tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77806252024-02-28T10:04:27.620-05:00Wani's WorldOne SAHM's ramblings about life, love and the pursuit of sanity!Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.comBlogger986125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-74645931718283989662022-04-08T09:04:00.004-04:002022-04-08T09:04:47.324-04:00We're Still Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know if anyone is still out there. I can't believe its been five years since I've posted. We're hanging in there. I can't say that the last few years have been easy... but God is still good and we keep moving forward in our own way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUUQkI4FXsi7YWSfkvxMDzYlXUE-BvLqEpyRO41XW9Reluo2zJoqykUXZS1aJzetU89oAAY5yLz_sYzv6S9bFK1onYyBRn9KG-9OeBGJJFGMHTT_FaH-vHrjHa0TrjgpnSG-kwhgF2mqNJv6jjQIey8mbd1NCz_hDErRMuMqyX_pJ9y_nWVc/s4032/20220325_172847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUUQkI4FXsi7YWSfkvxMDzYlXUE-BvLqEpyRO41XW9Reluo2zJoqykUXZS1aJzetU89oAAY5yLz_sYzv6S9bFK1onYyBRn9KG-9OeBGJJFGMHTT_FaH-vHrjHa0TrjgpnSG-kwhgF2mqNJv6jjQIey8mbd1NCz_hDErRMuMqyX_pJ9y_nWVc/s320/20220325_172847.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Isaac and I just celebrated nineteen years of marriage. And he is getting ready to have his 40th birthday this spring. Despite the challenges we have faced we continue to grow closer to one another, bearing one another's burdens together.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUabJq-pDCTwqQkdK4cBr2SQFSzEyXyJTguV_D4rNGGx_RBXgJrZnS2wz9q0Aztp-i-4hMByDQGLWULM7Pw3Jy8XdrMJylUkhbQoUwMQt8Ix71RkPnA6O7wXvutmSWgN2iNZTvfAK_Ic5Vo2ZbITfU6zx04B28w-goo0skW3FibWojuRAOZAU/s4032/20220331_143335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUabJq-pDCTwqQkdK4cBr2SQFSzEyXyJTguV_D4rNGGx_RBXgJrZnS2wz9q0Aztp-i-4hMByDQGLWULM7Pw3Jy8XdrMJylUkhbQoUwMQt8Ix71RkPnA6O7wXvutmSWgN2iNZTvfAK_Ic5Vo2ZbITfU6zx04B28w-goo0skW3FibWojuRAOZAU/s320/20220331_143335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joe and Christine are active and keep us on our toes. Developmentally very little has changed since I posted last. Milestones are few and far between for us. We've continued to struggle to keep Joe's seizures under control. Sometimes we will have stretches of several months without any but for unknown reasons breakthrough seizures return and then we have to go through the tedious process of adjusting meds and trying to find a balance that works for Joe's seizures without turning him into a zombie or the Hulk. Christine's seizures have been under control for quite some time and for that we are very thankful. She continues to be a bright light and is a very happy girl much of the time. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRQj5QyiEuKZYmbczGyFizH_QJCywbGXNkaTRTUHychyCt__AfoxtyB2ONJ81GbUpx2WLsLR3JUkv9D1hXhWxULL2sb-v-EypG52CVhIdIjNVXjhMCCbtODWbTwLnkmSBE3rN4oaveuuOcDJiSUS-C86o5CfiEE6GhX-VaCs5Hq3k3uapQQY/s4032/20220330_154203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigRQj5QyiEuKZYmbczGyFizH_QJCywbGXNkaTRTUHychyCt__AfoxtyB2ONJ81GbUpx2WLsLR3JUkv9D1hXhWxULL2sb-v-EypG52CVhIdIjNVXjhMCCbtODWbTwLnkmSBE3rN4oaveuuOcDJiSUS-C86o5CfiEE6GhX-VaCs5Hq3k3uapQQY/s320/20220330_154203.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nate is sixteen now and is nearly a man. He has flourished in the theatre and we have grown a lot of special friendships there including Nate's relationship with this lovely lady. She and her family are very special to us and we feel blessed to have them in our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know what is next really but I know that we are in His hands and that He works everything for our good. I don't always feel that... but I know it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">And we know that for those who love God all things work together </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">for good,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 10px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28</span></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-80655407624074663772017-01-24T09:24:00.001-05:002017-01-24T09:24:26.244-05:00A Dog's Purpose<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For the purposes of this post (and giveaway) I was asked to share what dogs mean to me. Well, as a cat person I don't a lot of personal history with dogs to share. However, as a special needs mom, I have been looking into options for the future and one of them that has perked my interest is Autism therapy dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to <a href="http://www.projectchance.com/dogs.html">Project Chance</a>: "<span style="background-color: #edecf2; text-align: justify;">Autism assistance dogs are unique to the world of dogs helping people. Unlike the guide dog who helps with physical tasks, the autism assistance dog is there more for emotional support. By simply being there, a solid, sound and reassuring companion can help ease sensory overload, which is a common challenge for those with autism. People with autism are often unable to filter out sensory input – these folks hear, feel and smell everything – all at once – and are usually unable to ignore or redirect those stimuli. With a dog by one’s side, an autism assistance dog can help by giving them a focal point, or a way to ground their random, unceasing environmental experiences."</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edecf2; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Other Autism therapy dog resources include (but are not limited to):</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edecf2; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://usdogregistry.org/?gclid=Cj0KEQiAk5zEBRD9lfno2dek0tsBEiQAWVKyuOPtAgJtfM_EPvWm6KxRAh0JOM9XsBHtvSogvWX5XyUaApKp8P8HAQ"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">United States Dog Registry</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edecf2; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Autism Service Dogs Association</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #edecf2; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://4pawsforability.org/autism-assistance-dog/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Autism Assistance Dogs - Paws 4 Ability</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am not a dog lover, but I am a movie lover. And to my surprise I actually was really moved by the trailer for A Dog's Purpose. Almost made me cry! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.adogspurposemovie.com/">A DOG’S PURPOSE</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">, is a sweet and lovable family film that shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. Told from the perspective of “everybody’s best friend” the film highlights the importance of familial bonds, and the unconditional love we have for our best friends. The movie stars Dennis Quaid, Britt Robertson, K.J. Apa, and John Ortiz.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1jLOOCADTGs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jLOOCADTGs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Doesn't it look great?? Well, I'm going to be giving away a <b>$25 <a href="http://www.fandango.com/">Fandango</a> card</b> to one lucky winner! So, please comment on this post sharing your dog story and I'll draw a winner on Jan27th - which is when the movie is released!</span>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-7804597602631504062016-12-26T08:32:00.000-05:002017-01-24T08:54:44.604-05:00A Glimpse of 2016<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJkzYPFqL0fBaaLnCieyRXgQFmsiRcApCodUOmvc0MHvY_Uw9W7uTKqptjC2DD5v5JzZGY1gepKvaaKEv5Er3KR_Y6W84e1Jo6lDLSUrXOrhp27dVlSTnlxuZYuJJwbFSisfg5g/s1600/2016+year+in+review+f128-5x7card-birdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJkzYPFqL0fBaaLnCieyRXgQFmsiRcApCodUOmvc0MHvY_Uw9W7uTKqptjC2DD5v5JzZGY1gepKvaaKEv5Er3KR_Y6W84e1Jo6lDLSUrXOrhp27dVlSTnlxuZYuJJwbFSisfg5g/s640/2016+year+in+review+f128-5x7card-birdesign.jpg" width="462" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I haven't been blogging much lately. We have been keeping busy and since I'm on Facebook and Instagram often I just haven't felt like I had that much to say here on the blog. But I figured it was about time for a little update. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In truth I struggle every year when it comes to Christmas cards/letters. My mom was pretty good about sending family update letters every Christmas when I was a kid. Everyone likes getting those, right? A little blurb catching you up on whats going on with far away family, etc. Its sweet, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, for us, not much changes from year to year. And that itself is hard to say sometimes. Progress with Joe and Christine is painfully slow. Joe often exhibits behaviors that make us concerned about the future. Both J&C are getting bigger, and we worry about the difficulty of caring for them long-term as they grow up. Sometimes we go about life as usual and don't think about how different our life is from the rest of the world. And other times the thought of it is crippling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My big struggle is how transparent to be in our Christmas letter/card. I don't want to be one of those people that holds everything in and puts on a front instead of allowing myself to be vulnerable with my friends and family. But is our Christmas card really the right venue for sharing my deepest pain as a special needs mom? Not the ideal place to spill all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, my Christmas cards are on the cheery and surface-y side. Everything in them is true, I just leave out the hard stuff. But, I do allow myself to open up to my close friends and family about our life and the challenges that come with it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you are interested in a more in-depth conversation about whats going on with us just give me a call and we can get coffee or something and I'd be happy to share more in person. But as for now, expect my Christmas cards to stay light and fluffy. As Christmas cards should be. </span><br />
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Mark 10:14-15</h4>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: proxima-nova; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.32px;">But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”</span>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-66882272173728920652016-12-18T15:55:00.000-05:002016-12-20T16:03:24.948-05:00Season of Giving<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuvUtEonKM9OSh7QrpuRPUnmxFiKj03_pqCy-t-KSeavqXmllFeMhtI1IJSJ_bIThxBtor6iIwbdRif9R9vIWItI79U6legBbSyIsdUL6fkvL0HIjefwpNWSQ-DTYheZqW5QgIA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuvUtEonKM9OSh7QrpuRPUnmxFiKj03_pqCy-t-KSeavqXmllFeMhtI1IJSJ_bIThxBtor6iIwbdRif9R9vIWItI79U6legBbSyIsdUL6fkvL0HIjefwpNWSQ-DTYheZqW5QgIA/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">Proverbs 22:9</b><span style="color: #333333;"> – "He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor."</span></span></span></h1>
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A few years ago we started doing what we called "Sneaky Santa". We would make treats/goodie bags and drop them off at our friend's houses. Nate loves to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BOFiXe8ArtCZYcP3_WV-A2UuL5kO8d1oSxrRsE0/?taken-by=waniphotog">"ring & run"</a> trying not to get caught. </span></span></h1>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">Over the past couple years the outing has evolved into what we now call Random Acts of Christmas Kindness day. So, in addition to a few friends and family, we also take treats to our local first responders, widows in our church and even taking supplies to Ronald MacDonald House or Sheltering Wings.</span></span></h1>
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<span style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">While it seems to be a little more work each year as it has grown and changed, I love that we get to do this together every holiday season. It is so special seeing Nate get into the spirit of giving. </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333;">Deuteronomy 15:10</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> – "Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There are SO many ways that you and your family can do random acts of kindness in your own community. Here are a couple of links to help you and your kids do your own "Random Acts of Kindness" and help to instill the spirit of giving into your children while they're young!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.coffeecupsandcrayons.com/100-acts-kindness-kids/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">100 Acts of Kindness for Kids</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bradaronson.com/random-acts-of-kindness/"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Random Acts of Kindness - 25 Ideas for raising grateful and kind kids</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/random-acts-of-kindness-ideas/?etslf=3897&eq=random"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Many more ideas on my Random Acts of Kindness Pinterest board!</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">AND.... in the spirit of giving... Grace Hill Media has sponsored another great giveaway! I have DVD copies of <a href="http://greaterthemovie.com/">Greater</a> and <a href="http://hillsongmovie.com/">Hillsong</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">GREATER is</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> a film about an unlikely young man who had all the odds stacked up against him when he tried out to play football at one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. Both films highlight the perseverance people can have when they lean on their faith and when they do that – God enables them to do extraordinary things in life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">HILLSONG – LET HOPE RISE</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> was a phenomenon when it came out in theaters this past September and we’d love to continue the worship experience with everyone this holiday season. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Both of these quality films <span style="background-color: white;">release on DVD on Tuesday, December 20th. Please comment on this post with your idea of a Random Act of Kindness to be entered in the giveaway. I'll post the winner on Christmas Day!</span></span></div>
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Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-66041069679016062712016-03-15T12:31:00.002-04:002016-03-15T12:31:42.101-04:00Quick DIY Art - Bunting FrameI have been wanting to create some simple artwork to replace the photo collage I have had hanging for awhile. I scoured Pinterest for ideas and was immediately drawn to this bunting frame. (click photo for pin) <br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774588076328/"><img alt="Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray Bedroom The bedding would look good in the guest room.: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/cd/ac/43/cdac435c4354ff1e650668a531263c5f.jpg" /></a><br />
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And then I saw this one and loved the combination of burlap and fabric hearts! (click photo for pin)<br />
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774588076330/"><img alt="Heartful Burlap Bunting - this would be easy to make with stars (instead of hearts) cut out of Christmas fabric.: " class="pinImage rounded" data-load-state="pending" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/5f/61/32/5f6132b52a878c0694bea120b2267290.jpg" /></a><br />
I rounded up some fabric scraps in my sewing stash and broke out my hot glue gun. It was seriously one of the fastest projects I have done. So simple!<br />
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<img alt="" class="spotlight" src="https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/994653_10156713228410341_6365520217507795450_n.jpg?oh=7c4cd58383a2af113c87c979b4e6bf12&oe=57590D53" style="height: 617px; width: 617px;" /><br />
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I can't wait to see it up on the newly painted walls!!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-84013830297531890352016-02-29T17:07:00.000-05:002016-03-14T17:21:33.038-04:00Wanderling!!<br />
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<img alt="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vCcgQ9AwL._SX310_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vCcgQ9AwL._SX310_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></div>
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Amazon is being dumb and won't let me post a review of my sister's new novel. Its like Amazon thinks I am bias or something... which I might be, a little. ;-)<br />
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My youngest sister was the winner of a writing contest and became a published author at the age of 16 years old. She ended up with a trilogy of books: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981489303/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=33852571555&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=s&hvrand=1755763936166844013&hvpone=8.99&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8h0zozit1c_e">The Journey to the Homeland</a> series.<br />
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College life, married life, and her master program all kept her busy but she never completely stopped writing. She still had stories left that she wanted to tell and now we are getting to read them.<br />
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I had the pleasure of being a beta-reader of her new novel and I am excited to share it with you all! Here is the review I posted to <a href="http://goodreads.com/">Goodreads</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29086097-wanderling">Wanderling</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1356922.Hannah_Stahlhut">Hannah Stahlhut -</a> My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1575362999">5 of 5 stars</a><br />
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I really really enjoyed this clever adventure story. The characters drew me in and I loved watching each character grow and deepen throughout their journey. And the fantasy world that Hannah has created is magical! The landscape and the people who live there are so engaging. <br />
I think this is a great YA book for anyone who loved Hunger Games or Game of Thrones. I am so looking forward to seeing what else is in store for these characters that I have come to love! And I am going to say right now that I am "Team Tobin"!! ;-) <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/32319841-lawana">View all my reviews</a><br />
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If you are interested in purchasing Wanderling you can find it on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wanderling-Spirit-Seeker-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01AV5TPJK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1457989814&sr=1-1&keywords=hannah+stahlhut">Amazon for Kindle or in paperback</a>. Also, feel free to follow Hannah through her writing journey on <a href="https://twitter.com/hstahlhut">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stahlhutauthor/?fref=ts">Facebook</a>, and her <a href="https://stahlhut.wordpress.com/">website</a>. Stay tuned! Wanderling is just the first in a series! There will be more adventures to come!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-60905683353557003822016-02-22T09:52:00.000-05:002016-03-14T17:06:16.153-04:00Grease Birthday Bash!This past week I celebrated my birthday. Thanks to facebook I saw that the <a href="http://www.civictheatre.org/">Booth Tarkington Theatre</a> in Carmel was hosting a Grease Sing-a-long event. Check out the trailer below:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeJBccpeQYaZRz1o8-D9nteWPiz1IHeeQ_yzSfUKFXIa37ZqvIwodTKIzqJw99Ht2vOYuZAqYZ-iH4MA1pdxgC78PDzDSeYT5WPwvKzS6JOiv6HcbYQaQb6OW7e5jAiLVtHK5rA/s1600/12747254_10208451306659930_8659324497952090102_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeJBccpeQYaZRz1o8-D9nteWPiz1IHeeQ_yzSfUKFXIa37ZqvIwodTKIzqJw99Ht2vOYuZAqYZ-iH4MA1pdxgC78PDzDSeYT5WPwvKzS6JOiv6HcbYQaQb6OW7e5jAiLVtHK5rA/s320/12747254_10208451306659930_8659324497952090102_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkNrtsVIFRSo6HMLwgMCJYZXRi6p1GjK2YZLtrdT0sGak8tGFT4nPRx0nPfEo0hNY3J0TaPoThTP51-vr7aO_6noy5C4eQGo0zACzYL7MVLVqFCDVWC-NbwYhFB5hY39deI9DwA/s1600/12768251_10208451298539727_1789407563752097669_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkNrtsVIFRSo6HMLwgMCJYZXRi6p1GjK2YZLtrdT0sGak8tGFT4nPRx0nPfEo0hNY3J0TaPoThTP51-vr7aO_6noy5C4eQGo0zACzYL7MVLVqFCDVWC-NbwYhFB5hY39deI9DwA/s320/12768251_10208451298539727_1789407563752097669_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, I had never heard of anyone doing an event like that and it
seemed like such a fun idea. So, we rounded up a few gals and busted out
our poodle skirts and saddle shoes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeU08QNoHS-C3kZ01XoUamokgo2jSy4_8r6BF5IEWSyRGz0225NBZ_lmII-AfGzcTWzOG8aQZWoPIBKTr7W1bEKhyphenhyphen4EwyzexFHHpWxsxJalGeiWg-oZPxHfQdfeyjkJjlSFkxHg/s1600/12771666_10208451306459925_5837271679891558060_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeU08QNoHS-C3kZ01XoUamokgo2jSy4_8r6BF5IEWSyRGz0225NBZ_lmII-AfGzcTWzOG8aQZWoPIBKTr7W1bEKhyphenhyphen4EwyzexFHHpWxsxJalGeiWg-oZPxHfQdfeyjkJjlSFkxHg/s320/12771666_10208451306459925_5837271679891558060_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGVKkjP5JW8756PCE6mNleJ2fmTNtQ4zLmb32MWqACJaLhAaKeKKIyAg99js3QVAAfzlcTEva6n5X49U-Mm2F2sQUEDskyh9Jru2NArj9Wq7cPyytnWGg3fIILAQAtl0TvZTxCQ/s1600/12747290_10208451298499726_7615386096476258617_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGVKkjP5JW8756PCE6mNleJ2fmTNtQ4zLmb32MWqACJaLhAaKeKKIyAg99js3QVAAfzlcTEva6n5X49U-Mm2F2sQUEDskyh9Jru2NArj9Wq7cPyytnWGg3fIILAQAtl0TvZTxCQ/s320/12747290_10208451298499726_7615386096476258617_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a fun night!! SO thankful that I have such wonderful ladies to celebrate with!! Love ya!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-25773970831777709772015-12-30T10:36:00.000-05:002016-02-15T10:38:43.853-05:00Christmas Letter 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took the lazy route and combined our family photo & Christmas letting into one. ;-) Best idea ever!</div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtYX0_ahwbzY0AZmlN_0zZhiuRLU08AkifyYn9VmE_w92EzCB3Cu0qyZRJ3KKjViYZs8vBd1QpM2rpHwIG-SmYupz-QYitkrFcWB_lwN3PSSBPbeP9NBlXms3PPmhEfetHzgg-w/s640/f115-family+newsletter+2015.jpg" width="492" /></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-29247717227287385852015-11-15T11:01:00.000-05:002016-02-28T11:32:10.025-05:00Mulan Jr!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tWNXZdYrqCwwQTkOg-fVJYYBGl74hC3K6khdHIP6HrYo7tYgrSjqBeKJIez9NRJQOLdVATHrTyYrStoiNiqcaYj1-fRY0Hyw3XUAw34gyh1opoYTEQFwmpZyZ8zwL07HvVDAcA/s1600/Mulan+%2528224%2529+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
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This fall we became theater parents for the first time. ;-) Nate auditioned with <a href="http://www.centergrovechurch.org/ministries-of-cgc/worship-ministry/center-grove-fine-arts-academy/">Center Grove Fine Arts Academy</a> in August and was assigned a role in Mulan Jr. as a Son/Chinese Solder. It was a big commitment for him, and for us. Rehearsals were 2 days a week for 3 months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-L41f_bsMjCFIMi-B1BT5RlVF2NT_4SqtSnFw0EfMDn5teDlHiIbMpK0SepURYTCpaZ4Aqjhj3zso0LRCekCOtVyPLvoMVgIfueTJYVtHS_A9V1Fdj369-jlzb7ZwvEFBh8-gw/s1600/IMG_20151109_183514196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI8BeUvBJ0ywUJ_iFDSSoekELapaZjck7c-MY7YfWadAwGTAJTk4HUKWO86nuCZeu0q5YCy0rIgiJJu8RtbMVOt3G1rrghWm74JdwyuAmn88sw1FbR6zjKaickvmMNxtGlHYrMA/s1600/Mulan+075watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBI8BeUvBJ0ywUJ_iFDSSoekELapaZjck7c-MY7YfWadAwGTAJTk4HUKWO86nuCZeu0q5YCy0rIgiJJu8RtbMVOt3G1rrghWm74JdwyuAmn88sw1FbR6zjKaickvmMNxtGlHYrMA/s320/Mulan+075watermark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The cast was made up of wonderful kids and the directing team was incredible. I was amazed at the vision and execution they were able to have in a children's production. <br />
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One of the families posted their camcorder recording of the last performance of Mulan Jr on Vimeo. Click <a href="https://vimeo.com/150271003">HERE</a> to check it out.<br />
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We were so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group. And were incredibly honored to have so many friends and family attend the show in support of Nate. Thanks to everyone who came!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-59827148483649604682015-11-01T11:08:00.000-05:002016-02-15T11:24:01.134-05:00Paigey's Autumn Bridal Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As you might know, I like to get the most out of our projects. So, when it came to throwing a fall bridal shower for the lovely Paige, I knew I wanted to use the sunflower mason jar decorations again. They have been repurposed for multiple weddings, showers, parties, etc. We were able to combine our decorations with some from someone's fall wedding from last year and put together a pretty awesome shower. And of course <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/party-inspiration-bridal-shower/">Pinterest</a> provided plenty of inspiration.</div>
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The bride-to-be's mother shared a lovely devotional about marriage that brought both laughter and tears to the guests. </div>
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One thing that we have gotten in the habit of doing is having a photobooth set up. Not necessarily the goofy kind (but we love those too). But it makes for a great way to capture the bride with each of her family or friend groups and always provides a lovely reminder of all the wonderful ladies that support and love her. I have known Paige since she was just a little girl. It has been a blessing to see her grow into a beautiful woman of God.</div>
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There is a time for everything,<br />
and a season for every activity under heaven:</div>
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a time to be born and a time to die,<br />
a time to plant and a time to uproot,<br />
a time to kill and a time to heal,<br />
a time to tear down and a time to build,<br />
a time to weep and a time to laugh,<br />
a time to mourn and a time to dance,<br />
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,<br />
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,<br />
a time to search and a time to give up,<br />
a time to keep and a time to throw away,<br />
a time to tear and a time to mend,<br />
a time to be silent and a time to speak,<br />
a time to love and a time to hate,<br />
a time for war and a time for peace.<br />
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-40023662555129689702015-10-31T09:55:00.000-04:002016-02-15T10:48:21.948-05:00Waterman's Family Farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you didn't already know, my parents are a little bit <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=carnie">carnie</a>. When I was a teenager we started doing pony rides at company picnics and birthday parties, then we bought a couple of bounce houses, and it grew into something way bigger than we ever imagined. Eventually they sold off the pony part of the business to another homeschool family. Then the bulk of the inflatables they sold to a business owner from Chicago. Now in semi-retirement, my dad still has a few pieces of carnival equipment that he takes to festivals, including <a href="http://www.watermansfamilyfarm.com/">Waterman's Family Farm</a>. We love to take the kids there in the fall and frankly, the best part is we get to do all my dad's stuff for free. ;-) </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-54574313336340684042015-07-08T18:06:00.000-04:002016-02-03T18:16:11.105-05:00Big Boy Birthday!<br />
Ten! My firstborn son is ten years old! I can still hardly believe it! As you know, turning ten is kind of a big deal. We offered Nate the choice of a party (like we usually do) OR a special outing for him and one friend to Kings Island. Having never been to an amusement park before, Nate hardly hesitated. Kings Island was the obvious choice! <br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="225" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/11249471_10155711135395341_5842284977721602932_n.jpg?oh=53ee69762a69978950133751015d26be&oe=574149AF" width="400" /><br />
We went on a Friday at the beginning of June (actually a month before Nate's birthday) to avoid the July heat and crowds. It was perfect. There were hardly any lines at all. I think the longest we waited for a ride was 15min!! Nate could hardly believe it when we told him that in the past when Daddy and I had been there we had waited in line for over an hour for rides! <br />
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<img alt="" class="spotlight hidden_elem" height="225" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-0/p206x206/11407311_10155711501940341_9055176333313535396_n.jpg?oh=9aeb7359ec352cd0a03b534b4819f3fa&oe=576D8DE2" width="400" /><br />
Nate's friend Liam had never been to an amusement park before either so it was great for them to experience their first roller coaster rides together. Every ride the boys would hesitate, saying it was gonna be too big/scary/etc as we went through the line... and then they would ride and LOVE it! <br />
<img alt="" class="spotlight" height="225" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlf1/v/t1.0-9/22511_10155711502325341_5898948503570689732_n.jpg?oh=8b849f1294cee62fbeddb8da1749334a&oe=57331A91" width="400" /><br />
What a wonderful day with a few of my favorite guys!! Happy birthday to my baby boy!! ;-)<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-76760699329528391002015-05-18T15:10:00.000-04:002016-02-03T17:30:17.323-05:00Book Themed Baby Shower!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmBYKSCNYIJwbPTBHVMk1gXGXsNFr7IAstqdnTZW8aE0Eu6IBzxpnN7lFEUDTIme8EPm45A4PmRg3qQvJ7waC2vA4tWKWWzVgbfvVQXPsS-o20ueFIytEobtl0M33nAOkReVwKQ/s1600/006+%25282%2529.CR2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmBYKSCNYIJwbPTBHVMk1gXGXsNFr7IAstqdnTZW8aE0Eu6IBzxpnN7lFEUDTIme8EPm45A4PmRg3qQvJ7waC2vA4tWKWWzVgbfvVQXPsS-o20ueFIytEobtl0M33nAOkReVwKQ/s320/006+%25282%2529.CR2" width="213" /></a>We had such a great time putting together a Children's Book Themed baby shower for my sister-in-law. Pinterest was such a help during the planning process!! I pinned tons of ideas on my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/party-inspiration-baby-shower/">Baby Shower board</a>. But a few posts in particular played a big part in deciding what we did. ;-) </div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AUIWlyCA_hwNU-mONRD1PE2RK9R2uXjxyiH8kDo2v395S40qPBHs4w8/">This post</a> inspired our invitations which were made using this free downloadable <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/33706697181978341/">library card template</a>. </div>
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<img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItqEw6zssaiuA9rth-KzVtoGgrlSdObOqMaOGw3yIDsAzAccpWahMfZ56xYrtTTuViA_15oW8F-N4pEmUi2aus6Is277mIulDQ-rC5SMaB_Un4k50240JAaUVNvqHwpTIv9ItIw/s320/001+%25282%2529.CR2" width="320" /> And what is a party without awesome food? Taking notes from posts like <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AWWSIne_PpJzO5YYJaPy0yhw3LGYq88pIhdDwRYFcq0k4Gb3LaS_4q8/">this one</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774586047804/">this one</a> and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774586047789/">this one</a>, each item on our menu corresponded with a children's book. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ei5VGUC5haKxVon3h64HI9DVIDFEp_Zr_NhEogk9Ah0dOW1G71-DZ2tmf50CbQwSc62pXTFDviBJCQi0wQKKZ9Ex_3fjn0GZQs6P1y1G6HgR5g8awlXmQkwkBjRNAonzUs6spw/s1600/003+%25282%2529.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ei5VGUC5haKxVon3h64HI9DVIDFEp_Zr_NhEogk9Ah0dOW1G71-DZ2tmf50CbQwSc62pXTFDviBJCQi0wQKKZ9Ex_3fjn0GZQs6P1y1G6HgR5g8awlXmQkwkBjRNAonzUs6spw/s320/003+%25282%2529.CR2" width="320" /></a></div>
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We printed cupcake toppers and mounted them on skewers and cardstock. These <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774586181117/">printables</a> are similar to what we use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGNhBYBiCSfhqseXcyONHhKT2Dsriscu9uJcaK6bDogFGjMaT0Vbx4NalgkUN6r56KmL7nPpOJIG84wUI24omp-l0AZf9uu97ovnOVuEtmYV_J70zEDaqytXmi5dJYY4rq3yh6A/s1600/005+%25282%2529.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGNhBYBiCSfhqseXcyONHhKT2Dsriscu9uJcaK6bDogFGjMaT0Vbx4NalgkUN6r56KmL7nPpOJIG84wUI24omp-l0AZf9uu97ovnOVuEtmYV_J70zEDaqytXmi5dJYY4rq3yh6A/s320/005+%25282%2529.CR2" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmBYKSCNYIJwbPTBHVMk1gXGXsNFr7IAstqdnTZW8aE0Eu6IBzxpnN7lFEUDTIme8EPm45A4PmRg3qQvJ7waC2vA4tWKWWzVgbfvVQXPsS-o20ueFIytEobtl0M33nAOkReVwKQ/s1600/006+%25282%2529.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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And of course... there were games. We loved the <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774586236228/">Baby Shower Price is Right</a>! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bev_ZD1X67pWeHVXe3JLZ2Wi5XDVo9rFPszYviYOrYtmqdFAZVMlYmiDhV73ENMJBv0LrEqF7SPh4N78DvEFnwwoZhptmJ8m2Sex6OfBT05bEf8uCFIcjtLWp0xN0XQ4F2-JOw/s1600/007+%25282%2529.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Bev_ZD1X67pWeHVXe3JLZ2Wi5XDVo9rFPszYviYOrYtmqdFAZVMlYmiDhV73ENMJBv0LrEqF7SPh4N78DvEFnwwoZhptmJ8m2Sex6OfBT05bEf8uCFIcjtLWp0xN0XQ4F2-JOw/s320/007+%25282%2529.CR2" width="320" /></a></div>
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The best part was having all of us all together and being able to bless the mom-to-be! Congrats to Jenny and Kyle!</div>
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Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-32956926715635445232015-05-12T09:09:00.002-04:002015-05-12T09:10:34.564-04:00American Sniper DVD Giveaway<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="http://downloadaja.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/AMERICAN-SNIPER-POSTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://downloadaja.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/AMERICAN-SNIPER-POSTER.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think I was one of the last people to see this movie. I had mild interest in it at first but ended up seeing it on a date night with my husband. We were both blown away by Chris Kyle's story and Bradley Cooper's portrayal of him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Word of warning, in case it isn't obvious, there are some graphic scenes of war and a lot of language. So, I wouldn't suggest watching this movie with children. But it could be a good conversation starter with teens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just have to call your attention to Warners’ pretty cool campaign to donate one dollar from each DVD sold to the Wounded Warriors Project. What a great way for them to give back to our wounded men and women.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have the privilege of giving away a DVD/BlueRay Combo pack! Check out the rafflecopter below to see all the ways you can enter to win! <u></u></span></div>
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e6b51ad111" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e6b51ad111/" id="rcwidget_qi0ha0xt" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">a Rafflecopter giveaway</span></a><br />
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In the event that you don’t win the giveaway I’ve included an </span><a href="http://amazon.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">amazon.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">link here:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1zKw2VJ" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1zKw2VJ</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> where you can easily purchase the DVD or BluRay for yourself or a loved one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></span>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-36684262290282799612015-05-06T18:05:00.000-04:002016-02-03T18:05:59.756-05:00Cinco De Minion Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year we made the choice to combine Joe and Christine's birthdays into one party. They are 6weeks apart and I kind of go all out. So, that is a lot of planning for me to do in a short period of time. We decided to celebrate both kids on Christine's birthday which is May 5th - <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/party-inspiration-cinco-de-mayo/">Cinco De Mayo</a>. But an ordinary cinco de mayo theme wasn't enough, so we took a hint from <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/party-inspiration-despicable-me/">Despicable Me 2</a> and we had a Cinco De Minion party! </div>
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<img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BpmWRNdNw5ND2tdqG0HHCGP0nj_S98P8M3lOYW-xSaO41A5nIc3AWbsftte5fNxf1VyeDk_Obw6Iew724NqKH36b_2_TDiseO90Ejy_u-OCkS5B64MRP7BSzYPqFbKXJw_16Zg/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvxP49s2pjnv7koqqyjl0IXCFv2Aba4gkOrtN667Da1ckPYmsWZx9QRqrLxCVUUcC8lZTQ0nNL0trBh-kDM4X-wEfEojCwu9C2ijJXv08dGPHrKmeVtGuRKJSHyCL7H6vYU9Ssw/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvxP49s2pjnv7koqqyjl0IXCFv2Aba4gkOrtN667Da1ckPYmsWZx9QRqrLxCVUUcC8lZTQ0nNL0trBh-kDM4X-wEfEojCwu9C2ijJXv08dGPHrKmeVtGuRKJSHyCL7H6vYU9Ssw/s320/14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0xwxz3o7W1ELru9HG_NqjJgZZU1n0H0pDZLTkDr14qgDSEqABIQhEHRfXyjfgcxLoB8i6VhVH4khd_I04HSmnDzkL1NCDACYR7x8m0w6V016gd8IBlMAbwsp6tYMAg62knT3pw/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0xwxz3o7W1ELru9HG_NqjJgZZU1n0H0pDZLTkDr14qgDSEqABIQhEHRfXyjfgcxLoB8i6VhVH4khd_I04HSmnDzkL1NCDACYR7x8m0w6V016gd8IBlMAbwsp6tYMAg62knT3pw/s320/21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Because it was a combined party, our guest list was even longer than usual. So we asked my parents if we could have the shin-dig at their farm. Lots of space for the kids to roam around and plus they have some fun things for the kids to do including a "train" and bounce house. Another change we made this year was we made the party a pitch-in. So each family brought various Mexican dishes. Seriously, we ate GOOD! YUM!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-8R5Hf58ZTSd4p7Bad2I1CBC8wTpkKjbCHUZJ6Ac1nh6zp9tIcv9NrNwtueQTQU3g42fPz5ZJyDx9_zmrOnk6a_DP3643JVjyPmaqteuNjy_MGn7IBRqcvoKfwaH6Ck3ufPH7Q/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-8R5Hf58ZTSd4p7Bad2I1CBC8wTpkKjbCHUZJ6Ac1nh6zp9tIcv9NrNwtueQTQU3g42fPz5ZJyDx9_zmrOnk6a_DP3643JVjyPmaqteuNjy_MGn7IBRqcvoKfwaH6Ck3ufPH7Q/s320/22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jBpCBixx69uJ4zoihdKMLYiGWyZ6qtiWgidsAdy_011ZwCHZCnMJrvQuEnsTqZMNhnO5lUpJ_68kFqBN2TELDritBzwc_1vySglcSfrTHHrMpikAgmVrJeQEBB3M6dNQmblDA/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5jBpCBixx69uJ4zoihdKMLYiGWyZ6qtiWgidsAdy_011ZwCHZCnMJrvQuEnsTqZMNhnO5lUpJ_68kFqBN2TELDritBzwc_1vySglcSfrTHHrMpikAgmVrJeQEBB3M6dNQmblDA/s320/30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We had a fabulous photobooth and got pictures of every family that attended the party. This is my crazy crew, including the two birthday kiddos!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvItg_9uCVny_5o67G6a43lhbZHcmwpy9MPsSI5SkoTCQhfq8tdyiz_5n35LpoBo3DBDdnGWkI4sllrpJ8zzhOuSH9dUTyVmjqqxStNgveo1AVVrd3O9Wn2KayAs6MnQj9k27R-g/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvItg_9uCVny_5o67G6a43lhbZHcmwpy9MPsSI5SkoTCQhfq8tdyiz_5n35LpoBo3DBDdnGWkI4sllrpJ8zzhOuSH9dUTyVmjqqxStNgveo1AVVrd3O9Wn2KayAs6MnQj9k27R-g/s320/34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
After dinner and games everyone gathered in the barn and we closed the doors... making it pretty dark, allowing us to project Despicable Me the movie on the wall and watch it like a cross between a movie theater and a drive-in movie.<br />
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I had been planning and gathering minion treats and such for quite some time. I kind of went a little minion crazy. This was the first party of ours that a few families had attended... they were really impressed. I am afraid that they will be sorely disappointed by the next party which is unlikely to be as extravagant! ;-)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaV-G6bTkcmBuc8reM_owUG1GJUopQQ2DrNvQCur4ozGKG8WxN3R_XGJxRxX6S2ex-8wnI9Z4pbNAfxboU3-3l2otqsAAY9T4CnH9HpR_vJeORl6WcFhw7nHiadwVEhVcKsyn3w/s1600/028.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
*writing this post reminded me of <a href="http://arresteddevelopment.wikia.com/wiki/Cinco_de_Cuatro">Arrested Development's Cinco De Cuatro</a>... those who watched it will know what I am talking about. ;-)<br />
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<img alt="" height="361" id="yui_3_5_1_2_1454540456511_680" src="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-488-488-90/70/7091/XW2V100Z/posters/arrested-development-viva-cinco-de-cuatro.jpg" style="height: 441px; width: 488px;" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcDR1J16zjnKz4w3LWpYvOtEnVlv-TWjwK0g6Sr3woGGb9BJFdcdfYLMl5vCQ6r7X__oMkgdsRC4W7mB2JShWf1s_8t5K-L1jB1BrvBH-7oqtGIBPaP8ahqXREU_dKJ3P0-AQ9Qw/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-2488875472674448052015-02-26T17:36:00.000-05:002015-02-26T17:43:51.835-05:00Veggie Tales DVD review & giveaway!<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a homeschool mom I try to incorporate creative activities into our school days. Sometimes. ;-) So, when we got the opportunity to review the new VeggieTales dvd I thought it would be a good chance for Nate to participate via his own blog: <a href="http://natersnook.blogspot.com/2015/02/veggietales-noahs-ark.html">Nate's Movie Review.</a> Here is what he had to say about the movie.<br />
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<i>We sometimes get movies before they become available at stores so that we can "rate" them. To be honest, I strongly prefer the older kind of animation.
If I were to "rate" VeggieTales Noah's Ark, I would say it was preeety
funny. Do you want me to spoil it?? Okay,if ya say so...</i></div>
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<i>It
starts with Shem and his new wife, Sadie, coming home from their
honeymoon. When they return, Noah's building a gigantic orange slice
ark!!! Wayne Brady plays the voice of Shem, and it introduces 7 new
songs!! I think this movie would be best for kids ages 2-5yrs.</i></div>
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We have one copy of VeggieTales Noah's Ark DVD to give away. Check out the Rafflecopter below to enter to win!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="e6b51ad110" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e6b51ad110/" id="rcwidget_ks5ewafm" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br /><script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-50777715611686641082014-12-31T09:26:00.000-05:002015-02-26T17:59:06.776-05:00Its been a great year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I often feel like we have more than our fair share of challenges. And maybe its true. But we all have our challenges. I try not to let people say that mine are bigger than theirs, because we each have our own mountains to climb. What is the use in comparing?</div>
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This past year had its fill of challenges. Lots of medical paperwork. Countless phone calls with insurance, doctor's offices, therapists and medicaid personnel. Tantrums and tumbles. Dirty diapers and tear streaked cheeks.</div>
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Awhile back I read an article online that really captured how amazed I often am with Nate. <a href="http://themighty.com/2014/12/dear-sibling-to-a-child-with-special-needs-let-me-tell-you-why-youre-amazing/">Dear Sibling to a Child With Special Needs </a>could have been written about Nate himself. In a way it is. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNkk0Mib2sk7sYdU1kiqztLYt1XxuyqHBBRycxPENaAi2bP7QXh3aRvCXz-93H-EIrfYeqgmeg_QWB-ZMJeYyUH4-SdmfSFOXIxsyH8LVncmW2NNA9feWsDDwkeFatUOFsdmnpA/s1600/037+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNkk0Mib2sk7sYdU1kiqztLYt1XxuyqHBBRycxPENaAi2bP7QXh3aRvCXz-93H-EIrfYeqgmeg_QWB-ZMJeYyUH4-SdmfSFOXIxsyH8LVncmW2NNA9feWsDDwkeFatUOFsdmnpA/s1600/037+(2).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Throughout the early part of the year Nate was getting frustrated to the point of tears almost daily. The tantrums from his brother and seeing me frequently frazzled really got to him. Can't blame him for being shaken up sometimes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16iMIhE4lDpyyXXIJ_JoHieV8NttF5TT7eJpNzxioIkK8YQBBhXcL55wdH2mbtdW_jRyOi0H8LMGooE547z62rr6snOnA6ZSw-wH4of9bFR2YPELXDKLcjypM79cPetqIW8u0xA/s1600/034+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16iMIhE4lDpyyXXIJ_JoHieV8NttF5TT7eJpNzxioIkK8YQBBhXcL55wdH2mbtdW_jRyOi0H8LMGooE547z62rr6snOnA6ZSw-wH4of9bFR2YPELXDKLcjypM79cPetqIW8u0xA/s1600/034+(2).JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
We had a lot of talks about finding the good in each day. Not letting a bad situation or frustrating circumstance get us down. We had this conversation a LOT. Frankly, I think I was talking to myself as much as I was talking to him.<br />
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At first I didn't really notice that these talks were starting to make a difference. But after awhile Nate started saying "its been a great day". Sometimes it was in response to something good that had happened (going to a playdate or out to lunch) but other times, it was just because he knew that even though we sometimes have to deal with hard things, we are still blessed. Even Nate's friends and their parents have taken notice of his new "outlook on life". <br />
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I have told him how remarkable that it is for him to have purposefully changed the way he thought about life, his life. There are plenty of adults who have not been able to grasp this concept of recognizing the good in our life even while going through hard times. This wonderful outlook that he has taken on gives me hope for the man he is on his way to becoming. <br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-13684197205964376042014-12-16T16:23:00.000-05:002014-12-19T22:40:34.859-05:00The Good Lie Review and Giveaway!I can't express how excited I am to share this giveaway with you all!! <br />
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<a href="http://hdwallpapers360.com/wp-content/uploads/the-good-lie-movie-poster-wallpapers-1024x778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://hdwallpapers360.com/wp-content/uploads/the-good-lie-movie-poster-wallpapers-1024x778.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you haven't heard about it yet,<i> <a href="http://www.thegoodliemovie.com/">The Good Lie</a> follows a group of children orphaned by the brutal Civil war in Sudan that began in 1983. As the tattered children make the difficult trek to Kakuma refugee camp in
Kenya, they meet other fleeing children, forging a bond with Jeremiah,
who, at 13, is already a man of faith, and Paul, whose skills become
essential to their survival. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3600
lost boys and girls to America. Three brothers are given the chance to resettle in America arrive in
Kansas City, Missouri. </i><br />
<i>Upon arriving in Kansas, they are met by Carrie Davis (Witherspoon), an
employment agency counselor who has been enlisted to help find them
jobs—no easy task, when things like straws, light switches and
telephones are brand new to them. Together, against the backdrop of their shared losses, the Lost Boys and some unlikely strangers find humor in the clash of cultures, and
heartbreak as well as hope in the challenges of life in America. </i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c2tI5zW3IU8" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I was seriously blown away by this movie. The heart and soul you see in these children as they go through such hardships and just keep going is amazing. The sincerity throughout the movie is evident in the excellent performances and direction. I was moved to tears more than once as I followed these endearing people on their incredible journey. Frankly, after watching the movie I feel I want meet them in real life to glean some wisdom from them! I left the theater feeling truly inspired by this true story of strength, sacrifice and loyalty.<br />
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I have the privilege to give one lucky winner a copy of The Good Lie DVD!! Giveaway ends at midnight on Christmas Eve! So the winner will have their prize by New Years! Take a moment to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter below:<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-89932938065849205032014-10-05T23:17:00.000-04:002014-10-05T23:17:27.120-04:00Our Fall Family Pictures<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In preparation for our mini-session I scoured Pinterest for pose ideas. Because two of my kiddos cannot walk (or really stand) unassisted I had to keep that in mind while choosing inspiration pictures. Here are a few of the ones that I liked.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmsD14288O35UYlWPxJpCe0nIVBG1b7sAvk_WOpKGGiOqEHjFXqQYQyQhGrDff1YQrQ4TwJWrdtlaDGtW1gn-OqmTANnY684t9qqJQafqZZxmUqXPDK2-67USr6BYylmFXIPL3A/s1600/Capture6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmsD14288O35UYlWPxJpCe0nIVBG1b7sAvk_WOpKGGiOqEHjFXqQYQyQhGrDff1YQrQ4TwJWrdtlaDGtW1gn-OqmTANnY684t9qqJQafqZZxmUqXPDK2-67USr6BYylmFXIPL3A/s1600/Capture6.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY4YAQ2YQm7sDlCUv_kvGo-R6Jvf8uWUBCSH7fSYh4Xhyphenhyphenc77tMHstChplGtf0nG4c0BRnUfUQaFz8mfHeX1t3OsULKGzqo5PTXw4hifLWtbc-guEXr9OYDD5iOtSr4MU23qbKyg/s1600/Capture7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdY4YAQ2YQm7sDlCUv_kvGo-R6Jvf8uWUBCSH7fSYh4Xhyphenhyphenc77tMHstChplGtf0nG4c0BRnUfUQaFz8mfHeX1t3OsULKGzqo5PTXw4hifLWtbc-guEXr9OYDD5iOtSr4MU23qbKyg/s1600/Capture7.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2DfzzOXDS1A5hNOew7sjrTU34jYLVAeATO2kfZNRxrSKLEMpJlUzbcsdvNob_m1cSgHP8VvVjOJgQiYLkByRwywVu885ojmG8th3v9Gf0UhNxtEFZ3BtIZLzzRI1u9zgInYhyphenhyphenA/s1600/Capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2DfzzOXDS1A5hNOew7sjrTU34jYLVAeATO2kfZNRxrSKLEMpJlUzbcsdvNob_m1cSgHP8VvVjOJgQiYLkByRwywVu885ojmG8th3v9Gf0UhNxtEFZ3BtIZLzzRI1u9zgInYhyphenhyphenA/s1600/Capture3.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then came the whole ordeal of figuring out what to have our family wear! I have a whole Pinterest board dedicated to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/unforgettable-photography-what-to-wear/">What To Wear</a> pins. Thank goodness for Pinterest! Am I right?? ;-)</span><br />
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<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/75/29/31/7529319d25547f5fd2912d9bf35c996f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/75/29/31/7529319d25547f5fd2912d9bf35c996f.jpg" height="278" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEos69znIEhl7GTxVhLhV-N4pzHhYoQ0sQ_JBhJPEYyjlm2XqVpbWLaZYbsxDofLNeZmCtmHgc93WeBv8558TH21-d1MxwVBZAd3YIhrp3Lx0i5S_CoLsTHC2YNICli8OAMvcZuQ/s1600/e89a656492b9c67404c4db3b7bf3f2ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEos69znIEhl7GTxVhLhV-N4pzHhYoQ0sQ_JBhJPEYyjlm2XqVpbWLaZYbsxDofLNeZmCtmHgc93WeBv8558TH21-d1MxwVBZAd3YIhrp3Lx0i5S_CoLsTHC2YNICli8OAMvcZuQ/s1600/e89a656492b9c67404c4db3b7bf3f2ec.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.kristendukephotography.com/picture-clothes-color-series-yellow/">Capturing Joy</a> had a whole series on different color schemes for family photo outfits and the post on "yellow" caught my eye. I was also inspired by <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774581238268/">this post</a> and the rule of thumb that they suggest which is</span><span style="font-size: small;"> {the “three colors + POP” rule}. The last couple of times we have had pictures done I worked everyone's outfits around something cute I found for Christine. This year I took a different approach. I haven't been feeling great about my body this year (put on a few lbs) so I picked an outfit for me that I really like and feel confident in. It was a gray dress which was neutral so it was easy to build a color palette around it. I looked in everyone's closets and found bits and pieces until it came together. I ended up buying a shirt for Joe at Goodwill to round everything out. </span><span style="font-size: small;">I ended up choosing the same color scheme as the pictures above - navy, gray & yellow with a POP of pink.</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t35.0-12/10718356_10204660610334891_895099249_o.jpg?oh=4ee14daab9c0ec2b4d548274eca3f9a2&oe=543412D3&__gda__=1412710247_2a903776eb814b2289a7d9c278da095f" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t35.0-12/10718356_10204660610334891_895099249_o.jpg?oh=4ee14daab9c0ec2b4d548274eca3f9a2&oe=543412D3&__gda__=1412710247_2a903776eb814b2289a7d9c278da095f" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wYS6FSczaigzKhXuKnYEsCOGlyYEKsOp8hy86wY_sI5rmCJbg3_oSPDk4PnsPKxGMwSTP3tyebGQvG5nAhiuKCKUfb1MxPKv1kwEmgarXBsDJEcP6nlRy7GG7n0R8Vhycu36yg/s1600/10719528_10204660592694450_1969207378_n+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wYS6FSczaigzKhXuKnYEsCOGlyYEKsOp8hy86wY_sI5rmCJbg3_oSPDk4PnsPKxGMwSTP3tyebGQvG5nAhiuKCKUfb1MxPKv1kwEmgarXBsDJEcP6nlRy7GG7n0R8Vhycu36yg/s1600/10719528_10204660592694450_1969207378_n+edit.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
In case you can't tell, my kids are incredibly hard to pose. The younger two are on the move so much and the oldest wants to do bunny ears the whole entire time! But despite my crazy kids, my lovely friend Lehi was able to get a few great shots of our little family. I love them!! <br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" /></a></span>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-54648530387873188852014-09-15T11:25:00.000-04:002014-09-16T14:28:45.197-04:00Bucket List Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been quite awhile since I updated my <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/search/label/bucket%20list">Bucket List</a> so I figured it was about time! If you remember, this started out as my 30 by 30 list, but since I am no longer 30... its become my Bucket List. Some of these are more realistic than others, some will be ongoing things that I work on forever. But having them in black and white helps keep me accountable and give me something to work toward.<br />
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1. <i>Take </i><i><b>a "real" vacation with my husband</b></i><i>! Not just to the family lakehouse (though it is nice, It is not the same as really getting away together - ALONE!).</i> ;-) -<br />
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DONE – Our <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/07/door-county-trip-recap.html">Wisconsin trip</a> in '09 was great. Also, for our 10year anniversary <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2013/05/anniversary-cruise.html">we went on a cruise</a>!<br />
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2. <i>I want to go to one (and only one) of the following: </i><i><b>Colts game, Pacers game OR the Indy 500</b></i><i>....
Those are huge Indianapolis things to do and I've lived here my whole
life and not done any of them! * Changed to sporting event with hubby.
So that includes the Cubbies. - </i>DONE – Sallie took me to <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-make-wish-moment.html">Pacers game</a> (front row seats and all!) and Isaac and I went to a <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/08/go-cubs-go.html">Cubs game</a> in Cincy. And last year we got some tickets to a Colts home game at Lucas Oil Stadium!</div>
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3. <i>Go on </i><i><b>a trip with my "girls".</b></i><i> We've been talking about doing it for years but none of us has had the money... but somehow we need to make it happen!!</i>
- Done... sort of. I want this to be an every couple of years thing. I don't think just one trip is gonna do it. But I did have a <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2012/11/girls-vacation.html">great trip</a> with a couple of my favorite ladies in the fall of 2012. This summer I got to visit Savannah, Georgia with two of my college pals!<br />
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4. <i><b>Watch a silent movie</b></i><i>. I don't know why but I think it'd be really fun! Charlie Chaplain here I come! – AFI Top 100 </i>- DONE - for my <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2012/02/thirty-two.html">32nd birthday</a> my hubby planned this really great at-home-date that included a home-cooked meal (by him) and a silent movie on a projector screen. It was so great!<br />
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5. <i>Going to a </i><i><b>scrapbooking retreat with a group</b></i><i> of my Scrappin' Sisters! This one will totally happen! Right girls?!? - </i>DONE – we did a <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/08/scrappin-retreat.html">DIY retreat</a> at the lake.<br />
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6. <i><b>Take my older son to an amusement OR water park</b></i><i>.
He loved the carnival rides at the county fair... I know he'd love the
kiddie area of Kings' Island or Holiday World... something like that. -</i><br />
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DONE – we went to <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/12/great-wolf.html">Great Wolf Lodge.</a> Still hope to go to an amusement park someday. ;-)<br />
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7. <i>Get really </i><i><b>good outdoor family pictures</b></i><i> taken of us and the boys. I'm a photographer myself... but it is hard to do your own family's pictures! - </i><a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2009/10/family-pix.html">DONE</a>
– I can't bring myself to spend a fortune on an expensive photographer
but I am willing to spend a little by having friends do our pix, or by getting a deal on Groupon and so
far I've been really happy with them.<br />
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8. <i>Have my </i><i><b>entire house clean at the same time</b></i><i>. (I'm not saying I will do said cleaning... just that it will be done!) - </i>Um, yeah. Not sure if this will ever happen but one can always hope! In the mean time I am working on developing a better routine for household upkeep.<br />
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9. <i>Ok, please don't laugh or think I'm awful! </i><i><b>I want to go skinny dipping!</b></i><i> Though I'll probably have to do it alone because my husband does not do water.... DONE. ;-)</i><br />
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10. <i>Do some </i><i><b>community service OR mission trip</b></i><i>. I've kind of let stuff like that sit on the back burner since I had kids and I think it'd be good to give in that way again. </i><a href="http://unforgettablephotography.blogspot.com/2009/04/charity-pix.html">DONE - family pictures</a> for Sheltering Wings families a couple of times now.<br />
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11. <i>I know this sounds lame but... I want to </i><i><b>own a minivan</b></i><i>.
It is hard having two kids in car seats in a small sedan! It'd be nice
to have my siblings be able to ride with us instead of having to drive
separate cars! - </i>DONE – love it! Thank goodness we got it when we
did because now that we have three kids we could not all fit in the
Cavalier together.<br />
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12. <i><b>Feel comfortable in my own skin</b></i><i>.
Whether that includes losing weight, getting in better shape, or not...
I just want to be able to look at myself and love me without being so
critical of myself and pointing out all my flaws. - </i>** Its a work in
progress. I think every pregnancy has given me more and more of an
appreciation for my body even if I don't always like how it looks. Major milestone... I did a <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2014/01/body-image-and-boudoir.html">boudoir session</a> last summer! Talk about empowering!<br />
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13. <i><b>Get</b></i><i> </i><i><b>better at managing my time</b></i><i>... sometimes I feel like I work all day and get nothing done! There has to be a better way! -I'm trying to get the hang of the <a href="http://www.flylady.net/">FLY Lady</a> </i>thing! Fly lady didn't work out for me... but I just finished reading <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2014/01/saying-goodbye-to-survival-mode.html">Say Goodbye to Survival Mode</a> by MoneySavingMom and I'm trying to use her tools to help create better habits and use my time and money more wisely.</div>
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<i>14. </i><i><b>Paint our master bedroom</b></i><i>.
It’s a fairly inexpensive way to change the look of a room and I think
it’d help me to be satisfied w/ our hand-me-down furniture instead of
longing for something new. - </i><a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2010/03/bedroom-after.html">DONE</a> – love it!</div>
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<i>15. </i><i><b>Get in touch with a few old friends</b></i><i>
that I haven’t talked to in awhile. I know that some friends are
seasonal friends and aren’t meant to last forever… but sometimes it is
nice to catch up with people that you’ve lost touch with too.</i> *Done - I have been able to reconnect with some old friends via facebook.</div>
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<i>16. </i><i><b>Read a Jane Austen book</b></i><i>.
I loved the movies of her books and I liked The Jane Austen Book Club… I
think it’d be fun to make an “all Jane Austen all the time book club”
of my own! - </i>this seemed like a good idea at the time... but I have a
hard time reading books if I've already seen the movie. So I'm not
sure this one is going to happen. ;-)<i> I'll be happy if I can finish just one!! Maybe I will do audiobook?</i></div>
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<i>17. </i><i><b>Find a new Christmas tradition to replace gifts</b></i><i>.
Every year we’re overwhelmed with the amount of toys and stuff that our
boys get from friends and family. I want to stop exchanging gifts
within our immediate family and take a trip or have a special outing
that we do together instead – </i>I’m working on it. We have downsized our gift-giving some. </div>
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<i>18. </i><i><b>Begin home-schooling</b></i><i>.
I was home-schooled and while I think there are many advantages to
doing it… I’m a little intimidated. I want to get organized enough to do
it well. </i>*DONE - <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/search/label/Nate">Nate</a> is in third grade. Our homeschooling style keeps evolving but no matter how we go about it, he is always learning. We are involved in a homeschool co-op and have lots of homeschooling friends in our church.</div>
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<i>19. </i><i><b>Decide if we are going to have more kids</b></i><i>.
When we got married I wanted four kids and Isaac wanted two. Well…
after having one via unexpected c-section, and one vbac at home…one who
tries my patience daily and the other who pulls at my heartstrings
constantly… I’m not sure if I can handle any more kids. - </i><a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2010/05/very-special-cinco-de-mayo.html">DONE</a> – Christine is the perfect final addition to our family!</div>
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<i>20. </i><i><b>Expand my photography business</b></i><i>.
I’ve kind of just let my business be primarily friends and family so
far. But I’d like to take it a little more seriously and actually do
some marketing and put my business out there for more jobs. I want to do
this for two reasons: 1) I love taking pictures and want to improve my
skill and a lot of that comes from experience. 2) It would be helpful to
our family financially if I was able to bring in some extra income. </i>** I still have a few gigs
here and there for friends and family and that is fine for now. You can
see my work <a href="http://unforgettablephotography.blogspot.com/">HERE</a>.</div>
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<i>21. </i><i><b>Get all my completed scrapbook pages into albums</b></i><i>! I have piles of pages that are stacking up that I have no albums to put them into! - </i>When we staged our house a couple of summers ago I packed up almost all of my scrapbooking stuff and its still in storage. Been making <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">Photobooks on Shutterfly</a> lately. Not the same, but still good. </div>
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<i>22. </i><i><b>Finish reading through the whole bible with my husband</b></i><i>. We got off to a good start awhile back and got out of the habit. Need to start back up and finish this time! - </i>Totally dropped the ball on this one. But want to get back into the groove!</div>
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<i>23. </i><i><b>Go to a Hearts at Home conference</b></i><i>. I’ve wanted to go for a couple of years now and have not been able to work it out. One of these days… it will happen! - </i><br />
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DONE - I have now attended the last three <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2014/03/hearts-at-home-moms-weekend.html">Hearts at Home</a> conferences. Each year I seem to get more out of the experience than I did the year before. It is such a <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2012/03/moms-getaway-weekend.html">great thing</a> to be a part of. I cannot recommend it enough. Great for moms of all ages and stages! <i><br /></i></div>
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<i>24. Find a way to </i><i><b>show my husband how much I appreciate him</b></i><i>.
He is such a big part of my life and while he certainly challenges me… I
think I take all the good things about him for granted sometimes. - </i>DONE - or so he tells me! ;-)<i> </i>But naturally its an ongoing thing that I try to work on every day.</div>
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<i>25. </i><i><b>Help make some positive changes to the women’s ministry</b></i><i>
at my church. I think there are a lot of women who would benefit from
some regular fellowship time where we can develop our relationships on a
deeper level than what we can do on Sunday mornings.-</i> I am resistant to work on this one right now. Its kind of been a difficult road with our church's leadership. We don't always see eye to eye as far as where we want the direction of women's ministry to go. Still hope to work on this goal in the future.</div>
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<i>26. </i><i><b>Go see Wicked</b></i><i>
(or some other live musical). I have always enjoyed musicals and
haven’t been to many live shows lately. I’m one of those dorks who will
sing along and annoy whoever is sitting next to me!! </i>DONE - I<i> </i>went to <a href="http://wanibug.blogspot.com/2013/05/wicked-weekend.html">Wicked</a> with a few of my best girls last year. LOVED it!!! <i><br /></i></div>
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<i>27. Become involved in a </i><i><b>mom’s group/play group</b></i><i> of some kind. -</i> DONE-ish. While we don't have anything structured set up, a few friends and I have been getting together pretty regularly for play/learn dates. I love sharing our lives together!<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>28. </i><i><b>Write out our will.</b></i><i>
It is not a fun job. No one (ok, I don’t) looks forward to thinking
about what will happen when their gone from this world. But it has got
to be done. </i> </div>
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<i>29. </i><i><b>Take a continuing education class for fun</b></i><i>.
I was looking in the paper a few weeks ago and there were a few that I
am interested in: cooking, etiquette, sewing, how to build your
photography business, and others. Maybe I could talk someone into doing
it with me!</i></div>
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<i>30. </i><i><b>Read a book that my husband recommends</b></i><i>
(from cover to cover!). My DH and I do not have similar taste in books
at all. I read mostly fiction with some fluffy self help or DIY books in
the mix. He on the other hand reads mostly theological stuff that
generally bores me!</i></div>
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<u><b>New ones:</b></u></div>
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<i>31. <b>Complete a 5k</b>. I am not aspiring to win one or anything, just think it would be a fun thing to do. </i><br />
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<i> - <b>DONE - </b></i>In July my friend and I dragged my kids out on a Saturday morning and we all did the <a href="http://colorfoam5k.com/">Color Foam Run</a> together! And just a couple weeks ago a couple of us gals did the <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Indianapolis/TheGloRunIndianapolis">GloRun</a>! It was so much fun!<i> We weren't real competetive but we finished and had a blast!</i></div>
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<i>32. <b>Visit a foreign country</b>. I have visited a couple foreign countries when I was younger, but now I want to go somewhere as a family. I really want to go somewhere with </i><i>my husband and oldest son.</i><br />
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<i>33. See some of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonders_of_the_World">Wonders of the World</a>.</i><br />
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<i>34. Go to Disney/Harry Potter World. We're hoping to get a group together to go in 2016.</i><br />
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<i>35. Climb to the top of a waterfall.</i> <br />
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<i>36. Take my family to the <a href="http://www.balloonfiesta.com/">Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta</a>.</i><br />
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<i>37. Go to New Zealand and see all the Lord of the Rings locations.*I know, I am a big dork. ;-)</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: medium none;" /></a><br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-51678199652617877882014-07-24T09:18:00.000-04:002014-07-24T09:18:51.758-04:00Celebrate Your Kid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been a fun but challenging summer. The kids have really been pushing my buttons these past few weeks. I've needed reminding of some basic truths about parenting and love. <br />
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I just love these "Kathyisms"!! Little nuggets of truth and encouragement to help me be a better mom! Thanks Kathy Koch!<br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/66112319">Kathyism #27- "Raise the Children You Were Given"</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/kathykoch">Dr. Kathy Koch</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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I love my children SO much. But its not always easy to not wish they were different in this way or that way. The challenges they bring to the table for me as a mom are infinitely more than anything I imagined I would have to deal with when I dreamed of being a mom. I am so thankful that my kids are quick to forgive because I have not been my best self lately. Hoping the routine of the school year will help bring about some better habits for me.<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-29630273484642404422014-07-12T15:47:00.000-04:002014-07-24T10:17:04.436-04:00A Very Harry Potter BirthdayA couple weeks ago was my oldest's 9th birthday! AH! I can't believe I am mom to a soon-to-be 4th grader!<br />
Well, this boy loves Harry Potter so we put together a pretty <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/wanibug/party-inspiration-harry-potter/">Pintastic, magical Harry Potter party</a> for him.<br />
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My awesome friend who runs a before and after school program let us borrow a Sorting Hat to sort the boys into the different houses at the beginning of the party.<br />
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Each boy had a lightning bold drawn on their forehead, Harry Potter style glasses (really just <a href="http://www.shindigz.com/images/itm_img/11SZGLSNMS.jpg">these </a>that we cut up to be like Harry's), a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774583926720/">Hogwarts robe</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584227957/">house tie</a>.<br />
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Each of the boys got a Harry Potter goodie bag with some fun treats including: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584461761/">Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans</a>, a pair of Chinese handcuffs, a box of sparklers, a Hogwarts notebook, and a Hogwarts certificate/scroll.<br />
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Our local library had a Harry Potter party on the same night as I had planned the party so we decided to incorporate it into the plan. So, after the boys were sorted we all loaded into the van and headed to the library.<br />
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They had Potter themed snacks including: <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584750083/">pretzel wands</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584461733/">butter beer</a>, wizard hats (Bugles) and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584461739/">magic color changing potion drinks</a>.<br />
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There were craft stations where the boys were able to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774582760480/">decorate their own wands</a>, color pictures, get house badges, and make Monster Book of Monsters.<br />
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After the fun at the library we came home for dinner and movie. We had some <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584594153/">Potter themed drinks</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/4714774584750106/">Wizard Chex Mix</a>, fruit and of course a party staple... PIZZA! ;-)<br />
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Because I wasn't sure which kids had seen which movies I chose for us to show the <a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-sorcerers-stone">first Harry Potter movie (The Sorcerer's Stone)</a>. <br />
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** Because the Harry Potter books and movies get progressively darker Nate is
permitted to read a book each year around his birthday and then we
follow it with a family movie night to watch the corresponding movie.
Shortly after the party he and I finished listening to the audio book of
<a href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/harry-potter-and-the-goblet-of-fire">The Goblet of Fire</a> and watched that movie as a family.<br />
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I am wondering how much longer Nate will be into themed parties and such. As much work as they are I love being able to make his birthdays special and unique every year. He is an incredibly special kid and I am proud to be his mama! Love him!<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-20763700521777016132014-06-18T09:05:00.000-04:002014-07-24T09:19:10.561-04:00Pinterest Science<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll admit this year has been a little lacking in creativity. I have had very little energy for crafts and science projects for/with Nate. So on the last official day of school Nate had a friend over and we tackled a couple of fun science experiments that I found on Pinterest ages ago but hadn't gotten around to actually doing. Here is what we did:</div>
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<a href="http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/2013/5/31/easy-marshmallow-catapults-summer-fun-for-kids.html">Marshmallow Catapult </a></div>
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This was pretty successful. Though some of the marshmallows were a little on the soft side and had a hard time holding the skewers. But they did have a good time catapulting the mini marshmallows across the room. ;-) </div>
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<a href="http://www.science-sparks.com/2013/10/18/make-an-optical-illusion/">Optical Illusion</a></div>
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Each boy drew two pictures that went on opposite sides of a pencil. They would spin it between their hands and (ideally) they would be able to see both images together. Originally they drew with colored pencils and we found that it was too light to see when spinning. So, they went over their pictures with crayons to darken it and that made a big difference.</div>
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<a href="http://www.frogsandsnailsandpuppydogtail.com/2013/07/milkscienceexperiment.html">Milk Science Experiement</a></div>
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This involved making food coloring move around in the milk. The boys loved this one so much that in the end their bowls were a murky mess of colors! </div>
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<a href="http://frugalfun4boys.com/2013/05/13/build-a-chain-reaction-with-popsicle-or-craft-sticks/">Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction</a></div>
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We kept having premature chain reactions... but it was still pretty cool. </div>
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The boys had a great time with all of the experiments but I will say that they didn't take up near as much time as I thought they would. Because we had just the two of them, we kind of breezed through them quickly and eventually they ended up playing games on the Kindle. </div>
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Thankful for good friends!</div>
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Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-57769214965667662872014-05-29T08:51:00.001-04:002014-05-29T08:58:02.090-04:00Home Movies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This first video is a little taste of a typical dinner-time at our house. For some reason its the witching hour and Joe and Christine both end up melting down together... whats that they say about the importance of family dinners? </div>
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The next vid is of Christine pulling up on the recliner. I know its hard to believe but this is a big deal. She is very busy lately and pulling up all over the place. Its a big step for our little girl!</div>
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And this last video is of Nate reading two of his nonfiction stories in his writing class a couple of months ago. He has more creative writing pieces but forgot to bring them to class that day. ;-)<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7780625.post-28661904709600397692014-05-12T08:51:00.003-04:002014-05-12T08:51:43.062-04:00Mom's Night OutI was fortunate enough to see a screening a couple months ago and have
been raving about it ever since. I can't think of another movie that is
so relatable and really values the importance of our jobs as moms. <br />
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The main character Allyson (played by Sarah Drew) is true to life. She has wanted to be a mom since she was a little girl. She is living the life she dreamed of for so long. But she finds herself stressed and stretched to the point of exhaustion. Her husband lovingly reminds her that she needs to "put on her own oxygen mask first" and encourages her to do something for herself. So, she plans a Mom's Night Out with a couple of friends to unwind. Well, in true Hollywood fashion, everything that can go wrong, does. Who knew a Mom's Night Out could involve a car chase, a tattoo parlor and a trip to jail!?! ;-) In the end Allyson is reminded that her job is not only hard, but very important. Which is something that all moms need reminded of sometimes.<br />
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Check out the trailer for the <a href="http://www.momsnightoutmovie.com/">Mom's Night Out</a> movie below: <br />
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I am so passionate about supporting this movie (and my fellow moms) that a friend and I put together a whole Mom's Night Out evening of our own!<br />
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We met at a friend's house early in the evening to start the night off with appetizers and makeovers!! One of our girlfriends is really into makeup so she got creative with some fun techniques that most of us would not normally be brave enough to try! And I did most of the girls' hair up all fancy. ;-) I am the oldest of four girls... I have a lot of practice. <br />
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After we got all fancied up, we all invaded our local theater for Mom's Night Out the movie!! Everyone enjoyed the movie so much! I loved hearing the theater erupt in laughter at the many funny parts... and get quiet during the meaningful moments. I know I can't take any credit for how great the movie is, but I was a little proud being able to share such an encouraging film with my friends.<br />
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We all struggle as moms. We all feel like we are failing, like no matter what we do its not enough. But those thoughts and feelings of failure are FALSE. God loves each and every one of us and He knows how hard our jobs are as moms. He is proud of us for every breakfast that we serve, even if its stale cereal for the third day in a row. He is proud of us for all the dirty diapers that we change. And the carpools, and doctors appointments, and classes we've taught, the crafts we've done... God knows how hard we work to care for and love our children and He is PROUD. <br />
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Please consider taking your friend, or mother, or sister, or whoever to see Mom's Night Out. You won't be sorry you did.<br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/922DE05FED245495790C189E3072BE43.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: medium none;" />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/135/4AF8F12506E0EFD16A77791157CADB8F.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Wanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03314255954671021901noreply@blogger.com0