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But that doesn't stop those left behind to miss the gaping presence missing within our family...still.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cv5lzvlIqkcKEUFKBaubXGUA70Z5J8pO2o2f_GkKYpjPYLOtki7Gvoz3BDYvZWshm_g_40mN2Srkk2fDt16dOPPCjlr_V_D71KwF_UTY-iOUXI7-3tOX_o-t4V-_hs5cawzGBA/s1600/39178_425643559309_500179309_4548548_5282855_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Cv5lzvlIqkcKEUFKBaubXGUA70Z5J8pO2o2f_GkKYpjPYLOtki7Gvoz3BDYvZWshm_g_40mN2Srkk2fDt16dOPPCjlr_V_D71KwF_UTY-iOUXI7-3tOX_o-t4V-_hs5cawzGBA/s320/39178_425643559309_500179309_4548548_5282855_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last photo with Gigi & Abigale. July 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Precious Lord, take my hand<br />
Lead me on, Let me stand<br />
I'm tired, I am weak I am worn<br />
Through the storm, through the night<br />
Lead me on to the light<br />
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home"</span></i><script type="text/javascript">
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By the way, for some great ideas for keeping a marriage spicy *all year*, I really recommend you follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/MarriedSpice" target="_blank">Married Spice</a> on Twitter! They also have a Facebook & blog but tweet the most frequent.<br />
~</div><div style="text-align: center;">How do you make Vday special for your kids? The past couple of years, I have made little vday cards and passed them out in the diaper bags of Jesse's friends at church and Abigale's teachers. We are not old enough for preschool so there is nothing formal as far as Valentine Exchanges. For some reason, I can't wait for the days that does happen. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This year, they are both more aware of the "holiday" so we will see how that changes things. Abigale is also obsessed with bears and the giant bears with velvet hearts are very tempting to buy at the bargain price of $20 this time of year... Does she need it? No. Am I still greatly tempted? Absolutely. Jesse has already expressed that he wants to buy one for her. Love that. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I teach classes and create cards for a living but I do love the picture Vday cards and there are so many out there to choose from with specials galore!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few I found on Tiny Prints</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/"><img src="http://static-cdn.tp-global.net/image/tp/rebrand/logo.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one would be super cute for Abigale and I love that color/design combo:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/13253/valentines_day_cards_for_kids_dessert_train.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YhiCf1kj79VAYVRUELca8REciz27M-CWQ-q6h2atXA-Phi9pWxXKHBE91PWnV9TpijyqHyRmDwZtBn6N3laT8ch0QE58rFUKXc0IzLWQCgoT7knwfqReE5vyhRJ1GWTxZ8wBMg/s320/1.jpg" width="320" />. </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love this design and I know Jesse would since he is my Train-Crazy little boy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/13253/valentines_day_cards_for_kids_dessert_train.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTTtKZF6V-FPUVqJLKzZzuHtb3nHS_ak7PR4kSa96NjTNlV7XEWHipyL4p6k0vf0jJd463RioVCYxz9HjN4AzMWXx3HjNXjDXagG54XwQL9hyphenhyphenwbmwF3PCdx_Cl-1s2aRuJOOWtw/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /> .</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other option wold be to get a more generic design and use these for giveaway cards for our upcoming birth announcement of the new baby... Hmm..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/product/22155/valentines_day_cards_for_kids_sweet_and_simple.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHr0pSiiRn9zZhXyhIn46y8qGDLSR5mnCwXTJxbeNce_nEAeZTB39BKM_AjhjW43HAONPjWfcH9bD6O7tSuv2MlepVsx_UYrwiRiKknzYPkITgUjD8z7nMl8d2PvRsBJ5mfxkSHw/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /> .</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out all their <a href="http://www.tinyprints.com/tiny-prints-valentines-day-cards.htm" target="_blank">Valentine's Greeting Cards!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> For lots of great cards for all occasions, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/TinyPrints" target="_blank">Tiny Prints on Twitter</a> and follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinyprints" target="_blank">Tiny Prints on Facebook</a> They often have specials to take advantage of!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">What creative crafts do you have planned for this Happy Heart Day?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few ideas I am currently working on for Vday:</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">In MOPS, 2 weeks ago we made our version of these <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/273591/felt-fortune-cookies" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Felt Fortune Cookies</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjFIngkHVrk79pIArF-bXeOtYEJHlY2L_2Vi1z5ceEriTkfBqwAR35fZduqkZoFszlsjqLskUCMNvcutzNlJZghRe4MT2M5HBb8C5wWW9JYhs41uL_3HWrvOlHc3vovjtkvF0tQ/s320/mla103020_0208_fortune_hd.jpg" width="256" /><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/273591/felt-fortune-cookies" target="_blank">.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The idea was to leave a note back & forth with their hubbies {naughty or nice} through the month of February. You could also use them to leave little notes for your kids in their lunch box if you have that age range. What we did as a quickie tutorial is coming soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 2 weeks, we are making Massage Oil in MOPS. A friend's husband works at Cracker Barrell and he was nice enough to collect 90+/- of their little {empty} maple syrup bottles for us to fill as our 2/14 Creative Activity. I hope it goes over well and isn't too messy. I am creating labels with My Digital Studio that the church print shop will print to make them a little pretty, too. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I also hope they actually use it with their spouse! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;">For Abigale's birthday, I made these <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226101/pom-poms-and-luminarias" target="_blank">poms</a> from Martha Stewart. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFZ0jGJfuD0dG2t-YX8tXTt7m0MnlwIK_DHXoEeG6UlMBYOhUrcgbeezUQ36hw_HWjPMoM4iSoFNd4QCjNWUFZ1fcXLZsog04kxXznCG6o-09w0CVY0v02LoASLkr1H3CQmgg1A/s1600/P1010212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFZ0jGJfuD0dG2t-YX8tXTt7m0MnlwIK_DHXoEeG6UlMBYOhUrcgbeezUQ36hw_HWjPMoM4iSoFNd4QCjNWUFZ1fcXLZsog04kxXznCG6o-09w0CVY0v02LoASLkr1H3CQmgg1A/s320/P1010212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was a lot of time to just throw them away. I was pleasantly surprised that in February's MS magazine, someone used the poms to make a large heart over their mantle for a party, then left it up all year. I am not sure I will leave it up much past February, but I was glad to get an idea of how to use those poms a second time. Pictures of the heart on my entryway to come.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;">As for kids crafts, I definitely hope I can make these foot & hand prints, either as a card for the grandparents or a wall piece. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxOw_XlVebp5Z_W62n7saQynJagH_A_DXMe0Gsk4bf8fslFiDbrncYHWuEP6AUwgShyRyYC8p01N_L00jVmA7JXKdN5eoNuPHULMd24E7vGXEHF6j3GEPqEpI5tGeM41vI9Rn/s1600/IMG_2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxOw_XlVebp5Z_W62n7saQynJagH_A_DXMe0Gsk4bf8fslFiDbrncYHWuEP6AUwgShyRyYC8p01N_L00jVmA7JXKdN5eoNuPHULMd24E7vGXEHF6j3GEPqEpI5tGeM41vI9Rn/s320/IMG_2962.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;">I also hope to make a keepsake item for myself and possibly my mom for Vday or before the new baby comes at least. Still trying to decide if it would be better to frame them with recent pictures, instead of jewelry. In my experience, polymer clay is not that sturdy *and* with 3 kiddos, not too sure how that would hang. Maybe 3 tiered? Hmm..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-fingerprint-jewelry.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjh9L-I2U2MMCJ9D75pHJV2O46Sjaew7n9R-7Mifc50KkLnpmvUOL9UsC6wWXHbhoPsUtPeDtMXj-dQivcPWWCK8Yxp79pE6UQN7sdCy1Gbc39scNxvMAMn8Jn9K54PKDhF36iA/s320/fingerprint7.jpg" width="320" /> .</a><a href="http://www.sarahortega.com/2011/05/diy-fingerprint-jewelry.html" target="_blank">.</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn't this the greatest little idea and seems easy enough...although all those ideas on Pinterest often do. hah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out my friend Jennifer's fab little t-shirts she just made for her 2 little girls over at <a href="http://www.familymusings.com/2012/01/adorable-doily-shirt.html" target="_blank">Family Musings</a>! Perhaps, Abigale might just need one before the month gets started.. </div><div style="text-align: center;">As if I have nothing else to do, I am sure I will be gathering other ideas that I may {or may not} actually get accomplished for this little guy arrives on or about Februray 23rd!</div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are <a href="http://pinterest.com/deariedesigns/valentine-s-day/" target="_blank">some of the other things I have gathered & pinned</a> for Valentine's Day...more to come, I am sure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/deariedesigns/" target="_blank">all my boards</a>, if you like. I love the idea sharing!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow <a href="http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/%20" target="_blank">Tiny Prints</a> boards on Pinterest.com, too, while you are there. </div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I look forward to seeing & hearing about your ideas, too! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by and love someone good this month!</div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~For writing part of this blog, I should receive 50 Classroom Valentine’s Day Cards for kids as Tiny Prints way of saying thanks~</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-6118374284808726012012-01-24T16:32:00.001-05:002012-01-24T17:56:40.932-05:00Argh Matey Jesse's Pirate Birthday Party<div style="text-align: center;">Jesse turned 4 on November 8th, 2011. I love themes. They inspire me! I got inspired for this party when Stampin' Up clearanced the Pirate Party kit from a couple of years ago down to $2.99 last spring. At the original price of $16, it was a bargain, and now they were practically giving it away! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Little did I realize the Pirate theme was going to be so popular this year. So much for being original. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But here are my little spins on the theme and what we did for his 4th birthday party.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjCBS6wU_hTuxEM4ujLZCPpDhCG_aMJLijxOxOnM-8WBUcfy0aL4L3_i7ZPOxwV_lavmH7ftnIZKURKuA60MC1KvKQn1yEBg2z46RDailoKD_MTSOxUb5ZdiOQFaIghoeUpn5kA/s1600/Jesse%2527s+4th+birthday-002_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjCBS6wU_hTuxEM4ujLZCPpDhCG_aMJLijxOxOnM-8WBUcfy0aL4L3_i7ZPOxwV_lavmH7ftnIZKURKuA60MC1KvKQn1yEBg2z46RDailoKD_MTSOxUb5ZdiOQFaIghoeUpn5kA/s320/Jesse%2527s+4th+birthday-002_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>His Invite {created on My Digital Studio from <a href="http://www.amydearie.stampinup.net/" target="_blank">Stampin' Up</a> then just printed as a 4 X 6 picture at Sam's!}. <br />
Picture of Jesse was taken by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nate-Mundell-Photography/104262359605640" target="_blank">Nate Mundell Photography</a> at another Pirate {& Princess} party we attended a month prior. </div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFdR_Yn4wWK9SDLJohiikjtlcfq530xQNn9bjZtWzHjGXk2-jbUpulyArGFdQV7LF6UcvKJ2h0OvPVG-lDk_ssMtZ071kItBQqN1Tn85jbrWj5NjfkrZ74yHm3N4t5JS8TkJwbQ/s1600/Jesse+Disney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFdR_Yn4wWK9SDLJohiikjtlcfq530xQNn9bjZtWzHjGXk2-jbUpulyArGFdQV7LF6UcvKJ2h0OvPVG-lDk_ssMtZ071kItBQqN1Tn85jbrWj5NjfkrZ74yHm3N4t5JS8TkJwbQ/s320/Jesse+Disney.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First, our tradition is to go to Walt Disney World on our birthdays since we have passes. Had to take a few "pirate shots" while we were there!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwwxVIex-_hMPBX84LTCqbOGP6pS0knVF2MPInIWbPcytOja1hIigbjjl6tQo3QBmhEe0HFIUQDtYX0nfIS0dAUvr9C35yvA1-1PgSd5lD72ljDKFqubTWm9_lE548A8-vYOF_w/s1600/Jesse+Decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwwxVIex-_hMPBX84LTCqbOGP6pS0knVF2MPInIWbPcytOja1hIigbjjl6tQo3QBmhEe0HFIUQDtYX0nfIS0dAUvr9C35yvA1-1PgSd5lD72ljDKFqubTWm9_lE548A8-vYOF_w/s320/Jesse+Decorations.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZigORvcw7UCCRRd8QRAGLTe3nOKCvzcvq9g31DVMdKTcIVN7_cgQTaRDmC91U7mX218KhXlXFiCoY1A8znvEvnYQxnqbOWf_DsoayRN6rcMVe9Mkf6oVqnIeZRwLwbrrQ9KA_g/s1600/P1010065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ZigORvcw7UCCRRd8QRAGLTe3nOKCvzcvq9g31DVMdKTcIVN7_cgQTaRDmC91U7mX218KhXlXFiCoY1A8znvEvnYQxnqbOWf_DsoayRN6rcMVe9Mkf6oVqnIeZRwLwbrrQ9KA_g/s320/P1010065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I did a "Candy Barge" on a taller dresser and had bags for the parents to fill for the kids. I tried to get candy that was either wrapped in gold or jewel tones or sea related. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The sign that read "Beware Thar Be Pirates" was made by my husband from a pallet broken apart and rough looking on purpose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlNGqxwaqJxco1ipY8vvAPNAuhQI_53FBfh0vAcg9l3qUP_rY0tBnSccrtDbdyRSRrkMC3pzrslJdLWR2BIBCyzVM2MzNtEnKpHBRumGSy2T5TrF6_Wbkgg_XkWK6y4Oq8oJAtA/s1600/P1010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlNGqxwaqJxco1ipY8vvAPNAuhQI_53FBfh0vAcg9l3qUP_rY0tBnSccrtDbdyRSRrkMC3pzrslJdLWR2BIBCyzVM2MzNtEnKpHBRumGSy2T5TrF6_Wbkgg_XkWK6y4Oq8oJAtA/s320/P1010094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The banner hanging is 2 kits put together and then I embellished with chunky glitter to add a little something to half of the flags. I also hung another of this banner over our sliding glass door that lead to the bounce house. Sorry, it's no longer available for purchase.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom made the costumes for my 2 littles.</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1seDlQtZKDWv9sp2pHMc9IpuKNCM4AjdBy0ZYxMb9wvdZKGDiIbahrO5HYBKJe-8CjKQagqczU3Epb4Zg92huJfuzHo5b2heeA6EjLm_2Hr9VWDzp1gVyP0PwQ3TeX1zBZMwPg/s1600/P1010091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd1seDlQtZKDWv9sp2pHMc9IpuKNCM4AjdBy0ZYxMb9wvdZKGDiIbahrO5HYBKJe-8CjKQagqczU3Epb4Zg92huJfuzHo5b2heeA6EjLm_2Hr9VWDzp1gVyP0PwQ3TeX1zBZMwPg/s320/P1010091.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> The "Pirate booty" came from random metal items mom or I had laying around, along with the wooden boxes and gauzy material. When draped together with the beads and such, it reminded me of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at the Magic Kingdom, which is the look I was hoping for in this area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYatTnutzMrgHNfXV1HwTpg7ujWNNYvV4tJb59slt5p0tfdBTdhtxIRjpgLZT586msaFBZvCDX0nm5V4eDJF5B_8eLQMw9KN3J8XCJTJ8A59wabZcPghyphenhyphenfn8qyaVONPqMYKJ5xw/s1600/Jesse+takeaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYatTnutzMrgHNfXV1HwTpg7ujWNNYvV4tJb59slt5p0tfdBTdhtxIRjpgLZT586msaFBZvCDX0nm5V4eDJF5B_8eLQMw9KN3J8XCJTJ8A59wabZcPghyphenhyphenfn8qyaVONPqMYKJ5xw/s320/Jesse+takeaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The girls had headband bandannas with red polka dots and the boys bandannas had a pirate print.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The treasure boxes also came in that kit from Stampin Up. Since I had so many kids coming, I put out tags for the parents to tape to the treasure boxes. This didn't happen. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And the boxes kept {mysteriously} opening to be pillaged. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So I wouldn't recommend having the boxes within children's reach or untagged. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want the name on it, put it on. <span style="font-size: x-small;"> {What was I thinking?}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi-LPtHj2wK9Er73TrGJuugbq55toN3X4hYtf7yqyXDQtSOqdYH37vdagMR010gJ3Re5-hONVPan4txJIecCPX1S_tt13aU7CSBTBKOMY7FcBDhRbUO_mMJEQxNd7adzIwr9ydQ/s1600/Jesse+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi-LPtHj2wK9Er73TrGJuugbq55toN3X4hYtf7yqyXDQtSOqdYH37vdagMR010gJ3Re5-hONVPan4txJIecCPX1S_tt13aU7CSBTBKOMY7FcBDhRbUO_mMJEQxNd7adzIwr9ydQ/s320/Jesse+Food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to name the food served with the theme because I am that cheesy. So we had "Submarine Sandwiches" {and yes, I know that subs are more current than the typical time period when we think of "Pirates" but go with me..}; Deviled Ships {Deviled Eggs that kind of resemble a boat thanks to the flag from the kit}; Pirate Booty ~of course; and Shipwrecked Salad made with Sea Shell Pasta. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtRlw7AyvcqJB2Hy7zL5nvVIdN35hFs8ytGht0d1psbPNxC3NzQ6lbaRq4XR9SfPinQji5XyWLfMPE3CdNBeoQ4BAu0eO6kC1PbkSuDg_oqw1sCNJJQbETJzhKecLeJh_3CuPMw/s1600/P1010046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMtRlw7AyvcqJB2Hy7zL5nvVIdN35hFs8ytGht0d1psbPNxC3NzQ6lbaRq4XR9SfPinQji5XyWLfMPE3CdNBeoQ4BAu0eO6kC1PbkSuDg_oqw1sCNJJQbETJzhKecLeJh_3CuPMw/s320/P1010046.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pictured here is also the Salted Caramel Cupcakes {Salty Sea..get it?}. I loosely followed the inspiration of <a href="http://www.cakeeventsblog.com/search?q=caramel+cupcake" target="_blank">this recipe</a>. But I used a normal yellow cake mix with a pinch of salt and used a jar of caramel ice cream topping for the filling. I did use her recipe for the frosting. Great stuff!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvU0yut7PLkfEPVuYBszQun4Lemrjk-N_3y_FBiK_wzRFXpP6hM2d090UWYdHV5GzZxd84X4o-5Wt07XZzSSrQ_cvZVmyH9sA92H32xMzsp0eVKjpumafb5DaOFnS0kdSN1rSkQ/s1600/P1010061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvU0yut7PLkfEPVuYBszQun4Lemrjk-N_3y_FBiK_wzRFXpP6hM2d090UWYdHV5GzZxd84X4o-5Wt07XZzSSrQ_cvZVmyH9sA92H32xMzsp0eVKjpumafb5DaOFnS0kdSN1rSkQ/s320/P1010061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Treasure Chest Chocolate Cake turned out pretty good despite me waiting to the last minute.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOQR3-YMITgUVLywKIbd9uYMhD9lYx1GKGF2za_l__5SlPKcBKCEBnNK5qfrTjbjXqrCiauvzIANDEbJ8HSCX3v_5jvdn4EeFp9CXcu0hpLJSrqRoSK3mwYxGK4EFIEnnNvPqw/s1600/DSC_2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcOQR3-YMITgUVLywKIbd9uYMhD9lYx1GKGF2za_l__5SlPKcBKCEBnNK5qfrTjbjXqrCiauvzIANDEbJ8HSCX3v_5jvdn4EeFp9CXcu0hpLJSrqRoSK3mwYxGK4EFIEnnNvPqw/s320/DSC_2018.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I didn't really do games other than the "Search for Buried Treasure" using an under the bed type storage box filled with a bag of sand, beads, rings, & other small trinkets.</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxouW0Qx-jYsxT6rrrLB13YaSsZ_3PzYgYOvZkdSIsL6WsqfOxBRJypDz1M5FiXmlNMcFoP7wyb60TFCqp6TwpnxVQFTQKDN91pzDk2jJQJzW4QZfOFZk_kZtDA-19SN_aCNLgLw/s1600/DSC_1991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxouW0Qx-jYsxT6rrrLB13YaSsZ_3PzYgYOvZkdSIsL6WsqfOxBRJypDz1M5FiXmlNMcFoP7wyb60TFCqp6TwpnxVQFTQKDN91pzDk2jJQJzW4QZfOFZk_kZtDA-19SN_aCNLgLw/s320/DSC_1991.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We asked the kids to wear pirate gear if they had it and some of the girls wore princess outfits, too. We provided the bandannas & eye patches in case they didn't already have something. Dress up always makes it more fun and I love to incorporate that for the guests and {of course} the party honoree! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocsAEXq74j5UQUpCFZZgyfto2wKH3CrWXwdD0d3f-yrsuBd1sUB6SP24AGX6Hot9hyPJVoDkoLsnPT2N-s_rkJCqiHuu1viC2UmViLlNzbGrmM-gW_QxJnhB7S9612A7r4AI-PQ/s1600/DSC_1964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocsAEXq74j5UQUpCFZZgyfto2wKH3CrWXwdD0d3f-yrsuBd1sUB6SP24AGX6Hot9hyPJVoDkoLsnPT2N-s_rkJCqiHuu1viC2UmViLlNzbGrmM-gW_QxJnhB7S9612A7r4AI-PQ/s320/DSC_1964.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends let us borrow their home bounce house which gave the kids another outlet to play. Highly recommend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse had a great time and I think the kids did, too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umVZFx-UuBY/TvVXuVTcnLI/AAAAAAAAAx4/ZWMQJZ7aeqg/s1600/kashi-feedback-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umVZFx-UuBY/TvVXuVTcnLI/AAAAAAAAAx4/ZWMQJZ7aeqg/s1600/kashi-feedback-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F78s9GcdbQc/TvVWdkLxPbI/AAAAAAAAAxs/kLdQeOj6_Pw/s1600/Kashi-TLC-Cereal-Bars-Ripe-Strawberry-018627386896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was chosen by Moms Meet/ Mom Ambassadors to share Kashi TLC Granola Bars with my mom friends. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvX6yP16oA/TvVX9FNXwYI/AAAAAAAAAyM/PG24Ga4iP-8/s1600/kashi-feedback-1_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlvX6yP16oA/TvVX9FNXwYI/AAAAAAAAAyM/PG24Ga4iP-8/s1600/kashi-feedback-1_2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the bars into MOPS and they were grabbed up before the meeting was over. I did test them on my kids and hubby, as well. The kids {almost 4, at the time, and around 20 months} didn't seem keen on the chocolate covering at the bottom. I think it was the messiness of it. Older children & adults would probably know to keep the wrapper for a holder to stay mess free. I personally didn't care for the flavor of the varieties they sent because, if I am going to eat chocolate, I want real chocolate. Whatever coating used to cover the top, pales in comparison to the real thing. But I feel that way about all of these bars, regardles of the brand. </div><div style="text-align: center;">For sharing this product with friends, they also sent us a box of cereal and the Soft Baked Strawberry Bars. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JioIi_bApY0/TvVYKngxEiI/AAAAAAAAAyY/qzY401WMZOo/s1600/Kashi-Organic-Cereal-Cinnamon-Harvest-018627835004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JioIi_bApY0/TvVYKngxEiI/AAAAAAAAAyY/qzY401WMZOo/s320/Kashi-Organic-Cereal-Cinnamon-Harvest-018627835004.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP0F-RjpS7I/TvVYLfdRNTI/AAAAAAAAAyg/4SmtF3_jdDE/s1600/Kashi-TLC-Cereal-Bars-Ripe-Strawberry-018627386896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP0F-RjpS7I/TvVYLfdRNTI/AAAAAAAAAyg/4SmtF3_jdDE/s320/Kashi-TLC-Cereal-Bars-Ripe-Strawberry-018627386896.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The TLC Soft Baked Ripe Strawberry bars went over much better with my kiddos and I didn't mind eating a bite to finish, if needed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was the one that ate most of the cereal and I liked the fact that it wasn't so sweet but still tasty with nutritional value. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you have a blog and are looking for a program to help sample new products with your circle of moms, I recommend trying to get involved with <a href="http://www.greenmomsmeet.com/" target="_blank">Moms Meet</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You never know what you will come across to try!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All photos courtesy of Kashi.</span><br />
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The House Party benefits for the hostess were not stellar like they have been for other products I have hosted but I do like the freebies they gave myself and the guests. There have been many great deals out there this year for free photo cards and I can't wait to compare these to the others I have received.<br />
<br />
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Can't wait to get each project in the mail!<br />
Thanks for looking.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">By sharing this photo, they will be sending me a $10 credit. Just so you know.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-SNzSo8q7VlRti4ne0AgZ4gVGq6V5YC6MeEQgT4zez6KMXLGSyoIGWxG_eQZM0FCs1-vD8uC6kjMNQD_xsDONo_1laKuK_mDxr__aJTg1E6eoMHadHLfDiOFNNkj-h_5o3oxoA/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-SNzSo8q7VlRti4ne0AgZ4gVGq6V5YC6MeEQgT4zez6KMXLGSyoIGWxG_eQZM0FCs1-vD8uC6kjMNQD_xsDONo_1laKuK_mDxr__aJTg1E6eoMHadHLfDiOFNNkj-h_5o3oxoA/s320/P1010003.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And, now, how we got there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Supplies:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clothespins</div><div style="text-align: center;">Neodymium Magnets {SUPER Powerful!}</div><div style="text-align: center;">Large Burner Covers</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can Black Matte Spray Paint</div><div style="text-align: center;">Quart Black Chalkboard Paint</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=108362&dbwsdemoid=41975">Crop-a-Dile</a> to poke the holes and a metal file to file holes</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wide Ribbon</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryid=620&dbwsdemoid=41975">Designer Series Paper</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">glue</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chalk to season/prime.</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9zBm5JbCf5TiejRp2HIRWh3ntnChxw05uFE54FIj_ROxjaJ9uWQBvLzn2vu60NcCRamPCvPJMnGJT531JaZmGLB-MGUN8Vkj4qH7umr1n9yrvy6XF7T1AT6jowr0mxF8O-bDMQ/s1600/P1010157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9zBm5JbCf5TiejRp2HIRWh3ntnChxw05uFE54FIj_ROxjaJ9uWQBvLzn2vu60NcCRamPCvPJMnGJT531JaZmGLB-MGUN8Vkj4qH7umr1n9yrvy6XF7T1AT6jowr0mxF8O-bDMQ/s320/P1010157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">200 Clothespins</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to glue the magnets on because they were so tiny I feared they would get lost. And they were so strong, if the board was slightly touched, they all snapped together like a mousetrap or domino affect, which Jesse found quite funny!</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21THa2ApY8ED_3tJC3DHCf_ORY_-xC5iAhIrpLGPlYSjA5dP_ymhmIGBYL0n43peyf2GS6C7XKLYCDLw2GlY3mL3V5bfNKd5rCBhrmv_t_QYh6wXVy5Yni6I4VFIimJV5Za2Bjg/s1600/P1010162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj21THa2ApY8ED_3tJC3DHCf_ORY_-xC5iAhIrpLGPlYSjA5dP_ymhmIGBYL0n43peyf2GS6C7XKLYCDLw2GlY3mL3V5bfNKd5rCBhrmv_t_QYh6wXVy5Yni6I4VFIimJV5Za2Bjg/s320/P1010162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 ribbon loops to hang the chalkboards with!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">I used 3 kinds, honestly, because I bought the first <a href="http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ProductDetails.aspx?group=733&dbwsdemoid=41975">2 striped ribbons</a> from Stampin' Up to coordinate with the Designer Series Paper and under estimated the amount I needed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aCvMUrs5iPnqlEyAis_5SXwZfLEPxjpQZwNuJEQefNVidek04K020AP62Udy241bMSW6VhoQOXReDpxrFw67fbjxf2eihfKoNC75FDqJe90ipJ3kNty3q7SzM_JcuXQ6l6-dKA/s1600/P1010163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aCvMUrs5iPnqlEyAis_5SXwZfLEPxjpQZwNuJEQefNVidek04K020AP62Udy241bMSW6VhoQOXReDpxrFw67fbjxf2eihfKoNC75FDqJe90ipJ3kNty3q7SzM_JcuXQ6l6-dKA/s320/P1010163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I pre-cut, knotted, & sealed the loops with glue. I knew it would take a lot more ribbon if they tied the knot themselves {budget}. And frustration isn't fun for those that don't like to tie ribbons. Also, time is always a constraint. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd0p-V9FafJrZWtqkIOdxJjwpbIoAq8EMSjxz0Lh9YmQMQVT0IBMP_GW6ZyKAbWtbWN0EwpccXFN-jWG7xsu7iqPRMFEy-r3Eg19J9uIqst-1kseuolvTinIytqiTOTwBLxUtUA/s1600/P1010171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd0p-V9FafJrZWtqkIOdxJjwpbIoAq8EMSjxz0Lh9YmQMQVT0IBMP_GW6ZyKAbWtbWN0EwpccXFN-jWG7xsu7iqPRMFEy-r3Eg19J9uIqst-1kseuolvTinIytqiTOTwBLxUtUA/s320/P1010171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I cut the paper to be glued onto the clothespins from a retired pack of Designer Series Paper. It is double sided so there is a choice of designs but they all coordinate along with matching the ribbons. </div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4" X 2 3/4" strips times 200+.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2KebKANdyF6TZ7i6Lw6IFOM_TofiTzVeQkinG5LD1eUrgfp6n-psfL9xi3f4dHfnyvjBvGWVZtja2jqJdEZs4EdOwbq20dI90308zXce43lRZNebhmrlTRXqDQXGigEdKNDcjg/s1600/P1010174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2KebKANdyF6TZ7i6Lw6IFOM_TofiTzVeQkinG5LD1eUrgfp6n-psfL9xi3f4dHfnyvjBvGWVZtja2jqJdEZs4EdOwbq20dI90308zXce43lRZNebhmrlTRXqDQXGigEdKNDcjg/s320/P1010174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I packed them in groups of 8 kits for each table to make sure everyone had enough supplies and they are easy to find. I emptied them into our little black buckets for ease of delivery to each table the morning of MOPS.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK92OYWA2-uS0ATL8MyGShbmZamY9GvPBJRriOLt2r056CgT0I7q_jKpnMGC8gMnxIO0v8UnrwWlZwshl36Yb2kOHzPlZiI9WH_y0cihgwujIw85DtNXR13fjRpaipHE0cfqlxQ/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTK92OYWA2-uS0ATL8MyGShbmZamY9GvPBJRriOLt2r056CgT0I7q_jKpnMGC8gMnxIO0v8UnrwWlZwshl36Yb2kOHzPlZiI9WH_y0cihgwujIw85DtNXR13fjRpaipHE0cfqlxQ/s320/P1010175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I only have 1 Crop-a-Dile, so this is another step in the prep process that had to be done at home. Since the ribbon I chose was wide, it took 3 holes. Then it left sharp edges, so I filed them with a metal file.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RzFMSBhIqCcwI9rThHN2iNOo1tJq6Fo4VHBPY6CWq963Wuq2xC2u77_ZiV_G2h9N4G2aIzkb1GU1kiDE1hYZkgYyNRtIbnpZLtu6E-e2MNhlbu0Jq0JR9uGJbIhoaQDrlk5Fnw/s1600/P1010176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RzFMSBhIqCcwI9rThHN2iNOo1tJq6Fo4VHBPY6CWq963Wuq2xC2u77_ZiV_G2h9N4G2aIzkb1GU1kiDE1hYZkgYyNRtIbnpZLtu6E-e2MNhlbu0Jq0JR9uGJbIhoaQDrlk5Fnw/s320/P1010176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I lined them up in a box and spray painted the sides matte {to match the matte-ness of the chalkboard finish}. Just turned them 3-4 times to hit all the side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYinc4Cm60-v_ipE39q27gJ-4xwuxnK3yybUY3eL6ZE-HeERcvHCjaHP7zchd0nmg3oO8-mDWxYyUgBbwka3EX7pO1i94IwdEeMwTK_RKCdeM_mj8Hh5C6NqBlpMAMTfeII_GTrw/s1600/P1010178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYinc4Cm60-v_ipE39q27gJ-4xwuxnK3yybUY3eL6ZE-HeERcvHCjaHP7zchd0nmg3oO8-mDWxYyUgBbwka3EX7pO1i94IwdEeMwTK_RKCdeM_mj8Hh5C6NqBlpMAMTfeII_GTrw/s320/P1010178.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ready to roll the chalkboard paint on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv3MMZRJZNzw3S7sN5j5PtL0mKCyx-O-1ELWp52AHCQ7kfQC1EftDboLS1KfOe7pgcAL2QGcttO9ZStEdpe2epf8LPznVTFgSYbQeUROr3CsPrixfBPzEQJ9n7Q5LBPJg4UnJ8A/s1600/P1010179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv3MMZRJZNzw3S7sN5j5PtL0mKCyx-O-1ELWp52AHCQ7kfQC1EftDboLS1KfOe7pgcAL2QGcttO9ZStEdpe2epf8LPznVTFgSYbQeUROr3CsPrixfBPzEQJ9n7Q5LBPJg4UnJ8A/s320/P1010179.JPG" width="182" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 coat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IxhLkpdaQLi3ym356xqodIpiIHPQAQycRz_pLfrr4Brz8zAyTPLjs4fcFDatM8lvO-i1Rhht30_Q7h5WXBoo3DWkh2Z__DdZuw-OQNBLuUTcEVfMr5ECRZ-huFVYRrnSRuEy3w/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0IxhLkpdaQLi3ym356xqodIpiIHPQAQycRz_pLfrr4Brz8zAyTPLjs4fcFDatM8lvO-i1Rhht30_Q7h5WXBoo3DWkh2Z__DdZuw-OQNBLuUTcEVfMr5ECRZ-huFVYRrnSRuEy3w/s320/P1010001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Painting complete. Now all stacked and ready to take to MOPS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty-z0Ig3CobOtb7kREKX7MglyCCXudU47ctzZ3SktxGtupDkiq9woKN6-4qwhqcRkr7-mHoneUBE9SyDEE6h49JFjramouHq1ybMHLrzcvahlOiHfXZ_rSVo1W8BzmHTWdyw2DA/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgty-z0Ig3CobOtb7kREKX7MglyCCXudU47ctzZ3SktxGtupDkiq9woKN6-4qwhqcRkr7-mHoneUBE9SyDEE6h49JFjramouHq1ybMHLrzcvahlOiHfXZ_rSVo1W8BzmHTWdyw2DA/s320/P1010007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The coordinating factor is my fave part of this project. Oh, and the usefulness. :) </div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope the ladies at MOPS @ the Mall enjoy them!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Note: If you desire to know the location these supplies were purchased or you are a MOPS C.A. person and want to know Cost-Per-Person, please message me. Happy to help!</span></i></div>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-85721370478146366212011-08-18T08:24:00.000-04:002011-08-18T08:24:41.538-04:00She shouts, Style, where are you, Style? Giveaway Alert<div style="text-align: center;">"Where are you, Style?" <br />
Just like the great blog entry you are going to read over at <a href="http://www.familymusings.com/2011/08/giveaway-its-time-for-grown-up-jewelry.html">Family Musings</a>, I too often lose Style due to mommyhood, busyness, or plain laziness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I look at my wardrobe and think..when did I become that dowdy mom I swore I never would be? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Little losses to the enemy called casual comfort..literal baby steps and it's gone before you know it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">It doesn't help that when you are home all day, why would you put on the dress and the pearls? I may love all things retro but I am not June Cleaver around here on any given Tuesday. In fact, you better call before you stop by my house because I am probably not decent for company. ;) haha</div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently went to a NKOTBSB concert, and that is New Kids on the Block with Backstreet Boys. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{I swear review is coming soon!}</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had to go shopping for a top and jewelry so I wouldn't feel like I was dressed to go grocery shopping. I joked that it was "Ladies' Night" and I wanted to feel and look it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 weeks and 7 stores later, I finally had the look I wanted. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Apparently, unless you want to spend $$$, they aren't making much for a fuller figured gals that doesn't resemble a tent or a knit shirt...at least that was how it was for me over the course of my shopping week.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here we are after the concert, tired but elated! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu5n9pAkJ66GeTulFIrcmYJEenJDiFqw_VuY9l34grYV1R7h0PkUtPr92OY-WCE_9TT0FSPV1BEz2epQn7Pk5jJJbWXCl6MUMaqP4J4mYQpzE3uCxbEv7xxAnLqfLBJciOPZjTQ/s1600/P1010107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqu5n9pAkJ66GeTulFIrcmYJEenJDiFqw_VuY9l34grYV1R7h0PkUtPr92OY-WCE_9TT0FSPV1BEz2epQn7Pk5jJJbWXCl6MUMaqP4J4mYQpzE3uCxbEv7xxAnLqfLBJciOPZjTQ/s320/P1010107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">And I think looking like some pretty hot mamas, if I do say so myself. ;) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is Ashley and we went to our first NKOTB concert together in 1990. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">21 years later, here we are again and having a blast!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">~ </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So if you, too, are in need for a bit of spicing up, at least in the jewelry department like I was, take your shot at the awesome <a href="http://www.familymusings.com/2011/08/giveaway-its-time-for-grown-up-jewelry.html">giveaway over at Family Musings</a>! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">$100 for an amazing online site called Ice.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So between you and me, I hope one of us wins! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Good Luck and thanks for reading!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used the recipe for No-Bake Cookies from <a href="http://www.justapinch.com/recipe/jeanettie33/no-bake-cookies/cookies?k=no+bake+cookies&o=r&p=3">Justapinch.com</a> which is a GREAT recipe site, if you haven't already joined them! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX0W_9XabrWjEYanRKTY4iG6D48SgUTqiLQQazKl_YPMixiRHhSNkIxZoprc7iRZPL5ipllmMHp4fFwi1v04kovF7Gzl-bUf3FRJ-t8vExdlPm29gANxRKpXkGal71szquJdP_w/s1600/P1010087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvX0W_9XabrWjEYanRKTY4iG6D48SgUTqiLQQazKl_YPMixiRHhSNkIxZoprc7iRZPL5ipllmMHp4fFwi1v04kovF7Gzl-bUf3FRJ-t8vExdlPm29gANxRKpXkGal71szquJdP_w/s320/P1010087.JPG" width="203" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse and I made them together and that also made it fun. I let him pour in the ingredients. I took care of stirring while boiling on the stove and then let him mix in the final ingredients on the counter. He is old enough and done this enough to know not to touch a hot pan. Then he used the cookie scoop and dropped them onto the wax paper.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The jury is still out if these would make to a Christmas Cookie party platter <i>by me</i>, but since my hubby loves them, it was time to indulge him..after all, I am embarrassed to say, this is the first time I have made them for him in the 7 years {almost in 2 weeks} we have been married. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Actually, this may be the first time I have actually made them at all. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I grew up baking but my mom tends to make the more difficult recipes, too. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Like mother, like daughter. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjPT0cst7KNF9OkrSx7qZo66plcz70N0rpLnLS80T2pRFhZzOAR1grCAqkZFGfsbztWavIvvpn1E6qP2KfJIE5-VjTdSeWHa__LX1o6pZiEefdaBt7si3L1t5tEsk-KnkF58XHA/s1600/P1010090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjPT0cst7KNF9OkrSx7qZo66plcz70N0rpLnLS80T2pRFhZzOAR1grCAqkZFGfsbztWavIvvpn1E6qP2KfJIE5-VjTdSeWHa__LX1o6pZiEefdaBt7si3L1t5tEsk-KnkF58XHA/s320/P1010090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He should be home soon for the approving nod but I think they are pretty tasty...for No-Bakes. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What is your favorite cookie recipe?</b></div><br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made with My Digital Studio from Stampin' Up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">New Baby {or Babies as Jesse insists now} due February 23, 2012.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="pad8" id="code" style="overflow: hidden; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img alt="Lilypie Maternity tickers" border="0" height="80" src="http://lmtf.lilypie.com/9t5nm4.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-6515216284055264332011-07-22T10:20:00.000-04:002011-07-22T10:20:23.984-04:00A Few Firsts Around Here<div style="text-align: center;">Just a few random firsts around here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRfQ7BmNmCFBw6ZOziJrF9DKLwCKrRFu5PjTtmKVi0JvU2kVbn5es9FHHbWZkgj3ZJlOaL9v3O_9GL3QvI4DCj4FZ4y-7i-49agEs8hIZKSBvHeEj4JyIG3PQznTUzC51b6Iatg/s1600/P1010095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRfQ7BmNmCFBw6ZOziJrF9DKLwCKrRFu5PjTtmKVi0JvU2kVbn5es9FHHbWZkgj3ZJlOaL9v3O_9GL3QvI4DCj4FZ4y-7i-49agEs8hIZKSBvHeEj4JyIG3PQznTUzC51b6Iatg/s320/P1010095.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sucker</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupD9G8P8isz5sWINdKmoy2CbGC1694wub-Qg1qhR82cp8fm7pLe4zUazjwzNuI5u72cEb2ieKMOBMGQcwtTFaHrb-iq58Yv5abd4j7KPVHmq0J17NEtOCL_RHcfL7fQauyuZUeQ/s1600/P1010061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupD9G8P8isz5sWINdKmoy2CbGC1694wub-Qg1qhR82cp8fm7pLe4zUazjwzNuI5u72cEb2ieKMOBMGQcwtTFaHrb-iq58Yv5abd4j7KPVHmq0J17NEtOCL_RHcfL7fQauyuZUeQ/s320/P1010061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Sucker and she's a pro!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lBcfA32OF8q8xyd0S7Grf5NuYahofBgiK9fer2r4WUe1b1MbcqDMu5kYB85JtCeWU9pVdb6Y2re5JsUAY8y2KXF8My8q16o7MdSmDBi_6pdqKS10Q1NxyTkLnL_Q3ul2EJCA7Q/s1600/P1010097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lBcfA32OF8q8xyd0S7Grf5NuYahofBgiK9fer2r4WUe1b1MbcqDMu5kYB85JtCeWU9pVdb6Y2re5JsUAY8y2KXF8My8q16o7MdSmDBi_6pdqKS10Q1NxyTkLnL_Q3ul2EJCA7Q/s320/P1010097.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time doing the Cow Appreciation Day for Chick-fil-A.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsC3S2HbxDcZAhrA4PMaN1ltXLy8l-7NHvcue6edzzGzNAfWbLy6ATgXKVX6sTT4dhAL5UZ8mgkIkeXAhqoEmZuynt8shQZPVcqCSuYz3hkXs2nHoz11EVrkxw1_Ewhik8sryPg/s1600/P1010098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsC3S2HbxDcZAhrA4PMaN1ltXLy8l-7NHvcue6edzzGzNAfWbLy6ATgXKVX6sTT4dhAL5UZ8mgkIkeXAhqoEmZuynt8shQZPVcqCSuYz3hkXs2nHoz11EVrkxw1_Ewhik8sryPg/s320/P1010098.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camera was out of batteries or I would have taken better pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiKoyaYwl03AKAGQ3iprVMYazGsWfIeZTBsRy31TBGuw60hyphenhyphentjr8WTlqRQfuJR2ZV8BoHqF315P2-26e8obiZPU4ckbWBPpHNJdhg6bPd-0pcTvQpDxOpPHXKYC8UFAEICRJWXg/s1600/P1010078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHiKoyaYwl03AKAGQ3iprVMYazGsWfIeZTBsRy31TBGuw60hyphenhyphentjr8WTlqRQfuJR2ZV8BoHqF315P2-26e8obiZPU4ckbWBPpHNJdhg6bPd-0pcTvQpDxOpPHXKYC8UFAEICRJWXg/s320/P1010078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time we tried to make Strawberry Jam..blog to come later!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai7sAPRe0VMeWZP0PWPvR1-PDuXpSlWMbCeSmpNK0NTFgWV2mBMLrJVymaWL5gv0L9MffEjcD-iPKMwT8BKEbhaD4nlgSBkGZwgF_ceRkuKHqyPjoK4UMuZYispFbpIe7oCo-UQ/s1600/P1010084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiai7sAPRe0VMeWZP0PWPvR1-PDuXpSlWMbCeSmpNK0NTFgWV2mBMLrJVymaWL5gv0L9MffEjcD-iPKMwT8BKEbhaD4nlgSBkGZwgF_ceRkuKHqyPjoK4UMuZYispFbpIe7oCo-UQ/s320/P1010084.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After watching Matilda make her own sandwich, Jesse ran into the kitchen to make his first PB & Jam sandwich by himself. Growing too fast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4QI5JBR-vw5j_3xDTxylAISnE-seoheMVCKroWP6DU-6yhHKfFsVe8rYmmqpAuMuAh8WY87FpJrO9sh4TQO2tLm7BVIKeTN5pA8QR428VroVZN4oTUnPUKDj2pbR1JQyUukZKA/s1600/P1010093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4QI5JBR-vw5j_3xDTxylAISnE-seoheMVCKroWP6DU-6yhHKfFsVe8rYmmqpAuMuAh8WY87FpJrO9sh4TQO2tLm7BVIKeTN5pA8QR428VroVZN4oTUnPUKDj2pbR1JQyUukZKA/s320/P1010093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> First Bad Boo-Boo, Goose Egg.. Here is the story in case you missed my post on FB<span style="font-size: small;">: <span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">While in the bathroom, Jesse came in & informed that Abigale had a P.U. diaper. She came in sans-diaper with him following saying he had wiped her & how could he put the diaper on her. After I really got her cleaned up and put the diaper on her, she bent over & I pulled up on her diaper which seemed riding low. In that same movement, it sent her and her forehead into the tile, giving her first goose egg. </span></span><span data-jsid="text">Great, Mother of the Year. So then Jesse informs me her P.U. is on his carpet & I realize that SHE had taken her diaper off and he was just trying to help. Geesh. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-jsid="text"> That was our last couple of weeks. </span><span data-jsid="text">You are caught up for now.</span><span data-jsid="text"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-jsid="text"><i>How was yours..anything interesting happen in your world?</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-jsid="text"> Have a great weekend! </span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were blessed to have friends from out of town come over for July 4th lunch. We grilled out and had a great time together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then we had 3 leftover hamburgers and a couple of hot dogs. We had also grilled with my mom and had half a package of smoked sausage grilled and waiting for it's future in the fridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then the idea popped in my head. Why not try to make a chili with these bits of meat. John was on-board to experiment so off I went and it came out great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ingredients for {Quickie} Cookout Chili:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>3 hamburgers already grilled [and seasoned] chopped</li>
<li>1 hotdog, grilled & chopped fine</li>
<li>half a package of smoked sausage [that comes like kielbasa], grilled and diced </li>
<li>1 can of rinsed & drained red beans</li>
<li>1 can of rinsed & drained black beans</li>
<li>1 can of fire roasted tomatoes {I used Hunt's version because it was BOGO}</li>
<li>1 can of rotel tomatoes & chili</li>
<li>1 tablespoon of chili powder</li>
<li>a pinch of red pepper flake</li>
<li>1 tsp of coriander {it was called for in a Tyler Florence chili recipe once so I always use it now}</li>
<li>S& P as needed</li>
<li>Combine and let simmer low-medium for as long as you like. The flavors are there right a way but come together even better if you let it meld together for awhile. </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">The smokiness from the charred meats made this a hearty chili, different from what we normally have. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think it would work for whatever grilled food you had leftover and great way to give them new life, instead of just warming them over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9GYzNkIqc0v3KPKcTu0iXfTeGGwJSJIs8-Zj8wwXTcmIYveqW9tsDDVzDddXMkhl9UbxiY79a1xaG4BSTHDJFH5cbt_6t2mI8ZnwWQP58u7TF9L65bXqVu2fCg5VQhccp5eyw/s1600/P1010067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJ9GYzNkIqc0v3KPKcTu0iXfTeGGwJSJIs8-Zj8wwXTcmIYveqW9tsDDVzDddXMkhl9UbxiY79a1xaG4BSTHDJFH5cbt_6t2mI8ZnwWQP58u7TF9L65bXqVu2fCg5VQhccp5eyw/s320/P1010067.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If you try it, let me know! Grab a spoonful & Enjoy!</div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-45725269523367162792011-07-07T01:17:00.000-04:002011-07-07T01:17:29.967-04:00First movie trips, Breakdowns and the Reality of Her<div style="text-align: center;">Abigale.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hmmm..where do you start. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She is definitely a girl. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She often lives up to the princess moniker we sometimes give her in love or in jest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When she wants something, she wants it NOW.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She came out of me screaming at the top of her lungs, stiff as a board, her eyes wide open and not much has changed. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She doesn't care to be held, even when she was younger and I was still nursing her. It was almost a fight in the end so I finally gave up at 13 or so months. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">She will win any staring contest you try with her. Like stare a hole right through you. Try it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I never bought it when people said their child held their head up in the hospital. I would now. Abigale never did the squishy baby, snuggle-down-in kind of thing. We would try to push her head down to our shoulder or chest and she always felt like she was pushing away. Still does.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can remember two times in her life that she has rested her head on my chest and she was sick both instances. I oddly cherish those moments I can steal the lovin'.</div><div style="text-align: center;">She is often inconsolable which is frustrating and can make you feel like you are not a good mom..after all, aren't you supposed to be their go-to comforter?</div><div style="text-align: center;">We joke that she is like the Hulk, you wouldn't like her when she's angry. I secretly wonder if the steroids they gave me about a month before her birth really do have anything to do with her personality.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I realize she is almost 18 months and some of those traits are typical for her age. But, since I only have one other child and the experiences of raising him to compare her to, her personality comes as a bit of surprise sometimes. I know, don't compare them. each child is different. yeah yeah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">~ </div><div style="text-align: center;">So today we went to see a free movie at the only nice theater in town. Thank goodness mom went with me! They were playing the Pirates That Don't Do Anything from Veggie Tales. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse was going to love it and he is fairly good in the theater. {<a href="http://thedearies.blogspot.com/2011/06/have-breakfast-with-lightning-mcqueen.html">Loved Cars 2</a>, by the way!}</div><div style="text-align: center;">It was Abigale's first movie in a theater. She started wrenching within 10 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;">At 15 minutes, she was screaming despite the popcorn, gummy bears, and yes, even Junior Mints I was trying to feed her. So I left Jesse with mom and went out to the lobby. </div><div style="text-align: center;">People might have got into the theater for free but they still wanted to enjoy the movie. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I realized my mistake was that I was holding her. She was fine sitting on the bench with me but the holding, trapped feeling is what she didn't like. </div><div style="text-align: center;">After about 30-40 minutes, I went back in and Jesse was sitting on mom's lap so Abigale would now have a seat. So we tried it again and it went much better for the last 10 minutes of the movie.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why does it take us so long to get things sometimes? You would think I would know my own child by now. But I think I am getting to know her more and more.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I look forward to meeting the person she is going to become.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tonight, she was screaming long after Jesse was asleep so we went in to get her. We let her come back out and totter around. She kept bringing me random clothes to put on her in funny places. I complied because, frankly, it was the first time she had done this, outside of her love of shoes and putting them on. {Is that shoe-thing just <b>in</b> women at birth?}</div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is the outfit she "asked" to wear and played in for a good 10-15 minutes at least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk93UwZ2tLKSV9Uc-HgBu-332jghu-DcJhMH0cogyFZ0tto-mQWDbvPM73oTS1Vzo8-EXt11JhinWnYMqBYwdRGlBB8KFOV2Ic0VRkDtFXyT1ssozPreKe8hyphenhyphenOvCYTeddmLqfEA/s1600/P1010065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk93UwZ2tLKSV9Uc-HgBu-332jghu-DcJhMH0cogyFZ0tto-mQWDbvPM73oTS1Vzo8-EXt11JhinWnYMqBYwdRGlBB8KFOV2Ic0VRkDtFXyT1ssozPreKe8hyphenhyphenOvCYTeddmLqfEA/s320/P1010065.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;">I could just see her little personality oozing out. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I could see flashes of the future dress up time to come.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I look forward to meeting that future Abigale. <br />
But until then, I am going to enjoy the gift of her at this age. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This gift God has entrusted me with...<br />
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</script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>{More for fun}</i></div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcyLqJfAPakYoumXoQdYzieIlL91uPtE2poJ8c1nHqMmKDXkqRMGsBjr2vCJw4SkKtPqzv0JfcN1Jvi-G537Bi2qKntpb7AxvT1BVp6Zp4x1k6wCqE2svnYs1f1gpPcyHnZ5szg/s1600/P1010063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcyLqJfAPakYoumXoQdYzieIlL91uPtE2poJ8c1nHqMmKDXkqRMGsBjr2vCJw4SkKtPqzv0JfcN1Jvi-G537Bi2qKntpb7AxvT1BVp6Zp4x1k6wCqE2svnYs1f1gpPcyHnZ5szg/s320/P1010063.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So lady like, right? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BTG_5ih4jytt7TJTFYG7Zq1k1C8wy9wmV5CSuu0F2zUWHBb81tONdtTgCBcWXsz4YfeELGFK33TFNkx_YXPf2ed1Bea6PuTur_zcYHl7liFJep-79bo3_owhdvIN_afiaz-AhQ/s1600/P1010067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BTG_5ih4jytt7TJTFYG7Zq1k1C8wy9wmV5CSuu0F2zUWHBb81tONdtTgCBcWXsz4YfeELGFK33TFNkx_YXPf2ed1Bea6PuTur_zcYHl7liFJep-79bo3_owhdvIN_afiaz-AhQ/s320/P1010067.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tonight Abigale is modeling a too-small jammy as her base, Jesse's USA shorts, 1 red water shoe, his jammy shirt as a necklace, his swimming trucks and YES underwear on her head. A lovely assemble of her own choosing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cv4ngmoUnE9rrUFMuFB1bykegYzVSfnyHMyggQgWDQkLZNGYEiNq1Tt1uAjyAvoAvggul6gWIaRCxwz9YqUEDuVWh_tSxjXrpGBLgbDfTSt21gVM0p1hq3LW1UGoXcPp4-uWlg/s1600/P1010068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cv4ngmoUnE9rrUFMuFB1bykegYzVSfnyHMyggQgWDQkLZNGYEiNq1Tt1uAjyAvoAvggul6gWIaRCxwz9YqUEDuVWh_tSxjXrpGBLgbDfTSt21gVM0p1hq3LW1UGoXcPp4-uWlg/s320/P1010068.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashionistas Look Out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</script></div>Amy Dearie, PaperCrafter and Stampin UP Demonstratorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02019422749952297716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12593105.post-14518086067756726842011-06-28T19:37:00.001-04:002011-07-07T00:33:57.322-04:00Encouragement, Perspective, and a little Giveaway<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div 160px;”="" 595px;="" width:=""><br />
<a href="http://www.incourage.me/"><img border="”0″" src="http://www.incourage.me/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/juneheader.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>{The giveaway is done but the post is a good reminder to keep.}</i><br />
Where do you go for encouragement? My friends are where I turn. And my mom. And my husband. I am blessed to be surrounded by a crowd of people who are gifted in this. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If they are not, frankly, I would rather not surround myself with negative people... </div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is too short and living life to it's fullest potential is too important. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Encouragement is a powerful thing. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so privileged to be a part of a <a href="http://mopsatfbc.blogspot.com/">MOPS</a> group at my church. During the school year, every Tuesday is filled with encouraging talks on applicable subjects along with practical Bible study by an amazing teacher. It is a time for us to get together and encourage each other to be better moms, wives, and women of God. I wouldn't be the same without the influence of these beautiful women! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>{Shameless plug, we start back August 30th, if you are local. If not, please find a MOPS group in your area! You will not regret it! I have found some of my closest friends in that group.}</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had the opportunity to be a part of a review giveaway program through Dayspring and the <a href="http://www.incourage.me/category/deals">incourage product line</a>. They really do have some beautiful stuff. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the fun whimsical item that I picked out.</div><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t8A0GwKpKGNDEHjSQqzBLSr803DT1zQcza4s9io1HZI0dwL89D7owLLV9F4QEibI6hZAXlHICfLwqpPekN7CjyJDSGFb-sqC3DoHLZKuLk-U48LAQqfP7Ts9DA77jUxBH0-ZAA/s1600/yhst-93128105900816_2165_54467978.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5t8A0GwKpKGNDEHjSQqzBLSr803DT1zQcza4s9io1HZI0dwL89D7owLLV9F4QEibI6hZAXlHICfLwqpPekN7CjyJDSGFb-sqC3DoHLZKuLk-U48LAQqfP7Ts9DA77jUxBH0-ZAA/s320/yhst-93128105900816_2165_54467978.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Dayspring and incourage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> It arrived packed extremely well. A massive box, lots of balloon type packaging. You can tell they are used to shipping fragile items at Dayspring. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This guy isn't delicate, thank goodness, he is all medal. It came with 3 magnets, as pictured. The idea being you could put pictures or invites or whatever memos you might need to remember.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I opened it up, there is a very large over-sized loop on the back to hang it from the wall. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7pubgJn-i51pboiwyqgcNcGigIddCLdPiHXsn1hYyhd2N3SRlFWvosFStcxBThZYuSTpqrmxg6Vf6IvdkkZRj_nKcHPY8iLgMUzq2VzgxR53Wac2dGgZb3of1mhqBbfNq_zm4w/s1600/P1010120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7pubgJn-i51pboiwyqgcNcGigIddCLdPiHXsn1hYyhd2N3SRlFWvosFStcxBThZYuSTpqrmxg6Vf6IvdkkZRj_nKcHPY8iLgMUzq2VzgxR53Wac2dGgZb3of1mhqBbfNq_zm4w/s320/P1010120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When I first saw it, I briefly thought it was an easel. Obviously, it isn't but it left me wishing it would have had that option rather than just hanging on a wall. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Other than not meeting my unrealistic expectation-on-a-whim, it is a delightful product that will make a lovely addition to our master bathroom. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I am secretly hoping for some love notes of encouragement. ;)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">However, here is what happened to mine:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-brKD_z4WmnkH3dcFP2whUoGIoOpUOq5wJZzqIeMAwkug26pKRLhlg_Q4Kff13IePMoSx2XkC4IRgHDFfVk5v1T5iYUdDrtoginzyurP1Dumn0FzJSW6qVQuZ1TA3i8nU_T7dg/s1600/P1010117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-brKD_z4WmnkH3dcFP2whUoGIoOpUOq5wJZzqIeMAwkug26pKRLhlg_Q4Kff13IePMoSx2XkC4IRgHDFfVk5v1T5iYUdDrtoginzyurP1Dumn0FzJSW6qVQuZ1TA3i8nU_T7dg/s320/P1010117.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can you see that? That is a pen left on the counter, grabbed by a little boy, who found he needed to trace the circle magnets and leave me some doodles, as well.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Admittedly, I was saddened when I saw the pen marks all over the once-pristine shiny board.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But then I had to quickly step back and re-read the bottom line message of this product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4oALkaGRR3YT26aSyIrSTffpfXdcPgYmaQMoJc8JE9PyWAPQ4gwRxhVIlf4egaOGAcU9DDNKiik0_ObG81XoP143fME6NbedBUgF0_hvOoaW3QfT1_1ypKMsUYohoYxsSiiVEg/s1600/P1010121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4oALkaGRR3YT26aSyIrSTffpfXdcPgYmaQMoJc8JE9PyWAPQ4gwRxhVIlf4egaOGAcU9DDNKiik0_ObG81XoP143fME6NbedBUgF0_hvOoaW3QfT1_1ypKMsUYohoYxsSiiVEg/s320/P1010121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Count Your Blessings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Count is as a gift that I have a mobile active 3 year old that thinks every doodle is precious and life is his canvas. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Will I try to clean it off. I might. But perhaps I might leave it as a reminder that life moves pretty fast, I am so blessed and doodles don't last....</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I want to encourage you to look at those little messes as blessings or gifts every now and then. Before you scold, remember that it won't last and tomorrow they will be gone. Faster than we can even imagine.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I bet I will miss those little surprises of art he leaves behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike><b>Now for the Giveaway! </b></strike></div><script type="text/javascript">
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To enter, all you need to do is #1. follow me and #2 leave a comment below telling me that you have done this.<br />
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<b>Contest ends July 5th @ 9 pm.</b><br />
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