tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38512087533941715772024-03-13T23:22:15.124-04:00Notions of GraceA wife, mommy, and teacher...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-71147738303290696622014-10-12T13:04:00.000-04:002014-10-20T13:04:34.649-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 12...Rest<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest</div>
<br />
Do I really know the meaning of rest?<br />
<br />
I'm one of those people who cannot sit still...and I know a lot of people say that but seriously I can't. I'm constantly trying to think of how I can multi-task. If I'm sitting down to watch something on TV I try to think of something I can accomplish while I do so (fold laundry, cut coupons, answer emails, sew something). If we're heading out for a rather long-ish car ride I try to think of things I can do while I'm sitting in the car (cut coupons, make lists, sew something, etc.). Sometimes when I'm laying in bed I think "You should probably be doing __________, or writing down ___________, or yada, yada, yada."<br />
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It's kind of messed up now that I think of it.<br />
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I'm definitely a <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42">Martha</a> girl, unfortunately.<br />
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Its sort of a never ending cycle. I tell myself that if I can just accomplish one more thing then I can really truly chill out and relax/rest later. However, when I accomplish that task and <i>should </i>be heading toward that "rest" I always seem to find one more thing I <i>should</i> do...<br />
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<br />
I began reading<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Having-Mary-Heart-Martha-World/dp/1578562589/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413815289&sr=1-1&keywords=having+a+mary+heart+in+a+martha+world"> Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World</a> by Joanna Weaver a year or two ago. I never finished it. I think in part because I didn't like how much I related to Martha. When I was reading it I remember thinking about how I would be sooooo frustrated and upset if Jesus told me that Mary was right. While I'm slaving away trying to get food on the table for Jesus and his disciples, Mary is just sitting there at Jesus' feet and how Jesus advises Martha that Mary has chosen better.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F2zQR0_Z5mSXNWo6wgr4p9hAqDkQTx3XRYc-ZOLX8kIXRY0Fpqg4lcq9u2L4Zhl96edWhbik_kfNMEtjG425a31XAB_S_gAd3CsiqsK0laQxCrkhuk6FmOvaARiKm9uC0UxCt-qL9Hc/s1600/Mary-vs-Martha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F2zQR0_Z5mSXNWo6wgr4p9hAqDkQTx3XRYc-ZOLX8kIXRY0Fpqg4lcq9u2L4Zhl96edWhbik_kfNMEtjG425a31XAB_S_gAd3CsiqsK0laQxCrkhuk6FmOvaARiKm9uC0UxCt-qL9Hc/s1600/Mary-vs-Martha.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.incourage.me/2013/03/mary-vs-martha.html">Credit</a></td></tr>
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Kind of makes me crazy just thinking about it right now. </div>
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Sometimes being 'type-A', or a 'doer', or whatever you want to call it makes it truly difficult to relax and enjoy a good rest. As I've stated in previous posts---anxiety can really do a number on me and this is one area where it definitely does.<br />
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I find myself battling back and forth with this. Yes, I need to take time to chill out and just be. However, where would we be without a least a few Marthas in this world?<br />
<br />
The problem isn't with being a Martha...its more with not having our priorities straight. If my doer attitude is getting in the way of my relationships and my faith then its time to re-evaluate.<br />
<br />
With the upcoming holidays I know that I may have a tendency to swing into full on Martha-zilla. This year I am going to remember to practice grace and spend more time on what is important rather than what I deem urgent.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-48502808373474233662014-10-11T11:54:00.000-04:002014-10-15T14:59:49.147-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 11...Teach<div style="text-align: center;">
Teach</div>
<br />
I have taken some pretty difficult classes in the past, both in high school (calculus--<sigh>) and college (too many to list). </sigh><br />
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However, the most difficult class I have taken, and am still enrolled in, is this class called parenting.<br />
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And good heavens the teacher can be very demanding.<br />
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But look at this face...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50cswY5kzXymOAac2dF1VNZoMmGnn4iObzw5LIYUfCWHV6NsZDs4vw4w0KZwGZnx8_yRmrlKU6yJP7tXEiE8fqGMIl724oDKEqLV3sf4hE2hyg6E8tOV88F6Vnv3ZPRLTB7Xq19w8kr8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50cswY5kzXymOAac2dF1VNZoMmGnn4iObzw5LIYUfCWHV6NsZDs4vw4w0KZwGZnx8_yRmrlKU6yJP7tXEiE8fqGMIl724oDKEqLV3sf4hE2hyg6E8tOV88F6Vnv3ZPRLTB7Xq19w8kr8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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He has taught me all sorts of things.<br />
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In the way of grace he has taught so very much.<br />
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He has taught me to take time to play and enjoy simple things.<br />
My perpective has totally changed since Ethan came into my life. Things that seem so small and unimportant are now so exciting and new. Just playing with a cardboard box is super awesome to this little guy. I am more apt to recognize the small and simplistic beauty during my day because of Ethan.<br />
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He has taught me that its ok to admit when I need help.<br />
My issue with control (that I've spoken about previously) makes it very difficult for me to admit defeat or that I can't do it all on my own. While he is definitely 2 1/2 and <i>thinks</i> he can do anything...he will also very willingly say "I need help mommy" if he needs it without being concerned how he might be perceived. Plain and simple--he needs help, so he asks. This is a nice reminder to me to also reach out and accept/rely on those who love me and just want to help.<br />
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He has taught me to trust.<br />
For someone who prided herself on her ability to take control, get things done, and keep things very neat, orderly and organized...this whole parenting thing has taught me that I'm soooo NOT in control. I've felt inadequate and overwhelmed more than I ever thought I could. Mothering Ethan has tested my faith in a million ways. This has forced me to lean into God and his faithfulness. He reminds me that praying to God for patience, wisdom, or peace for my soul is ok and that I am dependend on God.<br />
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I am so thankful to God for giving putting this teacher in my life! I have learned so much in these last two years and am so grateful for these daily reminders of Grace.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-84637110350075473812014-10-10T15:32:00.000-04:002014-10-15T11:30:59.716-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 10...Care<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Care</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="line-height: 18px;">I love to care. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">If that sounds weird, let me elaborate.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">What I love is to take care of people, things, situations, etc...almost to a fault. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">It can be difficult being an organization-lover. It's very stressful, demanding, and gut wrenching at times. And at other times its incredible, and fulfilling, and basically the greatest feeling ever. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">There are a lot of things I "care" about on a regular basis. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="line-height: 21px; text-align: left;">I care about my family,</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> my job,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> my health</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> my house,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> our finances</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> the students I teach</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 21px;"> my friends</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But sometimes this "care" should in all honesty be called "worry". I have always suffered with this issue. I'm a worrier...and with worry comes anxiety, and sometimes its debilitating. Like today, I am simultaneously worrying about all of those things on my list (and then some). I find it really difficult sometimes to step back and look at things 'big picture' style and I get hung up on the 'trees' rather than the 'forest'. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
So friends, for those of you who relate to this crazy girl's description...here's a good dose of grace in the form of some scripture to help us all with that worry and anxiety.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; font-weight: 700; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Matthew 6:27-29</span></strong></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.</span></em></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #191919; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;"> --don't worry, be happy...worryin</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">g can't add time to your life, in fact its a big ol' fat waste of time!--</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Proverbs 12:2</b><b>5</b> <i>The </i><i>Message</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>25 </i></b><i>Worry
weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--Amen to that! Sometimes when my 'caring' gets out of hand and
I begin to perseverate...my body physically feels heavier. If I could lay my trust in God a little more often I might not feel so weighed down--<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And a big fault of mine is not being
committed to prayer...I feel like I haphazardly throw up a prayer sometimes
when what I really need to do is remember this little formula I read
about: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WORRY</b> replaced by <b>PRAYER</b> = <b>TRUST</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/qt/reasonnot2worry.htm"> (credit)</a></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love this. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I also love this:<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNK3uNjShciUO2ABXHqUXmfhyphenhyphen5_iEcMtvpD0qmD-ntCjpoG5PuJub9CLBVil7-Px2NbbqlIB4Baw3qAFxrUhAynKR1zpEq1MNPOGP8yaVWep3-SBv4uKhJo-aERjipgNSTwh3rAisWfU/s1600/wildflowers-field-texas_50296_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijNK3uNjShciUO2ABXHqUXmfhyphenhyphen5_iEcMtvpD0qmD-ntCjpoG5PuJub9CLBVil7-Px2NbbqlIB4Baw3qAFxrUhAynKR1zpEq1MNPOGP8yaVWep3-SBv4uKhJo-aERjipgNSTwh3rAisWfU/s1600/wildflowers-field-texas_50296_600x450.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/united-states/your-texas-photos/">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Matthew 6:30</i></b><i> The Message</i><br />
<b><i>30-33 </i></b><i>“If God
gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers— most of which are never
even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best
for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so
preoccupied with getting, so
you can respond to God’s giving.
People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you
know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative,
God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday
human concerns will be met.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 17pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">--To me this is kind of like a “Helloooooo, if God cares about
wildflowers, obviously he cares about YOU!” And yeah, I do need to relax,
thanks for the reminder! I need to stop worrying about getting stuff done, or
getting something fixed, or created, or taken care of…and be more worried about
<i>responding to God’s grace. </i>I need to pray more and therefore trust more.<i>--<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And lastly, this little nugget feels like a snuggly warm blanket
right now: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 20pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1 Peter 5:7 </b><i>The Message</i><b><br />
<i>6-7 </i></b><i>So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s
strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree
before God; he is most <b>careful</b> with
you.</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank goodness! When it comes to care I need to consistently remind myself to look to the CEO of Caring and allow myself to be cared for too. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">XOXO</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-57132067028277006952014-10-09T15:32:00.003-04:002014-10-09T15:36:32.069-04:0031 Notion of Grace Day 9...Join<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 1.625em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="color: #373737; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: large; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Join</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out. God met me more than halfway. He freed me from my anxious fears</span>. </i></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Psalm 34:4 (The Message)</span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This verse just really hit me today. Showed up, unannounced, and stayed all day in my little head. :)</span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And it immediately aided in getting </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">Amazing Grace</i><span style="font-size: large;"> stuck in my head too...I think I've hummed/whistled/sang (</span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">maybe not out loud</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">) parts of it all day. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<ol style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li class="first" style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Amazing<span style="color: #990000;"> grace</span>! How sweet the sound<br />That saved a wretch like me!<br />I once was lost, but now am found;<br />Was blind, but now I see.</i></span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>’Twas <span style="color: #990000;">grace </span>that taught my heart to fear,<br />And <span style="color: #990000;">grace </span>my fears relieved;<br />How precious did that <span style="color: #990000;">grace</span> appear<br />The hour I first believed.</i></span></li>
<li style="list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Through many dangers, toils and snares,<br />I have already come;<br />’Tis <span style="color: #990000;">grace</span> hath brought me safe thus far,<br />And <span style="color: #990000;">grace</span> will lead me home.</i></span></li>
<li style="color: black; list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>...</i></span></li>
<li style="color: black; list-style-type: none; margin-top: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When we’ve been there ten thousand years,<br />Bright shining as the sun,<br />We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise<br />Than when we’d first begun.</i></span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="color: #373737;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But seriously, read over those lyrics...this simple little song sums it all up. </span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So thank you Mr. John Newton for these beautiful words (and the goosebumps that come with them).</span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #373737;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I'm so glad I found this 31 Days challenge. It's pushed me and pulled me and its only been 9 days. I am glad I joined in on this journey and am documenting all of the Notions of Grace in my life. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-52760486639065650652014-10-08T13:23:00.001-04:002014-10-08T14:00:43.147-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 8...Say<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Say.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<i>Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one</i>" (Colossians 4:6).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Zing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">There it is. In plain black and white. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">When someone is rude, has a snarky comment, or is just downright mean to me or someone else, sometimes my hotheaded and argumentative side wants to explode to the surface, throwing back some snippy, snide remark. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;">However as it says in Colossians... :: sigh ::<sigh></sigh></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><sigh>Our tongues have incredible power. We can build someone up or tear someone down using just mere words. </sigh></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><sigh><br />But----</sigh></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grace = mercy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Grace ≠ justice. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When I'm having a particularly tough time figuring out a way to show Grace, I find myself actually repeating the word Grace, over and over in my head...as if willing my whole body to show Grace. <br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it works...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes I just have to smile and walk away. :) And that's ok, because sometimes NOT saying anything is the best way for me to show God's Grace. Sometimes, silence is golden.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPODuLidH4ZIGHjQCpyT-D16UG00pExF1m3hyylXy7-qf2egUfWHlPVIbHZw9FDBHQHaWH0FwItz1zULhEvFd35Tc1k2iJJbPiHtAXmPpLGqvi3r07mLhe_bClhI8gn_zQBJNF90mJ5Uk/s1600/I-have-often-regretted-my-speech-never-my-silence.Xenocrates-quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPODuLidH4ZIGHjQCpyT-D16UG00pExF1m3hyylXy7-qf2egUfWHlPVIbHZw9FDBHQHaWH0FwItz1zULhEvFd35Tc1k2iJJbPiHtAXmPpLGqvi3r07mLhe_bClhI8gn_zQBJNF90mJ5Uk/s1600/I-have-often-regretted-my-speech-never-my-silence.Xenocrates-quote.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://quotes-lover.com/picture-quote/i-have-often-regretted-my-speech-never-my-silence/">Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-4109500302823418362014-10-08T11:53:00.003-04:002014-10-08T11:53:21.454-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 7...Go<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>When things go wrong, don't go with them.</i> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Elvis Presley </div>
<br />
<br />
Tricky one today.<br />
<br />
<i>Go.</i><br />
Go where?<br />
Go do what?<br />
<br />
hmph...I seem to have hit a wall. Maybe its because I've already fallen behind and I feel discouraged (catching up from yesterday-oops).<br />
<br />
<br />
All that comes to mind is <i>letting go</i>...<br />
<br />
Sometimes in order to be in an attitude of Grace, I have to let go.<br />
<br />
As in let it go Courtney...so you messed up in the first few days and didn't manage to post every. single. day. It's ok. The blogging police are not going to show up at your door. The guilt you are feeling is only bothering you...and it makes you pretty cranky sometimes. You do NOT always have full control over everything. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Control.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnnp3zdTx9kkhmLX-eUwzWlckZsDr4O-SrAM7Ctqh-2q04Y66bps-w6M-a9Zc4njQa9ybq31K2mPxURKINYgam3v5fp2pYiZvamGHuQykKSIiuoLSY_WulxSoF46A1eyRnsoJ8Trrkx8/s1600/Disney-Frozen-Elsa-Let-it-Go-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnnp3zdTx9kkhmLX-eUwzWlckZsDr4O-SrAM7Ctqh-2q04Y66bps-w6M-a9Zc4njQa9ybq31K2mPxURKINYgam3v5fp2pYiZvamGHuQykKSIiuoLSY_WulxSoF46A1eyRnsoJ8Trrkx8/s1600/Disney-Frozen-Elsa-Let-it-Go-150x150.jpg" /></a></div>
It's in our blood I swear. It's the extra leg of the Y chromosome that men don't get that's why they're XY not XX. This "letting go" idea is so foreign and unnatural to me. I say I'm going to let it go, but honestly do we ever just "let it go!" (Come on Elsa, I can hear you belting it out in my head right now.) <br /><br /><br /><br />
I've found a book that's soon going to grace me with its presence--like what I did right there? hehe (probably to sit on my nightstand for a while, but hey that's ok, I'll get to it someday).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NBDSp9AYe14fzQggUKz6O2qe1GRmsbwz7IkSxNj-4_xB-VEsqbt0wxpJ_6pHAwhCG_pGOSBislkfzC8VIZXsaBRyLChCZlkNJJKKqDJ8CMNHeHw5KRKEWu4The2wqAG2B1ZTkppwPLM/s1600/letitgo_cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4NBDSp9AYe14fzQggUKz6O2qe1GRmsbwz7IkSxNj-4_xB-VEsqbt0wxpJ_6pHAwhCG_pGOSBislkfzC8VIZXsaBRyLChCZlkNJJKKqDJ8CMNHeHw5KRKEWu4The2wqAG2B1ZTkppwPLM/s1600/letitgo_cover.png" height="200" width="129" /></a><br />
The book is called: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Let-It-Go-Running-Walking/dp/031033392X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412781619&sr=8-1&keywords=Karen+Ehman">"Let. It. Go."</a> by Karen Ehma.<br />
The tagline...beautiful.<br />
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<i>How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith</i><br />
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Yes Please! :) <i></i><br />
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In the free study guide offered online there is a section that asks the reader to take inventory of areas in her life where its most difficult in terms of wanting our own way and being in control. Let's just say I could probably tick off all of them. <br />
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In the past I probably would have listed work situations and maybe my own appearance (not just physical) as areas where I needed to have a lot of control. It has certainly shifted more currently to more of a relationships with spouse, children, as well as appearance of my house/life. <i><br /></i><br />
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Maybe if when I'm feeling all micromanage-y and control freak-ish I should make it a point to remember this:<br />
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When things go wrong, don’t go with them.
– Elvis Presley<br />
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Source : <a href="http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/">http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/</a></div>
<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
When things go wrong, don’t go with them.
– Elvis Presley<br />
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Source : <a href="http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/">http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/</a></div>
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<div style="left: -99999px; position: absolute;">
When things go wrong, don’t go with them.
– Elvis Presley<br />
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Source : <a href="http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/">http://www.coolnsmart.com/giving_up_quotes/</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-76416954893544092032014-10-07T13:27:00.004-04:002014-10-07T13:27:49.815-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 6...Know<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 29px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Know...thats the word of the day today </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(well actually yesterday, but hey life happened)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;"><br /></span></span></em></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 300; line-height: 29px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” ~John 13: 34-35</em></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">What a great, simple, wonderful way to live life...to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Love</span> one another. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">I don't 'know' if I can compare or ever even fathom the level of love that God has for us.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">When I thought about it and tried to imagine what God's love is like here is what I decided I <b><i>do</i></b> know: </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">When Ethan needs to be held and I snuggle him all up and hold him...I feel like that is what God's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">love</span> is like--being all wrapped up and comforted. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">Or when I'm sad/upset and Ethan leans over and says "It's ok, I will kiss it" and his cute little face looks all sorts of concerned and worried...I feel like that is what God's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">love</span> is like. Nothing but genuine concern for me...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">Or when I'm having a rough day and Aaron lays a hand on my back or reminds me to take a breath...that is what God's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">love</span> is like--a small gesture that helps ground me a little. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;">I only hope that in my daily actions I am recognizable as a </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300; line-height: 29px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">disciple. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.womensbiblecafe.com/2012/02/lies-women-believe-online-bible-study-week-2/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Credit)</span></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 29px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-92222280269254304922014-10-05T17:08:00.006-04:002014-10-05T17:11:34.924-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 5...Stuck<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Excellent word for today...</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stuck.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm feeling stuck today. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Stuck in a funk. I like to call it the Sunday blues...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">I am currently finishing up some paperwork for school this week (observation this week-eek!) and in the sidebar of a website I was looking at the verse Psalm 142 popped up. Its obvious that I have been using the internet more frequently to look up Bible verses...the little advertisement robots have been filling the ads on websites with biblical material and other Christian based ads. Today God sprinkled me a with a little Grace through these little robots. Hey, at least they're good for something...</span></span><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px; padding-right: 10px;">Psalm 142</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-142-1-Ps-142-2" id="en-TLB-14065" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;"><span class="chapternum" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; bottom: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; line-height: 0.8em; position: relative;">142 </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">1-2 </span>How I plead with God, how I implore his mercy, pouring out my troubles before him. </span><span class="text Ps-142-3" id="en-TLB-14066" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>For I </span><span class="text Ps-142-3" id="en-TLB-14066" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;">am overwhelmed and desperate, and you alone know which way I ought to turn to miss the traps my enemies have set for me. </span><span style="line-height: 22px;">... 5 </span></span><span class="text Ps-142-5" id="en-TLB-14068" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;">Then I prayed to Jehovah. “Lord,” I pled, “you are my only place of refuge. Only you can keep me safe. </span><span class="text Ps-142-6" id="en-TLB-14069" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>“Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. </span><span class="text Ps-142-7" id="en-TLB-14070" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;">Bring me out of prison so that I can thank you. The godly will rejoice with me for all your help.”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14.3000001907349px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Living Bible</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;">This is my prayer today...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: 500; line-height: 24px;">If there is anyone else out there feeling a little anxious and frazzled this afternoon, please feel some love and support coming your way...</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-68677887006200664072014-10-03T09:23:00.000-04:002014-10-05T17:11:53.644-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 3...New<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
When I initially started planning and thinking about my 31 days of writing I decided I wasn't going to give myself a time limit. Typically Five Minute Friday is just that--5 minutes. I didn't think I could do it that fast soooo I left the time frame open. And for the most part, that is what I am going to do. On Friday's however I am going to push myself and stick to the 5 minutes. <br />
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<a href="http://katemotaung.com/2014/10/02/five-minute-friday-and-a-giveaway-day-3-new/">Today's Five Minute Friday Prompt is :: <i><b>New</b></i></a></div>
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annnnnd go,</div>
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New, the whole idea of blogging is not new for me. However, the idea of really digging deeper and searching for ways to "do life" with notions of Grace is new. Some days I feel like wow you're really rocking this idea. You're lovin' on everybody, even when they don't deserve it, and despite them showing the exact opposite of Grace. </div>
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And other days...well, maybe its not so good.</div>
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You argue with your husband in the morning. You're not as forgiving when things aren't done quickly! </div>
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You're impatient with your two year old when trying to get him dressed and out the door in a timely manner so you can be to work on time.</div>
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And then...as you're on your way to work and thinking about all of the things you have to get done today, and how at school today its the emergency evacuation drill and you will be missing out on two periods of the day, and how you have your formal observation next week and feel unprepared when maybe a couple years ago you would have had it planned down to the second weeks ago, and maybe a colleague is rubbing you the wrong way and you do not wish to be in his/her presence today, you have to stop dead in your tracks. </div>
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Because there is a massive tree laying all the way across the road. </div>
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Yes, this was me today. And as I sat their contemplating what I should do I realized...God was saying: hey, you can't do a whole lot today if you keep going with the attitude you have, slow down sister. <br />
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Slow your mind</div>
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Slow your pace</div>
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Don't let the anxiety overcome you...</div>
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Everything you're stressed about could come to a screeching halt like traffic did this morning. The house on that side of the road has quite a mess to clean up, they as well as some of their neighbors probably do not have power this morning and are probably going to be late to whatever they had going on today. </div>
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In two words the image of the fallen tree said: "CHILL OUT!"</div>
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And so just like that my first opportunity to show Grace was to myself. </div>
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Not exactly what I had planned but, as is usually the case, I'm not the one making the plan.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the (maybe not so graceful) reminder ;o)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-50315521059662292522014-10-02T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-02T09:00:05.077-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 2...View<style>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">My view of Grace is ever evolving like I
said yesterday. Being a teacher, when I don't know enough about something I
tend to research it like crazy until I feel satisfied that I have exhausted all
avenues to finding out more about said thing. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">According to </span><a href="http://machaut.uchicago.edu/?action=search&resource=Webster%27s&word=Grace&quicksearch=on"><span style="color: #0000f6; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Webster's</span></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> Grace is the exercise
of love, kindness, compassion, mercy, favor; a disposition to benefit or serve
another. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">This definition may sound basic but
sticking with the whole idea of simplicity to combat the complexity of the
world we live in, this dictionary definition is certainly helpful when trying
understand Grace. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">For myself the definition is lacking in
that it does not mention or make any indication of where Grace came from
originally. From a biblical standpoint Grace comes from God. It is God
giving us his love, kindness, mercy, and favor. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> Even with all of this I still find myself
asking what is Grace? And I realized, maybe this Grace thing is up to
interpretation a little...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS";"> I really appreciate the following
explanation, partially because I too have a two year old and also because this
just really sums up my "view" of Grace. And the Rev. David Rogers
Ph.D. is far more eloquent in his definition than I could ever be...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">"Grace is a
free-will gift of love from an Everlasting, Eternal, Self-Existent God who
loves Man so greatly as to punish Himself rather than His children. All that He
requires is that we love Him, trust Him, and obey Him. It is much like me
telling my son in his toddler years to not touch something because it is hot
and I get burned in the process. And, all I tell my son is don't do that you
will get burned. Jesus took my place... Grace is His bearing me up when life is
difficult. Grace is two sets of footprints in the sand when I need a friend and
one set when I can no longer bear up because He carries me. Grace is not a
thing to be possessed or demanded. Grace is the free gift of His good pleasure
in acts designed to assist and bless Man. Grace is not a substance. Grace is an
action from a loving Father who is God..."</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"> </span><a href="http://www.ficotw.org/grace.html"><span style="color: #0000f6;">Credit</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Nothing
I could do would make God love me less and nothing I could do could make him
love me more. He just loves me--unconditionally, unfailingly, infinitely. So if
God just freely hands out this gift, why am I not also freely extending this
gift to those around me? God tells us to be like him "for it is written:
"Be holy, because I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). To grow closer to him we
are called to be more like him. With that being said I need God's Grace
the most when I am aware of areas in my life that are not going as they
probably should. With this incredible Grace comes incredible responsibility.
Grace is something I could and should be extending more openly. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">I know that I like it when
others show me Grace. I like to feel loved and to know that when I have done
something wrong or hurt someone I won't be yelled at. I appreciate when people
are patient with me when I do something in a way different then they had
intended. I want to know that when I make a mistake it will not be held against
me. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">If we want to be treated
like this then why do we not offer this on a regular basis to others? Because
its difficult, stressful, daunting, and sometimes discouraging. But: </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">"Grace
comes in all different shapes and sizes. Even the messy ones." </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wishing-Willows-Novel-Katie-Ganshert/dp/0307730409"><span style="color: #0000f6; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert</span></a><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">So, here we go...an adventure to show God's Grace in all different
shapes and sizes, including the </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Trebuchet MS";">messy ways. </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-7663242886016761712014-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:002014-10-01T12:38:01.257-04:0031 Notions of Grace Day 1...Move<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Move</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I love to create. When someone suggested I sell the things I make I really didn't think much of it. I like to make stuff, I like to give things to other people, and thats where it stopped. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But I stumbled upon Etsy, thanks to my friend Jenn (of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/makemineblue">Make Mine Blue</a>) and thought "hey, maybe I'll give this a shot."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The first thing you have to do is create a shop...and every shop needs a name. I went back and forth for quite a few days trying to figure out what to call my shop. I didn't want it to sound too cheesy and I also wanted it to be catchy. And so a few days later <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/notionsofgrace">Notions of Grace</a> was born. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Unfortunately given the season of life I am in, there is nothing available for sale in my shop, but there will be soon)</span>. After creating this shop I had a chance to be part of a craft show where I sold some of my handmade items. A lady at this show approached my table and asked where I came up with the name for my shop. I had never been asked this question...and honestly, I didn't have an answer for her. She abruptly said "Come on girl, this is your chance to share!" I sort of brushed it off but later her voice came back to me. Her question got me thinking...why did I pick <i>Notions of Grace</i>. The "Notions" part is easy--sewing notions. The "Grace" part, welllll I didn't really know why. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We use "Grace" pretty freely, but describe it/define it/explain it. Ummmm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What do all Generation Y/Millennials do when they can't answer a question?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUgln8nT-vgRoFZYilG36M5uh8PsfQNxG-XzLNpkzYWGyAufMpLhyphenhyphenfIhs7KVQc0Esvz96XsLx1snj69l4Flogjfz4Aw-Dwul1-3_Q5-4I4KH54kcDtkVJLNNmDSwbPhb17jsJx-Ks_jA/s1600/Just%20google%20it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUgln8nT-vgRoFZYilG36M5uh8PsfQNxG-XzLNpkzYWGyAufMpLhyphenhyphenfIhs7KVQc0Esvz96XsLx1snj69l4Flogjfz4Aw-Dwul1-3_Q5-4I4KH54kcDtkVJLNNmDSwbPhb17jsJx-Ks_jA/s1600/Just%20google%20it.jpg" height="73" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you go this route be prepared for some serious confusion and for a headache that may ensue. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Due to this confusion (and headache!) and because I feel like life is just far too complicated and complex as it is, I have decided to go with a very basic definition/view of Grace.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I truly appreciate this two word definition: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Unmerited favor</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And yet, while I appreciate the definition...I also find it insufficient. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But I'm going to go with it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #303030; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And since today's one word prompt is "Move" I have decided that for the next 31 Days, I am going to challenge myself to make a more conscious move toward Grace, because as Jesus commanded, "Love each other as I have loved you." John 15: 10-12. He calls us away from our own personal comfort and more toward service. And if I can't do a good job defining, describing, or explaining Grace...then I'll be a walking example of Grace. </span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-91031807614250424492014-09-19T10:10:00.000-04:002014-10-01T12:31:29.039-04:0031 Notions of Grace<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am currently reading Lisa-Jo Baker's <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/surprised-by-motherhood/" target="_blank">Surprised by Motherhood</a> and also love reading her blog/following her on twitter/ facebook (not a stalker, honest). <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a> is something she does and I love it...everyone writing for 5 minutes using the same prompt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have I every participated? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love reading her posts and I enjoy perusing the other posts that link up to hers, but the buck usually stops there. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This October though I have decided to jump in and try it out. In the blogosphere I have stumbled across a "challenge"...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the month of October I will be writing every single day (fingers crossed). This challenge comes straight from Kate Motaung at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2014/09/11/five-minute-friday-ready-and-a-challenge/" target="_blank">Heading Home</a>. She has taken Myquilyn from <a href="http://www.thenester.com/" target="_blank">The Nester</a>'s <a href="http://write31days.com/" target="_blank">31 Days</a> and Lisa-Jo's <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/">Five Minute Friday</a> and combined them into one challenge! When I first thought about blogging every single day I broke out in a cold sweat and my head started spinning. I barely post on my blog every 3-4 months, and now I'm thinking of doing it every single day for a month? However, Kate has generously provided a list of prompts for the month, with a surprise topic every Friday. It follows the same format as Lisa-Jo Baker's Five Minute Friday--one prompt, five minutes. I have decided to tweak this challenge a little and not hold myself to the "five minute" rule. I'm just going to write however long I feel like writing that day. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm anticipating that this type of challenge is really going to stretch me...and I'm actually excited. I have chosen <a href="http://notionsofgrace.blogspot.com/2014/09/31-notions-of-grace-day-1.html">31 Notions of Grace</a> as my theme for the month and decided to really develop and illustrate why I have chosen Notions of Grace as the title of my blog. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check back often and see how I'm doing and hold me to it friends...</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-43438041447655421582014-02-03T12:21:00.006-05:002014-02-03T14:03:22.742-05:00A Birth Story...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm not entirely sure where to start or whether this is even of any interest to anyone who might read my posts but its been weighing kind of heavy on my heart and I've been wanting to get it written down anyway so here goes. And even though it has taken me months to finish/publish...here it is. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
In all honesty I think the writing of Ethan's birth story was somewhat spurred from being included in the birth of my second niece. This is the second time I have been blessed to watch a tiny little life come in to this world. All three deliveries I have been there for (including my own ;o) ) were filled with every emotion possible...lots of smiles and "ooh thats uncomfortable" comments from mom, tense moments of quiet when working through a contraction, faces filled with fear and "I can't do this" comments, to pure, raw love and happiness as the little bundle makes his/her entrance. Both times it has been such a joy to watch both my sister and sister-in-law hold their little girls for the first time just minutes after they've delivered and fall madly, completely, head over heels in love with their daughters. And here is where our story diverts from the two stories I had <i>enjoyed from the outside</i>...</span><br />
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My pregnancy was pretty textbook to be honest...morning sickness (eh hem...all day sickness actually) the first trimester, more energy the second, and then complete misery the third. Taylor babies are known for being large--and this little man did not disappoint. I was definitely large and in charge during the final trimester. I definitely could NOT see my feet, even though they were swelled double their size (new shoes were a necessity at that point). I had every intention of working right up until at least my due date, if not longer. I remember telling my 'plan' to my boss that I was <b><i>going to be there</i></b> when my kids took their state English and Math tests. I also clearly remember him smirking and saying "ok Courtney, as long as you have a plan" sort of demeaningly and me being a little irritated that he didn't believe me. But, he was right in his sort of "yeah right" response. I never did return to work the week of the tests...I had been in the Dr's office and Labor and Delivery probably 4-5 times for non-stress tests because my blood pressure was through the roof. Every time the monitors would register contractions but nothing too uncomfortable/noticeable for me...and every time everything looked great for the baby according to the Drs and nurses. After finding out that the "pains" I was having were contractions I thought "hey lets get a move on then little baby and get out here so we can meet you". However, he had another idea...he was quite comfortable in there and I was still a week out from my due date. The Sunday before Ethan was born I had a little bout with false labor landing me in Labor and Delivery for a few hours only to be sent home because things slowed down...this can have a terrible affect on your mood, let me tell you. So home we went and this started my week of getting up each morning with every intention of going to work but finding out very quickly that my body was NOT going to make it through the work day. </span><br />
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On Friday of that week my mom and niece came over and since I had been resting all week I was ready to do something a little more active. We decided to take Isabella to the park down the road from our house (about a mile) in our new stroller. I chose to push her hoping all the way that maybe walking AND pushing the stroller would help get things moving. And low and behold IT WORKED! The next morning, like weeee hours of the morning, I woke up with some pretty righteous pain and told Aaron that I was going to lay on the couch but to be ready should I need him. Aaron went back to sleep for a while and I laid on the couch riding the waves of contractions and waiting for them to get closer together. They definitely did that and so after getting Aaron up we got ready to head to the hospital. Showered, made a plan for where to grab me something to eat (since I knew I wouldn't be given even a smidge of food at the hospital)...and we headed out the door. Now at this point I wasn't feeling too much pain, just some discomfort, and so I was afraid things had slowed down. I told Aaron I wanted to walk to the end of the street and see how I felt...I didn't want to head to the hospital only to be sent home again. Before we got back to our driveway I was practically on my knees and knew at this point--OK! Let's GO! (NOW!). </span><br />
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At the hospital things went as they normally do. I was admitted, put in a delivery room, and got down to the business of labor. I had previously decided I wasn't going to have a "birth plan" other than "get the baby out" and I was just going to go with the flow--no pain meds unless I needed them, and if I did I'd ask for them. I have a pretty decent pain tolerance I learned and didn't end up needing anything for quite a while...about 24 hours later to be exact. I was not very keen on the idea of the epidural because I was also not keen on the idea of being totally tied to the bed. When I don't feel good or if something hurts I want to be able to just do my own thing...whether it be sleep or walk it off. I didn't do a whole lot of sleeping but I definitely did a lot of moving. Birthing ball, walking around the room, leaning over the bed and rocking back and forth...pretty much if it felt good, I did it. I had a lot of back pain/hip pain...so the birthing ball was awesome. Ethan decided to have his little derriere facing up so the posterior position definitely made things interesting. Plus in hindsight, being that he was 9 lbs 3 oz inside my short 5' 2" body probably also increased that discomfort. We labored like that for like I said almost 24 hours. I took a shower in the midst of all of that to try and relax and dilate a little more and that helped for a little bit. When it was time to push, nothing happened...and I mean nothing. I pushed for about 3 hours...being given suggestions by my doctors of all sorts of positions to 'help' things along. No Ethan. </span><br />
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Given the circumstances, I really do not remember it being 3 hours...I just remember pushing and trying so hard to meet my little person. (at this point we didn't know it was Ethan...we just knew it was a baby...Ethan could have been a "She-than" --like what I did right there?? ;o) ) At some point, my doctor came in and said very calmly and sweetly "I think its time to call it Courtney." And I remember thinking "Really? I don't want a c-section though"...and feeling very defeated. So defeated in fact that I had to look to Aaron and his encouragement to finally say "Ok...let's go ahead with it." </span><br />
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I've never seen a staff move so quickly...minus the anesthesiologist (hey, at that point there was NO reason for the contractions/pain so this momma got cranky and wanted miss anesthesiologist to get her little behind down there). My delivery room had been all set up for a regular delivery...but in the blink of an eye all of that was taken care of and they started to prep me for surgery. A lot of what happened next is a blur. I don't remember being wheeled into the operating room or much between that and the anesthesiologist doing her thing. I do remember Aaron being up near my head and the anesthesiologist asking if I could feel her touching my shoulders...of which I could. I also remember feeling pretty nauseous and her telling me to let her know if it got too horrible. Aaron sat watching me the whole time, which was good considering he had to look away when they took some blood when we first arrived at the hospital. My mom was given the lovely opportunity to wait on the other side of the glass window with some medical students. Little did she know she was about to get the view of a lifetime and see a whole lot more of me than she expected. Yikes. </span><br />
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</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xSSeUp2qBzRFzXINas1gIR6skiseY82VIQqIDtAxk6Eu8HYkrMdqxGKdp1fiQUU9pB6gxXcjRU9eLVf-TAiOadMIWjYim790UlgUS3adnl2g01tMBcezP0sJFwrqd8vh9TM133IUkSE/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xSSeUp2qBzRFzXINas1gIR6skiseY82VIQqIDtAxk6Eu8HYkrMdqxGKdp1fiQUU9pB6gxXcjRU9eLVf-TAiOadMIWjYim790UlgUS3adnl2g01tMBcezP0sJFwrqd8vh9TM133IUkSE/s1600/IMG_0432.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But after some tugging and pulling...this guy made his entrance into the world at 6:15 a.m. weighing 9 lbs and 3 oz. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And it was a boy...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">As I said before we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl...and let me just say, if anyone can wait find out the sex of their child the long 9 months it is SOOOO worth it. What a wonderful surprise after such long, long, difficult day. (Not that having a girl would have been any less wonderful)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are a few more pictures...sorry. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyXwnItlwzHtqWQLRtcy9ZpKb12hWhv1vdMtRMYGMavCtBz6G7CJ_6NUWyeSwa5INnew6u4IfFYfhyrV0VKhsmilbwWzrbijMEJid3CIOSrRO865VN7cTaVZdLYiObsh6zUzUGAabgUU/s1600/IMG_0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyXwnItlwzHtqWQLRtcy9ZpKb12hWhv1vdMtRMYGMavCtBz6G7CJ_6NUWyeSwa5INnew6u4IfFYfhyrV0VKhsmilbwWzrbijMEJid3CIOSrRO865VN7cTaVZdLYiObsh6zUzUGAabgUU/s1600/IMG_0434.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuwZCWicp6pGL4Z3uD_OvmloK3afqc0EEkCYdVcll-GYALt-IJPOzVEKONMuyI_qRyejibx-k70Nt_pi9IZcWPUp4f8YizHypo6eH0hyK0DNA9pQYC3wYAyIWYB2MYIuT6m7DAsww2co/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuwZCWicp6pGL4Z3uD_OvmloK3afqc0EEkCYdVcll-GYALt-IJPOzVEKONMuyI_qRyejibx-k70Nt_pi9IZcWPUp4f8YizHypo6eH0hyK0DNA9pQYC3wYAyIWYB2MYIuT6m7DAsww2co/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZDjYzQSAyO8r3s1slOgbvfOsbdjY8zCMpGQwuquSSsmoNScLZHHxQS8c0wTMA1DTMjfxxsQtOKj542WI7GFZE_nNJRfCS9yriYV6ytZbbYawWIelYXH4HSZoYCwG8gkw_PQog9VBEA/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumZDjYzQSAyO8r3s1slOgbvfOsbdjY8zCMpGQwuquSSsmoNScLZHHxQS8c0wTMA1DTMjfxxsQtOKj542WI7GFZE_nNJRfCS9yriYV6ytZbbYawWIelYXH4HSZoYCwG8gkw_PQog9VBEA/s1600/IMG_0439.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></span></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The emotional whirlwind that happened directly after this was something I didn't really process until much, much later. Giving birth is pretty emotional any way you look at it...but this was pretty righteous for me. My type-A personality unfortunately (even though I said I didn't have a 'plan' per say) had a plan or idea as to how this day would go. I'd go in, labor for a bit, and have a baby...just like I read about, heard about, watched, etc. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I must have fallen asleep right after because I do not remember being wheeled into the recovery room. Or maybe they helped me fall asleep so they could take care of me. I do remember my mom sitting there in the recovery room, and Aaron coming in pretty soon after. I don't remember if he had Ethan with him or if they brought him to me later on. And to be honest, some of this may be incorrect...but I don't particularly mind. This is what I remember of this pretty important day and so thats how it will remain.<br />
C-Section was NOT in my plan. And it hurt, emotionally and physically. And it still hurts sometimes...more emotionally than physically, but sometimes emotional feels physical. I was sad for a long time that I didn't get to hold Ethan right away...I just got to look at him from across the room, and even that was an exhausted look. I remember trying very hard not to cry...if I had started I don't know if I would have stopped. I also remember laying there thinking, "please let it be a boy, please let it be a boy." I think somehow in my brain I thought, "if this is a boy, it will make me ok with what is happening." Once they weighed him I remember thinking "well its ok I failed--he's a big baby, I'm a small person." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I know that the end goal is to have a healthy baby and we did that. (And boy was he healthy...wow, was he big and heavy and solid for an infant). I also know that in all honesty I didn't 'fail'...I still brought a beautiful life into this world. I'm not writing this as a way to scare anyone or to say "HEY! This is what you should expect if you go the C-section route!" Every birth is different...thats a no-brainer. But I also know being that I never even entertained the idea of a c-section, it was all very scary and fast and I wish I had been a little more prepared in hindsight. At my follow up appointment the Dr. explained a little more about what had happened and why we had to go the way we did...and I know now that, if I had tried to have this baby before the advancements of medicine it would have been far more scary. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For any possible future babies I know a C-section is the way I will be going (VBAC is pretty much <i>not</i> an option for me). And I will lay there waiting to see a little head pop up over that curtain and to hear the first cries and thats ok. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Because even though it was traumatic, and scary, and sad...and overall not what I had planned, we still wound up with a pretty awesome prize at the end. </span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-52638028903115597582013-07-10T21:41:00.000-04:002013-07-10T21:41:48.942-04:00Ding! Pop-tarts are DONE!<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As promised here is the pop-tart update! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They were a little labor intensive but I think some of that might be due to the fact that I've never made them before. Now that I have been through the process once I think it won't take me as long.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Also, I only got 12 pop-tarts out of this recipe. I think<strike> if </strike>when I do it again I will double the recipe and make enough to freeze an entire batch. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And on that note... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Without further ado, here are some pictures of the process:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> After rolling out the dough (which was tricky considering there is a
fair amount of butter in the dough AND it was pretty righteously hot and
humid) here are the bottoms with the brown sugar and cinnamon
filling inside. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mmmmm here they are halfway done...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And....Voila!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm excited to make them again with some different fillings. I might even try some savory types of fillings...pesto and ricotta maybe? Or pizza? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Oh the possibilities! </span></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-27414978794733643102013-07-08T14:25:00.001-04:002013-07-09T13:28:23.154-04:00Let's get real here...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So in my efforts to 1. work on this post-baby body and 2. focus on the health and well being of myself and my family I have recently become very conscious of ingredients. I'm not talking about ingredients in the recipes I make...but ingredients in the things I buy. I've dabbled in the blogosphere of people writing about food additives and pushing toward a very natural, unprocessed diet and have come across a few blogs that I read regularly. One in particular is <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank">100 Days of Real Food</a>. I haven't read through probably half of what is posted and I'm not sure when I started following this blog but I can't get enough of it. Now, I haven't jumped full force into the idea of eating ONLY real food...but I am gradually starting to switch things over in small doses. I knew if I went cold turkey I might lose my mind, or send my husband running for the closest McDonald's. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Honestly, when it comes to dinner we usually aren't too far off the mark of eating "real food". I like to make dinner from scratch when I have the time and by planning my meals a month ahead of time we can usually stick to real food. We do enjoy a good take out meal once in a while though. Take last night...roast in the crock pot, homemade mashed potatoes, and baby carrots. A "real" meal. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few places where I have switched to real food are:</span></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. We do not buy sandwich bread from the store anymore. </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I asked for a bread-maker for Christmas and my father-in-law made that happen. I probably make 2 loaves a week when we are both in school. It took quite a few tries to get the bread how we like it but now I think I've got it down pat and it <i><b>might </b></i>take me ten minutes to throw the ingredients in and walk away (flour, brown sugar, salt, yeast, yogurt, and water--easy peasy). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. We do not buy pre-made packets of oatmeal, nor "quick oats". </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Ethan's typical breakfast is oatmeal. It fills that big tummy up! I also like it because it tends to stick to my ribs a little longer than a bowl of cold cereal does. I found a recipe in my new favorite cook book<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Homemade-Pantry-Buying-Making/dp/030788726X" target="_blank"> The Homemade Pantry--101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making</a> that with an oven and food processor you can make your own "instant" oatmeal. Now it takes longer than a minute to make this one (a whole whopping 5 minutes) but it is worth it to plan a little ahead and have real oatmeal. Just as a comparison check this out <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo courtesy of <a href="http://themidwesttexan.blogspot.com/2010/10/make-your-own-instant-oatmeal.html" target="_blank">Midwest Texan</a>)</span>...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur4KHYEHTS2BdXc6alMuAIhNg0DA2jt27csGHhrlbIupZH1ur6VKFYBa-KnrgZfCaP3oNN_s2kRI8RHHNvIsLONUkRZsdrqk-OTMgTubjVV4qyTVM0JXHXcufxm-CGGmhWnzd1cj6Cw4/s1600/Pic+222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhur4KHYEHTS2BdXc6alMuAIhNg0DA2jt27csGHhrlbIupZH1ur6VKFYBa-KnrgZfCaP3oNN_s2kRI8RHHNvIsLONUkRZsdrqk-OTMgTubjVV4qyTVM0JXHXcufxm-CGGmhWnzd1cj6Cw4/s320/Pic+222.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">These are the ingredients in <i>Quaker Oats Maple and Brown Sugar </i>instant oatmeal. A few of those are difficult to pronounce. I know that guar gum is used to thicken the oatmeal...but to me the fact that it is listed BEFORE oat flour just seems wrong. Wouldn't oat flour suffice as a thickening agent. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The oatmeal I made has: old fashioned oats, brown sugar, a little bit of salt, and some cinnamon. That's it! </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>3. No more margarine! (Blegh!)</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> We ONLY use real butter now. Doesn't seem like such a big deal...but it is to me. If we had serious heart issues then I would probably try to curb my butter use and go for a margarine that is seriously low in trans fats. But for now, bring on the saturated fat (just in small doses). To me milk and cream seem far more healthy than plant oils that have been hydrogenated. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>4. Homemade, Homemade, Homemade.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Many of the things I buy I am slowly finding ways to make them instead. <i>The Homemade Pantry</i> book has helped a great deal with that and some of the things I am going to try my hand at I found in this book. For example, now that I am on summer vacation I am going to try to make pop-tarts. I found the idea in the book, but I did like the texture of the pastries so I have since found one where the pastry is a little more 'dense' and freeze-able. I have also made chicken nuggets, purely out of ground up chicken (I ground it myself :-O) and breadcrumbs...and Aaron can attest to their flavor--they were pretty darn good. Thank you <a href="http://weelicious.com/" target="_blank">Weelicious</a>. On the docket is ketchup, graham crackers, granola, cereal bars, hamburger buns, tomato sauce, and cheese crackers. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>5. Mama's getting a chest freezer...and some canning supplies</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Aaron has promised me a freezer by the end of the summer and I am going to attempt to can a few things this fall as well. We moved to a house where I can have such things in the basement and be able to eat local all winter long hopefully!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First on my list are the Pop-tarts. I made the dough this a.m. and it is chilling in the fridge right now. I'll be back with an update as to how this: </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s8Tw_1jRVLcxASqPovbSIS9BSM5BHQCyBYTy70bWRfkMsKphfSVilAgL1-7VWDAwxLv63vGIIPy9qzifVdZ1tgPk5azDiJyzbhXWzSDTnQYttlYXIQEywtWYJ68aQGfShBAsi1rx-JM/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9s8Tw_1jRVLcxASqPovbSIS9BSM5BHQCyBYTy70bWRfkMsKphfSVilAgL1-7VWDAwxLv63vGIIPy9qzifVdZ1tgPk5azDiJyzbhXWzSDTnQYttlYXIQEywtWYJ68aQGfShBAsi1rx-JM/s200/photo-3.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hopefully turns into this: </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4Ax5-oYNQcXtWKSS08HslpSwzB1pwC7B121U5p0QdeMixFF0BGf_H8UvxeWoqSLzynnNRBYG6jhDp0HLOPxpEMXv3PLEZnRit5Wkq37RmC4tjKprMISUG7Yz32UI0YgOW0ooDSglUc0/s320/4557819899_0939d40aec.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">SmittenKitchen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-38299442492801550112013-07-06T22:45:00.000-04:002013-07-06T22:45:26.100-04:00Two years??.......What?!?!
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Lately I've been getting the 'itch' to get
back to my blog.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Looking at the previous post it is obvious
that it has been almost two years since I have even thought about posting...one
month shy of two years actually. However, a lot has happened/changed that delayed
posting anything to my blog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The most significant and best change is
definitely... </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZzyA0PkxSMc_OHkVGNDgabuAjJklNwRh9btoGDPpTIaiyeGAGgZbRCOInb6uNn38ET_Lv1zWVzj-nawaVwUYAnbUwgqo0z7eK_YY-RB_23Ka-0fnX-dFTqZH0-5kWOHLUK4Jkpt7OyI/s1600/IMG_0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZzyA0PkxSMc_OHkVGNDgabuAjJklNwRh9btoGDPpTIaiyeGAGgZbRCOInb6uNn38ET_Lv1zWVzj-nawaVwUYAnbUwgqo0z7eK_YY-RB_23Ka-0fnX-dFTqZH0-5kWOHLUK4Jkpt7OyI/s320/IMG_0460.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethan C. Taylor<br />April 2012<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">This has been the greatest but most
demanding time in my life thus far. My pregnancy was pretty textbook, labor was not (more on that at a later date), but the the past year has been very busy and if I wasn't feeding, bathing, rocking, or trying to get Ethan to sleep I was finally eating myself and sleeping when I could. Ethan was (and sometimes continues to be) a
very tough baby. Colic, ravenous every hour of every day it seemed, and about 5
ear infections in less than 3 months which led to ear tubes certainly made
things very challenging, but honestly its very easy to brush that aside when you
see this every day:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5acCqObmrEphXF4NsxhKiseIJA1aYkDhLdFRSkZcK0g5phKQyY2rYUv-3j4RW-RLF4jHIV27VDrVY7xj8762rj4bMPU9WQ9K1HgPwoX9REOeqVW5bTOhvpOIW46G6W2IhVb2MhEGBcZc/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5acCqObmrEphXF4NsxhKiseIJA1aYkDhLdFRSkZcK0g5phKQyY2rYUv-3j4RW-RLF4jHIV27VDrVY7xj8762rj4bMPU9WQ9K1HgPwoX9REOeqVW5bTOhvpOIW46G6W2IhVb2MhEGBcZc/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Ethan C. Taylor </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">June 2013</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On top of this big change we have also sold our house, bought one we have been wanting to buy for some time, and have finally moved in and are getting settled. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to writing again and documenting our life...</span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-30618312046236751572011-08-10T23:07:00.003-04:002011-08-10T23:13:12.148-04:00Blegh...new homemade ironing board cover/replacement.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A-xEZ8LiqL7idaxZ36xvyHgLWQs4glsGKs-TKlJRDKor5Ngl-p2aiGpj-Hp6t4Si2yyN2fFjHfUk-PznQG9Ff3On9jC5JpiuEhGRdZ0cDo_gDPH5IEcEiXtBL1h7hZxzwQhXoE6MxcI/s1600/DSC03573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A-xEZ8LiqL7idaxZ36xvyHgLWQs4glsGKs-TKlJRDKor5Ngl-p2aiGpj-Hp6t4Si2yyN2fFjHfUk-PznQG9Ff3On9jC5JpiuEhGRdZ0cDo_gDPH5IEcEiXtBL1h7hZxzwQhXoE6MxcI/s200/DSC03573.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Tonight was one of those nights...I got home from work, Aaron was not going to be home for dinner, I didn't REALLY want to do any normal housework type of things...but I wanted to do <i>something</i>. I moseyed on down to my "woman cave" (slash sewing room) and started putsing around in there. I believe this ironing board was Aaron's from his first few years of college--and it shows. I can't iron anything on it with out getting these weird crease marks in my fabric. I thought about getting rid of it a few times but for some reason I've kept it. Now I know why! I took one long look at the mini-ironing board you see here and thought...you're done-for Ironing Board Cover. I am slightly embarrassed to even put the before pictures up. But here they are: </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l_ERsuBVU6wHwEQ7K9KmoGQEJICVecpzHlEZb1loKyviE9qGXMXfBQzKaOpKfhFX13hGkv5q7KlZjfipL9uBn-gCIQ2I11GoTHbbjLIiq66Ss07djsxY8suitOgQoXc5naAPRgdPVNM/s1600/DSC03576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8l_ERsuBVU6wHwEQ7K9KmoGQEJICVecpzHlEZb1loKyviE9qGXMXfBQzKaOpKfhFX13hGkv5q7KlZjfipL9uBn-gCIQ2I11GoTHbbjLIiq66Ss07djsxY8suitOgQoXc5naAPRgdPVNM/s200/DSC03576.JPG" width="150" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at that one --------------------><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQYOIMO5jEdKdIpiQehM-RoLYh7KmYpB9jmlfjRFrE40I-ATsP9PG2-cOZVixJYA7TYMhFdn09YpLGqQur5cMGG5SBBl6j6_ysYwGvyguWEJiu3aqYXnqZchUkV80-2344rF_kuazYms/s1600/DSC03577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQYOIMO5jEdKdIpiQehM-RoLYh7KmYpB9jmlfjRFrE40I-ATsP9PG2-cOZVixJYA7TYMhFdn09YpLGqQur5cMGG5SBBl6j6_ysYwGvyguWEJiu3aqYXnqZchUkV80-2344rF_kuazYms/s200/DSC03577.JPG" width="200" /></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"> No wonder I was getting weird creases in my fabric. The padding is <i>completely gone</i> on this one.</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were holes. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I tried to remove what was left of the padding and honestly...it fell apart in my hands. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg550G5mIN4dIxv12M3MB-p4EeIinyOV1uXaWqUyISNKiD3s8YEjHJNH1RUfGKd9x_UXMlYM_BqK3DdcwIphtYTeK4m2_gMA_B5w2iVTjf_DtqlVk1vMl2V7ts8E4hfRdh-w1yP0lwV1GU/s1600/DSC03578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg550G5mIN4dIxv12M3MB-p4EeIinyOV1uXaWqUyISNKiD3s8YEjHJNH1RUfGKd9x_UXMlYM_BqK3DdcwIphtYTeK4m2_gMA_B5w2iVTjf_DtqlVk1vMl2V7ts8E4hfRdh-w1yP0lwV1GU/s200/DSC03578.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since Aaron and I are venturing to see his sister and husband soon and I am taking my sewing stuff with me (including machine) to help her make some curtains for their new house...I thought it might be nice to have this little ironing board as well. But, it was not making the trip looking like that!</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To re-do the cover here are the steps I took: </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> First off, I took off the old funky cover and all of the lining. There she is...all naked...<br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwhD_XAUzAp8-z2HLXJabRhTLJpFpFpv2LMRUo7CrcfL32qBkAzBW1n_-ErZ3V-cJx3qVe5MprflYeTT6LQOx8fPlXfcs_3vQnNYjDisyxBOH32xW_HrBCAJUGv8HgIrjKhazojoB5lw/s1600/DSC03583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwhD_XAUzAp8-z2HLXJabRhTLJpFpFpv2LMRUo7CrcfL32qBkAzBW1n_-ErZ3V-cJx3qVe5MprflYeTT6LQOx8fPlXfcs_3vQnNYjDisyxBOH32xW_HrBCAJUGv8HgIrjKhazojoB5lw/s200/DSC03583.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyBmO8ZpNZxCiIIAPOFrkswKvwFmkKo077Vu4lE1lYuQWlvIGoj41aYBC6ShyphenhyphenlE7bDQYfFE0tfqFkKVT33bpLe0aLDOB5lbZIP957Ds_AU_0BAiXjMs4AlN_Jzym7VVFFWylsUr4s7Rc/s1600/DSC03581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyBmO8ZpNZxCiIIAPOFrkswKvwFmkKo077Vu4lE1lYuQWlvIGoj41aYBC6ShyphenhyphenlE7bDQYfFE0tfqFkKVT33bpLe0aLDOB5lbZIP957Ds_AU_0BAiXjMs4AlN_Jzym7VVFFWylsUr4s7Rc/s200/DSC03581.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Then I proceeded to take out all of the stitching around the edge of the funky cover. It took quite a while...<br />
I did this not only to get the string out that held the cover to the metal board, but also to use the funky cover as a pattern for the new one. You can see it pinned to the new fancy fabric. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmfmQXQdPY_o1ZibiCZVwgRXvTq3Kv0cHpxfjicpozzIRxjN-V3O3hiPjYzEKBVgAt1-aJmJYWr-enV4AlNdNpRDyiNEkKSv3ON_h1ht-0f5tAuAOOkQ92GEnCdV5Si6UfwXgrvbH0Js/s1600/DSC03585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmfmQXQdPY_o1ZibiCZVwgRXvTq3Kv0cHpxfjicpozzIRxjN-V3O3hiPjYzEKBVgAt1-aJmJYWr-enV4AlNdNpRDyiNEkKSv3ON_h1ht-0f5tAuAOOkQ92GEnCdV5Si6UfwXgrvbH0Js/s320/DSC03585.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I cut out the fabric, using the old cover as a pattern. </span></div></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgute2yea3S5xw_frSEY1z5Mp_0zlK_wuQfjly9zr-gc4yDjo4JylpmMrV5yQNIhgsRyAaTXs-AQY2uyfGW9RQNabo02pGOUTcu-_Jlc43cT-zbpNCoCe9SzrQNpgi5ZEsy6dRlVytsOWo/s1600/DSC03588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgute2yea3S5xw_frSEY1z5Mp_0zlK_wuQfjly9zr-gc4yDjo4JylpmMrV5yQNIhgsRyAaTXs-AQY2uyfGW9RQNabo02pGOUTcu-_Jlc43cT-zbpNCoCe9SzrQNpgi5ZEsy6dRlVytsOWo/s200/DSC03588.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_KlgKxrXgGzbAmLWqiyHiPhFnhREm447K29HwwR4aP69SSQkz54LiLSnRTPnYwzhYxPv4QUJBAsii3xxJy28ZnaVlHJ7HNb1vWji1Peg_cPcLmbVnW1Ix1LRug3Z46F4SDjLl7IEcUw/s1600/DSC03593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_KlgKxrXgGzbAmLWqiyHiPhFnhREm447K29HwwR4aP69SSQkz54LiLSnRTPnYwzhYxPv4QUJBAsii3xxJy28ZnaVlHJ7HNb1vWji1Peg_cPcLmbVnW1Ix1LRug3Z46F4SDjLl7IEcUw/s320/DSC03593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">See how nice it looks...all cut out. Don't mind the folding wrinkles... :O) I then used a <i>very </i>hot iron on the steam setting to fold down my edges ...big enough to at least get a string or ribbon through the edges of the new ironing board cover so that the cover could be put around the board.Then I sewed the top little portion of fabric to the larger piece. This piece sort of makes the ironing board cover look like one of those hooded baby towels :op. After that I continued to sew all the way around the project. </span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As soon as that was done I threaded a piece of ribbon all around the edge that I just sewed. Then I put new batting down, placed the cover on, tightened it down...and VOILA :O)</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-52848031187391733502011-07-21T22:11:00.002-04:002011-07-21T22:31:01.712-04:00Homemade Pesto!<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DkL1j3O8TOUmmTUZVU6WGlYCHOBwCb91nHGA1QLI89IXYPsrTt_tGo-EQVryZ0lOlpLIikxYxRB3FEAS1aJWlzswvjmgk36ukBO2_OacKbl07xll6kN5zjN6lK4jRziK3HVQkWbu2A8/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+6+54+34+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFjEJlclOvtHIFz_iHrbRMEnqK3-rGC302gsOglNWKkasQ2LI1SVOXgLI4VFDDoeuW8e6LDvVlbxJuoyjUZldOBA-XBpyre1OvzNlSPLrTcdQZndSZR_6lYMHvo-aYjjNFbegDtStZWw/s1600/DSC03554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOFjEJlclOvtHIFz_iHrbRMEnqK3-rGC302gsOglNWKkasQ2LI1SVOXgLI4VFDDoeuW8e6LDvVlbxJuoyjUZldOBA-XBpyre1OvzNlSPLrTcdQZndSZR_6lYMHvo-aYjjNFbegDtStZWw/s320/DSC03554.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In my wee little garden I planted some basil. I planted this basil for the sole purpose of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">making pesto! :O) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the past I have purchased pre-made pesto from the grocery store and while it is very good...it is also kind of expensive. Making this was so easy...here's how.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4 cups of fresh basil</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3-4 garlic cloves</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 cup walnuts</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3 Tbsp olive oil</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/2 cup parmesan cheese</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">salt and pepper (to taste)</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lemon juice</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Step 1:</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Combine walnuts and garlic in food processor. Pulse until ground together...but not too much, you don't want walnut dust. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DkL1j3O8TOUmmTUZVU6WGlYCHOBwCb91nHGA1QLI89IXYPsrTt_tGo-EQVryZ0lOlpLIikxYxRB3FEAS1aJWlzswvjmgk36ukBO2_OacKbl07xll6kN5zjN6lK4jRziK3HVQkWbu2A8/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+6+54+34+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DkL1j3O8TOUmmTUZVU6WGlYCHOBwCb91nHGA1QLI89IXYPsrTt_tGo-EQVryZ0lOlpLIikxYxRB3FEAS1aJWlzswvjmgk36ukBO2_OacKbl07xll6kN5zjN6lK4jRziK3HVQkWbu2A8/s200/Photo+Jul+21%252C+6+54+34+PM.jpeg" width="150" /></span></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Step 2: </b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add basil a little at a time and pulse. Do this until all of your basil is incorporated and it is a thick paste. It should look like this:</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsfKR43yCPDfWx-oNEXcj_wjQj7L0wG77AHL08tL73_lDdufHUZBqwlpDAEWgLYOCfI8ujTLt1Bv3Bohi5LOtzRLkzJzz9l0rqGI7QRPgzrA96rS2C4Skw562ZdKgPIFxCZcNi2XJfuM/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+06+39+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsfKR43yCPDfWx-oNEXcj_wjQj7L0wG77AHL08tL73_lDdufHUZBqwlpDAEWgLYOCfI8ujTLt1Bv3Bohi5LOtzRLkzJzz9l0rqGI7QRPgzrA96rS2C4Skw562ZdKgPIFxCZcNi2XJfuM/s320/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+06+39+PM.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Step 3:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Slowly pour the 3 tablespoons of olive oil into the food processor while hitting the pulse button until the thick paste becomes smooth. I actually added a little more after 3 tablespoons because I thought it was still "chunky" and not as smooth as I'd like. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSs9EKsfAKIZW8L4sVLQ_-Obpl-src69ZMhn-oBPzlpj8Z7vL9MQlhxgNx98gq3Pf_lIzBgs0COmuDu5SKEgtsXCjWivFHsg5CapJG6S9tKdBjdldnHkr6mJcrqbKf7ytufQD2TGX83U/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+11+23+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pyKebNMbhdXBTNP5NOrM6FmNG6F96eGia_JngTcUp8LU2ONlJLvQ3WEzFzjZKSB8hI0ezbW8qGA2AiaEzVuTODL-Fn0G61nO3t3tWEVCBWt2u2VKEhoDhkvta_bPohpsh86VFP6TcLg/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+06+19+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pyKebNMbhdXBTNP5NOrM6FmNG6F96eGia_JngTcUp8LU2ONlJLvQ3WEzFzjZKSB8hI0ezbW8qGA2AiaEzVuTODL-Fn0G61nO3t3tWEVCBWt2u2VKEhoDhkvta_bPohpsh86VFP6TcLg/s320/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+06+19+PM.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Step 4:</b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSs9EKsfAKIZW8L4sVLQ_-Obpl-src69ZMhn-oBPzlpj8Z7vL9MQlhxgNx98gq3Pf_lIzBgs0COmuDu5SKEgtsXCjWivFHsg5CapJG6S9tKdBjdldnHkr6mJcrqbKf7ytufQD2TGX83U/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+11+23+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSs9EKsfAKIZW8L4sVLQ_-Obpl-src69ZMhn-oBPzlpj8Z7vL9MQlhxgNx98gq3Pf_lIzBgs0COmuDu5SKEgtsXCjWivFHsg5CapJG6S9tKdBjdldnHkr6mJcrqbKf7ytufQD2TGX83U/s320/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+11+23+PM.jpeg" width="240" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add in the parmesan cheese...and pulse away again.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Tada</span></b></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHR-d6FDF90SIPZksqUgT_EBkMRPxuN-KfdzYlZfTSoNlhYli4vhcDRk2p9J3qDKn2-nISDogileA8f95e8AakzOz8TggJb1xWqriM-WfHb28Gm3PLHgx3CHfHTYDOqeBtEnsF4LdyhU/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+11+36+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZHR-d6FDF90SIPZksqUgT_EBkMRPxuN-KfdzYlZfTSoNlhYli4vhcDRk2p9J3qDKn2-nISDogileA8f95e8AakzOz8TggJb1xWqriM-WfHb28Gm3PLHgx3CHfHTYDOqeBtEnsF4LdyhU/s320/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+11+36+PM.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Step 5:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Put pesto into an ice cube tray, cover each cube with a thin layer of olive oil, and put it in the freezer. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHByKwwg9cEmQ_mPPkLXgvs5BAO69Qilhaqd_mC0OeMgLOd6lVnKeO280Lqgkaqdtm6GMiu8-s5qTYUYv41xSA5MXy7SrvIKH-ssIQAgNZntrM2CQV8kls-kFDhBYvLw7SF1MJV1Hr7s/s1600/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+25+08+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHByKwwg9cEmQ_mPPkLXgvs5BAO69Qilhaqd_mC0OeMgLOd6lVnKeO280Lqgkaqdtm6GMiu8-s5qTYUYv41xSA5MXy7SrvIKH-ssIQAgNZntrM2CQV8kls-kFDhBYvLw7SF1MJV1Hr7s/s200/Photo+Jul+21%252C+7+25+08+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I can't wait to try some on some pasta. Being that I froze it, all I have to do is pop one or two out and throw it on some hot pasta. YUM :O)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">**The quality of the pictures is not up to par...but the camera decided to go on the fritz tonight, and so these pictures were taken from the iPad...which surprisingly takes awful, grainy pictures.</span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-52771638361992369082011-07-16T16:28:00.000-04:002011-07-16T16:28:50.962-04:00Better in the middle of the month than never right???Here is my plan for dinners this month.<br />
<br />
A few meals have not happened...due to the heat. Meatloaf? Really, what was I thinking??<br />
<br />
The next week it is supposed to reach the 90s possibly...this is H-O-T for western NY. It is however a relatively low heat required type of week in terms of meals :O)<br />
<br />
Here it is:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/18hC4EEwW_118lypm8gj9pbYa_ftRvAA3EG7XYcTCS7E/edit?hl=en_US">JULY DINNERS</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-54037962337321325492011-07-14T17:00:00.049-04:002011-07-14T17:00:01.686-04:00Out of school for 10 years...yikes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK-BYx-OoQN1FeuXi7adJ_1Yzvhf4EDlXmRCLLLngpETGxkxWVHtlRWQMTumsTvra_i2Wwysoig1pyQpQXRI0vtHiO7uvHKys35nHNUW1RbFulKkg_pvDMQ0H8bN9g_eZwC-2YpIwOjQ/s1600/livepreview.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK-BYx-OoQN1FeuXi7adJ_1Yzvhf4EDlXmRCLLLngpETGxkxWVHtlRWQMTumsTvra_i2Wwysoig1pyQpQXRI0vtHiO7uvHKys35nHNUW1RbFulKkg_pvDMQ0H8bN9g_eZwC-2YpIwOjQ/s200/livepreview.aspx.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This is one of those, "wow its been 10 years already" and "man, only 10 years" things.<br />
<br />
On one hand it didn't seem possible that we (my classmates and I) graduated from our little ol' <a href="http://www.wacs.wnyric.org/wacs/site/default.asp">school</a> 10 years ago...and on the other it was like "man it seems like forever ago".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilswynF9-ybRIkkZvzz-nNkESKonD2WwXohaNnZyTX8GRGtFXeZVJ9j-ZZPlaM1tHuZFzpqHMcQ9kh5uOVpHf05xiGV8tRrHH4o85nVV5_uayWEwDfsLXMf7lYgnO6hnoyVo9mqnT140Y/s1600/IMG_9373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilswynF9-ybRIkkZvzz-nNkESKonD2WwXohaNnZyTX8GRGtFXeZVJ9j-ZZPlaM1tHuZFzpqHMcQ9kh5uOVpHf05xiGV8tRrHH4o85nVV5_uayWEwDfsLXMf7lYgnO6hnoyVo9mqnT140Y/s320/IMG_9373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP747BpnuNFGNi8H-HkzVgLsvTXSXjhP5wHCMEnoBP0h8QaunHqi8dxkpRT4_JAR0KU2cZIw3MbU36gVQ7vaLXSGsqzoFpUne2HFW-5pzL-u1tbb5Ff7p9G89UbTwvYpx4Mj7q6G-EY-c/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP747BpnuNFGNi8H-HkzVgLsvTXSXjhP5wHCMEnoBP0h8QaunHqi8dxkpRT4_JAR0KU2cZIw3MbU36gVQ7vaLXSGsqzoFpUne2HFW-5pzL-u1tbb5Ff7p9G89UbTwvYpx4Mj7q6G-EY-c/s200/IMG_9363.JPG" width="200" /></a>To be honest though, not much has changed. One of us commented that for the most part we all look the same. There are some additions to classmates...significant others, spouses, babies, toddlers, and children. But, for the most part we all already knew that--ahh the beauty of Facebook.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvHrxuOe8tG7of9sGI5AmrXIcl-fi3MuW3Z8jKhbvjnOdIWAIkW4vgZtSHpjnw-ltwE8hi61TtGhLzwta1Z0iULZf_XuFcDMMPy4BLzIcLpHNoo5KB98koitTPHZHKmGkoeLLcnjCPC0/s1600/IMG_9375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvHrxuOe8tG7of9sGI5AmrXIcl-fi3MuW3Z8jKhbvjnOdIWAIkW4vgZtSHpjnw-ltwE8hi61TtGhLzwta1Z0iULZf_XuFcDMMPy4BLzIcLpHNoo5KB98koitTPHZHKmGkoeLLcnjCPC0/s200/IMG_9375.JPG" width="200" /></a>We enjoyed a nice afternoon together having a potluck dinner, some pool time, corn hole, and kan jam. Following this, some of the boys organized a band on the beach and so we continued our evening at Barcelona.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnRPNXnJ_SL82s6ZlZ16bE5I9h_oddujpMMGU_5FpsYoptLVX28bHMqyG4P1t1jviD5CZ8KNpRPMF86mqXZyMZID9lsUkDzZufrKPI-1s67mOZeRdbv1Ok7reJksiRUBJSEWyLJsfxfw/s1600/IMG_9346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnRPNXnJ_SL82s6ZlZ16bE5I9h_oddujpMMGU_5FpsYoptLVX28bHMqyG4P1t1jviD5CZ8KNpRPMF86mqXZyMZID9lsUkDzZufrKPI-1s67mOZeRdbv1Ok7reJksiRUBJSEWyLJsfxfw/s200/IMG_9346.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-kS58S6xYZulosPPC9nkx6HNRg-X0srFWtKxBQwui1xh1tzRxazVAt05eoSoLyz-8OtK9id7AfZqmeNOI-3J4w5ODOf8SnS2E6OF4ub5odyMSS7JInm_vTKqW6PzlABL_g_U_VgL84/s1600/IMG_9339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-kS58S6xYZulosPPC9nkx6HNRg-X0srFWtKxBQwui1xh1tzRxazVAt05eoSoLyz-8OtK9id7AfZqmeNOI-3J4w5ODOf8SnS2E6OF4ub5odyMSS7JInm_vTKqW6PzlABL_g_U_VgL84/s320/IMG_9339.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
It was nice to catch up and be reminded of some great years. Hopefully our 20th will be just as great...I'm thinking we <i><b>will</b></i> look different for that one. :O)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-37011894117790472282011-07-13T20:59:00.000-04:002011-07-13T20:59:21.454-04:00Wordless Wednesday--the beauty around us<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4O1Syx8MW0sy9KrY10DWiZP7PORl6iGaJ8GLPzjBJgbKtIzD6Wy4LSOyDVoR4MAY5cz5gMXouG4H7xKOH_VIPBp75EhceIZktnC76xMEIU52I7g6pb4okXxewWXsd26YI5OQkLNY8Cw/s1600/IMG_9374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4O1Syx8MW0sy9KrY10DWiZP7PORl6iGaJ8GLPzjBJgbKtIzD6Wy4LSOyDVoR4MAY5cz5gMXouG4H7xKOH_VIPBp75EhceIZktnC76xMEIU52I7g6pb4okXxewWXsd26YI5OQkLNY8Cw/s640/IMG_9374.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Lake Erie--July 9, 2011</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Photo by Sarah Myers</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-63437330620767027472011-06-03T19:35:00.000-04:002011-06-03T19:35:36.744-04:00Haven't posted a recipe in a while...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltPoF4Wm7gzHFPj_iYSgG3SSKUMzXqfjkXFDR4G65AkxIEUVPP0rR9v5x-ZYwEKY4Z1VSiiqb_hGoVmOmjdHL2bowMRc4j6L_NYfz4L2q1TeqgnJqYXBl_b9Zr_5F9jtwzeblGqtLmeA/s1600/DSC03435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltPoF4Wm7gzHFPj_iYSgG3SSKUMzXqfjkXFDR4G65AkxIEUVPP0rR9v5x-ZYwEKY4Z1VSiiqb_hGoVmOmjdHL2bowMRc4j6L_NYfz4L2q1TeqgnJqYXBl_b9Zr_5F9jtwzeblGqtLmeA/s320/DSC03435.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is a new recipe...and one for the recipe collection. <br />
<br />
Because it's summer and because I don't want to turn the oven on unless I have to I have put many more grilling recipes on my monthly plan. This was a good start to that plan! :o)<br />
<br />
Balsamic Glazed Flank Steak with Arugula (courtesy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sizzle-140-Tasty-Grill-Recipes/dp/B00197N5GE">Weight Watchers Sizzle It </a>recipe book) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHPtHbKZriOxUu0m-C2VqGhlFVaIqFupW6TdLogZnCwYuEQDffT3oQabbIOyuIZKkaEhQg-_XRhHpAXf1siqADuliunftIe22Llw7J6sOrfDJoqF0b0w1WusuFbjKHJlwvSDyxmeweHM/s1600/DSC03436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHPtHbKZriOxUu0m-C2VqGhlFVaIqFupW6TdLogZnCwYuEQDffT3oQabbIOyuIZKkaEhQg-_XRhHpAXf1siqADuliunftIe22Llw7J6sOrfDJoqF0b0w1WusuFbjKHJlwvSDyxmeweHM/s200/DSC03436.JPG" width="152" /></a></div><br />
<br />
3/4 C balsamic vinegar<br />
1 Tbsp packed brown sugar<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
1 tsp olive oil<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp black pepper<br />
1 (1 lb) flank steak<br />
6 C lightly packed baby arugula<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
1. Get your grill going...<br />
2. Combine vinegar and brown sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil until the mixture is reduced to a syrupy glaze (about 8 minutes). Remove the saucepan from the heat; set aside.<br />
3. Combine the garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; rub the mixture on both sides of the steak. Place on the grill rack and grill until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of the steak registers 145 degrees for medium, about 5 minutes on both sides. Transfer to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes. Cut the steak across the grain into 12 slices.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxNDdnNUod3M1rAbkG3VrZv-ww_El4LoJ6pWJZuqhll3wqkAdPb4vAWVqBWBLrACm3dFK8A6mwE7IcDjLZcmN4lyx8N4uehmPfn7fNxe6by-8E8EtLDA0gEi4WHHxm9aMp380ZNAYGD4/s1600/DSC03437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxNDdnNUod3M1rAbkG3VrZv-ww_El4LoJ6pWJZuqhll3wqkAdPb4vAWVqBWBLrACm3dFK8A6mwE7IcDjLZcmN4lyx8N4uehmPfn7fNxe6by-8E8EtLDA0gEi4WHHxm9aMp380ZNAYGD4/s320/DSC03437.JPG" width="294" /></a>4. Divide the arugula evenly among 4 plates and top each portion with a few slices of steak. Drizzle with reserved balsamic glaze and serve at once. <br />
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Alterations:<br />
-I did not spread the seasoning mixture on both sides of the steak...I just did the top. If I do this recipe again, I will double this mixture. There was really only enough for one side.<br />
-I did not use arugula...instead I used Wegmans Spring Mix because I had a coupon :o)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-42705564809630926152011-06-01T09:09:00.001-04:002011-06-01T09:10:42.111-04:00JUNE!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy June everyone...doesn't seem possible, but at the same time I'm welcoming it with open arms. It's been a very long, busy, stressful school year...and I'm ready for a break. I think I end up with more anxiety over final exams than my students do...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past weekend was probably one of the best weekends I have had in a while. It was so nice to be with "The Seven" again...all in one room, no one with us via Skype...everyone in one room at the same time, sitting around the same table. Who knows when that might happen again?! :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the proof that we were all together: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T4VxAa2FXsO02g12rKsXvv8BzipG5COgBhIbFuJY2TCkn3QMukyquC5KdIypN77-7YSnJBVPyIYeHR7NrT6SBAAyyqfomViyIyYnu2o47V15XQA_wf-OQlEkFN1CiVmKnjfUbZNa-kA/s1600/249480_652770730226_16500654_35429903_5576529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5T4VxAa2FXsO02g12rKsXvv8BzipG5COgBhIbFuJY2TCkn3QMukyquC5KdIypN77-7YSnJBVPyIYeHR7NrT6SBAAyyqfomViyIyYnu2o47V15XQA_wf-OQlEkFN1CiVmKnjfUbZNa-kA/s400/249480_652770730226_16500654_35429903_5576529_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For this Memorial Day we were graced with an extra day off from school...so we had Friday through Tuesday off. Because of that extra day off I was able to complete </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">June's Dinner Plan</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> on time. Go me! To see it go </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=13XEGtJoyUilZz2dEKn0IGFRvFNguq-dQFJif2xmUMi8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-58230928626771939942011-04-21T19:21:00.001-04:002011-04-21T19:26:57.132-04:00Look who is ahead of the game...<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So today I planned to get a few more things done but was less than successful with that plan...I was going to finish up my IEPs for next weeks Annual Meetings...I was going to mop the kitchen floor...do some laundry...maybe sew. None of those things got DONE...some are started.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">However, what I <i>did</i> get done was May's meal plan.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here you go. The underlined meals have links to recipes that should work...<fingers crossed=""></fingers></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1JhDHM4_Syd4lTb_DuREqq7zNGEJMHk9NV4xVi_Pm9zA">May's Meals</a></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3851208753394171577.post-52729748889976736642011-03-18T10:01:00.002-04:002011-03-18T10:04:09.060-04:00Spring?? Is that you??!<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">YAY...most of the snow has melted. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And some how March is almost over! This month just started yesterday and all of a sudden its March 18th. Next week is the end of a marking period already...and then we will be moving into the FINAL marking period of the school year. We are quickly creeping into Regents Exam territory (eek!). </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <br />
It just doesn't seem possible!</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This month has been full of all sorts of goodness. To start, we had an overnight with our Youth Group kids followed by a Rock-A-Thon. They had fun, we had fun, and I can now say I have finally been a part of a Star Wars marathon...on a big screen nonetheless! Soon there will be an update on the <a href="http://hurlbutyouth.blogspot.com/">HYG blog</a>...</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then Aaron was a part of the team on a Men's <a href="http://www.koinoniaofjamestown.com/">Koinonia</a> weekend. He had to speak about the Christian Community and he did a marvelous job (or so I hear). I couldn't have been more proud...he was unsure about it at first, but after some poking and prodding from God, our church family, and me ;o)...I think he is glad he was a part of it. It was great to attend bits and pieces of the weekend that the Koinonia community as a whole is a part of (with my family and church family) and see him, as well as half of the men from our church, smiling and happy.</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Also, I have decided to begin running. The stress level in my life recently has hit an all time high...and it was taking quite a toll on my body. Mainly manifesting itself in headaches and stomach aches, issues after eating,etc. I/we have changed some daily things...mostly in the area of what I/we are eating (cut out aspartame--mainly me)...no more microwavable meals (ie-Lean Cuisines). More natural, non-processed foods. We really didn't eat that many to begin with, especially for dinner, but now they are gone from lunch too minus a few granola bars, crackers, etc. <br />
But back to the running...I typically would use the Elliptical machine in the school's fitness center. One day both were being used, so I jumped on the treadmill instead...and what do you know, I liked it! For some reason I had always steered clear of it, thinking I wouldn't like to run that way...but I actually like it. Its a great way to clear my head from school stress, or a good way to focus on something that is bothering me w/out other distractions. I'm in a much better mood when I get home...AND I am starting to see some differences in how my clothes fit. YAY! My goal is to keep at this for the rest of the school year at least...my "prize" for doing that will be some new, maybe higher quality, sneakers...or maybe some "running shoes". I'm just like my students in this sense--I need a prize or something to motivate me--ha!</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In other news...we will soon be doing this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98nHDjvVXI9f_2Dv8ElnXUT8xXMYfJ-aR4dSYegQ2omGNcpLzMrCqAgR9jPnxfMYXVlEWkwb-wGfkv0SdNO1xk4Znx3GAlKpoaBh21Ivg9dAQIjum9c4mTAqMRTrKvMYtOmJ6j6o8yRk/s1600/545280831_c585c33870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98nHDjvVXI9f_2Dv8ElnXUT8xXMYfJ-aR4dSYegQ2omGNcpLzMrCqAgR9jPnxfMYXVlEWkwb-wGfkv0SdNO1xk4Znx3GAlKpoaBh21Ivg9dAQIjum9c4mTAqMRTrKvMYtOmJ6j6o8yRk/s200/545280831_c585c33870.jpg" width="200" /><br />
</a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">And I am beyond excited!</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"> Aaron and I have not taken a vacation just the two of us in a while...since our Honeymoon actually. Given that the stress-o-meter has been off the chart lately, we both decided it was time to go and get away. A friend and her significant other are going as well...but essentially it is just Aaron and I. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">I know that after this vacation I will be ready to hit the ground running when we are back to school...and push through until Regents week. </div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">In recent craftiness... I have made a few sets of these for Easter for a few little girls I know. Super easy to make and sooo, sooo cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/storage/bunny-finger-puppets-2-425.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1269147476545" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://www.purlbee.com/storage/bunny-finger-puppets-2-425.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1269147476545" width="248" /></a></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">You can find the pattern and tutorial <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/bunny-finger-puppets/">here.</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Purl Bee is one of my most favorite blogs to read/follow!</span><br />
<br style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span class="full-image-block ssNonEditable"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09739686711188153260noreply@blogger.com0