tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7065708559676744172024-02-07T17:44:24.741-05:00Creative ExpressionsJust an outlet for this Grandma with a gluegun!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.comBlogger340125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-55533898821778315562013-09-10T19:55:00.002-04:002013-09-10T19:55:38.176-04:00TuesdayHave you ever noticed that sometimes you get more done when you are busy? I have come to realize that that is so true. I can only tell you about my experiences, but this is what I have been up to. NOTHING!!<br />Let me explain.<br />
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Over the last several months, things at work have not been good for me. There had been a shift in the direction that the company was heading and though nothing had been made public, there was a 'feeling' in the air that things were changing. The attrition rate rose, people were feeling unsettled and unhappy, and there was a general distaste for the management. I felt it the most immediately after a new VP was brought on board, then another VP and another, etc. While the company was being squeezed by the effects of sequestration and the rank and file was being told we had to conserve $$ and valuable people were being laid off, VP's were being hired into new positions at an alarming rate. Anyway, to make a long story short, I was laid off. So, I am now among the ranks of the unemployed.<br />
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Although not terribly unhappy to be leaving a job that I had come to hate, I'm wasn't sure that I was ready to jump into the job search immediately. So, I decided that I would take a little time to decide what I would do next and in the meantime, I could catch up on some projects that I had put on the back burner. Sounds great, right?!<br />
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Well, it has now been almost two weeks and what have I gotten done? NOTHING! Nothing that I thought I would be able to get done anyway. What I have been able to do is to get some of those doctors' appointments that I had been putting off taken care of. Which in turn leaded to some tests and other appointments, but it had to be done.<br />
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I have been able to take Bella to school and pick her up afterwards. Help her with her homework and take her to her dance classes. I have been able to be here for my daughter, who is having a very difficult pregnancy. it makes me feel good to be able to help her out by making her a meal, or picking her up at work or running an errand for her.<br />
And, I have gotten to spend a bit more time with my hubby.<br />
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It's good to be home. Catching up with these guys:<br />
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Michelle and Tim</div>
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Shawn, Michelle, Bella, Tim and Esther<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14NTc8Kmzcs6eZV9sMzXFtcJjG1IlwPUBqhTjPhHpTG9TmudnBZcnjYKX1Z52Wcg4yhD8m6-Zz2ZG5WQP211KNemqCOUDXJDuIT_r-dkxC5VA0Ix9onUNcWGARJ438YL7BJTK3hGrCT0/s1600/Family+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14NTc8Kmzcs6eZV9sMzXFtcJjG1IlwPUBqhTjPhHpTG9TmudnBZcnjYKX1Z52Wcg4yhD8m6-Zz2ZG5WQP211KNemqCOUDXJDuIT_r-dkxC5VA0Ix9onUNcWGARJ438YL7BJTK3hGrCT0/s400/Family+048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shawn, Michelle, Bella, Tim and Esther</div>
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And this little guy.<br />
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My Little Buddy.</div>
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He is proving to be a good little guy, but it has been a long time since we have had a puppy!</div>
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And let's just say that he has been making a few more projects for me to work on! </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-81851505846092884712013-08-22T10:03:00.001-04:002013-08-22T10:03:36.508-04:00I have been trying for weeks to post, but something has been going on with my computer or blog site that has not allowed my to type anything! Anyway, it seems to have corrected itself for now, so I am taking this opportunity to catch up on all the goings on. And there has been a LOT going on! First up, Annapolis. Several weeks ago Jim and I went <br />
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to Annapolis and took our sweet Bella with us. It didn't look like it was going to be a very nice day, but we had planned to go and our time off was running low so we headed out. Our first stop was the visitors center and it was surrounded by our state flower-the Blackeye Susan. </div>
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Next, we went on a boat cruise of the area, it was beautiful! Although overcast, it was a very hot day and being on the boat there was a beautiful breeze from the movement and the water. I have been to Annapolis only one other time and that was with Timmy's fourth grade class on a field trip. (He's 27 now, so it's been a while!) We walked around the area and shopped a bit and then went to lunch at a place that Jim & Bella had found on one of their previous adventures to our State Capitol. We had planned on taking a bus tour after that, but as we got to the place to buy the tickets we heard about a more private tour that was done via 6 passenger golf carts and we jumped on that. The driver/guide was a long time resident of the area and knew a lot of background and history that he was able to share with us. It was a fabulous tour! </div>
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One of the things that we learned was that the window below is an original Tiffany window depicting Mary and Jesus. The entire church was surrounded by stained glass windows and the windows above the pulpit were designed to cast a golden glow on that area of the church in the morning as the sun rises. <br />
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It was a really great day and we just loved spending that special time together with Isabella! Next we were able to take another day trip, this time to Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh area is where my hubby grew up and where some of his family still resides. One of our nieces had gone to a lot of work to schedule a day where we could all meet and go to a Pirates game together. Jim's two sisters and his brother were all there, our nieces and nephews and Tim and Esther. Michelle & Shawn were the only ones unable to make it and that is due to the difficulty that Michelle is having with this pregnancy. We missed them, but it was a great day for a baseball game and we had a blast! The stadium is just beautiful and all the seats are great, with a beautiful view of both the river and the downtown area behind it. </div>
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It really was a beautiful day and really, nothing says summer like a visit with the Boys of Summer! Ha! Next for me was a trip up to my sisters' house in Vermont. Jenn is the youngerst of the family. She is a harworking, single parent of two and she has not had the best of summers. She flew to Califormia for a wedding and from there she and the kids flew down to Florida to spend some time with our parents. That stay turned into more than she ever imagined when she woke up one morning with a bit of a stomach ache. By that evening she was in the ER being admitted with a suspected intestinal blockage. She wound up having a bowel resection a couple of days later and was in the hospital for eight days! She was finally able to go home and a mere two days later found herself back in the hospital for another stay that would turn out to be more than two weeks long!! Infection and other post-surgical problems kept her there and when she was finally released, it was with a home health care nurse and a PIC line for IV antibiotics. Needless to say, she needed some assistance and we all chipped in! Laura and Susan were with her in the hospital and my mom flew up to take over for Laura after a week. I was to go up when my Mom had left, but because she was not doing as well as expected, mom stayed on an extra week. It turned out for the best as we girls were able to have some quite time to visit and also help both Jenn and Susan run the kids to their various activities and committments, take Jenn to the dr., and assist with household chores. I was even able to squeeze in a couple of photo shoots of 3 of the 4 kids. <br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-11583404858028280772013-07-26T12:10:00.001-04:002013-07-26T12:10:37.540-04:00Five For FridayI am taking this idea from several other blogs where you post about five things that you are particularly enjoying, so here goes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqJdeKtAiqMOVayfI33CDdSVipY0gYJP9k9s_88CXiMR6rUjejjWfoz4fXrJTuWIfwxTXt85OXCNvknRplx3I03rbOHdXZpWnPAM6MmF8NjOexc4Dze8OSA1nSveEXm1RORnAwWfeX2s/s1600/Inferno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqJdeKtAiqMOVayfI33CDdSVipY0gYJP9k9s_88CXiMR6rUjejjWfoz4fXrJTuWIfwxTXt85OXCNvknRplx3I03rbOHdXZpWnPAM6MmF8NjOexc4Dze8OSA1nSveEXm1RORnAwWfeX2s/s400/Inferno.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
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I am loving this latest book by Dan Brown! I have read all of his books and I really enjoy them. I love that the mystery or adventure is combined with historical references, art and far away places. Often when he references something I find myself looking up that piece of art or church or whatever. I am just savoring this book. Can't wait to finish it but I don't want it to end!</div>
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Oh. My. Goodness!! Have you tried these frozen fruit bars? If not I highly recommend it, they are delicious! They taste like freshly blended fruit and milk-just what the package says. I love the banana and coconut flavors. They also have Peach and Strawberry I think, but I haven't tried those flavors yet. Such a nice treat on a hot summer night.</div>
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Best Flip Flops-EVER!!!</div>
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These are Fit Flops and they are oh sooooo comfortable! They come in lots of different colors and styles and they even make shoes. They are designed to be comfortable and they'r made with something called a multi-density Microwobbleboard midsole, whatever that is, and they feel so good! I would get a pair in every color and style (that I liked), but they are a little pricey. This style runs about $65.00 , but they are on sale at a lot of different places right now. I've had mine for two years and the honeymoon is not over yet.</div>
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Fresh, ripe summer vegetables-can't get enough of them right now. </div>
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<br />This little guy!</div>
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Buddy.</div>
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He sure is a rascal. He gets into everything (including our backyard water garden!), chews on anything he can, including my feet, uses the kitchen floor as a bathroom on occasion, and has to have all of his toys littering up the entire family room and kitchen! But, he is so sweet and lovable, and that puppy smell-all I can say is he had me at that first wag of his little tail! </div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-9448452747409761992013-07-18T19:56:00.001-04:002013-07-18T19:56:54.102-04:00It's a Girl! And a Boy!I was reminded yesterday that it has been a long time since I have posted-June 25th to be exact. There is no excuse other than to say that life has been getting in the way. I have the best of intentions and really mean to update the blog, but then something happens that will distract me and once I get distracted, well let's just say sometimes it takes a long time to get back on track, though it helps a lot if someone reminds me! My mind is just swimming with all kinds of different thoughts, concerns, worries and prayers and to be honest, I sometimes think that I can't handle it all. Somehow though, it all gets done or taken care of and the bottom line for me is to remind myself of life's abundant blessings and to be grateful for how much has been bestowed on me. I am grateful, truly.<br />
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So, when last we left off I announced the news that my darling daughter and son in law were expecting and making me a Grandma for the second time. What's new on that front? A LOT actually! Michelle has been having a difficult pregnancy, although she might beg to differ-it has been taking its' toll on her. I had mentioned earlier that she has been quite ill and that her doctor had recommended a cerclage. Fast forward several weeks and the cerclage did in fact take place and went relatively smoothly. But because of all of her 'morning' sickness she was in the hospital for much of the day instead of the few hours that they had predicted. She needed to be able to hold down food and go to the bathroom before being discharged and true to form as soon as she began to take <b><i>in</i></b> food or drink, she began to send it back <b><i>out</i></b> again. Eventually she was discharged and went home to take it easy as directed. After beginning her second trimester, her stomach seems to have settled a bit and as long as she eats every 2 hours she is holding down food, but if she diverts from that schedule at all-her body revolts against her and the morning sickness begins again. <br />
Because of her multiple doctors' appointments though, we have gotten to see quite a few pictures of this little one and we have learned that <i>it</i> is a <i>she</i>! We are all very excited about the prospect of another Granddaughter, but perhaps none more than Isabella. Though she had said on numerous occasions that she was hoping for a brother, when her parents told her that she would be having a sister-she screamed with joy! She has not come down off cloud 9 yet and has even re-named one of her dolls Carissa, the name that Michelle and Shawn have choosen for their new daughter. <br />
Since we now know the sex of the baby, it is much easier to make plans and we have been doing just that! It is such an exciting time for Michelle and Shawn and really, for all of us! <br />
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Our Fourth was pretty uneventful. It was HOT!!!! Too hot to be outside, especially with a pregnant woman who has been ordered by her doctor to stay out of the heat. So, we stayed home. Michelle, Shawn, Bella and Holly, our friend, came over and we had a little indoor, air-conditioned picnic. Tim and Esther were hoping to join us, but Tim's restaurant decided to open and they were slammed! We were all disappointed, but understand. Bella couldn't wait until dark so that we could do the fireworks that Grandaddy and Shawn had picked up earlier in the day.<br />
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This was Bella doing the 'Sprinkler' with a sparkler! </div>
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I've been super busy at work and come home and collapse on the couch if Bella doesn't convince me to take her to the pool first! Because I've been so tired, the crafting has been pushed to the side for a while. Sad, but sometimes I just run out of gas.<br />
So, on to the other announcement. Last Thursday before going to bed, our dog Chester began to have difficulty walking. During the night he got up and then collapsed. He didn't move for hours and as I was getting ready to go to work to get my laptop and work from home, he came over to me and as I scratched his ear he nuzzled my neck and kissed my face before dropping to the floor again. A short while later, our dear friend and companion was gone. My family was just devastated! Bella asked when we were going to get a puppy and we had thought that maybe in the fall when Jim was home more. As fate would have it, on Sunday Jim read of an 11 week old lab who needed a home. He called the number and spoke to an elderly gentleman who had realized that a puppy was just too much for him to handle. We went to see the pup and, well, a short time later Buddy came home with us. He is a sweet, adorable, feisty little guy and I am in love!<br />
He doesn't replace my Chester, no dog ever could, but he sure makes it hurt a bit less.<br />
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Buddy had never been inside a house before, but he sure warmed up to it fast! He has discovered the refrigerator and loves the smells he finds there. He has also learned to climb the stairs pretty easily, but it took a few days to master going down. When I get up in the morning I bring him downstairs (he sleeps in his crate in our room) and the first few mornings he backed up when he saw the stairs. I coaxed him on and he tentatively went down slowly, step by step. Then yesterday he cracked me up when we got to the steps and he went down two steps, looked back at me and then lifted his paws up and slid down the remaining steps on his tummy! Funny boy! </div>
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So, that's the news for now. I am really hoping for a quiet, stay home weekend where I can clean the house and maybe even get to a craft or two. </div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-37152354993307698442013-06-25T11:54:00.000-04:002013-06-25T11:54:40.136-04:00Behind Our Garden Gate<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Did you all have a great weekend? The weather here was spectacular on Saturday and then it heated up again on Sunday, but we were glad for what we got. </div>
Bella has been asking to get her nails done, but during dance season she is not allowed to wear polish on her fingers or toes. So we celebrated the end of the dance season by going in for a mani and pedi. She loved it and I'm not going to lie-I did too!<br />
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Sunday it was girls day. My cousin Kathy has a daughter who is the same age as Bella and though they seldom get to spend time together, Tory always makes it to Bella's birthday party. Yesterday, Tory had her party at a Skate Fun Park. My aunt and uncle were in town from Colorado for Tory's recital, and though her birthday isn't until September, Tory wanted her grandparents there so she had her party early. The girls get along so well and really have fun together, it is so nice to see!</div>
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They just love each other!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzA6kU0XdLdnvFoDxTIY9ojxS8TFgdj62iGNdkyVwIXJm4Ya5F2C8QdwN6y-vZ2a_Gr1lg7pLf_Owf5M7tAZjREvqT9y1zkdVzPgn-q0FcDd3jxoQ44ZC4CVRui8iKvz5JcTwBnESg6o/s1600/IMG_5007_3668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzA6kU0XdLdnvFoDxTIY9ojxS8TFgdj62iGNdkyVwIXJm4Ya5F2C8QdwN6y-vZ2a_Gr1lg7pLf_Owf5M7tAZjREvqT9y1zkdVzPgn-q0FcDd3jxoQ44ZC4CVRui8iKvz5JcTwBnESg6o/s400/IMG_5007_3668.JPG" width="400" xya="true" /></a>
This little girl sure loves her Grandma!<br />
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In other news, I'd like to take you on a tour of our yard to show you what we/ve been up to. (And by we, I mean that I go to the nusreries with Mr. W, show him what I like, bring it home and he does all the work!)\<br />
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I really love to garden and have always been an active participant in our garden, but lately I just haven't been able to do it. It is just to taxing on my body.<br />
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That orange bench that you see is one we have had for years. It was built with extra lumber from our deck and has been moved all over the yard and never made an impact at all. This year I was thinking I would paint it when the Mr. suggested the same thing. We wanted something bright and eye catching, so I got the orange. It took about 5 cans to cover. (I should have primed it first!)</div>
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We love the look.</div>
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The string that is around the pond is there to keep the Herons' out, they love to swoop down and snack on our fish!</div>
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This garden has a little asian feel. I'd like to get a Budda or something for this area.</div>
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The fountain had not been used for several years, but the one that we had down here died so the one you see was brought back out. </div>
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This is another view of the same garden. What you can't see is that this garden is kind of a kidney shape and starts at about the middle edge of our patio and wraps around the corner of it. That lattice screen I designed and our neighbor built for us many years ago. It mirrors the corner of the patio and creates a screen from the neighbors behind us.</div>
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Again the same garden, this is where it begins. In the Spring we have bright blue windflowers that pop up all around the bottom of that tree. One of my favorite pieces of statuary is in the tree-a monk on a swing!</div>
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This is under the deck. Jim loaded it up with hostas as it gets full shade and added the stepping stones to creat a path to the spicket.</div>
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The gnome (barely visible in the back there) was Bella's idea. She love him!</div>
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This is right inside our gate. It used to be a sun/shade garden, but now is complete shade. </div>
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I think that we have a total of 5 birdbaths and all of them are frequented by our birds as well as the stream bed in the pond area.</div>
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<br />I love our backyard! It is a peaceful oasis in the middle of a subdivision. When you are back there you forget the location as it is very quiet and peaceful. There are frogs in the pond that make themselves known in the evenings and mornings, lots of birds and dragonflies, and butterflies, so relaxing.</div>
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So there you have it. While these are not all of the gardens in our back yard, they are a good representation. I'll try and take an overall picture to show you that we still have plenty of green yard space available for playing! What kind of gardening do you do?</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-42161447726166606792013-06-19T19:25:00.001-04:002013-06-19T19:25:31.923-04:00Whiney Wednesday! (Sorry, that's the best I can do today)Have you ever had one of those days when you feel like you should have just stayed in bed and pulled the covers over your head and shut the world out? Yeah, me too. As a matter of fact, that day started for me on Monday. I'll let you know when it's over. <br />
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So, I am <strike>little</strike> lot cranky and whiney. I will apologize in advance-sorry.<br />
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Let me tell you about it. Monday came too fast, as per usual. I went to work and was just slammed! I had to take care of a few issues that I should not have had to address, but did. After a long day, I left and went to the doctor for my first of three injections-in my NECK!! This is how it went. He says to look down with my chin on my chest, dr. swabbed the area and then gave me an injection of lidocain. Not an all together great feeling, but not horrible. Next he says he is going to give me the injection if he can get the it in right because my neck is such a wreck that he wasn't sure he could get the right spot. He warned me that I might hear a 'pop' and not to worry as it was normal. Just the needle going into the tendon. Ummm, ewwww! Sure enough, POP! goes the tendon and then some pressure as the medication is plunged into my unsuspecting body. I left and went home with just a small bandage covered by a piece of gauze and tape so as not to mess up my clothes. After I got home I was doing a few things to help the hubs (who was at work) get ready for his trip with Isabella and Tim to Breezy Point, when suddenly and much to my dismay, the lidocain wore off and it well, hurt! Not just the regular hurt of say a broken bone or a root canal hurt. This was more like, OMG! Rip my head off so I won't feel this, kinda pain. Suffice it to say it was a long night ending with me sleeping in the recliner only to have to get up and go to work the next day.<br />
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After a busy day at work I came home to hubs having just gotten home and beginnng to unload the car. I dropped my stuff and helped unload the stuff. Now here is where things begin to get ugly. Mr. Wonderful's idea of unloading the car is to take everything out of it and dump it in the kitchen! My idea of unloading the car is to take everything from the car and put it away. So while he did who knows what? I rinsed the sand off everything, emptied the cooler, put the unused towels away, and unloaded the dishwasher before I could load it again because he didn't have time to do it before leaving for the beach. When we, and by that I mean I finally sat down, he took the remote and turned on one of his shows and promptly fell asleep. Really? Then when he woke up had the nerve to tell me how tired he was from spending the day at the beach and went on to elaborate with details of all they had done. Like it wasn't good enough to just plunge the knife in he had to twist it too. Meanwhile I had taken the med that the dr had given me and instead of making me tired, it made me wired and I was up until midnight. When that alarm went off at 4:45 am I wasn't feeling very rested at all.<br />
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An hour later I get in my car to go to work and notice after I turn the car on that all the lights on the dashboard light up - again. (Same thing had happened the week before.) Grrrr! I get to work and call the dealership telling them that I don't want to stay, I want to drop the car off and get a loaner because I really don't want to stay and wait for it. I made an appointment and after yet another squirrley day at work I headed to the dealership. When I arrive they check me in and I'm told that it will only take a moment to diagnose the problem, so why don't I have a seat in the waiting room-that was at 4:30. At six o'clock my car wHeas done and I was good to go! Why did I have to make an appointment to wait? The worst part of waiting was that I had forgotten my book in the car, the waiting room television was showing amatuer boxing (really!) and did I mention the waiting area had no air conditioning?<br />
All I wanted to do was go home and get something to eat since I had neglected to have lunch and put my head down. <br />
As you can tell, I was none too happy and then on the drive home everything irritated me. I live in a small town that has a great radio station that I listen to. Unfortunately, the local businesses in town choose to make their own radio commercials and they stink. I mean, really BAD!! Let me just say that if you are making a commercial that is going to be played on the radio and said radio is listened to people who are driving in cars, it is NOT a good idea to have police sirens in your ad! I think I'm getting pulled over or am supposed to pull over for the emergency vehicles or something. Not a good idea. <br />
And just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I see this guy running down the side of the road. He was about 5' 9 or 10" and about 120 pounds, yeah his bones were showing! He was about as pale as vampire in Miami and he was wearing the shortest, ugliest shorts I have ever seen. Do I really have to bear witness to this? It was just wrong on so many levels I couldn't stand it.<br />
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Then, I get home. And here is the part where Mr. Wonderful looses his moniker. From now on he will be referred to as just-him or he. Why? <strong>HE</strong> had left the toaster on the counter right where he left it after he used it. I have to assume that he must have broken his arm taking it out of the cabinet which is why he wasn't able to get it back in the cabinet. <strong>He</strong> failed to put any of the dishes or glasses that he had used into the dishwasher, that arm must have really been killing him. Then I went upstairs to grab a quick shower and put my pj's only to discover that not only did <strong>He</strong> not make the bed but, <strong>He </strong>practically ripped the sheets off the bed in his sleep and left it that way. I don't know about you, but I can't get into an unmade bed. I HATE it. And since <strong>He </strong>was sooo tired and went to bed early,<strong> HE </strong>took all the pillows off the bed and threw them on the floor. In a mess! Isn't is just so much nicer to put them in an nice, neat pile before putting them down on the chair-or the floor if you must. UGH! I so hate to have to get into an unmade bed that on the day I was to be released from the hospital, Michelle ran over to the house before work or on her break or something and made my bed.<br />
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All I can say is: Thank God I had the forsight to raise that child right!<br />
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G' Night!<br />
I'll be better tomorrow, promise.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-18702914543745632552013-06-14T13:09:00.000-04:002013-06-14T13:09:15.492-04:00A New Post!?!I know that it has been too long since i have posted, but I have a good excuse. Sort of, maybe, I guess it really depends. My excuse is that I have simply been too tired to write. <br />
Doesn't sound like much of an excuse, does it? It is however, the truth. <br />
So, let's review what I have been up to, shall we?<br />
First up is Isabella's Birthday Party. Each year I typically let her invite five girls so that it would be six including her. For the last couple of years, they haven't all been able to come and we wind up with 3-4 girls. This year I told her she could invite 11. Her first question to me was "Did you ask my Mom if that's okay?" Ha! She's such a good kid. After convincing her that mom was okay with it, she went ahead and made her guest list. So this year all but one showed up! My Dad and Marlena arrived first at about noon and there was a certain amount of excitement as they saw her outfit. Bella was wearing a shirt that said "Big Sister". That's right, Isabella is going to be a big sister sometime around the middle of December. (If the baby stays put.) More on that later.<br />
Then one of the guests arrived with her mom and dad and dade wanted a tour of our backyard. I was happy to oblige but while giving him the grand tour, the rest of the guests arrived. It wouldn't have been a problem, except taht I had not had a chance to take any pictures yet of my decorations. Consequently, I have just a few as compared to normal. The theme was Hollywood Red Carpet and our girl just loved her party! <br />
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Bella and the girls just loved these little Oscar statues!</div>
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I was pleased with this film strip banner that I created. Each of her nine birthdays are represented on the banner and it is fun to see how she has changed!</div>
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The wreath is made from popcorn and unfortunately I didn't get a picture of it until after the birds had started to nibble on it! </div>
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It was super hot that day, so although the party was primarily outside, we choose activities to help cool them off. They had a water balloon fight, a shoot for the stars competition (gold stars hung from a tree and the girls had to sh oot them with a water gun.), a pinata and of course, all the girls had the opportunity to walk the red carpet. They were so funny!</div>
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Don't know why they won't stay rotated?</div>
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After the girls all left my Dad & Marlena, my cousin Cathy and her daughter Victoria (pictured above in the red), Sean's parents and Vinnie & Sabina (our grandparents from next door) all stayed for dinner. It was a very busy, but very nice day.</div>
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Sunday we had breakfast with Dad & Marlena before they hit the road.</div>
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After they had left, Jim and I headed down to Tyson's Corner to shop for Bella's Birthday at the American Girl Store. She just love's those dolls and every single accessory!</div>
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On to the news of our newest grandbaby. Michelle had a lot of sickness during her pregnancy with Isabella and she ultimately delivered 6 1/2 weeks early. Although Bella weighed in at 6 pounds 12 ounces, she would have been huge had Michelle carried to term. True to form, Michelle has again been very ill. She can't seem to hold anything down. This came to a head on Tuesday when she began to feel lightheaded and generally poor after not holding anything in her stomach for 2 1/2 days. She went to the doctor who sent her directly to the ER. She had lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks and they needed to get nutrients in her right away. She ws diagnosed with Hypermesis Gravidarum, the same condition that Princess Kate suffered with in the beginning of her pregnancy. Wednesday she saw the Perinatologist for the first time who recomended a cerclage, stitching of the cervix to keep it closed. It was scheduled for yesterday at 6:30 am. We were to keep Bella so she wouldn't have to get up so early. </div>
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Now, last weekend Bella and I went to Ohio to celebrate my nieces graduation from High School. While we were there I noticed that her cheeks were quite red the whole time. Bella said that she felt fine and it was probably just sun, but I had a different feeling. Tuesday she was sent home from school with a rash and when Michelle called the dr. she was told that it was a rash and reallly, there was nothing to do about it but let it run its course. All well and good, but she couldn't go back to school without a doctor's note, so Michelle called back and set up an appointment. For 9:00 Thursday morning. I took her and Fifth's Disease was confirmed. Nothing to do for Bella, but the dr. cautioned me not to have her around pregnant women! It can cause some complications in unborn babies. I got Bella back in school and headed over to the hospital to spell Shawn so that he wouldn't have to take another day off work. I thought we'd be there an hour or two, but no, not with Michelle. She couldn't hold anything down and could not pass the final test needed to ensure release-going to the bathroom on her own. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much, especially given that she had a spinal block for the procedure. </div>
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Anyway, she was still at the hospital when she reminded me that I needed to head out for my scheduled MRI of my neck. So I ran over to the imaging center, had the MRI and then was about to head back to the hospital when Shawn texted me to let me know that he was taking her home! It was now about 3:00.</div>
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I went home by myself and walked in to Jim telling me that it was time to go get Bella from school. I let him do that run alone as I hadn't eaten or taken a break all day!</div>
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Then it was time for Bellas makeup and hair to be done for her dress rehearsal. After doing that I dropped her off with her Dad who was taking her to the rehearsal. Michelle realized that today was the last day of school and she had neglected to get the teacher a gift, so I ran out to do that. While I was there, Shawn called and asked if I could pick up her Rx from the pharmacy. Sure. I went to CVS only to f ind that the dr. had not called it in! Ran back to Michelle's to drop off the gift and told her. Shaw called the doctor and at 9:00 he called back to say we could pick it up. He was STILL at dance. Problem is, the pharmacy was closing in 30 seconds. I was able to reach the pharmacist who transferred the prescription to a 24 hour store and Mr. W ran over to pick it up. </div>
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Whew! I'm tired again jnst from typing that out!</div>
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Tomorrow is Bella's recital, so we will be busy with that. Good news is we have nothing scheduled for Sunday. Oh wait! It's Father's Day! Better figure out a gift for the hubs. Any ideas?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-53618645465466406222013-06-04T12:27:00.002-04:002013-06-04T12:27:31.515-04:00Do you like to read?I LOVE to read! I think that the love of reading is something that is passed down. My parents have always been readers and we, my sisters and I, were brought up going to the library and sharing books. When I became a mother, it was only natural for me to read to my children. They both loved to be read to. My daughter is now 31 and she has a voracious appetite for books! She will read anything, and I do mean anything. When she was in middle school she ran out of books so picked up the encyclopedia and began to read those. (I know that I am dating myself by admitting that we had encyclopedias in our home, not just on line) Our son loved, loved, loved to be read to and that continued until he was in middle school. He still likes to read, though admittedly not nearly as much as Michelle or myself. It tickles me to no end to see how my darling grandaughter has grown up with such a love of reading too. She if a very good reader and her vocabulary and comprehension level prove that.<br />
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Naturally, when I saw this month's <a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/2013/06/books-n-bloggers-swap-signups.html%22">Chaotic Goddess Swap</a> <span style="color: black;">was titled Books 'n Bloggers, I knew it was something that I would want to sign up for. The idea of the swap is to help introduce bloggers to one another and to allow members to receive a special something in the mail. Who doesn't like to get a package of fun in the mail!? The rules of the swap are pretty simple, all you have to do is create a package that includes 1 of each of the following: </span><br />
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* A book that you have read and loved<br />
* A book you haven't read<br />
* A book from your partner's wish list<br />
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Additional rules are as follows:<br />
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<span style="color: black;">•Packages must contain 3 books that fit the criteria.</span><br />
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•Send books that fit your partner's genre preferences.<br />
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•Books must be mailed First Class or better, no Media Mail, on June 28th or 29th.<br />
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•You must respond to emails from the swap hosts within a timely fashion.
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Pretty simple, right?
Do you think that this sounds like something that you would like to do? Sign up is easy, just go to: <a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/">Chaotic Goddess Swap Sign Up</a> and get yourself signed up! You won't regret it!
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-36162809928569814162013-06-03T10:00:00.001-04:002013-06-03T10:00:36.773-04:00Where I've BeenThe short and easy answer is: Nowhere! I have just been BUSY! Working on so many different things in the last few weeks and working at my job and my home and everywhere there is a lot going on!<br />
Bella's birthday party is Saturday, and I have been busily working away on all the different elements for the party. She gets so excited about everything and never forgets to thank me for everything-she makes it a joy to do things for her!<br />
Memorial weekend was very low key. We didn't go away or have anyone over which saved me some. Michelle and Shawn did have a yard sale though and since they don't have a yard, it was at my house. So, I got up at 5:30 on Saturday and started pulling tables out and the multitude of boxes that they had been keeping in our garage until the sale. They showed up before seven and took it from there, but I did sit outside for most of the sale. They were able to get rid of a lot of things, but I have scheduled a Purple Heart pick up for all that did not sell. <br />
After we cleaned up, we all headed to Sam's Club to pick up a few (hundred) things. When we finished with that, I dropped the kids off at their house and headed home to try and get in a few things before the Mr. got home from work and before I knew it he was home and I was fixing dinner and the day was shot!<br />
Sunday found me in my craft room working to finish up some projects for Bella's birthday party when my lovely daughter called to say that Bella was ready for her 9 year photo shoot. She and I headed out to the park and I was able to capture some wonderful images of this precious girl!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwPb_KyorswJ49m_v5emXTI1RsbA6UjukD3U2uc1cr-zqpWpW_riomvQM1nZh90enAVaRVi29Y3i1kPB692hHlzlfUHrNqBJ62_6wIbrdB3KDk7Esdx2tFDLhkpEh4R6afUEO8vb_50Y/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwPb_KyorswJ49m_v5emXTI1RsbA6UjukD3U2uc1cr-zqpWpW_riomvQM1nZh90enAVaRVi29Y3i1kPB692hHlzlfUHrNqBJ62_6wIbrdB3KDk7Esdx2tFDLhkpEh4R6afUEO8vb_50Y/s640/IMG_4410.JPG" width="426" yya="true" /></a></div>
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She is growing up so quickly I can hardly stand it! We had a wonderful time just strollilng through the beautiful park and enjoying each other while capturing some great shots while we went. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Update: I have been so swamped that I began this post last week and am only now getting around to finishing it up! </span></div>
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Monday, we had no plans and the Mr. was working so I had made arrangements to do a shoot for a sweet girl that I worked with to get some shots of her two girls, ages 5 and 4 months. I must say, these two were adorable but a bit difficult to photograph. The 5 year old had difficulty looking looking straight at me or the lens and so often her eyes were all over the place. She is also at that age where if it's not about her alone, she doesn't want too much to do with it. Ha! Who hasn't seen that in a child?!</div>
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The 4 month old was a precious, happy and beautiful baby, but she is not sitting up on her own yet and really want to. When we'd try to get her down to photograph, all she wanted to do was put her legs straight to stand. Then when she saw the camera, she was so fascinated by it she'd just stare! Made for a difficult session. We are going to try again when she's a bit older and hopefully have better luck, but here are a few from that session.</div>
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Meet Leah<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoLXNn9v9T5WbQzTegicc7990EXEwf_zehEAFa_Ybrou-Vt8dNUr5ohNucctau20-RPqgim8y7v9UIXxDsHHDnaDUO6qD4S8CTGxnGJZGFU_rdPzBbUdM_gklssFmU08lCuE97Lw10e0/s1600/IMG_4546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoLXNn9v9T5WbQzTegicc7990EXEwf_zehEAFa_Ybrou-Vt8dNUr5ohNucctau20-RPqgim8y7v9UIXxDsHHDnaDUO6qD4S8CTGxnGJZGFU_rdPzBbUdM_gklssFmU08lCuE97Lw10e0/s640/IMG_4546.JPG" width="426" yya="true" /></a><br /> And Mya<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSu0B52Cp05tuMIQ9pkJzfvCtCFsJ_dftqTIWUdlFwFb-9kI2Ny7HhJEibQ7Zya_2kECrPJviaS_lZKrjHgxjB-1524QTSRuJB-M6kWY8BnlwizqXbYM5Mor8Rcx_HYKy9fAejdNdWpE/s1600/IMG_4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSu0B52Cp05tuMIQ9pkJzfvCtCFsJ_dftqTIWUdlFwFb-9kI2Ny7HhJEibQ7Zya_2kECrPJviaS_lZKrjHgxjB-1524QTSRuJB-M6kWY8BnlwizqXbYM5Mor8Rcx_HYKy9fAejdNdWpE/s640/IMG_4609.JPG" width="426" yya="true" /></a></div>
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These are straight out of the camera, I have not had any time to edit! Mom did not want to have her picture taken, but she is just adorable and you can see where her girls get their beauty from. </div>
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<br />Tuesday came all too soon and I was right back to work! My evenings were full to capacity and Thursday I was hit hard by a migraine! With the party being on Saturday, I took Friday off from work to rest and try to get rid of the migraine. I didn't get anything done for the party, but rested enough so that I could rise early on Saturday to try and get things going. </div>
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More on that soon!</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-26326904833205240892013-05-13T10:47:00.001-04:002013-05-13T10:47:13.032-04:00Weekend in ReviewHappy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! I hope that you had a day that was filled with love and laughter.<br />
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I had a wonderful day, thanks for asking. Saturday we had hoped to go to dinner at the restaraunt that Tim is working at, but he said that he expected to be very busy and probably would not be able to come out and chat with us. So, we decided to wait for a more conducive time to do that. After all, we don't want to go into DC and not have the opportunity to see him. Since Mr. Wonderful was going to be working on Sunday, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. Michelle and I were both asked what we wanted to do or where we wanted to go and neither of us cared much, so Mr. W took things in his own hands and made reservations for us to go to <a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/">Medieval Times</a>. If you have never been, I highly recommend it! They have a number of different locations and it is a lot of fun! FOr those not familiar with it, <a href="http://www.medievaltimes.com/">Medieval Times</a> is a dinner and entertainment venue set in the middle ages. We got to the castle at about 3:15 which was the recommended time. We got a drink and sat at a table in the lobby for a while and listened to the revelers and looked at some of the suits of armor. Then the King started to give the appointment of knight, dame, etc. to various people and we went up to watch. Bella was standing there and watching and said that she would love to get called up. Well, the next thing she knew her name was announced! Mr. W had arranged it but had not told her. (This of course is for an extra fee!) She was so shocked that she didn't move at first and we had to encourage her to go on up. She was so excited to be given the title of Dame Isabella! She was cloaked in a cape and then it was announced that she was there as a celebration and she received a tiara with long strands of pink fabric that hung down each side. (Another fee for that.) <br />
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She looks so grown up in this picture!</div>
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Here she is as the king appoints her 'Dame'.</div>
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She just loved it! By then it was about time for the castle doors to open and we found our seats. Again, Jim upgraded our seats to 'King' and we sat in the front row! It was great! Soon the waiter came out and told us that we were to cheer for the Black & White knight and he encouraged us to practice. Then dinner was served. As we started on the first course Tomato Basil Soup, the show began. </div>
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This was our knight.</div>
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The knights were all introduced and they were each given a couple of flowers from the Princess. The knight then choose an audience member to bestow the flower upon and he choose Bella. When she realized that he was tossing the flower to her, she about squeeled! </div>
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As the courses were served, we watched the jousting, horsemanship, fighting and had a great time! We cheered for our knight and booed when he was defeated by another knight. It was really a lot of fun! The dinner was delicious too! In addition to the soup we were served: roasted chicken, bbq spare ribs, garlic bread, potatoe wedges and apple turnover. We were all full by the time it was over. </div>
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Bella really got into waving her flag and cheering!</div>
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After the show Michelle, Shawn and Bella posed with the young woman who demonstrated the 'Sport of Kings' (falconry) earlier in the arena. Those birds are really quite amazing.</div>
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After we were done, we walked around the mall for a little while and by the time we got in the car to head for home we were all pretty tired. Isabella was asleep within minutes and she continued to sleep the whole ride home! </div>
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Sunday, Jim left for work at 3:50 am and the house was quiet which allowed me to sleep in until 9:15! That is really sleeping in for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I fixed myself a cup of tea and some yogurt, and was even able to work in my craft room for a little while before Jim came home. We then went for an early dinner at Caraba's before heading home. Once home, we both took a short nap-it was a great day!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-40825258777355705262013-05-06T10:26:00.002-04:002013-05-06T10:26:55.308-04:00Chaotic Goddess SwapSo, it's time to reveal what I received in the mail from the Chaotic Goddess Swap. Actually, it is past time but my swap partner had some family obligations to attend to out of state and got the package out late. No big deal for me, but it meant that I couldn't post the reveal on time. So, ready? Here goes: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDo2E3W_wezSP_Jmh_C_Msu5N2VWazPyDX5NwxIMp1_VtfLiS9-2_ZnFqw_YIb8-9ecBGwLlMqiQFuWeUtVrSHkdl9xH7IxqVip2lh6ZjXU59Q0ABfwGcB3pV-VpV18VAghy8peDOtWc/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDo2E3W_wezSP_Jmh_C_Msu5N2VWazPyDX5NwxIMp1_VtfLiS9-2_ZnFqw_YIb8-9ecBGwLlMqiQFuWeUtVrSHkdl9xH7IxqVip2lh6ZjXU59Q0ABfwGcB3pV-VpV18VAghy8peDOtWc/s400/IMG_4126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look at that loot! </div>
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To refresh your memory, the swap was called Mug O' Comfort and we had to include a mug and then some other items that were tailored to the recipient. Can be a little difficult as we've never met each other, but by reading her blog, I was able to get some insight into <a href="http://hisgirlspacey.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> and she obviously got some insight into me! I love the green polka dot mug and have used it several times already. There is loose tea, a couple packets of Sweet & Spicey tea (yum!), hot chocolate, a book that Sarah had read and passed along, an adorable tulip shaped rice crispy treat, Jelly Beans, a Munch bar and a family favorite of hers that she mixed up and sent along. Can't wait to try that one out!</div>
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I thought this swap was lots of fun and I will certainly do another one. If you think this is something taht you would like to do, go over to Chaotic Goddess Swaps. Sign ups are going on now for the next one!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qKJGAB5WX7M27EoW4s26EKXVBeuSwgXoYjfHByqoHgtvdzwoTv5dkAlGk7iA0_yRkOHuOEEzG0chckT3dtIIv7jIRrBa4r2zsz2t0H1tQAYe84SaGLjgw9POPoWfWShCWNnGtSfRveg/s1600/mugocomfortswap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" mwa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qKJGAB5WX7M27EoW4s26EKXVBeuSwgXoYjfHByqoHgtvdzwoTv5dkAlGk7iA0_yRkOHuOEEzG0chckT3dtIIv7jIRrBa4r2zsz2t0H1tQAYe84SaGLjgw9POPoWfWShCWNnGtSfRveg/s1600/mugocomfortswap.jpg" /></a></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-4287571687063736872013-05-03T10:34:00.001-04:002013-05-03T10:34:28.629-04:00May Already?!Where does the time go? Honestly it feels like Christmas was just last week and now it is May already. I also realized that my darling Isabella is going to be nine soon and then she reminded me that ten is next and she'll be a teenager and driving and dating before I know it! Like I needed to be reminded of those days. Ha! I think her father has been getting busy polishing his gun. (Kidding! He doesn't own a gun, but you know what I mean.)<br />So, Spring is here in all its glory and with it comes a very busy season. I have a baby shower to attend on Sunday and the mom to be is a dear friend of my daughter's and the two of them have spent many, many hundreds of hours together over the years and her mom and I are good friends too. I offered to do a few things for the shower which has a bird theme, so I have been busy working on those few things. (Pictures next week.) Additionally, there are several graduation parties for which I have been asked to do some crafting for and of course, the main event is Isabella's birthday party which this year is on the 1st of June. My plate is pretty full!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeQ47VuzN8VCWSbQExPM4m-i4i1sHjGanHRyb1tz4uzXwFh0B0F4zcZJOzCO6bxVHNi-FW-h0_xbqy9pd5TvP7hrYUpB2Xym3LRY46CzQUgqvfhOqtyAFGWLvb9__NumObVPoQzBOGO8/s1600/il_570xN_312433792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeQ47VuzN8VCWSbQExPM4m-i4i1sHjGanHRyb1tz4uzXwFh0B0F4zcZJOzCO6bxVHNi-FW-h0_xbqy9pd5TvP7hrYUpB2Xym3LRY46CzQUgqvfhOqtyAFGWLvb9__NumObVPoQzBOGO8/s320/il_570xN_312433792.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I was thinking about what to get Brooke, the mom to be, for the shower I wanted it to be something special yet pratical too. Hmm. While I was browsing on Pinterest one day I came across an adorable hat for a girl. It was a baseball hat and Brooke loves baseball! </div>
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I was going to order it but it was $23. and I wanted to do something else as well so instead I called my sister. I asked if she'd be willing to make one and sent her a picture and she said sure. Now, my sister Susan, is freaking amazing. She got the creative genes in the family and is a whiz with any type of craft needle-knit, crochet and sewing-she can do it! She won a blue ribbon for a poncho she entered at the county fair when she was like 13. Anyway, she whipped it up and sent it to me and voila! The hat above is the one I saw one Pinterest and she replicated it without the little brim and I had the baseball button so I sewed it in (that's about all I can handle!) </div>
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I also decided to make her a Diaper Cake, as what mom doesn't like diapers? Brooke spent a great deal of her childhood and young adulthood in ballet classes and is all about the ballet, so I decided to go with a ballet themed cake. Here is what I came up with:</div>
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Sorry about the picture, it won't stay turned!</div>
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Anyway, I made the little tutu on the bottom layer, they layers are formed around a large bottle of baby powder, the top layer is a headband and the little shoes are sparkly. The lamb is from some TV show that I've never heard of, but it was the only thing I could find that was a ballerina. The picture really doesn't do it justice, but it came out really cute. </div>
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I also made the invitations for Bella's party. The theme this year is a Red Carpet Movie Party. Here's what I came up with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejMf2tGHmFNOddTz1rOvXnQEN4a0bT5dbKONj6NnFQy8OBgW7LEck-wm4kVCEiGUcI-8muixVytdIq4ka9NJ38idd4cpprLe4gYyUqZkBTOdqCJWMdSFCNfyIJ7d5AYeSbPKe5s_VLaY/s1600/DSCN0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejMf2tGHmFNOddTz1rOvXnQEN4a0bT5dbKONj6NnFQy8OBgW7LEck-wm4kVCEiGUcI-8muixVytdIq4ka9NJ38idd4cpprLe4gYyUqZkBTOdqCJWMdSFCNfyIJ7d5AYeSbPKe5s_VLaY/s400/DSCN0812.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
And the inside:<br />
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(I put a little piece of paper over the address and phone number, but you get the idea!</div>
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I liked the way they turned out and Bella's thrilled, so that's what matters.</div>
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As you may have guessed, these projects have been occupying any free time that I have lately. Gotta tell you, working really gets in the way of my social and crafting life!</div>
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What have you been up to?</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-88460384154000164312013-04-20T10:42:00.002-04:002013-04-20T10:42:45.399-04:0020 QuestionsGetting to know me, a little bit. Twenty questions and answers. Honest, answers. Promise or try anyway!<br />
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<b>1.What is your road trip essential snack?</b>
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CANDY! I am a sweet freak and sugar is my favorite food group! And as someone once told me there are no calories when you are on the road.</div>
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<b>2.You've been handed two free round-trip tickets...who are you taking and where are you going?</b></div>
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First, woo-hoo! I love free! First, I would go to Florida with the hubs to visit my parents. Both my Mom & Dad and my Dad & Bonus Mom live in Florida and I don't get down there to visit. Like ever!</div>
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Second trip, I have always wanted to visit Italy! (and Greece and Australia, and on, and on.). And I've always wanted to go there with my daughter, Michelle. I think that would be so much fun!</div>
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<b>3,What was your high school jam?</b><br />I had to call my sisters about this one. I really liked the Eagles way back then, still like them as a matter of fact. Hotel California, never really understood the song but I liked it!<b> </b>
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<b>4.Would you rather have a perfect bum, or a flawless face?</b>
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Flawless face, no doubt! Everyone sees it coming and the bum only going and it can be easily camouflaged!<br />
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<b>5.What shows are you ashamed to admit are on your DVR?</b>
<br />Dance Moms-my dirty little secret. It's like a train wreck that I can't tear myself away from.<br />
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Abby is SO Evil!<br /> <br />
<b>6.What's your ringtone?</b><br />I've never downloaded one, because I'm cheap. Currently it is a tweeting bird.<b> </b>
<br /><b>7.How old were you when you had your first kiss? Was it meh or toe-curling?<br />I </b>really don't remember, but I think it was in 5th grade on the playground. Who can have a toe-curling kiss in the 5th grade? Definitely meh!<b> </b><br />
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<b></b><img alt="kissing lips photo: avatar kissing_lips.gif" data-link="id{:placeHolderId}" height="316" id="placeHolder_0" src="http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/ciaomama_photo/kissing_lips.gif" style="height: 79px; width: 100px;" width="400" /><br />
<b>8.Do you have any siblings, and if so, where are you in the birth order?</b> <br />
Siblings? Boy, do I have them! My parents were divorced and both re-married people with children so I grew up with lots. My mother however, gave birth to 4 girls-of which I was number 2. Born 21 months after my older sister. Susan, Karen, Laura and Jenn.<br />
When I add in the 3 that my Dad brought and the 5 that my step-mother brought it went like this:<br />
Eddie, Michael, Susan, Peter, <b>Susan</b> (I know, 2!),Cindy, <b>Karen </b>(Me!), Garry, <b>Laura</b>, Scott, Luanne and <b>Jenn</b>.<br />
Interesting facts, other than the fact that there are two Susan's. My brother Peter and my sister <b>Susan</b> are one month apart in age. My sister Cindy, Me and my brother Garry are all born one month apart from each other. Cindy October 24, Me November 24 and Garry December 26th - all the same year.
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Jenn, me, Laura and Susan<br />
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<b>9.What was your first car, and did you name it?</b><br />
My first car was one that my Grandfather gave to me when he got a new one. It was a 1961 Chevy, I think. I got it in 1980 and I did not name it.
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<b>10.What would you request for your last supper?</b>
<br /> Don't really know. Probably anything that my Mom would make me! Love her soups, and her Italian and pretty much anything else she makes.
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<b>11.Have you ever been hospitalized, and if so, what for?</b>
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YES! Far too many times! Once, when I was 18 for a foot re-construction. Twice to give birth. ('81 and '86) Then I had a hysterectomy, I was hospitalized for 5 days for a migraine, then an appendectomy, an oophorectomy (ovary removal), and finally a gallbladder removal just last year. <br /><b> </b><br />
<b>12.How tall are you? Do you wish you were taller, shorter...or are you just right?</b>
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I am 5'4" and growing up I always wished I was taller. Now, I'm fine with my height. (Especially since I am the tallest of my 3 sisters and my mother.)<br /> .
<br /><b>13.Do you prefer to DIY or hire it out?</b>
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Will, I prefer to hire out, but often find myself DIYing! I do get a certain amount of satisfaction doing it myself and I like to paint.<br />
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<br /><b>14.What do you eat for breakfast?</b>
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Most days I have cereal (either hot or cold) or Greek yogurt.<br />
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<b>15.What would you do for a living if you didn't need money?</b><br />
When I was younger I would have said an actress or a singer, but now I think I would be a party planner. .<br />
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<b>16.Finish this sentence: Every room needs....</b>
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Paint! Even if it is a good White or Beige. I can't stand to see builder's paint on walls and I think that your paint colors and types of paint say a lot about you.<br />
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<b>17.How frequently do you wash your hair? Do you have any hair secrets or tricks?</b>
<br /> I wash my hair every other day and it usually looks best on the second day. I <b>always</b> use hair spray, even if I am just pulling my hair back. I have thick hair and it helps it to keep the style and helps with fly aways.<br />
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<b>18.Will you leave the house without makeup?</b>
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I have, but only to be hospitalized. Otherwise-NEVER!<br /><br />
<b>18.You just unloaded your Halloween haul...what candy do you go for first?</b>
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Jelly beans-God's perfect food!<br />
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<b>19.What totally inane talent do you possess?</b>
<br /> Oh my, so many to choose from. I can touch my nose with my tongue!<br />
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<b>20. What would you consider a perfect day?</b><br />
This is a tough one! I like to do so many things and love to have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, but if we are talking just a 'regular' day? It would be snowing outside and a roaring fire in the fireplace. I would have something warm and wonderful cooking on the stove or in the crockpot (obviously, someone put it there for me if it's wonderful!) I would spend the day in really comfy clothes and warm cozy socks, reading and crafting and finish the day with a nice glass of wine. Simple.<b> </b><br />
Or, any day at the beach!<br />
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-40834505627324354302013-04-17T10:41:00.000-04:002013-04-17T10:41:41.309-04:00Addicted!First, I'd like to say that I am horrified by the events that occured at the end of the Boston Marathon. It was another beautiful day with a blue sky, not unlike that back in September of 2001, when tradegy hit and horror rang out. My hearts and prayers go out to all those involved, to the victims and their families-May God be with you during this time of healing and pain and may you find comfort. To those who perpetrated this terrible crime, know that you will not bring us down as we as one Nation Under God, will only pull together and become stronger. The evil that lies in your heart comes from Satan and we will not let him <br />
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win!</div>
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So, on to my topic at hand-Addicted!</div>
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Serious topic.</div>
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What is an addiction? The dictionary defines it as such:</div>
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<strong>ad·dic·tion/əˈdɪkʃən/ Show Spelled [uh-dik-shuhn] Show IPA </strong></div>
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<em>noun </em><br />
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<em>the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. </em><em></em>
Reading that definition the first part of it convinces me-I'm addicted. Now, addictions come in many forms; narcotics, alcohol, cigarettes, food, gambling and perhaps one of the most perplexing addiction of all and the one that I am currently suffering from- <strong>CANDY CRUSH SAGA!</strong>
I am totally addicted. How did it happen? Well, like many it started slowly. One day I was feeling a little bored and a lot lazy. I didn't feel like going and doing something, but I didn't want to just sit and watch TV. So, I picked up my i-Phone and downloaded the App. I had heard that people were playing it and had even seen some post on FB about it so I decided to try it. The app is free, so what do I have to loose I thought. Ha!
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OE6JggmCErf2B0aerijPna8ejslWFQLeDztgxn2NjPSjoL3rPXapgP0f-hYyfDyaojO6-ON5KWxmvkTcpeNBfcQg0sHI6v6uvRWkrRO17GHhyphenhyphenFStUt2uJNsE7mtVf4UI4nymrwAHsec/s1600/562391_407647839333049_1636049014_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OE6JggmCErf2B0aerijPna8ejslWFQLeDztgxn2NjPSjoL3rPXapgP0f-hYyfDyaojO6-ON5KWxmvkTcpeNBfcQg0sHI6v6uvRWkrRO17GHhyphenhyphenFStUt2uJNsE7mtVf4UI4nymrwAHsec/s1600/562391_407647839333049_1636049014_n.png" /></a></div>
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Bright colors, fun music and a fairly simple idea. Clear the candy. And so it began...</div>
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One level down, easy enough. </div>
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Next level was somewhat more challenging, but not a big deal-onward ho!</div>
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Level after level I moved on and I didn't really even know how it worked at that point. I was just putting three of the same colors together, no strategy involved. </div>
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Then a friend noticed me playing and she asked if I knew what I was doing. Doing? No, just playing a game. That day we took our lunch break together and over lunch, she explained the strategy of the game. Huddled over my phone, she showed me what the striped candies do and the wrapped candies and OMG have you gotten those multi-colored beauties?! </div>
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Now I was hooked. It wasn't just about the luck of the draw or how the candy fell, there was a real strategy involved. </div>
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Then I started getting a little face showing up on my screen that emitted tears and told me I had so many minutes left before I could play again. Out of lives! </div>
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What is this? But, I'm not done. I haven't completed this level. More lives, I need more lives!</div>
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Turns out you can ask your friends to give you more lives, so the requests began. please , just one more life. I have to complete this level. </div>
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I am consumed. Committed to getting through this stupid game. I am a bit of a newbie, only been playing for a couple of weeks. Currently I am stuck on level 38. It's driving me crazy! I can't get rid of the stupid jellies! I'm out of moves with just one jelly left. Oooh!</div>
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I knew it was a problem when I dreamt of calling out sick so I could figure the stupid thing out. <strike>Kidding!</strike></div>
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Help!</div>
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I can't stop playing.</div>
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Have you gotten sucked up in this never ending vortex? </div>
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(What level are you on and can you spare a lifte!)</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-60514681836605605102013-04-04T15:10:00.000-04:002013-04-04T15:10:28.563-04:00Swap Me-I'm In!I'm so excited I just have to tell y'all about it! For a while now I have seen some of the bloggers that I read talking about 'swaps'. I never thought too much about it because I thought that it was a private thing or maybe only open to an elite group of bloggers. Imagine my surprise and delight to find out that I was wrong! Any blogger can join the swap-even me. And so, I did just that. As soon as it was posted that the sign up was starting for the April swap I signed myself right up. <br />
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So what is a swap and how does it work, you might be asking yourself. I'm here to help you out and tell you all about it. So this really clever couple of bloggers who are over at <a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/">The Chaotic Goddes Swaps</a> (don't you love that name!) created swaps for bloggers. Each month they have a new swap theme and they pair up all of the participants and give you the theme of the swap. This month's theme is <strong><em>Mug O Comfort</em></strong>. They set a price range and once you are paired up with someone you write to them ang get an idea as to their likes and dislikes, that kind of thing. Then comes the fun part-shopping! You go and choose a gift for the other person that is in keeping with the theme. This month one requirement is that your gift <em>must</em> include a mug. That's easy enough! Then is the ultra cool part-your partner sends you something. Who doesn't like getting a package in the mail, I ask you?! After we have all received our little packages in the mail we post the contents on our blogs. What fun, huh?<br />
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I bet by now you are asking yourself how you can get in on this fabulous idea too, aren't you? Easy Peasy! Just follow the simple steps over at <a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/">The Chaotic Goddess Swaps</a> and you too can be part of the fun. <br />
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<a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/2013/04/mug-o-comfort-swap-sign-up.html"><imgsrc bp.blogspot.com="" c="" http:="" imsiaw9_ls8="" mugocomfortswap.jpg="" s400="" tz-eui="" wx20bolwuss=""></imgsrc></a><a href="http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/">http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/</a></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-38144847899226658442013-04-02T09:34:00.001-04:002013-04-02T09:34:39.700-04:00EasterI love Easter! My heart always feels so full and I get very emotional during this season. As I think of the sacrifices that have been made, the pain and the suffering, all so that I can be forgiven from sin! I think of the journey that Jesus made, His teachings, the miracles performed and everything that led to His arrest and crusifixion, and ultimately to the Resurection. Alive! <br />
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Many of you who know me know that I associate so much with music and to specific songs. Lyrics set to music make me feel <em>more,</em> experience <em>more,</em> because it is about so much more than words and music for me. <br />
Lately, I have been playing The Story CD. Constantly. The songs are beautiful and the artists who perform them are amazing! One of the many songs on this 2 disc set that I love, love, LOVe is Alive. It is sung by Natalie Grant who sings with such passion as Mary Magdalene. Here are the words that so move me:<br />
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<em>Who but You/ Could breathe and leave a trail of galaxies/ And dream of me?/ what king of Love/ Is writing my story until the end/ With Mercy's pen?/ Only You/ what kind of king? Would chose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars/ To win my heart?/ What kind of Love/ Tells me I'm th reason He can't stay/ Inside the grave?/ You. Is it You?/ Standing here before my eyes? Every part of my heart cries//</em> <strong>Alive! Alive!/ Look what Mercy's overcome? Death has lost and Love has won/ Alive! Alive?/ Hallelujah, risen Lord/ the only One I fall before/ I am His because He is alive</strong><em>// who could speak/ And send the demons back from where they came/ With just one Name?/ What other heart/ Would let itself be broken every time until He healed mine?/ You. Only You/ Could turn my darkness into dawn/ Running right into Your arms// Emmanuel, the promised King/ the baby who made angels sing/ Som on Man who walked with us/ Healing, breathing in our dust/ the author of all history/ The answer to all mysteries/ the Lamb of God who rolled away/ The stone in front of every grave</em><br />
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Alive! I say that to myself over and over and think about it, He is Alive! We are alive because of Him! <em>Death has lost and Love has won</em>! Those words hold such meaning. Death has lost, because upon death we are reborn into His kingdom because He loves us. What an amazing thing to know, to believe and to trust. We, those left behind, we hurt and we grieve but doesn't that sting hurt a little less when we trust in the knowledge that we will be reborn? That our life truly begins again after death. I am overcome, overwhelmed and Blessed. We all are. <br />
Alive!<br />
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We had a wonderfully quiet Easter. Just Mr. Wonderful, myself, Michelle, Shawn and Isabella. Tim and Esther were not able to make it. :( Of course we understood, but we missed them none the less.<br />
Bella was delighted with the whole day! Her joy is truly contagious! A few pictures from our day!<br />
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Hope you all had a Happy Easter! </div>
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Rejoice!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-54630397879080380642013-03-25T17:06:00.002-04:002013-03-25T17:06:51.345-04:00Handy Manny<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I have a secret. A deep, dark, secret that I have not shared with anyone before. At least not <strike>To myself</strike>, <strike>Outloud,</strike> <strike>inperson,</strike> on my blog. What is it that hides inside this heart of mine? Well, I'm in love with another man. Sortof, kindof, okay totally. But alas, he can never be mine. Who is he, Handy Manny. My hero. Do y'all know who Handy Manny is, here I'll share a picture of him with you:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxItwvfeL2rvvULLkm6I0iwu5r_GzySlRac512mfRJccae7TLtwDJygmyuN53Fh9j9z4Qj9PGMMgeeC0sxvUAnHP8MAFM1fDvuc5EDOWS1DIDg4wcAyKWS2MDAySFhUU5YHY1-p52ALnw/s1600/HandyManny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxItwvfeL2rvvULLkm6I0iwu5r_GzySlRac512mfRJccae7TLtwDJygmyuN53Fh9j9z4Qj9PGMMgeeC0sxvUAnHP8MAFM1fDvuc5EDOWS1DIDg4wcAyKWS2MDAySFhUU5YHY1-p52ALnw/s400/HandyManny.jpg" ssa="true" width="400" /></a></div>
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Be still my beating heart! Now you know why we can never be together, as it would be a mixed marriage, doomed from the start. Animated character and human. Sigh...</div>
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Now, don't get me wrong. Y'all know how much I love my husband. I refer to him here as Mr. Wonderful, and I even mean it. <strike>Always, most of the time, usually, </strike>sometimes-okay most of the time. (Except for those times when I feel like he is quickly outliving his usefulness. Kidding! Sortof.)</div>
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Anyway, Mr. Wonderful is a man of many qualities, capable of doing many things. But handy, he is NOT. Not even a little. Our yard is the envy of most of the neighbors and many professional landscaping professionals as well-all him. Totally! Behind closed doors though, that is where the problem begins. Allow me to illustrate my point for you.</div>
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I had purchased a pair of cornice boards for our bedroom windows and they needed to be installed. After sitting around the house wrapped in plastic for a couple of<strike> weeks</strike>, <strike>months</strike>, years, I had convinced him to hang them for me. I am a very patient woman!</div>
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Anyway, Mr. Wonderful went to the basement to retrieve the necessary tools, a couple of L brackets, a few screws, his electric drill and the re-chargable batteries needed to operate said drill. After gathering all the supplies, he put the screws and the batteries in his pocket and we headed up the stairs to begin the installation process. (Whenever he is doing anything of this nature, I have to accompany him.) He puts down the drill and begins to make this strange face. He reached in his pocket to get the screws and the batteries and yelled. It seems that both of those items should not be kept together because they will get hot. So hot in fact that his pocket caught on fire and when he pulled them out of his pocket, he had burned his hand and dropped the screws on the floor burning screw shaped marks in the carpet. Now, picture this if you will, my grown husband is <strike>standing,</strike> jumping around the bedroom with a drill in his hand, his pants on fire and a burned hand and thigh. What was I to do? I did the only thing I could think of at the moment and I laughed my arse off! He got mad! Can you imagine?! <br />(Wish I had my camera handy at the time.)</div>
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Since that incident, he has been less than willing to help me hang things or do much of my 'honey do' list for that matter. In a crunch he'll do them, but he really doesn't like to and it might just jeopardize our happy marriage. So, I wait for an unwitting visitor (read: Dad, Dad or Son-in-Law) to arrive and pounce on them. It works, but it's really not the best system. </div>
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When reality strikes and we feel so inspired to make a change to our home, we usually have to pay someone to do it and that makes the price tag of simple home improvements go way up!</div>
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Now can you understand why the sight of that little man with his tool belt and all his adorable tools makes my heart go pitter pat? (I am currently in a 12-step group and awaiting a call from the casting director of 'My Strange Addiction'.)</div>
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Why am I telling you all of this? Well, I <strike>want</strike>, wanted a new sliding glass door. The beautiful, amazing, life altering kind of sliding glass door with blinds in between the glass. Last weekend when we were at the Home Show I saw one and while I was admiring this beauty, a salesman approached us and asked if we'd like someone to come to the house measure and give us a price for the door. No obligation, no charge, no problem! Well, he came, he saw, he measured and he gave us a full presentation on replacement windows before giving us the price. $5,700 and change. What! Really! It's just one door!</div>
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After he left, Mr. Wonderful offered to have our verticle blinds that have been broken for 3 years fixed. </div>
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That's love! </div>
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Now let's see how long it takes him to actually get them fixed.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-64736995433841555582013-03-22T12:11:00.002-04:002013-03-22T12:11:29.949-04:00A Little BoxMy dear friends' birthday is on Monday and I won't be able to celebrate with her. I had hoped to be with her this year (especially since last year I forgot!) but we weren't able to work it out. Since we will be going to see them in a few weeks, I choose not to send her gift in the mail rather give it to her in person. But, I wanted her to have something to let her know that I was thinking of her.<br />
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Here is what I came up with a little bit of birthday in a box.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0r9awk_9WeFZc87DZLbORSCm69WWSWB0hHAxxPCYsKAf2pHg06MlMyAPr4NFRDVx3-77mVIlx5aAjjVcbVzykFwi6iiGtdMeUW2wy1RGdrUmYNS7JUar7GNd8A74_prb0SNVLrzqVKw/s1600/DSCN0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0r9awk_9WeFZc87DZLbORSCm69WWSWB0hHAxxPCYsKAf2pHg06MlMyAPr4NFRDVx3-77mVIlx5aAjjVcbVzykFwi6iiGtdMeUW2wy1RGdrUmYNS7JUar7GNd8A74_prb0SNVLrzqVKw/s320/DSCN0497.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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I save boxes that are nice and they are stashed all over my house. This one is nice and sturdy and had snowflakes all over it. A little creative wrapping solved that problem.</div>
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What's inside, here's a peek:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAPT4pRiSeL3SHXlZ4R_YigcoUPOm8oIHQD3__ILmivRHUi4SG1NMrXHVfRvrutxuG90U8QnxDUdZm_z1nGP_xfupERPU0cWjDs36b1i8_426NY63LR6hqkGX6i91JS4MlBcefqV8Zl4/s1600/DSCN0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAPT4pRiSeL3SHXlZ4R_YigcoUPOm8oIHQD3__ILmivRHUi4SG1NMrXHVfRvrutxuG90U8QnxDUdZm_z1nGP_xfupERPU0cWjDs36b1i8_426NY63LR6hqkGX6i91JS4MlBcefqV8Zl4/s320/DSCN0498.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it just look like a celebration! Bright and colorful.</div>
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Here is a breakdown of each little item:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XVplvngXnyBCmU9R1lStyd0oLt1ynNFUrilEXAmAOEavEBhVwh22c3i6tvWDz5BcKHVbQasfBsvotLPfb9UGUKj_JCrClBT9Mzj6jNv5kfO29-zq1iKvyv-yqxo1Ca5XCj7lsdLiZmU/s1600/DSCN0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XVplvngXnyBCmU9R1lStyd0oLt1ynNFUrilEXAmAOEavEBhVwh22c3i6tvWDz5BcKHVbQasfBsvotLPfb9UGUKj_JCrClBT9Mzj6jNv5kfO29-zq1iKvyv-yqxo1Ca5XCj7lsdLiZmU/s320/DSCN0499.JPG" ssa="true" width="240" /></a></div>
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A tag that I decorated, on the back is a note to her.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBoD8kq-Rj0_tjqcjLkCDaRGbtWQYFAHNhyLCWJZcZIz0mKrcC_srnY3N6MYhzSNudbIkwBk67aAw_UJiRLPH1tQl5drm8ISLdEm-euHQdYDFe4WWyE4mr3oR4_Mj-oURaEHLCh4SJVA/s1600/DSCN0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMBoD8kq-Rj0_tjqcjLkCDaRGbtWQYFAHNhyLCWJZcZIz0mKrcC_srnY3N6MYhzSNudbIkwBk67aAw_UJiRLPH1tQl5drm8ISLdEm-euHQdYDFe4WWyE4mr3oR4_Mj-oURaEHLCh4SJVA/s320/DSCN0500.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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A little bag of birthday confetti that I prettied up. (It looks better in person, you'll have to trust me on that.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKlEZPT3fhqVyfMjV7unGOQOL1n0SyE_o8rr83m13YbsQ9vQ0uMSBVVDULzIIg8uI6OXc1V90RtRA7sIn5-b-gvEzJuebxEUg3vwSqWVaIvElzZihWp9KV4G05fOrY67YL_papvQoJk4/s1600/DSCN0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKlEZPT3fhqVyfMjV7unGOQOL1n0SyE_o8rr83m13YbsQ9vQ0uMSBVVDULzIIg8uI6OXc1V90RtRA7sIn5-b-gvEzJuebxEUg3vwSqWVaIvElzZihWp9KV4G05fOrY67YL_papvQoJk4/s320/DSCN0501.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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Banners are all the rage now and I just love them, they are fun and festive and easy to make.</div>
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This is a just small banner that she can put on a cake. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmZEnhygFkYDY6TLII6v0QRF4mzTQLltrhij-Q3YisksMocyl9_6AV6XhsfTZtzz2GkkJ9WJAxtC8B1o7p-k4joYkX99-dkjjnr9jIz6rKSXsgAIOfgyisXbO7jTMx8U-59Aj0fOEUWE/s1600/DSCN0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmZEnhygFkYDY6TLII6v0QRF4mzTQLltrhij-Q3YisksMocyl9_6AV6XhsfTZtzz2GkkJ9WJAxtC8B1o7p-k4joYkX99-dkjjnr9jIz6rKSXsgAIOfgyisXbO7jTMx8U-59Aj0fOEUWE/s320/DSCN0502.JPG" ssa="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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A party horn, a couple balloons, candles and a ribbon thing on a stick (what <em>do</em> you call those things?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qQVhAyaGrDWCnNcG4vCbCMhFATeWDt5N3uZl1LRCMaUd3RcTO4ftalU2g6Y8a_li5dhSr6DhY4DELeZkKCHO4SXWKVuHsWhIZB0X2Ra6_h5Aidl9N-zdr5J0jlTKemwgoB5RevnxxNE/s1600/DSCN0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qQVhAyaGrDWCnNcG4vCbCMhFATeWDt5N3uZl1LRCMaUd3RcTO4ftalU2g6Y8a_li5dhSr6DhY4DELeZkKCHO4SXWKVuHsWhIZB0X2Ra6_h5Aidl9N-zdr5J0jlTKemwgoB5RevnxxNE/s320/DSCN0503.JPG" ssa="true" width="240" /></a></div>
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And last but not least, a little cupcake. I couldn't send a real one so this is the next best thing. I found this at Michael's a couple of years ago and have stashed it away knowing I'd use it.</div>
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I had hoped to mail the box as is, but after talking to the postman he suggested I put it inside another box so noone gets tempted to open it thinking it was something valuable.</div>
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Hope she likes it!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-60653225652563635422013-03-21T15:36:00.001-04:002013-03-21T15:36:21.700-04:00Randomness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Xvip7vUskvpsg-QekJfPJpWNu-BFNT7mzO9Sy0gurY-geUrihyvrTLAZu3bCBoYEdH_vAcAVexYtWzT_oRTuUgrYA6wHhzNg1SC33wS2DA3mRjvbf92gDEd4T2k8co0_KDZs92NyPg/s1600/IMG_3999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Xvip7vUskvpsg-QekJfPJpWNu-BFNT7mzO9Sy0gurY-geUrihyvrTLAZu3bCBoYEdH_vAcAVexYtWzT_oRTuUgrYA6wHhzNg1SC33wS2DA3mRjvbf92gDEd4T2k8co0_KDZs92NyPg/s640/IMG_3999.JPG" ssa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture was posted for the sheer cuteness factor, but it doesn't want to cooperate and stay in the right format! This week is Spirit Week at Bella's school and Monday was green day.<br />
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Bunch of nothingness has been going on really! Work has been kicking me to the curb physically and mentally. I am getting mixed messages from the management team and am feeling a bit like a ping pong ball. That's not good and it makes my head hurt! You would think that the VP's would speak to each other so they know what is going on, but perhaps I am low on the totem pole of their list of things to worry about right now. My point being, the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing and they need to get in sync for the sake of everyone involved-'specially me!<br />
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We had a busy weekend, as usual! Saturday Isabella had a dance competition in Baltimore and we were there for the large majority of the day. (Dance Mom's was NOT there!) Her team took High Silver in both Tap and Ballet and her Tap got 2nd overall. A good result for the first competition of the season. She just loves it! Her ballet group also got a special award for 'Smooth Transitions' or something like that. LOTS of little girls in that number and they kind of wove in and out of each other while maintaining their lines and such. She was happy as she was able to add two more pins on her jacket for the silvers! By the time we all got home we were pretty much spent-especially our little dancer.<br />
Sunday I got up and put Corned Beef and Cabbage in the crockpot to have for dinner. YUM! Jim and I both love it and then had lots of cabbage left over to take to work for lunch. There was a home show at the Fairgrounds that Jim had wanted to go to, so we wandered around there for a few hours looking at the different booths and collecting canvas bags. (Maryland is going to start charging for bags!)<br />
Got lots of ideas and now we are working on getting some estimates for things that we want to do around the house. I want to do things on the inside and he chooses the outside. Mr. W is of the opinion that because we have countertops there is no need to replace them! Same goes for flooring, curtains, you get the picture. We tend to dissagree on those type of things as you can well imagine.<br />
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I also decorated the house for Spring. I am so ready to see it too. (Spring that is.) I don't mind the winter, but when it does nothing but rain it puts a damper on things. We have had some warmer afternoons of late and it is just getting me into that Spring mood. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvtmBJ3SD4f9eG_GWrFY0cVmlCRqNKoAVwXWg8-YjPj3ypItAy1pMB6MsEQM2ItxvipKj7_IRJm2CckaL5NmnVWJIZLvpWDWO2_mYlLLLEW45QJNRpA4aJrQNO5AjHXwRAz6Am4lnZio/s1600/IMG_4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvtmBJ3SD4f9eG_GWrFY0cVmlCRqNKoAVwXWg8-YjPj3ypItAy1pMB6MsEQM2ItxvipKj7_IRJm2CckaL5NmnVWJIZLvpWDWO2_mYlLLLEW45QJNRpA4aJrQNO5AjHXwRAz6Am4lnZio/s640/IMG_4004.JPG" ssa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my little shelf that I decorate frequently for the different holidays and seasons. It makes me smile! The small chickie was a $2 Cracker Barrel find, the large chick and the ladder thing are both from Pier 1 (love that store!). I made the banner after I saw a similar one on Pinterest. Hard to see but the banner is made from book pages with the eggs on top. The Subway Art is another Pinterest find, and I can't remember who to credit it with. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTjJG4MSdfv-MY0nk_3d42aiOCPOcUt8uuUF91auyGVogV8pZzyQpX8qhO7xhqdpHpkf_uDOf8nqX3IweRfUJewaGD7dvc22C1_2jqeawpb66IGU-2sdP0gCKySu_glG8bfB0vgO5gSU/s1600/IMG_4005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTjJG4MSdfv-MY0nk_3d42aiOCPOcUt8uuUF91auyGVogV8pZzyQpX8qhO7xhqdpHpkf_uDOf8nqX3IweRfUJewaGD7dvc22C1_2jqeawpb66IGU-2sdP0gCKySu_glG8bfB0vgO5gSU/s640/IMG_4005.JPG" ssa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's my mantle. I am really thinking about painting the mantle white. The bookcases on either side are painted and the mantle just doesn't pop. What's your opinion?</div>
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The banner here I made on my Silhouette, the kids told me that my carrots were too big but I like it. The bunnies and the topiary are both courtesy of Pier 1 and the little Snow Babies are from my hubby. </div>
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Oh, started Weight Watchers again this week! Yeah, need to get back on the wagon big time! I'll keep you updated on my progress.</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-14634432961998791452013-03-06T09:45:00.001-05:002013-03-06T17:05:40.524-05:00Snow, Stuart and Staying Home!Snow! Finally! Yes, we finally have some snow. It had been predicted that we would be getting some snow overnight so everyone has been gearing up for it. The grocery stores were mobbed! I needed to go over to the Giant to pick up something for work and it was just crazy! Bread and milk were scarce to be sure. I even ran into a woman who started talking to me about what she was buying-candy and lots of it. She said that she needed to stock up on candy you know the necesseties, in the event that 'something should happen'. (Though I am not totally sure what something she was talking about?!) She said that she had read that in the event that you are stuck somewhere and needed to reassure children or calm them down, candy is a good thing for that as it is something that the children don't usually get. Interesting. That's the first time that I've heard that candy is good for calming children down. <br />
Last night when I went to bed at about 11:30 the weather man was predicting that there could be as much as five inches on the ground by 8:00 am. When I got up at 4:30 and looked out the window I was surprised to see only a small amount of snow on the ground. I went back to bed and listened to the news and they were reporting slick driving conditions, school closings and even the closing of the federal government for the day, so I went back to sleep. Ahhh! It's a good day to stay in bed a little longer. Telecommuting was definitely an option that I was going to take advatage of today. So this is what it looked like when I got up for good shortly after seven:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRfy0o54VSMME6_YqCL0ODgFdUCK_B4m8s22QOWYZW9K5x3eGpty9WwWbvv3aA9XfiuRVzpuKXsaXmsbzpiOsFXIdQVPLrBVQFkKmT4G0w1QBZLn1sztng-WdkG1rRRfW9Ov6p_vnv6c/s1600/IMG_3861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkRfy0o54VSMME6_YqCL0ODgFdUCK_B4m8s22QOWYZW9K5x3eGpty9WwWbvv3aA9XfiuRVzpuKXsaXmsbzpiOsFXIdQVPLrBVQFkKmT4G0w1QBZLn1sztng-WdkG1rRRfW9Ov6p_vnv6c/s400/IMG_3861.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nT4ADvWkopS7xhyphenhyphenE7G5W9yUz4ENTJuyO6FdHxreGSiGARicuaSRrrq3At6WdLT5s7sCq-fMsDHSGymHGv7KJuHbGQFoekTHEKjkP9IJWnAdgr1fNpQQGxooO1RYSkmETtWxhx2BQ5bs/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nT4ADvWkopS7xhyphenhyphenE7G5W9yUz4ENTJuyO6FdHxreGSiGARicuaSRrrq3At6WdLT5s7sCq-fMsDHSGymHGv7KJuHbGQFoekTHEKjkP9IJWnAdgr1fNpQQGxooO1RYSkmETtWxhx2BQ5bs/s400/IMG_3862.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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These were taken from the sliding door in my kitchen. We are expecting anywhere from 8-12 inches. </div>
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We'll see. It is exciting though, it's the first big snow that we have had in two years. I will update when the snow has stopped falling.</div>
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The story of Stuart. </div>
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I keep a box of Kleenex in my car on the floor in between the two front seats. It is convenient for me to have them there as they are easy to reach when I am driving. The other day I noticed that the inside of my car was a mess, so I vaccumed it out and got it nice and clean. A day or so later, Jim and I were going to run some errands and took my car. I got in the passenger side and noticed that there were lots of tiny pieces of tissue all over the floor on the passenger side and the tissue that was at the top of the box was pulled to the side and torn. Jim joked that I might have a mouse in the car. I kind of laughed it off and said that I'd call him Stuart. I didn't think too much about it until yesterday. I had bought a couple cases of water to bring to work and put them in the rear of the car and I noticed that there on the floor were more tiny pieces of the tissue! I looked at the box in the front and noticed that again the top tissue was torn and pulled to the side and there were even little slash type marks in it. When I told Jim he suggested that we put a mouse trap in there overnight. Bella was here at the time and she got all excited about a mouse. Then Jim suggested that the mouse might be making a nest and well, she about flipped! " A nest, babies! How cute! Tiny little mouse babies, can I have them?" We asked her what she wanted them for and she replied "To feed them to my snake!" Of coures, what else would she want to do with mice. It's kind of strange in that she totally love animals and hates to see any animal hurt, but she completely understands that animals eating each other is part of the circle of life and it doesn't bother her at all.</div>
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That kid cracks me up!</div>
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So, is anyone else out there having a snow day today?</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>UPDATE: It had stopped snowing by 1:00 or so and turned to rain. We now have less snow than we had this morning as the temperature was higher than expected and it has melted! So much for a huge storm! Also, Jim did set a mouse trap and put it in my car last night. This morning he went out after Bella called and asked about the trap. Sure enough, there was a mouse in it! (Luckily the mouse did not survive the trap as they sometimes do!) We did not save it for Bella to feed to Sarah as they buy their mice frozen from the pet store to help ensure that they are disease free. Jim will put another trap in their tonight to make sure the one we caught was the only one inhabiting my car.</strong></span></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-7741644511947791332013-02-25T14:14:00.001-05:002013-02-25T14:14:13.801-05:00Catching UpDoes anyone else feel that for every one step you move forward you fall two steps backwards? I do! For instance, just when I feel like I've got my house decorated just so for the current season or holiday-the season changes. Back to the drawing board. I guess that is how it goes, but it seems like I just have the most difficult time making progress lately. And so it goes.<br />
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I had every intention of updating here last week, but never got around to it. To say that work has been busy would over simplifying things. When I get home, I just collapse and don't want to move! To top it all off, I seem to be fighting off some type of virus. <br />
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Anyway, last weekend we had the pleasure of having Tim & Esther, Michelle, Shawn & Bella over to the house. We were all together to celebrate Tim's birthday, it was actually this past Saturday, but Michelle & Shawn were not going to be home to celebrate. I just love having my kids around and seeing them interact with each other, joking and having fun. Does a Mom's heart good! </div>
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Above is a shot of my boy hamming it up for the camera with two new books.</div>
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He and Esther had an ulterior motive for coming this weekend too. They had been in contact with a rescue shelter and had choosen a puppy to adopt. The shelter was in North or South Carolina and they had choosen a little boy, but right before they were to head out with the puppies (they delivered to the area by a retired couple) it was discovered that the puppy wasn't feeling well. They were informed that there was a girl available and so they decided to take the girl. When they later found out that the boy only had worms, they decided they would take him too after he was well!</div>
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The call came shortly after nine that night that she was in town and ready to be picked up. </div>
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So the kids headed out with Mr. Wonderful and picked up the new little bundle and came back to the house and spent the night. Bella was just dying to see the new puppy!</div>
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Here she is, Miss Bailey:</div>
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Look at that face, could you just die? Tim took her to the vet last week and the vet said that if it weren't for her legs, she'd be all Beagle. She is mixed with Blue Tick Hound. </div>
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Tim called later in the week and after being up with Bailey every 3 hours, he has decided it may be a long time before he is ready for kids! Ha! Just wait 'till the other puppy arrives. They are thinking it will be next week.</div>
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Thursday we got a call from our dear friends in Williamsburg, they were up in our neck of the woods. Their son and daughter-in-law had celebrated the birth of their first child on Thursday morning, so they drove up to share in their joy. We got lucky too as they asked if we could meet them for dinner on Friday night. We had a great time catching up over a terrific Italian meal and I got to see pictures of their beautiful new Grandaughter-Felix Cole. I know, kind of unusual name for a little girl! She sure is a beauty though!</div>
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Saturday, Michelle & Shawn were out of town for the night. They were celebrating their anniversary with a night away-courtesy of their good friend Holly. Holly even took Bella for the night.</div>
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Dress rehearsal was scheduled for Bellas dance competition on Saturday, so Holly brought her over to me to do her makeup and then the three of us headed to the rehearsal. Here is our sweet girl tap dancing:</div>
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She just kills me! Those expressions of hers!</div>
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Here she is with her friends. They all have a bit of a flair for the dramatic!</div>
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That's about it for now.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-45967976129041775652013-02-07T15:09:00.001-05:002013-02-07T15:09:25.007-05:00Life is an AdventureDo you ever think that you try to do too much? That maybe you can cut back on some of the things that you do, maybe take it a bit easier? I know that a lot of you have these feelings and I have had them myself from time to time. <br />
When my children were little and in school was probably the busiest time of my life in many ways. If I wasn't volunteering at one school then I was at the other. I was always a 'Team Mom', 'Room Mom', chaperon on field trips, the one who sent in cupcakes or snacks (back in the day when the kids were allowed to have home made treats at school), Sunday School teacher, the kids had to go to practices and after school activities and someone needed to take them there and back, and I needed keep up my home. Oh yeah, the kids and Mr. Wonderful expected to be fed <strong><em>every day!</em></strong> And not just once a day would do-they wanted like <strong><em>three meals a day and snacks! </em></strong>I was doing okay before that came into play, but how could I manage one more thing? It was the perfect time for my magic wand to go on the fritz!<br />
I was wearing myself ragged trying to get everything done. I thought that in order to be a good Mom I had to also be Superwoman. You've been there, you know from where I speak. So what's the answer?<br />
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It's simple: Balance</div>
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Well, it's simple to say anyway. Achieving it? That is a different story entirely!</div>
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It has taken me a long time to find balance and if I am to be honest, I'm not quite there yet. My children have grown up and moved out with lives of their own. I work at a full time job for which I have to commute and also take calls from home, dr.'s office, vacation, wherever I am they find me! Mr. Wonderful has retired and God Bless him, he has taken on the role of cook and shopper extraordinaire! I can't give him enough props for that. The stressors are still there, they are just different now. </div>
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While I appreciate Mr. Wonderful cooking and shopping, he makes a real mess doing so! Rare are the times when he would think to pull out the vaccum or clean the bathroom. Actually, I don't think he has ever cleaned a bathroom-what am I thinking! Yes, the kids have moved out but some of their stuff still remains. It's not a problem, it just requires some inginuity and creative storage ideas. (Our basement looks like a real live Jenga Puzzle!) The difference is this: I have allowed myself the beauty of <em>Imperfection</em>. I no longer strive to be so and it has been a huge weight off my shoulders. It's true, I like it better when the house looks good and the clothes are all washed and ironed, but I can't always get it done. It's just not going to happen. </div>
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I've tried to learn to see beyond the imperfections, it takes some doing but I'm getting there. I have learned to take some time for me. If that means indulging myself with a nap when I get home from work instead of being productive-so be it! You might say that I have had somewhat of an epiphany. Sometimes it takes a major wake up call for that light to go on overhead and for me, I believe that happened after my diagnosis with MD. I don't fret about it and I am not scared by it either, but what I have learned is that when my body speaks to me, I need to listen. Even if it is just a whisper that I hear. Learning to live with the imperfections is a bit liberating though. I urge you to try it, it can be so freeing.</div>
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I do what I can and what I can't do, it will have to wait for another time. I also do what I like when I can. Although the ironing may not have gotten done over the weekend, I did manage to do a little V day decorating.
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This is just a small little frame that I had left over from the wedding. I stamped and embossed the white hearts and then stamped Love over top. Simple!</div>
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I love this little Love banner! With the help of my Silhouette, this project was a snap. The chalkboard printable I found here on Pinterest and then just framed it and created a small banner from Washi tape. </div>
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The pink and red frame is from Target, the red birdcage is from the $1 spot at Michaels, the flowers were from a wedding and the bird is another Michaels find.</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-79105308443849635692013-01-28T20:09:00.004-05:002013-01-28T20:15:02.458-05:00Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January always seems like a good time to clean and purge. After we get the Christmas decorations down it almost seems natural to want to clean. Add to that the fact that we often get new 'stuff' for which we need to find a spot and organization ensues. I would love to be able to spend a couple of weeks just cleaning and organizing my home but alas, I am bound to work. So I take what time I can and fit it in here and there. Over the course of the last few weekends I have tackled the cabinets under each of three bathroom sinks, my mud room, hall closet, craft room and most recently, my linen closet. We have one lined closet in this house and it is <strong>Small!</strong> I'm talking <strong><em>TEENY TINY! </em></strong>Years ago, I decided to move some of the towels into the en suite cabinet. It saved having to go out into the hall to grab a towel and freed up much needed room in the linen closet.<strong> </strong>Somehow though, this closet became a sort of catch all for anything that we didn't know what to do with. It was bursting at the seams. I'm talking opening it was akin to taking your life in your hands! You never knew what might jump out at you! Something had to give.</div>
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I started by pulling everything out and dumping it on the floor. Then I began to sort and purge. I had sheets in there for Isabella's bed. I sent those back home with her Mom. I also realized that there are now only two people living in this house and we had not need for all of the towels and sheets that were taking up preciouse space. When I was done I was shocked at what was left, a couple of sheet sets and a bunch of old, worn out towels. (Read: rags) I thought a shopping trip was in order, but my budget was severly limited. A trip to the Home Goods clearance section was called for. I picked up 2 washcloths, 2 hand towels and 4 bath towel for $41.00! Yeah, me! Because they were clearanced it was difficult to find matching items, so I bought all white. They are really nice too. I found that I had only one set of sheets for the guest bed and discovered a gift card from Bed, Bath & Beyond in my purse that had some money left on it. I grabbed a coupon and picked up a set of white sheets.</div>
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Here are the results: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX9bOpb0zXhuv9_0dvV40owZe48NWaV5Z7ghIL-F3_K_eBv3m4wgnOtKe8am-LDMANdvvPqj_RaGFTdThjXAMz9uHmTytroEK6-23t7-vNxkJiw9leIsWN8FxPrI1kvid1awTfFv3t_k/s1600/IMG_3742_2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQX9bOpb0zXhuv9_0dvV40owZe48NWaV5Z7ghIL-F3_K_eBv3m4wgnOtKe8am-LDMANdvvPqj_RaGFTdThjXAMz9uHmTytroEK6-23t7-vNxkJiw9leIsWN8FxPrI1kvid1awTfFv3t_k/s640/IMG_3742_2828.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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The top shelf holds my Queen sized sheets, jersey and flannel and the regular cotton are on the second shelf.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEWXxdV49CasEDvwLG0o6bCq-VsSJlrjy66hJJd-uvyBh3sikUznEgCyTXOHXljPjn2bFLfAoQPQ-W4lZ-dN07sRsNAaA8dFRGMOVQlzU1S4Du-NOH5Y5P88UMFonDtbCztGw-DthIS4/s1600/IMG_3743_2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEWXxdV49CasEDvwLG0o6bCq-VsSJlrjy66hJJd-uvyBh3sikUznEgCyTXOHXljPjn2bFLfAoQPQ-W4lZ-dN07sRsNAaA8dFRGMOVQlzU1S4Du-NOH5Y5P88UMFonDtbCztGw-DthIS4/s640/IMG_3743_2829.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
I never knew what to do with my collection of candles that I tend to accumulate, so I put them there on the left side of the bottom shelf. They are easy to find and an added bonus, the closet smells great! Also on that shelf, two glass water bottles and glass- one for each of the guest rooms, and a basket with a couple of first aid things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcWy2PMdO7cbdxW5D2uSB7JuP47M5SpF35GOCdnPgpfoghY7KvkokyExgB6rg8C1QWMVHtfvH-oY00EQiIuop8tlIxAncKdr0xTS2CasoWYeZ0eIvw_UUcVhSDDUDH1VK3stmJr5rXl8/s1600/IMG_3744_2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcWy2PMdO7cbdxW5D2uSB7JuP47M5SpF35GOCdnPgpfoghY7KvkokyExgB6rg8C1QWMVHtfvH-oY00EQiIuop8tlIxAncKdr0xTS2CasoWYeZ0eIvw_UUcVhSDDUDH1VK3stmJr5rXl8/s640/IMG_3744_2830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shelf has all the new towels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaiXZA0x73nady3MLcHAx90jaJjyK1dRx9xyw07k3i1HP9j1HC_s4q09u1BUsjBQRX2sb0V76IwqeOFaISsGYALquZ3dB_VsSIUwkdPaokdTx6oStnetlhX1n2ig-PhsbiwqycKLM6P8/s1600/IMG_3745_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaiXZA0x73nady3MLcHAx90jaJjyK1dRx9xyw07k3i1HP9j1HC_s4q09u1BUsjBQRX2sb0V76IwqeOFaISsGYALquZ3dB_VsSIUwkdPaokdTx6oStnetlhX1n2ig-PhsbiwqycKLM6P8/s640/IMG_3745_2831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The basket on this shelf holds mismatched hand towels and next to that a couple of older towels that were in better condition. The spare set of sheets are there too, still in the original pouch. </div>
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To add a little pretty, I wove some blue ribbon through the wire on each shelf and the baskets. <br />
The OCD side of me has is dying to run out and buy all white sheets, but the budget doesn't currently allow that! White sheets are my favorite though because they can be bleached and I LOVE the smell of bleach! <br />
I must say, it makes me happy to look in there and see everything so neat and organized! <br />
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Now, onto my next project...<br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-53039596262780600232013-01-24T15:35:00.003-05:002013-01-28T20:25:21.769-05:00My Craft Room Reveal!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that I have been promising to show pictures of my new craft room, but I've been a real slacker! I was hoping to wait until it was all finished, but since that may never be the case now is as good a time as any.</div>
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So without further ado, Welcome to my Scrapatorium!</div>
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This is the view from the door.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0cwB-Njl79f28T2FPiyJTotViU36UIzMctTcfuDJUXNbt8ExEltH_yDiL-80L7ofFrUnDuuOYqOHa-7fmqvTbW8CWevpelbN1vYHqDQG91SMGwJKZZ0V3nl4ZrMfnXpIAnebpNW6aWA/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0cwB-Njl79f28T2FPiyJTotViU36UIzMctTcfuDJUXNbt8ExEltH_yDiL-80L7ofFrUnDuuOYqOHa-7fmqvTbW8CWevpelbN1vYHqDQG91SMGwJKZZ0V3nl4ZrMfnXpIAnebpNW6aWA/s640/IMG_3726.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here is the closet, there is a lot going on there! Those cubby things are from EK Success but I don't think they make them anymore. The baskets on the shelf contain my ribbon, adhesives, and rub ons. </div>
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The ones on the lower shelf have stamps and then an assortment of different things. </div>
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That little white thing sitting on top of the cubbies I picked up at a store closing sale for like $4., I keep all of my small paper pads on it and it works out great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97ei1j4vjKA6hXIYZKdRVIwFyDhlVj7UaYXJpGO48DZUcbIWAkWgF0mD9fqRo2u_y8lUE9mBrF4GCDzp9uyzKd91A3qJgK8TXEDKddayD0jw9CwIEzs_cMectJygUtF4arJVyHV4HR30/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97ei1j4vjKA6hXIYZKdRVIwFyDhlVj7UaYXJpGO48DZUcbIWAkWgF0mD9fqRo2u_y8lUE9mBrF4GCDzp9uyzKd91A3qJgK8TXEDKddayD0jw9CwIEzs_cMectJygUtF4arJVyHV4HR30/s640/IMG_3724.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9J9ci-agsukVST6MjJzxzlokVi6-aRnA-IlEKhPU2HnlRmLLCkADwYF2wwJqre9UxOFOoECfJPhyYvnzcoAyEfpYS7jCCOH6ZMgvzD5KOVi6XefFqfPLvRfs426DhiZk1I9zHVdjvXR0/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9J9ci-agsukVST6MjJzxzlokVi6-aRnA-IlEKhPU2HnlRmLLCkADwYF2wwJqre9UxOFOoECfJPhyYvnzcoAyEfpYS7jCCOH6ZMgvzD5KOVi6XefFqfPLvRfs426DhiZk1I9zHVdjvXR0/s640/IMG_3725.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This view is from the closet looking towards my desk. You can see that the walls are a nice neutral sand color. This is my 4th or 5th spot for my craft space in this house and I have had 2 pink rooms and one green room, another was spice colored, so I have done the whole color thing. I wanted a neutral pallete on the walls with color coming in from the embellishments.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3c7rSG150v3cb0b1pGmvvRb1hefDDBCOK-HOeHSKrSTCy16YUd46FEHiw0er3k-Ql4YZqV8LBOTw2p8VVElQe92D_ZYdcqGtl1pLEkvcP4aBHkujJj61TnHWr2rkidyx6thYo3lKYU0/s1600/IMG_3729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3c7rSG150v3cb0b1pGmvvRb1hefDDBCOK-HOeHSKrSTCy16YUd46FEHiw0er3k-Ql4YZqV8LBOTw2p8VVElQe92D_ZYdcqGtl1pLEkvcP4aBHkujJj61TnHWr2rkidyx6thYo3lKYU0/s640/IMG_3729.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The room doubles as a second guest room, so I have the futon in there with me. It opens up to a Full size bed and when we purchased it we bought a mattress for it instead of the cushion. It is pretty comfortable! It difficult to see but, it has two drawers underneath and I keep the sheets, pillows and a blanket in there-convenient.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdDcMK0emmI88QC6oNIELP6EZWV28BrzU0wG_-HGoRNjoo9X1TAtVs2y-pq5XaFdZFogAGJg8hm2snnSsCpgxUrP33sJ0YqMktXwbGxSFesF0g4BrtWxRI4LMaSbxZCxgvnI7VYEzXY/s1600/IMG_3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQdDcMK0emmI88QC6oNIELP6EZWV28BrzU0wG_-HGoRNjoo9X1TAtVs2y-pq5XaFdZFogAGJg8hm2snnSsCpgxUrP33sJ0YqMktXwbGxSFesF0g4BrtWxRI4LMaSbxZCxgvnI7VYEzXY/s640/IMG_3728.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a closer look at the wall gallery above the futon. I made the mats for the three pictures in the center row and also the one on the top center.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxLac0AbA3K-w_v7XN7ONKZdPfGj8cACgPNCgKkuz8gj2XjVbBIVH8Vf4NbS0Yhw73FeMofUqNxIc6RoMwufXXsQWc0B8ysW4J05rGZOEJ-HqeXEobdAclPJmEyQ3Hz6fb38AMzWPxRU/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxLac0AbA3K-w_v7XN7ONKZdPfGj8cACgPNCgKkuz8gj2XjVbBIVH8Vf4NbS0Yhw73FeMofUqNxIc6RoMwufXXsQWc0B8ysW4J05rGZOEJ-HqeXEobdAclPJmEyQ3Hz6fb38AMzWPxRU/s640/IMG_3734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below is a view of the wall opposite the futon. </div>
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My embellishments cabinet with small ledges for my stamps next to it.</div>
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I really like having as much of my 'stuff' out so that I know what I have and will use it more often. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6bYnKsZtsxDGPCDcz4rAqJe6gWTUez1HzqnGaXYu_tF8TZV5rgHMY6IDWdkMkuW-78KZSaY-wC-rdinXcMUhRaNzeUepQ14rIDQ-hhzv8RbcFPEWtorv9tIFB3HSrlUTvs926e4neJM/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6bYnKsZtsxDGPCDcz4rAqJe6gWTUez1HzqnGaXYu_tF8TZV5rgHMY6IDWdkMkuW-78KZSaY-wC-rdinXcMUhRaNzeUepQ14rIDQ-hhzv8RbcFPEWtorv9tIFB3HSrlUTvs926e4neJM/s640/IMG_3732.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The little display board is from Pier 1 and the punches are on towel rods from Ikea.</div>
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My computer and Silhouette station is right below this wall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSJe7mD3HlJe-djK6p3tMTuapufKLlfWaTlwYaB5KFMVCHxkprDTsv5bJVF7bbM3DXuyyYz-SUCB6IZTr9pI_e_k4pVVFBhnUF8KnOHIzPvPxzy-urYYit0nDtOYmQFZ5cnOCwPyDJcc/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSJe7mD3HlJe-djK6p3tMTuapufKLlfWaTlwYaB5KFMVCHxkprDTsv5bJVF7bbM3DXuyyYz-SUCB6IZTr9pI_e_k4pVVFBhnUF8KnOHIzPvPxzy-urYYit0nDtOYmQFZ5cnOCwPyDJcc/s640/IMG_3733.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have lots of Papertrey Ink stamps, and they came in CD cases and the storage unit for those is from The Container Store. My dear friend gave them to me.</div>
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My Copics are in the white bins in the corner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9lpJ7ocgXjeC0xt6UhZnuRaE9hlShYqhXxR2sFezhcrDTdDumNLGmZ7ojTsMPOjbCRanoA7Uvh0jz6Fmn-QfxSZZxeJ7VnwteL_ahT77papNWb-AMVe9vX_UparQ8-sjmNlAf7NtlvU/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9lpJ7ocgXjeC0xt6UhZnuRaE9hlShYqhXxR2sFezhcrDTdDumNLGmZ7ojTsMPOjbCRanoA7Uvh0jz6Fmn-QfxSZZxeJ7VnwteL_ahT77papNWb-AMVe9vX_UparQ8-sjmNlAf7NtlvU/s640/IMG_3736.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of the white bins were purchased at Michaels. (On sale.) Hubby bought a lot of them for me as birthday and Christmas gifts I love them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-pZ5JqeTxrQ9F4V-mYW_99JVfSo4fqAvfmNk3FP81xrhY2lr2UOmAKtHlOuyXWcFxz2ScZ47txgsMpilOV0tVM8KuND6yp7tFwI1tPuKW4J3GVCvL8RPost8-5Gra6rsR-zBybBtoYo/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-pZ5JqeTxrQ9F4V-mYW_99JVfSo4fqAvfmNk3FP81xrhY2lr2UOmAKtHlOuyXWcFxz2ScZ47txgsMpilOV0tVM8KuND6yp7tFwI1tPuKW4J3GVCvL8RPost8-5Gra6rsR-zBybBtoYo/s640/IMG_3735.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The mandatory Making Meroies carosel sits atop my desk. The little penguin I made when I took Bella to 'I Made This', she insisted that I make something too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlc1eAnOlx02EoiYrlJqOyPjBYK-1smOsT_nzycMe3p_DfEJkg5i7jdnoWgFaZHICrFBoYhfVy4CZUnaly2wTjRZ8SCvtlkiDUsiebugznPlvcNvUQVkXVAGn9qPZkMNHd7uLC5wNT1E/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtlc1eAnOlx02EoiYrlJqOyPjBYK-1smOsT_nzycMe3p_DfEJkg5i7jdnoWgFaZHICrFBoYhfVy4CZUnaly2wTjRZ8SCvtlkiDUsiebugznPlvcNvUQVkXVAGn9qPZkMNHd7uLC5wNT1E/s640/IMG_3739.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The picture below is looking out from my desk. I got the shelf at Kohl's when it was on sale, marked down pretty low. Then went back and got the nightstand too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkvx_FNZHtftA40P9Ok4-EQNIhrc_dS6kR14BR6aPvXwKb0hU5Xm-KU-Oa3T77TAaaPab4MsYx5n5mXJenlcsISM9Nlfw0PW5-i6cpeLtOJ8J3quShZfQiX80efzKY14e-WpWrxm-Xwg/s1600/IMG_3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkvx_FNZHtftA40P9Ok4-EQNIhrc_dS6kR14BR6aPvXwKb0hU5Xm-KU-Oa3T77TAaaPab4MsYx5n5mXJenlcsISM9Nlfw0PW5-i6cpeLtOJ8J3quShZfQiX80efzKY14e-WpWrxm-Xwg/s640/IMG_3731.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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My other embellishment cabinet. One on each side of the windows. All those pretty colors make me happy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S04bXMJrhBKekWH3oAZJnbVNZ6zBMLPMPF8J7TIb6Qv1Lb1Z87a3UyX0RxrK6yPJIH_Z4Y5NIMNeBWx0p-G0F3lWE_DzM_SDRxVOHHt_W41S9bpUK1XCmQMbdsHvzgyB69OEi0Gr7bo/s1600/IMG_3730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1S04bXMJrhBKekWH3oAZJnbVNZ6zBMLPMPF8J7TIb6Qv1Lb1Z87a3UyX0RxrK6yPJIH_Z4Y5NIMNeBWx0p-G0F3lWE_DzM_SDRxVOHHt_W41S9bpUK1XCmQMbdsHvzgyB69OEi0Gr7bo/s640/IMG_3730.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is how I store bunches of stamps. I got CD sleeves at Office Max and they are the perfect size. The sleeves are made for binders, so I got pretty pink ones. My smaller stamps (Studio G) are in a binder in trading card sleeves. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZwXXk4isBH92f09_JtIdV26DLUxW6ac3PtayYZgeeKR925zbeOM7s_aIdU7IJP6Ah7lpSjyLraLHa6WhAWPJH70NmKkvwn3VfpyUtYW9wQQQ090Ie1aYCKI0v89lhHpQth8Oy2Qsbn8/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" oea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZwXXk4isBH92f09_JtIdV26DLUxW6ac3PtayYZgeeKR925zbeOM7s_aIdU7IJP6Ah7lpSjyLraLHa6WhAWPJH70NmKkvwn3VfpyUtYW9wQQQ090Ie1aYCKI0v89lhHpQth8Oy2Qsbn8/s640/IMG_3740.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I want to get an Expedit shelf for under the windows and then have a cushion made for the top of it. </div>
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So that's about it. I hope that you have enjoyed your guided tour of my Scrapatorium!</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-706570855967674417.post-75150874375898230152013-01-10T20:04:00.001-05:002013-01-10T20:04:18.393-05:00GraceDid you make a New Year Resolution? I have not had too much success in the past regarding resolutions. Perhaps that is because they often involve giving up something that I like. For example, dieting would require me to give up food-which I like. Exercising would force me to forgo my afternoon nap, and that is just not an option. (I get up <em>very </em>early) So, you can see why my attempts at a resolution have been less than successful. <br />
This year I thought about it long and hard. There are many things that I would like to do or not to do but at the same token, I was less than excited about jumping on the band wagon and then being met with yet another failure. Those that know me know that I hate to fail! At anything! I know that failure is not on anyone's top ten list of things to do, but I take it to a different level. When I was in school the mere thought of failing a test would make me break out in a cold sweat.(And by failing I mean anything less than a B!) I would get myself so worked up that I often psyched myself out. Once I got a 'C' on my report card and I burst into tears. My friends looked at my report card and saw all the A's & B's and said that they'd be thrilled with a report card like that. I was devestated! So, I'm not about to set myself up for failure.<br />
What I did do, was something that you may have seen or heard others do, I decided to choose a word for the year. <br />
My word is Grace.<br />
<strong><em>GRACE</em></strong><br />
The word itself sound lovely to me. But I didn't choose it because it sounds nice. I choose grace because I want to try to live my life with more grace. I <em>need</em> to live my life with more grace. In my journey, my struggles and my pains, my happiness and my joys, I have been blessed to know the love of God has been with me. Carrying me when I could no longer walk, cheering me on from the sidelines, whispering in my ear, encouraging me all they way. I owe it to Him to live with grace. <br />
<strong><em>grace</em></strong><br />
I want to give more of it, accept more of it and offer more of it, to my friends, neighbors, family, co-workers and even my enemies. In return I expect nothing. Not really. But I do believe that I will gain somethng in return and that is peace. Peace, is something that we all could use more of.<br />
Grace, Peace and God. I will try to live up to the person that He wants me to be, the person that He knows I am capable of being and that person is me. Just as I am, but perhaps a slightly better version.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01217718815477237896noreply@blogger.com0