tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121755752024-03-23T03:14:30.530-07:00Paradise undeservedThis is a blog about gratitude... for life on the farm, homeschooled munchkins, inter-cultural adventures, and God’s grace in every breath, completely undeserved. ~ By Alysun PetersAly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.comBlogger1495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-88686414794170250042014-10-22T19:26:00.003-07:002014-10-22T19:40:09.041-07:00The Gift That Keeps On Giving | Trade for Freedom<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I watch from the window of my cozy farmhouse as my girls (ages 10 and 7) walk to the barn. Their blond hair shines in the sun and I am filled with thankfulness for our beautiful life. Sure, I have worries for them. Accidents happen, the girls are building a boat out of rough wood to float down the stream. What if one of them gets hurt by the hammer or poked with a nail? Or what if they forget to be kind to one another and they come home crying because a name was called and feelings are hurt?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In places that seem a million miles away from my own safe farm are mothers with different worries. They worry about what to feed their children and how to make enough money to survive just another day. The distance and different life circumstances can lead me to think I have nothing in common with a woman who lives in Nepal, for instance. Yet, as a mother, I can identify -- we have goals and dreams and we may even have little girls who hold our heart-strings and make us smile with their beauty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What if I let myself share the worries of a poverty-stricken mother who lives in Nepal? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I live in rural America and have never asked myself these questions, but what if I had to?:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"What if someone grabs my beautiful daughters and kidnaps them and forces them into prostitution and I can't find them because there are literally too many corners of the earth to search?"</i> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"What if I have no money, not a cent, and to feed my other children, my last option is to sell one of my daughters into the sex trade? The income is the difference of her dying a slow death in a horrible life or all of us dying today because we are hungry."</i> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"What if my daughters grow up to believe that prostitution is the only way to feel value and love from men? What if they choose that life, not knowing how dark and entrapping it really is?"</i> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"What if my daughter grows up to an empty future without an option for a career and turns to prostitution to support herself and her children?"</i> </span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every year more than 10,000 girls and women are trafficked from Nepal into the sex trade to be prostituted in brothels, in India and around the world. It's a real, huge, and ugly problem. It may feel too far away for me to help, but there is hope. There are compassionate and driven people working to set women free in Nepal by creating businesses that rescue women, give them employment, health care and importantly, Christian counseling that teaches them about freedom in Christ. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">One of these businesses is Beauty For Ashes in Nepal. I first heard about them last Spring when I was approached about helping with graphic design for a </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">promotional card. <i>Sure!</i> I said. <i>This is something real I can do from my home that gets the word out about a business that is giving women f</i></span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><i>reedom, dignity, and hope for tomorrow</i>. The </span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">jewelry, </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">scarves and bags</span></span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> they make are beautiful</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The idea is this: the more product a business like Beauty For Ashes can sell, the more women can be rescued. That's where Trade for Freedom comes in. Trade for Freedom was born of the desire to </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">make it easier for folks like me and you to have an impact by having access to products ethically manufactured.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"> All Trade for Freedom purchases ensure dignifying employment and Christian discipleship is provided to women and men who have endured extremely difficult circumstances. Profits are invested in social businesses committed to freedom worldwide.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">I started working for Trade for Freedom on their start-up campaign in the summer and I have to say, it's been humbling for me personally to be part of this work. When I quit my photography business, I had no idea how God was going to use my creativity. I am so thankful for the opportunity to design, photograph, and promote with <a href="http://www.tradeforfreedom.com/" target="_blank">Trade for Freedom</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Our first effort was to sell a beautiful little girl's dress made by Fre3 in Nepal. We met our goal and sold 150 dresses and the business was able to hire 2 new women. It is so exciting to know 2 women have the chance to live safe and beautiful lives. Also, t</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">he profits from the Christmas dress sales contributed to sponsoring a Daughter Project which teaches Nepali girls about building character, protecting themselves and others from trafficking or abuse, in addition to helping them prepare for their future.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JXdUPcDM7ybVIwTTmbTC8VB6NnJj_B0gx17pbscvHhHMR0fbIhHjpSDTbd9D3xKqD8m3SEH7x2ufSOlwRHYOoh3gQu0YBzibbhw7QCmP65fVRPpns8UIvtxLlusr323aP1c9/s1600/thankyoudresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JXdUPcDM7ybVIwTTmbTC8VB6NnJj_B0gx17pbscvHhHMR0fbIhHjpSDTbd9D3xKqD8m3SEH7x2ufSOlwRHYOoh3gQu0YBzibbhw7QCmP65fVRPpns8UIvtxLlusr323aP1c9/s1600/thankyoudresses.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtfT1LXPsP8bcRdrhnXf9k_itAh-iGaMiGrDJIgCI3aiEJrneePb5_vZYGGgYyG00UHLJKDLwJkp-90q5ROGj46yBvRfdddrikdBCM4-KpDpD6x-RmLjfvxGtUrUpwea2jAN/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHtfT1LXPsP8bcRdrhnXf9k_itAh-iGaMiGrDJIgCI3aiEJrneePb5_vZYGGgYyG00UHLJKDLwJkp-90q5ROGj46yBvRfdddrikdBCM4-KpDpD6x-RmLjfvxGtUrUpwea2jAN/s1600/IMG_1512.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The next project is for a subscription to jewelry handmade in Nepal by Beauty for Ashes. <a href="http://www.tradeforfreedom.com/collections/make-a-statement/products/make-a-statement-12-month" target="_blank">Trade for Freedom is offering an amazing opportunity to receive jewelry each month (6 or 12 months or the whole collection at once) and get the gift that keeps on giving</a>. I have a few of the pieces and they are stunning! I can't wait to see the entire collection, but I will have to live in anticipation like everyone else. This is going to be a fun year! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">The subscription is affordable. At only $15 a month ($99 for 6 months or $199 for 12 months), the pieces reflect </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px;">Nepali beauty and are current with Western fashion. They are custom designed and handcrafted by gifted women. I received an anthropology catolog and was wooed by similar jewelry for over $75 each piece; a necklace like the one pictured on the left was $150! I couldn't believe it! The jewelry featured in the Trade for Freedom collection is every bit as lovely and I will wear it proudly (and give as gifts too), knowing I made a tiny difference in the lives of women in Nepal. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqng5AsiL7uBtU2hyphenhyphen2J6Hjbcc-gSzlvE5UprgLNTx3yFWgiZsfXPm90WGccmCDAZ9zLnO47-dFUpzHZ-ikreXzcX9CFuDTOtx0S7tuxiwUlv19vASBuG0T9e8N0pbFv4dq0xv0/s1600/jewelrypromo11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqng5AsiL7uBtU2hyphenhyphen2J6Hjbcc-gSzlvE5UprgLNTx3yFWgiZsfXPm90WGccmCDAZ9zLnO47-dFUpzHZ-ikreXzcX9CFuDTOtx0S7tuxiwUlv19vASBuG0T9e8N0pbFv4dq0xv0/s1600/jewelrypromo11.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">Beauty for Ashes Nepal</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"> is working every day to set women free from sex trafficking and to provide safety to those who are at-risk for becoming a statistic. When you live in a country that ranks fifth in the world for the population entrapped in sex trafficking per capita, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;">someone needs to provide hope.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Christmas, Trade for Freedom is partnering with Beauty for Ashes Nepal to help be that hope. They are crafting an exclusive jewelry line and working themselves into a future that has light and life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will you join with us?</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will you join with us to gift freedom?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One hundred jewelry subscriptions sold means 5 new women will be employed and become discipled next year. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyZr4BgdZbdncXGGVNQmR2qK0G2MgPkIrntMyyOn9pGZ33CREQhJOjCjUwJIrmP5qn2fPV5Alx8QAJtZZ202p-Y5Zhi-XlQ7H02mviheydhr1CqdhyphenhyphenEs_1zf5zKVXPCOc4XWP/s1600/jewelrypromo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyZr4BgdZbdncXGGVNQmR2qK0G2MgPkIrntMyyOn9pGZ33CREQhJOjCjUwJIrmP5qn2fPV5Alx8QAJtZZ202p-Y5Zhi-XlQ7H02mviheydhr1CqdhyphenhyphenEs_1zf5zKVXPCOc4XWP/s1600/jewelrypromo4.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://tradeforfreedom.com/">TradeforFreedom.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></span></div>
Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-85739939612081923362014-01-20T13:39:00.000-08:002014-01-20T13:58:07.893-08:00Free Chalkboard Nameplate Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyEvHmYGz2Xgk5g8EbKx-uicTT6Tv3wCwMvPMCpGRXqJXRFLBLx-MZcE39-kvt8kfaFq4n8AEmFE8W7ZUfB3MdyqDCmxNp1YdoyOl3Yz3eQvgz6Op6ePiruzMiQ6aQpU8rg-B/s1600/chalkboard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqyEvHmYGz2Xgk5g8EbKx-uicTT6Tv3wCwMvPMCpGRXqJXRFLBLx-MZcE39-kvt8kfaFq4n8AEmFE8W7ZUfB3MdyqDCmxNp1YdoyOl3Yz3eQvgz6Op6ePiruzMiQ6aQpU8rg-B/s1600/chalkboard2.jpg" height="400" width="372" /></a></div>
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I made some chalkboard nameplates for above the kids' coat hooks. I designed them in photoshop using a few free resources. Here is a blank nameplate for your personalizing pleasure:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuX1CRE4dZct98iaVcpc10IEugUW58saWquORB8qFrsYUWtsqTp0rZQw8qqkLcsjwKNPm7pLIPxqdtyTM530KCwGDNm79WaLJJVxylprJL-qvEchk2iUwQroz6e8DhY3VGAi2/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuX1CRE4dZct98iaVcpc10IEugUW58saWquORB8qFrsYUWtsqTp0rZQw8qqkLcsjwKNPm7pLIPxqdtyTM530KCwGDNm79WaLJJVxylprJL-qvEchk2iUwQroz6e8DhY3VGAi2/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></div>
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Download the nameplate I created<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/owz4cda6apoudle/chalkboard.jpg" target="_blank"> here.</a></div>
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I liked it so much, I used the same basic design for a new blog header. </div>
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To make your own, download the original above, open it in a word processing program (I use Photoshop Elements) and add a text box on top and add whatever words or names you want. I made 4 of these with my kids names. </div>
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The original contains freebies from the following:</div>
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Frame <a href="http://www.dafont.com/kg-flavor-and-frames.font" target="_blank">link here</a> (it is actually a font with a whole bunch of cool frames).</div>
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Paper background <a href="http://www.thecoffeeshopblog.com/2011/12/coffeeshop-damask-fabric-digital-paper.html" target="_blank">link here</a> (awesome blog with lots of freebies).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ2H9N9sr2tWmOUaF32e3NW6aRv0917ptxMMsI63iFHcyl3YnHAOrlDE4UfdjNjBNqitO_xHZdlak83Y4EcovgEDA8bVaToprpqceW5ZYX8dhSOSDEIQOf0NG15eXoR5Vy_rt/s1600/chalkboardEmma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ2H9N9sr2tWmOUaF32e3NW6aRv0917ptxMMsI63iFHcyl3YnHAOrlDE4UfdjNjBNqitO_xHZdlak83Y4EcovgEDA8bVaToprpqceW5ZYX8dhSOSDEIQOf0NG15eXoR5Vy_rt/s1600/chalkboardEmma.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is one of the nameplates I created for my oldest daughter:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQ2H9N9sr2tWmOUaF32e3NW6aRv0917ptxMMsI63iFHcyl3YnHAOrlDE4UfdjNjBNqitO_xHZdlak83Y4EcovgEDA8bVaToprpqceW5ZYX8dhSOSDEIQOf0NG15eXoR5Vy_rt/s1600/chalkboardEmma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">The free fonts are from </a><a href="http://dafont.com/">Dafont.com</a>:</div>
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<a href="http://www.dafont.com/grutchshaded.font" target="_blank">Grutch Shaded</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dafont.com/jennifer-lynne.font" target="_blank">Jennifer Lynne</a></div>
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I printed these out on cardstock and then laminated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1b4l-GTcvApLdBjO1uvtUXuhWfavqNlSAJgTomVKV7RULUF2alhYhcfpaQEf-6Nhv6UMBxzy2FE9fw3vQR0wPchhBUbGbEgYyrpKIBAMfdMoI9aXABO49_8ry50YDyuLARkY/s1600/IMG_9195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1b4l-GTcvApLdBjO1uvtUXuhWfavqNlSAJgTomVKV7RULUF2alhYhcfpaQEf-6Nhv6UMBxzy2FE9fw3vQR0wPchhBUbGbEgYyrpKIBAMfdMoI9aXABO49_8ry50YDyuLARkY/s1600/IMG_9195.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been working on our back entry-way, spiffing it up and making it more practical. Coming and going with 6 people and all their winter-wear and footwear is a logistical hazard. I try to keep our "stuff" to a minimum, but wow, it gets messy fast.</div>
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Realizing that this messy area, along with running late, is one of my <a href="http://petersparadise.blogspot.com/2014/01/if-then-chart-for-moms.html" target="_blank">mad-mama triggers</a>, I knew I really needed to make some changes so we could keep it picked-up easily. Getting rid of a bunch of stuff helped. Adding more hooks was also a nice addition. The light in that area was really dim, so I had the handyman install a new, bright light. We also got a new door so that it could close easily and quietly without repeated slamming (may have contributed to my frustration just a touch). Then I painted the walls from mint green to lovely grayish/beigeish -- wall color may not be a mood effecter for some, but it is for me. </div>
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Love this new peaceful color. Love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxWSQJZreMnDX1Zdm3Gm7XbzAn7MVogpj3GnV-Rta8RSt76y4Y3orC5SK3blYjm8htIEOtlXVTfY-pfhwFT15b_GVOa03WDg7Qctx_kcs1NM5MOgmmH28NH6uOdOXpqPxVbgh/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxWSQJZreMnDX1Zdm3Gm7XbzAn7MVogpj3GnV-Rta8RSt76y4Y3orC5SK3blYjm8htIEOtlXVTfY-pfhwFT15b_GVOa03WDg7Qctx_kcs1NM5MOgmmH28NH6uOdOXpqPxVbgh/s1600/IMG_9202.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is a before of the mint medley mudroom... Mmmmm....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNLycB9yoFiK04O5Rq2AVAZIpjev3xMG1ZSI5FQn8XR0uQXfYiGyH0ZFqbaOEdHqBCP2nnMuER3W9hT_j7QKqZMgLhU8hrImEzvgGx_qc7it7fDm1PBjf1gIGOyDHOlKJWakx/s1600/backdoorIMG_4917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNLycB9yoFiK04O5Rq2AVAZIpjev3xMG1ZSI5FQn8XR0uQXfYiGyH0ZFqbaOEdHqBCP2nnMuER3W9hT_j7QKqZMgLhU8hrImEzvgGx_qc7it7fDm1PBjf1gIGOyDHOlKJWakx/s1600/backdoorIMG_4917.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjmFVuE8hU1b92wjjZ62DZJG1NcOrz4ISrl7YS7kr9ijSYoHRn2wvDq_DjE6aMbJLDnNfT-_PbWouFTVsz8HXxB8JARIiTVe_18jKoJTe7XZXWUa900xXSHI9fMJ-srRavuvE/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjmFVuE8hU1b92wjjZ62DZJG1NcOrz4ISrl7YS7kr9ijSYoHRn2wvDq_DjE6aMbJLDnNfT-_PbWouFTVsz8HXxB8JARIiTVe_18jKoJTe7XZXWUa900xXSHI9fMJ-srRavuvE/s1600/IMG_9198.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is just a regular chalkboard that I got at a garage sale and I used <a href="http://houseofroseblog.com/chalkboard-quotes-easy-tutorial/" target="_blank">this technique</a> to write the verse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOVu-FiExEBTomIVCoKi9CoSmqcFz9ktUMp1ryYLvLlALt1TBjDKlLvyi5rCS-jJX9GL-wnr5hIKbevx6gkVKa8y-PoHLwMCM1ApIoQVoSrpqUMGUVBMwuzJhiNfyGLOWqmbf/s1600/IMG_9196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCOVu-FiExEBTomIVCoKi9CoSmqcFz9ktUMp1ryYLvLlALt1TBjDKlLvyi5rCS-jJX9GL-wnr5hIKbevx6gkVKa8y-PoHLwMCM1ApIoQVoSrpqUMGUVBMwuzJhiNfyGLOWqmbf/s1600/IMG_9196.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm pretty happy with how my chalkboard nameplates turned out. I hope you are inspired to combine form and function in your home as well!</div>
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-59592617154371563682014-01-17T21:15:00.000-08:002014-01-17T21:15:25.697-08:00"If.... Then" Chart for Moms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I <a href="http://petersparadise.blogspot.com/2010/06/taking-off-breaks-pedaling-at-full.html" target="_blank">shared before</a> about my struggles to keep my temper under control and not yell at my kids... that was back in 2010. I never realized I had this particular problem until my first child started testing me and then my second, third and fourth child confirmed it.... thanks kids for helping me see I'm not perfect (delusion was bliss). I made changes and saw some success, so awhile later I <a href="http://petersparadise.blogspot.com/2010/06/pedaling-at-full-speed-update.html" target="_blank">gave an update</a> on what my imperfect progress looked like.</div>
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Now, 3 and a half years later, do I still struggle? I wish I could say, <i>"I've completely kicked the bad habit and NEVER grow frustrated and yell at my kids!"</i> That would be outlandishly untrue. I fail often. Unfortunately, my children haven't been gracious and given me a free pass with nothing for me to find wildly irritating and anger inciting. It is actually a daily battle to simmer down, take a breath, find peace, and respond in kind. I've see victories in the last 4 years since I read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shes-Gonna-Blow-Dealing-Anger/dp/0736915524" target="_blank">"She's Gonna Blow: real help for mom's dealing with anger.</a>" I've seen progress, by the grace of God, although there are still many times that make me so angry I can't see straight.</div>
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As I struggle and pray, God has put people in my life to encourage and guide me. I so appreciate those who "get" me, but won't allow my excuses. Sure it is hard. Get over it and change with God's help. Always with God's help.</div>
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It was through a friend that I was reminded about If/Then charts. I've often heard of If/Then behavioral charts for kids. I saw one that had an unacceptable action (i.e lying), how the child would be disciplined (loss of a privilage), and then a Bible verse (Psalms 119:163 "I hate and abhor lying: but your law do I love"). It is a good way to be consistent and provide clarity if perhaps the situation is too stressful to think straight (I know what that is like). I was always going to make one for my kids, but when I realized I first needed to get a handle on my own behavior, I set out to make one for myself.</div>
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As I gave some honest, prayerful thought on this subject, I realized that it is the same things I am getting mad about... over and over again. The kids aren't pulling new tricks, I'm just responding the same way (when I respond badly) to variations of the same frustrating scenarios.</div>
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I will share my chart here, it might come in handy for others. Feel free to click on it and make it larger so you can print it. You could also use the idea and make a customized chart.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlqyqQwbJtygwLv4ipzrj3Gm-RIi3YJ4OoItwWk6rlS3ro0dO8v7u0o5E_F2F6zXC8iF86bcLc-jA9AlsAN_kYyBpMveedEuyRQyDCLA_aFxiOrML12S3IZ22ome7CkPEZ1aN/s1600/If+Then+Chart+for+Mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlqyqQwbJtygwLv4ipzrj3Gm-RIi3YJ4OoItwWk6rlS3ro0dO8v7u0o5E_F2F6zXC8iF86bcLc-jA9AlsAN_kYyBpMveedEuyRQyDCLA_aFxiOrML12S3IZ22ome7CkPEZ1aN/s1600/If+Then+Chart+for+Mom.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've used the chart for about 2 months now. It is on my fridge in plain sight. For me, all my anger inciting scenarios really fit into these categories. Just knowing what the source of the problem is has been immensely helpful (I've since cleaned up the shoes, installed new hooks for coats by the back door, and purged a bunch of winter wear to make #1 and #3 less of an issue). Meditating on the verses and prayerfully asking God for help is key.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidC6lMjd0dHXFoeNVTyAoLsTp3A1-1xWuPJQUCfc8MmW3xjRVR2ejt-qFErOG8IIPCypwMf0DyqCzxTx2jqfzgsZu240zMmya5liMSlunE5EAKk15z0J82Rm4xSwvhvzES87W/s1600/mom+cruella+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidC6lMjd0dHXFoeNVTyAoLsTp3A1-1xWuPJQUCfc8MmW3xjRVR2ejt-qFErOG8IIPCypwMf0DyqCzxTx2jqfzgsZu240zMmya5liMSlunE5EAKk15z0J82Rm4xSwvhvzES87W/s1600/mom+cruella+quote.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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How I do not want the above picture to describe me. Can I find real, lasting change? I don't need to be Mary Poppins. I just need to be the person God created me to be... perfection? No. Having a better reaction next time (and there <i>will</i> be a next time)? Yes.</div>
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-36205008982663948222014-01-04T15:37:00.001-08:002014-01-04T15:37:08.243-08:00"Not Just ANY Green Englishman" by Glenn Skeldon, book review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9780992043704/glenn-skeldon/not-just-green-englishman#.UsiTWxZpCfQ" target="_blank">"Not Just ANY Green Englishman"</a> is written by Glenn Skeldon, who happens to be the father of a dear friend of mine. I was curious to see how his book turned out and I started the book thinking I was being kind. Instead, my interest was peaked on the first page! I got to know Fred and the other characters who color this book and I was pleasantly entertained, page after page.</div>
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I first met the author when I visited my friend's family home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on a break from college in the Fall of 1998. I remember Amanda showing me the house and peaking in a crowded office and she told me that it was where her dad worked on his book, a biography of his grandfather. My own self-involvement kept me from asking anything about this herculean project. I wish I got his first-hand accounts then, it would have made the story even richer.</div>
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My disinterest as an 18 year old has changed over the years. Living a convenient life with modern technology makes me marvel at those who settled North America and raised families with huge hardships. I deeply admire the folks who came before us and tamed the wild unknowns with just a dream and prayer. Although I am not Canadian, my great grandmother's family homesteaded in Saskatchewan. She left when she was a child, but had not-too-fond memories of that difficult time. When I told her I was going to college in Saskatchewan, she said, "Why would you DO that?"<br />
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My family history made me fascinated with the stories in "Not Just ANY Green Englishman." How did Fred end up in the middle of the Canadian Prairies? How does someone who knows nothing about farming begin a homestead in such a challenging place? How do you raise 14 kids during the Great Depressions? I was intrigued thanks to Glenn's witty writing style. Glenn has a way of telling about calamity in a humorous way that makes one feel amused and also identify with the character. This book is rich with stories and description that had me laughing out loud at times and in tears at other times.<br />
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Story after funny story reminded me of episodes in a wholesome show like Leave it to Beaver... only much colder. My favorites were when young Fred got caught skinny dipping by the neighborhood policeman; or when Fred and his brother hunkered down in their root cellar to get out of the blizzard creeping in to their little shack only to be frightened by an unknown, beady-eyed rodent; or when Fred's nightdress froze to the wall of his bedroom in the night; or a chimney obstruction cleared by a hand grenade. Glenn brought the stories to life and I enjoyed seeing a glimpse of the life my great grandmother undoubtably remembered from her childhood in the Prairies.<br />
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I know from my contact with the family that "Not Just ANY Green Englishman" started as a labor of love. Even back in 1998, Glenn was steadfastly working on this book. Collecting stories, writing them out, and then combining them into a 400+ page book isn't an easy process. Honestly, even if the book was a disaster, it would be an effort worth admiring. I am not writing this review as a favor or out of obligation. On the contrary, Glenn's first book is a superb read. One would assume the author has written many books as his vocation. He is a very talented writer, who kept me intrigued until the end (the short description of the family members at the end and all the pictures are so interesting!). <br />
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The second book Glenn alludes to in the author's description is perhaps made in jest ("Adventures Of The Ex-Lax Kid—And Other Moving Stories"), but I sincerely hope he continues to write! Consider reading "Not Just ANY Green Englishman", I loved every word and you will too.<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a><br />
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"Not Just ANY Green Englishman" can be purchased at <a href="http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/9780992043704/glenn-skeldon/not-just-green-englishman#.UsiTWxZpCfQ">McNallyRobinson.com</a>. Or you can get in line to borrow my copy. :)Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-37986876576200746522014-01-01T10:44:00.001-08:002014-01-04T16:03:40.833-08:00Trim Healthy Mama (a year in review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPofHw2tcrS1MCDZN5g2zgTL1dHy1xJrCek8P3tzeT4iCuigcyiKporM1fooiKLewi4gWMJ_ITf1iRgOfkSC9mIhKXrOilG_4Z3O8itS7IK1meEuG29Ld8iMXm4LdDPfgw8Fl/s1600/trim+healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvPofHw2tcrS1MCDZN5g2zgTL1dHy1xJrCek8P3tzeT4iCuigcyiKporM1fooiKLewi4gWMJ_ITf1iRgOfkSC9mIhKXrOilG_4Z3O8itS7IK1meEuG29Ld8iMXm4LdDPfgw8Fl/s1600/trim+healthy.jpg" /></a></div>
This post isn't about this years goals or resolutions, it is about last years. Last year I made a quiet resolve to lose the last 25 pounds of the 50 I gained during Tommy's pregnancy. I didn't know how I was going to do it, but I wanted to get rid of that weight and live healthy along the way.<br />
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I knew a thing or two about weight loss since it has been at the forefront of my life for the last 9 years. With 4 babies under my belt, returning to a slim shape was and is priority. After I had Emmaleigh, I waited expectantly for the weight to just "fall off." I heard that breastfeeding is supposed to burn the fat like crazy and I didn't think I would have to work for the weight loss. I grew up hearing stories of how my mom was skinnier AFTER she had the baby than before she got married. I hoped for her genes. But when my baby was 6 month old and I still had 30 pounds to lose, I was discouraged.<br />
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Thus began the dreaded life of dieting. My main approach was <i>move more, eat less</i>. It worked really well for me when I actually moved more and ate less, like A LOT of cardio and a very reduced calorie diet (1,400 calories was my normal weight loss zone). When I didn't exert myself 100% or had a few off-the-wagon kind of days, my weight would go up. So I would have a lot of "lose 2 pounds, gain back 1" months. It was discouraging and it took me 18 months to finally lose the weight after baby #1.<br />
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Thankfully I could maintain my weightloss between pregnancies by staying active and eating wisely, but the same cycle continued after trying to lose weight after baby #2, #3, and #4. Gaining about 50 pounds per pregnancy came on quickly, but came off ridiculously slow. I felt like I was chiseling each and every pound off. I was so deprived and hungry. Also, reducing calories in my "eat less" approach made my milk supply plumit. Every. Single. Time.<br />
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So that led me to baby #4 and those pesky 25 extra pounds, size 14 pants and a very desperate view of myself. I was really uncomfortable in my skin, I hated looking in the mirror and avoided the camera (the "before" pictures below in the meadow were taken on a fieldtrip with fellow photographers and I wasn't happy about how I looked). I was discouraged, but determined I wouldn't live my whole life hating my body.<br />
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I knew if I jumped into the cardio route and reduced my calories, I could lose the weight slowly but surely, but I would essentially be giving up on nursing. Maybe not such a bad idea for any of my other babies who loved bottle feeding and easily weaned. But Tommy wouldn't even be in the same room with a bottle, a picky little guy. He had severe milk allergies so I would have to give him soy formula and that is a whole other argument for another day.<br />
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The perfect timing for my next adventure in weight loss was when a friend introduced me to <a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> right before Christmas 2012. This friend was breastfeeding her baby and I knew she had constant milk supply issues in the past and she told me, "This plan will actually INCREASE your supply while you lose weight. Oh, and balance your hormones so you feel human, and you'll be able to feed your whole family without suffering yourself."<br />
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Her recommendation was enough for me, I got the book <a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">online</a>. I devoured its 640 pages and everything the authors said clicked with me. They took science, explained it in a way I could understand, gave credit to the Creator, and also gave practical advice on how to actually make it work for the whole family.<br />
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The authors are sisters and come at the topic of nutrition in a refreshing way. They are smart and sassy and make healthy living seem easy. They even disagree about some stuff, like about packaged convenience foods, fast food, and Earth Milk (a controversial -- because it isn't very tasty -- recipe). I found their perspectives and banter very refreshing! Most thing I've read about diet in the past said, "Do it exactly like this or it won't work." These ladies, Pearl and Serene, give multiple ways to make the plan fit my normal life.<br />
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And you know what? It really did fit my life. I started January 1, 2013 and lost 5 pounds in the first week doing the Fuel Cycle (that they don't recommend starting until at least week 3). My body had some rough symptoms getting off sugar so close to the holidays, but tiredness, headaches, and some strange sweating were bearable as I saw the numbers on the scale moving DOWN for the first time in months (I was 8 months post pregnancy at this point). Amazingly, my milk supply never dropped and I was able to completely avoid dairy to keep Tommy happy. After the first week, my energy level went up and the strange symptoms disappeared. My body loves living without refined white sugar.<br />
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Losing so much in the first week was absolutely motivating. I continued to lose about 1-2 pounds a week. My goal of losing a total of 25 pounds by April 16th, Tommy's first birthday, was actually feeling attainable. I did it, and honestly, it was the easiest weight I've ever lost. I added up how much weight I've gained during pregnancies and lost in total and it is 180 pounds! I've calorie counted, followed Weight Watchers, tried many exercise routes, and all left me tired and defeated if I didn't do it perfectly. Trim Healthy Mama is a sustainable lifestyle that I am still following and loving a year later. How I wish THM was around 9 years ago! I know I would not have gained so much weight and I could have easily gone back to my healthy body after pregnancies instead of the constant weight loss fight I experienced.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yRuZpXCrnWNR8Aeqcbg-ixXVyNgYkkt_xRb7UF95OPhuXCaqLWAWvH2LqSdoMZgRpmuTu1CZch0XGJvH2_kQynrEM1RJSiiZKdzP_NlgxAxVsMZ44Wph_bSFLrbrAzurlirv/s1600/AlysunBefore4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yRuZpXCrnWNR8Aeqcbg-ixXVyNgYkkt_xRb7UF95OPhuXCaqLWAWvH2LqSdoMZgRpmuTu1CZch0XGJvH2_kQynrEM1RJSiiZKdzP_NlgxAxVsMZ44Wph_bSFLrbrAzurlirv/s320/AlysunBefore4.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zL7VUdKxQOYPohkoDzlriR1VxVp7fRjSoFaolBJwbBGRWJdz6DsdTCB29POKPGDw8eE0ObGjq7W5HUS983w2SOPxsvQtuuzZh4zRbueVM2XFXXwzL2y3ct_FTRwBjE8AKTxB/s1600/Alysunafter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zL7VUdKxQOYPohkoDzlriR1VxVp7fRjSoFaolBJwbBGRWJdz6DsdTCB29POKPGDw8eE0ObGjq7W5HUS983w2SOPxsvQtuuzZh4zRbueVM2XFXXwzL2y3ct_FTRwBjE8AKTxB/s320/Alysunafter3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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August 2012 (before) August 2013 (after with my wonderful husband)</div>
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Photo credits: Jill VanWell</div>
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When people ask me what this diet is about, I think a simple summery is that the authors of the Trim Healthy Mama book have figured out how food as fuel effects the body. By educating myself on how my body is using this fuel, I made pretty easy changes at each meal to make them fit the THM recommendations. I wasn't ever hungry, I ate dessert, I enjoyed my food, I never counted calories or any other gram of anything, I learned a ton, and best ever, I lost the weight.<br />
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It has been a year since I started THM and I am happily maintaining a healthy weight since mid April of 2013. Many probably want to know what exactly that weight is, but throwing out numbers tends to confuse instead of encourage. I'm tall, my weight doesn't look the same on someone else. That's okay. We're all on a journey to take the best care of our bodies that we can. With THM, I feel like I finally have the knowledge to do just that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIs-YplI8f5Oe3nNVEzD1gGCJ-btz0c7egtIcBzSgBXcaC3Ld7mk-rlq0wk8fulySCqNknJ-esqUIrtO6jkZ9sKavdLTjqAoUuct6DyrbjCXLqWqLVtXk15R2ATecWX19HVsy/s1600/Alysunbefore3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIs-YplI8f5Oe3nNVEzD1gGCJ-btz0c7egtIcBzSgBXcaC3Ld7mk-rlq0wk8fulySCqNknJ-esqUIrtO6jkZ9sKavdLTjqAoUuct6DyrbjCXLqWqLVtXk15R2ATecWX19HVsy/s200/Alysunbefore3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMjV_d2CnZ8aWCM_Q6bXdJBLLedz5SHUrlLCbSsv0rTl5KkRZeCqyawZPQklogEzAwYiIUOKMKT5D9uKDldMDBC9iQm9bU4fsCtBDN9N05CW-J8HNGznFmNQN7EgaDDXFY8a0/s1600/Alysunafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMjV_d2CnZ8aWCM_Q6bXdJBLLedz5SHUrlLCbSsv0rTl5KkRZeCqyawZPQklogEzAwYiIUOKMKT5D9uKDldMDBC9iQm9bU4fsCtBDN9N05CW-J8HNGznFmNQN7EgaDDXFY8a0/s200/Alysunafter.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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(before) (after)</div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>
Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-81817847567347025372013-11-18T16:40:00.003-08:002013-11-18T16:40:51.289-08:00FREE Oh Holy Night Quote Download<div style="text-align: center;">
I've never done this, but I am going to try to share a file with you that I created. :)</div>
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I often design things with Photoshop and use them personally, most the time I don't end up doing anything with them... but it is a huge de-stresser for me. What if someone else could use it too? My hard work could actually be useful!</div>
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This is inspired by a quote I saw on Pinterest... my favorite Christmas song. I have no idea what I am going to do with it, maybe a wall hanging with some pallets! I'll let you know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nntEvtRx1qxXYo55eC5hyphenhyphen4lYzdWDIF_aWs7jcABCXAv3MzNWVZrGiaVzECeEWg6XoSUNxxm_cSP4H2ytFl70va4UBA2DHFpDoEHlL3BHSG_UdsFd1AyLm23uh46CZ1aXJWay/s1600/OHolyNight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nntEvtRx1qxXYo55eC5hyphenhyphen4lYzdWDIF_aWs7jcABCXAv3MzNWVZrGiaVzECeEWg6XoSUNxxm_cSP4H2ytFl70va4UBA2DHFpDoEHlL3BHSG_UdsFd1AyLm23uh46CZ1aXJWay/s640/OHolyNight.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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Find the link for<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/d1oasbxh21vj8s0/OHolyNight.jpg" target="_blank"> download here</a>.</div>
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And here is the chalkboard version:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLNJrWsUfrTl_ILbZUsxbeivy23LnbKq9RyB0djjofY87xCvsByWV-IURpQr031aYzYAq2J6Ek9WEQhMSecaY3z3O7xx0-g1TSyEXBf3N8pnVYrSc1ainnXfCeJQKDidBsNCo/s1600/OHolyNightBW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLNJrWsUfrTl_ILbZUsxbeivy23LnbKq9RyB0djjofY87xCvsByWV-IURpQr031aYzYAq2J6Ek9WEQhMSecaY3z3O7xx0-g1TSyEXBf3N8pnVYrSc1ainnXfCeJQKDidBsNCo/s640/OHolyNightBW.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
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Find the link for <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmv3n3z22px4blq/OHolyNightBW.jpg" target="_blank">download here</a>.</div>
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Let me know in a comment if you end up using the quote and where your inspiration led.</div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>
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* My design is loosely based on <a href="http://www.caravanshoppe.com/product/noel-chalk-set/" target="_blank">this original</a>.</div>
Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-29488101650227133072013-09-23T22:06:00.001-07:002013-09-23T22:06:57.625-07:00Making Use of What I Have: homeschool roomOne thing I've been working on lately is making use of what I have. Not wishing for more and pining (or Pinterest-ing) over dreams. From fashion, decor, crafts, recipes, Pinterest is a goldmine of beauty. I want, I want, I want. It is a waste of time and contentedness to long for more since I'm not building a custom dream home, or hiring a nanny so I can go shopping, or able to eat desserts every day and not gain weight.<br />
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Contentedness is living with gratitude for what I have.<br />
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So when I keep seeing gigantic, perfectly organized school rooms, I think, "I want one of those." And again I say, "Contentedness is gratitude for what I have!" It's just that my school room/home office/craft paradise looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX4nZacPJqqnPDPgDSOkJddBjzzucsp0Yaj_kp8NIyYMPliObAecidNwdsfbS_dOs_isq_LwXjrlJruxopbGgsEadY8GFNdetX-VQ9cL_tsmBhCb5CzxYIvPSjpHcS5zXC6OP/s1600/IMG_5329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQX4nZacPJqqnPDPgDSOkJddBjzzucsp0Yaj_kp8NIyYMPliObAecidNwdsfbS_dOs_isq_LwXjrlJruxopbGgsEadY8GFNdetX-VQ9cL_tsmBhCb5CzxYIvPSjpHcS5zXC6OP/s640/IMG_5329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SWZ0sOcTYsDvC-UgWCktvRlzmp7rmfNs_Tl7lUEL4wpV2PCpSjL_Auevcgp0uR2JXJP_1pr2alMX1vEv1kIYR6pvtkb-ZVsYF8CEdHNPL1KnWxgLaU-Xp-Bx8fOG5oMxT42F/s1600/IMG_5332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SWZ0sOcTYsDvC-UgWCktvRlzmp7rmfNs_Tl7lUEL4wpV2PCpSjL_Auevcgp0uR2JXJP_1pr2alMX1vEv1kIYR6pvtkb-ZVsYF8CEdHNPL1KnWxgLaU-Xp-Bx8fOG5oMxT42F/s640/IMG_5332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's see what we have going on in here:<br />
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<li>Bill paying center</li>
<li>Brains of a home office for 3 businesses</li>
<li>Homeschool curriculum storage</li>
<li>Card making stuff</li>
<li>Sewing center including necessary mending and "just for fun" projects</li>
<li>Storage for 8 throw pillow that I got for incredible deals</li>
<li>Piano book storage</li>
<li>Scrapbooking central (a hobby I haven't touched in 5 years)</li>
<li>Storage for a bunch of sentimental items I don't know what to do with</li>
<li>14 piles of crap</li>
<li>114 unfinished craft projects</li>
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Yes, you get the idea and probably want to go hide and cry like I do. There is nothing really functional about this space... like nothing. There is just too much clutter to get anything practical done.<br />
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I kinda ignored this space, closed the door, peaked in occasionally, cried and closed the door again, did a little computer work that was absolutely necessary, paid bills, sewed a little, for oh, the last 2 years. Then I saw a post on a FB group I belong to (Homeschool Momtogs). It went something like this: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pottery Barn does the homeschool room</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">"Do you have a separate area for homeschool? The past two years at our old house we had no room for a special area, now that we've moved I finally have a spot. Looking at ideas on pinterest. "</span><br />
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I saw the post and thought, "Ya right, I <i>wish</i> I could have a school room." No sooner did the thought pass through my head than I remembered, yep, I actually have a room, but I am squandering it with clutter and mis-use.</div>
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When someone I've never met commented and said she just finished her school room. Stephanie included <a href="http://noplacelikeroam.com/2013/08/a-happy-schoolroom/" target="_blank">a link to the happy place</a>, I drooled.</div>
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This is Stephanie's space:<br />
<img alt="homeschool room" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-219 ov-done" height="1183" src="http://noplacelikeroam.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/homeschoolroom(pp_w625_h1183).jpg" width="625" /><br />
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The super wide angle lens makes this room look incredibly large, right? I actually asked her in a comment how big the room was because I was still thinking I COULD NEVER HAVE A ROOM LIKE THIS! It is only 13x10' feet. My squandered space is 10'3"x 9'6", smaller, but not by much.<br />
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My real-life dream is to rework the space and make it functional for<br />
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a) 2 grade school students + 2 trouble making preschoolers<br />
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b) 1 teacher<br />
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c) 3 home businesses<br />
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d) craft paradise<br />
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While I ponder, purge, organize, rearrange, sell, gift, and move EVERYTHING in the room, I'm looking for ideas. Pinterest has some great ones. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alysunp/homeschool-room/" target="_blank">My homeschool room board</a>.<br />
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Some ideas I hope to incorperate:<br />
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Little <a href="http://stylewithcents.blogspot.com/2011/12/table-for-five.html" target="_blank">kid desk like this</a>.<br />
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Doing <a href="http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-01-19T09:37:00-05:00&max-results=20" target="_blank">this with a globe</a>.<br />
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Shelves <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net/2008/12/home-office-make-over.html" target="_blank">something like this</a>.<br />
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Love <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/small-spaces/strategies/small-space-home-offices/?rb=Y#page=13" target="_blank">these colors</a>.<br />
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Curtains <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42150946485705554/" target="_blank">similar to these</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/42150946485538240/" target="_blank">Long functional desk maybe that wraps around the corner like this</a> in Oak.</div>
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<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.net/2012/08/our-homeschool-room-2012-2013/" target="_blank">Organization like this</a>.<br />
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It's a tall order, but doable I think. May the fun begin!!<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-70977664651039208402013-06-11T19:32:00.000-07:002013-06-12T16:08:15.178-07:00A Year AccomplishedThere was a link to a parenting article floating around last year about dealing with the worst moments with your children. The author talked about how no one could truly enjoy the real hard stuff *in the midst* with small kids (i.e. tantrums in the supermarket line, poop explosions in the clean crib, siblings who fight constantly, vomit in the car... you get the idea). There was talk of smacking well-meaning older folks who say, "Enjoy this, it goes by so fast." How could anyone really<i> enjoy</i> this? The summery was that the success in parenting was often found in looking back and saying, "I made it through."<br />
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Initially I read the article and agreed. Horrible, messy, smelly, incidents springing to mind. Ya, no fun! Most days with my crazy brood feels like completing a marathon (which I haven't actually done, but feel like I do every day) and collapsing at the finish line, "I MADE IT!" Not actually relishing the journey, but who cares!<br />
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Obviously a lot of other people agreed with the whitty summery because the link was shared by about 90 of my mom friends. I'm not leaving the link because 1), I can't remember the author or title, 2) I don't want to give more publicity to the thinking that we have to simply endure the young years with our little ones.<br />
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When I had Tommy last year, the first few weeks were spent barely surviving. I kept thinking, <i>I've got to make it through the first few months then it will be better, then I can enjoy him.</i> He was the hardest baby I've ever dealt with. I know there are harder challenges out there (special needs especially), but for me, he was a whopper of a big deal. Sleep deprived, tested to the limit with other kids, long days and even longer nights, I'm guilty of expressing the "just survive" mentality.<br />
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My biggest fear as I walked the floor with Tommy is that my survival-mode would rob me of memories. I wouldn't remember the beauty of my precious fourth child's first days, weeks, and months. Let alone remember the other 3 as they said funny things, warmed me with hugs, grew, changed, and developed into bigger kids. They needed a mom who was actively embracing life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejUzYYPT9jn6nVNahPeoCf_d-Zet2yML0zfDW-RQ1iWQB4RfFBjnwhiI0LGwAF7KQQRYjEeNWb2OUUahmYTTUrfQuOwXOYgbAdBOiwNHKuKNogLZPHIQq_FMrKDSLUZt-S6kR/s1600/broken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejUzYYPT9jn6nVNahPeoCf_d-Zet2yML0zfDW-RQ1iWQB4RfFBjnwhiI0LGwAF7KQQRYjEeNWb2OUUahmYTTUrfQuOwXOYgbAdBOiwNHKuKNogLZPHIQq_FMrKDSLUZt-S6kR/s320/broken.jpg" width="205" /></a>I can't pinpoint when or how, but lit by the glow of my Bible app on my iPad, it slowly started to seep into my consciousness that God wants to give us more than just survival. He promises in the Bible that he will give enough of everything to live a <i>full</i> life, not just a get-through-it, existing life.<br />
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I wrote <a href="http://www.dropsoflivingwater.com/2012/05/more-than-enough.html" target="_blank">"More Than Enough"</a> for Drops during the first few months of being a mommy of 4. I believed it and tried to live it. I desperately clung to God's promise in Phillippians 4:19: <i>"my God will meet all your needs according to the <b>riches</b> of his glory in Christ Jesus." </i>It was at my most depleted state that I saw his riches, I felt them in my bones.<br />
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My God is abundant and through the last year, I've seen so many gifts. I tell ya, there were even gifts in the times some would say were impossible to enjoy. Laundry that doesn't stop? Beautiful people who wore clothes and a washing machine to clean them. Baby who won't stop crying? Arms to hold him, strength to feed him (I breastfed for 13 months! 3-6 months longer than all the others), advice from understanding friends, internet research to aid my wisdom (or lack there of). A husband who is works nearly all the time? Precious Sundays off where we soaked up togetherness instead of lamenting time apart. Siblings fighting? An excellent opportunity to talk about love again and again and kindness and memorize beautiful Scriptures.<br />
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According to that article that sizzled with alluring justifications, it is impossible and completely ridiculous to see blessings when mostly all is awful. To turn mundane into blessings? That's not the point of life, the author stated -- enjoy the good when things are good and take the bad for what it is and "get through" was the advice.<br />
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The Bible's wisdom says it differently, <i>“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have <b>peace</b>. In this world you will have <b>trouble</b>. But take heart! I (Jesus) have overcome the world.”</i> John 16:33<br />
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Living as someone whose God has overcome the world is different. It allows us to find peace in the midst of trouble. It also allows us to believe the wisdom of older folks who say, "Enjoy this, it goes by so fast."<br />
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So instead of bemoaning this little guy's long list of troubles, I am praising God for our triumphs. I met God in a new way because of Tommy. Maybe if he was easy-peasy I would have thought it was by my own strengths and skills that I managed a houseful. Thankfully Tommy boy crushed that idea.<br />
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His midnight crying jaunts humbled me and brought me to my knees. As I breathed in the scent of baby Tommy I cried to my Father in Heaven, <i>"Let me remember this, don't let me forget his beauty."</i> And I blessedly remember, God gave me more than just those sweet memories of forever nights and crowded days, I also remember the scent of God's goodness whispering through my heart and unlocking the fullness of life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0SrDCUIcAqWFtOYtb5z2GuJGavKhBAmtbt-Ur-v26fRCG3uVuCb9j4Xz6ve3hfbTHOayIrG9JUsyKdBQ3zbIbFAKGUZBLtABMqHBAgvK1G7pw4mii_x0H7SYA9d_qchAjaWu/s1600/tommys3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0SrDCUIcAqWFtOYtb5z2GuJGavKhBAmtbt-Ur-v26fRCG3uVuCb9j4Xz6ve3hfbTHOayIrG9JUsyKdBQ3zbIbFAKGUZBLtABMqHBAgvK1G7pw4mii_x0H7SYA9d_qchAjaWu/s200/tommys3.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's not all rosy, and I guess that's the point. The difficulties give us the challenge of finding the good, the great, AND the extraordinary.<br />
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Our Tommy is the diamond in the rough with food allergies that have me catering to his every whim and contemplating a catering company named after the boy (a lot of farm-fresh eggs and absolutely no dairy). The "rough" is the quirks in his physical body that I'm still figuring out, and the "diamond" is a smile and disposition that will stun you with magnificent joy.<br />
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Tommy is a charmer, crowd pleaser, clown of a toddler who will do anything for a laugh. The other night at dinner he was putting spaghetti noodles on his head and dancing in his seat while he giggled, his eyes searching out the crowd (his hysterically laughing siblings) to make sure he was getting a reaction! Of course he was, we were all in stitches. And this boy is only 1 year old :). I can't wait to see how his generous personality unfolds.<br />
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Happy birthday to our sweet and special Tommy. My heart grew with this special gift, God is so good.<br />
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Here's a video I put together of some of Tommy's first steps:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HHpOVKZMBII?rel=0" width="640"></iframe>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-81881691398444341332013-05-21T18:28:00.001-07:002013-05-21T18:28:26.875-07:00Once Upon A Dressing RoomI'm not the type to make friends with strangers. My lifelong friends have all appeared in my life in more of a natural way... at college, at camp, at church, as part of a moms group. All at the same stage in life in a group that facilitated our meeting.<br />
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A little chit-chat with strangers? Sure. Small talk and "have a nice day," is easy enough. But I never expected to meet a kindred spirit because of a short conversation in a swimming pool dressing room.<br />
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It never would have happened at all if my girls didn't have a problem staring at naked people. To be honest, they stare at anybody, clothes or no, it is just that naked makes for even more interesting viewing. We were getting out of the pool and I was trying to get them dry and ready to go when 2 cute girls and their cute mom came into the women's dressing room. They were getting ready to swim. The girls had beautiful matching pink and purple suits and my girls couldn't take their eyes off them.<br />
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Our conversation went something like this, "Girls, don't stare, it's not polite. Yes, there swimming suits are so pretty." My little girls continued to stare and the other little girls stared right back. So it was only natural that the other mom and I talked about children's swimwear and few other trivial details.<br />
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As we were leaving to go on to the next activity and they were going in to swim, I said to Other Mom (I didn't know her name yet), "It would have been fun to go swimming at the same time, looks like our girls could be good playmates." And she replied, "We'll be swimming tomorrow about 10:30, if you want to come then."<br />
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And so it we did. We met up and swam at the same time the next day, us moms chatting at the edge of the pool while the kids played for an hour. We had a lot in common and had easy conversation over the noisy pool theatrics. Her two girls and son and my two girls and Rem are similar in ages.<br />
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I felt like I was taking a monumental step when I asked for her name so I could find her on facebook. Introverts make a BIG deal about such things (mentally of course). Little did I know that I would take "monumental" to a new level when I later asked these stranger friends to stay at our house for the night, but that's for later in the story.<br />
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Come to find out, neither of us are the "make friends with strangers" type of people. Both our husbands were shocked. <i>"What, you made friends with someone in the dressing room, that's not like you"?!!?! </i>That's what her husband said. And mine was also intrigued. Two introverts building a lifelong friendship with one, hour long conversation (not to mention the half-clothed part)? Impossible. Our husbands and sons had also been in the men's dressing room at the same time, but held to social protocol and didn't strike up a conversation.<br />
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When we got home, we found each other online and the girls sent letters to each other via real mail. They've exchanged 3 letter back and forth in the last 2 months. Mandy asked when we could have her friends over. Oh man, it's not that easy. Their family is from beautiful British Columbia (that's in Canada, eh).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rem and his new friend</td></tr>
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Well an opportunity arose where we could have their whole family over. They were at Disney Land for a family vacation and were passing through on Monday. They planned on staying at a hotel in a nearby city, but why settle for 4 stars, when you could sleep in our basement playroom and share a bathroom with 11 people? Exactly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy and Kristin</td></tr>
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It was really fun (and I'm not just saying that because she has found my blog). Our families clicked, conversation was easy, their children delightful, and all were gracious guests. We found we have TONS in common, including religious beliefs, parenting methods, similar hobbies, and a love for portable video devices to entertain children for long car rides.<br />
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This whole experience makes me think of this verse: <i>"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."</i> Hebrews 13:8. This verse was refering to actual divine beings, but I think we were blessed in a divine way by genuine, kind people.<br />
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Whether coincidence or providence, I'm thankful for our chance, awkward meeting in the dressing room. You never know where a "hello, sorry my kids are staring at you" will lead. We're already plotting a BC excursion to visit our no-longer-stranger friends. God is good and knows what we need (although I would beg to differ with this family's 7+ hour driving distance away, next door would be better).<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-27547200927943172742013-03-08T08:58:00.001-08:002013-03-08T09:01:49.626-08:00Better Off Desk<div style="text-align: center;">
I was searching for a small desk for Mandy. It HAD to have drawers. Emma's desk has drawers and so Mandy needed drawers. I took pity on her little-sister woes (I'm a little sister myself).</div>
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Finding a small desk (with drawers) for a small price didn't seem like a tall order.</div>
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I kept my eye out all summer at our frequent garage sale adventures, but no luck.</div>
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I was looking for something like the desk above (it's $300 from ikea).</div>
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I didn't mind a fixer-upper and my budget was under $20.</div>
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I found several that fit the bill for $40 at a consignment shop, but they would still need paint. I knew we could do better and we finally found the gem in this beauty.....</div>
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I truly wish I had a picture of my husband's face when he saw it.</div>
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He said, "You paid money for that?"</div>
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I did actually, I paid $7.50 at a local thrift store. The guy taking my money looked a little guilty about the price so I was able to talk him down from $10.</div>
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It's solid and perfectly functional, so it just needed a little TLC. The contact paper came off pretty easy and then I sanded, primed and painted. And some paint that I found on the "oops" shelf for $3.</div>
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And look, it's a drawer (x4)!</div>
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Mandy is happy and only had to ask about her desk for roughly 8 months.</div>
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The drawers are currently full of paper and craft supplies, she's quite the little busy worker.</div>
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-41578725035195540262013-02-26T14:55:00.003-08:002013-02-26T14:55:59.281-08:00Bringing Back Order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was time for a major clean in the girls' room. I was getting a nervous tick whenever I went in there.</div>
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When they can't clean it themselves properly (the following picture is "clean" to them), we have to go in and bring back some order. I was dreading it.</div>
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Too much of a good thing becomes a burden, it isn't peaceful.</div>
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It's been about 3 and a half years since the girls moved into this room together. Check out how perfect it was back then (<a href="http://www.petersparadise.blogspot.com/2009/08/girls-room-complete.html" target="_blank">this link</a>). Unfortunately, it's been as many years since I came in and went through everything and did a major clean. Sweeping and picking up take a few minutes, but digging in and purging are a major project (about 5 hours it turned out).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">August of 2009</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 days ago...</td></tr>
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The kids have been on and off sick for 2 weeks, so I took advantage of Emma and Tommy's lethargy (I hoped he would sleep the whole time) and dove in head first with my trusty assistant Mandy.</div>
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It was like Christmas for Remington. I found 3 buzzers from board games that I hid <strike>for good reason</strike> on the top of the shelf in the hallway. I told him he could only buzz them while hiding under his covers in his room with the door closed -- that bought me about 20 minutes.</div>
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With this much fun going on, Tommy refused to nap.... all day. Merry Christmas!</div>
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I learned a lot from two books on cleaning/organizing. I highly recommend both:</div>
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<img alt="The House That Cleans Itself: Creative Solutions for a Clean and Orderly House in Less Time Than You Can Imagine" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51yLKdPJk5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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The best points I gained from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/House-That-Cleans-Itself-Solutions/dp/0736918809" target="_blank">this book</a> are 1) to organize around established habits, don't try to change habits to fit the new organization, and 2) the first thing you see when you walk into a room should look tidy or the whole room will look untidy. This book is written by a previously messy person who researched and finally found a way to keep her house clean! </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organized-Simplicity-Clutter-Free-Approach-Intentional/dp/1440302634/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361916855&sr=1-1&keywords=organized+simplicity+the+clutter-free+approach+to+intentional+living" target="_blank">The other book</a> is different in that it addresses the why's behind clutter and how to purge your space of useless stuff once and for all.</div>
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<img alt="Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living" border="0" height="300" id="prodImage" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51P6UVsI9rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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Love<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organized-Simplicity-Clutter-Free-Approach-Intentional/dp/1440302634/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361916855&sr=1-1&keywords=organized+simplicity+the+clutter-free+approach+to+intentional+living" target="_blank"> this book</a> so much! The author speaks about how "we let the things we value most take a backseat to whatever is begging for attention in the moment." A cluttered life and all this stuff is demanding when it is out of control. Not only am I trying to learn this myself and make intentional decisions to live in a peaceful place, I want to train my children how to do this also.</div>
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I'm not sure if there is a proper way to deep clean, but this is the method that works for me. </div>
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As quick as possible, go through and de-clutter and dust. I went through their closet first, all their clothes and got rid of about half of Mandy's clothes and a few of Emma's so their drawers closed. I reorganized everything that NEEDED to fit in there and everything else went in the middle of the room (the clothes went in bags in the hall to give away).</div>
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I went around the room doing the same process, the stuff that needed to stay stayed, the rest in the middle of the room. I found SO MUCH stuff behind their beds. Blech!</div>
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It takes <b>time, patience, </b>and<b> focus</b>. If I'm short on any of those things, cleaning/organizing doesn't happen.</div>
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Hence why it has been 3.5 years since going through the girls' room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspdepY5r-qPj-V_T3Z6ky5Kzs7DDdD44Xl4AmlJrq00KpLlZcGwz4lDfel9vWBNZpF4sIjKCU4ayMrYnlXuihwmN2yKsqIj6dsVIQ_qPW1S-dQIEpIiwUaLXGGRVATqdP6Ovy/s1600/IMG_9387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspdepY5r-qPj-V_T3Z6ky5Kzs7DDdD44Xl4AmlJrq00KpLlZcGwz4lDfel9vWBNZpF4sIjKCU4ayMrYnlXuihwmN2yKsqIj6dsVIQ_qPW1S-dQIEpIiwUaLXGGRVATqdP6Ovy/s640/IMG_9387.JPG" width="640" /></a>Staying focused is key. My friend Season came over a few years ago and helped me with my office. She taught me to not get caught micro-organizing. She kept saying, "Don't get lost in the details, you can organize when the pile is more manageable." Wise woman!</div>
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So 3 bags and sort, sort, sort. </div>
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<b>Give away</b> (for nice stuff that simply isn't needed or loved) -- if it isn't serving a purpose for me either practically or beautifully, then I am <i>serving it</i>. This is another Season concept. I got this mental picture of bowing down serving this unnecessary stuff and it freaked me out!</div>
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Keep -- this is the pile I like to micro organize, but I lose steam too fast this way. Running to and fro from bathroom to laundry pile to kitchen to toy closet to lego box to office. It's better to put it in one bag and sort later when all the unwanted stuff is gone.</div>
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Toss -- for all that garbage that collects. I was ruthless this time around and even threw away broken crayons (gasp!).</div>
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Mandy was such a good helper. She didn't even whine about giving her stuff away. She has a generous heart and is a hard worker.</div>
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She started yawning about 2:30 and I told her to just lay in her bed for awhile. Soon she was fast asleep.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer!!</td></tr>
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The two bags in the center front are the keep (sort later) bags that I will have the girls work on. They WILL learn the skill of organizing and sorting.</div>
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I moved a shelf in to hold all their books, art supplies and precious stuffed animals.</div>
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The bags by the door on the left are "give" and the ones on the right are "toss."</div>
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Another tip from "the House That Cleans Itself" is to get rid of the give and toss stuff immediately. This is is really important. I'm not prone to digging stuff out, but others in my family are. Once gone, it's gone. The give bags are in the car waiting for a swap we do at my <a href="http://www.mops.org/" target="_blank">MOPS</a> group.</div>
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Well, it's not Pottery Barn Kids, but it's clean.... the girls wanted their beds like this, so I figured why not! I'm pretty sure the designers at PBK have never lived with actual, real children. Ones with tic-tac-toe championship game papers glue-sticked to the wall, a favorite turquoise hat, priceless memorabilia from beach trips, Wild Kratt's tokens from a cousin's birthday party, Pillow Pets, 5 doll beds, or neon fleece blankets from Grandma that don't match, but are so cozy.</div>
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This is real and this is peaceful!</div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>
Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-79689920948832968802013-02-17T18:09:00.000-08:002013-02-17T18:09:10.707-08:00My Go-To Ugly Meatloaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The name of my blog might lead you to believe that everything around/in/on/under/through my life is perfectly beautiful all the time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was staged for a photo scavenger hunt and took an hour to set up and Photoshop to make my dress look like it zipped. Paradise?</td></tr>
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In actuality, paradise is an attitude. To choose joy, gratefulness, and to be present in life... that is paradise. </div>
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Even when my kitchen looks like this and the natives are screaming for food and have scavenged anything pre-packaged and ultra fast:</div>
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One of my favorite, delicious, filling, crowd-pleasing, and <i>fast</i> recipes is meatloaf.</div>
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"Fast" you say? </div>
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My <a href="http://www.americastestkitchen.com/recipes/detail.php?docid=7437" target="_blank">America's Test Kitchen</a> cookbook recipe says 1 hour 50 minutes. I always decide meatloaf would taste delicious, I must have it, and then begin making it about 30 minutes before my family needs to eat.</div>
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My version of this scrumptious classic is done in under 30 minutes, 20 if I'm really cookin with gas. And it tastes just as good. The ATK testers make some darn good eats, but they don't have little children under foot. Maybe they have 2 hours to make meatloaf, but I don't.</div>
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The speediness comes at a price -- it's ugly. It won't cook up into sliceable planks of steaming, savory goodness.</div>
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But keep going, the end result won't be pretty, but it will be delicious.</div>
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So, here is the recipe with a few alterations to make things speedier:</blockquote>
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Add to 2 pounds super lean, all-natural beef </blockquote>
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1 onion chopped fine (or dried onion or omit all together) </blockquote>
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2 garlic cloves, minced (or garlic powder or Johnny's Garlic Bread Spread, Mmmmm) </blockquote>
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1/2 tsp dried thyme (or use fresh and feel really green.) </blockquote>
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2 large eggs </blockquote>
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1/2 cup milk (water, almond milk, or rice milk also work for you crazies who can't have dairy like me) </blockquote>
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2 tsp mustard </blockquote>
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2 tsp Worcestershire </blockquote>
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1 tsp salt (I also throw in some seasoning salt) </blockquote>
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1/2 tsp pepper </blockquote>
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2/3 cups crushed saltines, 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs, or 2/3 cups quick oats</blockquote>
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For sauce: </blockquote>
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1/2 cup catchup </blockquote>
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4 tsp apple cider vinegar </blockquote>
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1/4 cup brown sugar</blockquote>
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Garnish with parsley</blockquote>
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The cast of characters is above. I love it when Foodies take pictures of their ingredients.</div>
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My attempt has a dried-out giant zucchini, a hair clip, pen, red paper clip, canning ring, and orphaned leftover lid in the picture as well. </div>
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But my minced onion sure is fantastic looking. I did that just for you. </div>
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The awesome thing about this recipe is you can omit or add things to your liking. It's versatile and delicious. I think I already said "delicious" a bit much, but really. It. Is. Delicious.</div>
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I've made this exact concoction for years and for the first 100 preparations, I just made my family wait until it was almost time for bed to eat. Starting dinner late was/is a bad habit. I would sneak peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to them and say <i>"Dinner isn't quite ready yet, go gnaw on the couch cushions." </i></div>
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Then I got smart. I tossed pretty, perfect meatloaf to the wind and fried that puppy up.</div>
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When there are 4 of these little people doing this, dinner needs to get on the table quicker.</div>
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Tommy is just mad because he can't eat beef yet. "Give me the boob!" He says.</div>
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Let's get back to cooking, my baby is feeling neglected. Get out a nice big skillet or dutch oven or cast-iron pot. I use a cast-iron pot because I love how it browns meat. So caramelized and crunchy yummy.</div>
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You should never, ever, ever soak your cast-iron. Like, ever. </div>
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Don't be like me, you'll wreck your hard-earned seasoning and have Taylor Swift going through your head all day.</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"We are never ever ever getting back together<br />We are never ever ever getting back together<br />You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me<br />But we are never ever ever ever getting back together </i></blockquote>
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<i> Like, ever..."</i></blockquote>
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I usually take much better care of my pot. To clean it, it works best to put the dirty pot back on the stove, get it screeching hot and then pour water in it. This "de-glazes" the pan without "de-seasoning" and all the stuck on stuff comes right off. Then I toss the dirty water, dry the pot, and lightly coat it with oil so it is ready for next time.</div>
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It is really liberating being "ugly" with you. The picture on the left is the "real" ugly truth of what my counters look like a lot of the time -- the cellulite of the kitchen you might say. I was embarrassed by the image and quickly cleaned so that it would look like the norm. </div>
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Enough staged perfection, let's brown some beef.</div>
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Dump the beef mixture in your hot pan. I used a little oil because my beef is very lean. I have a feeling your beef won't need any extra grease if you are using store-bought ground beef.</div>
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The key here is to let the meat get a bit of a crust. Walk away, forget about it, tell the kids to stop gnawing on the couch cushions because dinner is <i>really</i> almost ready, peel some potatoes or something. </div>
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Once the meat is browned, flip it kinda like you are turning burgers. Don't mash away at it, you want chunks. You want ugly.</div>
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*If your meat is looking really greasy, you should drain it at this step. I never need to, but I don't want you saying your meal was extra ugly <i>and</i> extra greasy. If there is grease, get rid of it and continue on.</div>
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Make your sauce. If you want a lot of sauce, double it. I often serve this deliciousness over noodles, so I make it extra saucy.</div>
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Pour the sauce over the meat when it is pretty much cooked through. Oh, the smell is heavenly!</div>
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Turn the burner off, throw a lid on the pot and finish the rest of the meal's fixins.</div>
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I turn the burner back on if I take the lid off and my ugly meatloaf is looking a little watery. </div>
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The extra heat makes the ketchup/sugar/acv sauce really crusty and delicious.</div>
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If you are appalled at how ugly it is, put some parsley on top before you serve. Then sneak a bite before the kids get wind of this tasty goodness. You'll forget all about appearances and rejoice that dinner is on the table, your husband will pound his chest in caveman delight, and hungry children will smile and/or arise and call you blessed.</div>
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Leftovers work well in sandwiches, served over noodles or potatoes or eaten cold for breakfast. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-71699479326150237242012-11-25T21:36:00.001-08:002012-11-25T21:36:27.176-08:00Curious Consumer <div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Curiosity is one of the most permanent </i></div>
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<i>and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect." </i></div>
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We've come to the stage in our youngest son's life where he is full of curiosity....</div>
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Nothing in his reach is safe (on the floor).</div>
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"Oh ya, I see ya eating that paper." </div>
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The Black Friday sale ads were quite tasty. That's the most action we saw on Black Friday. Since T likes to keep me up all night and he's <b>7 crazy months old</b>, we opted for as much sleep as we could get and stayed home. </div>
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...And since I didn't go shopping on Black Friday (for the first time in about 15 years), I can add this quote and feel justified in my consumerism abstinence.<br />
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-77947368380276955002012-11-16T16:38:00.002-08:002012-11-16T16:38:49.125-08:00Embracing Chunky Thighs<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw-sdtITE4jKTKSP475BeRf4BBYpRPHBavaSeareaQkCTEZOUzvcJpzuVps4R-R27Owyy4akFxAy-jzrqZWLs3uLpmTuFAhpucYYF-BN3Vtq8QVw-x7y1hyTlPMrzZsR-Qyoj/s1600/IMG_6017eyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw-sdtITE4jKTKSP475BeRf4BBYpRPHBavaSeareaQkCTEZOUzvcJpzuVps4R-R27Owyy4akFxAy-jzrqZWLs3uLpmTuFAhpucYYF-BN3Vtq8QVw-x7y1hyTlPMrzZsR-Qyoj/s640/IMG_6017eyes.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A glimpse at his "slice of chocolate pie" eye. Blue around the outside, green in the middle and a slice of brown in his left eye. This is what happens when I prayed for a brown eyed baby... God gives in peculiar ways sometimes.</td></tr>
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Much love for our smily, sweet baby boy Tommy who is 7 months old today!</div>
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-8215400164395941142012-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:002012-10-22T06:00:09.256-07:00Drops of Living Water, where have you been?<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the 2 year anniversary of the <a href="http://dropsoflivingwater.com/" target="_blank">Drops of Living Water</a> blog.</div>
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"As moms, we’re booked solid 24/7. The constant demands of motherhood tend to suck us dry and leave us feeling as prickly as cactus. Drops is designed to bring a little refreshment to your corner of the desert.</blockquote>
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We provide a daily Drop for you to use as you wish: first thing in the morning, last thing at night or anywhere in between.
Each drop and the accompanying Bible passage can be read in about 10 minutes.</blockquote>
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The Drops are made up of original and borrowed writings directed specifically at helping busy moms discover abundant life through Jesus Christ.</blockquote>
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<i>'Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water, </i></div>
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<i>welling into Eternal Life.</i>' [Jesus]</div>
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John 4:14"</div>
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At first, I was posting 2-3 times per week. Andrea (my sister) was also contributing this much. It was a crazy schedule, but one we maintained for a year. Monday through Friday filled with encouraging words for moms striving to grow in their relationship with Christ. I wrote original devotionals for some, borrowed other people's writings (with permissions), excerpts from my favorite books for others. For the last year, I've written only once a week.<br />
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I would write, it took about an hour to get my thoughts down on the clicking type pad. The ideas came to me usually in the middle of the night and I wouldn't be able to sleep until I jotted down the thoughts. Or I would be in the midst of my busy day and a Scripture would come to me. Most often, the inspiration struck when I was having devotions and a truth would jump off the pages and I felt giddy with excitement as I explored what I learned... I couldn't wait to share what was on my heart. God guided what I should write about.<br />
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There were a few times that God was really not guiding what I wanted to write. I told myself that it was a necessary topic and good that I write about it. But more than likely, it was a grudge or a pet peeve that was bugging me and I found some nifty Scripture that went along with it. I would start to write and it felt like I was wading through quicksand. My words were stilted and bland, my point was elusive. Those are the posts that remain in "drafts" to this day.<br />
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Those topics weren't what was needed for me to share, for whatever reason.<br />
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When I felt clearly led to write, it was a different story. The words flowed from my fingers, I rarely had trouble with "what comes next" or ending a piece. <a href="http://www.dropsoflivingwater.com/#uds-search-results" target="_blank">77 original posts</a> that I can re-read now and tell myself, "I needed this reminder today!"<br />
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It might sound silly or even prideful to say that God guided my hand. I'm referring to the God of ALL Creation. Maker of Heaven and Earth. Yet it was as obvious as the nose on my face that He, as almighty as he is and as lowly I am, inspired and enabled me to write.<br />
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I never wanted my busyness or bad attitude to be the reason for me to stop writing. If God wanted me to write and I had a 4th baby who was nursing every 30 minutes day and night with thrush and colic and gas and an aversion to ME enjoying any delicious dairy, then he would supply the strength and the inspiration. And so often He did.<br />
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A few months ago, my busyness and bad attitude were taking control again and, like I have often done over the last two years, I prayed to God to let me be done with this commitment to Drops. "Please, I need a break!" This time I felt no guilt or compunction to continue. Instead, God gave me this verse: <i>"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—<b>put it into practice</b>" (</i>Philippians 4:9).<br />
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I've been writing and as I did so, exploring so many areas where I need to change and grow. Often, I was convicted, "How can I write about this when I am still struggling?!" Summer's solo parenting, adding a challenging baby, and 3 energetic big kids took their toll on some of the areas of sin that I thought were safely kicked to the curb.<br />
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<i>"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—<b>put it into practice</b>" </i></div>
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<i>(</i>Philippians 4:9).</div>
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This was all happening at the same time I received an email from our other contributor, Ashley (from <a href="http://theuglyhomemaker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the Ugly Homemaker</a>), that she would also be taking a break. For other reasons, like being pregnant with baby #4, starting a home business, and keeping up some big life changes.<br />
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When I shared with Andrea what I was feeling, we were left a bit flummoxed (confused!). We started this project under clear direction from God to write specifically to a target audience like us, busy, tired moms who wanted to grow as Christian women. Where did does this "break" leave the original calling?<br />
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As for me, I'm learning things in Scripture that I just keep to myself, thinking and praying about what I discover, without the desire or need to write it out and share it with others. God has a specific plan for this period in my life as I put into practice what I have <i>learned or received or heard or seen in Scripture.</i> When I feel the need to write, I know it will flow again with ease.<br />
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As for Drops, I wish I knew! God doesn't work on our time schedule. Andrea has taken some time to pray about this also and wants only what is best for this devotional project. We've been so encouraged by our regular readers (more than just our loyal mom). When I would feel discouraged, amazingly I would get a phone call, random text message, note from a friend, blog comment, or facebook message that said, "Thanks for writing that, it was just what I needed today." Andrea received these confirmations as well and so we knew we were doing the right thing.<br />
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Coincidence or God's perfect plan, I was writing this when I took a break to read a blog I follow (written by my cousin's wife and kindred tall girl): <a href="http://barefooton45th.com/2012/10/19/one-direction-at-a-time/" target="_blank">One direction at a time</a>. It was such clear confirmation to how I feel about this particular stage in my life.<br />
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"But here’s the thing. I don’t need a five year plan; I only need one direction at a time. I know the hope to which he has called me, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18) so all the twist, turns, stoplights, detours, closed freeways, traffic, car accidents, and carpool lanes are just part of the drive; they don’t determine the destination." (Lesley Miller)</blockquote>
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"Finally, sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,<br />
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whatever is right, whatever is pure,<br />
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whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable<br />
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—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy<br />
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—think about such things.<br />
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Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me,<br />
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or seen in me—put it into practice.<br />
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And the God of peace will be with you."<br />
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Philippians 4:8-9</div>
Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-83577801866252762772012-10-19T10:03:00.001-07:002012-10-19T10:03:53.480-07:00A Day In the Life | eating, learning, and applesauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-28075679286357295142012-09-28T10:50:00.001-07:002012-09-28T10:50:27.343-07:00Celebrating Mandy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had family and a few friends over for Mandy's birthday.</div>
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Mandy looked forward to her special day with GREAT anticipation.</div>
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I had some fun ideas for decorations and food.</div>
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The decorations happened thanks to my mom coming a day early and watching the kids so I could spend the afternoon making "happy birthday" banners and picture centerpieces.</div>
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I wanted to do individual pear cobblers in mason jars and homemade icecream.</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;"><img alt="peach cobbler in a jar 016" height="601" src="http://www.lifeisaparty.ca/wp-uploads/2011/09/peachcobblerinajar016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="450" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://www.lifeisaparty.ca/2011/peach-cobbler-in-a-mason-jar/" target="_blank">LifeIsAParty</a></td></tr>
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But it didn't happen. I have 14 bazzion more ideas than I have time for.</div>
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Instead, a cake from Costco and pink sherbet ice-cream from Winco. It was gobbled up by the guests with nearly the same enthusiasm as the little cobblers would have been and I had to do zero work.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what we mean by "family and a few friends." All but 3 are cousins.<br />We LOVE our family.</td></tr>
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We got Mandy a doll that she had been asking for and we were so pleased that it was love at first sight.</div>
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My cousin gave Emma a similar doll from the American Girl Doll collection a few years ago and ever since it has been, "I want a doll like Emma's only with white hair like mine."</div>
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A couple of the family and friends bought accessories and clothes to go with the doll (Mandy named her Elizabeth Sally).</div>
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Mandy is very easy to please when it comes to gifts... as long as it is girly, pink, or Dora, she is over the moon. We did a little practicing before the big event so that she didn't rush through and remembered to say "thank you." She did well. It's hard to raise a child to be gracious in this culture! Especially when people so lovingly lavish gifts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some wallets to hold her vast holdings of pennies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pretty necklace.</td></tr>
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It was a perfect celebration for our beautiful girl. </div>
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Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-37715192836457091112012-09-26T22:36:00.001-07:002012-09-26T22:36:27.067-07:00My BestI started a new routine. By new I mean <i>really</i> new... like I'm on day #3.<br />
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I was reading in the Old Testament about sacrifices. God took them very seriously. The people needed sacrifices to atone for sins. It was a lot of work and required <i>the very best</i> of what each person had.<br />
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Jesus' death on the cross covering my sins made life much easier for me. I've never had to find my choicest lamb and give it as a sacrifice at the temple. Instead I cling to His grace and repenting takes little physical effort.<br />
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And that's where a conviction found me. <i>I need to give God my best.</i>... went through my thoughts. If it had just been that, a thought that came and went, it would have been okay, but it plagued me. As all good convictions should. <i>What was my best and how could I give it to God?</i><br />
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I knew the answer, I was just hiding from it. Literally hiding under the covers. The best, very, very best, part of my day is after I've fed the baby for the jagillianth time in the night and snuggle into my warm bed somewhere between 5-6am. The sleep I get for the next hour or two is that of a dead woman...<br />
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Unfortunately, waking from that sleep is also like <i>waking</i> a dead woman. Each morning since Tommy was born has been pretty much the same routine: me clinging to sleep until the last possible moment, the kids completely wreaking havoc by the time I get up, no exercise done, the house in shambles, and me in my bathrobe until I can't get away with it any longer, dragging through the morning.<br />
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No one was actually happy with this plan. Even me, I love my sleep at all, but I sure didn't feel rested even if I did get that all-so-coveted afternoon nap, I was still a walking zombie. Jeff wasn't thrilled with my sleeping in either, but he didn't grumble because he knew I had a bad night, or whole series of months of bad nights. He fed the kids breakfast, made his lunch, and tried to keep from getting his head bit off when he said, "I'm leaving now, the kids are all yours."<br />
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So, when I pondered giving God my best, I wondered how I could really do it. Would I be more tired because of a few less hours of sleep? I'm on day #3 (somebody throw me a party!) and feeling really good. I feel awake at 6am instead of drugged and grouchy at 8am. I am able to spend time with God, exercise and have a quiet morning before the kids bombard me. It is an amazing difference that I've missed.<br />
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I kind of hoped I would sneak under the radar of The Evil One. I mean, is he really happy with joyful, energetic, lover of Jesus me? He would rather have me doped up on not enough sleep and grouchy so I can't help but be nasty all day long.<br />
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Monday was great, Tuesday was great. Those days sailed by with Pinterst worthy delight and wonder. Homeschooled, canned, cooked, baked chocolate chip cookies one day and muffins the next, created some pretty meaningful snacks, made Jeff's lunch, talked with friends even.<br />
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Then came today. I have not snuck under the radar. The Evil One was on the prowl, testing my devotion to giving God my best. What I found so amazing about this was that even though it was a doozy, I was encouraged and energized when I needed it. My Father in Heaven prepared me each step of the way. It was something like this:<br />
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6am: Read a <a href="http://www.girlfriendsingod.com/2012/making-time-for-beauty/" target="_blank">fantastic devotional about finding beauty</a> in each day. Determined to follow that advice. This was going to be a fantastic day. <i><b>Invigorated.</b></i><br />
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9am: Made play doh for the kids and turned my back for two seconds and my favorite glass mixing bowl went sailing onto the floor and shattered. <b><i>Disheartened.</i></b><br />
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11am: My sister texted me and invited me over for cake tomorrow. <b><i>Encouraged.</i></b><br />
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1pm: No one was napping, no one was even pretending to rest. <i><b>Frustrated.</b></i><br />
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2pm: Finally got all 4 quiet and fell into a deep sleep in my bed with Mandy who also fell asleep for a much needed nap. <b><i>Refreshed.</i></b><br />
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2:05: Hear Rem's bedroom door and run upstairs to find he was trying to hide a poopy accident. Also find that he finger painted with the poopy accident. <i><b>Angry.</b></i><br />
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2:10 Got Rem bathed and was happy to see Jeff working the field right by our house. He is there maybe 5% of the time, usually in a far-off field and unavailable. I texted him "come get your son before I lose it" and gratefully saw the big green tractors change directions as he came to my rescue. <i><b>Thankful.</b></i><br />
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2:15 Stopped to check the mail before I attacked Mr. Poopy-Pant's room. A card from my grandma that I believe was routed via heaven for inspiration, <i>"Cling to Jesus"</i> was the simple message she wrote. <b>Invigorated.</b><br />
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My day continued like that. Challenges met with bigger doses of God's goodness. Coincidence? I think not. My God cares SO much about my little life with all it's poopy mishaps. He is bigger than my day or anything that it can throw at me.<br />
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Evil One, eat my dust. Or how about eat my son's poop? My God is greater, my God is stronger, and He has my best. It's good enough for him. Try again tomorrow. I'm ready.<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-32366505307359710602012-09-10T12:14:00.004-07:002012-09-10T12:18:10.063-07:0010 Things I Know About Potty Training<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1. I dislike toilet training, but I dislike even more changing grown-up-like poop out of diapers.<br />
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2. Bribing works. Candy at 6am, sure! Candy at 11pm, sure!<br />
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3. Consistency works. Except when it doesn't.<br />
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<a href="http://crossfitbattlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1805_product_boys_kc_pullups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" id="il_fi" src="http://crossfitbattlefield.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/1805_product_boys_kc_pullups.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>4. Pull-Up manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank. They can charge double for a diaper appealing to toddlers and ensure that I'll be buying them until my kid is 10 because he likes them so much.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.parenting.com/article/extreme-potty-training-a-diary" target="_blank">I need a nanny.</a><br />
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6. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are my BFF.<br />
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<a href="http://www.couponaholic.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/clorox-disinfecting-wipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.couponaholic.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/clorox-disinfecting-wipes.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="173" /></a>7. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are my BFF with benefits. I write love songs about them as I'm wiping pee from the outside of the toilet bowl, the wall, the floor, the sink and the side of the tub.<br />
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8. Boy are harder to train than girls. It's not an urban legend, it's true. My boy is very unmotivated to learn this skill.<br />
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9. If one more person brags on social media about how easily their toddler was potty trained, I'm going to throw a poopy Pull-Up at my computer screen.... and then clean it up with a Clorox Disinfecting Wipe.<br />
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10. Never mind, that's just gross. Do I really need more messes to clean up? I think not.<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-10240122549978925612012-08-28T13:07:00.000-07:002012-08-28T13:30:39.795-07:00A Day In the Life: Summer Real Time AdditionI am just working on our school-year schedule and lesson plans and remembered I typed out a "day in the life" a few weeks ago. Summer sped by and my blogging was ridiculously sporadic. Sorry!<br />
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And sad to say, I don't have "blog for 20 minutes" anywhere on my new schedule either. So, I will be blogging here/there/occationally once again, squeezing it between procrastinating chores and nap-times gone wrong. Thanks for keeping up....<br />
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A Day In the Life: Summer Real Time Addition</h2>
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<strike>0'Dark Hundred </strike>1:00 am: Baby wakes up and wants to eat. I grab the iPad and make my way upstairs to his room. It makes the perfect night light. :) Not much happening on facebook or email in the middle of the night. This is a quick feeding and Tommy goes right back to sleep.... and so do I.<br />
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4:00 am: Baby wakes up and wants to eat. I grapple around for the iPad and wonder where I put it. Finally find it and make my way upstairs to Tommy's cozy room.<br />
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4:30 am: <a href="http://girlfriendsinGod.com/" target="_blank">Devotions read</a>, Bible reading done, prayers prayed, life reflected upon. This is going to be the best day ever (it's so easy to be optimistic when the house is quiet). I feel SO completely blessed. Baby nursed and I try to put him down in his crib. He's having none of it and is wide awake.<br />
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4:45 am: <i>"But I just want to talk," </i>Tommy says to me with his gorgeous smiles and coos. I give in and have some quality snuggling time.<br />
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5:00 am: Finally back in bed and sound asleep.<br />
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6:30 am: Alarm goes off and I <strike>get up and go for a walk/run</strike> go back to sleep.<br />
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7:00 am: Kids are up, awesome, amazing husband prepares their breakfast and says a <i>"They are all yours, have a good day!"</i> as he leaves for work.<br />
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8:00 am: Mama finally joins the land of the living to find the kids calmly watching Thomas the Train and the kitchen the scene of a demolition derby. Oh my stars, this place is a pig-sty! Start to clean the kitchen. Where is the broom?<br />
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8:05 am: Kitchen is still a disaster, broom is still missing, baby is up and hungry again, I forgot to get dressed, the kids are bored with their show and ask for a snack.<br />
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8:06 am: While feeding the baby and being attacked by 3 bored kids, I announce we are going for a walk to get out of this crazy house. Kids squeal in delight.<br />
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8:20 am: Find broom. Instruct the kids to do their chores so we can go on a walk. And do some "quick" chores like sweeping while Rem eats zucchini bread. Indeed like shoveling snow in a blizzard.<br />
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9:00 am: Shoes missing, potty accidents, baby spits-up all over, jogging stroller has a flat tire, Mandy crying to ride her trike instead of her bike, Emma doesn't want to wear the wet bike helmet she left in the sprinklers, and I remember I'm still wearing my bathrobe and have to pee incredibly bad.<br />
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9:15 am: Go to the barn and pump up jogging stroller's tire. We're all happy and ready for our 1 mile walk/ride to the park.<br />
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9:45 am: Arrive at park and ride bikes and run on the trails, climb trees, throw rocks in the creek, nurse baby under the shade of a lovely tree. Go to the bathroom only to discover Rem is nowhere to be found when I'm done. He calls from the men's side, <i>"I'm going pee."</i> That crazy kid. Sure enough, he was going pee in the urinal like the perfectly potty-trained child he *usually* is not.<br />
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10:30 am: Everyone is still happy, we better go home.<br />
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10:35 am: .95 mile from home and Mandy announces her energy is gone with tears of defeat, the baby starts screaming quite convincingly about who-knows-what, Rem leaps from the stroller while I'm pushing it and I run over him. 3/4 children crying. Emma's back bike tire starts to stick and she drags it down the road. She starts to cry as well. Four out of four.<br />
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10:45 am: Convince everyone that <i>"we are still having fun!! Woohoo!!"</i> and plead/drag/bribe on down the road. Mothers are required to be eternal optimists.<br />
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11:15: Arrive home in a puddle of exhaustion...<br />
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11:30 am: Eat lunch outside after preparing a delicious, camper-esque meal of pancakes and eggs on the bbq and griddle. Kids announce this is the <i>"best meal ever,"</i> and <i>"as fun as camping... but not quite."</i><br />
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12:00 pm: Put everyone, and I mean everyone, down for a rest.<br />
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1:00 pm: Open one eye and observe my surroundings. Oh my stars, this place is a pig-sty! Rouse myself from my resting position on the couch and do some cleaning.<br />
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2:00 pm: Emma and I play an exciting game of Uno.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She is totally going to beat me again.</td></tr>
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2:30 pm: Start preparing to leave the house for swimming lessons.<br />
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3:30 pm: Actually leave the house for swimming lessons. Why does it take an hour to leave the house? I have no idea, but when I test the theory, I am late every single time.<br />
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4:10 pm: Watch Emma and Mandy in swim lessons -- they are doing great! Feed the baby while trying not to flash the too-curious male lifeguard.<br />
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4:45 pm: The girls are done and they have a race to see who can shower, soap-up, dry off, get dressed, comb hair, shoes on, and out to the car first. After a month of locker room theatrics, the girls are doing AWESOME at getting ready to go without my prodding.<br />
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5:00 pm: Find Rem and pull him out of a locker, go to the car, and drive home.<br />
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5:15 pm: Fire up the blessed BBQ and make hamburgers. I take full advantage of BBQ weather :).<br />
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6:00 pm: Pack up supper and find hungry farmers.<br />
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6:30 pm: Eat dinner, chat, watch the kids play in dirt.<br />
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7:00 pm: Go home, tell the kids to go play in dirt outside so I can clean the kitchen, hold crying baby who is gassy/tired/poopy/and/or/hungry.<br />
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7:30 pm: Start bedtime routine with the three big kids as the baby blessedly falls alseep. The kids are thrilled to watch some tv after their baths and hurry through the de-mudding process. They choose to watch the A-Team via Netflix.<br />
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8:45 pm: <i>"I love it when a plan come together!"</i> All four are tucked in bed.<br />
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8:45 pm: Sit down to watch some <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/market-warriors/" target="_blank">Market Warriors on PBS</a> and hear baby crying.<br />
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9:30 pm: Baby fed. Tommy is ready for some quality time (this is his favorite time of the day, or maybe it is 4am, either way, he loves one-on-one Mama time). Daddy is home! More talking and snuggling, this time with Daddy.<br />
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10 pm: Baby is in bed, husband is beyond tired but would rather talk to me than watch tv. Man, I love this guy!<br />
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11pm: Say 50 times, <i>"We should go to bed,"</i> and stay up way too late once again talking about our days, what we learned, what we've been thinking about, that maybe it would be awesome to go on a date sometime in October or November when things slow down. I tell ya, it is like I'm still dating this guy the way we never run out of things to talk about it.<br />
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Then, we catch some good hours of sleep before we start another day in paradise.<br />
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Man, I don't want to forget this stuff. I don't want to forget the tantrums or the sleepiness. I don't want to gloss over the crazy. This is it, real life for now. It is full of so many blessings... harder to see sometimes than others. When school starts, we just have to pack in less play, more scholastics and hopefully have the Daddy around more in the evenings to bring sanity back to my life.<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-6389023221900204922012-07-25T17:32:00.001-07:002012-07-25T17:32:16.076-07:00We Survived the 4th Trimester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used to believe the "4th trimester" was something dreamed up by baby-wearing hippies to rationalize clingy infants.</div>
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With the raising of 4 newborns under my belt (metaphorically... and physically in the form of love-handles around my midsection), I now see the 4th trimester as a given; the first 3 months after birth are a continuation of the grueling process of growing a human life.</div>
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In the first 3 months after birth, we go from knowing nothing about this little one's likes and dislikes or physical ailments ("Mama, don't you dare eat dairy!) to maybe, hopefully, figuring a few things out. </div>
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Tommy went from being a screaming-banshy of a newborn that left me clueless and exhausted to a 16 pound baby who prefers to be held and seems to likes routine.... with all his needs met, he's a pretty happy-go-lucky guy.</div>
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We figured out early on that he has a sensitive stomach. I don't eat anything with dairy. He is gassy for unexplained reasons too sometimes... every now and then.... don't know why. I eat a pretty clean diet, so I'm not sure what is bugging him in particular. </div>
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I'll figure it out in the 5th trimester I guess.</div>
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It has taken me longer to figure out his sleep routine.</div>
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I won't be writing a book any time soon on "how to put your baby on a schedule" (<i>Baby Wise</i> is no longer on my recommended book list). Yet I also shudder in my boots when I hear the demand-feeding recommendation. For my own sanity, I can't whip out a boob every 20 minutes to give my baby snacks throughout the day. </div>
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Full feedings, when the baby is hungry is my mode of operation these days. It's simple and still has us on a routine of sorts... 2-4 hours between feedings. I don't really care about the clock -- most the time I can't find one anyway. I used to freak out when my babies didn't follow the clock, but I've mellowed. </div>
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He sleeps for a few hours at a time a few times a day. With child #4, I'm not entirely sure what he is up to most of the time.... it is just nice he isn't *very* mobile. Yet. He scoots himself across the floor on his belly at the speed of an inch worm. I thought I was imagining things, but he really does move on his own.</div>
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This guy is so stinkin cute!</div>
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We kiss on him, love on him, argue about who will hold him, and eagerly anticipate his next gorgeous smile.</div>
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I'll leave you with a awesome, chubby baby leg picture.</div>
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Chunky thighs + rompers = overwhelming cuteness (on a baby). =)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAoIAJg2uvQTUjrYXdvB5dWshqMkcCdQbGXe-m1QjY0qZaDiOli2mbAKENegux544GQfuwCgwWuiCjtu7bYvm_4bR8NZVAtD0GX5JbU_u0fjJUN9ZqfvPCUctidvIKOBy-YhE/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAoIAJg2uvQTUjrYXdvB5dWshqMkcCdQbGXe-m1QjY0qZaDiOli2mbAKENegux544GQfuwCgwWuiCjtu7bYvm_4bR8NZVAtD0GX5JbU_u0fjJUN9ZqfvPCUctidvIKOBy-YhE/s640/IMG_3625.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-90259615444364847722012-07-02T14:58:00.000-07:002012-07-02T15:05:20.703-07:00Baby Essentials and Not-so Essentials<i>A friend recently asked me what "stuff" is really necessary for a first baby. She wanted to get purchases out of the way before her baby arrives, so what can you get before and what should wait till later?</i><br />
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<i>I typed out my must-have list with one hand while nursing a baby, so I though I would share my hard typing efforts here. I never know, someone else might be helped with this list.</i><br />
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As far as gadgets go, you are right.... all that "stuff" isn't really necessary. But it can be necessary, or at least really helpful, depending on the baby. And that is where things get confusing if you are trying to buy before baby comes. I'll mention a few things that all babies need and then a list of stuff that can wait until you have the baby and know a little better what you want.<br />
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These are the essentials, according to what I have packed in Tommy's diaper bag right now:<br />
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2 pacifyers (not all babies need/like a pacifyer, but for my babies, it seems to help especially in public to sooth w/o nursing),<br />
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2 receiving blankets for burp cloths,<br />
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2 changes of clothes (jammies and an outfit),<br />
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1 zip-up sweatshirt,<br />
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1 pair of socks (we might lose one when we are out, or in extreme cases, poop could get on them),<br />
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1 hat,<br />
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5 or more diapers,<br />
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a small package of wipes,<br />
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travel size hand sanitizer,<br />
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diaper rash cream,<br />
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sun screen (not that we've needed it in the crazy, cold NW lately),<br />
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nursing pads (for mama),<br />
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plastic bag (for getting messy stuff home for washing),<br />
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Baby carrier (I keep this in the car and "wear" the baby when grocery shopping, berry picking, ect)<br />
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As you can see, it's a pretty simple list. You (or a helpful husband) could go out and buy this stuff while you are in labor and you would still be okay.<br />
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Now, more specifically....<br />
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<b>Clothes...</b> You'll be given tons for a first baby. People can't help themselves. "Minimalism" doesn't enter into most people's thinking when a baby comes along (especially for a girl!). Here are some things to look for when you are sorting through all the gifts: <b>Size</b>, most babies stick to the size/age that is appropriate, so think about what baby needs for what season. Newborn size is good to have for the first few weeks. It's okay to take stuff back if you know the baby isn't going to have a chance to wear it (like a sundress in the winter). I try to take the outfit and exchange it for the correct size in the same style, that way I can remember the particular person's kindness when the baby wears the outfit.<br />
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Also <b>think mix/match</b>. I'm pretty sure baby clothing manufacturers design outfits that match no other outfits so you have to buy more outfits. A great "rule" I try to follow with my babies and big kids is plain/solid colored bottoms and patterned tops. Then I can put on pretty much any pants with any shirt, it makes life so much easier.<br />
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Also, think <b>ease of wear for the baby and for you changing clothes many times a day</b> (and night). Zipper jammies, long sleeved onesies (shirts that snap in the crotch), elastic waist pants, and those gown things with open bottoms are great for newborns. Super cute "outfits" look super cute on the hanger, but for every day, they aren't practical. It isn't unusual for a baby to need his/her clothes changed with EVERY diaper.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://squeakystroller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/low_res1.jpg&sa=X&ei=KBDyT4OfN8qgrAHF3-2OAg&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFkx_EScqZaP_jVZauHn0YtCWVWdg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://squeakystroller.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/low_res1.jpg&sa=X&ei=KBDyT4OfN8qgrAHF3-2OAg&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFkx_EScqZaP_jVZauHn0YtCWVWdg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.becobutterflysale.com/beco-baby-carriers-butterfly-river-p-13.html" target="_blank">Beco Baby Carrier</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Baby carrier</b>.... I have a Beco (American made), also popular is the Ergo. The important thing to look for is the weight distribution on your hips. This style fastens around the hips and back, really comfortable and baby can go on mom/dad's front or back. For air travel, make sure the one you get has no metel parts, then you can wear it through airport security. Moby wraps are really popular and I have friends who love them. They look confusing to me.
Newborn hats...the ones designed to fit a newborn's head (they are the really tiny, stretchy ones). Babies need to keep their head's covered for the first 2 weeks.The ones that come with outfits in a set do not fit a normal baby's head, they work great for baby dolls we've discovered.<br />
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<b>Oxi-clean or a really good spray and wash</b>.... newborn poo stains (it is bright yellow) and it is set if it goes through the dryer. Try to catch it when it is still fresh and before it goes through the wash. Then you'll keep all those cute clothes looking good.<br />
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<b>Swaddling blankets</b>.... there are many different designs and all work well (when used properly). I like the really big, gauzy fabric ones. It makes it easy to wrap the baby tight. There are also knit ones that have velcro, no elaborate wrapping required.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcQymJYk5Y1ZIPmvjD6KAoJwRnEa8IIdU3JSquTQO7WGQD2kanPDJnTwIlB-VzZ0PvHg_7wpu9eCeg2VS_DMyBzdTPzRMiP3zYEftLLLKRg2LpJsgTNGZbmkL4FST3xRWazJ2/s1600/8493587_1.jpg&sa=X&ei=qBDyT52vKobTqgHqp6WOAg&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNEIJAbo3wf-ynzRlMp1vGeTBxBBlQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcQymJYk5Y1ZIPmvjD6KAoJwRnEa8IIdU3JSquTQO7WGQD2kanPDJnTwIlB-VzZ0PvHg_7wpu9eCeg2VS_DMyBzdTPzRMiP3zYEftLLLKRg2LpJsgTNGZbmkL4FST3xRWazJ2/s320/8493587_1.jpg&sa=X&ei=qBDyT52vKobTqgHqp6WOAg&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNEIJAbo3wf-ynzRlMp1vGeTBxBBlQ" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our pack n/ play is similar to this one.<br />
The raised mattress works well for small babies,<br />
then goes to the bottom of the frame once <br />
baby is mobile.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Baby bed....</b> unless you plan to co-sleep, you'll need a place for the baby that is close to you in your room. Options are a small bed that attaches to your bed so the baby is right there with you or a pack n' play with a raised bassinet for baby to sleep (this is great for the first few weeks). You have also probably seen cradles and bassinets on their own. Unless someone gives you one of these, they aren't necessary. The baby is tiny for such a short time and then you have this big thing to store. I like the pack n' play because it grows with the baby. You can use it until they are about 2 years old and it is very practical for traveling to other people's homes (when/if baby needs to nap). With Tommy, we had the pack n/ play in our room on my side of the bed for the first 6 weeks. I had a bouncy seat in it that I bounced with one hand while I sort-of-slept. It worked!<br />
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<b>Carseat...</b> the rear facing infant carrier is a must. All the brands are going to be good, but make sure the straps are adjustable in front (usually a strap comes out between the baby's legs that you can pull to tighten and has a release to give more room in the straps).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.wombtomb.com/wp-content/uploads/Pregnant-and-nursing-bras-fashion-targati-Elle-Macpherson-587x884.jpg&sa=X&ei=kxHyT8TDEsS6rQGm3ZSPAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc4LQ&usg=AFQjCNEghOusf9Oh36vJaRGjwvq6Hxojew" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.wombtomb.com/wp-content/uploads/Pregnant-and-nursing-bras-fashion-targati-Elle-Macpherson-587x884.jpg&sa=X&ei=kxHyT8TDEsS6rQGm3ZSPAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc4LQ&usg=AFQjCNEghOusf9Oh36vJaRGjwvq6Hxojew" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misleading picture:<br />
Your hair will not look this good<br />
for months after having a baby<br />
and you will rarely find yourself<br />
striking this sexy pose.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Nursing bra...</b> one of the ones that is more like a shelf bra. It is impossible to tell exactly what size you'll be after the baby and then after you've been nursing about 6 weeks, things change again, and then after about 6 months (for me), things change again. You'll want something more supportive later on once you've leveled out (2 or 3 weeks?), but one to two nursing bras that are this style are essential. You will also need nursing pads to control leakage. Let the fun begin.<br />
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<b>Diapers and wipes... </b>A few packages of newborn size (Pamper's Swaddlers are good). Babies will go through 10-12 a day, so get at least enough for the first week. Going to the store isn't a big deal after that. You can always use bigger sizes, so if people give them to you, just store them until needed. Baby wipes are baby wipes. There isn't anything terribly special about them. I have friends who do cloth diapers and cloth wipes from the beginning. There are solutions and cleaning products you'll need if you plan to do that. More on that if you are curious.<br />
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<a href="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://gonaturalremedy.com/wp-content/themes/shopperpress/thumbs/barsoaporganiclavender.jpg&sa=X&ei=BxLyT4rcC4fiqgGc5YSOAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc4Gw&usg=AFQjCNGVoNN8drdQSL64xS8J37IC6kzplQ" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://gonaturalremedy.com/wp-content/themes/shopperpress/thumbs/barsoaporganiclavender.jpg&sa=X&ei=BxLyT4rcC4fiqgGc5YSOAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc4Gw&usg=AFQjCNGVoNN8drdQSL64xS8J37IC6kzplQ" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a><b>Soap for baby... </b>some say Johnson's. There are a lot of different opinions on this. For my first 3 kids I just used whatever is recommended for baby. Now I use Dr. Bonner's bar soap for Tommy. It is made with cocoanut oil and is all natural and so it nourishes the skin as well as cleans. I am no longer a fan of commercial lotions and potions after learning what is in them. For lotion, you can use straight plant oils. Cocoanut oil, avocado oil, or almond oil are good ones. You really don't need anything unless the baby has cradle cap (scaly skin on the head) or dry skin (not common).<br />
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<b>Bulb syringe...</b> we use this thing ALL the time. Babies can't blow their noses, so they often get stuffy. The bigger the better (more suction), the ones in sets of "essentials" are too small to work very well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://z.about.com/d/create/1/B/b/R/0/-/Bulb_Syringe_Use.jpg&sa=X&ei=6hfyT9S9KIroqgHQ6NmNAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFLp2yZBSZyzNJnP0oLZtXY4o5ZFw" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://z.about.com/d/create/1/B/b/R/0/-/Bulb_Syringe_Use.jpg&sa=X&ei=6hfyT9S9KIroqgHQ6NmNAg&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFLp2yZBSZyzNJnP0oLZtXY4o5ZFw" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-use-a-bulb-syringe-or-nasal-aspirator-to-clear-a-stuf_482.bc" target="_blank">Here's a how-to</a>.</td></tr>
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Okay, now on to the stuff you can wait to buy:<br />
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<b>Swing...</b> you'll have people tell you that you "have to have a swing." For my first 2 babies I would have agreed, but my third baby hated the swing. I sold it on Craigslist and bought a new one on Craigslist after Tommy was born because he loved the rhythmic action of swinging. Babies typically enjoy swings for under 6 months of age. When you do get one, make sure it has a place to plug it in instead of just batteries. Another feature that is nice is being able to twist the seat to sway side to side or back and forth.<br />
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<b>Bouncy seat...</b> it is a seat the baby sits in that easily bounces, they also have options for vibration and music. I flew over to target and bought one of these a few days post-partum because Tommy was so incredibly gassy and fussy. I couldn't put him down otherwise, but the vibration and the bouncing really helped him. I didn't use one at all with Mandy and rarely with Emma. Depends on the baby. You'll know it is a practical thing to buy if the baby loves the car and/or doesn't like being sat down on a bed (you need to shower at some point and having a "place" to put the baby for a few minutes is helpful).
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<a href="http://www.rei.com/media/pp/f088e8bd-c8da-45db-8fe3-00a3f40a6750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ORANGE" border="0" height="200" id="zoomPopupImg" src="http://www.rei.com/media/pp/f088e8bd-c8da-45db-8fe3-00a3f40a6750.jpg" style="max-height: 936px;" title="ORANGE" width="171" /></a><b>Stroller...</b> this one is up for debate depending on who you talk to. I recently sold a couple strollers because I had 5. Five! There is the convertible stroller that works with the infant carseat and then as a regular stroller, the umbrella stroller that is great because it is small, the regular stroller that is bigger has storage underneath and is a bit taller and easier to push, a sit n stand designed for a toddler and a baby, and the jogging stroller, (a must for uneven terrain). It's hard to say what you'll really "need." If I had to pick just one, I would go for a nice, compact jogging stroller. Jogging strollers tend to be the size of compact cars and you'll hate maneuvering it through small areas if it is huge. "Bob" strollers are very popular because they are small and practical... also some serious $$$. Start looking at people's strollers, if you see one you like, don't hesitate to talk to the mom about it. Parents LOVE talking about baby gear. It's weird, but true.<br />
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<b>Cloth diapers...</b> I've known so many moms who swear they are going to do cloth diapers and then the baby comes and they realize HOW MUCH STINKIN WASH you have to do and the cloth diapers never get used. I have cloth diapers and I use them when the baby gets a bit older. They save money because you don't have to buy disposables so much. They are totally doable for 100% use and it is becoming popular from an environmental standpoint and also the health of the baby because disposable diapers have so many chemicals in them.<br />
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<b>Fancy diaper bag....</b> a bag is a bag. Find something that is easy to carry, that your husband will carry without embarrassment, and has a few different compartments. Diaper bags designed as such have the benefit of coming with a changing pad. I did without one for Emma, Mandy, and Rem (I just used a blanket underneath for diaper changes and it worked ok). A friend gave me a super cool changing station for Tommy and I LOVE it. Very cute, very practical, and works with any diaper bag or purse. She designs and makes them, check them out on<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BundleB?ref=em" target="_blank"> Etsy</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6199707/il_570xN.327471774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Blue Birds: Changing station clutch" border="0" height="235" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/000/0/6199707/il_570xN.327471774.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97183821/blue-birds-changing-station-clutch" target="_blank">Changing station </a>(Tommy's has bikes on it.... so cute!)</td></tr>
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<img alt="Blue Birds: Changing station clutch" height="223" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/000/0/6199707/il_570xN.327345135.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<b>Burp cloths...</b> You'll want a couple of these no matter what, but in general, a baby either spits-up a lot or he/she doesn't. My babies, with the exception of Mandy, spit-up tons (an understatement). Immature esophaguses run in my family... the little burp clothes you see in the store are not adequate. Flannel receiving blankets work great for us. I have a stack of about 20 that I wash every other day. You'll know if your baby is a spitter after about 3 weeks after birth.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpQlWZIhpH2dQrWwmjRea2hOqeFrujpLCVjoCqVmT_Mi5WCmVPvz7LEUKwQSVtJngL-Lzpf1dWRAvcDzvBGnLTlB3YTGj3l94JDbu3tC-zElLQzrtpo-vGI8jYVmDFsfmB4-f/s1600/IMG_1824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpQlWZIhpH2dQrWwmjRea2hOqeFrujpLCVjoCqVmT_Mi5WCmVPvz7LEUKwQSVtJngL-Lzpf1dWRAvcDzvBGnLTlB3YTGj3l94JDbu3tC-zElLQzrtpo-vGI8jYVmDFsfmB4-f/s640/IMG_1824.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching spit-up in the act. <br />
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It's a regular occurrence around here.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://romantubs.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/baby-bath-tub-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby bath tub" border="0" height="200" src="http://romantubs.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/baby-bath-tub-1.jpg" title="baby bath tub" width="200" /></a><b>Baby Bath Tub...</b> for the first while, the kitchen sink works fine for bathing a baby. You hold the baby with one arm, soap with the other and he/she is in and out in a few minutes. I managed without a baby bath tub for my first 3. When he/she gets a little older (a month or so), I put them in the regular bath tub with a few inches of water and a rolled up hand towel under his/her neck (little babies aren't supposed to get water in their ears). I now have a lounge-chair type thing for Tommy that sits in the water and props him up. I found it at a garage sale for .25c. I like it and gives me a bit more flexibility because I don't have to hold him with one hand the whole time. Buy something like that or an actual tub only if you find yourself thinking you would really need/use one. Otherwise, it is just another big baby gadget.<br />
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Just remember you won't ruin your baby by doing something "wrong" or not having the right gadget or gizmo. You'll learn something (or 100 somethings) new every day. It will be overwhelming... that's normal. First babies are really hard to adapt to (but SO worth it). An easy-going personality will suit you well. Try not to get stressed out as much as possible. Ask for help and ask for advice.<br />
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Lots of love....<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a><br />
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PS Ok moms, how did I do? Did I forget something essential? Do you disagree with my essentials list? I'll still love ya if you do. If you have something to add, leave a comment and I'll refer my inquiring mama-to-be friend to your advice. :)Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-88271191064905308662012-06-26T11:22:00.000-07:002012-06-26T11:27:19.923-07:00Mandy Peters Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We recently celebrated my grandad's 80th birthday.</div>
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Mandy took it upon herself to be the party's photographer and snapped away.</div>
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I actually love these semi-candids she captured from her short stature.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHV6Nc1xOrH4-hGQNgECwH8LpRemqm3nXPF7fklGHdX_qcZP_BSy-_XN_GYGJlr_X1W6hkwYIxCQXgnuCt_Zr8-FEpsNs6z50Egintj8APB1HStX5mvi9wL1xIyOgNuDfpNVD/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHV6Nc1xOrH4-hGQNgECwH8LpRemqm3nXPF7fklGHdX_qcZP_BSy-_XN_GYGJlr_X1W6hkwYIxCQXgnuCt_Zr8-FEpsNs6z50Egintj8APB1HStX5mvi9wL1xIyOgNuDfpNVD/s640/IMG_0148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grammy and Thomas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sXbkSgnndQQsGQu1EsOlCCCp7xHDXRN8qHyRCIYSE11y0KybXyxgnD1FoVTkUbfYjIlnXMcb5FU4vuNCeLlPxDEfxh5pz7UkC66zV8JpkTf5Xw6xSqKaU7yUVTmZ-S8MvK0M/s1600/IMG_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sXbkSgnndQQsGQu1EsOlCCCp7xHDXRN8qHyRCIYSE11y0KybXyxgnD1FoVTkUbfYjIlnXMcb5FU4vuNCeLlPxDEfxh5pz7UkC66zV8JpkTf5Xw6xSqKaU7yUVTmZ-S8MvK0M/s640/IMG_0159.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtpiL_Ck2EHUz4Vkl-ytplJ1A4ePFrab92UP7h5EZ_FeHuNmyx8NaChIlGczkwmH3SzwHIU9zk0y40Jxo_XerSYn7U6ZnEKSm-y0b1ygY0iA93t22rTLcCk_tzcMVvDQHhofQ/s1600/IMG_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJtpiL_Ck2EHUz4Vkl-ytplJ1A4ePFrab92UP7h5EZ_FeHuNmyx8NaChIlGczkwmH3SzwHIU9zk0y40Jxo_XerSYn7U6ZnEKSm-y0b1ygY0iA93t22rTLcCk_tzcMVvDQHhofQ/s640/IMG_0160.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching Grandma Sherri texting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyflk0ElVIeMYFUCgUU0TFrsgP1AWTvxAMgsIZ8bKFXNeWwGB-XQ_oYqQuSjfBBsj6gM1rIxXiduF5yLUFl6G5Buw6ixGM-IzGK1PDqfgI74KcwkDIQB1xx7oBznsX-LaGGFaA/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyflk0ElVIeMYFUCgUU0TFrsgP1AWTvxAMgsIZ8bKFXNeWwGB-XQ_oYqQuSjfBBsj6gM1rIxXiduF5yLUFl6G5Buw6ixGM-IzGK1PDqfgI74KcwkDIQB1xx7oBznsX-LaGGFaA/s640/IMG_0161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Dennis mastering the BBQ.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grammy, Josiah, and Emma<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Jeremiah refused to be photographed, so she took a picture of a picture. Smart girl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aunt Marci, the hostess.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture of me. <br />
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Weird. <br />
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There is something really strange happening with my right go-go-gadget hand.... I think I'm trying to sneak a chip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVnxVBue3NAiwdINXRcdYlkY7u_IKk3sM-Qr24K86-sWCfeGLutOeZQw-2mXiMYThCa0vR04hR_QPyeGokeom9SyZu_712KMlLxzWjrX__8eqGQDNFkLgK-jgD6fTBnyEmGr-/s1600/IMG_0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVnxVBue3NAiwdINXRcdYlkY7u_IKk3sM-Qr24K86-sWCfeGLutOeZQw-2mXiMYThCa0vR04hR_QPyeGokeom9SyZu_712KMlLxzWjrX__8eqGQDNFkLgK-jgD6fTBnyEmGr-/s640/IMG_0180.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Carissa with Mr. Popular.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sf_559B1kU80X2W7xaY0iarvE8SX_T_vUNgw9YStJGBKiIlMk3pNXsDP3u-vpUXKIyPo9bdRTSecLsNaVfaaNMlFAgxjSSriLnG-wM-wHKb3rO-7-VsPhBtQyNpS7AmSfS5l/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sf_559B1kU80X2W7xaY0iarvE8SX_T_vUNgw9YStJGBKiIlMk3pNXsDP3u-vpUXKIyPo9bdRTSecLsNaVfaaNMlFAgxjSSriLnG-wM-wHKb3rO-7-VsPhBtQyNpS7AmSfS5l/s640/IMG_0181.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E-EcyNeL_KK_gd02DyHRdEubJW8333f10W1Vpg2yxN6k0rJoeEWZL6EK0mF6qcZmath9icZj_2O_pZsceu4Jnqnx7oStbGhD3db7chNj8tMv9shgWI7QYDnBphrTfSgoGIfh/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E-EcyNeL_KK_gd02DyHRdEubJW8333f10W1Vpg2yxN6k0rJoeEWZL6EK0mF6qcZmath9icZj_2O_pZsceu4Jnqnx7oStbGhD3db7chNj8tMv9shgWI7QYDnBphrTfSgoGIfh/s640/IMG_0182.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A self-portrait.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVszF3xO4cCYbofp15EFIjfn4c9gVrI5C924KN8-TS8TYzZpYBDPBGVYfsNb2M5w4rs4zYTo746BQB5GaDdTTSub6Q75hi6QgUG50EUmNzMsysHpHcYI_LTq2tJGmhTLg-7wV2/s1600/IMG_0189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVszF3xO4cCYbofp15EFIjfn4c9gVrI5C924KN8-TS8TYzZpYBDPBGVYfsNb2M5w4rs4zYTo746BQB5GaDdTTSub6Q75hi6QgUG50EUmNzMsysHpHcYI_LTq2tJGmhTLg-7wV2/s640/IMG_0189.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas knows how to have a good time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq2Gj-Wk6inPxHlpy05JmFOHBN92YXujM00nW_e3pFJl-bnOXwTybaoRY9i4hhUAT6gAYfrZiTpulgHqpRq8vavaOT5Er25w8zShrVRS7XzCYlR4BETNYngFynvaT0RSeUyRg/s1600/IMG_0195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq2Gj-Wk6inPxHlpy05JmFOHBN92YXujM00nW_e3pFJl-bnOXwTybaoRY9i4hhUAT6gAYfrZiTpulgHqpRq8vavaOT5Er25w8zShrVRS7XzCYlR4BETNYngFynvaT0RSeUyRg/s640/IMG_0195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy was quite taken with Aunt Marci's jewelry collection.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dbwJvnyLkajwZgSJfeqSILkkQvODHE9_pCjb6mWPQntid2Y6IqpNl5IClTL0FPuMLxGwvw1tt3IPNCEHOW1Z8QQwFz4_Rfjh1YxOpHqX5QBUrzZ427EPbQxmsITJ1FLBRLW1/s1600/IMG_0205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dbwJvnyLkajwZgSJfeqSILkkQvODHE9_pCjb6mWPQntid2Y6IqpNl5IClTL0FPuMLxGwvw1tt3IPNCEHOW1Z8QQwFz4_Rfjh1YxOpHqX5QBUrzZ427EPbQxmsITJ1FLBRLW1/s640/IMG_0205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure who took this one since Mandy is in the photo.<br />
Great Grandad with Mandy and Nano.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr39YHVUssXmnQWwcGd_Q_8tfsydSv4yo1fBT23LaTtRZLfGHmHXKegakxJFxeaHmFcvnz6jLMO8b2LHRb4bBWaC3ekXQm_V0e_QymrhHdm6-N3fPkVtqhaYsx87a8waV7zsZ9/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr39YHVUssXmnQWwcGd_Q_8tfsydSv4yo1fBT23LaTtRZLfGHmHXKegakxJFxeaHmFcvnz6jLMO8b2LHRb4bBWaC3ekXQm_V0e_QymrhHdm6-N3fPkVtqhaYsx87a8waV7zsZ9/s640/IMG_0208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this one.... all the greats with their great-grandad. Love this guy!!!<br />
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-73801892691786299042012-06-09T13:31:00.002-07:002012-06-09T13:33:02.960-07:00Facebook: I love you, I love you not<br />
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Dear Facebook,<br />
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I love you... for giving me a place to post random things about my day that I had no one to tell them to before.<br />
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<i>"A week ago my son spilled maple extract all over himself. </i></div>
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<i>Even after at least 5 baths, </i></div>
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<i>I still crave pancakes whenever he comes near."</i></div>
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(23 "likes" and 3 comments)</div>
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I love you <i>not...</i> for aiding me to waste time.<br />
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<img alt="facebook" class="PinImageImg" height="250" src="http://media-cache-ec8.pinterest.com/upload/105693922474384959_gU5rW0fN_f.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I love you... for reacquainting me with my mom's aunt, Luanne.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJxESeAvZLkNxk85ICyAebaZA5Y1Oe-bKj21NyDfSiCztaa05et8PKxOXODaHpkrQ0eJs2ot2NuAAwqxrDt5KLLq5LazZ96mPZQPoPvqqr2prOMeqhWLjM32cyR2R_8-t0vrC/s1600/AuntLuanne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJxESeAvZLkNxk85ICyAebaZA5Y1Oe-bKj21NyDfSiCztaa05et8PKxOXODaHpkrQ0eJs2ot2NuAAwqxrDt5KLLq5LazZ96mPZQPoPvqqr2prOMeqhWLjM32cyR2R_8-t0vrC/s320/AuntLuanne.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love you <i>not... </i>for encouraging women decades past adolescence to be overly dramatic.<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/535354_221505637965754_492022469_n.jpg" style="height: 298px; width: 320px;" /></div>
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I love you... for providing an easy format to share pictures, even if they aren't the best upload quality.<br />
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I love you <i>not...</i> for being clueless when someone unfriends me.... I think there should be a questionnaire to fill out before someone lets me go.<br />
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<img height="295" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTheV5mPEhVTdRmfLKSeTReTmW6abyA0pXKHDYrI0rKjkB4DsjHwVW4Pz0LPBTBplWS0CLGdMkiBEfVX5-vzb8msRDfBtNdj58UJUXWz0NWmKkpeYktd3-S2-TfrHtFoJPE_W/s1600/I+just+find+you+extremely+annoying+these+days...I+hope+by+unfriending+you+there+are+no+hard+feelings.+%257C+Breakup+Ecard+%257C+someecards.com_1301539592634.png&sa=X&ei=35bTT6CfNqmg2AWst9STDw&ved=0CAsQ8wc4Gg&usg=AFQjCNGbVA3WcIK0ORMeUd8wycTU-heJkw" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="420" /></div>
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I love you... for helping me feel close to loved ones who are far away.<br />
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I love you <i>not...</i> for making me think I know people intimately who don't even say "hello" to me at the grocery store.<br />
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I love you... for giving me a great way to spread news about my home business.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAtU3Ft5oDNod6ppbA7rthnQ9HFe7aXDc58g4821JOjXX5vpO6vCgxHoyYclGQiPcDLGe2QslbRHJkZ7HIzKg2c6mCp6OI2NiBOkRKe_DSW-_ro0x4x82q7c5DRAysAVISUO/s1600/LOGOnewCard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-FAtU3Ft5oDNod6ppbA7rthnQ9HFe7aXDc58g4821JOjXX5vpO6vCgxHoyYclGQiPcDLGe2QslbRHJkZ7HIzKg2c6mCp6OI2NiBOkRKe_DSW-_ro0x4x82q7c5DRAysAVISUO/s320/LOGOnewCard2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alysun-Peters-Photography/125780377109?ref=ts" target="_blank">"Like" Alysun Peters Photography on Facebook!</a></div>
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I love you <i>not</i>... for letting annoying people be more annoying.<br />
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<img height="280" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.cupcakehell.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FacebookTruth2.png&sa=X&ei=ZMTST5ipDKSi2wW8yfyGDw&ved=0CAwQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNHgVxLqfJCLbquw3_uMg-7C3nLgBQ" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></div>
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I love you... for reminding me of people's birthdays.<br />
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<img height="237" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards/filestorage/birthday-thanks-facebook-wall.png&sa=X&ei=L5bTT-zTL4eA2QXbkJSjDw&ved=0CAsQ8wc&usg=AFQjCNFLJ9P7jGE1Iu5bOs4CkkOra5blDw" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="425" /></div>
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I love you <i>not</i>... for encouraging me to stay an introvert.<br />
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<img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeDXLzCZ_ZuVFriZjmtSNtimVxv96li736PPL6BDFqoPwz5HoHJj_d_dvyBgmgt1cgWNZEReY79Y7BIuQ467RTwZQjd-VdJDksV7KUOZgH-Oxg-BSYihDPxBFZkIomNt-5TMZiA/s320/8-fun-Short-Quotes_Facebook-.jpg&sa=X&ei=z8HST5H4Dqas2wXA9MGUDw&ved=0CAwQ8wc4swE&usg=AFQjCNEewfarvScWE7XffjLTnP44BPP_1A" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>
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I love you... for bridging the age gap and making social networking awesome for everyone... my oldest "friend" is 86 years old. Hi Grandpa Bill!<br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" src="https://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/164841_116213525114731_5583339_n.jpg" style="height: 440px; width: 321px;" /></div>
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I love facebook, but I frequently go through periods of extreme dislike for it too. It has a hold on me and my emotions that I battle. The good comes along with a big load of bad. Would I have any "real" friends if I didn't check their status updates anymore or is facebook-commenting the new language of love?<br />
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Do I quit, or just cut back?<br />
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<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4413 imageSeven" height="315" src="http://obstacol.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Facebook-cigarettes.jpg" title="Facebook cigarettes" width="400" /></div>
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What's your take on social networking? Love it? Love it <i>not</i>?</div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12175575.post-29811311861887141482012-06-07T16:35:00.002-07:002012-06-07T16:35:39.149-07:00Menagerie, a family picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love a family portrait. </div>
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As a photographer, I have completely lovely intentions of getting regular family photos... is just doesn't happen.</div>
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I've learned I can't be picky. Unless I'm willing to pay a pro (which I'm not), so here is what you get:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjmjlKEk3QDCcmRElk4hjSaxGFRS8BiFgzWI6TifcNNAwHsf2F3ZkrFYjpFj-UiVF4FsMookcwb9xCgT0ALiUWw3huF4mz9pLSqECdLh6ToksPxz7A6fQS3dRkxI9_hZV2TGt/s1600/familyIMG_1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjmjlKEk3QDCcmRElk4hjSaxGFRS8BiFgzWI6TifcNNAwHsf2F3ZkrFYjpFj-UiVF4FsMookcwb9xCgT0ALiUWw3huF4mz9pLSqECdLh6ToksPxz7A6fQS3dRkxI9_hZV2TGt/s640/familyIMG_1943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I actually really love the menagerie of oddness taking place in this photo. It is SO... us.</div>
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"Menagerie" definition: an unusual and varied group of people. </div>
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Take the parents for instance. It looks like we've been parenting so long together that we are actually a two-headed parenting combo. Actually, I was trying to hide my post-pregnancy body behind my super man. I was mostly successful... I have a head, one hand and two fairly chubby knees.</div>
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Emma scores points for "best impersonation of the character on her t-shirt."</div>
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Pretty sure she wasn't trying for that award which makes her expression even more spectacular. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6MtBNW0NqM6xTsdInH3ejuPPuWzuVM5p1FLCGbv85Cw7Wc_e_jX3EU4vYvux1lS-CIexvU38jjOP_rbSG5gJWhf4dXAArDdKIy_ifuty8I0baBbgpAJ_d-0W3Ptypw8QjtKe/s1600/Mandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6MtBNW0NqM6xTsdInH3ejuPPuWzuVM5p1FLCGbv85Cw7Wc_e_jX3EU4vYvux1lS-CIexvU38jjOP_rbSG5gJWhf4dXAArDdKIy_ifuty8I0baBbgpAJ_d-0W3Ptypw8QjtKe/s320/Mandy.jpg" width="222" /></a><img height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://www.google.com/url?source=imglanding&ct=img&q=http://www.starsobject.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/claudia-schiffer.jpg&sa=X&ei=ejrRT9fFHsiq2QWljbGwDw&ved=0CAwQ8wc4KQ&usg=AFQjCNEB6FY4tc6PSgiq64XLHiW2DGBjJg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="256" /></div>
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Mandy was channeling her inner cranky super-model. </div>
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With Mandy's crazy height, natural beauty, and tendency toward diva-ish-ness, we pray hard and train continuously to ensure she knows Jesus and His standards for life.</div>
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Our Mr. Rem. He has no idea how to look at a camera when the person usually taking the pictures is curiously holding him.</div>
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Jeff's t-shirt says, "Life is good" and Tommy is striking a pose. </div>
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4 weeks old and he is the best looking among us.</div>
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Oh how I love this awesome family.</div>
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<a href="http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/?action=view&current=name3-1.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll216/alysun_photos/name3-1.png" /></a></div>Aly sunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17752087540595599002noreply@blogger.com4