tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33012369503820671602024-02-06T20:21:20.688-06:00Unexpected DaisiesChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-32510786554472719352016-09-07T14:25:00.000-05:002016-09-07T14:43:18.910-05:00Releasing Balloons<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I was sorting through some old photos, I came across these pictures of the girls playing with balloons.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHmuyUrWfWzuC1zgOVXcUtL8f_i5akwpBmIotYcCtUmXcAK69qPfK7fv4LNQGM2SB7ZiedNcsd9EmOJyDW23SGs5QJ-rkMg9HeechnrjYVeDGtykaYSHY3QnCt-kUlXb7SHiycbWpfro0/s1600/Emma+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHmuyUrWfWzuC1zgOVXcUtL8f_i5akwpBmIotYcCtUmXcAK69qPfK7fv4LNQGM2SB7ZiedNcsd9EmOJyDW23SGs5QJ-rkMg9HeechnrjYVeDGtykaYSHY3QnCt-kUlXb7SHiycbWpfro0/s640/Emma+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They were so little! And so cute!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They loved playing with balloons. Is there a child who doesn't? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2aAleYo5W6h8fwnSut6UHabl2X0jC-N6mS7CYp-1d6T6KZk9ivpcAsFE4GyvtGHFm53kswXWRKEeteJl9qdzKCDG8H7GFE_W7u-JtWua3sDSDbuoyKBv1-yYCTqEtZeA5a1FpQn-s4Sy/s1600/Emma+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2aAleYo5W6h8fwnSut6UHabl2X0jC-N6mS7CYp-1d6T6KZk9ivpcAsFE4GyvtGHFm53kswXWRKEeteJl9qdzKCDG8H7GFE_W7u-JtWua3sDSDbuoyKBv1-yYCTqEtZeA5a1FpQn-s4Sy/s640/Emma+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When they were little, we always had balloons for the girls' birthdays.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As they got older, the Husband and I stopped getting balloons on their birthdays because we thought they might be getting too grown up for them. We thought they might think balloons were lame. We were wrong! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a couple of years without balloons, the girls asked why we didn't do balloons for birthdays any longer. We explained we thought they'd gotten too old and would think balloons were just for little kids. The Husband and I were promptly informed that no one EVER becomes too old for balloons! YAY!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK1bztCC2MHl5vQaCA4-WMrkCdH1Lq02PkQgzyrC1aqGqXEWO0Ssy_xPrdVNdzLG6vtpH2f-_GUxhhk_VOkt6lTMv2KI1cdRQROwms0dg6jpUz0EgHApOYeTEZjYYkCCmtFoAstMkw4qn/s1600/Emma+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtK1bztCC2MHl5vQaCA4-WMrkCdH1Lq02PkQgzyrC1aqGqXEWO0Ssy_xPrdVNdzLG6vtpH2f-_GUxhhk_VOkt6lTMv2KI1cdRQROwms0dg6jpUz0EgHApOYeTEZjYYkCCmtFoAstMkw4qn/s640/Emma+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, we do balloons for birthdays! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Balloons just make people happy!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unless you're a small child who has accidentally let go of a ballon! YIKES!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0KTUpq0m15z9n_l31aC504qdVI50hvkYfr2ZKB8FlR7MMtgIA1FERLzkZUiX7aqrvLC53Cz1R-v_uCUuh_NtN1Od30KYO3pDQXnUIYPB5Wi9fX4tQpEdyaUkUPxSZdv9UIgt5iRv6gui/s1600/Emma+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0KTUpq0m15z9n_l31aC504qdVI50hvkYfr2ZKB8FlR7MMtgIA1FERLzkZUiX7aqrvLC53Cz1R-v_uCUuh_NtN1Od30KYO3pDQXnUIYPB5Wi9fX4tQpEdyaUkUPxSZdv9UIgt5iRv6gui/s640/Emma+11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's so upsetting for a little one to watch as their precious balloon floats away. So we point out to them how cool it is to see their balloon soaring with the clouds. We ask them how high they think their balloon will go - will it reach the moon? We Oooo and Aahh as we watch that ballon soar. We're relieved to see a smile spread across their sweet little face!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How precious our little ones are!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It may have been a bad idea to start sorting through old photos the other day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We dropped Miss Sofia off at college last weekend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUQrlSsWcgThKFQpG5aalV2l4vsSihRcYrD51KtL-0dV6tqVXDuIL9HCaaIbZgOkNOAhDaSdPCh6BW-O5pWW3DfPdVQEGEc3uspB0PuT8DvMuuHN8OFgrrK3xfEoM4vJFvgrI5XmpNbmt/s1600/IMG_5003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUQrlSsWcgThKFQpG5aalV2l4vsSihRcYrD51KtL-0dV6tqVXDuIL9HCaaIbZgOkNOAhDaSdPCh6BW-O5pWW3DfPdVQEGEc3uspB0PuT8DvMuuHN8OFgrrK3xfEoM4vJFvgrI5XmpNbmt/s640/IMG_5003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a little emotional coming across photos of the girls when they were little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The time has gone by so quickly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have loved teaching them, cuddling with them, laughing with them, kissing their owies, cheering them on, and just being their mom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank goodness Miss Emma has another 3 years before she leaves for college!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like a little kid with a balloon, I didn't want to let go last weekend!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to hold tight to the string and enjoy that balloon being mine and in my possession! To delight in its beauty and the joy it brought. But I knew that if I didn't let go, I'd never get the pure joy of watching it soar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What each of us as parents want for our children is to watch them soar! Watch them find the purpose God has for their lives. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We hope to see them use the lessons we've taught and learn a few new lessons on their own. Maybe even teach us a few new lessons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes their start is a little bumpy. The string gets a little caught as they begin to takeoff. It does break loose though, and much to our delight up they fly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4firAqUwAgIwsJ0YDCKu1KtLbmgix5_NzR2HNsnEnuwe5xl-AkV5rRnvONqFZFezRb1vJ6Bjm6mhCc4th3JlgoSvKRRyYpRqykGS2r7wbeC0xCZAXDo51myxisSSq150qb4RsM9vfn0C/s1600/IMG_5023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo4firAqUwAgIwsJ0YDCKu1KtLbmgix5_NzR2HNsnEnuwe5xl-AkV5rRnvONqFZFezRb1vJ6Bjm6mhCc4th3JlgoSvKRRyYpRqykGS2r7wbeC0xCZAXDo51myxisSSq150qb4RsM9vfn0C/s640/IMG_5023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So we packed up our girl. We got her settled in her dorm. We took a family selfie. The Husband and I, with fingers trembling, released our girl so we can experience the great joy of watching her soar.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm still gonna tear up sometimes when I realize, in the middle of the grocery store, that I don't need to buy as much milk anymore.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">UGH!!!</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But mostly, I want to celebrate and Ooo and Ahhh as she reaches for the moon!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm still going to keep some tissues close by though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-26496513000992152122016-09-02T10:59:00.001-05:002016-09-02T11:03:49.828-05:00Essential Oils for College<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed a short getaway in Grand Marais last weekend.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEXV6niF0kEfE6wt3dwiWL-z2lCXVTyvo08zuZudgiBwRH9EkXpB_wkNe3Sa1pr6LHOE5mXIBUajoQx-OnyEuFr5_ItsB7uC4d297WO1CNjFCqKgtbDvWdzpOQkH7KAS9LNT4HsV8OMaW/s1600/IMGP7598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEXV6niF0kEfE6wt3dwiWL-z2lCXVTyvo08zuZudgiBwRH9EkXpB_wkNe3Sa1pr6LHOE5mXIBUajoQx-OnyEuFr5_ItsB7uC4d297WO1CNjFCqKgtbDvWdzpOQkH7KAS9LNT4HsV8OMaW/s640/IMGP7598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was good for the family to spend some time away together and leave everything behind - everything as in getting Miss Sofia ready for college everything! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We definitely needed time to relax! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eating a few of the World's Best Donuts totally helped!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34VKakJJic4S3fwL0TcRFoR61xtohUyclBEYdnk1KySIcoj3bOPjO_1eHMPmgZzC20JOJUbG5vRWS0Bun3oWKnJMdDXEn97HBTd2Y7NlnyZG3ZtgkedkVBd4K_235yn3o9qZucHJXFqG_/s1600/IMGP7308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34VKakJJic4S3fwL0TcRFoR61xtohUyclBEYdnk1KySIcoj3bOPjO_1eHMPmgZzC20JOJUbG5vRWS0Bun3oWKnJMdDXEn97HBTd2Y7NlnyZG3ZtgkedkVBd4K_235yn3o9qZucHJXFqG_/s640/IMGP7308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was so good! The donuts and the getting away.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUil-lyUv8ynRgmtSO75941equQxrvGtND8w7PPGNPo14CRrouEbE6ImS69BTz4gy34o3L1WrOgjqRtwyhim0sT15HAW5fGVUjXruzVrvzi1EkNhjR-IzVVRf-e9PkDu6Zd__3T7rlfsI0/s1600/IMGP7513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUil-lyUv8ynRgmtSO75941equQxrvGtND8w7PPGNPo14CRrouEbE6ImS69BTz4gy34o3L1WrOgjqRtwyhim0sT15HAW5fGVUjXruzVrvzi1EkNhjR-IzVVRf-e9PkDu6Zd__3T7rlfsI0/s640/IMGP7513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We love you Grand Marais!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudnjc3AgGhzSm_A5vIpgLCmXxqK12ifTsOb6jFSsUjKC3aRjI8I2mASTSNV3Pm_BbXIcZTWoPvwW7SXegvcWc_uPWX3KHEgC54JDTMhjp44IBZCSepy2xOoanpmqXttcEJUmqwvm-M03/s1600/IMGP7698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBudnjc3AgGhzSm_A5vIpgLCmXxqK12ifTsOb6jFSsUjKC3aRjI8I2mASTSNV3Pm_BbXIcZTWoPvwW7SXegvcWc_uPWX3KHEgC54JDTMhjp44IBZCSepy2xOoanpmqXttcEJUmqwvm-M03/s640/IMGP7698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But now we're home and deep in the throes of packing for college! It's getting</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> more and more difficult to live in denial my friends! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The jumble of emotions is too much! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so excited for Miss Sofia! I can't wait for her to begin this amazing time in her life. This new adventure. It's gonna be AMAZING!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, I'm so sad my baby is all grown up and going to leave me. It all happened so fast. How can this be happening?!?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's wonderful and amazing and hard and painful all at the same time. I'm a mess!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so grateful for the love and support of the moms who've gone through this already and for their words of </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">wisdom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So to keep my mind busy and emotions at bay, I'm keeping my head down and my mind focused on the packing list. Which includes a starter set of Miss Sofia's own essential oils.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those not familiar with essential oils, here is a brief explanation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are liquid that is generally distilled - most frequently by steam or water - from leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant from which they were derived. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While essential oils are highly fragrant, they are not simply perfume or fragrance oils. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Essential oils are a highly concentrated liquid containing the beneficial chemical compounds of the plants they are extracted from, providing all of the valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are best realized </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">through inhalation of the essential oil or through topical use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Boom! There it is in a nutshell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Essential oils tend to be my go to for </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">treating </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">things like colds, bug bites, headaches, minor burns, and muscle aches. My family has become accustomed to hearing me say, "Put some oil on it!" whenever they have a complaint. It's possible they roll their eyes every time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But they use them! And they feel better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">HA! Win for mom!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do want to caution you, there are some safety concerns with essential oils. As I said, they are highly concentrated! They should almost always be diluted if used topically. And caution needs to be taken when used around young children and pregnant women. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I highly recommend getting a good book on essential oils if you plan to use them. Do your research! Get good information from a certified aromatherapist. I like to refer to a group called <a href="http://www.learningabouteos.com/">Using Essential Oils Safely</a>. Very informative and helpful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After much research, I have chosen to purchase my essential oils from a company called Eden's Garden. Their products are fantastic! No, I don't get paid for saying that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWR-D6t8VFPXZZ4zwjFjIzeHGQ6tYExVL9AR-xDT0YlwQmdbBbmNL_fASI08AhOyXkUehLBMCyzs9z2dwi5nNh5teIb-RDVPE6GacPWMsIFOKOR_hzvGuYTMOeDh7yrkSCQ06t7GtkNcE/s1600/IMG_0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWR-D6t8VFPXZZ4zwjFjIzeHGQ6tYExVL9AR-xDT0YlwQmdbBbmNL_fASI08AhOyXkUehLBMCyzs9z2dwi5nNh5teIb-RDVPE6GacPWMsIFOKOR_hzvGuYTMOeDh7yrkSCQ06t7GtkNcE/s640/IMG_0279.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Miss Sofia we purchased the create your own set of 6 oils. It's a great deal!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nDVjfv84pMv4Ms32F_VQeIzyPW5hpnAO10IpdNRe8iNw2YiqeWm6w-CJ6i8q6FTmFbuW49rNRsp6FfX54-blpG8sZSB4fzWI9woi-h4qSlChfJNrdb5fY0uzUkARpNBUPGVvkQLIyC7F/s1600/IMG_0283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nDVjfv84pMv4Ms32F_VQeIzyPW5hpnAO10IpdNRe8iNw2YiqeWm6w-CJ6i8q6FTmFbuW49rNRsp6FfX54-blpG8sZSB4fzWI9woi-h4qSlChfJNrdb5fY0uzUkARpNBUPGVvkQLIyC7F/s640/IMG_0283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Miss Sofia and I discussed it and chose a cleaning blend, lemon, fighting five, sweet orange, peppermint, and lavender for her to start with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also purchased an inexpensive aromatherapy diffuser - for inhalation, some empty roller balls - for topical use, and a bottle with a dropper top filled with jojoba oil which is a great carrier oil for diluting essential oils.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPt6AKQLrqTfiunoWubVu506leU9zBzlWrRz285AgLI0TmuMtDR0uHY_jFEV1_bS8ukNpNThQ4v9k8hVlJ-FWMM0IJKwmhWr7dxnnzAiVju_xPid_ZVdTcMkiEU4OewBTp00VZ6kXIzpB/s1600/IMG_0291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPt6AKQLrqTfiunoWubVu506leU9zBzlWrRz285AgLI0TmuMtDR0uHY_jFEV1_bS8ukNpNThQ4v9k8hVlJ-FWMM0IJKwmhWr7dxnnzAiVju_xPid_ZVdTcMkiEU4OewBTp00VZ6kXIzpB/s640/IMG_0291.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will be sending her with these recipes for her diffuser.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For focus while studying or to boost energy in the morning diffuse...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 drops peppermint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 drops sweet orange </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To boost immunity and fight colds and flu diffuse...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 drops Fighting Five</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 drops sweet orange</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This blend also smells like fall and I love to diffuse it just because.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When she is feeling stressed or can't sleep, let's face it, it can be tough to sleep the first few nights of dorm living, or during finals week, diffuse...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3-5 drops of lavender </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When she is struggling with allergies diffuse...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 drops peppermint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 drops lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 drop lemon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When someone has been sick or when the air in the room is getting a little stale - again, teenagers living in tiny little dorm rooms. Eh hem Diffuse...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 drops cleaning blend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 drops lemon</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It smells so clean and fresh! And it's anti-viral and antibacterial! Win!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recipes for topical use...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For upset stomach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 drop peppermint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 drop sweet orange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">add to 1 teaspoon of Jojoba oil (or other carrier oil) apply to stomach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For muscle aches and pains</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 drop of peppermint</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 drop of lavender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">add to 1 teaspoon of Jojoba oil (or other carrier oil) Massage into aching muscles</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This should give her a good start for college and using essential oils. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As she adds new oils to her collection, I'll supply her with more recipes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One day, I may even get to hear her say, "Put some oil on it!" to her own kiddos!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now I am going to cry!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-84033881679234839632016-08-10T13:54:00.001-05:002016-08-10T14:03:52.788-05:00My Favorite Years<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved when the girls were just babies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When they were all tiny and squishy and snuggly! And who doesn't love the smell of a wee baby's head??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB59arpPdFXDx7VSfBznMGlUcWSckYysZSb159mkeMCQIc7X3d-EUz1XEQfqLfsenLyr6YosmwI3KHGOfpd9WBgMBS1oBj_ltIzEDzT9nOQfFg4KT5USiR-dU-CYdLHIdMLGAiXdVorBc/s1600/Emma+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB59arpPdFXDx7VSfBznMGlUcWSckYysZSb159mkeMCQIc7X3d-EUz1XEQfqLfsenLyr6YosmwI3KHGOfpd9WBgMBS1oBj_ltIzEDzT9nOQfFg4KT5USiR-dU-CYdLHIdMLGAiXdVorBc/s640/Emma+17.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Don't even get me started about when they were toddlers! So cute! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgosjib24WAdE47ICunO1QFHUHwNNJfaWlw4ixLw4GUOLHELB9H074l3LwJAbj9lwmVaJIQlhp4wPhlm-r9GpCc8sXk1mS1W0Tw0wTJs4PFGJBLxDoyJFHeJ5-e3EgJBwRaoEO7ZPmktq/s1600/Sofia+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgosjib24WAdE47ICunO1QFHUHwNNJfaWlw4ixLw4GUOLHELB9H074l3LwJAbj9lwmVaJIQlhp4wPhlm-r9GpCc8sXk1mS1W0Tw0wTJs4PFGJBLxDoyJFHeJ5-e3EgJBwRaoEO7ZPmktq/s640/Sofia+17.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh those sweet little voices! They just melt your heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And when they cuddle up with you for a story! Awwww</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMrH_DigOTRdcvHvossIp0jKkuKh1dHYsk9_8oMmqlmN9mlP3il1p6WVqh6MYkr0yegE3F-Zd1r8ZAEOH7zGKWTk-9OLnDzMV5d_3EKtGtK8XREeDhTkrvjzhJMKx1UqYgDztuMp3Knbq/s1600/Emma+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMrH_DigOTRdcvHvossIp0jKkuKh1dHYsk9_8oMmqlmN9mlP3il1p6WVqh6MYkr0yegE3F-Zd1r8ZAEOH7zGKWTk-9OLnDzMV5d_3EKtGtK8XREeDhTkrvjzhJMKx1UqYgDztuMp3Knbq/s640/Emma+13.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then the elementary and middle school years. So much fun! Except for helping with math! "That's NOT how my teacher does it!" -sigh</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They learned so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtvzb-Enzv4MJpcGFnx3aGaUbkYAsrXiI8q8iLhnL1urB3fUwtc37MSZO1Ef-Em8iIt0txEEyJ9ugg6lpdV9LQyZYBkAeCnQgZ55E3l8YKpMpbuSSDypAr7CRg03Gc8TCzg9dm9-54w4/s1600/PA310128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtvzb-Enzv4MJpcGFnx3aGaUbkYAsrXiI8q8iLhnL1urB3fUwtc37MSZO1Ef-Em8iIt0txEEyJ9ugg6lpdV9LQyZYBkAeCnQgZ55E3l8YKpMpbuSSDypAr7CRg03Gc8TCzg9dm9-54w4/s640/PA310128.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They grew so much! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my word that girl passed me up in height! So unfair!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For sure some of the best years ever!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But now, as we are 5 plus years into the teen years, I'm going to admit something I never expected. The teen years are my favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who would have thought? Right??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They haven't necessarily been the easiest years! There have been eye rolls. Oh my word! I had no idea eyes could roll back that far!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There have been moans and groans, and some grumbles, and maybe the occasional stomping up the stairs. Once and awhile it was even the kids. HA! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Overall, they've been awesome years!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The teen years are the years where their interests really began to shine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My theater girls!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where friendships grew deeper and stronger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a blessing are the good friendships your children build. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They sustain and encourage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are a joy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Warms my heart!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not having had this kind of relationship myself, I'm filled with a deep gratitude that our girls are not only sisters but also consider themselves the best of friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've learned over these years that teenagers are the best kind of silly. Inviting you to join in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They take the best selfies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tMXugUSMuIEwrbzvkSxTax8KfouJJQ_iSgDKxLtUBaYJbyal6uSn6YJCfwITKxby5-biSsusm5vDAaCBrFodhJfxY-UtC6jG3KsQnTwXJ96OqnqV3uK0WtKTngfgHt2499TfNFq2BD81/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tMXugUSMuIEwrbzvkSxTax8KfouJJQ_iSgDKxLtUBaYJbyal6uSn6YJCfwITKxby5-biSsusm5vDAaCBrFodhJfxY-UtC6jG3KsQnTwXJ96OqnqV3uK0WtKTngfgHt2499TfNFq2BD81/s640/IMG_3696.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And will gladly help you out when your selfie skills are weaker. "Here! Just give me the phone." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll keep working on it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They're willing to help in the kitchen - unless it's to do dishes (still a work in progress) but if making and eating food are involved, they're all in!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If it's games, they'll gladly kick your butt, but never let it go if you kick their's. Ha Ha</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They're still willing to hang out with mom and dad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As long as mom and dad don't do anything that's not cool. Singing and dancing in public are NOT COOL!! Of course I would never! Eh hem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So much happens in these few short years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">From getting braces on,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and getting braces off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And having wisdom teeth removed. UGH!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Learning to drive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Second round of learning to drive happens this fall. Wish us luck! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wearing makeup begins. GULP!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dressing up for dances! DOUBLE GULP!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs30cieyIBwvmxdobyj43KnCb2w2_RDYmJn0-0A1vIR3IRMqN_QWkAvyO4Ad_cG389L5s93MAX9IdZmhhfAl8tt2BjZ6bIIl65b-6Y-EEAJjkEHaQIRps2wCMfZcBwsq1U4-P_8buLYF5/s1600/IMGP5283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs30cieyIBwvmxdobyj43KnCb2w2_RDYmJn0-0A1vIR3IRMqN_QWkAvyO4Ad_cG389L5s93MAX9IdZmhhfAl8tt2BjZ6bIIl65b-6Y-EEAJjkEHaQIRps2wCMfZcBwsq1U4-P_8buLYF5/s640/IMGP5283.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And dating! The Husband has perfected his menacing look!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then comes the first graduation!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has all gone by so fast. Just a blink!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been awesome to walk through these teen years with our girls. I've loved, am loving, every minute. Okay, maybe I haven't loved the eye roll moments as much as some other moments...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everything will be very different this fall when our household of four becomes a household of three as we prepare for Miss Sofia to head off to college. We look forward, with amazement, to the years our girls move into full adulthood, expecting the same joy brought by the teen years, once I stop crying, "Why do you want to leave me??" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span></div>
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</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-29035469801074351062016-06-23T15:33:00.001-05:002016-06-23T15:33:19.945-05:00The Lasts<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was dragging my feet to the end of the school year this year. I'm talking heels dug in. Knuckles white from holding on to the last few weeks of school, not wanting to let them out of my grasp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just wasn't ready for it to end!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because this is the year, my oldest, my first born, my Miss Sofia graduated!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwIZW_BIO-EFJJDeGLR4ZPq3UED7MTQ35Y5xJ8XwfXaDdmJOw_PLtp5HMcQPoGtaDDg3-Mn9jwHFZD-5NvbADISvrEWkLhHTjxnRDfzShUKGjBukurqHGuGWj3JN_1AxKtsUX6wG48U-i/s1600/IMGP5828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwIZW_BIO-EFJJDeGLR4ZPq3UED7MTQ35Y5xJ8XwfXaDdmJOw_PLtp5HMcQPoGtaDDg3-Mn9jwHFZD-5NvbADISvrEWkLhHTjxnRDfzShUKGjBukurqHGuGWj3JN_1AxKtsUX6wG48U-i/s640/IMGP5828.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Husband and I are so stinkin' proud of her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx8Aybk5dhbG06uDzRNNkZ20zfGVXETN-WKY4I_PKBGBlB7FQmS6udl2M0n9tI2QRFip8Vor1oQ8XBYFUY7GfMxFyg7K0bB8us89NhNh9jYwPOwkqLqGvonU4mCx7-UNSzZrZXzLQOQ5n/s1600/IMGP5881.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx8Aybk5dhbG06uDzRNNkZ20zfGVXETN-WKY4I_PKBGBlB7FQmS6udl2M0n9tI2QRFip8Vor1oQ8XBYFUY7GfMxFyg7K0bB8us89NhNh9jYwPOwkqLqGvonU4mCx7-UNSzZrZXzLQOQ5n/s640/IMGP5881.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just can't believe that she and her friends are all grown up and ready to head off to college! WHAT??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxFY6rpq9O4EhGxs3qvlGXTzRIlYERarfcFGdeIRH-kI8hFdxwOusOJ63Lww-59J1TVydGWym6KcglD8itaK4Mvl6zReDqkOJhof1Wm53CyqqO2LPPzdbGFu4Pb-jG2uYtlT3HiZo-qT2/s1600/IMGP5796.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxFY6rpq9O4EhGxs3qvlGXTzRIlYERarfcFGdeIRH-kI8hFdxwOusOJ63Lww-59J1TVydGWym6KcglD8itaK4Mvl6zReDqkOJhof1Wm53CyqqO2LPPzdbGFu4Pb-jG2uYtlT3HiZo-qT2/s640/IMGP5796.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This was it. This was the last day of high school. The LAST!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There have been so many lasts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the last first day of school photo I will ever take of all four of these kiddos together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFNPGVvtDtTZ86wT2GqSUKcxvGdrmTaT_XsSYUixL_X3y0UDDvcnHHE34R2yxiDx0UMrFcKVentYoXb2qrtbAhyphenhyphenDnMVxTZAerYvg4aItH8ChrUWzjDIlra-v5LFLlAG6xvJXau7tts1-H/s1600/IMGP3922.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFNPGVvtDtTZ86wT2GqSUKcxvGdrmTaT_XsSYUixL_X3y0UDDvcnHHE34R2yxiDx0UMrFcKVentYoXb2qrtbAhyphenhyphenDnMVxTZAerYvg4aItH8ChrUWzjDIlra-v5LFLlAG6xvJXau7tts1-H/s640/IMGP3922.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last time Miss Sofia and Miss Emma will be at the same school together. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VuNmLkInMIuhD9QncWzHXVFSaxzLT1JNxgBvwgMici_HcTWzpmItjLvbJpvXf218nw4iCEtbPMZMviZJ6BRkeLeypumnY443svJ7qDXJZoP0j4LLNRaSRQNjW4RgWWPiHmI9Q6b-p5C3/s1600/IMGP5744.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VuNmLkInMIuhD9QncWzHXVFSaxzLT1JNxgBvwgMici_HcTWzpmItjLvbJpvXf218nw4iCEtbPMZMviZJ6BRkeLeypumnY443svJ7qDXJZoP0j4LLNRaSRQNjW4RgWWPiHmI9Q6b-p5C3/s640/IMGP5744.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sofia's last prom.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqQTskH0q-fesbrJ5UDfgzib7-URAM8WG7QZw27F-opeiMeTRXJkzOjt8VpxgvVOWyFXJ7Hty1SIsWm3zHZvg8AnVRzpVRX1_52BBaolDiIO2ZywbVmGHw7ApukTYkokd8LcrjdxH4aSA/s1600/IMGP5681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqQTskH0q-fesbrJ5UDfgzib7-URAM8WG7QZw27F-opeiMeTRXJkzOjt8VpxgvVOWyFXJ7Hty1SIsWm3zHZvg8AnVRzpVRX1_52BBaolDiIO2ZywbVmGHw7ApukTYkokd8LcrjdxH4aSA/s640/IMGP5681.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was this the last time she'll ever ask me to do her hair for an event? They've been having me do their hair for a lot of years now. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXva4SKzhUTeZiAbltaD8xqxb3h_lyDzG11lPEamNnv81OvgO1dzGcTWc7xRLbrx4avlRArtAac3bUDuCD6IztbycLfObNyNAv3Qz5fyw3jM9HcrwAsiEYmGvddXWNGq3a9zM5XJ_0Kme/s1600/House+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXva4SKzhUTeZiAbltaD8xqxb3h_lyDzG11lPEamNnv81OvgO1dzGcTWc7xRLbrx4avlRArtAac3bUDuCD6IztbycLfObNyNAv3Qz5fyw3jM9HcrwAsiEYmGvddXWNGq3a9zM5XJ_0Kme/s640/House+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When was the last time she let me put her hair in pig tails?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcdjDzKUynZmYmisK7y8Jx7XTa7ZPd-spGTKBfO3Rs_IHl8iTVezz6Ia9BcfapHsMXY1MoIeLDS-6R-4l_m4haC0roG4bQlmThvDYnG88XNaP8hB3De-ebbvaIcVy1gXQqiDCb0C44suN/s1600/Sofia+17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcdjDzKUynZmYmisK7y8Jx7XTa7ZPd-spGTKBfO3Rs_IHl8iTVezz6Ia9BcfapHsMXY1MoIeLDS-6R-4l_m4haC0roG4bQlmThvDYnG88XNaP8hB3De-ebbvaIcVy1gXQqiDCb0C44suN/s640/Sofia+17.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And when was the last time the kiddos played Legos on the porch??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoDBbUwiNL1FsNBwIMAjGjU1BtrXEI_LrE1ojlhFZUFrnjmVVgMaMRtYio-dKujetOTfFy_GcDIZKua9qnDNP5waeeNadxezzgyXkhMiIeNZDJ4iH5IPREZoToBHm3bRBr68BVvZlBlxX/s1600/P9060001.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoDBbUwiNL1FsNBwIMAjGjU1BtrXEI_LrE1ojlhFZUFrnjmVVgMaMRtYio-dKujetOTfFy_GcDIZKua9qnDNP5waeeNadxezzgyXkhMiIeNZDJ4iH5IPREZoToBHm3bRBr68BVvZlBlxX/s640/P9060001.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or one of the girls wanted to hold my </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">hand, or climb up onto my lap???</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFp6NUNYdago-CDezAP8n0MsMK6BtnIt8TUlM6B9wntJeUJ4IjERGnzwqkel1w8c4d9PnK72_zgDU_c3b6iT09QMhGoxgADJrVvKtyDUYd1dtg5BZDRZPLqKLDKzSdYIzHrbbRQbDgCfC/s1600/P5180141.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFp6NUNYdago-CDezAP8n0MsMK6BtnIt8TUlM6B9wntJeUJ4IjERGnzwqkel1w8c4d9PnK72_zgDU_c3b6iT09QMhGoxgADJrVvKtyDUYd1dtg5BZDRZPLqKLDKzSdYIzHrbbRQbDgCfC/s640/P5180141.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gulp!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I find myself thinking about these "lasts" quite a lot lately and my eyes well up with tears. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It all seemed to go by so fast. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And no matter how hard I tried to hold on, time marched forward - stupid time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here we are. Our oldest has graduated and she's ready to head for college in the fall.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4oDJxnZM7nulybHhgetDFRNYirs7Z3pUrkbGoizj9Xxk9MjUQd7hMSXJ7LyrBVJSXS7veSGHJw8kb9Ik3DDDh88mtS-Yy9RGlmc8o7D9qgEpB40ePAheW5sMgd278SWK8YlLFg2eWRx3/s1600/IMGP5816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4oDJxnZM7nulybHhgetDFRNYirs7Z3pUrkbGoizj9Xxk9MjUQd7hMSXJ7LyrBVJSXS7veSGHJw8kb9Ik3DDDh88mtS-Yy9RGlmc8o7D9qgEpB40ePAheW5sMgd278SWK8YlLFg2eWRx3/s640/IMGP5816.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm crazy excited for her. I'm bursting with pride for all she has accomplished! And I'm working on being okay with the lasts and celebrating all of her new firsts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">At least, I intend to work on being okay. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mostly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Excuse me. I need a tissue!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-15490772372912361342015-11-16T16:11:00.000-06:002015-11-16T16:12:58.373-06:00November<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last remnants of summer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Burn gently away</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG9VUxhBfO7xgKlH57NX0YMVBRXMKNEfR9jbhUPju0fosyss5h_Yzql0GrzOpqgp_0JXwSBNsCzL1_cBxQSRwB9E04TK6uzdNw7xhVZUH4D4va4nSpbCNK-iI0etgUqfDcJnOLoiMNZAG/s1600/IMGP5132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG9VUxhBfO7xgKlH57NX0YMVBRXMKNEfR9jbhUPju0fosyss5h_Yzql0GrzOpqgp_0JXwSBNsCzL1_cBxQSRwB9E04TK6uzdNw7xhVZUH4D4va4nSpbCNK-iI0etgUqfDcJnOLoiMNZAG/s640/IMGP5132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A mild breeze descends on trees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And helps them to sway</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah8dMBMvV58-DJK-9a748I-6Yajsbq1Nk-bSSNuq2mxXjmRUSFOhwCHrDnIkF3GklKtenGzAj-uftmsDP5xlJ6_NIR2RPnIZc7VQJ4lJM5fhfFYhdHnIehCqqov3UsMiy2vG9ovCv1L-U/s1600/IMGP5231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah8dMBMvV58-DJK-9a748I-6Yajsbq1Nk-bSSNuq2mxXjmRUSFOhwCHrDnIkF3GklKtenGzAj-uftmsDP5xlJ6_NIR2RPnIZc7VQJ4lJM5fhfFYhdHnIehCqqov3UsMiy2vG9ovCv1L-U/s640/IMGP5231.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's time once again</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To enjoy the last of the sun</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozWMfZwIlERmx6-nizk3GyEWoPkRRPmG1Tlqf9Ep8I0t1gAKD48CKNMkwhZeoOOHOyw-bTI92hxU1J_iP_XNx0LN5SKtWIz-nuI29wzftRaOxyLmO7byJ2hRnb1qE8tbFghxjAC9ZG1h9/s1600/IMGP5237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozWMfZwIlERmx6-nizk3GyEWoPkRRPmG1Tlqf9Ep8I0t1gAKD48CKNMkwhZeoOOHOyw-bTI92hxU1J_iP_XNx0LN5SKtWIz-nuI29wzftRaOxyLmO7byJ2hRnb1qE8tbFghxjAC9ZG1h9/s640/IMGP5237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And ready ourselves </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the winter to come</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98VeAmhoTF3NIdmmIHJOIImDSqTXs6z-o2-ZrpY-OOpmKAPZKZGvDHiLrD5pwfCCzssnW-cKpI8oLZD_QTRgUpV5Y8FE_fCSa2pwIQ-clbkQdJJSL-t2k1Ms6LuNeQvZoNaSm9h4O6oJw/s1600/IMGP5159+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi98VeAmhoTF3NIdmmIHJOIImDSqTXs6z-o2-ZrpY-OOpmKAPZKZGvDHiLrD5pwfCCzssnW-cKpI8oLZD_QTRgUpV5Y8FE_fCSa2pwIQ-clbkQdJJSL-t2k1Ms6LuNeQvZoNaSm9h4O6oJw/s640/IMGP5159+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But until that time comes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have a blessing in disguise</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z4F0KYOZ7BcnGBG_pVmHqeLV36a_0AtpC0sAQUwB3xnJCwcmbzxZA-z9d-gR3jUDt4Y0pZF9Bdlaga_2qASQyXRFIJrcMECp3XMps3E0_ywNk3b-Pvzy0iD4rG6lHt8jnjmHuEwq3AO0/s1600/IMGP5187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z4F0KYOZ7BcnGBG_pVmHqeLV36a_0AtpC0sAQUwB3xnJCwcmbzxZA-z9d-gR3jUDt4Y0pZF9Bdlaga_2qASQyXRFIJrcMECp3XMps3E0_ywNk3b-Pvzy0iD4rG6lHt8jnjmHuEwq3AO0/s640/IMGP5187.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leaves turn reddish in color</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sun in splendor sets, and in glory does rise</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_sXyG6j9Xa8-jQqIQi-MgJ1ZN6dbrzChnJGXvEDzc_spzVg0Y35wb_723n8owS28o6AwrwgFruniCyiL842aw3kiRaKTd_c5cvryDoHkGg-tZmq3CPjEffmDN3FYUMbgMm6IMgQPx8P4/s1600/IMGP5157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_sXyG6j9Xa8-jQqIQi-MgJ1ZN6dbrzChnJGXvEDzc_spzVg0Y35wb_723n8owS28o6AwrwgFruniCyiL842aw3kiRaKTd_c5cvryDoHkGg-tZmq3CPjEffmDN3FYUMbgMm6IMgQPx8P4/s640/IMGP5157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Autumn in it's beauty</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's nature's middle way</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRFLhalN2HMZ0zf7baREL8fprsZv0Yeakd5M7xCGnhRC3EDKY5Fxzsj_oyR7BB9zS90SvPRugGEL-KQY7lhCpCcK51KKPwlhYJ_WxuHCUaR0ZgRGuJKwgsq5FnDj1HP05ZmULKOkb_djf/s1600/IMGP5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRFLhalN2HMZ0zf7baREL8fprsZv0Yeakd5M7xCGnhRC3EDKY5Fxzsj_oyR7BB9zS90SvPRugGEL-KQY7lhCpCcK51KKPwlhYJ_WxuHCUaR0ZgRGuJKwgsq5FnDj1HP05ZmULKOkb_djf/s640/IMGP5185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Contrasting the abundance of summer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And a cold winter's day </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">— unknown</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">November in glorious splendor. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What a wonder to behold!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-12561463996547671072015-11-12T14:57:00.004-06:002015-11-12T15:04:32.428-06:00A Few Changes<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may have noticed, I've made a few changes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unexpected Daisies has a new look. Right on the heels of the new look I introduced in May. Weird, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, here's the deal. In the spring I got up the courage to approach the owner, her name is Lacy, of a great little shop called Eye Candy REfind </span><span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">and ask her if she'd be interested in selling some of my handcrafted items. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "\22 trebuchet ms\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: large;">She said yes. - SQUEAL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Along with handmade items, I also began to sell vintage items in her shop, as well as opening my own online vintage store. That led to creating a look for Unexpected Daisies that would reflect the feel of what I was doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While it was a lot of fun being part of Eye Candy REfind, I began to realize that my passion was really in the handcrafting! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love me some vintage items to be sure! But what I really wanted to do was make things by hand. And I really had a strong desire to </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">manage</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> my own online store. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I gave Lacy a big thank you for all of her support and the opportunity and </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I set my sights on an etsy store where I could sell my handmade goods as well as a new "look" to go with this new direction! Whoop Whoop!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you like the new look as much as I do! The </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Husband, designer extraordinaire, created it for me and I love it!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Currently in the store you will find a selection of decorative pillows. </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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvExLcko7ujkQCouILOeustOEbbq06hVi4B7jJcnURJDEBGa-NBPsvJULqE7NFTvfJob7x7Fe2RD9cFWk2eu7OQO8T7yORx1kO9HQV6H0LXAZxdJhvl6cynPcrPEdLz67wlHttk1QiY5y/s1600/IMGP2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvExLcko7ujkQCouILOeustOEbbq06hVi4B7jJcnURJDEBGa-NBPsvJULqE7NFTvfJob7x7Fe2RD9cFWk2eu7OQO8T7yORx1kO9HQV6H0LXAZxdJhvl6cynPcrPEdLz67wlHttk1QiY5y/s640/IMGP2976.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pillows made from old feed sacks</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepeHTGWlRFZUSe4yuPt0RKuGyIeiPysvU5MNh0fRzqIoEMPVon9f2wXO00FTDqCX3a7nB2l_mQXodsQ50Myd6GR_Pmdre0bxg0f7ytktzZp2DDhPJxYtl5VJK2N-yfCohGwifDME9Jc7V/s1600/IMGP2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjepeHTGWlRFZUSe4yuPt0RKuGyIeiPysvU5MNh0fRzqIoEMPVon9f2wXO00FTDqCX3a7nB2l_mQXodsQ50Myd6GR_Pmdre0bxg0f7ytktzZp2DDhPJxYtl5VJK2N-yfCohGwifDME9Jc7V/s640/IMGP2939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pillows from vintage wool camp blankets</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so I haven't completely given up vintage! You will find that most of the items in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnexpectedDaisies">Unexpected Daisies etsy</a> store are made from a combination of new and repurposed, often vintage, fabrics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even the mittens! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love me some cozy mittens!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHQs2rqDKRSdsikNutKtBuvkrojgQWJCnypFMlv4EhmtX2eNEgK_rQkLxhNiT2oWFRCAGzr6GfzqcostQ0vZHmxbvd7g2BJbd8IF5rPy9oemz6WKMGuW3MuJijv7Xznywr6QhAflta4pX/s1600/IMG_2566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHQs2rqDKRSdsikNutKtBuvkrojgQWJCnypFMlv4EhmtX2eNEgK_rQkLxhNiT2oWFRCAGzr6GfzqcostQ0vZHmxbvd7g2BJbd8IF5rPy9oemz6WKMGuW3MuJijv7Xznywr6QhAflta4pX/s640/IMG_2566.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All of my mittens are made from repurposed, felted wool sweaters and lined with new soft fleece.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhiUfCOnWyYmaYdHc5rZUjUHpLDAIGU2jYe-inrvI3ZeuYP7tOM9OLdUO53up_pJ73qAgBlvg40iDr2h71TMjVvQ3YrOGCBt-HN9clboldWCbxa7k8Bzd2d9IN8SpkMuuyeixKTuf9H6P/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhiUfCOnWyYmaYdHc5rZUjUHpLDAIGU2jYe-inrvI3ZeuYP7tOM9OLdUO53up_pJ73qAgBlvg40iDr2h71TMjVvQ3YrOGCBt-HN9clboldWCbxa7k8Bzd2d9IN8SpkMuuyeixKTuf9H6P/s640/IMG_2557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Perfect for cold winters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tea towels are embellished with designs made from repurposed dress shirts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hlK57lStMj-pKXsayGDvjY0snEFgFHOf2nK-ACD682Yz7VnMLak9YjT83xz-P6lvGYuFTXFNQmxzToo4xORZYQSgV8r1QgpipKuQmlb1z26gw_Tu_ensj_43LBKd6kwPrDqJ1QNP2i0I/s1600/IMG_2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hlK57lStMj-pKXsayGDvjY0snEFgFHOf2nK-ACD682Yz7VnMLak9YjT83xz-P6lvGYuFTXFNQmxzToo4xORZYQSgV8r1QgpipKuQmlb1z26gw_Tu_ensj_43LBKd6kwPrDqJ1QNP2i0I/s640/IMG_2413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And even these zipper pouches, which will be in the store soon, are made with a combination of new and repurposed material.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5GAr89YOb2NCY4LvBDVYFgQTgEyqbypvhW5ro_zbYvRsDMYysGDF4vAtoA6ynLtDUhcCOI44lLTw2Y4raKdevOtX_RMZ9XVmfL2wO29mCE6Y1WDoMoUIbDTaMiGtmZ1jILYr7gUgGPs7/s1600/IMG_2948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5GAr89YOb2NCY4LvBDVYFgQTgEyqbypvhW5ro_zbYvRsDMYysGDF4vAtoA6ynLtDUhcCOI44lLTw2Y4raKdevOtX_RMZ9XVmfL2wO29mCE6Y1WDoMoUIbDTaMiGtmZ1jILYr7gUgGPs7/s640/IMG_2948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love being able to take something old, something that's being discarded, and give it new purpose!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please go check out my etsy store <a href="http://shopunexpecteddaisies.com/">shopunexpecteddaisies.com</a>, and get yourself a new pair of cozy mittens! Winter's coming! They also make an excellent Christmas gift! And watch for the fun new items to come!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so excited about this new direction! It took some twists and turns to get here, but I believe I have found the path I'm supposed to be on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-70989527503120851082015-11-09T20:44:00.000-06:002015-11-09T20:51:50.738-06:00Where is God's Love<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With all that's happened in the last several years, the Family has had few opportunities and even less ability to get away for some rest and relaxation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">S</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">everal weeks ago we took full advantage of an extended weekend, packed up the car, and headed to</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Grand Marais Minnesota </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">for a much needed getaway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was so nice to leave our cares behind for a little while. There have been so many "cares."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2RmU6r57Mivu_u3TWTqEE0QrlmfGHFnyNnx6js0Q18h6GRWHdSc50mmW0la1XsB6O999iZzuG3_x2fHYEbI5RbdJAxQPSLygt8MxP3queydo3ZO6xwD6DPKzGNB4f_f7kr-dqb7QWzAd/s1600/IMGP4751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2RmU6r57Mivu_u3TWTqEE0QrlmfGHFnyNnx6js0Q18h6GRWHdSc50mmW0la1XsB6O999iZzuG3_x2fHYEbI5RbdJAxQPSLygt8MxP3queydo3ZO6xwD6DPKzGNB4f_f7kr-dqb7QWzAd/s640/IMGP4751.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We enjoyed some of the usual things, hiking in the crisp fall air.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beautiful scenery.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_IeF0gu3nbvRMpVg09Xlm2dKCwrYJR4u8xAXNbKtgP-fKBjOs5ld5o1jN88gwXKbgxb98Npmgyf9HxixyNo5bIiLcYE1gr7UCqr3sy_nGrc68rcdReCQL7lGxalMMvpmMZ3oJ6YK0Ilk/s1600/IMGP4679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_IeF0gu3nbvRMpVg09Xlm2dKCwrYJR4u8xAXNbKtgP-fKBjOs5ld5o1jN88gwXKbgxb98Npmgyf9HxixyNo5bIiLcYE1gr7UCqr3sy_nGrc68rcdReCQL7lGxalMMvpmMZ3oJ6YK0Ilk/s640/IMGP4679.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some silliness. One of my favorite things.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Breathtaking sunsets</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> and sunrises!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4zzP2c1Ynn7etoPiOoJqwNU3FixkzT_GR3JNc4rDAVM9y17woXAiqDjuF19EuwXwqdk1_nWQdvv8XnpBB8EW9KU9BdBgIWRjCKo45a-9114Ugw01nW4Zu0cxM1XQiwApgCr9z73-aaIJ/s1600/IMGP4947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4zzP2c1Ynn7etoPiOoJqwNU3FixkzT_GR3JNc4rDAVM9y17woXAiqDjuF19EuwXwqdk1_nWQdvv8XnpBB8EW9KU9BdBgIWRjCKo45a-9114Ugw01nW4Zu0cxM1XQiwApgCr9z73-aaIJ/s640/IMGP4947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKnLfpH2kLiEkmg5f3fKG_ekqR544NjcdltclMaPz8-yZiCIRYxlbnao99FajNU2La1emuVxkBSTsaJbVXMBL42LQxXJ-FdVsIOxh3ZRpjYQ8JRA7QI2KYACEv3yuAT2w6IGtHj6eQBbG/s1600/IMGP5038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKnLfpH2kLiEkmg5f3fKG_ekqR544NjcdltclMaPz8-yZiCIRYxlbnao99FajNU2La1emuVxkBSTsaJbVXMBL42LQxXJ-FdVsIOxh3ZRpjYQ8JRA7QI2KYACEv3yuAT2w6IGtHj6eQBbG/s640/IMGP5038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Walks along the shore collecting rocks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahuGrXZKPn0zGtDP8HDjIO2E7CLYrG3H03fFnlafVWg1_pvxU-VzicJVnzuE9xE351j091nVyjC1nxU843ZHRRpF7xZXYPWZAtMAtklAOVcxww4SzS9gpKQNo_K9lwVDC6w4JnkhwdsvZ/s1600/IMGP4842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiahuGrXZKPn0zGtDP8HDjIO2E7CLYrG3H03fFnlafVWg1_pvxU-VzicJVnzuE9xE351j091nVyjC1nxU843ZHRRpF7xZXYPWZAtMAtklAOVcxww4SzS9gpKQNo_K9lwVDC6w4JnkhwdsvZ/s640/IMGP4842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Crazy, I know. But we could spend hours looking at rocks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Skipping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stacking.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhuC9vxWIeQRbevaCsGgZ1Q-01oRaKBVHduMS0NOvZlNejSCuwl3nhLiz-ODiji3NTDM1XLgvcN4UelcOVjr2j20c0e-dnDx27cb3pI-RRoAbjeE7-Z2rYo4Y0MYzDLwjZn2Ao3v0jaXG/s1600/IMGP4907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhuC9vxWIeQRbevaCsGgZ1Q-01oRaKBVHduMS0NOvZlNejSCuwl3nhLiz-ODiji3NTDM1XLgvcN4UelcOVjr2j20c0e-dnDx27cb3pI-RRoAbjeE7-Z2rYo4Y0MYzDLwjZn2Ao3v0jaXG/s640/IMGP4907.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tossing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Collecting. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMKfY0T4U9Yu7gupwvCpEQ-wu9egqzHQYSh2ZHkOFpu7LUcL7okaJyYTilCDNv2CDY8TeIQPYZ5zj8SpDdgdVMdSc6LSnqoM_TpyF1dvQtFJr45qGbT5E2b3Tq9kUoYEFHOBbE0Js2zut/s1600/IMGP4870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMKfY0T4U9Yu7gupwvCpEQ-wu9egqzHQYSh2ZHkOFpu7LUcL7okaJyYTilCDNv2CDY8TeIQPYZ5zj8SpDdgdVMdSc6LSnqoM_TpyF1dvQtFJr45qGbT5E2b3Tq9kUoYEFHOBbE0Js2zut/s640/IMGP4870.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who knew rocks could be so interesting??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A good portion of our time can easily be spent searching for heart shaped rocks. I have no idea why this started, but whoop there it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In years past we've found some pretty good ones. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had less luck this trip. This little rock was the best we could find.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTUseln2xcpDgAxephSfQ-mJcR9nYvybj6CChKbzd2IbxoxklvmVjs0WCJWOp8rt7eFht0PeDhBl5EJpkP3_Bakm9eR7ZdZMTLmi3kyIFhQPkv4KXIzD_Hd0RxaOJpyuc320Mw9xATPd/s1600/IMGP4994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmBTUseln2xcpDgAxephSfQ-mJcR9nYvybj6CChKbzd2IbxoxklvmVjs0WCJWOp8rt7eFht0PeDhBl5EJpkP3_Bakm9eR7ZdZMTLmi3kyIFhQPkv4KXIzD_Hd0RxaOJpyuc320Mw9xATPd/s640/IMGP4994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I may have been, maybe just a little, lamenting this lack of good heart shaped rocks when I found this little wonder.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QDYruZXjXbmKvtHrevVUa-P61xBdXWbSRDOZBnwE94RmwHeUH9fqsU13ORMLHP6PxfxyvGAHgVgZQIAHFEJS_p43wRoC-2dGgvz6uHUz0VV79ApIcipknGPCMrP6iSc5YXds80oGCjGh/s1600/IMGP5002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_QDYruZXjXbmKvtHrevVUa-P61xBdXWbSRDOZBnwE94RmwHeUH9fqsU13ORMLHP6PxfxyvGAHgVgZQIAHFEJS_p43wRoC-2dGgvz6uHUz0VV79ApIcipknGPCMrP6iSc5YXds80oGCjGh/s640/IMGP5002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I nearly passed it up as it was not what I wanted. Not what I had been searching for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wanted a good heart shaped rock, not a rock with a heart shaped drip of water on it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Y</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">et, something pulled me back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to just take a quick photo of it. Then I thought that, while it wasn't what I'd been searching for, it was indeed a heart shape and worth sharing with the Family before that precious little drop of water dried up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I scooped up that stone and showed the family. They thought it was pretty cool!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Silly thing was, and I like me some silly things, I couldn't put it down. I tucked it into my pocket. I knew the heart shaped drop of water would dry up and disappear. I decided I would toss it back on the ground once it did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it never did.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTHIXPc1LKgdTMnIkue6T8YQ6e2WNrFZTRtJkmqM61MzCe6Or1oKTHEVN5gdR6d-B5VBslGPoWfOZZgrUkYjJTeDdg-iaIsa3U5CFS_Sedh33PqksqJDnOdyK21KZBg5lM2E275yk40CD/s1600/IMGP5006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTHIXPc1LKgdTMnIkue6T8YQ6e2WNrFZTRtJkmqM61MzCe6Or1oKTHEVN5gdR6d-B5VBslGPoWfOZZgrUkYjJTeDdg-iaIsa3U5CFS_Sedh33PqksqJDnOdyK21KZBg5lM2E275yk40CD/s640/IMGP5006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To my great delight and surprise that little heart on that tiny rock never disappeared after the rock was dry.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It remains even now. I keep it in a dish with other rocks we've collected over the years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We often have expectations about how life should be. Life often misses the mark. It can be so easy to decide that hard experiences in life mean a lack of love on God's part. That God is not coming through for us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If people we love get sick, or die, we wonder how a loving God would allow such a thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If a job is lost we wonder how a loving God could allow such hardship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If disaster strikes, or people are unkind, or when unthinkable things happen it can be so easy to wonder, maybe even demand to know, HOW COULD A LOVING GOD!?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But God has not promised us ease in this life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." John 16:33</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our loving God promises to give us peace when we keep our focus on Him </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> trust Him. <i>(Isaiah 26:3)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our loving God promises to heal the brokenhearted. <i>(Psalm 147:3)</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God promises us He will work things together for our good when He calls us to a purpose. <i>(Romans 8:28) </i>Please note that this verse does not promise all things will feel good! Also note that I have not been above praying that God would revise this verse to say all things will feel good!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God has promised His love to us in so many ways, the greatest of which...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners Christ died for us! Romans 5:8</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><i>For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life! For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:16-17</i></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRiS5DOribuATMXC1gvehqWsCDGnk42vxDxhcVsETRdWU6pCYF5ifTBxxuz2Ja2xYU0WpropmzjEPYGG4YcLCTyflpEdChtrRi4vFt84pltwIHmyZ54WhkzsQpGKML4VJBP-pp0MlV3lK/s1600/IMG_3058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKRiS5DOribuATMXC1gvehqWsCDGnk42vxDxhcVsETRdWU6pCYF5ifTBxxuz2Ja2xYU0WpropmzjEPYGG4YcLCTyflpEdChtrRi4vFt84pltwIHmyZ54WhkzsQpGKML4VJBP-pp0MlV3lK/s640/IMG_3058.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This little stone was not what I was looking for. It was not what I expected. It was not what I wanted to find. But it was good! It's become a gentle reminder to me to stop looking for God's love to meet my expectations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My circumstances are not the measure of God's love for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What God does, the fulfilling of the promises </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He <b>has</b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">made, that is the measure of His love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My expectation that He do what He never promised to do is not a lack of love on God's part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God's love is sacrificial! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is full of grace and mercy! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">His love is sometimes surprising! We will see it in wonderful and unexpected ways if we are willing to give up our expectation of how we think it should look. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Without a doubt, God's greatest gift of love is the eternal Happily Ever After for those who choose Him! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Amen and Amen!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Christine</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-87845395062838758362015-11-06T16:08:00.001-06:002015-11-06T16:15:49.275-06:00Walking on Eggshells<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You often feel overwhelmed or nervous when you are going to be with the person/persons. I</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">n fact you run down a list of things not to say or do when you are with them. You tell yourself that maybe if you are more patient, if you keep everything light, if you are more loving it will be fine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe this time you won't leave in tears, or in anger that you didn't stand up for yourself and you allowed yourself to be treated that way yet again. But, you know, if you had stood up for yourself, if you had said what should have been said, had you set the boundary, you would have been told you were wrong. Clearly there would not have been a problem if you were more loving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You become accustomed to walking on eggshells to prevent a frightening, angry outburst or the punishment of not being spoken to because you upset them. Because clearly if there is an outburst you are to blame. You must not be loving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You wrestle with being labeled too sensitive, or unable to take a joke when deeply hurtful, cutting remarks are made. Clearly you misunderstood! Clearly you are the problem. Never mind that the joke was at your expense and left you embarrassed or that it cut like a knife. You need to learn how to take a joke.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You begin to be painfully aware that this relationship is not mutually caring. It does not feel safe. There are lies and deceit. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is no respect. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At least it's not given, it is however expected! You are often belittled and left with anxiety, fear, shame, anger, and sometimes despair. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You have tried to learn the careful dance of keeping peace, not pushing buttons, knowing your place, and hiding the fact that you are the walking wounded.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45tKmbgaLJidW1pJRj2j8PxDQVO8lpvst3bdCsYLHX7q-Nv9W92GaN2bk3DEg52YmbyJmjryMRsUflaa2spJipCzmSj4dC9LxidiKE3pnQqiQrbK4b0pMBq8aFDqSx8HrGE6i7o256vBq/s1600/IMGP5075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45tKmbgaLJidW1pJRj2j8PxDQVO8lpvst3bdCsYLHX7q-Nv9W92GaN2bk3DEg52YmbyJmjryMRsUflaa2spJipCzmSj4dC9LxidiKE3pnQqiQrbK4b0pMBq8aFDqSx8HrGE6i7o256vBq/s640/IMGP5075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sadly, you never seem to be able to learn the steps of this dance well enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You are emotionally bleeding out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You feel confused. You have a sense that this is all wrong! Yet the person/persons you love, you trust... Well, they say you are to blame.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe they're right.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How could you think such negative things about them?? They must be right! You are not loving!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe, if you try to speak to them about the problem. Just approach the issue carefully. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh the anger you are met with. You best apologize, and quick!</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The fear that they will evict you from their lives if you make them angry is so great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just keep smiling. Just keep loving! Love better!! Figure out how to dance this dance well so they won't be angry. Clearly you must have done things wrong for them to be so hurtful, so angry. They say it's your fault after all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the wound grows deeper with every harmful interaction. You look fine on the outside, but you can't stop the emotional bleeding on the inside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You are weary and worn, a dry dusty land.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a very small glimpse into the experience of a person caught in an emotionally destructive relationship. A very small glimpse into my experience.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi1fGbl0Zu06Un_kIVCqosZHuDoSr1fXI9MQC0dHzO6V9lqgXGoEbBipRLgIy1hlwvScm6sPJaDk7530ATC3RkAoNQG0zCxIoyabGZeCtT_CcXgZs9fl0AVmWXrWyu9PWV8VGikQ1Cqv4/s1600/IMGP5051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdi1fGbl0Zu06Un_kIVCqosZHuDoSr1fXI9MQC0dHzO6V9lqgXGoEbBipRLgIy1hlwvScm6sPJaDk7530ATC3RkAoNQG0zCxIoyabGZeCtT_CcXgZs9fl0AVmWXrWyu9PWV8VGikQ1Cqv4/s640/IMGP5051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is what we do not talk about, this deep pain and turmoil caused by a destructive relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How could we?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do you tell someone that you are in deep distress when you've been convinced it is your own fault? That somehow you have brought this upon yourself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, to be honest, when a person who is in an emotionally destructive relationship tries to talk to someone who has never experienced an emotionally destructive relationship the responses are often, without intent, very damaging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People can't see your wounds. There are no cuts. There are no bruises. You look good! So they will say things like - "that's just how families are" - "I'm sure they didn't mean anything by it." These statements </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">are probably true</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> for healthy relationships. For destructive relationships - they are completely false! They leave a person feeling like the lies - it's my fault - I'm too sensitive - I'm just not loving enough - are true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How do you explain to a friend who has never experienced a destructive relationship that a comment from a destructive person isn't just a comment? That it had a pointed meaning. That you better understand the meaning and act accordingly. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This my friends is part of the dance of the emotionally destructive relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People tend say things like "forgive and forget. Reconcile." These things are good and possible in relationships where there is mutual respect and love and each person is willing and able to take responsibility for their actions. They are not realistic, and are painful to hear for someone in an unhealthy relationship with a person they cannot trust, they may be fearful of, or in a relationship that does not feel emotionally safe. In a relationship that demands forgiveness yet refuses repentance or resolution to a problem reconciliation is not possible. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxePlCTCAShfuJuTEvKaEbI6pqBmTvFFssBJKkTkGEzWdZxmvDPtvZH_bxDpJBFNBa-iYbQJvUI4uhzJOtrHYjCR04yAuRR7GA9FsxiiCkwEqJKmCXls66OqEK6FyDtipG6oiqM4qTI6ym/s1600/IMGP5080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxePlCTCAShfuJuTEvKaEbI6pqBmTvFFssBJKkTkGEzWdZxmvDPtvZH_bxDpJBFNBa-iYbQJvUI4uhzJOtrHYjCR04yAuRR7GA9FsxiiCkwEqJKmCXls66OqEK6FyDtipG6oiqM4qTI6ym/s640/IMGP5080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pattern of the destructive relationship I was in began to break when the Husband, my hero, was bold, he stood up and said, "No more! This must change or the relationship must end!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If only it was that easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Destructive people do not just let go. Nor do we feel we have the right, or that it's right to end relationships.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They do not want the relationship to change and be healthier. Often they are not able or willing to see that their behaviors are harmful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The hurtful behavior toward me became worse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Others were drawn in with false information, and took sides. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I received some very hurtful letters from people I love who chose to believe whatever was being said about me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I often struggle today with wondering who, in my circle of relationships, has heard and believed false information about me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These broken, hurt places are the things we are ashamed to talk about. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4ZodRxY3h4awtQUPB077cj20txameJaqvfOiFV9h87AWAZVxgrE5hxmcQ-v-Ox6JXx4cGUUqiNhbzRnSK-I4U-_iQIOPkM5qfRYhYz4vluZQ-7fqlPf4-oEyDSxPXgnG8JPiO0yVA7GS/s1600/IMGP5068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU4ZodRxY3h4awtQUPB077cj20txameJaqvfOiFV9h87AWAZVxgrE5hxmcQ-v-Ox6JXx4cGUUqiNhbzRnSK-I4U-_iQIOPkM5qfRYhYz4vluZQ-7fqlPf4-oEyDSxPXgnG8JPiO0yVA7GS/s640/IMGP5068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are no words to express how difficult it is to tell you about this deep pain in my life. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It will make some people very angry at me. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How dare I? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I dare because I realize that I am not alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of you know this pain all too well. I am so sorry you do dear one. I know that you too are ashamed to talk about it. Please know that you are not the alone!</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Please remember that being in a relationship with you is not a person's right. It is a sacred privilege! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It should be treated as such."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It took me a great deal of time to believe that statement which I loosely quote from the book The Emotionally Destructive Relationship by Leslie Vernick. This book has been a significant help to me as I heal and accept the fact that it was not because I wasn't loving enough, or because I was too sensitive, or because of any of the other lies I believed that the relationship I was in was broken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some of you will not understand the experience I've shared. I hope, however, that you will have a greater awareness if a friend tells you about an experience,</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">from another relationship,</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> that feels painful to them. That you might take a moment to consider there is something deeper your friend is trying to tell you. That some gentle questions and a listening ear could go a long way to allowing a person in deep pain share and find some support and help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These things are not easy for us to talk about. We gently test the waters and will quickly stuff it all away if we feel it is not safe to share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to separate myself from the harmful relationship I was in. I can only say this was best and appropriate for me. I cannot say that it is necessary or best for anyone else's relationship. It is a decision each person has to make for themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C.S. Lewis wrote, <i>"Love is more stern and splendid than kindness."</i> I do believe that the most loving thing we can do is hold people accountable for their actions. We can say, "No More!" We can pray that their eyes will be opened to their hurtful actions and that they will seek to change. We can release them and ourselves through forgiveness and allow God to heal our wounds. We can choose to no longer be quiet! We can help and support those who are hurting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-9267915964222427152015-10-21T12:53:00.000-05:002015-10-21T12:55:04.905-05:00The Bane of Fall<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fall is upon us! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is joy to my soul!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The bright colored leaves! So beautiful!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9qWJnOr__SKZq72m4e0aa1ZfNHYxj-TE3i8rq621h_Pbb_xAgOjHPB65jfJN1YBYRyx_zy8B99_bhyphenhyphen863yhgs7_RSND-8-k7faG8xwpGCSIa9TTvFvrYCnZ4MlTNWXX14sAyTAkqjA9C/s1600/IMGP4731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9qWJnOr__SKZq72m4e0aa1ZfNHYxj-TE3i8rq621h_Pbb_xAgOjHPB65jfJN1YBYRyx_zy8B99_bhyphenhyphen863yhgs7_RSND-8-k7faG8xwpGCSIa9TTvFvrYCnZ4MlTNWXX14sAyTAkqjA9C/s1600/IMGP4731.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish this season lasted longer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the perfect time of year to get photos of the girls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTNKY9ZPYvEYQ-8xA1QNCIqrsQd5KQCRUwpNBXgqe38GS9sfz0pV3f5NSFYP22QwMwTG5acYrnXNE4Ma3LCD30yTEvyB94Pqs7e6cWdiU-mrhs46Wb2zucQuzI-i1J86SB325vBQFm6XJ/s1600/IMGP4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTNKY9ZPYvEYQ-8xA1QNCIqrsQd5KQCRUwpNBXgqe38GS9sfz0pV3f5NSFYP22QwMwTG5acYrnXNE4Ma3LCD30yTEvyB94Pqs7e6cWdiU-mrhs46Wb2zucQuzI-i1J86SB325vBQFm6XJ/s640/IMGP4647.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ag_TEiimU0bW3seuMThMhigBBADR5Cjs8n8Q7wJ-LDi-5_PEXZERQpTzggLKEh1sCqnFOlwUMUTlJk83q8ntFCr_xOsE7HCVjEkJHpUJT2tbzhOXN0wyfA8Exa1E3G_KlxH-LhRosTs/s1600/IMGP4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1ag_TEiimU0bW3seuMThMhigBBADR5Cjs8n8Q7wJ-LDi-5_PEXZERQpTzggLKEh1sCqnFOlwUMUTlJk83q8ntFCr_xOsE7HCVjEkJHpUJT2tbzhOXN0wyfA8Exa1E3G_KlxH-LhRosTs/s640/IMGP4672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are getting so grown up. Miss Emma is a freshman and Miss Sofia is a senior preparing for college! YIKES!! Where did the time go?? -sigh</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The crunch of dried leaves under foot when I go for a walk! Does anyone else think that is the best sound EVER?? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI1NzsLzCkUj3EYCwQ6GX2bn8fy_ePP0nH3yolTCayoxKMnQF37Pk5dazTxoE2j8FrIKf_fmJvWHJgfqxshTxBZyqTrJ4lSwfoZQJq7FJQe7bQ5mfuK_KeS4wqlQHSFZe3GBBsKyK7XgX/s1600/IMGP4989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAI1NzsLzCkUj3EYCwQ6GX2bn8fy_ePP0nH3yolTCayoxKMnQF37Pk5dazTxoE2j8FrIKf_fmJvWHJgfqxshTxBZyqTrJ4lSwfoZQJq7FJQe7bQ5mfuK_KeS4wqlQHSFZe3GBBsKyK7XgX/s640/IMGP4989.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It makes me giddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And the crisp cool weather! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time for hot cider and sweaters and bonfires and cozy mittens...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZdZGgyb9XiFRYe1yTS8SuTGWkb3LPgsVYdpjiTI-fMJ4i7qmMJtbKXADqDwjN9WrlMjnGDQ0VdqCTmty0BCsf3nmi-HrZUM8KZBfsfNNUwDWlXb28vpqVX_TpACJcDIzcvq6uSvakXUj/s1600/IMGP5006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZdZGgyb9XiFRYe1yTS8SuTGWkb3LPgsVYdpjiTI-fMJ4i7qmMJtbKXADqDwjN9WrlMjnGDQ0VdqCTmty0BCsf3nmi-HrZUM8KZBfsfNNUwDWlXb28vpqVX_TpACJcDIzcvq6uSvakXUj/s640/IMGP5006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">...which, by the way, you can purchase in my new etsy shop. They're handmade by me out of felted wool sweaters and cozy fleece. You can just click on the shop button to take a look. I add new ones regularly. Just sayin'. You know, in case you're in the market for mittens and need some new ones for yourself, or as a gift. Hope that didn't seem pushy, but this mama's got a girl heading to college before too long and college ain't cheap! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eh hem. As I was saying...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fall sunsets are spectacular!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp50kVaV1P0ZWYCCcAEMIv2YEyUOQDVsnpMqxrLhK-L2DqabYWAZpJh1FrAdPEEKB5NNtnxROfll8vILWK_rgh2_WyZEJRwMNspSwylDQ-tbkv_xlICsHgfwPmYPHplx9yhI7PTlvWFYI/s1600/IMGP5032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAp50kVaV1P0ZWYCCcAEMIv2YEyUOQDVsnpMqxrLhK-L2DqabYWAZpJh1FrAdPEEKB5NNtnxROfll8vILWK_rgh2_WyZEJRwMNspSwylDQ-tbkv_xlICsHgfwPmYPHplx9yhI7PTlvWFYI/s640/IMGP5032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oooooh Aaaahhhh</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's not to love about fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, I'm gonna tell you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This glorious riot of pink, </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIucjZVT_-cIdSMm4jMU4880k6TnDpshT0OOH9lYz7jx-kjoVW92c-ZYHS3c2g3AxLl0yQDzQL_uYEx2gAlmTsBxrb5OP6bDi9w9w9KJZUJv6qb2HjMwMDuljPbtN7X9nvKd6ISJ8wJg/s1600/IMGP3901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIucjZVT_-cIdSMm4jMU4880k6TnDpshT0OOH9lYz7jx-kjoVW92c-ZYHS3c2g3AxLl0yQDzQL_uYEx2gAlmTsBxrb5OP6bDi9w9w9KJZUJv6qb2HjMwMDuljPbtN7X9nvKd6ISJ8wJg/s640/IMGP3901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDV37C7dcCkoRykQMbnvcHtdHsWbrljfU0Ws1Uu5XnO9yRfX2cXHVCzC0_8qxuE7RqIwpawLv7g-so6PkbrBG9g_u4WlrsN5f-zBn0oOXQscugR3HjjRvx4YP6zScLLUTPNP0s5gN4k/s1600/IMGP3908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvDV37C7dcCkoRykQMbnvcHtdHsWbrljfU0Ws1Uu5XnO9yRfX2cXHVCzC0_8qxuE7RqIwpawLv7g-so6PkbrBG9g_u4WlrsN5f-zBn0oOXQscugR3HjjRvx4YP6zScLLUTPNP0s5gN4k/s640/IMGP3908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">which is so spectacular in the springtime becomes the bane of our existence in the fall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This season has been the worst!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those gorgeous blossoms become these crabapples.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy4ntF-0Ne0uGlQsNFmoOROFd31JK6aDASibJa5hiJSRhgiZ8f1OxKFm87ompDumKHTmEYAcmEvDz3_P_eS0-7eaKNIl9LiK6_-JHWFQgRIvBpjawnVwCddMqIQW6X35rVSlWK2tTIzsr/s1600/IMGP3807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfy4ntF-0Ne0uGlQsNFmoOROFd31JK6aDASibJa5hiJSRhgiZ8f1OxKFm87ompDumKHTmEYAcmEvDz3_P_eS0-7eaKNIl9LiK6_-JHWFQgRIvBpjawnVwCddMqIQW6X35rVSlWK2tTIzsr/s640/IMGP3807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of these crabapples we cannot enjoy our back patio from the end of August until the end of October.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg0rsNXHnQF1uC_2dZk3WvOi0hJaD1oYt9AXUtLG9WLUnNFQjIk_vv7-27ZD8FCyZhiRW9p-dq5qH9e2kTm7GzudXrJMYejIwjhAbu4CV1tHxDzAXgo9y_EEnp6slIsJkQdF954TZ8ItU/s1600/IMGP4335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg0rsNXHnQF1uC_2dZk3WvOi0hJaD1oYt9AXUtLG9WLUnNFQjIk_vv7-27ZD8FCyZhiRW9p-dq5qH9e2kTm7GzudXrJMYejIwjhAbu4CV1tHxDzAXgo9y_EEnp6slIsJkQdF954TZ8ItU/s640/IMGP4335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They cover everything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They pelt you on the head as </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">they fall from the tree!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9Jm07s7sWL244KEmX8lXS-JpzFlqgL21gujXQTPkScURmkgjJVHlgIQu_kVhgVHzeY5fzo8xgd6u3UayCFNpu8KH47k1Efw_Q9EKzBHq-ZAB_ffw_I6FBl83BqopOL1Z5bfdRlpPZDiE/s1600/IMGP4339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9Jm07s7sWL244KEmX8lXS-JpzFlqgL21gujXQTPkScURmkgjJVHlgIQu_kVhgVHzeY5fzo8xgd6u3UayCFNpu8KH47k1Efw_Q9EKzBHq-ZAB_ffw_I6FBl83BqopOL1Z5bfdRlpPZDiE/s640/IMGP4339.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They squish underfoot when you walk in the yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are a NUISANCE!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl9a_ffnnrrNrYtbzgS0cWwALoPiyothIrXm6YTvYPTTaE1MEo-AsVMhFldzoAROSJT5QHWxwcUVqKzFW1O7ZQpREvf5Iqz_1xSc-vHvf0OhvCcfxQ-U35aO5rsYhajDytDgw4Dvk6bkb/s1600/IMGP4345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLl9a_ffnnrrNrYtbzgS0cWwALoPiyothIrXm6YTvYPTTaE1MEo-AsVMhFldzoAROSJT5QHWxwcUVqKzFW1O7ZQpREvf5Iqz_1xSc-vHvf0OhvCcfxQ-U35aO5rsYhajDytDgw4Dvk6bkb/s640/IMGP4345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Husband gathered seven </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-SEVEN!- </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">wheelbarrows full of crab apples this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">UGH!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi-rkQjss1fEmCv317Hsow1Th__GfljaVzNWjSKrFZarPg3i0UnAhrWIb87MYL_M1XpeJIc9vUmp_rTJTvl4Piil3Mlup4MHWeUebRxd962ae8ST3mfV0Hzp2dMXQNK1n7ne_m5iFdclY/s1600/IMGP4351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNi-rkQjss1fEmCv317Hsow1Th__GfljaVzNWjSKrFZarPg3i0UnAhrWIb87MYL_M1XpeJIc9vUmp_rTJTvl4Piil3Mlup4MHWeUebRxd962ae8ST3mfV0Hzp2dMXQNK1n7ne_m5iFdclY/s640/IMGP4351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Double UGH!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every fall we discuss removing this tree.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every spring it does this!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1vH3OGu25jLuGl4N7Qdm16JswoNenKnE_70GIiExbzJ23VOclifXcqwSw7fQ_XQsX8Nx2aQJyZh96Hemnne0KVa6XaXKCr166BwUCMaKKacyjQ91om4Z-0Des20dFWHrPhGUqAq2Kpg/s1600/IMGP3896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1vH3OGu25jLuGl4N7Qdm16JswoNenKnE_70GIiExbzJ23VOclifXcqwSw7fQ_XQsX8Nx2aQJyZh96Hemnne0KVa6XaXKCr166BwUCMaKKacyjQ91om4Z-0Des20dFWHrPhGUqAq2Kpg/s640/IMGP3896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Awwww</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's so beautiful! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We tell ourselves that it really does offer nice shade in the summer. That it's not so bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we keep it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, in the fall, it betrays us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're back to this! - SNORT</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2msav0SowEcLz0QARCHWnYrUzz_VMt7Xg-ZDUE0l5sdy0Ntva_XDDgOR6g_X8eaIKg0LNZ-QFj-k-Jrw0yps30ngpmKCOWSD6x2WY3y9MOoDGmpb3GNCVq9hTpZpKHGt_bFRm_87S7_hh/s1600/IMGP4348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2msav0SowEcLz0QARCHWnYrUzz_VMt7Xg-ZDUE0l5sdy0Ntva_XDDgOR6g_X8eaIKg0LNZ-QFj-k-Jrw0yps30ngpmKCOWSD6x2WY3y9MOoDGmpb3GNCVq9hTpZpKHGt_bFRm_87S7_hh/s640/IMGP4348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a vicious cycle! -BAH</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I think I just need to put on my cozy mittens and go for a walk and crunch some leaves!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Fall!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-17917365872931463042015-09-14T14:05:00.002-05:002015-09-14T14:07:26.879-05:00The New Chicks and the Mean Girl<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our little flock of 4 chickens</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeE-3diVTkBcN6siWBXPMTIEgPUN2N9ScJncLpdJRs9BqE7e4f_fWGJezHIVUOcodyVJ45p2bv4by-chi_UL53VQ0wLqSr6DP948ArWP1IEv5PWzqanGESddzwApdIje8lSuxVjcbWrVg/s1600/IMGP9508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCeE-3diVTkBcN6siWBXPMTIEgPUN2N9ScJncLpdJRs9BqE7e4f_fWGJezHIVUOcodyVJ45p2bv4by-chi_UL53VQ0wLqSr6DP948ArWP1IEv5PWzqanGESddzwApdIje8lSuxVjcbWrVg/s640/IMGP9508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">dwindled to a much smaller flock of 2 chickens</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> over this last year when, several months apart, we had two chickens die. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We lost Luna in the winter, I believe she was egg bound.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgfYpLKoWUPKL7fznQWzGyU4Hy7Q6p9f-adH8W3P6WmZfh-DFhypacRG780sGPNNdrgF1_MNuEfzBOEfxpefZQvxJ9MMH-Iqv28g03EhtTfiTnNnk1r6OPLZBGMjvA_Sq-87Vf386IQsz/s1600/IMGP9635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgfYpLKoWUPKL7fznQWzGyU4Hy7Q6p9f-adH8W3P6WmZfh-DFhypacRG780sGPNNdrgF1_MNuEfzBOEfxpefZQvxJ9MMH-Iqv28g03EhtTfiTnNnk1r6OPLZBGMjvA_Sq-87Vf386IQsz/s640/IMGP9635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then we lost Penny, our Easter Egger who laid the prettiest eggs, in the spring. I'm unsure as to the cause.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjP-FFv6bvCbcPpdHjXVF0BqdgLjtk0BAyI8XLCII0m0nraZIR9And2U5kr2PNUUAQe-oKut8DUEP9GDssaiWz0VbUhZyNtoXULx8rIxk4lzVJuxegqO-EkobvuOPLV7tOtEqzqkznzLZ/s1600/IMGP8221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjP-FFv6bvCbcPpdHjXVF0BqdgLjtk0BAyI8XLCII0m0nraZIR9And2U5kr2PNUUAQe-oKut8DUEP9GDssaiWz0VbUhZyNtoXULx8rIxk4lzVJuxegqO-EkobvuOPLV7tOtEqzqkznzLZ/s640/IMGP8221.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Though we enjoy the fresh eggs, the Family really sees these chickens as pets. We kind of love them. Losing them is very sad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was time to discuss adding new chicks to our dwindled flock. Knowing that wouldn't happen until spring, we were a little concerned about how the two remaining girls would fair through the winter. Would they be warm enough? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They also seemed a little lonely. Poor girls!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndy85vy0c0UlCfeGr-onDafH5xsztfrR6FVnbXWn0Ag2asj7z4fJwo3-vDUZCA_Pl7uyYakm7_IV1vI5X_hDGwMSvkBzSEjXI2AOVBPdhra7N-mXGpfwS5MxPxYfe5AfGHVzt_GBCLij2/s1600/IMGP9199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndy85vy0c0UlCfeGr-onDafH5xsztfrR6FVnbXWn0Ag2asj7z4fJwo3-vDUZCA_Pl7uyYakm7_IV1vI5X_hDGwMSvkBzSEjXI2AOVBPdhra7N-mXGpfwS5MxPxYfe5AfGHVzt_GBCLij2/s640/IMGP9199.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jade</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGtF-IKbTOmwzrIx8sXS6Y7XlKuQ1kIiLOLfJj1gQ-eAnNVYappOuKDY9MaUK5dHQPwyk01IisBSbiWpIADolQlPbC5qLVb_4fU-LJqRt2CgbSKuag7RX5is160tonfA-E4VfiTue-SRW/s1600/IMGP3520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGtF-IKbTOmwzrIx8sXS6Y7XlKuQ1kIiLOLfJj1gQ-eAnNVYappOuKDY9MaUK5dHQPwyk01IisBSbiWpIADolQlPbC5qLVb_4fU-LJqRt2CgbSKuag7RX5is160tonfA-E4VfiTue-SRW/s640/IMGP3520.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pookie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our concerns were relieved when I received an email from a friend asking</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> if we would be willing to provide a good home for two of her chickens. These two were all that remained of her free range flock after a coyote discovered they were easy dinner. -sniff sniff</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our friend intends to start over next year with a new flock as well as an enclosed chicken run. No more free dinners for the coyotes!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were thrilled to provide a new home for her remaining girls!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdKfqEz6BxEih7OQvpTS40SdOX96lXaJ4lcRilBh7XliJGqszivljH_homQ6essbzQ0o-MG9KNfslIKJoi3e0ZxMhh0t2Jwr81esSO3fZRcUoH9aYCzrhkqysXPWDGcNg_ton50-TGzlT/s1600/IMGP3523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdKfqEz6BxEih7OQvpTS40SdOX96lXaJ4lcRilBh7XliJGqszivljH_homQ6essbzQ0o-MG9KNfslIKJoi3e0ZxMhh0t2Jwr81esSO3fZRcUoH9aYCzrhkqysXPWDGcNg_ton50-TGzlT/s640/IMGP3523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I should clarify! By we, I mean the Family. The Family fell in love with and quickly named the new additions to our flock...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hedwig</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIXUtIK4PPO390FpG_zAUCLQdW6kfbF6tJvj7ueNb4jBvBun5hqsWSxgkNMPEFF_B0iMqpDnIq1xukctSubWH5HLBNBNjtYe-LKO1gCRqg46vRI0FAQ_2kuFW4a1zYQdgXnLuLbxNehyh/s1600/IMGP3511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIXUtIK4PPO390FpG_zAUCLQdW6kfbF6tJvj7ueNb4jBvBun5hqsWSxgkNMPEFF_B0iMqpDnIq1xukctSubWH5HLBNBNjtYe-LKO1gCRqg46vRI0FAQ_2kuFW4a1zYQdgXnLuLbxNehyh/s640/IMGP3511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe she is an Easter Egger. She's gorgeous!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And Ginny</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGzcj79O-AZV-wg3yILB0_0s7qon2ZR37AlGGqnH97kbacBqmdBTJAFg3FR6oGz6FqajsNqMV9dhluwdH4FCVi558k0k6UU1ok5yQrtrflmnOz_kszCZaUzvKOBp-b9k_RKnYVwypyNUr/s1600/IMGP3510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGzcj79O-AZV-wg3yILB0_0s7qon2ZR37AlGGqnH97kbacBqmdBTJAFg3FR6oGz6FqajsNqMV9dhluwdH4FCVi558k0k6UU1ok5yQrtrflmnOz_kszCZaUzvKOBp-b9k_RKnYVwypyNUr/s640/IMGP3510.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">She's a Cuckoo Maran. She makes the most precious little cooing sounds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And, yes, for those wondering, the kiddos chose the </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Harry Potter inspired </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">names. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_T9gk5q0VrdW_NWmQSNyoMN3v6wiR5rcyVBGlUAUzEgG2mRycpfGbSUW8KB1WrF2ZoOC-1ZAzAUXv9WwhzYj29Uo5N-XaA0YRhFhJbWk5vEs4PK7MmvcmoseruX6HLwpO60V7RItkqsV/s1600/IMGP3922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_T9gk5q0VrdW_NWmQSNyoMN3v6wiR5rcyVBGlUAUzEgG2mRycpfGbSUW8KB1WrF2ZoOC-1ZAzAUXv9WwhzYj29Uo5N-XaA0YRhFhJbWk5vEs4PK7MmvcmoseruX6HLwpO60V7RItkqsV/s640/IMGP3922.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It took the four of them less than 15 minutes to decide and agree upon the names. The Husband and I didn't even get a vote! Oh well. T</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">he names actually fit quite nicely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are delighted with both of the "new" girls! And by we, again, I mean the Family. I specify is was the Family that was delighted </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">because our sweet Pookie did NOT share our feelings. She had no intention of accepting the "new" girls into her coop. The stinker!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our sweet Pookie suddenly became a mean girl. - Oh dear</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSJhlfU_cXAcsK-ITfEFN0bE6MCUnrZdhgnKKQ1uB4WDAx2wwfEZZPPUJOnNvEPVtcxSV1UQNiBJ1-mw180Qwj6EeUtZlepSALpEhi0R0Nx_L8uTibU82m-f21spku7zHJ3LY-CeBkt0r/s1600/IMGP3527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSJhlfU_cXAcsK-ITfEFN0bE6MCUnrZdhgnKKQ1uB4WDAx2wwfEZZPPUJOnNvEPVtcxSV1UQNiBJ1-mw180Qwj6EeUtZlepSALpEhi0R0Nx_L8uTibU82m-f21spku7zHJ3LY-CeBkt0r/s640/IMGP3527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We had done some research so we knew that introducing new chickens to your flock doesn't always go easily. It takes time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We kept the "new" girls in the run attached to the coop where they were separated from the "old" girls, but all four could see each other and get used to each other. After several days they all seemed happy and content living in close proximity so we decide it was time to allow them an up close and personal meet and greet. (we placed them all together in one run) All of the girls were so sweet and wonderful, this was going to be easy peasy! We were so excited!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>HA! So much for that!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were utterly flabbergasted when, only a few minutes into the meet and greet, Pookie took after the "new" girls with what seemed like murderous intent. We expected some normal pecking order issues but this was altogether different. The new girls were intruders in Pookie's eyes and it was her job to send them packing or take them out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">- YIKES</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our first thought was - the new girls have to go back! Time to call up my friend and tell her this wasn't going to work!! Then I realized that if this wasn't going to work, how would we ever introduce new chicks??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were going to have to sort this out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, Pookie was separated from the rest of the flock. We moved her out of the coop and coop run into the separate run attached to the coop. She was all alone to think about what she had done!! I can tell you, she was not happy with the new accommodations. Especially on the couple of days it rained. Not happy at all!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWZ6PT6NAPiLsJD2GnEcaSu1KWYDBxLDfDIp7k7oQ0G7brZbVMXp_FGKraO3ivIGSPszpxf2hazcTtLsZwXHW_jndjSYi_GRmxO5DXYZHx08HLe5QXMxQJtRy5k7Kxo7VnAMVRwOgnHIX/s1600/IMGP3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWZ6PT6NAPiLsJD2GnEcaSu1KWYDBxLDfDIp7k7oQ0G7brZbVMXp_FGKraO3ivIGSPszpxf2hazcTtLsZwXHW_jndjSYi_GRmxO5DXYZHx08HLe5QXMxQJtRy5k7Kxo7VnAMVRwOgnHIX/s640/IMGP3420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jade, who had no problem with Ginny and Hedwig, lived happily and peacefully with the new girls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa3XFPoQFEMieJIwwnob7h7Y-GF-28tpBYfp6c4eLa5oA-gJEfvoZsXDYay7Na0ZhQxUx3buj8OGsXCecDH5QCHAHcFv0zB0SFkPYHFgh728wMERLHaF9nVg66BdHSRb2eX_1bdbOGQNa/s1600/IMGP3533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqa3XFPoQFEMieJIwwnob7h7Y-GF-28tpBYfp6c4eLa5oA-gJEfvoZsXDYay7Na0ZhQxUx3buj8OGsXCecDH5QCHAHcFv0zB0SFkPYHFgh728wMERLHaF9nVg66BdHSRb2eX_1bdbOGQNa/s640/IMGP3533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Slowly, as the days went on, we allowed short periods of time where all of the girls were in one run together. We would monitor their interactions and separate them again if things began to seem tense. We could always tell things were getting tense because Pookie would begin to growl -oh yeah, growl (mean girl mode!) - before she took after one of the "new" girls. We tried to end their time together on a happy note, separating them again "while it was all good" before bad behavior began, hoping that would leave them with a better attitude toward one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to report that, after several weeks, several long weeks, there is finally peace in our coop!! YAY!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Old" and "new" girls are getting along! No one needs to be </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">separated any longer!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjE92l8AyV9Tg_QOuG3SbJgG2h0h7v67TCFFCmzKo6cTUrofgVRVaoyKBKAtTSvj8KsLaRydrfGGkMRS5DAASta1LFvgk71CuQ_3ICPsLIpkxEXe_vZm9Xnnm0ICG0DMzogCO5Rl4TtWE/s1600/IMGP3937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYjE92l8AyV9Tg_QOuG3SbJgG2h0h7v67TCFFCmzKo6cTUrofgVRVaoyKBKAtTSvj8KsLaRydrfGGkMRS5DAASta1LFvgk71CuQ_3ICPsLIpkxEXe_vZm9Xnnm0ICG0DMzogCO5Rl4TtWE/s640/IMGP3937.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">While we have some normal pecking order behavior, both Pookie and Jade are older and have lived here longer and make sure Ginny and Hedwig respect that, especially when treats like cucumber or yogurt are involved, there is, finally, an accord! Whoop </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">whoop!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our little flock is back to 4 and we are now much more prepared if we ever decide to add more "new" girls.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And once everyone stops molting, we'll start getting an abundance of fresh eggs again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-31006294005804315282015-07-21T14:24:00.001-05:002015-07-21T14:45:59.888-05:00Wool Dryer Balls<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last few days we have been enjoying some warm sunny weather with wonderful cool breezes. Perfect summer weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ideal days for making refrigerator pickles.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiVB8LBYNJBe2rFyQyvr-M6DolmLUkzMyM6M5YGaJQSes9eTIdcyRqKiZlrIadHt5E8isaX1VCtjrRtjac5Hx4W5dVTWqDb2TWP0tvFllYbHYo-mhHLrEm-bcsoMPmZJ-I2B7kF0Lh4ib/s1600/IMGP3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiVB8LBYNJBe2rFyQyvr-M6DolmLUkzMyM6M5YGaJQSes9eTIdcyRqKiZlrIadHt5E8isaX1VCtjrRtjac5Hx4W5dVTWqDb2TWP0tvFllYbHYo-mhHLrEm-bcsoMPmZJ-I2B7kF0Lh4ib/s640/IMGP3399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A friend gave me this recipe for refrigerator pickles that are a little spicy and a little sweet. So delicious! I have a hard time waiting the two weeks it takes for them to really soak up all the flavors of the spices before I dig into them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, ideal days for working in the garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__KiObjpzwL_iDsGdeqXo7z58SETAXsi6nGWLp7-aY5h4_Cz3JTjR067cT097evoOb-dCULVByRLTNgtRDNn_Kj37AMbWL4Lb0s-nZAUpkDggQhwR6mSoyVcgNplUrLWPtWpcBwa_8Am7/s1600/IMGP3421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__KiObjpzwL_iDsGdeqXo7z58SETAXsi6nGWLp7-aY5h4_Cz3JTjR067cT097evoOb-dCULVByRLTNgtRDNn_Kj37AMbWL4Lb0s-nZAUpkDggQhwR6mSoyVcgNplUrLWPtWpcBwa_8Am7/s640/IMGP3421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Which, I'm gonna tell you was long overdue!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-NK5z6G1RYIsu-hHlcqAN0HGOv9cy037mmZfHPZdHnL1PCFkT8_QVq0SwNbw6mz8kQUHdCUaXWIZa4lkbI5QAMS7v9m4X7dUJzB2vMmc8Lmvf3MVUf2809vC9i1GuPxDH-P7V8gnQKdS/s1600/IMGP3423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-NK5z6G1RYIsu-hHlcqAN0HGOv9cy037mmZfHPZdHnL1PCFkT8_QVq0SwNbw6mz8kQUHdCUaXWIZa4lkbI5QAMS7v9m4X7dUJzB2vMmc8Lmvf3MVUf2809vC9i1GuPxDH-P7V8gnQKdS/s640/IMGP3423.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh were there weeds to be pulled!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVyrr4W-lg7WI6zDb9CKu1Od8fh0ETvugRbggZyV0TVFGb1OGTyN4ro1hTXWKS6YfDS4yjuaCK_jTZ8dDi2JCD1FyK0_cRestJyhekf2a6DWaS5_AGqugSzZSYGQL6_uaND-c9wSX4h4U/s1600/IMGP3413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHVyrr4W-lg7WI6zDb9CKu1Od8fh0ETvugRbggZyV0TVFGb1OGTyN4ro1hTXWKS6YfDS4yjuaCK_jTZ8dDi2JCD1FyK0_cRestJyhekf2a6DWaS5_AGqugSzZSYGQL6_uaND-c9wSX4h4U/s640/IMGP3413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was very exciting, as I worked, to see how well my vegetable garden is coming along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to have so many tomatoes!! -squeal-</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOFwLrkp-oyu_60LwrMHTXGEiAOnlvkwnLQ2dv0R1p_mlCPkY_YqH1KASSaeJ5i6hnFlk3-zCa5UYE2xK-lkp-wH1xrqKmsOT5JU3aB3lN1YxZEkHI0VzJhseXHZvTpwbd88_jc4SFAjN/s1600/IMGP3419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOFwLrkp-oyu_60LwrMHTXGEiAOnlvkwnLQ2dv0R1p_mlCPkY_YqH1KASSaeJ5i6hnFlk3-zCa5UYE2xK-lkp-wH1xrqKmsOT5JU3aB3lN1YxZEkHI0VzJhseXHZvTpwbd88_jc4SFAjN/s640/IMGP3419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And if I had a clothesline, these would be ideal days for hanging our clothing out to dry. I love the idea of hanging clothing out to dry in a lovely summer breeze. Plus it uses no electricity!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unfortunately I don't have a clothesline. Which might actually be for the best as hanging clothing out to dry on top of subjecting the neighbors to our backyard chickens, which some only reluctantly agreed to, might be asking them to tolerate a little too much. Especially when Pookie has taken to the occasional loud, song of loneliness when the other ladies are in nesting boxes and she's all alone in the yard. Oh Lord help us!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYHC0y4H5EviKmN3ascAxNllycjYZpTY-f6FFMPIQvXvh5Nid_ySN9kFpXz9_dQbNnmvCU71cRtKa4LtcwDTndB-wC6ZXlvVGk56AMNixH04HlUKUY72qXn5S3K_Tb552GMFGIdBpBARz/s1600/IMGP3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYHC0y4H5EviKmN3ascAxNllycjYZpTY-f6FFMPIQvXvh5Nid_ySN9kFpXz9_dQbNnmvCU71cRtKa4LtcwDTndB-wC6ZXlvVGk56AMNixH04HlUKUY72qXn5S3K_Tb552GMFGIdBpBARz/s640/IMGP3420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yep, definitely not the time to add a billowing, flapping parade of laundry drying in the backyard, no matter how much I love the idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Instead, to reduce some of our electricity usage, and to get rid of unnecessary chemicals in the home, I have begun to use wool dryer balls.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNbpTCwpQ8Y8Q4kWg401lB6svBM2LlhqOjpGIPISQnP-N0bCkhHGgedcoLyIG5vrCTjAhcUd1hB0It5tl6I41ej2KkKt6-vyzS0UacJMLMTpFOHUvv98Nr2LBdwYxzMcQ_Cf_JhZZ4SuZ/s1600/IMGP3433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNbpTCwpQ8Y8Q4kWg401lB6svBM2LlhqOjpGIPISQnP-N0bCkhHGgedcoLyIG5vrCTjAhcUd1hB0It5tl6I41ej2KkKt6-vyzS0UacJMLMTpFOHUvv98Nr2LBdwYxzMcQ_Cf_JhZZ4SuZ/s640/IMGP3433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They're pretty, and functional! Love it!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://squareup.com/market/unexpected-daisies">And they are the newest product in my online store!</a> </b>Click the link to check them out!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wool dryer balls are made of 100% wool that has been </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">felted into a ball. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Toss 2 to 4 dryer balls into your dryer, depending on the size of your laundry load - 2 for a small load, up to 4 for larger loads - with washed, wet laundry. The dryer balls will reduce drying time by efficiently circulating the air in your dryer. Saves on energy! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQACLYqYXRf0O1eDN_LtrERtgLQqoABAif6iD_4YY5LP6hQviTKy2H5onTrX6Pwz9eudDzCOeAD1Bu7JgQ3m7b46PBVgoJHHAl64-kk9tAojeV7J58gXhfVtDvfbrbp2lIKdjKwcLizH/s1600/IMGP3429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EQACLYqYXRf0O1eDN_LtrERtgLQqoABAif6iD_4YY5LP6hQviTKy2H5onTrX6Pwz9eudDzCOeAD1Bu7JgQ3m7b46PBVgoJHHAl64-kk9tAojeV7J58gXhfVtDvfbrbp2lIKdjKwcLizH/s640/IMGP3429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are reusable for hundreds of drying cycles. Get 2 wool dryer balls for $15 plus shipping and handling at the <a href="https://squareup.com/market/unexpected-daisies">Unexpected Daisies Shop</a> vs repeatedly purchasing chemical fabric softeners. Never buy fabric softeners again! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And since wool dryer balls are scent and chemical free they are perfect for those who have sensitive skin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those who prefer to add scent to their laundry, 2 to 4 drops of a favorite essential oil can be added directly on to each dryer ball before they are placed in the dryer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFapA9mkYaQqF-4JvfAJdBdz5uQb0SRdv5Dr7AOvw38cwpP43mqH6_xGI5VSWeeIpquDjQo09852msIvxVxbxfeihiUAnRt7J7kJYGWDSkTO8uiRuoHlFutPkO8sGb0lF8MvdqRSijgqJ/s1600/IMGP3448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFapA9mkYaQqF-4JvfAJdBdz5uQb0SRdv5Dr7AOvw38cwpP43mqH6_xGI5VSWeeIpquDjQo09852msIvxVxbxfeihiUAnRt7J7kJYGWDSkTO8uiRuoHlFutPkO8sGb0lF8MvdqRSijgqJ/s640/IMGP3448.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found that a few drops of lemon essential oil very effectively removed a musty smell from some fabric I purchased from a garage sale. Whoop whoop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wool dryer balls absorb moisture from the wet clothes then slowly release the moisture during the drying cycle helping to reduce static electricity, remove wrinkles and soften clothes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And they look a lot cuter sitting in a basket in the laundry room than that box or bottle of chemical fabric softener! Who doesn't want a cuter option when we can get one??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dryers balls pictured below are the ones I have been using for months. They've gathered a little pilling along the way, but are still as pretty as the first time used them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWvkTE7D7IGKgqmxB_qnpZHF9DxlApJcDR6adbSmeNJVf0y38jPMuQKWzdyf1ApMhmWHInqbDCiDhMzRbSRZPlEV3nRWVdm4t9trV_SBu1TzYN64KUldNqAS29RyCLhAK9ZFD2Kg5lS0I/s1600/IMGP3443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWvkTE7D7IGKgqmxB_qnpZHF9DxlApJcDR6adbSmeNJVf0y38jPMuQKWzdyf1ApMhmWHInqbDCiDhMzRbSRZPlEV3nRWVdm4t9trV_SBu1TzYN64KUldNqAS29RyCLhAK9ZFD2Kg5lS0I/s640/IMGP3443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">These wool dryer balls have quickly become one of my favorite things! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll never by a dryer sheet or liquid fabric softener again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Purchase your own felted wool dryer balls today by clicking <a href="https://squareup.com/market/unexpected-daisies">here</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-17798568041345456292015-07-06T13:41:00.003-05:002015-07-06T13:41:52.595-05:00Red, White, and Blue and a Garden Too<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the last few years we have had the good pleasure of being included in a friend's Independence Day celebration. With good food, laughter, and games, it's always a great time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Can you get over this little cutie-pie in her red, white and blue?? LOVE IT!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The weather this year was so wonderful! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In between all of the fun and games, I was completely drawn to the garden.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWZ-KlkCuK_VbPJ9ICUW5XPQGc-25joIEoIu5paKr37Ecy5S8uo3Ucy335avhaIcKXL4HYayymJA9tQStij5LiR4Zi_ZTo8q5b-7COdARi8nn_sWUZ6Tfc0Awfi2gyjn8psp5Y2cG2hjX/s1600/IMGP3226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWZ-KlkCuK_VbPJ9ICUW5XPQGc-25joIEoIu5paKr37Ecy5S8uo3Ucy335avhaIcKXL4HYayymJA9tQStij5LiR4Zi_ZTo8q5b-7COdARi8nn_sWUZ6Tfc0Awfi2gyjn8psp5Y2cG2hjX/s640/IMGP3226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The roses were stunning!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eLCE8yvuQZNylxAMPzv0DoRKHMmx5pKCr6eD9-I-feBb52pgaq8z80Qx7UfpmkLKGBxe3lkKmCmsXsyfsSWWLWjgNsR3Wiq33Se2s4hmAB0RAogDckVTHrU0iQC-HB32ot-QqEz5hHDS/s1600/IMGP3224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2eLCE8yvuQZNylxAMPzv0DoRKHMmx5pKCr6eD9-I-feBb52pgaq8z80Qx7UfpmkLKGBxe3lkKmCmsXsyfsSWWLWjgNsR3Wiq33Se2s4hmAB0RAogDckVTHrU0iQC-HB32ot-QqEz5hHDS/s640/IMGP3224.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh the purples,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and pinks,</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RfktL4KBs_V_cRQ-YcKji95USfBwpLNtL1bBmfUMHxbH-1j-BLyfQU11lvQndhv27W9tM1nt3jCtL0Yf-rZWIsYCIB3TF7f6VMPZSu54qwqoe83dkBSlbMP7fVImh69mNV2CZlTOtXMX/s1600/IMGP3232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RfktL4KBs_V_cRQ-YcKji95USfBwpLNtL1bBmfUMHxbH-1j-BLyfQU11lvQndhv27W9tM1nt3jCtL0Yf-rZWIsYCIB3TF7f6VMPZSu54qwqoe83dkBSlbMP7fVImh69mNV2CZlTOtXMX/s640/IMGP3232.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and reds! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is there anything more exciting than a bud on the verge of bursting forth??</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNklv8332OSswg5rMuOsuA6Ttjs9-0Hjl0lwLJqA5ak8rC_vIQoZDoece52TJCP4miVpfXmMKmVrBvy71jB8TXS30X67UWYDCAX1kfnqGtlR1_oNl_M2NtrzOYoii6rA1ogSo6RWihHzeY/s1600/IMGP3243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNklv8332OSswg5rMuOsuA6Ttjs9-0Hjl0lwLJqA5ak8rC_vIQoZDoece52TJCP4miVpfXmMKmVrBvy71jB8TXS30X67UWYDCAX1kfnqGtlR1_oNl_M2NtrzOYoii6rA1ogSo6RWihHzeY/s640/IMGP3243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wandering through a garden makes my heart rejoice! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So lovely!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And of course no 4th of July celebration is complete without...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, the kids would say glow in the dark, neon bracelets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZZpcHhjXgql5YfUBsWOwU24-ub7_T02OcoW94Zb34FvyQPXyjRDIAr4OpeTqTaP269dLaBM8DoYrOcrlnm2B-w_b8-ozPo1eLc2WszdkbA5bONQyp53_tF0zSneMOu-BLReyHNtrYRK-/s1600/IMGP3346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZZpcHhjXgql5YfUBsWOwU24-ub7_T02OcoW94Zb34FvyQPXyjRDIAr4OpeTqTaP269dLaBM8DoYrOcrlnm2B-w_b8-ozPo1eLc2WszdkbA5bONQyp53_tF0zSneMOu-BLReyHNtrYRK-/s640/IMGP3346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But we all know it's really the fireworks that make it a celebration!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtyo4uuoKpq3IX4hsgI7Kx0BTDYz6-bZpd0hY5X8boG7D3xAbFr85vDCkyX59FTVIG6C_8iOv1L77jRY75eiY_erPNjoTHsRckcq9-Db7EoW0ubHzRCevE_6FRvbUUczW2JNSbBYc3C52/s1600/IMGP3368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtyo4uuoKpq3IX4hsgI7Kx0BTDYz6-bZpd0hY5X8boG7D3xAbFr85vDCkyX59FTVIG6C_8iOv1L77jRY75eiY_erPNjoTHsRckcq9-Db7EoW0ubHzRCevE_6FRvbUUczW2JNSbBYc3C52/s640/IMGP3368.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OOOH</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYvvs8LxaPqNg9NWmk1bLaEDII3PtssFC7GaAHA1KtsMJ1P6PfV_3hB3dJQxVAHnyyNIf1jvZ_rwptOoknXgkAcAdIjxcChw9tT-METUvuXWGPAhDdoXkdty0yPQ3mVnSUDXaZIIh_Dpz/s1600/IMGP3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYYvvs8LxaPqNg9NWmk1bLaEDII3PtssFC7GaAHA1KtsMJ1P6PfV_3hB3dJQxVAHnyyNIf1jvZ_rwptOoknXgkAcAdIjxcChw9tT-METUvuXWGPAhDdoXkdty0yPQ3mVnSUDXaZIIh_Dpz/s640/IMGP3362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">AAHH</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9YHJbzZvit1Eq8m-MDnJfJ36QrHFBAaoioV-RuQDs1jIubGFDlnMLlIXIdoipzvYdXDqNkv1wagEsEVwkzyFnjs7O89HZEZ9bfaEWRF9elmdHGOmtt9BbjZy_b2QcEcnDDm4KOQYTdli/s1600/IMGP3356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9YHJbzZvit1Eq8m-MDnJfJ36QrHFBAaoioV-RuQDs1jIubGFDlnMLlIXIdoipzvYdXDqNkv1wagEsEVwkzyFnjs7O89HZEZ9bfaEWRF9elmdHGOmtt9BbjZy_b2QcEcnDDm4KOQYTdli/s640/IMGP3356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">More OOHS!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4xO-YX3TmPjgTvp5wcpcC6cgNMKe2Z_5rL-ZUpt2nwIpDKA2aHwGTH4ajZRWNjVcH-kEroLnFC7BFjLh-0hUX9g3VScRLAV1SkqV7KF4vYTocTkx9JI_RaOkDqxzgHAgx_2YupOCUsid/s1600/IMGP3371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4xO-YX3TmPjgTvp5wcpcC6cgNMKe2Z_5rL-ZUpt2nwIpDKA2aHwGTH4ajZRWNjVcH-kEroLnFC7BFjLh-0hUX9g3VScRLAV1SkqV7KF4vYTocTkx9JI_RaOkDqxzgHAgx_2YupOCUsid/s640/IMGP3371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lots more AAHS!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cSuGLgLiJ9nY9_cyyYonvSAvkiOSRrTKL3kAPlZAOIu_RTMfS2KB-fgu2Pv5CirmJkBjTRlRJmziVrEGwDsHJ3zFo3c7PrMEaORKPs5OMJLQuSoOxK_eqXwtau1c9y7NBnikVXJVb1QC/s1600/IMGP3370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cSuGLgLiJ9nY9_cyyYonvSAvkiOSRrTKL3kAPlZAOIu_RTMfS2KB-fgu2Pv5CirmJkBjTRlRJmziVrEGwDsHJ3zFo3c7PrMEaORKPs5OMJLQuSoOxK_eqXwtau1c9y7NBnikVXJVb1QC/s640/IMGP3370.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we love a big finish!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RrlRcS7g_84etHnmt78D2hRBDJmJjLkFBwYUxPCmmDvFLJSAnNkRUQE8KfDUy2vjJli6MmEfwLvSrmQeddo9glOtc5wgahUB3wdmLqT_2I-J3yOadcLMh2ax2Ciq-K2VnZn0tP41JmEH/s1600/IMGP3350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RrlRcS7g_84etHnmt78D2hRBDJmJjLkFBwYUxPCmmDvFLJSAnNkRUQE8KfDUy2vjJli6MmEfwLvSrmQeddo9glOtc5wgahUB3wdmLqT_2I-J3yOadcLMh2ax2Ciq-K2VnZn0tP41JmEH/s640/IMGP3350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You gotta love a good 4th of July celebration! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Helps take your mind off of the fact that stores have already begun to stock back to school supplies. WHAT??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-32400466563403127102015-06-08T14:09:00.002-05:002015-06-08T14:09:58.930-05:00Time Flies<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I needed to post this a few weeks ago - time flies when you're trying to start up a new business! Have y'all checked out the new Unexpected Daisies online store??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time flies when you're raising kids too. Can I get an amen?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one...my baby...my little Emma Bean...turned 14!!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2exDkYaxr6Qxt5RGRinIBrjZdDCAB6EaYNLf_7g_Rbm2wlKxLEcYibTXT-1LEZJOpnpFw2o6D-BZmEiYrELdTlDzO1tReaF3m_7uI3JErb49JJ1dE2l0iYMxGGKvDbLaVRULo12QYlvN/s1600/P6260034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2exDkYaxr6Qxt5RGRinIBrjZdDCAB6EaYNLf_7g_Rbm2wlKxLEcYibTXT-1LEZJOpnpFw2o6D-BZmEiYrELdTlDzO1tReaF3m_7uI3JErb49JJ1dE2l0iYMxGGKvDbLaVRULo12QYlvN/s640/P6260034.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eh hem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like I said I needed to post this a few weeks ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My babies are getting all grown up! Where is that darn pause button??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since my baby turned 14 years old - and therefore </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">says she is too old for me to call her Emma Bean anymore -sniff sniff- </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">it was time to hold up our end of the bargain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We, the Husband and I, told our girls that if they would wait until the age of 14 to wear makeup, we would take them for a makeup application lesson. Well, it was time, and my girl was chomping at the bit to have her makeup done!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Early one Saturday morning, she, Miss Emma <strike>Bean</strike>, and I grabbed some coffee - my girls have decided they like some coffee shop...which I shall not name...more than Starbucks my friends! I just cannot believe it. I love them both dearly, but this, this just leaves me wondering where I went wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-sigh I'm trying to not be bitter about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We grabbed our coffees, from different coffee shops </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">(snort), and headed for a makeup lesson.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Taking our girls for these makeup lessons has been so much fun. They were both so excited. It felt like a passage into womanhood for each of them. I'm so glad the Husband and I chose to encourage them to hold off on the make up so we could make this a special day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX1ipQGujw05Y-RwyBQ1gc20sgxJXC97QuPQKqYTFShyphenhyphenx0q_QviJyuLw6TQ1_dJbOooWEgsZs6T4eCsaUa2UoV3ohOd9qfd2sinrN67V1jdsuGTyVamRf5EbRaQyn1hLy05iBzK8UTt0m/s1600/IMGP2877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX1ipQGujw05Y-RwyBQ1gc20sgxJXC97QuPQKqYTFShyphenhyphenx0q_QviJyuLw6TQ1_dJbOooWEgsZs6T4eCsaUa2UoV3ohOd9qfd2sinrN67V1jdsuGTyVamRf5EbRaQyn1hLy05iBzK8UTt0m/s640/IMGP2877.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my lovely girl without makeup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little concealer to start because my girl thought she had dark circles under her eyes. WHAT??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I suggested an earlier bedtime. She prefers concealer. Go figure. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8BNtsT7GPT9UwOp4P6F8vFvU2YKZL3X7QEsxjMYrMm4-e0OYCuSC7_Cl6CkszOpQRNMbw2aWaErO_YyWAIUwKx1ZDk49hpezPTpF5LTqOIQ8wxfoaBhAVYip2Xgj8h6eFzvLNrjYKAoD/s1600/IMGP2888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8BNtsT7GPT9UwOp4P6F8vFvU2YKZL3X7QEsxjMYrMm4-e0OYCuSC7_Cl6CkszOpQRNMbw2aWaErO_YyWAIUwKx1ZDk49hpezPTpF5LTqOIQ8wxfoaBhAVYip2Xgj8h6eFzvLNrjYKAoD/s640/IMGP2888.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little mineral powder foundation. I just need to say that I love that she still has all of those baby hairs at her hairline. So cute!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little blush on those cheekbones.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BuYo6sZLjAylgJcAdelpeQKlMHaZbjV-ypdxLAW_UNCjo1UPmv0Bv_-tDTdQcxol0uPspGE3BsYFLbV36JnXK9p_ikZxwMf8cWy1OT1lKEm3ipk9-E-UtlMrkqWGRa3zZ1i7QQHS73p-/s1600/IMGP2898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BuYo6sZLjAylgJcAdelpeQKlMHaZbjV-ypdxLAW_UNCjo1UPmv0Bv_-tDTdQcxol0uPspGE3BsYFLbV36JnXK9p_ikZxwMf8cWy1OT1lKEm3ipk9-E-UtlMrkqWGRa3zZ1i7QQHS73p-/s640/IMGP2898.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now for the eyes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">This girl has got some of the most beautiful baby browns!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeeas5BvljQYxhObOGSkBpLJxqBcXPcPQ-rHOwzAXKHykRymozF11dS4Ecr-an_2J0bgsmL8wWY_wxgrIsuEGgaHNNhgEXtoBLBipHweASPZrp1RiF1Hbpw87ScZIUKiwrRe7sb2uVgfc/s1600/IMGP2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeeas5BvljQYxhObOGSkBpLJxqBcXPcPQ-rHOwzAXKHykRymozF11dS4Ecr-an_2J0bgsmL8wWY_wxgrIsuEGgaHNNhgEXtoBLBipHweASPZrp1RiF1Hbpw87ScZIUKiwrRe7sb2uVgfc/s640/IMGP2916.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujruQ15voUcvXmaf7ZtakPkBCu8tp2_3H_HwF6-mAMZV5XiX0zCzSC039XKQMfxhyOx_6wU1yU0uOiAhxvxW340KDhOu2Ln4X7cjcx8qTpIa3iyJlKz6uao2afZ6e0ECuDKbLS_1sTR_E/s1600/IMGP2917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujruQ15voUcvXmaf7ZtakPkBCu8tp2_3H_HwF6-mAMZV5XiX0zCzSC039XKQMfxhyOx_6wU1yU0uOiAhxvxW340KDhOu2Ln4X7cjcx8qTpIa3iyJlKz6uao2afZ6e0ECuDKbLS_1sTR_E/s640/IMGP2917.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And to complete the look...sparkly lipgloss!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is when I said, "You're gorgeous! Now look at me and smile."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFBo6_RvW6lZFtPMdHNrkN1IopKmx9yzGWne5eXitFwb4v1l0JGTK-66FQoT3w8SvQYJ6ALF4RhD0vUeiZBQ6I_3WVXxgSRzVJuaVAYeRpr1XJjSRCzDZ2g-jfRkzpQKsOoBZx5KRmVS/s1600/IMGP2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkFBo6_RvW6lZFtPMdHNrkN1IopKmx9yzGWne5eXitFwb4v1l0JGTK-66FQoT3w8SvQYJ6ALF4RhD0vUeiZBQ6I_3WVXxgSRzVJuaVAYeRpr1XJjSRCzDZ2g-jfRkzpQKsOoBZx5KRmVS/s640/IMGP2923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Okay, not a selfie, fierce pose. Just a nice smile."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZHwnvEBQ5-ujvnsqcr8aVaMXFikhQeEf0ROSNCIJVsIUljYdv_45mqXBAL5w1B1l3wQmeA39LpwMtkLd_kbbpSXBBM_UJ0YiidnoKdoTCxWDS1v1_Ng2y8WX9Y4v9NKh60ttGCjnItio/s1600/IMGP2926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZHwnvEBQ5-ujvnsqcr8aVaMXFikhQeEf0ROSNCIJVsIUljYdv_45mqXBAL5w1B1l3wQmeA39LpwMtkLd_kbbpSXBBM_UJ0YiidnoKdoTCxWDS1v1_Ng2y8WX9Y4v9NKh60ttGCjnItio/s640/IMGP2926.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Stop it! Just smile nice!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nZHUiHXj0bW2CGsxj6cPoGQX3hLzsw43XpXfmLUxE-wxt5i-stFYWSyq6VlyXXuNkvDwCd42MpfDtNtVb0GQNTrApZq-v8VwuWAfKnq2oDKEuhpLGOfGInGWjTg6N7QKBuGiekTDXYAe/s1600/IMGP2924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nZHUiHXj0bW2CGsxj6cPoGQX3hLzsw43XpXfmLUxE-wxt5i-stFYWSyq6VlyXXuNkvDwCd42MpfDtNtVb0GQNTrApZq-v8VwuWAfKnq2oDKEuhpLGOfGInGWjTg6N7QKBuGiekTDXYAe/s640/IMGP2924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"No more selfies for a week if you don't just smile nice!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCAVOyS7KYKYx2yk8Yyuk0RS7Bc4p0-SkY1JJzJh_up0xUFo0rbUbIkfejRqh0-FBZjDqB8RbAUVfjyNANR8cn6o3DcaYigYRV5ttC6wTnFlGylqg8H3JY5h1_EZg2ezTYbgYTpPTwf-C/s1600/IMGP2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCAVOyS7KYKYx2yk8Yyuk0RS7Bc4p0-SkY1JJzJh_up0xUFo0rbUbIkfejRqh0-FBZjDqB8RbAUVfjyNANR8cn6o3DcaYigYRV5ttC6wTnFlGylqg8H3JY5h1_EZg2ezTYbgYTpPTwf-C/s640/IMGP2925.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"And whoop! There it is!" Bout time! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh how I love this precious girl!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My baby is getting all grown up!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time flies indeed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd still like to find that pause button!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-62574992923359362332015-06-03T14:15:00.000-05:002015-06-03T14:15:01.006-05:00Winner<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here it is! The winner of our 100 followers giveaway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pam Helfrich</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Congratulations Pam!! We're so excited to send you our "Seize the Daisy" mug!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzy-az5cs-p08Mq6VNSxRBRp0EvjSwkKTIXzCm0NRjAuCHSN5uz4WEzPvybVIVx_PjZUoiG1KkJsCEDcAV37LfUAt30FRwsBOnzq0qNT4lhIMqYbiWsWKAeVyOa0d7xjIfyJlINXB3Vai/s1600/IMG_1499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzy-az5cs-p08Mq6VNSxRBRp0EvjSwkKTIXzCm0NRjAuCHSN5uz4WEzPvybVIVx_PjZUoiG1KkJsCEDcAV37LfUAt30FRwsBOnzq0qNT4lhIMqYbiWsWKAeVyOa0d7xjIfyJlINXB3Vai/s320/IMG_1499.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thank you to everyone for following Unexpected Daisies on Facebook and sharing our giveaway post! We look forward to the next giveaway. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continue to keep an eye on the shop. We'll be adding new items often. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-16300938694199209022015-06-01T08:30:00.000-05:002015-06-01T08:32:02.013-05:00We're Open<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's right! Unexpected Daisies online shop is O.P.E.N!! WOOHOO!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPZ17PjN7l_ycyYuCcam1nSPTP_0IPRsbWTzUMpQEYCIla92fYsW_2N23DwzZ4uGe2FkSXZPfbzoWzaHJ7FHeZfb0QKLy5UoK83MYg18fklmNlgXHHsA3fIGx5QpSHBo8K8JoypbrEEHS/s1600/OpenSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPZ17PjN7l_ycyYuCcam1nSPTP_0IPRsbWTzUMpQEYCIla92fYsW_2N23DwzZ4uGe2FkSXZPfbzoWzaHJ7FHeZfb0QKLy5UoK83MYg18fklmNlgXHHsA3fIGx5QpSHBo8K8JoypbrEEHS/s400/OpenSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cannot believe it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been a lot of hard work. Which I could not have done alone. The Husband has been awesome! He's done all of the heavy lifting - by heavy lifting I mean computery things that I don't know how to do. The crafty thing I've got down. The computery thing...eh not so much. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So have I lost you yet? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you run to look at the online shop??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you come back because I still have that give away to announce! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But first I just want to share that I feel like God has truly blessed me with this opportunity. He has gone before me and made a way. I am very humbled and grateful! I pray He will be glorified in all I do, through this blog and through this new business venture! Soli Deo Gloria!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As an expression of my gratitude, 10% of all of June's earnings will be donated to The American Cancer Society in honor of my dear friend Amy who passed away two years ago today after her own year long battle with cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While I am full of joy because of this new and exciting adventure, I keenly feel the loss of my friend today. I am ever amazed at how joy and sorrow live side by side. I love the thought that she would be cheering me on today in this venture as have so many other friends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you chomping at the bit yet?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you already gone to look??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, without much further ado...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am giving away this super cute, Unexpected Daisies, "Seize The Daisy" mug. I love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All you have to do to enter is...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) Follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Unexpected-Daisies/632852656848684?ref=aymt_homepage_panel">Unexpected Daisies on Facebook</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Visit the new <a href="https://squareup.com/market/unexpected-daisies">Unexpected Daisies online shop</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) Leave a comment on this blog post telling me which section in the online store is your favorite.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then, as soon as we reach 100 followers on Facebook, a lucky person will be selected to win this sweet Unexpected Daisies mug! Whoop Whoop!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm so excited!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, what are you waiting for?? Go check out the shop!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Good luck and I can't wait to read your comments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-8385876756232876392015-05-29T13:58:00.000-05:002015-05-29T13:58:29.517-05:00The Countdown Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I've been intending to make this announcement all week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I've been crazy busy so it hasn't happened. -bah</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now I'm crazy tired. Thank goodness there's Starbucks! I love Starbucks!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm also crazy excited!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So here it is...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Unexpected Daisies online store will be open for business Monday, June 1st! SQUEAL!!!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I absolutely can not believe it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it's true! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How crazy is that?? Totally crazy!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The online store will carry a delightful combination of one of a kind finds, small quantity batches, or made-at-time-of-order handcrafted, repurposed, and vintage goods. Whoop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a tiny peek at what you'll find.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxyayn7upyBmG6ubGPYf8895hrR2G3IVvU1wddE1qTvbA3rmvlAHl8slBfBMmFb8ZnF41cUg83IWdtgJ3wAmGRUW_UGeBbCKnzhUGec-IEZpoR_oYpsyJPuskRqD0OFeLOTlGMrXZNbmc/s1600/IMG_1355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxyayn7upyBmG6ubGPYf8895hrR2G3IVvU1wddE1qTvbA3rmvlAHl8slBfBMmFb8ZnF41cUg83IWdtgJ3wAmGRUW_UGeBbCKnzhUGec-IEZpoR_oYpsyJPuskRqD0OFeLOTlGMrXZNbmc/s640/IMG_1355.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hello pretty little hand painted bowl</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTQMHyFhRHq49NdeYmwx839RV5gdvvVhK_teldzWCB72UewEdeQP87nSMshoxrG8_yBzi2DZf1BjkhEU96U1Fdfl27KyvQZOEiiRF0Sul6bOjOzeVJxnPE2WBVnQK6Zf-OL_I7VXqYXU0/s1600/IMGP2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTQMHyFhRHq49NdeYmwx839RV5gdvvVhK_teldzWCB72UewEdeQP87nSMshoxrG8_yBzi2DZf1BjkhEU96U1Fdfl27KyvQZOEiiRF0Sul6bOjOzeVJxnPE2WBVnQK6Zf-OL_I7VXqYXU0/s640/IMGP2939.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Who doesn't love a pile of comfy pillows made from vintage camp blankets??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68VfL8hXua9vFRQP-5ZJ2RY-mcSazzcehHGc9Zx-CMZH9Rt-T-sfT03VLS-hrXbX2i5f4RRvCB-47C1fc2jcUzcpTPE7DevOiAC0U5pf0jM_bh1-ZWHN0whssnQXt14Q-d8tz7mWtXmIf/s1600/IMG_1346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68VfL8hXua9vFRQP-5ZJ2RY-mcSazzcehHGc9Zx-CMZH9Rt-T-sfT03VLS-hrXbX2i5f4RRvCB-47C1fc2jcUzcpTPE7DevOiAC0U5pf0jM_bh1-ZWHN0whssnQXt14Q-d8tz7mWtXmIf/s640/IMG_1346.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bead bracelet anyone? Men's and women's. That's right!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTHGhzIKx78n-kfNWiKVgJqUwKGDXde_txxZ8GBBbYtUKQFEJm6L8nzElX1UhxWkNJPTp4yjHTUxCEN3Fi_DEjEAkEXia-5khyqep25tfqv35Ria8K7bvifPe1ypmkOoNeZI8HkShL_gP/s1600/IMGP2866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTHGhzIKx78n-kfNWiKVgJqUwKGDXde_txxZ8GBBbYtUKQFEJm6L8nzElX1UhxWkNJPTp4yjHTUxCEN3Fi_DEjEAkEXia-5khyqep25tfqv35Ria8K7bvifPe1ypmkOoNeZI8HkShL_gP/s640/IMGP2866.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Embellished barn wood picture frame adds the perfect touch to any rustic decor!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFobvkzgco2ozQug0Vqcip0yRpK7kksQNcDigrDZ60mwS4fP3yQCDULqzIuQ8M0NyGuwdXDLwuwWxb0sBSRBDOvoRRATMy_dlOwqe8LhOHp87zIzsLJwyFXYtMPFT4o2_4_67w75rWpERN/s1600/IMGP2736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFobvkzgco2ozQug0Vqcip0yRpK7kksQNcDigrDZ60mwS4fP3yQCDULqzIuQ8M0NyGuwdXDLwuwWxb0sBSRBDOvoRRATMy_dlOwqe8LhOHp87zIzsLJwyFXYtMPFT4o2_4_67w75rWpERN/s640/IMGP2736.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lovely little handmade flowers makes a very pretty embellishment on a variety of things!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From handmade to vintage, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">home decor to jewelry, if you like unique, one of a kind, chippy, rusty, not so new or perfect, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unexpected Daisies online store will carry a wide variety of interesting and unique goods, with "new"-but not "new-new" (if you know what I mean) inventory added often.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't wait for </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Monday! I hope you will love my new online store as much as I do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Husband has put his foot down and told me I'm not allowed to keep all the items I've oohed and ahhed over though. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-sigh</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, please stop in Monday to check out the new <b>Unexpected Daisies online store</b>. -Double squeal!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There will even be a fun giveaway! Whoop Whoop!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I shall try to contain my excitement through the weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-36748698806895920642015-05-20T15:42:00.002-05:002015-05-20T15:50:51.768-05:00Exciting News<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am a crafter. A crafter who likes to try variety of projects. Mostly I enjoy projects that repurpose, or reuse something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mittens made from old wool sweaters?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh yeah! I'll give that a try!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm7sZUW0tNniuyionGaofD1xs1F-z_EGRt9bKVMd0foIRAcu25VtfY2FzF7MMXdCttuoQNIFf28MmwMBZ4Mlc-x_L8qYlzzPVarETxD03lXBO3ZzvuOuEnff0Dy2K5dacLCNBr7gTTFSI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-20+at+3.50.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm7sZUW0tNniuyionGaofD1xs1F-z_EGRt9bKVMd0foIRAcu25VtfY2FzF7MMXdCttuoQNIFf28MmwMBZ4Mlc-x_L8qYlzzPVarETxD03lXBO3ZzvuOuEnff0Dy2K5dacLCNBr7gTTFSI/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-05-20+at+3.50.03+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mod Podge transfer onto an old crock?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me at it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrUy4PRyAt2XZlFVBrnbIGdHJf76cMtTJkouR0zdXenoKdPFyVroVQ_uj8KCNZdfS6Vp86-thCDeEMwnOiKZGCvPN5akXxAIFMDLXVYw7bnPedIVLm-cvL4wb4evwz6GMzOQV6Hri3eMK/s1600/IMGP9525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrUy4PRyAt2XZlFVBrnbIGdHJf76cMtTJkouR0zdXenoKdPFyVroVQ_uj8KCNZdfS6Vp86-thCDeEMwnOiKZGCvPN5akXxAIFMDLXVYw7bnPedIVLm-cvL4wb4evwz6GMzOQV6Hri3eMK/s640/IMGP9525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Reclaimed barn wood headboard?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes please!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOI_bwJUlKXpzVt334hf7hAKmVIC60wReaJRVI_M8KhlgKvmkG41-F_YTwHTB5UDEXl9WvFFUhW9MDEkInk6QIIELCjvtymeKy67s8awJrVXxY0gRMPi8k2XSFjMjUOfE3N4y0FlaInMS/s1600/IMGP7192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOI_bwJUlKXpzVt334hf7hAKmVIC60wReaJRVI_M8KhlgKvmkG41-F_YTwHTB5UDEXl9WvFFUhW9MDEkInk6QIIELCjvtymeKy67s8awJrVXxY0gRMPi8k2XSFjMjUOfE3N4y0FlaInMS/s640/IMGP7192.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so the husband helped me with that project. He's the best!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A pillow made from old t-shirts?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Right up my ally!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHfqcXQeaAzXq64ol2ydlkRTJRMrFcIO7o4ctUtj1QGs0f3_EHMJ6W79iLYqktGJw4JUiBsWlEZByFqJmNF_QglDTOaTs-ueC8qtB0RpWByANs7fUyVUhkxhefJb5dr-PBNqrCw1W4YY/s1600/IMGP0357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHfqcXQeaAzXq64ol2ydlkRTJRMrFcIO7o4ctUtj1QGs0f3_EHMJ6W79iLYqktGJw4JUiBsWlEZByFqJmNF_QglDTOaTs-ueC8qtB0RpWByANs7fUyVUhkxhefJb5dr-PBNqrCw1W4YY/s640/IMGP0357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yep, I'm a crafter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what's the point you may be asking. Well, the point is that for years I have talked about the possibility of selling some of the items I craft. I may have even mentioned it here on the blog before. I've talked to the husband about it quite a bit, and for quite awhile. But I have done nothing to pursue this idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until now that is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With a great deal of encouragement from the husband -which I needed, because, frankly, selling what I've made makes me nervous, which is why I've talked about it for so long but haven't done anything about it - I recently began to sell some of the items I craft in a really great little shop called <a href="http://eyecandymn.com/">Eye Candy REfind</a>. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-SQUEAL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what I've been working on for Eye Candy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barn wood picture frames. How cute are these?? I'm sorry! Is it okay to say that I think what I've made is so cute??</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv-NFPfWTKWO7hE3KxH_dty_Z1EzC1vT__WxeQLlkM6EoglNkM-R_3FEnxxzrPJR5fqHDoN9IUkvT5JMxpWosI7I6SkSP_-E3psCpf7Jjlh37Oac9nw-1W1Osb9x3hQQTAZ2KfG6ARcH9/s1600/IMGP2865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv-NFPfWTKWO7hE3KxH_dty_Z1EzC1vT__WxeQLlkM6EoglNkM-R_3FEnxxzrPJR5fqHDoN9IUkvT5JMxpWosI7I6SkSP_-E3psCpf7Jjlh37Oac9nw-1W1Osb9x3hQQTAZ2KfG6ARcH9/s640/IMGP2865.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've also done some that will be fun for Father's Day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja-biaQxgKl_T0DWvY9_sB2hYvDS-jL25I_sBwij8GF0BXMBWkq9F4gFvDFaqGQq_koDwDNSLa8iFfZSRxrQaFzgEcx2xzrm5FUWWYv-P-nx07Z5LNQLmDVPUtNFXsIidDF1-QwMIsp9Z/s1600/IMG_1244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgja-biaQxgKl_T0DWvY9_sB2hYvDS-jL25I_sBwij8GF0BXMBWkq9F4gFvDFaqGQq_koDwDNSLa8iFfZSRxrQaFzgEcx2xzrm5FUWWYv-P-nx07Z5LNQLmDVPUtNFXsIidDF1-QwMIsp9Z/s640/IMG_1244.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been busy turning old feed sacks into comfy pillows.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They didn't all make it to the store though. I may have kept one for myself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've been working on these cute little driftwood boats and wire baskets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And one of my favorite projects has been making fabric flowers. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I love these!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yk8nYroVBJnGqtKKRqZ9AhRRB2hbbN6Qe3kyHbCHUMkk9Zt3keJWDxF3y-wwgFt_d5S2DGPRgU_fzQg9zQ-5WXfBgzZNj0kR33YEjoLPpuk56GnB3Epib7nXJnAC5Up5qaMona_HQ6NG/s1600/IMG_1268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Yk8nYroVBJnGqtKKRqZ9AhRRB2hbbN6Qe3kyHbCHUMkk9Zt3keJWDxF3y-wwgFt_d5S2DGPRgU_fzQg9zQ-5WXfBgzZNj0kR33YEjoLPpuk56GnB3Epib7nXJnAC5Up5qaMona_HQ6NG/s640/IMG_1268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've just been crafting like crazy to add things to the store.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoTsXoqxmiLUhmOsXp23yyDMpX3Bfx7V0m0GTwzPeeTRnvOP8oLQ4bn4P8L7rA_o0wTZVEpcbeQlIJgNRIMAPCQ_YpeCpwTcaDw2FuzmZl9GlM1qI303Yv5pSgEkY3Yz3ecF3D5WNiz9m/s1600/IMG_1202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifoTsXoqxmiLUhmOsXp23yyDMpX3Bfx7V0m0GTwzPeeTRnvOP8oLQ4bn4P8L7rA_o0wTZVEpcbeQlIJgNRIMAPCQ_YpeCpwTcaDw2FuzmZl9GlM1qI303Yv5pSgEkY3Yz3ecF3D5WNiz9m/s640/IMG_1202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm having such a good time. But I want to go bigger!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I told you in a previous blog post that I was working on something exciting, well here it is...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm going to be opening my own online store! -DOUBLE SQUEAL!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm working fast and furious to get the online store open.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've installed a "SHOP" button in the navigation bar so the store can easily be accessed from the blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will be selling handcrafted, repurposed items, and maybe even some unique things I've found while on the hunt for reusable goods. -WHOOP WHOOP!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really hope you will like what you find in the store!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, hang in there! It won't be long until I announce the date of the grand opening!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This just has me giddy!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-65089527734830480682015-05-18T17:02:00.002-05:002015-05-18T17:02:24.479-05:00Relay For Life<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last Friday, at a Relay for Life event, hundreds of teenagers raised over 130,000 dollars to support the American Cancer Society. WHOOP WHOOP!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZfE6ir5_CrQ7f7Xv9ORkFl9exDq9juo3jsEUpGBjABzItAaXVjcsGTGebD9x-vHgwoW-OqR-26-gxK-gdGLXgNAAFBreKkkT-8y5TtDdfihJbLJou8u5IlP9bNz2AvHoX8PQHAqe_2rp/s1600/IMGP2812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZfE6ir5_CrQ7f7Xv9ORkFl9exDq9juo3jsEUpGBjABzItAaXVjcsGTGebD9x-vHgwoW-OqR-26-gxK-gdGLXgNAAFBreKkkT-8y5TtDdfihJbLJou8u5IlP9bNz2AvHoX8PQHAqe_2rp/s640/IMGP2812.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Miss Sofia and friends</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was hard to see all of the luminaria for those whose lives have been impacted by cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This one, in memory of my very dear friend, was especially tough for me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPPWxDy5Wb6Uzn-5n9Ow7qTEK-dl75f54n06l3bzubl3HHxaTtJdZbHZqibTRKEZCa2JoIiob9A2KCq-5HnmkSIiWDHbboa5atj4j1sXjYRklqqkrkykU10K4IC-p1lpS8tSUF1gpr9m6/s1600/IMGP2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPPWxDy5Wb6Uzn-5n9Ow7qTEK-dl75f54n06l3bzubl3HHxaTtJdZbHZqibTRKEZCa2JoIiob9A2KCq-5HnmkSIiWDHbboa5atj4j1sXjYRklqqkrkykU10K4IC-p1lpS8tSUF1gpr9m6/s640/IMGP2844.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Two years ago my very dear friend Amy attended the Relay for Life event. Shortly thereafter cancer took her life. I miss her terribly!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this year's Relay event, Amy's sweet daughter Emily, alongside her dad, bravely shared, with all in attendance, what it was like to witness Amy's courage as she dealt with cancer, her hope of eternity, and the legacy Amy left behind.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAL7h9pziQT0t0TFuK06vDdYIqepmAP8sBBExNQ6IB6CBNenKEk6h3AAshAdHKBI6L5dQgjyUHbGRzIYO_hlPYhufwDYqko4t-PY6-hy-t5oo3pzdPI3cVukfnVl-s-BZ_TmoPB6OKXrP/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-05-15+at+11.50.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAL7h9pziQT0t0TFuK06vDdYIqepmAP8sBBExNQ6IB6CBNenKEk6h3AAshAdHKBI6L5dQgjyUHbGRzIYO_hlPYhufwDYqko4t-PY6-hy-t5oo3pzdPI3cVukfnVl-s-BZ_TmoPB6OKXrP/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-05-15+at+11.50.43+AM.png" width="464" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Miss Emily and Amy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">She did her Mom proud! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a beautiful tribute! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">That girl left me in tears!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And though it's tough to see all of those lights, shining for those affected by cancer, it is inspiring to see so many young people fighting for a cure!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9caWbDK6GcZjRJiAVWyxgtzn8-1EPWkteXThQtUo9_Gt018ipE5r67bF8acS8GrTSxuWxbuSMuY7iNvkIG1GXjC5hQMPyFMo-vqN-7924dXyHfdn5ZK6uSFK6uMCKtO1ofigN2qUc7Yl/s1600/IMGP2851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9caWbDK6GcZjRJiAVWyxgtzn8-1EPWkteXThQtUo9_Gt018ipE5r67bF8acS8GrTSxuWxbuSMuY7iNvkIG1GXjC5hQMPyFMo-vqN-7924dXyHfdn5ZK6uSFK6uMCKtO1ofigN2qUc7Yl/s640/IMGP2851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well done!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-59894295646983403952015-05-15T10:39:00.001-05:002015-05-15T11:10:21.395-05:00Turning Lemons into Lemonade<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When life hands you lemons, make some lemonade!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwa4x00Y0BP8KhdjYep4qwMT2me_HkhP4BLDMW_j7ar2RpqIJ-hRz5i7UWzVTuLupDCOnR4TrZChUiO7s8NvgqvPyVAgeUqYctm9Wj0svcYm47N-pSH3p918lMlIMDjxzUqkpBqbm9b1-/s1600/IMGP1058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwa4x00Y0BP8KhdjYep4qwMT2me_HkhP4BLDMW_j7ar2RpqIJ-hRz5i7UWzVTuLupDCOnR4TrZChUiO7s8NvgqvPyVAgeUqYctm9Wj0svcYm47N-pSH3p918lMlIMDjxzUqkpBqbm9b1-/s640/IMGP1058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or better yet, make lemon bars! It's totally okay if you just licked the screen. I understand.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hy18b72eqaqX4je_fsuKw6WbxbRDZ5aIXT-GiY_VO4AVSnZWDUPywZTyQlqsmiaMh8Y0OkUQQid498U2uPn2_kerYtBjuj-sJrQsYEJjUT8syQ872ofa8f0-hTcJZWXO_HbUXWSskne8/s1600/IMGP6102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hy18b72eqaqX4je_fsuKw6WbxbRDZ5aIXT-GiY_VO4AVSnZWDUPywZTyQlqsmiaMh8Y0OkUQQid498U2uPn2_kerYtBjuj-sJrQsYEJjUT8syQ872ofa8f0-hTcJZWXO_HbUXWSskne8/s640/IMGP6102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or even better...make limoncello!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoeFpPYFIzFfH3lD_bT9LJtekwF7PWZKfJ44WdPUerakWdcnZsZvvLTRfuAmR6H4FuR78QnervWfp5GlbJ-MdyknV0lhW73jTQ3Adkry1sOFzGXBo8_qVfQpdAKcTdkSji7oN5tr2C64B/s1600/IMGP1626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoeFpPYFIzFfH3lD_bT9LJtekwF7PWZKfJ44WdPUerakWdcnZsZvvLTRfuAmR6H4FuR78QnervWfp5GlbJ-MdyknV0lhW73jTQ3Adkry1sOFzGXBo8_qVfQpdAKcTdkSji7oN5tr2C64B/s640/IMGP1626.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Definitely go with the limoncello! Limoncello is so good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The husband hasn't made limoncello in such a long time. He needs to get on that! Oh yeah! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can look back at the <a href="http://unexpecteddaisies.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-few-loose-endslimoncello.html">limoncello</a> post if you're interested in the process.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...I'm getting off point a little.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point is, sometimes life is tough. We go through rough patches. The question is, what are we going to do with the rough patches?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the husband and I go through our rough patch, his job loss, we are working to turn our lemons into...limoncello!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has me very excited!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SeMFvHQwVBxGgXiu_Cnw8hRB-3JEIhyphenhyphenkXLHl2T6Snn5uhwFkLzq2R91rw6KJQ3glM2G7KuGzuWvk752ppuYEl648MUSHXqSH7k2yXO3X8lLvQRaVWMp4uNp3IvW2EnnuQd1Vb7hoTD6p/s1600/IMGP2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SeMFvHQwVBxGgXiu_Cnw8hRB-3JEIhyphenhyphenkXLHl2T6Snn5uhwFkLzq2R91rw6KJQ3glM2G7KuGzuWvk752ppuYEl648MUSHXqSH7k2yXO3X8lLvQRaVWMp4uNp3IvW2EnnuQd1Vb7hoTD6p/s640/IMGP2651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's still in the works, but I hope to share it with you soon. So hang on! Keep checking in! I'm looking forward to telling you about it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs-SIu2EFyoenxovhBr9YwLAcJ5SSU9hmP5zfVHkTEdxY-PBPbxKLwa6LqhUQWTBIYuyeNmxoLs7AhMGHxtXPsQ7YDM3eBFviS2fWV_gkOV6XEaVrI4hll7ZAKSOIJot94WuMQKjF1NFv/s1600/IMGP2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs-SIu2EFyoenxovhBr9YwLAcJ5SSU9hmP5zfVHkTEdxY-PBPbxKLwa6LqhUQWTBIYuyeNmxoLs7AhMGHxtXPsQ7YDM3eBFviS2fWV_gkOV6XEaVrI4hll7ZAKSOIJot94WuMQKjF1NFv/s640/IMGP2645.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For now it starts with a new look for Unexpected Daisies!! It's been a few years so it was about time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hope you like it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">-SQUEAL! Can't wait to tell you more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-51320824733622730042015-05-04T11:53:00.000-05:002015-05-04T11:53:08.840-05:00Monday Motivation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">On this Monday, as we boldly head into a new week, whether it looks overwhelming or bright and shining, let us trust in God. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6GjcCV9ZiMDNLi3f7ziQHC7MDoeMwIaZiccLu_fgeHmb1ctWhZHvCeQAXyIbR8V0D-K6kr9ghfkusaL69lGTf_O5aUd9_LIsN67N7wmyIVAgkQDjtO9UvGEmYYutZ2afFB_ARUX300Ww/s1600/Saying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6GjcCV9ZiMDNLi3f7ziQHC7MDoeMwIaZiccLu_fgeHmb1ctWhZHvCeQAXyIbR8V0D-K6kr9ghfkusaL69lGTf_O5aUd9_LIsN67N7wmyIVAgkQDjtO9UvGEmYYutZ2afFB_ARUX300Ww/s640/Saying.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">He alone is a mighty fortress and a refuge for all who call on His name!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span></div>
Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-36325262594859516192015-04-30T16:57:00.001-05:002015-04-30T16:57:56.272-05:00Bath Bombs Baby!<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Months and months ago, I made bath bombs to sell at a boutique a couple of my friends were hosting. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjFzOV-o3pwlMnwHsOlBJRhV4t2W2BMQlufzjbemb50fc0V2JnOCKFOrLTy_McQ7cBxWvgJlxjc_g9stCbOdd43WiTwbP-s95zfZn7xNJJsD0t4LK2h8fMDAQeLsqzk0wr4uVL72INH3q/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjFzOV-o3pwlMnwHsOlBJRhV4t2W2BMQlufzjbemb50fc0V2JnOCKFOrLTy_McQ7cBxWvgJlxjc_g9stCbOdd43WiTwbP-s95zfZn7xNJJsD0t4LK2h8fMDAQeLsqzk0wr4uVL72INH3q/s1600/IMG_0885.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I made oh so many bath bombs!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And foot fizzies too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2fOy_h-3YatnYXfjMaObzH6vuccBr4en2DnALY6yRIzo5zvus97WH9K7Oy3V3yiVxrF6wL1PDuvsHSN63Fp5JCBGPSSBRvjslIbm-fByiR_7slj1bTOzPAxbVEuDLf0W3LBzZ_A8UVK9/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2fOy_h-3YatnYXfjMaObzH6vuccBr4en2DnALY6yRIzo5zvus97WH9K7Oy3V3yiVxrF6wL1PDuvsHSN63Fp5JCBGPSSBRvjslIbm-fByiR_7slj1bTOzPAxbVEuDLf0W3LBzZ_A8UVK9/s1600/IMG_0879.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, so many!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was great fun, but exhausting. So exhausting! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had originally intended to post a tutorial on making bath bombs right after the boutique, but frankly, after all of that work, I did not want to look at or think about another bath bomb for a long time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am finally over it and ready to post! Whoop!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A bath bomb is a tightly packed combination of baking soda, citric acid, corn starch, and epsom salts, held together with witch hazel, grape seed oil and essential oils. When dropped into the bath they begin to fizz, </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">releasing all of the wonderful therapeutic benefits and aroma of the essential oils. They are delightful!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's what you will need to make them:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 cup baking soda</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1/2 cup citric acid</b> (can be found in the canning aisle at the local hardware store or ordered online. I recommend ordering from <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1/2 cup corn starch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1/2 cup epsom salts</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Lws90wZw1o2pkARvLNgWB8uNGuA2jPoDVtBMaQLgD92Y3abLZx35oD52mn3xnmRWYLByUsAoQW_VObk3zd_IG5GglsihudxumtpxDkGT5T6VgtlRdui_C2M3PHrXf5ntn6PIjaX_Rk7/s1600/IMGP2511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-5Lws90wZw1o2pkARvLNgWB8uNGuA2jPoDVtBMaQLgD92Y3abLZx35oD52mn3xnmRWYLByUsAoQW_VObk3zd_IG5GglsihudxumtpxDkGT5T6VgtlRdui_C2M3PHrXf5ntn6PIjaX_Rk7/s1600/IMGP2511.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Measure and pour the dry ingredients through a sieve, to prevent clumps, into a large </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">glass or stainless steel </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">bowl.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFAQAk_RuzCLFtLMKWJiavkXb3PHJ5177fJ6591FKzvjSeOsiPxD7HWCTgEtaA3jMNFsUTDWK_o7necFSDLrHjhXfaeJE6vyiy3qFJYj1_h9TFUD4zR4PbxenMrRJTUoim_6DQymL5nWQ/s1600/IMGP2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFAQAk_RuzCLFtLMKWJiavkXb3PHJ5177fJ6591FKzvjSeOsiPxD7HWCTgEtaA3jMNFsUTDWK_o7necFSDLrHjhXfaeJE6vyiy3qFJYj1_h9TFUD4zR4PbxenMrRJTUoim_6DQymL5nWQ/s1600/IMGP2513.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stir with a whisk to combine. Set aside while combining your wet ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll need:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3/4 tablespoon witch hazel</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2 1/2 tablespoons grape seed oil</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 to 2 drops of food coloring</b> (optional)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>essential oils</b> (for this tutorial we will make a tranquility blend using lavender, vanilla, and lemon. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I purchase all of my essential oils from </span><a href="http://www.edensgarden.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eden's Garden</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">. All of their oils are pure essential oils and they are very affordable. I really like the company</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>1 small spray bottle</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPMeckFgJRKmJfaMEFPuFBvSCne_WVr0Ar5w-D6i7VEdMVpqdBt-KuxALomXPAn6pXZ8eQxcqc8DczEE4trn8ZfIH61J4n7ggG3YBtTAGnvLqLdM67YInzHWWD5vpA0VhhQOnj9HLZ7SV/s1600/IMGP2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPMeckFgJRKmJfaMEFPuFBvSCne_WVr0Ar5w-D6i7VEdMVpqdBt-KuxALomXPAn6pXZ8eQxcqc8DczEE4trn8ZfIH61J4n7ggG3YBtTAGnvLqLdM67YInzHWWD5vpA0VhhQOnj9HLZ7SV/s1600/IMGP2521.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pour witch hazel, grape see oil and 2 drops of food coloring (I used neon pink. LOVE the neon food coloring!!) into the spray bottle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next add 8 drops of lavender, 8 drops of vanilla, and 3 drops of lemon essential oils. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shake well!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now combine your wet and dry ingredients. This needs to be done slowly as to prevent the citric acid from fizzing. We want to save all of that great fizzy action for the bath!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spray 9 to 11 squirts from your spray bottle of wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Combine well with a whisk. And repeat. Repeat over and over. And over. Nope, not kidding! This process takes a little time, but it's really important to be patient and add in the wet ingredients slowly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once you have added in the last spray from your bottle, the mixture will look slightly clumpy. It will be damp but not wet and it will hold shape when packed together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now to mold our bath bombs into shape! Squeal!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each batch will make 3 medium sized bath bombs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I use acrylic, fillable Christmas ornaments from Hobby Lobby for my bath bombs. They work perfectly! But you can use any mold you'd like. Even a muffin tin will work nicely. I use this same bath bomb recipe, molded in a mini muffin tin, for the foot fizzles, which are just small versions of the bath bomb for use in a foot bath. I lo-ove a foot bath!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fill each side of the acrylic mold, gently packing the mixture. You do not want to pack them too tightly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With each half filled slightly to overflowing, press the two halves together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is important that you do not twist the halves together! Twisting can cause the bath bomb to crack. As can using the wrong consistency of citric acid. UGH!!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0eE0eZGaUxDWS24eGmDEv1bzryHlwzvFMh3BwgDIeZCH6l8_X_ZB6prL0WaSMhEZpRZZGsKF2W9B1mzwyVH5mIepNgz7lf57HSapDs7YSfSZkzmn8WWaty3-6scjiCY8T9ry1dZlcdkM/s1600/IMGP1989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0eE0eZGaUxDWS24eGmDEv1bzryHlwzvFMh3BwgDIeZCH6l8_X_ZB6prL0WaSMhEZpRZZGsKF2W9B1mzwyVH5mIepNgz7lf57HSapDs7YSfSZkzmn8WWaty3-6scjiCY8T9ry1dZlcdkM/s1600/IMGP1989.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do not purchase citric acid from some random online store! Not all citric acid is the same. -bummer!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Press the halves of your mold straight together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use a spoon to gently tap one side of the mold until it lets loose of the bath bomb and remove.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">So pretty!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow the bath bomb to remain in the bottom half of the mold and dry for 10 to 15 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After 10 to 15 minutes, turn the bath bomb out in your hand. It should easily let go of the mold. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow the bath bombs 24 hours to dry before using. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After they are unmolded (I totally made up that word) I dry my bath bombs on bubble wrap to prevent a flat spot which is caused by sitting on a flat surface to dry. I may have learned that little trick after my first flat spotted batch. It's just sad if a bath bomb has a flat spot. Not end of the world kind of sad! Just - look at that weird flat spot - kind of sad. Yep, sad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After 24 hours...VOILA!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beautiful bath bomb! Calling your name! Ready to ease away your stressful day! Oh yeah!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now if the combination of Lavender, vanilla and lemon doesn't suit your taste, you could try this lovely relaxing combination of 10 drops of peppermint, 10 drops lavender, and 5 drops of lemon essential oils. I would not, however, recommend adding the little lavender buds like I did. While it looks pretty...doesn't this bath bomb look pretty??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My girls thought the lavender buds that end up floating in the bath water looked like bugs. Ewww </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may want to skip the lavender buds! Totally up to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now go, fill that tub, drop in that bath bomb, and melt away the day!! ENJOY!!!</span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWSizIz69OtRd8kMpw_aym6wbV8kFj1Fv3RbpDmiA5s-WsShMiQ2d_BwwfXU4aYbkHuq3kjPyIBkCiuoAf2wO2PYsy9XgMWRBwppt3goTQXdm-46bFcV7eGONTF1tx17JCaOqn1NwNFZO/s1600/IMG_0853.m4v" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWSizIz69OtRd8kMpw_aym6wbV8kFj1Fv3RbpDmiA5s-WsShMiQ2d_BwwfXU4aYbkHuq3kjPyIBkCiuoAf2wO2PYsy9XgMWRBwppt3goTQXdm-46bFcV7eGONTF1tx17JCaOqn1NwNFZO/s1600/IMG_0853.m4v" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bath bomb fizz in action!!<br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bath bombs away, Baby!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span></div>
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-3959760214544598362015-04-28T16:24:00.003-05:002015-04-28T16:24:55.883-05:00While We Wait<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This path has been a long one.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JiokSDNykiIk0GHriMOXyZ-lxqz42-1SFtiic2kGdA7rqNsX_mrNw1qg6QhZgrccGe-4pKSEEro7pQp8BdTBJxG6v7x1pkOJeFpP4QmdYxod6aY9W4yMRDUgjRGEyG-W5v8UDmXKqS2d/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JiokSDNykiIk0GHriMOXyZ-lxqz42-1SFtiic2kGdA7rqNsX_mrNw1qg6QhZgrccGe-4pKSEEro7pQp8BdTBJxG6v7x1pkOJeFpP4QmdYxod6aY9W4yMRDUgjRGEyG-W5v8UDmXKqS2d/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We still cannot see where it ends. Oh how I LONG to see its end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been fourteen weeks since the husband was let go from his job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fourteen weeks he has been searching for a new one. He's found nothing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fourteen weeks of praying for a job to open up for him, for the Lord to provide some specific direction. Fourteen weeks of searching His word and crying, "Lord, Hear our prayer!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpcGvQR9Gs7oJE8KI4tX3cKfqIipll_ApbgwX0OI_wp_7dPAersFLKnAcJEQN05ZF9GPZHmCFDJA5hQ5XaZi4MhhewZT8N4eNqroXEZHg_kuSiqUePYzpEMne-c4Fwp-9voSsDCIRy_jb/s1600/IMGP2632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpcGvQR9Gs7oJE8KI4tX3cKfqIipll_ApbgwX0OI_wp_7dPAersFLKnAcJEQN05ZF9GPZHmCFDJA5hQ5XaZi4MhhewZT8N4eNqroXEZHg_kuSiqUePYzpEMne-c4Fwp-9voSsDCIRy_jb/s1600/IMGP2632.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet, we wait. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Psalm 27:14</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him. Isaiah 30:18</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Waiting, my friends, is hard to do. Like crazy hard to do! I hate it a little. And by little, I mean a ton!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Waiting can make us feel helpless. But helplessness in waiting can be an awesome motivator to seek God all the more; a strong motivator to cling to our faith. That does not, however, mean it will be easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clinging to faith in the hard times is a battle. It is a constant standing fast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 Corinthians 16:13 </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clinging to your faith means you have to be ready to fight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>1 Timothy 6:12</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clinging to your faith means choosing to trust who God is - loving, faithful, merciful, provider, kind, full of grace, our rock, our shield, our restorer, righteous, holy, mighty to save! Just to name a few.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And clinging to our faith is better when you have reinforcements!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Romans 12:9-15</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The husband and I have shed many a tear in the last fourteen weeks. The majority of those tears have not been shed because of our circumstances. Those tears have been shed because of the overwhelming way our church family has lived up to this scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our church family has sacrificed for us. They have, with generous spirits, distributed to the needs of our family. They have lifted some of our burden, keeping our financial situation from being far worse than it could be, never asking anything in return. They poured God's provision through them to us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>They have left us humbled and overwhelmed!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They have wrapped their arms around us in our tribulation, diligently lifting our cause in prayer. Crying out to God on our behalf, trusting that He will come through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>They have made us feel loved and supported!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They have showered us with comforting words and scripture, even arriving at our doorstep, unexpectedly, to declare, "God has not forgotten you!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Lord Himself will go before you; He will not leave you or forget you. Don't be afraid and don't worry. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Deuteronomy 31:8</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3a</i></b></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh how we've needed these good words!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They are always striving to encourage our faith! Always seeking to point us to Jesus! Always seeking to comfort and strengthen!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> They have given us strength, and hope, to continue to stand firm in faith!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERVla0W_UgxNCBHlSdskXMsUL6qdxjuQcYxtK9PA_8NOafwsnJLrM5sw0ZtewgKrGQ4hrxJtsD0VI_769fyLAiBtcPI4PUU7rFUJzEbVuer9BrwxyNj1ZE1SvcDdmcn20fc8luuBm56Q3/s1600/IMGP2629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERVla0W_UgxNCBHlSdskXMsUL6qdxjuQcYxtK9PA_8NOafwsnJLrM5sw0ZtewgKrGQ4hrxJtsD0VI_769fyLAiBtcPI4PUU7rFUJzEbVuer9BrwxyNj1ZE1SvcDdmcn20fc8luuBm56Q3/s1600/IMGP2629.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our church family has hugged us, and cried with us, and told us how much we are loved. They patiently wait with us for the day of rejoicing when the husband gets a new job.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These people, our church family, they are not perfect - thank goodness or I would not fit right in! But they desire to live a love without hypocrisy. They have allowed God's love to be poured out through them. They have lifted us up in a time of trouble! They have been a blessing for which I thank God every day! They seek to be what God intends the church to be - servants of the Lord who give Him the glory!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Praise His Holy name!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-88106375247137496402015-03-05T16:24:00.001-06:002015-03-05T16:24:50.934-06:00Walking by Faith<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my favorite photo from our wedding.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY1-noJ9ISkah55YCnvHiJbC51c06R3NfjfMocAAr997Q4yL_fPNCx6QfxhPcBRJMh6U20zMk7Em9OVrNvfF4X4SjB3I8OO_BTF1NImAkNJXAQmGD3geNLz4KL7xLJ8w9fN7KPPurxbKz/s1600/House+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY1-noJ9ISkah55YCnvHiJbC51c06R3NfjfMocAAr997Q4yL_fPNCx6QfxhPcBRJMh6U20zMk7Em9OVrNvfF4X4SjB3I8OO_BTF1NImAkNJXAQmGD3geNLz4KL7xLJ8w9fN7KPPurxbKz/s1600/House+3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh my, the Husband and I </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">were</i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> young! That fact has nothing to do with this being my favorite photo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And it's not because in it we are kissing. Though, I'll admit, kissing the Husband is something I like to do. Yep, I do! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like this photo because of the words captured above us..."Jesus answered have faith." I love that this photo is a constant reminder that I need to live by faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's so easy to have faith when life is easy, isn't it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But what about when life is not easy? What about when life is just plain tough? What about when life is just plain tough and it's been that way for weeks, months, years? What about when life feels like a desolate land?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcKY9kkQscUrHBwe0U-K7Fhcn0unBpnHLZnI1BZjTE8DLZ7uphfWwp9Ve7YX_1BZNOHO9rmLiX2-HN7jNJlVjWkcZFYDcllA5vIW6O4U5xV7sBtiTXvh_8mdj_7tYrshLOdsXfNhDL6Ts/s1600/IMGP2370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcKY9kkQscUrHBwe0U-K7Fhcn0unBpnHLZnI1BZjTE8DLZ7uphfWwp9Ve7YX_1BZNOHO9rmLiX2-HN7jNJlVjWkcZFYDcllA5vIW6O4U5xV7sBtiTXvh_8mdj_7tYrshLOdsXfNhDL6Ts/s1600/IMGP2370.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about when faith is stretched?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is where the Husband and I are right now. Life has held many difficult, painful things over the last few years. There's been a lot of good, but the hard things, the painful things, they just seem to have piled on. There's no pause. No catching our breath. Just a constant piling on!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most recent, 6 weeks ago, the Husband was let go from his job. They chose to go in a "different direction." Did you know that one year prior, he'd been let go from his previous job. He'd been there 7 years, they didn't have enough work to keep him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">-sigh-</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Faith is being stretched. And not just being stretched, but it's being stretched when we are already weary and worn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We wonder what God is up to. We may even have moments where we wonder if He truly knows what He's doing, because there are definitely times I'm pretty sure there could have been a better plan! An easier plan. Where is that easy button???</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MVT0toatksdjzn7yrvqlRl0QbfWWwQ-0AhU-yDqe0YZUycJ78E2jH5vyqICDQ35I2tUchCUbvzXNr9x1iHWiQQmOq1YeOA-VZyIn6gm1342gxVGuJwlt9HfnbBldvJPgX-zoaKhvwW25/s1600/IMGP2401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MVT0toatksdjzn7yrvqlRl0QbfWWwQ-0AhU-yDqe0YZUycJ78E2jH5vyqICDQ35I2tUchCUbvzXNr9x1iHWiQQmOq1YeOA-VZyIn6gm1342gxVGuJwlt9HfnbBldvJPgX-zoaKhvwW25/s1600/IMGP2401.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Yet Jesus says to have faith because He</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> is the same yesterday, today, and forever. </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">(Hebrews 13:8) </i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If yesterday (or last week or even last year) was good, and in that good time I believed that God was good, that His plan for me was good, then, aren't His plans just as good in this moment, in this day, when life feels hard? God hasn't changed only my circumstances have changed.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">purpose. Romans 8:28</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">If God says that He works all things together for good for those who love Him, doesn't that include the hardships in our lives?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:2-3</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope. Romans 5:3</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUulgZCFWeTFixc3TY2GZocNVgzlj3zwItUndY31k9f3tCIume7m3o1nT0ht5vzaCH3Ik_AN1o9owjC-pb0tHIaI5SmAxQdzhiQgTmEdAW3u_6GEaO-Y1rVYO_V8yr2cSqUbd7R41abIl/s1600/IMGP2371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUulgZCFWeTFixc3TY2GZocNVgzlj3zwItUndY31k9f3tCIume7m3o1nT0ht5vzaCH3Ik_AN1o9owjC-pb0tHIaI5SmAxQdzhiQgTmEdAW3u_6GEaO-Y1rVYO_V8yr2cSqUbd7R41abIl/s1600/IMGP2371.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">God will not allow the weight of burdens to crush us, but He will use them to transform us, to draw us closer to Him, to do a good work in us that we may do a good work for others, a good work for Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">God does not intend to waste our suffering. He uses it! He builds up our faith!</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This testing of faith isn't easy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes I walk with weariness, in weakness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if God is who He says He is...</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">merciful, kind, patient, good, loving, my rock, my salvation, my hope, my peace, my deliverer, perfect, full of truth, faithful, holy, then He is worthy of my trust, of my undivided faith no matter my circumstances!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCY55j2X0TrnGS2-d__vMLvy9JqOXrOj-ZFzKIajItSEhS25Vdjgma3-Xx4ivrGKIF-KFhFLPlmqIytoBpc4iL5UvYgwrRcnezVc2ncwWWL9gKJN92V5zUmyW5XKppy_xv4a1J7bUYSC_/s1600/63d672f6df29884_6e0ff149__30-post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCY55j2X0TrnGS2-d__vMLvy9JqOXrOj-ZFzKIajItSEhS25Vdjgma3-Xx4ivrGKIF-KFhFLPlmqIytoBpc4iL5UvYgwrRcnezVc2ncwWWL9gKJN92V5zUmyW5XKppy_xv4a1J7bUYSC_/s1600/63d672f6df29884_6e0ff149__30-post.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Psalm 27:14</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him! Psalm 28:7</span></i></b><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, by faith, I will trust in the promise that God will be my help and that He will use the trials in my life for His good purpose!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-64898479072003502712014-12-09T13:39:00.001-06:002014-12-09T13:39:50.939-06:00Put a Pinecone On It<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you love this time of year?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do! Love, love, love it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a time for celebration and joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And the angel of the Lord said to them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. <b>Luke 2:10-11</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A very good reason for celebration indeed!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And with celebrating often comes decorating. I like the decorating too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This year, several of my friends have used pinecones in their Christmas decorating. I like it! </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pinecones are simple and pretty. A touch of the outdoors brought into the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, one bright, winter like day, (course it's still only fall, y'all. snort!) while on a nature walk with the family... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKljLJIax2kIGGVZj9pINARPvLip-PRS9b3zG5BTzC1pVZYnWwxSz6r-ntdmrx8jjnkSGYS1ozQBjiluKIyuUlHZxGEiLjarHG5iOUeRPlNdV7zIF8fO-mRoJC5IGssjeRY1hGsU9WaSC/s1600/IMGP2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjKljLJIax2kIGGVZj9pINARPvLip-PRS9b3zG5BTzC1pVZYnWwxSz6r-ntdmrx8jjnkSGYS1ozQBjiluKIyuUlHZxGEiLjarHG5iOUeRPlNdV7zIF8fO-mRoJC5IGssjeRY1hGsU9WaSC/s1600/IMGP2046.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">That's right, we took the path less traveled. The path into the woods. The path where we discovered mama needs a new pair of boots! Oh dear.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I6fQsXCWeZ-IgMIkZ8-2FvDfyS2-v_RxFYHmEgayEMXrQ94MPKC9Q1pQqvg2jEmzt4X8GoAv7eODhv9Tjhzcom6Po256qN-Leeorst7MTThIthWW0uv1m2rhYJ4Joh54j7V2qugtNkmx/s1600/IMGP2071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I6fQsXCWeZ-IgMIkZ8-2FvDfyS2-v_RxFYHmEgayEMXrQ94MPKC9Q1pQqvg2jEmzt4X8GoAv7eODhv9Tjhzcom6Po256qN-Leeorst7MTThIthWW0uv1m2rhYJ4Joh54j7V2qugtNkmx/s1600/IMGP2071.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I guess that happens when, according to my calculations, mama's had her boots for 13 years. WOW!! Definitely got my money's worth!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the path where we came upon this cute little cabin.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv3jYzpAcnCtBoRYJS2TXO9NSqTBMS3WG0ZMQg_sd2OzMZKt03kBPLcKgRolx0tEjFHRz2jDRU0k0P9tUj9vWhLdr7Z4WLCIW3xwI5aiej_ssji-ehso2jQBTX6VbA6oFvfxitgiilK-L/s1600/IMGP2050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv3jYzpAcnCtBoRYJS2TXO9NSqTBMS3WG0ZMQg_sd2OzMZKt03kBPLcKgRolx0tEjFHRz2jDRU0k0P9tUj9vWhLdr7Z4WLCIW3xwI5aiej_ssji-ehso2jQBTX6VbA6oFvfxitgiilK-L/s1600/IMGP2050.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The place where the girls began to freak each other out talking about how it's always the lone cabin in the woods in the horror movies. Yep. FREAKED OUT!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They may not have been amused when I chose then to ask them why six was afraid of seven.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hTtTFSVJMtmWAws7w2yIcIHq5TBkvU2mMUlWBBSNtMAxm-k3SwvL-lAoq3uw67xjbjtd5IHPeGlDavbcx0tNR3vtqO44M4rljSEWgmOQRLZZ7y2STn1brTYtOzcL19diOAVL7tFlhyphenhyphenMQ/s1600/IMGP2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3hTtTFSVJMtmWAws7w2yIcIHq5TBkvU2mMUlWBBSNtMAxm-k3SwvL-lAoq3uw67xjbjtd5IHPeGlDavbcx0tNR3vtqO44M4rljSEWgmOQRLZZ7y2STn1brTYtOzcL19diOAVL7tFlhyphenhyphenMQ/s1600/IMGP2047.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because (cue Psycho violin music) 7 8 9!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrVGGl0QqBeqtvdUvZvy9i-lDiJntc5_E1xVP0HX5cYdcvOayvd8FinAb01ufspAgl0NirAD-U_PdEDH5RSvJsh86CsMzgsw8i1HqBDJRxdgJHIAh5Nps5FRXM5X-pSURkYSVskUveNWp/s1600/IMGP2048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUrVGGl0QqBeqtvdUvZvy9i-lDiJntc5_E1xVP0HX5cYdcvOayvd8FinAb01ufspAgl0NirAD-U_PdEDH5RSvJsh86CsMzgsw8i1HqBDJRxdgJHIAh5Nps5FRXM5X-pSURkYSVskUveNWp/s1600/IMGP2048.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get it?? 7 8 9...7 ate 9! Ha ha ha </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you had to be there. I swear it was funny. At least I thought it was funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Anyway...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was on this walk in the woods that I spied a few pinecones, and remembering how much I liked the way my friends had used them in their decorating, I promptly began to fill everyone's hands with the beauties!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQYn20pd_WGFKFoQtq9J4MeA16RlqQxoqpcyHI7qWa4z8CXUpZx3s1l6OoHp5SOLlp0ZA1Z2H9Bi9_vZQE50xzrf_4KQKCnnVvfB90_QyChn9C7xmjTcRqXS06PdDKaeZLf_RkS4CHYwu/s1600/IMGP2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQYn20pd_WGFKFoQtq9J4MeA16RlqQxoqpcyHI7qWa4z8CXUpZx3s1l6OoHp5SOLlp0ZA1Z2H9Bi9_vZQE50xzrf_4KQKCnnVvfB90_QyChn9C7xmjTcRqXS06PdDKaeZLf_RkS4CHYwu/s1600/IMGP2044.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">We may have had several pair of sap sticky mittens by the time we got home. A little lemon essential oil rubbed into the drops of sap cleaned up the mittens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">To get rid of the sticky sap on the pine cones took a little longer, but just as easy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvOUN26Nhm96NMJ8-3lnJqiXKvUCaaXma2eG-yyk-KL141KTclFNTtoTCifQTjs8b5k00NQRWmgMSbDchfnW9yMN2v-5nawSpMsIqYX4JkhK671YRFcc4GzZfxZH3EOyfLUAcM1XEy10G/s1600/IMGP2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvOUN26Nhm96NMJ8-3lnJqiXKvUCaaXma2eG-yyk-KL141KTclFNTtoTCifQTjs8b5k00NQRWmgMSbDchfnW9yMN2v-5nawSpMsIqYX4JkhK671YRFcc4GzZfxZH3EOyfLUAcM1XEy10G/s1600/IMGP2102.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lay pinecones in a single layer on a foil lined baking pan, bake for 30 minutes at 200 degrees.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The sap will melt onto the foil. The pinecones will be slightly sticky when removed from the oven, but once dry...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxOCmIVLmrIzqweofzexU_-_7eIC6CoSBU5YPkGto2X4b1q-58h-o4_mzdrKVJr3f0b23zSpsm1JqxuSK5_f-PG0TFDJ5a39drVtgO4YWE7hNhirzV3IMnCZLauLAyHs3ApRK8f_EHgxt/s1600/IMGP2104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxOCmIVLmrIzqweofzexU_-_7eIC6CoSBU5YPkGto2X4b1q-58h-o4_mzdrKVJr3f0b23zSpsm1JqxuSK5_f-PG0TFDJ5a39drVtgO4YWE7hNhirzV3IMnCZLauLAyHs3ApRK8f_EHgxt/s1600/IMGP2104.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">No more sticky pinecones! Whoop whoop!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The heat will also kill any bugs that have taken up residence in them -ewwww- as well as open them fully.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Allow the pinecones to completely cool before using them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add them to arrangements.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h0Gq-1yKt54l-kKCcwFMRSI1LeXxDnUirQ2xWOyflmmXljgOasc7QxtRMMjsRXeruKJs7l1g6l1G7Z4-czfbtACnxn1PV6ehcxxAbDEu1kNLpsrgfQthpOlaYenrHyxRw7F1MdqJQDba/s1600/IMGP2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h0Gq-1yKt54l-kKCcwFMRSI1LeXxDnUirQ2xWOyflmmXljgOasc7QxtRMMjsRXeruKJs7l1g6l1G7Z4-czfbtACnxn1PV6ehcxxAbDEu1kNLpsrgfQthpOlaYenrHyxRw7F1MdqJQDba/s1600/IMGP2112.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use them in place of a bow on wrapped gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">They're lovely on a stack of books.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-TQlfuL2r39knKOaWvooZC4ZJWsh-ioVA21D0-JiohUtS7KPaHPnlY4NA9mhz10uizvdCd1zp8d-wH4MUJ8LA1ehiUS2GTuKP0oJcpUB54zSNtgkDM4Wc_L_0rDvqd3jW_jRHgwBhPSD/s1600/IMGP2170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-TQlfuL2r39knKOaWvooZC4ZJWsh-ioVA21D0-JiohUtS7KPaHPnlY4NA9mhz10uizvdCd1zp8d-wH4MUJ8LA1ehiUS2GTuKP0oJcpUB54zSNtgkDM4Wc_L_0rDvqd3jW_jRHgwBhPSD/s1600/IMGP2170.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fill a large glass container with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Add them to a wreath. (this is my next project)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paint them. Glitter them. The possibilities are endless!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You're ready to go find yourself some pinecones now, aren't ya? Oh yeah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301236950382067160.post-67972478372199537412014-10-21T13:36:00.002-05:002014-10-21T14:00:09.764-05:00Propagating African Violets<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really enjoy growing African violets.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFv2XLFC7gjKc1LFVA36yRtSQfAYXkCVG_z_Xs39kDbitJsymnZAYnIXORKHnec2nPl6JPcaUkoV-MVgZPlNvHx9d3NA5xLkxCcRYYghB0fL94VbL0dofvByGqYTpcF6I-7qqOn-7oARt/s1600/IMGP1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFv2XLFC7gjKc1LFVA36yRtSQfAYXkCVG_z_Xs39kDbitJsymnZAYnIXORKHnec2nPl6JPcaUkoV-MVgZPlNvHx9d3NA5xLkxCcRYYghB0fL94VbL0dofvByGqYTpcF6I-7qqOn-7oARt/s1600/IMGP1937.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you care for them properly, they really are easy to care for, they will bloom all year round. Something I really appreciate in the midst of a long, cold winter. Probably shouldn't've said that. Long, cold winters are still a sore spot for many of us. BAH!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moving right along then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">African violet foliage is beautiful, all soft and fuzzy, just begging for you to touch it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3_JzdmEwgraGLffRMOpD7hPSP9FaUf30T32RZVuh2eDZu8mng1lvp8ogSK-qQlRZQs3J45Mp4VlVBW8GZhT7BtVv6XMZIg22ZGyT3UuQ1GYRM4-6RF7LfcbUSUCQ4P-nCWQbR8H-zW5F/s1600/IMGP1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3_JzdmEwgraGLffRMOpD7hPSP9FaUf30T32RZVuh2eDZu8mng1lvp8ogSK-qQlRZQs3J45Mp4VlVBW8GZhT7BtVv6XMZIg22ZGyT3UuQ1GYRM4-6RF7LfcbUSUCQ4P-nCWQbR8H-zW5F/s1600/IMGP1940.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blooms are stunning! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hk4JeuM9bYlAVngMxosgVeKvBm1BgudL-zu1zuqHOAxpT_ZI6G3uwS43OEn2X5_KpNGp5VP6FnHvVabq0hlQr8-ZqElIOYjPx2eDJ_fmMM_fyCIFdMzW7LyebHRTAzSSrHtNlQz-H2A0/s1600/IMGP1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hk4JeuM9bYlAVngMxosgVeKvBm1BgudL-zu1zuqHOAxpT_ZI6G3uwS43OEn2X5_KpNGp5VP6FnHvVabq0hlQr8-ZqElIOYjPx2eDJ_fmMM_fyCIFdMzW7LyebHRTAzSSrHtNlQz-H2A0/s1600/IMGP1938.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And there are so many varieties to choose from!! That's where I can get into trouble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I want them all!</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I don't want to buy them all. So when a friend has a variety or two - maybe three - that I don't have, but I've just got to have, I ask for a single leaf clipping from the plant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I take that clipping, or three, and place it into a small vase filled with water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_RsdmyFvKuqrefENpag_rokCVrrcHXh0QCeBsgAupHGjQQd7K82Yz9hO2Bqn_GRlb9VgzL1kg1tfvU0wkRiAtwCo6-YugxFdZr9usLBfPBAw-cMaDnqxyVCyEbL15dcuPg0WWa340XPY/s1600/IMGP9862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_RsdmyFvKuqrefENpag_rokCVrrcHXh0QCeBsgAupHGjQQd7K82Yz9hO2Bqn_GRlb9VgzL1kg1tfvU0wkRiAtwCo6-YugxFdZr9usLBfPBAw-cMaDnqxyVCyEbL15dcuPg0WWa340XPY/s1600/IMGP9862.jpg" height="640" width="462" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In two to four weeks time the clipping will begin to sprout fine roots. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In another week or so you will begin to see new leaves at the base of the cutting. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's so cool!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7KvOmdeuQq2XmatK2TTrSh4VY7uZ61TwlDgJfnLrM7VuNmAh5z2cdurDq7EFAVUx9GRn7_2e8OzDI6zDHSD35TwSEMtAqJtkoPj_mh4EvXfEr2b0_NmAxtE3ltRVRq0OyBoi9-Zem_fF/s1600/IMGP1829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7KvOmdeuQq2XmatK2TTrSh4VY7uZ61TwlDgJfnLrM7VuNmAh5z2cdurDq7EFAVUx9GRn7_2e8OzDI6zDHSD35TwSEMtAqJtkoPj_mh4EvXfEr2b0_NmAxtE3ltRVRq0OyBoi9-Zem_fF/s1600/IMGP1829.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At this point it's time to plant the clippings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I waited a little longer than usual to plant these clippings because I wanted to Mod Podge some pots for them. I may have procrastinated a little on the pots. Eh hem. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGTMgwWSOKwmlMQoXxeEDh_GvaZ0yAq5mjJ-JtbXlSyn5U9COG-9_eD8mOEapRDKiFAst78bVG_V2q5ZMcOkW2VwcmplqVDIgdZKEjiGkuscPg_FrD-yE2zWpOtWcKNc9uG5AyOfA9kvN/s1600/IMGP1839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGTMgwWSOKwmlMQoXxeEDh_GvaZ0yAq5mjJ-JtbXlSyn5U9COG-9_eD8mOEapRDKiFAst78bVG_V2q5ZMcOkW2VwcmplqVDIgdZKEjiGkuscPg_FrD-yE2zWpOtWcKNc9uG5AyOfA9kvN/s1600/IMGP1839.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whatcha think? Cute, no?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I have it on hand, I use an African violet soil mix. This time I was out, so I just used a regular potting soil. It's not ideal, but it will do the trick.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP3q0r51zjqWVk68ZPttrTseDhU6wV9LTIUbIdGObmMkR8hLP2IrUNGmjNcaCQE-6f7kHrY3ijAp_t5RIWnpqEJM8JrreXKibilVJeve3i2BovDaJCUwg1l_w_yCEd0lB3sANvNM3jkiR/s1600/IMGP1846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAP3q0r51zjqWVk68ZPttrTseDhU6wV9LTIUbIdGObmMkR8hLP2IrUNGmjNcaCQE-6f7kHrY3ijAp_t5RIWnpqEJM8JrreXKibilVJeve3i2BovDaJCUwg1l_w_yCEd0lB3sANvNM3jkiR/s1600/IMGP1846.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gently press in the potting mix. Don't pack it tightly, just gently press it in to be sure your pot is well filled with soil.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg7kWasJaPOFdaky5j_h4P7z-UABvJJL8FLcBi2p2SSoRzU7IjRC-aoGCvJeR48hsDpMUjEUnRlmX0YdCszmfY7lPtwUBdQABj653Vonwt5jIDmjtqi40jtkOMS47NVuOM4xXkh-CLhnG/s1600/IMGP1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRg7kWasJaPOFdaky5j_h4P7z-UABvJJL8FLcBi2p2SSoRzU7IjRC-aoGCvJeR48hsDpMUjEUnRlmX0YdCszmfY7lPtwUBdQABj653Vonwt5jIDmjtqi40jtkOMS47NVuOM4xXkh-CLhnG/s1600/IMGP1848.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Place the cutting into the soil, allowing those new leaves to remain above the soil line.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaOX6N9oOx9C9ob8n9tzimgJbP1AvhK8yfEssMeOKuvFyzAAGNehPrHZk21eMQ0oBj7L37uZubNZzitTZR1-6GXXa1uKs_vPho2GDgARymichkAzM60R5cVFHYPCTvnPI9HDHDgDQQ_rj/s1600/IMGP1852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtaOX6N9oOx9C9ob8n9tzimgJbP1AvhK8yfEssMeOKuvFyzAAGNehPrHZk21eMQ0oBj7L37uZubNZzitTZR1-6GXXa1uKs_vPho2GDgARymichkAzM60R5cVFHYPCTvnPI9HDHDgDQQ_rj/s1600/IMGP1852.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, gently press in the soil around the cutting and give the soil a good misting of water.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_fyVOK5_PN6kwsJ0x30ZfMWV9vP9qTXZHd223WgcbkiYsf5U30NpyVuiTBb_O-Lth1MOcd5j-6XwUm_l_THhRnSMqtFGbHPWBJKiaafr12M00gfgYb_9tUb0QtuCUng1PID0dekakhuT/s1600/IMGP1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_fyVOK5_PN6kwsJ0x30ZfMWV9vP9qTXZHd223WgcbkiYsf5U30NpyVuiTBb_O-Lth1MOcd5j-6XwUm_l_THhRnSMqtFGbHPWBJKiaafr12M00gfgYb_9tUb0QtuCUng1PID0dekakhuT/s1600/IMGP1858.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once the new plant has taken solid root, cut away the original leaf and watch your new little African violet plant grow!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWubI4dp4hUBI-iEJq0hcJYSjd4hoImbnb3xv9qJ9GM4EAtoyaCuqQZM7UW1GxBdh7RTIKksZSH8Bv3_bM4dy5qZLmJMM6_3zn47tnRKdcxQG6knj7RNDu5oqLezverY3SXDYUgAlmem7/s1600/IMGP1945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWubI4dp4hUBI-iEJq0hcJYSjd4hoImbnb3xv9qJ9GM4EAtoyaCuqQZM7UW1GxBdh7RTIKksZSH8Bv3_bM4dy5qZLmJMM6_3zn47tnRKdcxQG6knj7RNDu5oqLezverY3SXDYUgAlmem7/s1600/IMGP1945.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In time, you will have a new plant bursting with flower buds! SQUEAL!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To keep your African violet thriving, make sure it has plenty of indirect sunlight, water enough that the soil is moist, but never soggy. I keep a bottle of water, with African violet fertilizer added, in the cabinet because the plants do best with room temperature water. And always pinch off spent blooms and leaves. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All in all a very beautiful and easy to care for plant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christine</span>Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372340759872302741noreply@blogger.com0