tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75773276572261488182024-03-05T00:56:57.339-06:00freshly {b}rewed Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.comBlogger688125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-34999277562256027512015-11-12T11:45:00.001-06:002015-11-12T11:47:07.316-06:00Christmas Giveaway <div style="text-align: center;">
It has been a while since I've blogged. </div>
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I just need the break I guess... but wanted to share this giveaway on here. </div>
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I'm not doing the series, but I am part of the giveaway with my Keep Collective.</div>
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Check out the other bloggers who are participating and enter this amazing giveaway! </div>
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You could win some amazing goodies for yourself or give them as gifts! </div>
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Good luck!</div>
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<a href="http://www.alysonm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/4Gifts-Christmas-Giveaway-Target-Gift-Card1.jpg"><img alt="4 Gifts Christmas Giveaway! Target Gift Card, World Market Gift Card, and More!" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-10892" src="http://www.alysonm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/4Gifts-Christmas-Giveaway-Target-Gift-Card1.jpg" height="640" width="267" /></a><a href="http://www.alysonm.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/4Gifts-Christmas-Giveaway.jpg">
</a><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="0abdae2258" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0abdae2258/" id="rcwidget_baeac1r8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
$130 Target Gift Card || <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/gift-card.do?&from=Search" target="_blank">$25 World Market Gift Card</a> || <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169302245/lace-arm-warmers-womens-gift-for-her?ref=shop_home_feat_3" target="_blank">Lace Arm Warmers</a> - Forgotten Cotton || <a href="http://www.laserworkz.com/shop/personalized-cutting-board-with-corner-design-one" target="_blank">Personalized Cutting Board (9x12")</a> - Laserworkz || <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/248110686/sea-gypsy-dreamcatcher-necklace-hawaiian?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">Gypsy Dreamcatcher Necklace</a> - Gypsies Box Jewelry || <a href="https://www.keep-collective.com/with/kassierew" target="_blank">$30 Credit for Keep Collective with Kassie</a> || <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/245233939/this-girls-doodles-adult-coloring-book?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank">Adult Coloring Book</a> - This Girl's Doodles</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-44690275358201288532015-09-11T17:42:00.000-05:002015-09-28T17:50:35.701-05:00Pete Scobell Band + Walkin A Wire CD Giveaway <br />
<a href="http://www.linqia.com/"><img style="background-image: url('http://linqia.ooh.li/disclosure/825442597.png') !important; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: none; display: inline-block; height: 50px; padding: 0; width: 400px;" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUlomFfYu4Nt5Qi0AHrlUkWFshzr-AnDDo9xFFxbtlNm4Yyc0UUG0vE0jMsb9hJOUX4WqNJX1oeP2duhSzhTbDGhARgcEg1F-fbJxnsrZWOgAVrsTCAPaVOZrhlJwDop6LL2DerTyjTw/s1600/DSC_7030-Edit-Edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUlomFfYu4Nt5Qi0AHrlUkWFshzr-AnDDo9xFFxbtlNm4Yyc0UUG0vE0jMsb9hJOUX4WqNJX1oeP2duhSzhTbDGhARgcEg1F-fbJxnsrZWOgAVrsTCAPaVOZrhlJwDop6LL2DerTyjTw/s640/DSC_7030-Edit-Edit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I grew up listening to country music </div>
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and even though my music taste has changed as I've grown, </div>
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I always come back to country music every now and then. </div>
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To me, often country music is raw and real. </div>
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There are certain songs where you truly feel as if you are right there along side the person singing, </div>
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songs where you feel their pain and can relate to their words and experiences. </div>
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Hearing <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">Pete Scobell's hit WILD</a> is definitely one of those songs that I found myself relating to. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2rp2vphAH-g?list=PLfxgyMCFjaZcCw8ftXXRhYWf1KghDMGWp" width="560"></iframe><br />
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He sings...<br />
I went wild, tried to kill to kill a bottle of crown<br />
Then I tried to wash it down with something I knew wasn't good<br />
And I went wild screaming out my pain<br />
On my knees all prayed out, cursing God for what he took.<br />
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Those lyrics hit close to home for me because I can relate to the pain.<br />
I can relate to hurting so much that I kind of go crazy and drink to feel better.<br />
I can relate to being on my knees all prayed and cried out because life was just painful.<br />
I spent a few years that way and it gives me comfort knowing that<br />
I'm not the only one whose struggled in that way,<br />
not the only one who has gone <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">wild</a> because of the pain.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG2vfiw8Gohe5XDcUvaLqIt6yUu-3Imizmbdh9hWJ2wYTJAus9M4sFLJgJIcLejHwghEKXQEwAaEMOqjayoFMLvWqlewap1O8YIIMaPmEauULcK2JwMPTQ5lSDwNUqFO_d2o6TgSwzVg/s1600/DSC_0697-Editb%2526w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG2vfiw8Gohe5XDcUvaLqIt6yUu-3Imizmbdh9hWJ2wYTJAus9M4sFLJgJIcLejHwghEKXQEwAaEMOqjayoFMLvWqlewap1O8YIIMaPmEauULcK2JwMPTQ5lSDwNUqFO_d2o6TgSwzVg/s640/DSC_0697-Editb%2526w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also relate to <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">Pete Scobell</a> because he didn't just take his pain and carry it around. </div>
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He was a Navy Seal who served our country for 17 years and of course, doing so </div>
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often means carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders and in your heart. </div>
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He suffered a traumatic brain injury on one of his many tours </div>
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and while he was seeking his doctors urged him to pick up his guitar and play. </div>
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It's something he had done all his life and it helped bring a lot of healing. </div>
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I love the story of how <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">the Pete Scobell Band</a> came from that</div>
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because writing out your pain and heartache is something I understand. </div>
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Writing out words, prayers, and sometimes sharing them with others can make the healing come. </div>
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It can bring healing to you and often can help others as well. </div>
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That's why I enjoy <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">Walkin' A Wire</a> so much, </div>
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because it's relatable and helped bring healing to someone who needed it. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Pete Scobell Band cd is available today on <a href="https://ooh.li/a96ecd1">iTunes</a> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">and I also have a chance for you to win a signed copy!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY09RxBeqEvak44_kwQ07CJsloBEFz_ol09UAbnXYbNoMlIR9Ch2pTdLl8VUvK3XDiWTDOqNUzCgu35BEB5MwW2WZM2qqkJGQD77Zf2Ks8mL2Ip8nykNhAvttL9EB_Q17BTkrgex71r9I/s1600/ORCW026-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY09RxBeqEvak44_kwQ07CJsloBEFz_ol09UAbnXYbNoMlIR9Ch2pTdLl8VUvK3XDiWTDOqNUzCgu35BEB5MwW2WZM2qqkJGQD77Zf2Ks8mL2Ip8nykNhAvttL9EB_Q17BTkrgex71r9I/s320/ORCW026-2T.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along with that Pete Scobell is giving away an Orca Cooler valued at $239.99!</div>
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You can enter <a href="https://ooh.li/c6a278c">here</a> for a chance to win that.<br />
Good luck! </div>
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<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-410378901340903062015-09-01T16:23:00.000-05:002015-09-01T16:23:16.361-05:00Braden's First Day of Preschool <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, it's official, my baby boy is in preschool!<br />
Isn't it weird being a mom? I'm all like, "how am I old enough for this?"<br />
Sometimes (or maybe many times) I don't feel old enough<br />
to be doing this whole adult thing,<br />
but here I am and we're all alive and he made it to his first day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgf6C3XGQF2qqMIBnIl0Nj6Zk7BH4RQVccTbLXisGGGHU1RESJF3J2SZaT5KRmnmSQ8gWJY2sKXNd2M74opKMymhInRVFxU6zjuF1EQ7IBFWQEAbd7k0_8wgrDG4gfU8R1CfiHqh6rj0/s1600/firstdaypk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgf6C3XGQF2qqMIBnIl0Nj6Zk7BH4RQVccTbLXisGGGHU1RESJF3J2SZaT5KRmnmSQ8gWJY2sKXNd2M74opKMymhInRVFxU6zjuF1EQ7IBFWQEAbd7k0_8wgrDG4gfU8R1CfiHqh6rj0/s640/firstdaypk1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApx7BbMzg4Hz18pkm4SyqiYImmzL-JwKwJGsh0MiBOOTqa4mpn5J4ekIgPz-hqBvfxX0JPfA7uDOWjgVgcQ621q12_8i9G9ZCtdr24FOtrpBAd_Mu8t_vr4LVoos7ysv4nS-eXcIYO4I/s1600/prek13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApx7BbMzg4Hz18pkm4SyqiYImmzL-JwKwJGsh0MiBOOTqa4mpn5J4ekIgPz-hqBvfxX0JPfA7uDOWjgVgcQ621q12_8i9G9ZCtdr24FOtrpBAd_Mu8t_vr4LVoos7ysv4nS-eXcIYO4I/s640/prek13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He's been pretty excited about school for a while now. </div>
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I think it definitely helps that I've left him when others while I've done Bible study. </div>
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I'm not sure he would have been as thrilled if I've never left him. </div>
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Whenever I would ask him if he was excited about school his eyes would get really big</div>
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and he would say, "YES! I'm going to play with toys!" </div>
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Apparently, we just don't have enough toys at home and that's all school is about. </div>
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Definitely going to be a bit of an eye opener for him, but of course, that will be good!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zAUws4ubH03EZbg9qw6qLFKY8c0hYW08sFxS8cnaBn5shrVewKp1SiQohZdc90featUMnWxyuZ4ClfFcPgalFXUoUsSOgxaKFvg6loOkh1q8kgdPUOZEdc3iXtqDJOmUj4uf4C3tW4Y/s1600/prek22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zAUws4ubH03EZbg9qw6qLFKY8c0hYW08sFxS8cnaBn5shrVewKp1SiQohZdc90featUMnWxyuZ4ClfFcPgalFXUoUsSOgxaKFvg6loOkh1q8kgdPUOZEdc3iXtqDJOmUj4uf4C3tW4Y/s640/prek22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took him school supply shopping last week, </div>
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which included picking out this new "spiderman" shirt </div>
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and he got these shoes when he was with daddy. </div>
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They too, are spiderman and make him run so fast!</div>
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His great grandma got him the backpack, which I think started off the whole spiderman theme. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbX0R8PyOwmtWdTty_f4sHv7s0kfrBK0n4r25BRs8p8vxWyCsSyi9ORHuzyBbWkLX-GiLDzYgjOtxAoeRKqi3x1ceINHBBXEpv_n1kyfnK2qEGeLMGvf1MP_H9gSlp069eEt4J35Dii0/s1600/prek21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbX0R8PyOwmtWdTty_f4sHv7s0kfrBK0n4r25BRs8p8vxWyCsSyi9ORHuzyBbWkLX-GiLDzYgjOtxAoeRKqi3x1ceINHBBXEpv_n1kyfnK2qEGeLMGvf1MP_H9gSlp069eEt4J35Dii0/s640/prek21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't you tell how excited he was?</div>
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Maeva, of course, thought she was going and it about broke her heart. </div>
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No worries my dear... you are going somewhere next year! HA.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQl9GY-0dYVln4KJTKptuL5U-P1FUpsdRLLCwCmPlTseQt1Dw0k_F4mKncWlpiml-txi0i8jnMQg_hcd1-ezXwRUCivb7kqplyeWUD_V-Q4VnxzQE9eHjGsbzjPp2imaplZCLYld9fig/s1600/prek11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQl9GY-0dYVln4KJTKptuL5U-P1FUpsdRLLCwCmPlTseQt1Dw0k_F4mKncWlpiml-txi0i8jnMQg_hcd1-ezXwRUCivb7kqplyeWUD_V-Q4VnxzQE9eHjGsbzjPp2imaplZCLYld9fig/s640/prek11.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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This photo about kills me. </div>
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If there ever was a picture where he looked like his daddy... THIS is it! </div>
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He's so much like his daddy it isn't even funny (I LOVE THAT).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpX3iFTLgS4wahrAPVX1sFhzilaBbW6jMJRRtXjzB7hvhzmrviJwxFvV2SjoIe0BjnT1sOClmLooHlZe4Uo2nd5mgPIK86xYsob4gye3G5OIyrPDRAobaOvLDswGE3EZjtN59fh7P4ng/s1600/prek12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpX3iFTLgS4wahrAPVX1sFhzilaBbW6jMJRRtXjzB7hvhzmrviJwxFvV2SjoIe0BjnT1sOClmLooHlZe4Uo2nd5mgPIK86xYsob4gye3G5OIyrPDRAobaOvLDswGE3EZjtN59fh7P4ng/s640/prek12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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"I'm so excited about school!" </div>
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"It's gonna be fun!" </div>
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"It's gonna be a great day!" </div>
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So glad that he was thrilled about it. That was until we got there...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RldSUa5_tP9yI8YOrSTvwSpZ-5RJM2pIRJCoUYZc5lv6ZOJPAk4EZqs7Xo2q4wv8bftXBryjKrS0hI2z9faMDzW4m24dkJx8cR5kzvbz84gbidpvC9wbWsV8ON-9mWDeGkdV1Ad76c4/s1600/prekk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RldSUa5_tP9yI8YOrSTvwSpZ-5RJM2pIRJCoUYZc5lv6ZOJPAk4EZqs7Xo2q4wv8bftXBryjKrS0hI2z9faMDzW4m24dkJx8cR5kzvbz84gbidpvC9wbWsV8ON-9mWDeGkdV1Ad76c4/s640/prekk6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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He was very excited as we were driving to school and walking up to the front. </div>
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Then I think all the people and him realizing I wasn't staying freaked him out a bit. </div>
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He stayed closing to me, holding my hand, and hugging me lots. </div>
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I could tell he wasn't sure about staying, especially when he tried to get out of a line </div>
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and was standing there all tense with his shoulders hunched. </div>
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I hugged him, told him it'd be fun, said I'd see him later and watched him go. </div>
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Left me with my stomach in knots knowing he was nervous </div>
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because of course I wish I could have been there besides him, </div>
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but it's good for him to venture out on his own and it's good for me too!</div>
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I knew it would change soon enough and he'd be more than happy to leave me! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzvwoOfcyTTz8fEzMdYcVzJddbjqcyVFJfjWVs8naYKs9YF60oAAcFhsZnF5NphsFBh5R-6Q18dZtH3UNYd951h5rJyTjR2FP5437VkSX-MsXltLUKQ9c3chwkLJvhjffHSIaqPAidVM/s1600/prek23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzvwoOfcyTTz8fEzMdYcVzJddbjqcyVFJfjWVs8naYKs9YF60oAAcFhsZnF5NphsFBh5R-6Q18dZtH3UNYd951h5rJyTjR2FP5437VkSX-MsXltLUKQ9c3chwkLJvhjffHSIaqPAidVM/s640/prek23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, the couple hours passed and I was nervous the whole time;</div>
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hoping and praying that he was having fun and obeying, that he would want to go back tomorrow.</div>
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As I pulled up to pick him up I saw him notice the car and point. </div>
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He was excited to see me and I was relieved he had a good day. </div>
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His teacher said he had a first great day and when I asked him what he did at school, </div>
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he responded with, "I don't know!" That starts so early, doesn't it? </div>
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I nudged him some more. Did you go to music class? Did you play outside? Did you have a snack?</div>
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Yes, they played outside and had music. He played with fire trucks and blocks.</div>
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He had chocolate milk and crackers. He made some friends and he wants to go back! </div>
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All in all I would say it was a great first day and I look forward to seeing what the year holds!</div>
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I know we're all going to grow so much!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9vynvJIffV3_t7ObWmvNm53C5MEz3MaLkbL8clWYMOlHCmLpXGDZHtHa7p-auPHpXks2xsOnJt7WZh6xBEOtMIrmqnASeyiqKmf-9SsZsmcdoDzG5U2J361TDR72g50cw5MKhJ34JF4/s1600/prek15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9vynvJIffV3_t7ObWmvNm53C5MEz3MaLkbL8clWYMOlHCmLpXGDZHtHa7p-auPHpXks2xsOnJt7WZh6xBEOtMIrmqnASeyiqKmf-9SsZsmcdoDzG5U2J361TDR72g50cw5MKhJ34JF4/s640/prek15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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^^^ My favorite picture from today!^^^</div>
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I love you Braden. </div>
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It's going to be a great year for you! </div>
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I can't wait to see you grow and learn. </div>
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I know it's going to be amazing!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-18352573630259278712015-08-20T08:00:00.000-05:002015-08-20T08:00:07.521-05:00Mae is three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkOw-470pqOZ6LXQErTJpvfgkTuWNQQi-fPrE1WeohUhYjEFfMUJNLYetcYQ9KUaBpMLreKN2EY36tCfMXZGSEKj5YbKCbYVszyFFAQ1Bd6VihthdoH_i6qyzOeWyCwegq5tB9YflBrY/s1600/maeturns31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkOw-470pqOZ6LXQErTJpvfgkTuWNQQi-fPrE1WeohUhYjEFfMUJNLYetcYQ9KUaBpMLreKN2EY36tCfMXZGSEKj5YbKCbYVszyFFAQ1Bd6VihthdoH_i6qyzOeWyCwegq5tB9YflBrY/s640/maeturns31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our Maeva girl is three today. </div>
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I can't believe how big she is and how quickly the years have flown by. </div>
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Time really does pass by in a blink of an eye once you have kids. </div>
This girl, she's our wild one.<br />
The one who loves like crazy and fights just the same.<br />
She came out crying and screaming<br />
and that hasn't really changed as she's grown.<br />
She's the emotional one, who feels deeply and shows it!<br />
She loves to smother her siblings with affection and if it doesn't done<br />
by her standards she gets very upset about it!<br />
Maeva, I'm so glad you have such a big heart that is willing to love!<br />
I hope you know how much we love you!<br />
Happy Birthday wild one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm8RmdzsPgcqIeU95vCf9vIwz9No3meHq4QMbt0UtJdketVOAlewDTUA5j2_GnaukaVOTpC417EyEZiHPLry2aUrsgE7qXAPI0FV1BoQkk9eARzkjOnb8XJVINjmp3kiQO0-Nwz8dkmo/s1600/maeturns33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm8RmdzsPgcqIeU95vCf9vIwz9No3meHq4QMbt0UtJdketVOAlewDTUA5j2_GnaukaVOTpC417EyEZiHPLry2aUrsgE7qXAPI0FV1BoQkk9eARzkjOnb8XJVINjmp3kiQO0-Nwz8dkmo/s640/maeturns33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We had a party for her a couple weekends ago, so all grandparents could attend. </div>
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It was Hello Kitty themed because she loves the "kitty show" as she calls it. </div>
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She thinks it's just a television show, but loves all things Hello Kitty! </div>
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She wasn't in the mood for pictures, until I tickled her, that is! =)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ3qFLJ2D1cRyLUf6R7Ew1j6OA2PRRDUZ5w5oQ7_FC0CusRP3UUYawm9pr8BRQHe6bjSdpxiqi3473KfH5bZ7c-UTmayoFK6JhF0e0Img4GDvwfwRo02azpzm83DWbLcVKhL-LBoJZlQ/s1600/IMG_8794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ3qFLJ2D1cRyLUf6R7Ew1j6OA2PRRDUZ5w5oQ7_FC0CusRP3UUYawm9pr8BRQHe6bjSdpxiqi3473KfH5bZ7c-UTmayoFK6JhF0e0Img4GDvwfwRo02azpzm83DWbLcVKhL-LBoJZlQ/s640/IMG_8794.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMM0dxbaJKhwOXml5DHg9AbNaj9MkL6xp2eerDhcalEp76xXU806jl68wSYX3x3BJpuH_lw66jMn1h7Y99IkhU_A4Jtqz1TV9XO5pyKvgfAyi5MjzbSJcfxEBCI3NvVWuQIAL48bwbq4/s1600/IMG_8797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimMM0dxbaJKhwOXml5DHg9AbNaj9MkL6xp2eerDhcalEp76xXU806jl68wSYX3x3BJpuH_lw66jMn1h7Y99IkhU_A4Jtqz1TV9XO5pyKvgfAyi5MjzbSJcfxEBCI3NvVWuQIAL48bwbq4/s640/IMG_8797.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72QkkQaEUyboiz8AzF_N8IxJMj_C-o8AwiuhBjaWplMNQJdCxXDz5m07QZxdCAfif0xJ4SUS7SnxpBwpy_0BWJNGporKk1ZjQw5N5vCddVNCSFgpuwU4YthaXS0H9Ga9cp6laHEmTrrE/s1600/IMG_8801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72QkkQaEUyboiz8AzF_N8IxJMj_C-o8AwiuhBjaWplMNQJdCxXDz5m07QZxdCAfif0xJ4SUS7SnxpBwpy_0BWJNGporKk1ZjQw5N5vCddVNCSFgpuwU4YthaXS0H9Ga9cp6laHEmTrrE/s640/IMG_8801.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Those two are such goof balls together. </div>
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Being so silly! </div>
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I love them! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduOmbfzA2hK8O5MRpcroEzmzqlRmEUooA10ncitgBelR85gHlHUGCN6af7z-1aMt75VGGQio0J1i8EErCjX9lFi09ZrDc95oqCe2mIMFAsXI9bfJdB-2ASq1H-AkJyn0z0k4G7pEvfh0/s1600/maeturns32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduOmbfzA2hK8O5MRpcroEzmzqlRmEUooA10ncitgBelR85gHlHUGCN6af7z-1aMt75VGGQio0J1i8EErCjX9lFi09ZrDc95oqCe2mIMFAsXI9bfJdB-2ASq1H-AkJyn0z0k4G7pEvfh0/s640/maeturns32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Siblings really are the best! </div>
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There's no one she rather party with even if you can't read it on her face!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkGxNeQR9-vEh7wVUuDgVNJlUo7I_pJut1r1YxS2BBpgl3JU_ylJowpaO1PejdygYL71Mp1CYDVMuAlv5badGD3iDiAyl_rvE5WCXZvvJspOWPsH5JBXKBe0IezrNF3yw5CxjE35uE64/s1600/maeturns35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkGxNeQR9-vEh7wVUuDgVNJlUo7I_pJut1r1YxS2BBpgl3JU_ylJowpaO1PejdygYL71Mp1CYDVMuAlv5badGD3iDiAyl_rvE5WCXZvvJspOWPsH5JBXKBe0IezrNF3yw5CxjE35uE64/s640/maeturns35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't get a ton of pictures. </div>
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Some of them didn't turn out </div>
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and we were just having more fun than worrying about it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sW-8byiLbucP3U-RltzCVcbVRa0w1S2Tgo5jEOjz9TjhMlxwzw1DknDshoXOejtBanLJq6gy5grCdpdX-OYiYNHYNCxNWqIt5rdw5Vd0tER1FixQBBuDj9LTwTKYrsYut2zo9k_YWFw/s1600/IMG_8900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sW-8byiLbucP3U-RltzCVcbVRa0w1S2Tgo5jEOjz9TjhMlxwzw1DknDshoXOejtBanLJq6gy5grCdpdX-OYiYNHYNCxNWqIt5rdw5Vd0tER1FixQBBuDj9LTwTKYrsYut2zo9k_YWFw/s640/IMG_8900.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really like how her cake turned out. </div>
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She has told me months ago she wanted a Hello Kitty cake. </div>
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I actually ended up making two at 1am because </div>
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I was positive a bug ended up in the first one </div>
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and I couldn't even think about someone eating a bug. </div>
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I'm glad this one turned out the way it did and it was delicious! </div>
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Now, Braden is counting down to his birthday and reminding me about it </div>
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everyday until November comes around. Oye. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-46641417879859848512015-08-01T00:20:00.001-05:002015-08-01T22:09:53.554-05:00GIrlfriends, take care of yourself! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that today is National Girlfriends day?!</div>
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I didn't know there was such a day until somebody told me! </div>
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So, Happy National Girlfriends to my girlfriends, new and old, near and far! </div>
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I love and appreciate each and every one of you!</div>
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I wish we could get together for coffee today, as that would be</div>
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the best way to celebrate, but since I have a wait a few more months, </div>
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I'll instead pass on some wisdom about health and wellness. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFOsLXL853Y_pSCFU_pQkn9rYCks9PpC7XDnkbegX6pCKBAWXzypHhYnFnRTmH9pq0aFGWv0lTq7Z-QJ_eXhmxUdDGayDXfsKXTr8WDRKSdQE1UUVNAp0qu_M2E276MuDxw4hfeJI7x4/s1600/nationalgfsday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFOsLXL853Y_pSCFU_pQkn9rYCks9PpC7XDnkbegX6pCKBAWXzypHhYnFnRTmH9pq0aFGWv0lTq7Z-QJ_eXhmxUdDGayDXfsKXTr8WDRKSdQE1UUVNAp0qu_M2E276MuDxw4hfeJI7x4/s640/nationalgfsday.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It's been over a year since my husband and I started on our wellness journey</div>
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and without a doubt we both agree that it's one of the best things we've done for ourselves.</div>
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We are healthier and happier because of the changes we've made</div>
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and there's no going back! </div>
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I wish everyone could experience what we did this past year when it came to </div>
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bettering ourselves and our bodies. It truly has been amazing. </div>
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Do you want to be healthier? Are you tired of feeling sick? </div>
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Are you sick of feeling moody and just downright unhealthy? </div>
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Then here are a few things I suggest:</div>
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<b>Try Whole30 </b></div>
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And by try, I mean do one round. </div>
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As they say you can do anything for 30 days. </div>
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It will be hard. You probably won't enjoy it, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. </div>
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If I can do it, you can do it! You can do far more than you give yourself credit for. </div>
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Don't know what whole30 is? Check out my posts about it <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/search/label/whole30">here</a>. </div>
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This was the most life changing thing for my husband and I. </div>
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That might seem extreme, but I don't say it lightly. </div>
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It changed our eating habits and inturn changed how we feel. </div>
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<b>Eat your vegetables</b></div>
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I know, I know... you may not like your vegetables, but eat them ANYWAY. </div>
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Did you know that half of your plate is suppose to be full of veggies </div>
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for your three meals a day? That's a lot of veggies, but your body needs them! </div>
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I promise you that you can find veggies that you like. </div>
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You might just have to cook them a different way or use different spices. </div>
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For example, I thought sweet potatoes were gross, </div>
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but now I eat them with a little garlic, tarragon, and and some mustard. Delicious!</div>
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Just do it! </div>
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<b>Skip the Starbucks drive-thru </b></div>
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Yes, I am aware that my profile says I LOVE Starbucks, </div>
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but the truth is I haven't had it much this past year after doing whole30. </div>
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Any time I drank Starbucks before I felt terribly ill right after. </div>
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My stomach felt as if it was going to destroy itself. </div>
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Why?! The sugar and all the chemicals. </div>
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Giving up Starbucks was another one of the best things we've done. </div>
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That may seem silly to most, but considering we were going 2-3 times a day, </div>
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it's not that crazy! </div>
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Instead I make this <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-best-iced-coffee.html">best iced coffee recipe</a> at home. </div>
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Give it a try... you'll thank me and your wallet will thank you! </div>
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<b>Quit the sugar</b></div>
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You shuddered when you read that, didn't you?</div>
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That was something I never EVER thought I would be able to do. </div>
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It tastes good. It makes me feel good. I'm a mom, I NEED IT. </div>
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Actually, I don't need it and I no longer want it</div>
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because any time I do have it I feel horribly sick and want to eat it all. </div>
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I believe sugar is one of the worst things to eat and can have such an affect </div>
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on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. </div>
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Just give it a try. I'm not saying forever... maybe just 30 days! </div>
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You may be happy you did!</div>
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<b>Follow the dirty dozen</b></div>
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I know, you're probably wondering what that even means. </div>
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That's okay, I didn't know either! </div>
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The <a href="http://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214">dirty dozen</a> is a list of foods you eat organically </div>
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to avoid the highest amounts of pesticides. </div>
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Maybe you are thinking you just don't care about organic food </div>
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or what pesticides can do to the body, </div>
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but I really encourage you to do some research before you shrug it off! </div>
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<b>Exercise</b></div>
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It doesn't matter what you do, just do it! </div>
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Even a walk can be good for getting your heart rate up, </div>
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enjoying some sun (or a cool evening breeze), and improving your mood. </div>
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Find an exercise you enjoy... I promise there is one out there for you! </div>
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Those are my tips for getting healthier! </div>
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I'm not perfect. Sometimes I still eat sugar (and usually regret it). </div>
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I don't always work out every single day </div>
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and I still have more baby weight to lose than I want to admit.</div>
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I'm okay with all that though... it's not about being perfect, it's about making progress</div>
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and feeling better! With these things I do feel better and I'm sure you will too! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Want to chat more about health? Reach out to me! I'm always willing to chat! </div>
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Also, check out the graphic below by <a href="https://www.hioscar.com/">Oscar Insurance</a> that shows what women need to do </div>
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(by age) to keep themselves healthy! They are raising awareness because they use their <a href="https://www.hioscar.com/faq/new-jersey-health-insurance/">tech-based health insurance</a> to help members and believe in preventive measure when it comes to your health!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnaRjZ6kbNHwPOQ_5JI5K1znILPQcvGH_Dni8tIKpHUejsyY6nvPL2rL0FdbJH3J_M7uz5KTqxEzDycSXSB_RslhmBERpHUXb9g995gEiiDgV_ez9XRnGv6Ztmb8itJwmy7TrnTygdn0/s1600/Oscar+Girlfriends+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnaRjZ6kbNHwPOQ_5JI5K1znILPQcvGH_Dni8tIKpHUejsyY6nvPL2rL0FdbJH3J_M7uz5KTqxEzDycSXSB_RslhmBERpHUXb9g995gEiiDgV_ez9XRnGv6Ztmb8itJwmy7TrnTygdn0/s1600/Oscar+Girlfriends+Day.jpg" /></a></div>
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Remember, it's never too late to start making healthy choices! You can do it! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-26605764873196312712015-05-29T21:27:00.001-05:002015-05-30T22:42:23.807-05:00Huggies Snug and Dry $2K campaign <br />
<a href="http://www.linqia.com/"><img src="http://linqia.ooh.li/disclosure/553528637.png" /></a><br />
<br />
Today I'm excited to share with you a great oppurtunity with <a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">Huggies</a><br />
where you're given a chance to win a $2K grant for a project in your very own community!<br />
Sounds amazing doesn't it? First, let's talk about these diapers!<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbHYZX2hwpl-OSjA0QGS73f6khyC1ewc-nulqu8uL9S9N118UckXRefFZ2nqmLJll0XjMzwr69rAt-nmuzPJv0adxLPC3OxSl_xpebi9TA8-ucoT1wALWMXRRopmteQDek1QbN59E4Sw/s1600/huggies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbHYZX2hwpl-OSjA0QGS73f6khyC1ewc-nulqu8uL9S9N118UckXRefFZ2nqmLJll0XjMzwr69rAt-nmuzPJv0adxLPC3OxSl_xpebi9TA8-ucoT1wALWMXRRopmteQDek1QbN59E4Sw/s640/huggies2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I have three kids under the age of 4. </div>
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One is potty trained during the day and two are still in diapers. </div>
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Since this little one just turned 16 months I have a ways to go </div>
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before I can kiss them goodbye! </div>
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This is why I am so thankful for <a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">Huggies Snug and Dry</a> because they allow me </div>
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to be the mom my kiddos need me to be (always on the go!) </div>
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without having to worry that they are staying dry!</div>
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<a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">Huggies Snug N Dry</a></div>
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- have a unique quilted liner to really lock wetness in</div>
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- are conforming, with a gap free fit, so your baby can keep on keeping on! </div>
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- include a Leak Lock® System that has quick-absorbing layers </div>
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for up to 12 hours of protection</div>
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- sizes 1 and 2 have a indicator that turns blue to let you know </div>
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when your baby needs to be changed</div>
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All good things right? No worries for mommy here and baby is happily dry!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcwrjXIqdF_-njCptGfUPg1moaXSD-hzFzXHk7u9Juctgea9fFLrXjbgGtDcq3SLPlyCNwgBzYnziw2OCYA5FnJ_o9TL4hyphenhyphenGS5WOt6IfQMej_C31zIAkQpt8j60gbSeSH7cfDc-XcA-c/s1600/huggies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcwrjXIqdF_-njCptGfUPg1moaXSD-hzFzXHk7u9Juctgea9fFLrXjbgGtDcq3SLPlyCNwgBzYnziw2OCYA5FnJ_o9TL4hyphenhyphenGS5WOt6IfQMej_C31zIAkQpt8j60gbSeSH7cfDc-XcA-c/s640/huggies4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Now onto this amazing campaign!</div>
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It's so simple that there's no reason you shouldn't enter! </div>
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<a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">Huggies #UltraHug Campaign</a></div>
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1) Snap a selfie of you and your little one.</div>
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<br /></div>
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2) Share on twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #UltraHug </div>
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nominating your community project in the caption. </div>
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3) From now until June 25th Huggies will feature 20 community projects <a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">here</a> for voting! </div>
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Be sure to check back to see if your featured and to vote.</div>
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<br /></div>
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4) Check out all the details for the campaign ----> <a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">here</a>. </div>
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5) The top 10 will receive $2k for the community project they nominated! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63fay6v7PYZfbmnEQfd8tsLiv4rWnX39T203EyLVSo_0l1HM0ivT-ZLzJr0ARrllmbJrzD4gdvTQMx-DXMjRMMy3QPf5RBZO1-CgPI8u8ljGYY2ye0Z-fVBGiJ9p2x3ZAik0CVbx-PbY/s1600/huggies3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh63fay6v7PYZfbmnEQfd8tsLiv4rWnX39T203EyLVSo_0l1HM0ivT-ZLzJr0ARrllmbJrzD4gdvTQMx-DXMjRMMy3QPf5RBZO1-CgPI8u8ljGYY2ye0Z-fVBGiJ9p2x3ZAik0CVbx-PbY/s640/huggies3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There are so many wonderful places that would benefit from this campaign! </div>
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I would like to nominate <a href="http://www.missionsouthside.org/">Mission Southside</a> for this grant. </div>
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It's an organization that helps physical and spiritual needs be met to those </div>
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who have a hard time having those needs met otherwise.</div>
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I have no doubt that this grant would go to good use!</div>
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What project in your community are going to nominate? </div>
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Let me know in the comments and be sure to <a href="https://ooh.li/8b04a0d">check out all the other nominations!</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjvRK9DaT2ACasW7tXVZPCKFJtJ-h2ZAWOrJI4BR3nRt4D2NIEBVWznIlieZrvi7e_wUHdm34L5zaydp8kC5qEFBEjPVFg-6Pd50HmcWJX4Q-Pxl0zYn9WFF2QTfNCJJNA8g9mvZSk08/s1600/huggies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjvRK9DaT2ACasW7tXVZPCKFJtJ-h2ZAWOrJI4BR3nRt4D2NIEBVWznIlieZrvi7e_wUHdm34L5zaydp8kC5qEFBEjPVFg-6Pd50HmcWJX4Q-Pxl0zYn9WFF2QTfNCJJNA8g9mvZSk08/s640/huggies1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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^^^And incase you are wondering the diapers are really comfy^^^ </div>
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;)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-42167326265513295222015-05-26T13:33:00.000-05:002015-05-26T13:56:42.734-05:00The Best Iced Coffee <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you know me even just a little bit you know I love coffee. </div>
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I still laugh at how much I love it because I thought it was disgusting </div>
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until after I had my first born.</div>
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Never would I have thought I'd love it as much as I do, </div>
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but I cannot make it through my day without a cup (or two...or three...). </div>
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For the longest time my husband and I were addicted to Starbucks, </div>
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which we thankfully conquered by doing <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/search/label/whole30">whole30</a>. </div>
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However, after doing whole30 I didn't necessarily jump for joy</div>
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at the thought of drinking my coffee black.</div>
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I found myself getting addicted to vanilla iced coffees from Chick-Fila, </div>
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which I didn't want to start because I knew it was just a bad habit. </div>
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Then, I finally figured out the best iced coffee recipe ever and I'm never going back! </div>
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I wanted to share this goodness with you today</div>
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because I truly do believe it's the best iced coffee I've ever had! </div>
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Here is how I make my coffee from start to finish:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ0zeGbM0_SrM-Fo9U4mO3WnesBYHG-OibJ4foK-wMiTND03oUS34ir40JkBcsm_a3zkoGKTnkXV26UBJ4uh9Vq9L6wl5e5zRr699eVq599iiZ4icva5FgIaxlwM08Z30xaaAgjk4PF0/s1600/mcoffee1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ0zeGbM0_SrM-Fo9U4mO3WnesBYHG-OibJ4foK-wMiTND03oUS34ir40JkBcsm_a3zkoGKTnkXV26UBJ4uh9Vq9L6wl5e5zRr699eVq599iiZ4icva5FgIaxlwM08Z30xaaAgjk4PF0/s640/mcoffee1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We use a perculator and brew our coffee on the stove. </div>
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I pour two bottles of water in the percolator, put it together, </div>
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add my grounds in, and then sprinkle cinnamon on top.</div>
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We use peace coffee because we believe it has a less bitter taste</div>
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and honestly I can actually drink my coffee black, but only because of this contraption. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxnGMP7mK4TJEj4AY-hdoyMNtGFHGQAz4cze0Z61N22BBohfmNgoQOTZor91z3I3dY_PYpYJVhqE5yo52lnOqYwPAbG4bzYfPtSCoZNQkcCTOq3lRPShi-d9L21ZoMQdzADmaOsyu74g/s1600/mcoffee9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxnGMP7mK4TJEj4AY-hdoyMNtGFHGQAz4cze0Z61N22BBohfmNgoQOTZor91z3I3dY_PYpYJVhqE5yo52lnOqYwPAbG4bzYfPtSCoZNQkcCTOq3lRPShi-d9L21ZoMQdzADmaOsyu74g/s640/mcoffee9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I left the coffee cool and then put it in this glass bottle. </div>
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I then leave it in the fridge over night so it's ready for me in the morning! </div>
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I don't like to wait for my coffee, so this is perfect for me. </div>
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Sometimes my husband buys cold brew at the store </div>
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(which is where this glass bottle is from), but I'm trying to brew more </div>
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and in order to keep up with how much coffee we drink,</div>
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I have to do this everyday because we'll drink this bad boy in one day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeSEJy_FtfeUKbIvB69rjJysPmfRpmOeJ8H_dld4PVg8l7Q9rpT2Pvk-1KhlIY_IExegFGwpkLhlPZKk50Rc48Bal01f-5asm3DZGHTfnEkSHEH1pIISifwfO-v9A9X_yudWyFF3WC1Y/s1600/mcoffee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeSEJy_FtfeUKbIvB69rjJysPmfRpmOeJ8H_dld4PVg8l7Q9rpT2Pvk-1KhlIY_IExegFGwpkLhlPZKk50Rc48Bal01f-5asm3DZGHTfnEkSHEH1pIISifwfO-v9A9X_yudWyFF3WC1Y/s640/mcoffee2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Now this is the yummy part! </div>
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I add two tablespoons of maple syrup over ice. </div>
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I'm sure any type of maple syrup with work. </div>
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I'm currently using simply balanced from Target.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1M1HkC0hcqdivMCyi1jtTQqOWiIUFI32S_hEqmsHyi-jBrUReo5YHnojqPTRpJIXbyQQlMX0jNmy32sWC4oN0beAA2r9AJygin_-sK91W4Q3ZIBUUmM9TlDku4j4EDSr254YfKe1IgQ/s1600/mcoffee3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1M1HkC0hcqdivMCyi1jtTQqOWiIUFI32S_hEqmsHyi-jBrUReo5YHnojqPTRpJIXbyQQlMX0jNmy32sWC4oN0beAA2r9AJygin_-sK91W4Q3ZIBUUmM9TlDku4j4EDSr254YfKe1IgQ/s640/mcoffee3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Then, I add one teaspoon of vanilla extract. </div>
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Again, I'm sure any will do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLmQHAadTSSv8USQYOPTEunVzfNw989y9l9eotrAA22APbz3wA_coEuJ5mFUg16To3AeP5EfVgPYTyZxyPsRKH5Kopu9wmhDdBWg3SJ0bKPJNGCTV2xGz-mfFeqgNV7UKkP-m7t4EqBM/s1600/mcoffee4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLmQHAadTSSv8USQYOPTEunVzfNw989y9l9eotrAA22APbz3wA_coEuJ5mFUg16To3AeP5EfVgPYTyZxyPsRKH5Kopu9wmhDdBWg3SJ0bKPJNGCTV2xGz-mfFeqgNV7UKkP-m7t4EqBM/s640/mcoffee4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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After the vanilla I add 1/2 cup of the cold coffee. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9VLrMTouKbwkvOsk3FFgB1Q27qfWzbnqjeXrOvXIrKfnsVZggctFqY14xH9qCvdJivcktzZF-UGL_YZiWBlMZ4qiwi9aWWx3yxIkCrfdxDvBTjCNYR53YhcaU6i3krAvQ-vVkvW3O2Q/s1600/mcoffee5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9VLrMTouKbwkvOsk3FFgB1Q27qfWzbnqjeXrOvXIrKfnsVZggctFqY14xH9qCvdJivcktzZF-UGL_YZiWBlMZ4qiwi9aWWx3yxIkCrfdxDvBTjCNYR53YhcaU6i3krAvQ-vVkvW3O2Q/s640/mcoffee5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I add 1/2 cup of almond milk. </div>
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Now, let me tell you when I was first making these iced coffees</div>
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I was using 2% milk because that's what I've always had. </div>
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However, I know that almond milk is the healthier option for me</div>
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and I want to be healthy, so I gave it a try! </div>
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I didn't expect it to be good, but it's delicious </div>
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and now I'm all about almond milk in my coffee!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8eOBfHDemYIeCI5uKI2aA0xFACurOYFjqWJXyN7p8OAF5zIi-VFP876it5gzOgVEL_ScdLG0r8GYiAHFkHtGv2MR5wSaDTSDqKctaCHNYqD7r4dgLRBufTjiYWuV0GaDxjEW-nUoYdo/s1600/mcoffee6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8eOBfHDemYIeCI5uKI2aA0xFACurOYFjqWJXyN7p8OAF5zIi-VFP876it5gzOgVEL_ScdLG0r8GYiAHFkHtGv2MR5wSaDTSDqKctaCHNYqD7r4dgLRBufTjiYWuV0GaDxjEW-nUoYdo/s640/mcoffee6.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it just look delicious?</div>
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This is my favorite part sees all the goodness swirl together. </div>
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Probably makes me more happy than it should - ha ha. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaGHth4DjPpGoPunRPx7R-gQStNHnSPxe77BIMfuISgcVsVS0sJoWSk32lxnaw4h9Xp_Djfxdc6mxFNB7FxlN9QCneCf1JZPkmXkMFWm1AIBplFllWtV3ayAt-_0oOOsHUPTuDBubY4s/s1600/mcoffee7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaGHth4DjPpGoPunRPx7R-gQStNHnSPxe77BIMfuISgcVsVS0sJoWSk32lxnaw4h9Xp_Djfxdc6mxFNB7FxlN9QCneCf1JZPkmXkMFWm1AIBplFllWtV3ayAt-_0oOOsHUPTuDBubY4s/s640/mcoffee7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Stir and enjoy. </div>
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Then repeat as many times as you would like ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZLGQrRHtt7NI_JQVf9AQxqX4EP0GTyze1-4EY-mFlgtnkIxEOYI_uYx5E0b3X7EGJ7Y_y00S2IfHBh9i3TiMZZQzk059qsFgRSI2zPmFa75WSPtGH4J8bGT0pRFQanaqc3w0t4EiY/s1600/mcoffee11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMUZLGQrRHtt7NI_JQVf9AQxqX4EP0GTyze1-4EY-mFlgtnkIxEOYI_uYx5E0b3X7EGJ7Y_y00S2IfHBh9i3TiMZZQzk059qsFgRSI2zPmFa75WSPtGH4J8bGT0pRFQanaqc3w0t4EiY/s400/mcoffee11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are you obsessed with coffee like I am? </div>
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What's your favorite?</div>
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Please let me know if you try this and what you think! </div>
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Now, off to make more....</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-37600704589973819062015-05-15T07:22:00.000-05:002015-05-20T19:38:19.862-05:00We Made Our House a Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Today's post is brought to you by <a href="https://www.compass.com/">Compass</a>,<br />
a website about finding a home that works for you!<br />
This isn't a sponsored post, I just have a thing for enjoying<br />
seeing inside other homes. Not in a creepy kind of way,<br />
but in a "I like to see home people make their house a home" type of way.<br />
Compass is a great site for oohing and ahhing over some fabulous spaces,<br />
so if that's your sort of thing (or you're looking for a home) be sure to check it out!<br />
<br />
Today I'm excited to share with you a bit more about our house.<br />
A while ago I shared some of my <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2015/03/favorite-wall-decor.html">favorite wall art</a> that we have,<br />
but today I wanted to share two of my favorite rooms,<br />
how we've made our house a home, and what having a home means to us.<br />
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First up is our main living room.<br />
It's the first space you see when you walk into our home<br />
and we call it the red umbrella room, which you will soon understand! =)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZpT-wowUV79HJWqXmrdVHam559IO0_7QigyJG-ArkPoipdK_wdC7uPUowP_G1SY40azDHd73wt7pPblOd9XVILaRLMslgQfb3kcJIE96UF2gN-Inb4fu-drfMg-c61gS1zCRXax6kKc/s1600/ourh10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZpT-wowUV79HJWqXmrdVHam559IO0_7QigyJG-ArkPoipdK_wdC7uPUowP_G1SY40azDHd73wt7pPblOd9XVILaRLMslgQfb3kcJIE96UF2gN-Inb4fu-drfMg-c61gS1zCRXax6kKc/s640/ourh10.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdyFAHxj0JbYb2zClP583IdDNfW1BKtEaak8d9dF7Z_YjZWIKhjBXCmEqx7txVc0ulEar7Gp7AZfXEDNUUQcgWQwiHeyDCWDYk8k2NkpXxd7ZC2G9UE-RGLoVM38kdFUOCYSmKbqREBc/s1600/ourh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdyFAHxj0JbYb2zClP583IdDNfW1BKtEaak8d9dF7Z_YjZWIKhjBXCmEqx7txVc0ulEar7Gp7AZfXEDNUUQcgWQwiHeyDCWDYk8k2NkpXxd7ZC2G9UE-RGLoVM38kdFUOCYSmKbqREBc/s640/ourh3.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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This wall with the Eiffel Tower is one of my favorites in the entire house. </div>
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I just love the frame with pictures of my family! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEFLudb8fGWYtWjf8aXRgGWcyh4WecSRC0Y9Xkx41OtIeDNEUEGF1GkPxsLcGDnp9v43ZeYz-YUy274nJ1OVJvF3xV7QGiXVRXoOvpEJxrdIkvEGQYw1Rc7Iy9cK8P78AgwfrAD3lBJo/s1600/ourh2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSEFLudb8fGWYtWjf8aXRgGWcyh4WecSRC0Y9Xkx41OtIeDNEUEGF1GkPxsLcGDnp9v43ZeYz-YUy274nJ1OVJvF3xV7QGiXVRXoOvpEJxrdIkvEGQYw1Rc7Iy9cK8P78AgwfrAD3lBJo/s640/ourh2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This room was inspired by the painting above. </div>
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My husband was actually the one who picked it out and I was like, </div>
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"Ew, a painting! I don't like paintings!" and then I fell in love with the others</div>
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and there you have it, our red umbrella room! </div>
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It's definitely a favorite in the house </div>
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and I always say my husband was the one to decorate it. ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRG20STNNHiZvH45TvqoVTn4CRq0iC618vyN2G5FBuqYrbl6vs-p2qDyR7cvl_PMrq80XTHVNq3z_DAnEjMZITI9lRxnpMcPhBY2vplAzgQamJFY0Bg0OuQtFFRVZaLhPT9-h-YvhAC0/s1600/ourh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRG20STNNHiZvH45TvqoVTn4CRq0iC618vyN2G5FBuqYrbl6vs-p2qDyR7cvl_PMrq80XTHVNq3z_DAnEjMZITI9lRxnpMcPhBY2vplAzgQamJFY0Bg0OuQtFFRVZaLhPT9-h-YvhAC0/s640/ourh1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We have a lot of items in the living room that were gifted to us from our family. </div>
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The quilt rack and little rocker under the painting, my grandpa actually built. </div>
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I like having special things like that in the house, </div>
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especially when they can be put to good use! </div>
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All the kids love the rocker and it's so cute to see my littlest one try to rock herself. </div>
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The top quilt was made for us by my husband's grandma. </div>
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The kids use it often to get cozy on the couch and watch tv.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-MeDSZW40WAewxBEHs3VMKBfHTjfzkAsWs7erp2ncWGnMyp3m9aTFMnnc3n7XAa_ST-S0Lntp0IaVyrCOPn3WhmsNU3yq0U2Kq_KZG46O1BVyP4L_hvyZp3uu2GI6_TANakZ1mxxfBI/s1600/ourh4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-MeDSZW40WAewxBEHs3VMKBfHTjfzkAsWs7erp2ncWGnMyp3m9aTFMnnc3n7XAa_ST-S0Lntp0IaVyrCOPn3WhmsNU3yq0U2Kq_KZG46O1BVyP4L_hvyZp3uu2GI6_TANakZ1mxxfBI/s640/ourh4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The mantel was by far one of the hardest things to decorate. </div>
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It's at such a weird angle that I didn't feel like you could decorate it like a normal one. </div>
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I would have never thought to put pictures up there this way, but I think it looks great. </div>
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The painting on the right is probably my favorite and the candles, </div>
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well you can never have too many!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4BsBxv71utAbLoASFwGQ1SixwbFO-_kJLRFPfjHlQmbyFEuXCoDpgW9LGqVYJlKMSSeuwBovz4nTxtraY7dxXg8hrDWs3mkdYAGtYwBIlAppTyBPr2Zdg6v4xf-Z9qesVWhQRJ1alEY/s1600/ourh9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4BsBxv71utAbLoASFwGQ1SixwbFO-_kJLRFPfjHlQmbyFEuXCoDpgW9LGqVYJlKMSSeuwBovz4nTxtraY7dxXg8hrDWs3mkdYAGtYwBIlAppTyBPr2Zdg6v4xf-Z9qesVWhQRJ1alEY/s640/ourh9.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This painting is the last one we purchased/</div>
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The wall is different because it's open at the top, so it fits perfectly there.</div>
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I just had to have that red chair from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/valentine+red+velvet+quincy+chair.do?&refType=&from=Search">World Market</a> </div>
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because it just tied the whole room together!</div>
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Incase you don't already know World Market is my favorite place to shop. </div>
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The coffee table and "Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful..." sign are from there,</div>
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along with the yellow pillows and basket on the table in the next photo. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipoBSOKrGTTFcZVLKC-jnJT1amVApzkzta2N_Zi4ix4abVUYDJawYBsGNvY90V3emorr0vGumMbbywesl4uJ94kPn4HBKTTbCcaumRzpm_-fSBQOPoIpdFMZja5I87ZQDK5hizjDhPgE/s1600/ourh5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipoBSOKrGTTFcZVLKC-jnJT1amVApzkzta2N_Zi4ix4abVUYDJawYBsGNvY90V3emorr0vGumMbbywesl4uJ94kPn4HBKTTbCcaumRzpm_-fSBQOPoIpdFMZja5I87ZQDK5hizjDhPgE/s640/ourh5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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When you first walk into our home this is the first thing you see besides the stairs. </div>
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It's a great place to house flowers, a picture of our family, and a few books. </div>
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The other favorite room in our home is the master bedroom. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUy6ci_fdeKrtRNmkXkTqxnquEGgOHVpLiTL9AFPuVPxyAX_jpx-Q1YDRrulz88A7znapllU_rkhq1ZqucQcrUUcooGtCvbhXpEEvsQqWy2hL5swmfxLQ_ZFF5EujqB0PDC56-JWVQgI/s1600/ourh24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUy6ci_fdeKrtRNmkXkTqxnquEGgOHVpLiTL9AFPuVPxyAX_jpx-Q1YDRrulz88A7znapllU_rkhq1ZqucQcrUUcooGtCvbhXpEEvsQqWy2hL5swmfxLQ_ZFF5EujqB0PDC56-JWVQgI/s640/ourh24.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCFjLTudhZeU5-TYsVJAtQqRKXHruCBHezflvpgm88quU-hIqsGialNUcM4MhYdF04sOEiSHshutumqSdclbHj9UZBo7iDuo3_2lE3I8PXXeDMNcWMEXkIXPpbr3-w3tjPpyL9Xm9Q_A/s1600/ourh25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCFjLTudhZeU5-TYsVJAtQqRKXHruCBHezflvpgm88quU-hIqsGialNUcM4MhYdF04sOEiSHshutumqSdclbHj9UZBo7iDuo3_2lE3I8PXXeDMNcWMEXkIXPpbr3-w3tjPpyL9Xm9Q_A/s640/ourh25.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There's a wall right outside our bedroom that was perfect for a gallery wall. </div>
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Since it's leading to our room I made it just about me and my husband. </div>
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Pictures from California, Hawaii, when we were dating, married, pregnant. </div>
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It's a great display of our life together!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeDaEFqKDd01Nz0JoDFqGO1cxb885NcKxCxZomx9HxTzUSjZ259j7de16s5plBFIRgHnt7-VtG22E9kB8dXSJQum7L3YniokzHBtwe6EQ1Nvw0r7RNQpUpJLWRzNc4tmWfVp5nt5kMP8/s1600/ourh23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeDaEFqKDd01Nz0JoDFqGO1cxb885NcKxCxZomx9HxTzUSjZ259j7de16s5plBFIRgHnt7-VtG22E9kB8dXSJQum7L3YniokzHBtwe6EQ1Nvw0r7RNQpUpJLWRzNc4tmWfVp5nt5kMP8/s640/ourh23.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SQD-Z1cOfbycm_18dGuLIO4PRihXlBIxcRtzKZp598Ve-kZTk7HdqrZ0VtlLoflj-64N2890k3F_iDgaUvr8H7uvGmpBkxI3Wq5vvZbDRPo7qSYzavcHfIqiEIlfiiwoWGScfRx2JBk/s1600/ourh17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SQD-Z1cOfbycm_18dGuLIO4PRihXlBIxcRtzKZp598Ve-kZTk7HdqrZ0VtlLoflj-64N2890k3F_iDgaUvr8H7uvGmpBkxI3Wq5vvZbDRPo7qSYzavcHfIqiEIlfiiwoWGScfRx2JBk/s640/ourh17.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99UP7_igY-YgOLH9BEFkpZIrLCvGxj7K5kxGFKcHaO8w6bW2Wx4BqpE7mOFDnc-bhX6RJy4jmZ69KsMksQ35WO0nCpsNG-_gjgpwPgLViYzCWyuLaka18oUZlnW-zj7W2I69yXWV6YOQ/s1600/ourh19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99UP7_igY-YgOLH9BEFkpZIrLCvGxj7K5kxGFKcHaO8w6bW2Wx4BqpE7mOFDnc-bhX6RJy4jmZ69KsMksQ35WO0nCpsNG-_gjgpwPgLViYzCWyuLaka18oUZlnW-zj7W2I69yXWV6YOQ/s640/ourh19.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVMDx2OG2qXSZEoYvXNsZS3Q1-02N4pYt_DHLxb4d7Dy-vqamcDhUYd_wYs1C8YT04Sp05wRUXNv5H8yUrydWjl3-zzupjUeB6HivUa4kRhH8a2UQgbWQHkOp9mF5MdHMEzA471uFXI/s1600/ourh20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfVMDx2OG2qXSZEoYvXNsZS3Q1-02N4pYt_DHLxb4d7Dy-vqamcDhUYd_wYs1C8YT04Sp05wRUXNv5H8yUrydWjl3-zzupjUeB6HivUa4kRhH8a2UQgbWQHkOp9mF5MdHMEzA471uFXI/s640/ourh20.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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As you can see I like to decorate with photos. </div>
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It's my favorite way to decorate and of course I can always switch out photos</div>
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when I need to, which I actually need to do! </div>
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I have lots of photos displayed from our wedding day </div>
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and also the day we said our vows in the Catholic Church almost a year ago! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdXK-_09lAVpviVd3lxOJTCG-dacGgdMDzVppaE2jItY7GLPH1AOn4rbAu9_Nzg-R2ttQjGlBR8go-Nzr93PFmKdadpt6cMCe482CSFe2nhukRkfbZYeAm4CReZPOBkaddrWIgRyKeb8/s1600/ourh21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJdXK-_09lAVpviVd3lxOJTCG-dacGgdMDzVppaE2jItY7GLPH1AOn4rbAu9_Nzg-R2ttQjGlBR8go-Nzr93PFmKdadpt6cMCe482CSFe2nhukRkfbZYeAm4CReZPOBkaddrWIgRyKeb8/s640/ourh21.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is my husband's dresser. </div>
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Can you tell what he's a fan of?;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav3pZn-6nuVgVkkBiz1CXBHc4bytA4iL7QGbCRrDFxwkaK56MLzBiXmWR544_WOBJ7dq31gOB0O6SmQnrmnBZK1-n40bEoI36HPC5ujwYqVSiG53XYCNf-UPEGOgxNraEuJwVOb9QSDo/s1600/ourhome22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiav3pZn-6nuVgVkkBiz1CXBHc4bytA4iL7QGbCRrDFxwkaK56MLzBiXmWR544_WOBJ7dq31gOB0O6SmQnrmnBZK1-n40bEoI36HPC5ujwYqVSiG53XYCNf-UPEGOgxNraEuJwVOb9QSDo/s640/ourhome22.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Our bed is probably one of my favorite pieces of furniture. </div>
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It is, of course, from <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/erin-cute-as-a-button-bed.do">World Market</a> and it is so sturdy, cute, and comfy! </div>
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When we first moved into this house our bed was kind of falling apart, </div>
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so this was a lovely upgrade! </div>
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We are always glad to jump into bed at night and comment on how cozy it is. </div>
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I don't think other people say, "Oh, I just love our bed!" every single time they get in it to sleep! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegCVDRxq9D1LZP-OJIAi8aPHjoRmc75g2RlZBUT7_GdpQ1A93iZxPP5jMbhJothQyHxN64mIB2Ysnpaix1Yr50ASdBCnBYYfKmM0P8nosWIzbWAjTuFAqcNGB4AWczIiY9-aRe3bNaM0/s1600/ourh12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhegCVDRxq9D1LZP-OJIAi8aPHjoRmc75g2RlZBUT7_GdpQ1A93iZxPP5jMbhJothQyHxN64mIB2Ysnpaix1Yr50ASdBCnBYYfKmM0P8nosWIzbWAjTuFAqcNGB4AWczIiY9-aRe3bNaM0/s640/ourh12.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This little space in our room is my space and my favorite probably in the entire house! </div>
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Do I even need to tell you that the desk, chair, and a few items on and above the desk </div>
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are from World Market? Because I don't think I really need to! Can you sense an addiction?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWV7CWA3WEa44CduRFkvw8l_3WfXQX8dsEWHViYV79VwMHTald1awDxD8-72BfyN6i0k11HDWz2sXxXO90Gp5Oktf7Ab4PLJ9ZEh2DhPIB-S-XWAgSwmCSe83ulE72gESaOeY409JPRk/s1600/ourh13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWV7CWA3WEa44CduRFkvw8l_3WfXQX8dsEWHViYV79VwMHTald1awDxD8-72BfyN6i0k11HDWz2sXxXO90Gp5Oktf7Ab4PLJ9ZEh2DhPIB-S-XWAgSwmCSe83ulE72gESaOeY409JPRk/s640/ourh13.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_LqSUQrawq0r9z1CKMAkxds2iDO12XAoHOMoxIH3cgbPaAaXT9BynqVRnCJpObEWe1KCyIKOXYfrADoeFefehjZ-rMIgCeqwslbzjvgJ3YwVW-hv-GspbgDirqvv77pky0QVCsCdn4M/s1600/ourh14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_LqSUQrawq0r9z1CKMAkxds2iDO12XAoHOMoxIH3cgbPaAaXT9BynqVRnCJpObEWe1KCyIKOXYfrADoeFefehjZ-rMIgCeqwslbzjvgJ3YwVW-hv-GspbgDirqvv77pky0QVCsCdn4M/s640/ourh14.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is the space where I read my Bible, blog, and maybe watch too much netflix. </div>
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That's what a desk is meant for, right?! </div>
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Also, that garland is from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/snippetsandstrings">snippets and strings</a> on esty and I LOVE it. </div>
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I had been searching and searching for something to put above the desk</div>
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and it really ties it all together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOqZPRsNCXULMEIXKxMrirJEP6r4qBMRqcsKvevaFpbVEtr8eGXk1EuWw9zmVIzEGjxIeuEQBi8bcK7-rEHIUh0iyOQQ1sM6Kd2KS7VoLJbeJdnbzhVURs4Nt6W2ogmrJtKgV9fHx3f0/s1600/ourh15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOqZPRsNCXULMEIXKxMrirJEP6r4qBMRqcsKvevaFpbVEtr8eGXk1EuWw9zmVIzEGjxIeuEQBi8bcK7-rEHIUh0iyOQQ1sM6Kd2KS7VoLJbeJdnbzhVURs4Nt6W2ogmrJtKgV9fHx3f0/s640/ourh15.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is another space of mine in our room. </div>
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That chair is so cozy (bet you can't guess where it's from ;) </div>
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and the kids really enjoy sitting in it with one another. </div>
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It was a great place to nurse Sutton when she was tiny</div>
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and I love displaying my huge scarf collection behind it. </div>
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These are my favorite rooms in the house, but I am thankful for our home in general. </div>
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It's almost been two years since we moved in and it's been a blessing. </div>
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Before living here we lived in an apartment, which could be hard </div>
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because there wasn't much room or places for the kids to play outside. </div>
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Right before we moved in we found out we were pregnant with Sutton, </div>
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so we were so thankful for all the room (and backyard)!</div>
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Three kids in a two bedroom apartment just wasn't going to work for our family of five.</div>
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So, we've made this house a home with lots of memories framed on the wall</div>
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along with dirt and smudges from little hands. </div>
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It's not perfect. </div>
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We have walls that are still bare and the kids' rooms aren't decorated at all. </div>
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Plus there are pretty much always toys scattered in every single room. </div>
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It's not always clean even though it may appear that way. </div>
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I love it though, mess and all, it's our home and it's beautiful to me. </div>
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Do you have a favorite room in your home?</div>
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How have you made your house a home? </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-50231422915224680072015-05-12T13:46:00.002-05:002015-05-12T13:47:30.558-05:00Mother's Day Snapshots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All I wanted for Mother's Day was a few pictures.</div>
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Honestly, I didn't set my expectations hight at all </div>
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because usually the kids just aren't up for it and everyone ends up cranky.</div>
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However, I guess they got the memo because it happened!</div>
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Love my three kiddos and the man that helped me make them! ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCcjhy4Lq7CWUo3nt2aJYmnUaK4w26PVS1DC45bzwwkD7EQAbzhgRkCnauCOQo5gtjJzuqPfdbqV_bSu4lW0CEEoEGjgVy-Wfu2luUqTitg38ZKZHGZAfTXTK8yp6WnvN8gLPj2y_uko/s1600/momsday7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCcjhy4Lq7CWUo3nt2aJYmnUaK4w26PVS1DC45bzwwkD7EQAbzhgRkCnauCOQo5gtjJzuqPfdbqV_bSu4lW0CEEoEGjgVy-Wfu2luUqTitg38ZKZHGZAfTXTK8yp6WnvN8gLPj2y_uko/s640/momsday7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQkDoxEIsDDr2ZlBgMuQwzP0PFJ8gkLFvgPuVg7oeDx92bGgVxjkNhVehgCwBlhsvpZG4FYy0c5CfHTvJDUPjvqjEXLkA4TKEeR93R1En1vHSb3iNhwNinwkoJFpYTH15VdoB5u9mhV0/s1600/momsday8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQkDoxEIsDDr2ZlBgMuQwzP0PFJ8gkLFvgPuVg7oeDx92bGgVxjkNhVehgCwBlhsvpZG4FYy0c5CfHTvJDUPjvqjEXLkA4TKEeR93R1En1vHSb3iNhwNinwkoJFpYTH15VdoB5u9mhV0/s640/momsday8.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />
Braden is such a little comedian.<br />
I can't remember exactly what he was saying, but he was excited about taking photos.<br />
Both him and Mae kept on saying "let's take another!"<br />
Of course I was going to take as many as we could before they were done<br />
because this never happens when we try to make it happen!<br />
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Braden, the one who first made me a mama, gave me lots of hugs and kisses.</div>
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He can be so affectionate and makes my heart want to melt. </div>
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Love my boy!</div>
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<br />
Oh, Mae... always the more stubborn one.<br />
Didn't want to take many more pictures.<br />
Wanted to run and play, be two.<br />
Thankfully I got a little smile from this sassy one!<br />
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Sutton, as always gave me lots of smiling and joy. </div>
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Seriously, I've never met a more happy little one. </div>
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It's contagious and on the really hard days I'm so grateful for it! </div>
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I cannot help but smile when that girl smiles. Such a joy! </div>
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Motherhood isn't easy, whatsoever. </div>
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It's the hardest job I've ever hard, but I'm thankful for it. </div>
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Thankful that it helps me to grow and to learn. </div>
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Thankful that it helps me lean on my husband and God. </div>
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Thankful that these three babies are mine. </div>
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They are pretty great! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-70214628525591265312015-05-06T13:49:00.000-05:002015-05-06T13:49:07.317-05:0015 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcds0V_q23Iry7fI346YL6JZ85N0IRCVVbGDB3uNAjjKMlqLabyTqb-v1Zr4BlhB3l4_HDBzo9TOzbrBgrlvImu5ZGfjZhKoEqorz9NLcXMu4m8FUUY292oHGrNCgbdGdN8Y6aH5jQSE/s1600/15mon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglcds0V_q23Iry7fI346YL6JZ85N0IRCVVbGDB3uNAjjKMlqLabyTqb-v1Zr4BlhB3l4_HDBzo9TOzbrBgrlvImu5ZGfjZhKoEqorz9NLcXMu4m8FUUY292oHGrNCgbdGdN8Y6aH5jQSE/s1600/15mon1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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^^^Reaching for me^^^</div>
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I felt like it was time to do a update on this growing girl. </div>
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It's the same as always, I can't believe she's a month older!</div>
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She's still a complete joy and we seriously felt like we hit the jackpot </div>
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because she is always happy!</div>
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Given she's a little tiny bit (A LOT) spoiled.</div>
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She has everybody wrapped around her cute thing fingers. </div>
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We are oh so thankful that even though she's a toddler she's still happy. </div>
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She recently just started throwing fits, but they are few and far between. </div>
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Plus they can be stopped pretty quickly. Just pick her up and she smiles at you.</div>
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That was definitely not the case with the other two! </div>
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While her happiness has remained lots has changed here for this girl! </div>
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The biggest change is the fact that she is no longer nursing at all. </div>
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I had thought about weaning her and of course she was nursing less, </div>
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but she would ask for it and I'd just let her because why not? It wasn't hurting anything.</div>
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Her asking was about the sweetest thing. </div>
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She would hit my chest with her hands and say, "Ah!" </div>
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I would ask her, "You want to nurse?" </div>
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She would get the BIGGEST grin on her face and say "Yesssthhh!" </div>
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Then one night when I tried to nurse her she pushed me away. </div>
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I didn't expect her to be done just like that! </div>
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She asked a few times after that, but I would say "all gone" </div>
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and she'd throw her head back with a little "UH!" and then move on. </div>
I know I could have nursed her doing those times,<br />
but I figured since she wasn't really pushing for it.<br />
we could just be done with it.<br />
It was a bittersweet thing to say goodbye too.<br />
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^^^ You not hold me? Fine, I suck my thumb!"</div>
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Of course, since she's not nursing she's eating a ton more. </div>
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Actually, the girl has always had an appetite even while nursing. </div>
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If she hears or sees you getting food she will run to you with her hand out. </div>
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She also likes to grab bags of plantain chips and carry them around. </div>
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Even if she's eaten a ton and you put her down, </div>
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she'll find food (that she or her siblings have dropped) and eat it.</div>
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She's our little garbage disposal ;) and if she's hungry you can find her </div>
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by her chair tapping it to let you know! </div>
She just loves food and there isn't much she won't eat.<br />
However, her favorites are sweet potatoes, frozen blueberries, and bananas.<br />
She also prefers water or apple juice (watered down) to drink.<br />
She doesn't seem to be such a huge fan of milk.<br />
<br />
She walks and runs everywhere and is always climbing stairs to come find me.<br />
If I go to pick her up from the steps she gets so excited and holds her arms out.<br />
She'd walk off the step if I didn't pick her up first! Silly girl!<br />
She comes and finds me multiples times a day, running to me, arms wide open to be held.<br />
She doesn't really cry about wanting to be held, but just comes to me.<br />
She'll wrap her little arms around my leg, crawl into my lap,<br />
or throw her arms around my neck.<br />
I'm glad she still wants me that much! She loves to say, "MA! MA!" when she wants me.<br />
However, I'm not the only one she wants anymore.<br />
Of course she wants her daddy, but she'll reach for her brother and sister too.<br />
She likes to put her face to theirs and hug them. She just laughs and laughs.<br />
She'll even go to her grandparents now, whereas for the longest time she just cried if they held her!<br />
She's growing up!<br />
<br />
She also likes playing with her siblings.<br />
They build with blocks together or play trains.<br />
She LOVES to read and will have you read the same book over and over.<br />
She comes running at you with books. It's adorable.<br />
She's still a lover of music. I think she's like Taylor Swift the most<br />
and I'm pretty sure she's tried to sing the ABC's along with her siblings.<br />
She talks some - yes, mama, dada, hi, bye.<br />
I'm sure there's more and I need to get better about writing her words down.<br />
<br />
She sleeps great at night, but sometimes goes on strikes when it comes to nap time.<br />
Eventually she'll rest though. Just needs some extra loving.<br />
We're all so thankful for her and how she brings joy to our home!<br />
<br />
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^^^ Getting upset because she just wanted to be done^^^</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4AlI9P_siqgZNbpsOXp4q_2UEh98NtGmp5sC2nNisvQzY81IUgfRpim7JV_MYJJSTuuM7H4utOoBVfRRFlvKQIuvk6XHoYSEMqfKKbeIJix4p2Bu0Wso7hqzZgTqz-E3k2aKDAYov1w/s1600/15mon6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4AlI9P_siqgZNbpsOXp4q_2UEh98NtGmp5sC2nNisvQzY81IUgfRpim7JV_MYJJSTuuM7H4utOoBVfRRFlvKQIuvk6XHoYSEMqfKKbeIJix4p2Bu0Wso7hqzZgTqz-E3k2aKDAYov1w/s1600/15mon6.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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^^^And then happy and totally posing!^^^</div>
Happy 15 months sweetie!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-79329965690117044312015-04-26T21:15:00.001-05:002015-05-01T13:20:33.546-05:00Spread The Love with Huggies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.linqia.com/"><img src="http://linqia.ooh.li/disclosure/420196701.png" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm a mama of three kids 4 and under.<br />
It can get a bit crazy around here on a daily basis.<br />
I have enough to worry about without having to worry about diapers leaking.<br />
This reason is exactly why <a href="https://ooh.li/55d202f">Huggies Snug N Dry</a> are perfect for my family!<br />
They lock in wetness so we can be worry free when it comes to diapers - I LOVE that!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cVemURvuJRdt8tTzXoe1byr3a2dl3LQMWZH1wgDRTVeIOwm6RnS9p8Km6BYPOmgEvXAqXHwmfLAuKsgmbCf4fStXbaShmheMWtaIc2TEoQpzVk70ZkdU7SS5Mvr0WfpKVGEW_mKbPLU/s1600/Image-1-20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cVemURvuJRdt8tTzXoe1byr3a2dl3LQMWZH1wgDRTVeIOwm6RnS9p8Km6BYPOmgEvXAqXHwmfLAuKsgmbCf4fStXbaShmheMWtaIc2TEoQpzVk70ZkdU7SS5Mvr0WfpKVGEW_mKbPLU/s1600/Image-1-20.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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You know what else I love about <a href="https://ooh.li/55d202f">Huggies Snug N Dry</a>? </div>
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They want to give a $2,000 grant to a community project that needs some extra loving! </div>
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I think charity and spreading love to those who need it is so important. </div>
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For me, donating, in whichever way I can,</div>
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makes me feel good and puts a smile on my face. </div>
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I love knowing that I've lifted someone up and possibly made their day! </div>
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A passion of mine since college has been the homeless. </div>
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They've always pulled at my heart strings, especially since the summer I spent </div>
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on Skid Roe in L.A. being around all the children and their families</div>
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who lived on the streets or in welfare hotels. </div>
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Since I have a passion for this I would love to nominate a rescue mission in my area. </div>
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There is a rescue mission here that is Christ centered that is all about </div>
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offering freedom and hope to the poor and homeless, which really speaks to my heart! </div>
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I know they could benefit from greatly from this grant! </div>
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Do you want to nominate a community project in your area? </div>
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Let me tell you how because it is quick and easy! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe5AnMdAyuKdQoIT-Ra9_DD80S82JORvtBVOqqrrX03fNwCyliy14YVNodR9WCQCAcyvpRzJHgcKAFzWw8CSKW7-5ITN9zYj27zpT5Y0eLFSHpo2XBcgr3RKYjGbonSj_2HsfrCIba-E/s1600/Image-1-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYe5AnMdAyuKdQoIT-Ra9_DD80S82JORvtBVOqqrrX03fNwCyliy14YVNodR9WCQCAcyvpRzJHgcKAFzWw8CSKW7-5ITN9zYj27zpT5Y0eLFSHpo2XBcgr3RKYjGbonSj_2HsfrCIba-E/s1600/Image-1-21.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">^^^Goodness, her smiles and giggles make me so happy!^^^</span></div>
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1. Snap a selfie with you + your baby & share on Instagram or Twitter with #UltraHug</div>
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In the post nominate the local community project you'd love to spread love to.</div>
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2. On July 6th <a href="https://ooh.li/55d202f">Huggies</a> will feature 20 community projects on <a href="https://ooh.li/55d202f">this page</a> for voting. </div>
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Be sure to check back then so you can vote for other community projects.</div>
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3. The top ten will recieve a $2,000 grant from Huggies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv4ter1d9v3XFKyRgPHW6xHZq2dk_U-goerZgxUBGycENDMi6TEyCygo1_8pOCPRsPk4kfHEgqEQWKan3fKznI09fSl7vQYkQfYm_gzgrH9KuQBXqF7g4YHvwhJIOpTk1gusfCAZ_5Qc/s1600/Image-1-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwv4ter1d9v3XFKyRgPHW6xHZq2dk_U-goerZgxUBGycENDMi6TEyCygo1_8pOCPRsPk4kfHEgqEQWKan3fKznI09fSl7vQYkQfYm_gzgrH9KuQBXqF7g4YHvwhJIOpTk1gusfCAZ_5Qc/s1600/Image-1-22.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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How simple and amazing is that? Now, get to snapping and sharing about </div>
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your favorite community projects that need some help! </div>
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I know there are so amazing ones out there! </div>
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Good luck! </div>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-28752414875647849152015-04-13T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-13T08:00:05.170-05:00What Spring Has Brought <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprPPXyZCYvc3fQwn67TkDmTa8xY4xmjq4AhZyOi-yHGXzCMUFrvHSWUErUNZFPE6s0aj_mBz51SYYDhYht3qN0qtpayOc7yh7dUm4c5VVpOCs1PyU0nUbrw3o_mpfdY3_zdfjGKWroW0/s1600/lifelatelyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprPPXyZCYvc3fQwn67TkDmTa8xY4xmjq4AhZyOi-yHGXzCMUFrvHSWUErUNZFPE6s0aj_mBz51SYYDhYht3qN0qtpayOc7yh7dUm4c5VVpOCs1PyU0nUbrw3o_mpfdY3_zdfjGKWroW0/s1600/lifelatelyn.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
It's been almost a month since I last blogged.<br />
I've come to the conclusion that I'm never going to be one of those bloggers<br />
who blogs every single day (maybe not even every single week)<br />
and right now I'm okay with that.<br />
It's funny because I really struggled with this space<br />
feeling more important than other things.<br />
I tried to make it a priority, something that was like a job to me,<br />
but recently that desire has somewhat fallen away (for now anyway).<br />
I haven't wanted to blog and I've actually thought about quitting all together.<br />
This space, I don't want it to be a distraction from things that are truly important.<br />
I don't want this space to be something that gets in the way of<br />
my faith, my family, my life and at times it feels like it does.<br />
So, I'm here now, writing because I feel like it and that's what I'll do.<br />
I'll blog when the desire stirs, but won't be aiming to make it the most important thing<br />
because life off the computer has been a lot more fulfilling lately.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoIGReTl5ETteUJkC2AKnb4upOTJKVZGycyUbxlCkIeXG52C8792SnuNVIkkslquEyhzd8JU5t2yAmSkcFNNhY_09qpurq0GJzlI7hb8G9OB4ehPRC-mIOx4utosjS52ytrkslzIjpkc/s1600/lifenow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoIGReTl5ETteUJkC2AKnb4upOTJKVZGycyUbxlCkIeXG52C8792SnuNVIkkslquEyhzd8JU5t2yAmSkcFNNhY_09qpurq0GJzlI7hb8G9OB4ehPRC-mIOx4utosjS52ytrkslzIjpkc/s1600/lifenow.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We've been spending a lot of time outside since spring has arrived.<br />
The grass is green, the trees have bloomed beautiful flowers<br />
and the weather is just amazing (storms some too, which are my favorite).<br />
We've been going to the park after Bible study on Tuesdays<br />
and I think it's our favorite day.<br />
Braden and Maeva have been enjoying some time in the backyard by themselves<br />
and it's lovely to have a space where they can run and be free without worry.<br />
There's also a park nearby that we walk to every now and then,<br />
which I love because it's fun for them and taking a walk is always nice.<br />
Really, it's just nice to have these places to get out of the house because<br />
the days go much quicker and the moods from everyone are much happier!<br />
We've also been skate boarding in the driveway because the kids love to be<br />
just like their daddy and it's fun to fly down the driveway having, "SO MUCH FUN!"<br />
<br />
I'm really enjoying life with my little family lately.<br />
Spring and just being outside lifts our moods and our life.<br />
I'm welcoming it and the fact that it is allowing me to slow down a bit.<br />
To care less about being online, cleaning the house, or getting stuff done.<br />
With spring a new love and gratitude for my family has come!<br />
Spring has blessed me!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-46595544504170297202015-03-16T11:00:00.000-05:002015-03-16T11:00:03.933-05:00Favorite Wall DecorI really want to start sharing more of our home on this space.<br />
Especially when it comes to decor.<br />
I love to decorate. It's one of my favorite things to do<br />
and I really wish I had an unlimited budget when it comes to doing so.<br />
Today I'm sharing three of my favorite wall spaces in our home.<br />
There are more than three, but that could get a bit overwhelming<br />
and these walls are complete, so I thought it'd be a good place to start!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">In our bedroom: </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJYmLzuWuX9T4RXjY5PDIsP-UA_VvH0kh1T3ygbmZKyKwli9TEbSjgulGQln_5l2FVnhb1bEgK1xX69NM2Gix5ZndZgN3BXoTxrlx7ReiEO8iOGz7ikbVszY59D9dOPZPh2Lvw8M4RTw/s1600/gallerywalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJYmLzuWuX9T4RXjY5PDIsP-UA_VvH0kh1T3ygbmZKyKwli9TEbSjgulGQln_5l2FVnhb1bEgK1xX69NM2Gix5ZndZgN3BXoTxrlx7ReiEO8iOGz7ikbVszY59D9dOPZPh2Lvw8M4RTw/s1600/gallerywalls.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
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Canvas: <a href="http://www.homegoods.com/wall-decor/">homegoods</a></div>
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Key and Crown Frames: <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/sophie-vintage-key-frame-set-of-3.do?&refType=&from=Search">World Market</a></div>
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I absolutely love this wall! </div>
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The canvas is unique and the frames are some of my favorites! </div>
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We have wedding photos in them and also photos from when </div>
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we said our <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2013/08/saying-i-do-again.html">vows in the Catholic Church</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-nXqUpfaLLAWL_YAgzaHwgrOlIvQuC4zBFcqdJ-pMmLTpCfjr_YnTT1bBd0DN-jo9kN66eyXzCCpMm-3JkESqh_9UHE3szHJNu-2fYvhwSTOzP-Tc410D-31lxg-NSLCxDg61dZwp-A/s1600/gallerywalls2.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/AVvXsEj8-nXqUpfaLLAWL_YAgzaHwgrOlIvQuC4zBFcqdJ-pMmLTpCfjr_YnTT1bBd0DN-jo9kN66eyXzCCpMm-3JkESqh_9UHE3szHJNu-2fYvhwSTOzP-Tc410D-31lxg-NSLCxDg61dZwp-A/s1600/gallerywalls2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvpsS417YJITQSkBSjEZ9r9JDHdmEA_tP-lHp7r9BrB5yhqMC_S8-cChX9xBvw3wuDoPsrvc-p2AORLtHBrEzhT7RN-2IbEr0wf8BZr5-KmPtu-zCRzFuAEZ59quJsJm11gHi4-vq2dI/s1600/gallerywalls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvpsS417YJITQSkBSjEZ9r9JDHdmEA_tP-lHp7r9BrB5yhqMC_S8-cChX9xBvw3wuDoPsrvc-p2AORLtHBrEzhT7RN-2IbEr0wf8BZr5-KmPtu-zCRzFuAEZ59quJsJm11gHi4-vq2dI/s1600/gallerywalls3.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Living Room</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aZZ-X01oEpnCHgUMcjQgP2FiyqleBs9ZejfhjkjicDrshEKhu89kOG60IvVzGkwaJJKxnvyEmtE5poW0q9QISyrKj8KuqMvELBIbkzj6OPx-jKcm_xDtLKUpXUKlXspSFrgPd6FP34o/s1600/gallerywalls4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aZZ-X01oEpnCHgUMcjQgP2FiyqleBs9ZejfhjkjicDrshEKhu89kOG60IvVzGkwaJJKxnvyEmtE5poW0q9QISyrKj8KuqMvELBIbkzj6OPx-jKcm_xDtLKUpXUKlXspSFrgPd6FP34o/s1600/gallerywalls4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Candle holders, candles and Eiffel Tower: <a href="http://www.kirklands.com/?cid=paidsearch&gclid=Cj0KEQjw_pmoBRDu986bpISz5ZsBEiQANiuHDFasb-f45nDhKs6X-e3CKLCz-6-IFbcF0jz-QPy8b4AaAtL48P8HAQ">Kirklands</a></div>
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This wall actually may be my favorite in the whole house. </div>
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It's right inside our front door and a spot I see daily. </div>
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I love that it houses some of my favorite photos </div>
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from <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2014/02/before-we-were-5.html">before we were five</a> and <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2014/02/and-then-there-were-five.html">after we were five</a>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Play Room</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreIgDVVPy51S97WkoDgDQ7pyu08CBzVLKtuFkz6ZHL_G1doheRZlIA6uuCRpSxxZqgiHVYlQsZGublMY7MPHeA5W92sapcu8l_0p9GTKZDGsmm3SC9Lk467Ak90is6vlHXJ-fcBjvW7A/s1600/gallerywalls5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjreIgDVVPy51S97WkoDgDQ7pyu08CBzVLKtuFkz6ZHL_G1doheRZlIA6uuCRpSxxZqgiHVYlQsZGublMY7MPHeA5W92sapcu8l_0p9GTKZDGsmm3SC9Lk467Ak90is6vlHXJ-fcBjvW7A/s1600/gallerywalls5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Chalkboard: <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/red+annabelle+chalkboard.do?&refType=&from=Search">World Market</a></div>
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Art: Braden ;)</div>
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Felt Garland: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1009499894">Gracie and Marie</a></div>
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Mason Jar Garland: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thepaperporchshoppe">Paper Porch</a></div>
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I love this wall in our play room because it reminds me daily to have grace. </div>
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Am I good at that, not exactly, but the reminder is something I need OFTEN. </div>
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Braden loves seeing his art on the wall and the garlands tie it all together. </div>
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They are my favorite! </div>
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Do you enjoy decorating? </div>
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I think walls are my favorite to decorate because you can do so much</div>
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plus little hands can't reach the items most of the time. </div>
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Just don't look at the part of the walls they can reach</div>
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because grubby little hands have left some marks! </div>
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That's what makes a house a home though, right? ;) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyS-h4eCPK3kGpNraKPa_FfGUljfJxuLRazk3jPpkdvVlqqXKYtv413v62CkZMdhovXRzFsMt2q83YJVewI5cyX_W4aSTbBflQ6W-HJ9R9GYYaDJmHfax0NAW8N-eiX-zFihN25i-kb4/s1600/gallerywalls6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyS-h4eCPK3kGpNraKPa_FfGUljfJxuLRazk3jPpkdvVlqqXKYtv413v62CkZMdhovXRzFsMt2q83YJVewI5cyX_W4aSTbBflQ6W-HJ9R9GYYaDJmHfax0NAW8N-eiX-zFihN25i-kb4/s1600/gallerywalls6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-52340376085569679662015-03-13T16:19:00.002-05:002015-03-13T16:19:49.019-05:00Favorite Reads <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzabsyrDl7b-4w1vXkurtm07KDps4W20LITHsPa4up7-J9NUdsJRiqcwAE1iNrTKj1SEnELAlNiKudahqx9jlR9-0U47g44syuvX8zNGY9Ec4S94QENMhzU2UOxn6lGPpqNw1Tv6R-jM/s1600/2favreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzabsyrDl7b-4w1vXkurtm07KDps4W20LITHsPa4up7-J9NUdsJRiqcwAE1iNrTKj1SEnELAlNiKudahqx9jlR9-0U47g44syuvX8zNGY9Ec4S94QENMhzU2UOxn6lGPpqNw1Tv6R-jM/s1600/2favreads.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Wow, it's Friday already!<br />
This week just flew by!<br />
<br />
I haven't read as many blogs as I've wanted to this week because it's been somewhat busy,<br />
but I did read a few posts that I want to share with you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.todaysthebestday.com/13-things-your-wife-wants-you-to-know-about-motherhood/#comment-11953">13 things your wife wants you to know about motherhood</a> had me nodding<br />
and saying, "yes! yes! yes!" I really agreed with all the points especially 7 & 9.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/06/01/but_im_a_good_mormon_wife/">But I'm a good Mormon wife</a> was an interesting read.<br />
It made me sad, but I'm definitely intrigued by the faith.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://meganflatt.com/7-habits-of-productive-mama-ceos/">7 Habits of Productive Mama CEOs</a> had me at the title.<br />
I'm a mama, I like to be productive... surely I need some of these habits!<br />
I think these are great habits and I need to work at them!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://findingjoy.net/six-motherhood-truths-for-quitting-days/">Six motherhood truths for those days when you want to quit</a> grabbed me because I have those days!<br />
I think every mama does and these truths are so good to hear from one mom to another.<br />
This is one of those blog posts I want to print out and put on my fridge! I really like #5.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cleanmama.net/2015/03/feeling-overwhelmed-do-one-of-these-simple-tasks.html">Feeling Overwhelmed? Do One of These Simple Tasks</a> is a post about cleaning<br />
and I'll be honest and tell you that I just like these sorts of posts.<br />
Clean Mama is one of my favorites to follow on <a href="https://instagram.com/cleanmama/">Instagram</a>, so if you like that sort of thing<br />
check her out! I love her cleaning schedule - has helped me so much!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mommysmetime.com/why-i-dont-feel-guilty-about-wanting-to-clean-when-im-with-my-kids/">Why I Don't Feel Guilty About Wanting To Clean When I'm With My Children</a><br />
is another post about cleaning and may have been my favorite post I've read from this week.<br />
It made a great point about why maybe a dirty house may really bother us.<br />
I'd never thought of it this way, but makes perfect sense!<br />
I like a clean slate and maybe that's not a bad thing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.alysonm.com/2015/03/smores-cookie-bars-a-quick-easy-dessert.html">S'mores Cookie Bars</a> look amazing! I mean, it might be because I'm doing the Whole30,<br />
but I always love a good s'more and they look so easy!<br />
<br />
Did you read any great blog posts this week?<br />
Share in the comments!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-21849636737435403032015-03-12T08:30:00.000-05:002015-03-12T09:24:58.614-05:00Lost In MotherhoodThere are so many things in motherhood that I didn't expect,<br />
so many things that surprised me because I never thought them possible.<br />
The mom guilt. The wanting to run away. The constant tiredness.<br />
The fact that a crying baby or fussy toddler could<br />
make you feel like you may very well lose your mind.<br />
The realizing that it really is the hardest job in the world.<br />
I mean, I'd heard that, but didn't realize until the baby was actually in my arms.<br />
Another thing that never even crossed my mind?<br />
That one day I would feel as if I'd completely lost myself in motherhood.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpv-iyeociudeRKjgmsfsNaxVrv7HxFGy-ijK8uDT8DJ8w37RQbar8uK2ZnOke8i2_vxzuFuv8XVvKkI_tXZq3tsm2CQNk78ibOfxiQX6xzM6oV0c5zg52DdeiOqsE3k_W8N_JgK9d3I/s1600/lostinm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikpv-iyeociudeRKjgmsfsNaxVrv7HxFGy-ijK8uDT8DJ8w37RQbar8uK2ZnOke8i2_vxzuFuv8XVvKkI_tXZq3tsm2CQNk78ibOfxiQX6xzM6oV0c5zg52DdeiOqsE3k_W8N_JgK9d3I/s1600/lostinm2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I can feel so lost in the...<br />
diapers I change multiple times a day<br />
mountain of crumbs that seem to<br />
pile up on the kitchen floor or the never-ending laundry.<br />
crying, fussing, whining.<br />
breaking up siblings fights.<br />
meals and snacks I feel like I'm always putting on the table.<br />
blocks and trains that are all over the place.<br />
never ending words coming out of my kids mouths<br />
getting up early and going to bed late.<br />
<br />
As mama's we give our all to our kids<br />
because they need us, they depend on us.<br />
It's not just the giving and doing that can leave me feeling lost.<br />
At times I feel like I've lost a little bit of myself.<br />
Some days it feels like I've lost huge chunks of who I used to be.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWklvKbyLvIJDBA3l7p4oWpG08hSCY8CVi60YsJKdTRqMEU91GVNGZCbr82snz4A23tlhlH18aqpUSE3c_oKR9cHoFV2gyJ74bYGEsh27oY5S8tDjGuRC0cAO1gWo9y1chBdWkxiR0pU/s1600/lostinm4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWklvKbyLvIJDBA3l7p4oWpG08hSCY8CVi60YsJKdTRqMEU91GVNGZCbr82snz4A23tlhlH18aqpUSE3c_oKR9cHoFV2gyJ74bYGEsh27oY5S8tDjGuRC0cAO1gWo9y1chBdWkxiR0pU/s1600/lostinm4.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
Between taking care of the kids and the house,<br />
I often don't feel like I have time to even think.<br />
It's actually something I've been struggling with for a while now.<br />
So often it can feel like I really don't have the time to ponder things.<br />
To ponder how I think or feel about things,<br />
to think about my relationship with God,<br />
to think about my passions.<br />
I used to be so much better at it.<br />
I used to journal like my life depended on it<br />
and I used to know what I enjoyed doing, what I cared about.<br />
I feel like I've lost that part of myself in motherhood.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I think it's somewhat normal to lose parts of yourself when you become a mom.<br />
Your given this little bundle of joy and it changes things.<br />
Maybe it changes your relationship with friends<br />
because they don't have children yet and that leaves you feeling lost.<br />
Maybe it changes your marriage some because you have to figure this out together<br />
and sometimes thats the hardest thing to do.<br />
Maybe it changes what you care about, what your passions even are.<br />
Maybe it changes what your day to day looks like.<br />
You can no longer just go out because you have a baby to take care of.<br />
You can no longer have as much free time<br />
as you used to because the kids need a lot of attention.<br />
Kids definitely change things in life.<br />
The truth is I am a different person.<br />
I have lost some things, but mostly I think, I've just changed.<br />
Even though I think I've lost some things as a mama,<br />
I think deep down I haven't lost the core of who I really am.<br />
I'm still caring and compassionate.<br />
Helping people is still a passion of mine.<br />
God is still important to me.<br />
I take comfort in knowing that a lot of me is still the same<br />
and as I think about it, I'm not really sure that I've lost myself in motherhood.<br />
I've just changed and grown. I'm just a different me as a mom.<br />
And that's okay. I think that's the way it's suppose to be.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPSf08u9Z1rmC6SzoMdmvAKY_4Wh8u-quW_cIteXF31fNAGgoU2kv9Xx8SsVFPy_whaYwxzkjS2TaSnLXY1gMBq8PNk-oSPo3E-PmrFIwi27AH2E23ESttO0uchyphenhyphenMQ4cyJgx3e8PqDDE/s1600/lostinm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPSf08u9Z1rmC6SzoMdmvAKY_4Wh8u-quW_cIteXF31fNAGgoU2kv9Xx8SsVFPy_whaYwxzkjS2TaSnLXY1gMBq8PNk-oSPo3E-PmrFIwi27AH2E23ESttO0uchyphenhyphenMQ4cyJgx3e8PqDDE/s1600/lostinm5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some days I may feel lost (okay, maybe more than some days...)<br />
but I believe that this whole motherhood thing is a journey<br />
and I'm simply finding my way and finding myself through it.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fjg9skRhZQf1B44gK0EsoqocE3gMrGyAgF6OMshJSJfiigf5k1q9SG3637GgpD8f4WznP2Pee7bd1gMUX9Dy3evInitUUO709o7nNJ9Aw5yd2uiAV0UcKpnnqm-ShqNwtgBX8883lo4/s1600/lostinm6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fjg9skRhZQf1B44gK0EsoqocE3gMrGyAgF6OMshJSJfiigf5k1q9SG3637GgpD8f4WznP2Pee7bd1gMUX9Dy3evInitUUO709o7nNJ9Aw5yd2uiAV0UcKpnnqm-ShqNwtgBX8883lo4/s1600/lostinm6.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Do you feel like you've lost yourself in motherhood?<br />
Want to read what two other mama's think about losing yourself in motherhood?<br />
Check out <a href="https://wongpressdotcom.wordpress.com/">this post</a> and <a href="http://journeyintorealmsunknown.blogspot.com/">this post</a> written by some friends of mine!<br />
Motherhood looks different to all of us, but all our thoughts are good ones!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-92143251312601854182015-03-09T12:26:00.000-05:002015-03-10T12:41:27.475-05:00India Inspired Reading Nook with World Market <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Disclosure: I am participating in this campaign as a member </i></div>
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<i>of the World Market Ambassador Program. </i></div>
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<i>I received compensation in the form of gift cards, but all opinions are my own.</i></div>
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In honor of the movie The Second Best Marigold Hotel, </div>
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I'm excited to share with you fun way to </div>
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bring some beautiful <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=indian">Indian decor</a> into your home! </div>
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Something I've always loved is the idea of a reading nook in our home</div>
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or a space to escape to journal or nap (because I always want that!). </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The World Market India Inspired Reading Nook</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubLxWSutbdNCU4X0Kl85Z8Ne9Y7xcuRvPDi5UnAeonU2MzrRCE-601qDBmOjqMFEP3gIcH4N_ActflGKZWWkWcm8B1zpZqKehwyynWJ2O9fnOb0Ae4ZkNzKvaXXTYE0LS0vWypmAN4RY/s1600/indiawm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubLxWSutbdNCU4X0Kl85Z8Ne9Y7xcuRvPDi5UnAeonU2MzrRCE-601qDBmOjqMFEP3gIcH4N_ActflGKZWWkWcm8B1zpZqKehwyynWJ2O9fnOb0Ae4ZkNzKvaXXTYE0LS0vWypmAN4RY/s1600/indiawm1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the cozy, reading spot you'll need: </div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/indian-gauze-canopy.do">Indian Cotton Gauze Canopy</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/gray+luxe+knit+throw+with+black+border.do?from=Search&cx=0">Gray Luxe Knit Throw</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/floral+audrey+reversible+pillow+shams%2C+set+of+2.do">Floral Audrey Reversible Pillow Shams</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/printed+floral+throw+pillow.do?&refType=4">Printed Floral Throw Pillow</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/multicolor+diamond+wool+pouf.do?&refType=&from=Search">Multicolored Diamond Pouf</a></div>
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Aren't these items just beautiful? </div>
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Looks like the perfect cozy spot to me! </div>
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I may have to grab the canopy for sure! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_1H7njjk3GlPfBh816kFXx9_E_up_uRvIX6CfH2aSzeVKzOYt4w-0obTIx4f2iAYH4c8LS7RVqBwYXhYVy7ZG_R5CyT-_oWehGvgTAu4xsxWosXIOmW7hCaXA0KAlKKuvwneMmKAQXg/s1600/indiawm2.jpg" height="400" width="390" /></div>
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For the table you'll need:</div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/cala-hammered-coffee-table.do">Cala Hammered Coffee Table</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/warm+multicolor+hanging+hurricane+lantern.do">Multicolored Hurricane Lanterns</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/hammered+copper+mug.do?&refType=&from=Search">Hammered Copper Mug</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/mercury+glass+scented+filled+candle+cloches%2C+set+of+4.do?&refType=&from=Search">Mercury Glass Scented Candles </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/hexagonal+wood+peacock+box.do">Hexagonal Wood Peacock Box</a></div>
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I love having pretty things set out on a table </div>
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and I don't believe there's such thing as too many candle or lanterns!</div>
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Also, gotta have something to drink while relaxing, so the mug is perfect! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1NfZ6-3sPhAevTUo7ImADn3V6wXQow7rkMs-TiiGs3v0aUXRs1uLl62zs9l2FO0zMK9WIbX6QEc98znirvyXeqCF1-SyYaDtiejcfqkry9VCmNHgSe9Upnv8OSCmAvKx4VMStwkjy94/s1600/indiawm3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1NfZ6-3sPhAevTUo7ImADn3V6wXQow7rkMs-TiiGs3v0aUXRs1uLl62zs9l2FO0zMK9WIbX6QEc98znirvyXeqCF1-SyYaDtiejcfqkry9VCmNHgSe9Upnv8OSCmAvKx4VMStwkjy94/s1600/indiawm3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the wall space you'll need:</div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/red+mirror+with+gold+detail.do">Red Mirror With Gold Detail</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/assorted-painted-square-hooks-set-of-4.do">Painted Square Hooks</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/desiree-metal-bell-pendant.do">Desiree Metal Bell Pendant Lamp</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/carved+wood+wall+sconce+candleholders%2C+set+of+2.do">Carved Wood Wall Sconce Candleholders</a></div>
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I just love the red mirror! Such a beautiful focus piece and definitely speaks India to me! </div>
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What pieces are your favorite from the <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/search.do?query=indian+decor">Indian inspired</a> collection at World Market? </div>
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It's always hard for me to choose because I just love it all! </div>
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This reading nook is inspired by the movie The Second Best Marigold Hotel, </div>
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which is out in theaters March 6th! </div>
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In the movie an owner of The Marigold Hotel (Sonny), decides when his hotel </div>
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gets full decides its a good idea to open another hotel, </div>
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but it turns out to be more than he bargained for </div>
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(especially with one hotel already and his wedding coming soon). </div>
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This is a fun movie that you won't want to miss! </div>
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You also don't want to miss the <a href="http://www.worldmarketsweepstakes.com/">Best Exotic Sweepstakes</a> World Market is hosting now!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE4zyTrcA399D67ccwAP5C3XMGsmM-zDTZNrifAZ2MxX-jprejpTIFcmZYX9K2xQqS9TkagoOEiVM2W0vTDLnBTBdVrjsRazqEPml1ca0g2uI41bAR0G2RWOWZmP_IoNtrMyUeVKvpf8/s1600/Marigold+Sweeps-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUE4zyTrcA399D67ccwAP5C3XMGsmM-zDTZNrifAZ2MxX-jprejpTIFcmZYX9K2xQqS9TkagoOEiVM2W0vTDLnBTBdVrjsRazqEPml1ca0g2uI41bAR0G2RWOWZmP_IoNtrMyUeVKvpf8/s1600/Marigold+Sweeps-2.png" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.worldmarketsweepstakes.com/">Enter and you could win</a>: </div>
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Grand Prize Package:</div>
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Trip for 2 to India</div>
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Free movies for a year</div>
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$1,000 Gift-card to World Market</div>
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Plus Three First Prizes:</div>
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$5000 World Market Gift Cards</div>
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Giveaway ends 3/27/15, so be sure to enter at http://www.worldmarketsweepstakes.com</div>
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Good luck! </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-62346434595692712612015-03-06T08:00:00.000-06:002015-03-06T08:00:06.049-06:00Favorite Reads <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNhjTlVvxT9CoGXqcaLWSVVg1HBpMAG-J-V-Kk078wuRMQjcmylc6ahNGBDV_1kDYYJZpAR91PsJAsFJMDc_rVlk9QRjMLLjQA8vIcALFlPmPyi9keZ6gJRjIkOHk25LF4Le7mogogro/s1600/favreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNhjTlVvxT9CoGXqcaLWSVVg1HBpMAG-J-V-Kk078wuRMQjcmylc6ahNGBDV_1kDYYJZpAR91PsJAsFJMDc_rVlk9QRjMLLjQA8vIcALFlPmPyi9keZ6gJRjIkOHk25LF4Le7mogogro/s1600/favreads.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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I used to share favorite blogposts I had read throughout the week. </div>
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I hadn't been spending a ton of time reading them however, so of course, I stopped.</div>
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However, I'm a big fan of supporting other bloggers (and being supported - duh), </div>
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so I've started getting back into reading </div>
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and want to start sharing some favorites posts on Fridays. </div>
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If you want something to read go ahead and check them out! </div>
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<a href="http://teressajane.com/2015/03/just-march-goals/">Just Do It</a> really spoke to me because I often fearful that I am waisting time. </div>
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She had some really good goals and tips for acheiving them. I definitely need to write my own list! </div>
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<a href="http://www.cloisteredaway.com/how-to-find-community-in-motherhood/">How To Find Community In Motherhood</a> had me at the title. </div>
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Finding friends/community is a huge struggle for me! I need all the help I can get ;)</div>
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I really appreciated the idea of reaching out to others </div>
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because they aren't necessarily going to reach out to you!</div>
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<a href="http://www.kimspeaksup.com/quick-to-listen-slow-to-speak-part-3/">Quick To Listen & Slow To Speak</a> of course grabbed my attention right away</div>
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because I definitely want to be that type of person! </div>
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Its a great post about mastering our thoughts and gives 12 tips to do so. </div>
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This is definitely something I need help in doing, so I'm going to give these tips a try.</div>
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<a href="http://findingjoy.net/what-did-you-do-all-day/">What Did You Do All Day?</a> is spot on when it comes to do all the things that moms do </div>
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all day long! It's about so much more than our to-do list! It's the little and small things we do in motherhood. I really loved this! </div>
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<a href="http://beckykopitzke.com/quit-being-so-grateful/">Quit Being So Grateful</a> is a post I really, really love! You know you want to read it </div>
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just because of the title don't you? It speaks truth to the fact that just because Christians</div>
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are "suppose to be joyful" all the time doesn't mean we shouldn't be honest </div>
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about how we are really feeling! This spoke good truth to my heart! </div>
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<a href="http://www.morningmotivatedmom.com/march-goals/">March goals</a> is another goals post, but I had to share because there were some awesome</div>
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goals, but also some amazing ways to make sure she was accomplishing her goals!</div>
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I especially loved how she tracked her screen time. I must do that! </div>
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Those are my favorites from this week! </div>
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Did you have a favorite blog post from this week? </div>
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Happy Friday friends! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-54124243037829559782015-03-05T13:33:00.000-06:002015-03-05T13:33:43.035-06:00My Health: It's more than just about food, it's about my spirit<br />
I pulled out the veggies I needed to make my salad for the lunch.<br />
The spinach, carrots, tomatoes, carrots and as I started chopping them,<br />
I heard the lyrics from the Pandora station...<br />
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<i>And I will worship You Lord </i><br />
<i>Only you Lord</i><br />
<i>And I will bow down before You Lord</i><br />
<i>Only you Lord</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Instantly tears welled up in my eyes and a sob caught in my throat.<br />
I stood here in the middle of the kitchen making myself a salad,<br />
like its the healthiest thing I could do for myself.<br />
Yet, as I heard those words, I also heard the truth in my heart.<br />
My health, it's more than about food. So much more than about food.<br />
It's also about my spirit because I can feed myself physically,<br />
but if I don't feed myself spiritually than I'll never feel completely healthy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuGimfm95FuwE3yJNEF4CN3L2kgP0DgUP9ODMCBw_iB61kVHRIXO2nE0_NMe1X2O0zVD1bssF8GOwVuYnNusy7U8dZqdD6NPVUkrt8l-eYDSZTFxSFgUZcfsj3g1nv9GjXZO0EZ-WhQU/s1600/morethanfood2.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/AVvXsEgeuGimfm95FuwE3yJNEF4CN3L2kgP0DgUP9ODMCBw_iB61kVHRIXO2nE0_NMe1X2O0zVD1bssF8GOwVuYnNusy7U8dZqdD6NPVUkrt8l-eYDSZTFxSFgUZcfsj3g1nv9GjXZO0EZ-WhQU/s1600/morethanfood2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know deep inside me that I need to open my Bible everyday.<br />
It is one of the things I've wanted to be <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-word-for-2015-intentional.html">intentional</a> about this year.<br />
The truth though? I often just think about reading the Word and don't actually do it.<br />
I started off doing well this year, telling myself I would read the whole Bible in a year<br />
with <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/">She Reads Truth</a>, but then I got behind and I kind of just gave up.<br />
I'm the type of person that feels like if I can't do something well, I just don't do it at all.<br />
That's what's happened here even though I know it's not about being perfect.<br />
He doesn't call us to be perfect. He calls us to just come to Him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJOZOwrAqj6_m5xMB8olhD9jblt_BxOylKxRZkBg67OYRmVnjmEln7k1wYjNNL8eUOMv0pmbtAm3UbLLTatiRDbj8T60r_0Wpyrzsy9e0oFL_h0Cjy27TKh1k4g7yElGKJvSkA4EKwbQ/s1600/morethanfood1.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/AVvXsEjHJOZOwrAqj6_m5xMB8olhD9jblt_BxOylKxRZkBg67OYRmVnjmEln7k1wYjNNL8eUOMv0pmbtAm3UbLLTatiRDbj8T60r_0Wpyrzsy9e0oFL_h0Cjy27TKh1k4g7yElGKJvSkA4EKwbQ/s1600/morethanfood1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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My heart knows that it needs The Word.<br />
My soul longs for it and I am so good at depriving myself of it.<br />
I could give you a list of excuses (that are real and true), but He wants us to walk with Him<br />
regardless of it all and I've been running away from it lately.<br />
I know though, that even though I eat a salad daily for lunch<br />
and I try to skip the ice cream,<br />
that those things aren't enough for this tired, exhausted mama.<br />
The healthier thing I can do for my body and soul is go to The Word.<br />
It fills me with more peace than anything else ever could.<br />
So in order to get back to being healthy spiritually tomorrow I start waking up early,<br />
before the kids, before my husband, but not to tackle my to-do list,<br />
like I'll feel the urge to do,<br />
but to feed my heart and mind with God.<br />
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I know it will do my body, mind, and soul some good.<br />
Not to mention I know my days will go much better<br />
having some time before everyone else wakes.<br />
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Do you struggle with this?<br />
What have you found that has helped you?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-63221014218544404412015-03-04T08:00:00.000-06:002015-03-04T08:00:07.032-06:00Stop the comparison It was another night of me sobbing into my husband's chest.<br />
I cried and cried about how hard motherhood is.<br />
I cried and cried because I'm tired of the disobedience, the crying, the fussing.<br />
Who am I kidding, I was crying because I'm just plain tired ALL THE TIME.<br />
I cried because I understand how some mom's just leave and never come back<br />
and then I cried some more because I love them so much<br />
and of course I'd never do that (BUT I GET IT).<br />
Then, huge tears fell from my eyes as I cried about all the other mom's who<br />
seem to always be enjoying their children all of the time.<br />
Why can't I be that mom? Why can't I adore them so much all the time?<br />
Why can't I always think they are the best gift in the entire world all the time?<br />
<br />
Then, my husband said a few things that I needed to hear<br />
and probably will need to hear again.<br />
He told me that a lot of what I was saying wasn't true...<br />
The wanting to enjoy them, the adoring them, the thinking they are a gift...<br />
That I may say I don't, but that he could scroll<br />
through my Instagram feed and see otherwise.<br />
They are my world, it's obvious, but it's okay I don't always feel all<br />
the lovely feelings when it comes to motherhood.<br />
He realized right away that all these moms I'm seeing are mostly on social media<br />
(mainly <a href="https://instagram.com/thefreshlybrewed/">Instagram</a> because um, I have a problem and I rarely leave the house)<br />
and he told me that's not real life or at least not all of it.<br />
He told me that I'm a really honest person<br />
and that not all people are as open and honest as I am.<br />
People often don't post the ugly, messy, losing my mind moments.<br />
They post the beautiful, happy, good moments.<br />
<br />
Maybe you see a smiling mama nursing her baby in the passenger seat of the car.<br />
What you don't see though? Is the fact that 10 minutes before hand that sweet baby<br />
was screaming her head off and her now smiling mama was about to yank her hair out.<br />
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Maybe you see three sweet kids all in the bathtub.<br />
What you don't see though? The fact that they were just dumping water on the carpet<br />
for about the billionth time and their mom was screaming for them to quit it<br />
or it was bedtime RIGHT NOW!<br />
<br />
Maybe you see a mama talking a picture with all her kiddos and she's so<br />
thankful and grateful that they are hers because they are the best kids in the world.<br />
What you don't see though? Sometimes she goes to her closet just to sit and eat<br />
chocolate because all of it feels so overwhelming sometimes<br />
and she's just so afraid she can't do it anymore.<br />
<br />
We often don't see those times because we don't want to admit it so openly.<br />
That makes us vulnerable and afraid that other people will think we are failing.<br />
We may think we are failing, but we don't want others to see it or call us out on it.<br />
So we post the beautiful, the happy, the good.<br />
Often those things can make us mama's feel like failures, like we aren't good enough,<br />
like there is something wrong with us<br />
because ours lives aren't as beautiful and happy as that other woman's.<br />
Well, I'm writing here to tell you (and myself) that's bull-crap.<br />
Every mama (every single person really) has bad, ugly, not-picture perfect moments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULDYQUy5rKMuvUIsk0lnOK_8xhjFNbIpaMrr0kWasNKC4mNTs8BoifvQajjnSmXjH8xm_eid_y5uVQah1T095JQkSHqnp0t6YZ9S3Wyp3YciZsj1OOORmZBQG4qm6H1aAen3Ni4TQ5Y0/s1600/stopcomp.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/AVvXsEjULDYQUy5rKMuvUIsk0lnOK_8xhjFNbIpaMrr0kWasNKC4mNTs8BoifvQajjnSmXjH8xm_eid_y5uVQah1T095JQkSHqnp0t6YZ9S3Wyp3YciZsj1OOORmZBQG4qm6H1aAen3Ni4TQ5Y0/s1600/stopcomp.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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Motherhood is hard enough without playing the comparison game.<br />
So, let's stop comparing our lives to the ones we see through the screen.<br />
Let's stop comparing and start knowing that we aren't seeing the big picture.<br />
That life is beautiful and messy whether or not we share it or it shared with us.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-62484404558453832032015-02-26T11:04:00.000-06:002015-02-26T11:04:25.654-06:00Coffee with a side of vulnerbility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM9ZUoNi1Y0zLE9wbIMDdJTLK70PTvHU5GmckdGCcKTsbCHPhPQMk69en2JDPaYT6QBiXyJv5VikhjnmD1BwHCkU-549BGVzzOssbr4ILIqucG-HiBr-HlOdV3zlRAzjKtBqT-18_Cco/s1600/coffeedate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuM9ZUoNi1Y0zLE9wbIMDdJTLK70PTvHU5GmckdGCcKTsbCHPhPQMk69en2JDPaYT6QBiXyJv5VikhjnmD1BwHCkU-549BGVzzOssbr4ILIqucG-HiBr-HlOdV3zlRAzjKtBqT-18_Cco/s1600/coffeedate.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Just at the beginning of the week I wrote how I struggle with <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2015/02/a-blank-space.html">sharing in this space</a>. </div>
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It's not the first time I've struggled with that and more than likely not the last. </div>
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Today though, I feel a strong desire to write some things out </div>
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simply just to put them out there. </div>
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So, let's have a virtual coffee date where I share some pieces of my heart. </div>
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The funny thing about that is, a virtual coffee date seems safer than an actual coffee date. </div>
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You see, these are things I probably wouldn't tell you (or anyone face to face) </div>
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because the words just seem to get stuck in my throat. </div>
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Right now, coffee through the internet seems a bit safer. </div>
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So grab your own cup, listen to my heart, and maybe share some of your own.</div>
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If we were having a coffee date these are the things I'd want to tell you...</div>
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Last night as I was trying to drift off to sleep, </div>
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I just felt really messy and broken inside. </div>
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I know we're all broken and that only God can take the brokeness and fix it. </div>
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Honestly though, a lot of the time I feel like I'm always going to be broken.</div>
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I look at <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2014/08/depression-my-story.html">my story</a> and know that God has brought me out of some dark places,</div>
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but I still feel a lot of pain from it all. </div>
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I wonder if it's always going to be there </div>
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because it doesn't feel like it's ever going to fully heal. </div>
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At some point in my life I just want my heart to not ache when I think of certain things. </div>
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On Tuesday at our Bible study we were talking about "Our People".<br />
You know the people in your life who you need and who you need you.<br />
Those people who you invest in and share life with.<br />
Those people you know will always be there no matter what.<br />
A lot of the ladies talking seemed to have those types of relationships.<br />
Listening to them talk I had to hold back tears because I don't have that.<br />
I used to have that with my college friends,<br />
but those relationships changed and we're all so spread out.<br />
It made me realize how many people I don't have in my life,<br />
<a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2014/08/longing-for-mom-friends.html">long for friends even more</a>, and left me feeling really lonely.<br />
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My relationship with God has also been something I've been having a hard time with.<br />
I wrote about wanting to be <a href="http://thefreshlybrewed.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-word-for-2015-intentional.html">intentional with Him</a>, but I've really sucked at it.<br />
I tend to want to be great at something or just give up.<br />
Sometimes with God I feel myself running away even though I know<br />
that does a lot more harm than good.<br />
I've been shoving my feelings down when it comes to all that.<br />
Not just for myself, but when it comes to teaching my kids about Him.<br />
It all seems overwhelming and so instead of just starting, I completely give up.<br />
I need to cling to grace because I know I won't be perfect,<br />
but He's okay with that... I just struggle in believing that.<br />
<br />
Motherhood has felt so hard lately.<br />
I seem to get to the end of the days feeling like I just can't do it anymore.<br />
It's too hard and I wonder if other mama's struggle like this.<br />
Do they feel like every single day is hard?<br />
How do they make it through the days?<br />
I wonder about all I'm doing wrong and it feels so suffocating to me.<br />
I wish I just knew that it was this hard for other mamas as well<br />
or is there something wrong with me?<br />
<br />
Those are a few of the things I'd tell you if I could get the words out.<br />
They aren't easy to share here, but it does feel good to type the words<br />
out instead of letting them just stir around inside my heart and head.<br />
<br />
What's on your heart friends? Anything you'd like to share.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-88539404203475294692015-02-23T11:11:00.001-06:002015-02-23T11:11:31.037-06:00A Blank Space Sometimes this space is blank.<br />
It's not that I don't want to be here, I don't want to write,<br />
but there's things that stop me from really putting my heart here.<br />
I used to not struggle so much with pouring my heart out on paper.<br />
During high school I wrote for the paper and even in college.<br />
I would write with conviction not really caring who read it or what they thought.<br />
I journaled like my life depended on it and truthfully,<br />
during college, my life did depend on it.<br />
I wish that were still the case now.<br />
Really, it's not that it isn't the case...<br />
I need to write like that, I want to write like that, but fear gets in the way.<br />
Fear of who is reading this space and fear of what people will think.<br />
I think I worry more about who is reading my words more than anything.<br />
Sometimes this space is blank because I'm afraid family is reading<br />
and I don't want them to know so much.<br />
Sometimes I'm afraid people from my past come here (yes, I know I sound paranoid)<br />
and that stops me from writing certain things because I don't want them to<br />
know that at times the past can still affect me far more than I'd like it to.<br />
Those reasons are apart of why this space can be neglected<br />
and then I think about this blog and how I'm just so unsure I even want to keep it up.<br />
I blog mostly about my children and that makes sense because I did start<br />
blogging to write about them, to document their life.<br />
Sometimes though, I wonder if I should just give that up too.<br />
Not necessarily documenting our lives, but putting it out there for the world to see.<br />
I wonder if I'm putting them out there too much?<br />
Is it fair for me to blog about their lives when they can't tell me if they are okay with it?<br />
I'm not the first blogger to wonder this and I'll probably ask myself this many times.<br />
Not just about this space, but all my social media spaces.<br />
My heart is just really unsure of it all even though I do enjoy sharing our lives.<br />
So, if this space (or any space) seems neglected, now you know the reasons why.<br />
I think about my blog daily, but I'm just unsure about keeping up with it<br />
and often think about taking it a different direct completely.<br />
<br />
Do you struggle with sharing your life on social media?<br />
Or is it something you simply don't worry about?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-87183703652636853222015-02-19T19:37:00.000-06:002015-02-19T19:37:14.975-06:00Inside my mama mindThings that come to my mind (and sometimes out of my mouth)<br />
on almost a daily basis, in no real particular order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooAj45C8Z3g8frDeNKXFTyf__5jtRyX_Tql8gziSVDGmcrFqkm7d0u73gROGktujhArYjzWEdgamjvPQyQkAk-Fp4zV39ARfXYcskTC0gVNBYqZtZbK7dsnRr7M3uzEDqWQMsy-0RrCE/s1600/mamasmind1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooAj45C8Z3g8frDeNKXFTyf__5jtRyX_Tql8gziSVDGmcrFqkm7d0u73gROGktujhArYjzWEdgamjvPQyQkAk-Fp4zV39ARfXYcskTC0gVNBYqZtZbK7dsnRr7M3uzEDqWQMsy-0RrCE/s1600/mamasmind1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I should really get out of bed now, before everyone wakes up.<br />
I could read my Bible and get some stuff done before the kids wake up.<br />
It'd be nice to get some things done and have time to myself before the day starts.<br />
I'm so tired though...<br />
<br />
I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.<br />
Why is there not an IV for coffee?<br />
I don't want to make breakfast, I'm too tired.<br />
Poptarts and apples it is!<br />
I really should make eggs though,<br />
but that takes too much time.<br />
<br />
I really wish they'd stop being SO LOUD.<br />
They should have come with a volume button.<br />
That would be so nice.<br />
<br />
They pooped again?<br />
I swear they wait until you change their diaper just to poop.<br />
I am SO SICK of poop!<br />
<br />
Can't they just sit still for like 5 minutes?<br />
Can't they just stop for 5 minutes?<br />
<br />
I am so tired of being touched and climbed on.<br />
I am not a jungle gym, but they sure think I am.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Gosh, they are so cute.<br />
I could just eat Sutton.<br />
I literally want to bite her cheeks.<br />
Is that weird?<br />
<br />
I should play with my kids more.<br />
I don't blame with them enough.<br />
I should do a craft with them. They enjoy crafts.<br />
Maybe after nap time.<br />
<br />
Just make it to nap time. Just make it to nap time.<br />
<br />
If I hear "MOM!" one more time.<br />
<br />
I yell too much.<br />
I know other mom's yell, but do they yell this much?<br />
My neighbors probably hear me and think I'm crazy.<br />
Why can't I just be a better mom?<br />
<br />
We eat too much peanut butter and jelly.<br />
But they like peanut butter and jelly, so that's okay.<br />
<br />
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<br />
How are they so big?<br />
They grow so fast! How do I make it stop?<br />
<br />
I want to run away, right out the front door.<br />
Too bad that's illegal.<br />
<br />
I need a vacation... by myself.<br />
Oh that would be so nice... but I'd miss them.<br />
<br />
Man, I wish my husband was home.<br />
They listen to him more than me.<br />
WHY? I do the exact same things he does.<br />
<br />
I should really clean something,<br />
but they will just mess it up in like 5 seconds.<br />
I should make them help me, but I'm faster.<br />
I should still make them help me.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Gosh, Braden is hilarious.<br />
Maeva is so sassy and moody.<br />
Sutton is such a good baby... so easy... but she's been so cranky lately<br />
<br />
Is it bedtime yet?<br />
Maybe we'll go to bed early tonight.<br />
I wish 6 o'clock could be bed time.<br />
Just make it til 7.<br />
<br />
Ugh, I hate mom guilt.<br />
Why do I always feel so guilty about everything.<br />
This doesn't seem normal. I need to chill.<br />
<br />
Help me Jesus!<br />
Help me to not yell, to be more patient, and loving.<br />
Help my kids listen better... they are driving me crazy!<br />
Why don't they listen? What am I doing wrong?<br />
<br />
Thank goodness it's bed time.<br />
I'm just going to go check on them in their beds.<br />
Oh gosh, they look so cute! I just want to pick them up and hold them.<br />
Don't you dare, they'll wake up! Not worth it!<br />
<br />
And there's a million more of these thoughts that float through my mind daily.<br />
What are some of the things you think daily as a mama? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-72597231390925308672015-02-15T23:30:00.000-06:002015-02-15T23:30:56.342-06:00Yarn of Steele Giveaway <b><i>Disclaimer: I was given this product in exchange for a review, </i></b><br />
<b><i>but my thoughts and opinions are all my own! </i></b><br />
<br />
Happy Monday Friends!<br />
Is there any better way to kick off a Monday than a giveaway?!<br />
I think not! Giveaways are my favorite!<br />
<br />
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I received these fabric covered earrings from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/YarnofSteele?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Yarn of Steele</a> last week </div>
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and instantly thought there were adorable! </div>
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I mean, polka dots and animal print?! My favorite, no question! </div>
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I wore the pink polka dot ones on Valentines day because they added the perfect </div>
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touch to my outfit and I know I'll be wearing the zebra print ones a lot </div>
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because I think animal print goes with so much! </div>
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These are well made and I think would make a great gift for any girl. </div>
I definitely would like the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221131863/handmade-fabric-covered-button-earrings?ref=shop_home_feat_2">leopard print</a> ones and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/221135632/handmade-fabric-covered-button-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_5">floral ones</a> as well.<br />
Want to win a pair of your own? Enter below. Good luck!<br />
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</div>
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="33d1879e5" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33d1879e5/" id="rcwidget_o46jbo4o" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-44877135795979692292015-02-11T10:12:00.001-06:002015-02-11T10:12:20.549-06:00Being a mom of three from A-Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
I actually wrote this post as a guest post a while ago,<br />
but wanted to share it here as well.<br />
Want to know what it's like to be a mama to three little ones<br />
from ages 1 to 4 years? Here are my ABC's for ALL you need to know! ;)<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-size: x-large;">A</b>ction.<br />
Being a mama to three little ones always takes lots of action!<br />
Often I'm just trying to survive and wish we could sit on the couch and watch PBS all day,<br />
but three little ones are full of so much action, that mama has to be too!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">B</b>raden.<br />
The one that first made me a mama. My only boy (so far)!<br />
So loving to his mama and such a good big brother to his sisters!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">C</b>rying.<br />
Somebody is usually always crying, fussing or whining.<br />
It's usually because they aren't getting their way and it's usually the middle child!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">D</b>addy.<br />
I often find myself asking, "Where is daddy?!" because I could always use some help!<br />
The kids often want their daddy too because they love him so much!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">E</b>scape.<br />
Again, this one is for me. I often feel the need to escape.<br />
Most of the time it's to my room with netflix while the kids are napping.<br />
However, I often wish it was running out the door and far far away! ;)<br />
Sometimes I just escape to the closet for five minutes. Especially on really rough days!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">F</b>ood.<br />
Someone is always hungry.<br />
It doesn't matter if they just ate ten minutes ago, they are starving!<br />
They always "want a snack!" and I pretty much always feel like I'm making food!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">H</b>ugs.<br />
I give lots and lots of hugs around here!<br />
They ask for them. I ask for them.<br />
They also ask to be held a lot.<br />
I don't mind it... it may just be one of my favorite things!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">I</b>nsane asylum.<br />
The thought that I may end up in one, one day often passes through my mind.<br />
Motherhood definitely makes me feel crazy almost every day, multiple times a day.<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">J</b>oy.<br />
It is the biggest joy to be their mama.<br />
I may struggle with feeling it daily, but when I sit back and really look at life,<br />
it is the biggest joy because as much as they make me want to run away and cry,<br />
they make me smile and laugh so much more! They are the light in dark moments!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">K</b>nowledgable.<br />
I don't know everything, but I've grown as a mama since having three babies.<br />
We definitely made some mistakes with each child, but learn more and more as we go.<br />
They teach me a lot and with each kid I think I figure out how to be better!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">L</b>ove.<br />
With every single child I've worried about whether or not I'd have enough love for each child.<br />
Is there enough of me? Can I love more than I already do?<br />
The heart grows and there's definitely so much love for my children.<br />
I love them more than I can explain! They are my world!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">M</b>aeva.<br />
My middle child. The girl that is wild and crazy!<br />
She's the one that makes us feel like we're going to lose it, but we love her all the same!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">N</b>eedy.<br />
With three kiddos someone always needs something.<br />
Food, a nap, a toy, to be held, to watch tv, to use the iPad, on and on.<br />
I'm thankful I get to stay home with them and give them the things they need and want!<br />
It may be crazy and not so restful, but I love it!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">O</b>pen.<br />
I'm one of those people that want things to go my way, but I've had to change a lot when it comes to being a mama! I have to be open to change and things not going my way at all. Welcome to parenthood!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">P</b>rayer.<br />
Having a relationship with God is the one thing that keeps me sane! I know that without Him I would really suck at this whole mom thing! I have a constant conversation going on with Him in my head. I need Him (and coffee) daily to get through this whole mom thing!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Q</b>uiet time.<br />
One thing I make sure happens almost daily! I need me time everyday, even if it's just thirty minutes.<br />
My oldest doesn't take a nap, but he does go to his room to play with trains for a bit! It helps me to take care of me and be a better mama for them! I encourage this no matter how many babies you have!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">R</b>unning.<br />
There's always somebody running!<br />
Braden and Maeva like to run laps in the kitchen and I let them because they are getting exercise and having fun! I'm sure someday Sutton will join them!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">S</b>utton.<br />
My baby girl. Possibly our last.<br />
The third one feels like the easy one and I think it's because we're a bit more knowledgeable! ;)<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">T</b>esting my limits.<br />
I'm pretty sure the kids get together and think how can we drive our parents crazy today?!<br />
Braden telling me he doesn't want to use the potty or crying because he wants the iPad.<br />
Maeva screaming her head off just because she feels like it. She's so emo.<br />
I feel like with three there's always someone pushing my buttons!<br />
Except when they are asleep because goodness, then they are all so cute!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">U</b>nreal.<br />
It's weird to be a mom. Often I find myself asking, "These are mine? I have three kids?"<br />
Wasn't I just outside running around at the age of eight? Life sure does fly by and I am so thankful that God chose me to have these babies. As hard as it can be, I really wouldn't change it!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">V</b>ivacious.<br />
All of my kids are full of life and high spirited. Especially when they are together!<br />
They always giggling, yelling, running, playing, and being SO LOUD.<br />
That's one thing that's definitely different from having just one or two kids - it is SO LOUD ALL THE TIME.<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">W</b>ar.<br />
Our house can, at times, feel like a battle ground.<br />
Toddlers have their own opinions about things and want things to go exactly their way.<br />
I guess babies are the same and you can't really reason with them!<br />
If things aren't happening the way they want it feels like a wars about to break out.<br />
I'm often on the losing side especially if all the kids are upset at the same time!<br />
<br />
E<b style="font-size: x-large;">X</b>citing (that's the best I could do;).<br />
The kids are always learning new things and that's one thing I love about being a mama!<br />
I love to see the kids grow and learn about life! Braden can tell me so many trains from Thomas the train and it just leaves me amazed! I couldn't remember all of those! Maeva talks non-stop and it's amazing to see how much she can say and understand! Sutton started crawling earlier than I remember the other two doing so! I love the exciting moments of watching them grow! Makes me so proud to be their mama!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Y</b>ou crazy!<br />
We say that a lot around here! The kids are just crazy, especially when together!<br />
If I have Braden or Maeva by themselves they are so good and well behaved.<br />
Put them together and it's crazy town, but they sure do love one another!<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Z</b>oo.<br />
It's a zoo around here! Come stop by and see!<br />
<br />
There's so many things I could say about being a mama to three little ones.<br />
So many words could describe it. These are just little bits and pieces about how it is with my kids.<br />
It's hard to be a mama. No matter the number of kids you have, but I'm thankful for all of them.<br />
They've changed my heart and made me grow more than I could have imagined. I know they will continue to do so! Even though it's the hardest job in the world, it really is the best!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7577327657226148818.post-63645009422512530512015-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:002015-02-03T10:39:19.291-06:00Three Things That Get This Mama Through Her Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i>Disclaimer: I was given this product in exchange for a review, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>but my love for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/primandpropertoo">Prim & Proper</a> is all my own! </i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwfrCaLPS5LPFnRX3zX7KM6teQiTjcHae5rRGFTjYjJya1iwEeglloF5YvtBBGCrz8dggzPnO7TD3NQUw9U5MVWYgSVJPHITI5WT0zZNG-sh3MrIafk5T1iFiwIGPLcGn1aIJ8TzzGFQ/s1600/primprop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwfrCaLPS5LPFnRX3zX7KM6teQiTjcHae5rRGFTjYjJya1iwEeglloF5YvtBBGCrz8dggzPnO7TD3NQUw9U5MVWYgSVJPHITI5WT0zZNG-sh3MrIafk5T1iFiwIGPLcGn1aIJ8TzzGFQ/s1600/primprop1.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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Motherhood has felt really hard lately.<br />
It seems like I've been dealing with lots of crankiness and disobedience.<br />
Day after day of it, and I just feel exhausted, drained,<br />
and done by the <strike>beginning</strike> end of the day.<br />
When I saw this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/120360744/this-home-runs-on-love-laughter-and?ref=shop_home_active_8">sign</a> in Amanda's shop I instantly loved it<br />
and knew it'd be a great reminder in our home.<br />
Some days I feel like I cannot be "MOMMMMM!" for one more minute.<br />
Some days I feel like I just want to run out the door and not come back.<br />
However, this sign is a good reminder for me.<br />
I know that if I have these three things in my home, then I'll make it through any day.<br />
<br />
All I need in this home is...<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">LOVE</span></b><br />
Slowing down, hugging, kissing, and saying "I love you!" to my kids<br />
can do a lot for my heart (and theirs).<br />
It just takes a second, but often it's just what we need to turn things around.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>LAUGHTER</b></span><br />
A good laugh can instantly change things.<br />
My kids make me laugh every single day with the funny things they say and do.<br />
I hold onto these moments because it makes me realize they aren't just crazy and wild.<br />
No one can make me laugh and smile like my children.<br />
Sometimes I even have to shake my head and laugh at the fits and craziness<br />
because without laughter being there, I surely would lose my mind!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>COFFEE</b></span><br />
Coffee makes everything possible.<br />
Give me lots and lots of coffee and I'm pretty sure I turn into super mom!<br />
Just kidding, but I am thankful for coffee because it does help me get through the day.<br />
I'm not too sure this house would survive if we didn't have our coffee.<br />
<br />
I love this sign because all of these things are important in this home.<br />
Not just for this coffee loving mama, but for all of us<br />
(no I don't purposely let my kiddos drink my coffee,<br />
but they know coffee makes their parents happy).<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimandProperToo?ref=l2-shop-header-avatar">Prim & Proper</a> has many amazing signs that could be a special gift for anyone.<br />
They are sturdy and a great piece for any space in anyones home.<br />
This isn't the only sign I own.<br />
I also have the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119458735/please-excuse-the-mess-we-live-here-hand?ref=shop_home_active_1">please excuse the mess sign</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151408366/mason-jar-personalized-sign?ref=shop_home_active_14">mason jar sign</a>.<br />
They definitely aren't my last from this shop!<br />
I would love to own <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119617464/wash-your-hands-and-say-your-prayers?ref=shop_home_active_1">this sign</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/220547063/rustic-heart-love-sign-hand-painted?ref=shop_home_active_16">this one</a> as well.<br />
<br />
Be sure to check out her shop and tell me which sign you love!<br />
Enter the giveaway below and you could win a<br />
$40 shop credit for any sign of your choice!<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="33d1879e4" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33d1879e4/" id="rcwidget_q39zyoh7" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<br />
Good luck on the giveaway, but if you can't wait use code FRESHLYBREWED for 10% off!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13060068463493621292noreply@blogger.com13