tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11658901099811443722024-03-13T18:57:48.313-07:00Our Someday Farm...Where one day...someday...our dream to live the country life will come true!Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-41378178535874986232013-01-03T07:10:00.003-08:002013-01-03T07:11:19.370-08:00A Quiet New Year's Day DinnerAfter several days of Christmas festivities, outdoor activities, and a long drive home from the mountains of Colorado, we intentionally chose to ring in 2013 in a more peaceful manner.<br />
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And Mother Nature cooperated.<br />
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A steady snowfall all day on New Year's Eve day and night painted our little corner of the world in white and quiet.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">PHOTO SOURCE: http://isaacalongi.com/spring/snow-covered-trees-winter-in-kansas-city/</span><br />
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So, to truly celebrate the New Year and since we did so much travel and very little entertaining over the holiday season, I decided one last "hurrah" in the formal dining room with the table decorated for Christmas would be fun. And with freshly fallen snow outside and the beauty of my winter wreaths still on display it was a perfect setting.<br />
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A simple meal consisting of a small roasted turkey breast, stuffing, and green bean casserole was all that was called for. No mashed potatoes...sweet potatoes...orange fluff...or cranberry sauce. Just enough to feed our family of five for one night.<br />
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The painted stemware was a gift from my sister-in-law many years ago. Each goblet represents one of the 12 Days of Christmas. I just love them...but after breaking one while hand-washing (they are so fragile) I decided to fore go using them with guests and family and, instead, use them as part of my annual holiday table setting. (So sad for my 5 Golden Rings!)<br />
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A simple white votive inside each one allows the beauty of the artwork to shine through, and tucked in amid greenery they make a beautiful, yet simple statement that Christmas is not yet over...it's actually just begun!<br />
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(Did you know that the <i>Twelve Days of Christmas </i>actually starts of Christmas Day and runs through the 5th of January, thus honoring those days between Christ's birth and the Feast of the Epiphany...the Biblical visit of the Magi or Three Kings!)<br />
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I love that Christmas does not end on December 25th and we actually leave our home decorated until at least January 1st, but more often until January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany.<br />
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For dessert we enjoyed a decadent brownie pie. Hot from the oven and served with premium vanilla ice cream it was a rich ending to a beautiful New Year's Day. Be sure to come back tomorrow for the recipe.<br />
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Wishing you a Happy New Year and many blessings for 2013. <br />
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P.S. No collard greens or black-eyed peas for us this year! Hope we still find some good luck. ;) <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-87958100986495198152013-01-02T10:13:00.005-08:002013-01-02T10:13:44.801-08:00A Colorado Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
We spent Christmas in Colorado.</div>
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It was the first time our children ever saw mountains. They were awed by their beauty and it was so much fun to experience the mountains again for the "first" time through their eyes!</div>
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Here was the view upon our arrival in Estes Park, Colorado...</div>
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Rosy cheeked children in the "warming hut" at Hidden Valley Sledding Area, </div>
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Rocky Mountain National Park...</div>
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And a mini tour of our cabin. We stayed at <a href="http://www.rockymtnresorts.com/locations/timber-creek-chalets/">The Timber Creek Chalets</a>. </div>
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I can't believe I forgot to take pictures of our master bedroom...we had our own fireplace! We rented a 3-bedroom cabin...one room for Mom and Dad, one room for Mary, and one room for the boys to share.</div>
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A few other moments captured...</div>
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Downtown Estes Park, Colorado at night.<br />
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Hot chocolate after sledding and snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park...<br />
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Family Game Night means <i>Trouble!</i> <br />
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Beautiful memories created together and captured to last a lifetime.</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/">The Farmhouse Porch</a> for their Cowgirl Up! Link Party.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-4269473247078941482013-01-02T09:26:00.001-08:002013-01-02T09:26:39.447-08:00Candid Christmas (A Quick Review!)As you might have noticed, I took a step away from <i>Our Someday Farm</i> to celebrate the Christmas holiday.<br />
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We traveled to both St. Louis, Missouri and Estes Park, Colorado during a 9-day window, via CAR, but it was a lot of fun spending time with both our extended families and as a family of five.<br />
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Here are just a few pictures capturing Christmas around <i>Our Someday Farm...</i><br />
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Large photo...Santa's elves love to wrap gifts...especially using grosgrain ribbon!<br />
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Top to Bottom (L-shape...counterclockwise)<br />
1: Mary Catherine showing off Suzanne's winter snow boots. (Suzanne is Mary's American Girl Doll.)<br />
2: Luke's most-loved gift of all...a wooden car carrier from Doug and Melissa. (Don't you just LOVE wooden toys?)<br />
3: Benjamin playing harmonica...a simple and highly loved stocking stuffer!<br />
4: Luke on Christmas morning.<br />
5: Benjamin insisted on wrapping his own gift to Mommy! I love Kindergarten print...and that he spelled out our last name!!!)<br />
6: Mary Catherine showing off her new ear muffs from Auntie Julie and Uncle Johnny. Adorable!<br />
7: Mary Catherine insisted on feeding Santa's reindeer, but we were out of oats. She improvised with cherry tomatoes...labeling one per reindeer! ;)<br />
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A few other captured moments...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sweet moment shared between Father/Daughter</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How DOES that Santa know???!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaaaargh, Matey!</td></tr>
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So many moments captured on film...and so very grateful for the advent of the digital age!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-76339304634626168362013-01-02T08:51:00.001-08:002013-01-02T08:51:08.982-08:00A Little Bit About UsAlthough this blog is mostly about home decor, party planning, and everything farmhouse-ish, every once in a while I hope to share some sweet photos of my three precious kiddos. And to start off this new year, I thought that I would share some family pictures that we had taken in early December!<br />
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Our firstborn, Mary Catherine, is 8 and a true delight to us. She was a looong-awaited gift from God (nearly 11 years of marriage to be exact!) and it is hard to believe our "baby" is now a 2nd grader. (And, yes, I really did keep her home an extra-year not only because she has an August birth date, but also because I just loved her company!!!)<br />
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Our middle child was the gift that wasn't supposed to be! Doctors told us that we could never conceive on our own (okay, less than 1% chance!) and you can imagine our surprise when we discovered we were pregnant with him! At 6, and in Kindergarten, Benjamin also delights us with his sense of humor and kind-hearted disposition.<br />
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And last, but certainly not least, is Luke! At 32 lbs. and 30-months old, he is our strapping young toddler! He tries to keep up with big brother and big sister and does pretty well holding his own! At 41, he was definitely another surprise, albeit, a blessed one!<br />
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This year, 2013, my husband and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage! While it hasn't been all "wedded bliss" it has been an incredible ride. I'm so glad God brought the two of us together and that I get to be on this amazing journey called life with him. Here we are in 1993...<br />
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...clearly taken before the DSLR was invented! LOL In fact, our photographer retired and before closing his business, sold me all of the "negatives" he shot that day for $50.00. There are hundreds! <br />
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I hope you enjoyed getting to know our little family of five a bit better. Wishing all of you that drop by for a visit (whether you leave a comment or not) a very blessed and peaceful 2013!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
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<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-3261230636901982712012-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:002012-12-25T03:00:02.387-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The bell still rings for those who truly believe... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Can you still hear the bell?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wishing all of my friends, family, and loved ones a Merry Christma<span style="font-size: x-large;">s!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are off on a</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">n exciting family adventure that I am looking forward to sharing with you!</span> </span> </span></span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
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Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-26825339953942829682012-12-20T10:18:00.001-08:002012-12-20T10:18:38.936-08:00A Simple Christmas Break CelebrationYesterday was the last official day of school before the start of Christmas Break. And while some area kiddos got an unexpected snow day, today, we were already off of school and in celebration mode!<br />
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To mark the last day of school and kickoff these next 18 days together as a family, I put together a <i>simple</i> after school snack table for my daughter, her friend, and my two little boys. Finger foods (cheese, crackers, and pepperonis) were served on festive paper products and steaming hot chocolate was ladled into winter white coffee mugs. Candy canes, peppermint bark, marshmallows, and whipped cream sweetened the cocoa and their palates.<br />
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I fashioned a table runner from a remnant scrap of Christmas fabric and used some faux greenery and a coordinating serving platter to celebrate the whimsical nature of this after-school snack. The lights were dimmed, the Christmas music cued, and the tree was lit. <br />
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The girls delighted in the table setting and the boys in the food! Just a few simple touches that turned an after-school snack into a holiday celebration!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It's the most wonderful time of the year</span><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">With the kids jingle-belling</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And everyone telling you</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Be of good cheer</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It's the most wonderful time of the year</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It's the hap-happiest season of all (wonderful time)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">With those holiday greetings</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">And great happy meetings</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">When friends come to call</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-family: Verdana,Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">It's the hap-happiest season of all</span></span></span></div>
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Happy Thursday! I'm off to finish up some last minute shopping, gift-wrapping, packing, etc.! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-63487397283324693472012-12-19T19:40:00.000-08:002012-12-19T19:48:26.041-08:00Twas the Night Before Christmas Break<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Twas the Night Before Christmas Break</i></span></span></div>
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<i> </i></div>
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<i> </i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Twas the night before Christmas <i>Break</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">and all through our house</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">kiddos were running and scurrying about!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">A program to present</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">to parents and staff,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">one angel, one donkey, one stable sheep en masse.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVR0woyP0WjTELduWnjfDsImklRdZQBtdFs4ck9lb6cMSYLTEG4QR753djho277aW9yaIOt9KXvjZ_KLCpEPrsN8ukdLREiUHSCNoFaOSXjuTbE_E0w3aVuMlSDy4kmTIpAdlWpnoi74/s1600/Donkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcVR0woyP0WjTELduWnjfDsImklRdZQBtdFs4ck9lb6cMSYLTEG4QR753djho277aW9yaIOt9KXvjZ_KLCpEPrsN8ukdLREiUHSCNoFaOSXjuTbE_E0w3aVuMlSDy4kmTIpAdlWpnoi74/s640/Donkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Their voices so precious,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">in our hearts they remain;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our sweet girl rocked her</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"In Excelsis Deo" refrain!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpdVaaI67nvSSjhZwWBh-y-EPNu0nW_PW4uTD1ba60GnacwkL3pPt61oFQWwjDL5A_lSh01X4zGqLxbLqDGvBIFbKzGho2fLXuWm4cp5CNFwE7TfVZn-C7LYPJJ8UXieLRG_fUJGBkog/s1600/In+Excelsis+Deo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpdVaaI67nvSSjhZwWBh-y-EPNu0nW_PW4uTD1ba60GnacwkL3pPt61oFQWwjDL5A_lSh01X4zGqLxbLqDGvBIFbKzGho2fLXuWm4cp5CNFwE7TfVZn-C7LYPJJ8UXieLRG_fUJGBkog/s640/In+Excelsis+Deo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Upon returning home</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">a few stitches still to be sewn;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mama nearly finished with pajamas</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">for a Polar Express Party to be thrown.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Eagerly awaking</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">for the last day of school,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">my little ones couldn't wait</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">to give teacher presents they thought were so cool!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_hy_eYsSZlZRZBf4vLbViFduy248BaTmnrYpaahi8KO7pzSDMSn_nziierAcuI5ATSrvUiSjuw3JfwtRVdpPTrTNL555ctvGmsCXYOJS3r4x0EOMuxio9otXkJWJQVtv-rF8lf-DQhk/s1600/market+bag+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_hy_eYsSZlZRZBf4vLbViFduy248BaTmnrYpaahi8KO7pzSDMSn_nziierAcuI5ATSrvUiSjuw3JfwtRVdpPTrTNL555ctvGmsCXYOJS3r4x0EOMuxio9otXkJWJQVtv-rF8lf-DQhk/s640/market+bag+collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Market bags and journals,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christmas ornaments and (peppermint) bark,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hand sanitizer and candy canes,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">secret gifts for teachers kept in the dark!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Their eyes filled with tears</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">as their gifts were passed out;</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">but they'll never know the gratitude we feel </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">so we shout...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">"We love you Mrs. Herrick,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">M<span style="font-size: large;">s</span>. Thimesch<span style="font-size: large;">, Mrs. Gay,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">in light of Connect<span style="font-size: large;">icut</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">do we thank you enough each day?"</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">A<span style="font-size: large;">nd so break begins</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">where we spend time with family and friends<span style="font-size: large;">;</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">We cherish our loved ones,</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">and pray for<span style="font-size: large;"> a </span>peac<span style="font-size: large;">e that only the Christ Child</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">can transcend. </span> </span> </span> </span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dedicated to the faculty and staff of</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
St. Paul Catholic School</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Olathe, KS</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span><br />
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Linking up with StoneGable for Tutorials, Tips, and Tidbits!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span></div>
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Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-2015847556822957362012-12-18T12:28:00.002-08:002012-12-19T18:45:12.840-08:00Chocolate Peppermint Bark ~ Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up with the lovely ladies and their blogs at</div>
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<a href="http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome-to-week-46-of-cowgirl-up-link.html">The Farmhouse Porch "Cowgirl" Link-Up</a><br />
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and<br />
<a href="http://stonegable.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1254.photobucket.com/albums/hh612/stonegable333/TTTButton1withdropdownbox.png" /></a>
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This morning/afternoon, I have somehow managed to finish sewing two more pairs of Christmas pajama pants as well as make two batches of Chocolate Peppermint Bark. <br />
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Chocolate Peppermint Bark is easy to prepare, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind...<br />
<br />
...first, commercially prepared (chocolate) peppermint bark uses tempered chocolates which gives the bark that beautifully shiny appearance, crisp breaking ability, and lack-of-melting factor.<br />
<br />
That being said, commercially prepared (chocolate) peppermint bark is expensive. So, if you don't mind your chocolatey-bark goodness melting in your hands and you have a way to keep your bark refrigerated, why not create a homemade version?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0nWFxO1P62UKQFZDd50rz6bczQnUZW1LRDM_FeQIUQRGdMEoNaDYuVqASOfhikl6ZJdM_1GQELkirqQvh6qGsvuS59kEJ8x2sNYX9d_GqIds5E4I6eIcz6ecw_OPp0tETI_Ek_WECo0/s1600/IMG_4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd0nWFxO1P62UKQFZDd50rz6bczQnUZW1LRDM_FeQIUQRGdMEoNaDYuVqASOfhikl6ZJdM_1GQELkirqQvh6qGsvuS59kEJ8x2sNYX9d_GqIds5E4I6eIcz6ecw_OPp0tETI_Ek_WECo0/s640/IMG_4423.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dark Chocolate <span style="font-size: small;">baking squares or melts (NOTE: <span style="font-size: small;">All <span style="font-size: small;">of the recipes out there recommend<span style="font-size: small;"> not using <span style="font-size: small;">white/chocolate chips since chi<span style="font-size: small;">ps have a different melting point<span style="font-size: small;">.<span style="font-size: small;"> I <span style="font-size: small;">used chips in my recipe and the bark turned out fine!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">White Ch<span style="font-size: small;">ocol<span style="font-size: small;">ate baking squares or melts</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Candy C<span style="font-size: small;">an<span style="font-size: small;">e </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Before melting <span style="font-size: small;">your choco<span style="font-size: small;">l<span style="font-size: small;">ates, have your candy canes crushed. I used a <span style="font-size: small;">gallon size zip lock baggie and <span style="font-size: small;">a m<span style="font-size: small;">eat tenderizer mallet.</span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Over a dou<span style="font-size: small;">ble boiler melt 1/2 of your choco<span style="font-size: small;">late sq<span style="font-size: small;">uares/melts<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span>I started with approximately 6 ounces. As chocolate begins to melt, remove from heat and add the additional chocolate squares/melts. At this point, you can add 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon cooking oil to give your chocolate a shiny appearance. Stir rapidly for approximately 5 minutes.</li>
<li>After chocolate squares/melts have been stirred, spread quickly using a rubber spatula on a tinfoil lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>Next, melt white chocolate squares/melts over double boiler. Follow the same procedure as you did for the chocolate squares/melts. When white chocolate is ready, pour over the hardened dark chocolate and smooth with a rubber spatula. At this point, you will sprinkle your crushed candy canes on top of the white chocolate.</li>
<li>Refrigerate for 30 minutes.</li>
<li>After refrigeration, break apart into chunks similar to peanut brittle.</li>
</ul>
NOTE: Although your Chocolate Peppermint Bark will have a shiny appearance, due to the added vegetable oil, it will still melt and need to be refrigerated. Curious as to why? Read <a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_6937765_homemade-peppermint-bark-melting_.html">here</a> .<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Step 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 2 </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 3</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">STEP <span style="font-size: large;">4</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 5</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hF5oA9v3J40QXzRDQk011jaDlfu2vVO2ZP_6oBu0MWp_9L2MzWoWZ7Ftd2x6ncTSieLTqwsJEfrVQQCjYLlV-3hQ-Phd5bu4pVyvpNwqc2dqzkJNyImFLYRJx7Cctz5tWpWfx8BewRw/s1600/IMG_4405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hF5oA9v3J40QXzRDQk011jaDlfu2vVO2ZP_6oBu0MWp_9L2MzWoWZ7Ftd2x6ncTSieLTqwsJEfrVQQCjYLlV-3hQ-Phd5bu4pVyvpNwqc2dqzkJNyImFLYRJx7Cctz5tWpWfx8BewRw/s640/IMG_4405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 6</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgXWg7n4c43KzNtgMC45TkNc2PLnCKRUXqr7sPetWrDkU7AqU_UYPJNx4CnW8z-5AJLWmCsDEbDhyphenhypheniK0faHdWIe-0k21zhP1JaNTD3gBf7k2wdRmLz8nlAhLdoz2C2QWL1Bg5zLieXvg/s1600/IMG_4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgXWg7n4c43KzNtgMC45TkNc2PLnCKRUXqr7sPetWrDkU7AqU_UYPJNx4CnW8z-5AJLWmCsDEbDhyphenhypheniK0faHdWIe-0k21zhP1JaNTD3gBf7k2wdRmLz8nlAhLdoz2C2QWL1Bg5zLieXvg/s640/IMG_4436.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Step 7</span><br />
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I am using my Chocolate Peppermint Bark as part of gift bags for my kiddos' teachers at their school. I went with a "peppermint" theme this year for faculty/staff gifts (my children go to a really tiny parochial school). I purchased $5 Peppermint Hand Sanitizers from Bath & Body Works, added the Chocolate Peppermint Bark and a candy cane. Voila...support staff Christmas gifts!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPodCTKHXE749l446HQjflWntMURQ4gaTkk-mEsHZhcPmTDVXI1xj_ZO4690NodMJTDIEu1L_vd4n4i6cOOgGMXY6R4EeZjui0E0dS4wLYpKEPM8zH9B0pjyUSyoO_7QSnZXgZjJPheFA/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPodCTKHXE749l446HQjflWntMURQ4gaTkk-mEsHZhcPmTDVXI1xj_ZO4690NodMJTDIEu1L_vd4n4i6cOOgGMXY6R4EeZjui0E0dS4wLYpKEPM8zH9B0pjyUSyoO_7QSnZXgZjJPheFA/s640/IMG_4428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, I've been a busy bee...not too much free time tonight
as we have our children's Christmas Program at 7:00 PM. (Nester the
Christmas Donkey...we can't wait. We think we will have one of the
cutest barnyard/manger animals as well as one of the most adorable
angels in the program...but we might be biased!) ;)<br />
<br />
Tis the Season...for Christmas Programs...Polar Express Pajama Parties...and Baking! Have a wonderful evening! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop</div>
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<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Chicken Chick" src=" http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h402/ADozenGirlz/CleverChicksBloghop150x147_zps2ab1a684.jpg" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-28608404526110479232012-12-17T21:14:00.000-08:002012-12-17T21:34:09.633-08:00Pajama Pants in ProgressI still need to put in the elastic waistband and hem the bottoms, but here is a sneak peek of my kiddos' Christmas pajama pants (Luke's size 2T)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeP3CNjm1n9Ev5EYXN-bvZMknxiVSWSj2ESl3PWj6OfpQ1iBn3-UOajkQ1kZNMjJ7OYB31e5cjGhzULkpWsz0jMaw4ACgqYe_lo07rJymy-B7Fq7yreoBAc518JCE6LYhGVpPEx0w2cM/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxeP3CNjm1n9Ev5EYXN-bvZMknxiVSWSj2ESl3PWj6OfpQ1iBn3-UOajkQ1kZNMjJ7OYB31e5cjGhzULkpWsz0jMaw4ACgqYe_lo07rJymy-B7Fq7yreoBAc518JCE6LYhGVpPEx0w2cM/s640/IMG_4392.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
These are turning out even cuter than I expected! I loved the fabric when I saw it, but just wasn't sure how it would look as a pair of pajama pants...<br />
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...I'm thinking my older kiddos are going to look so cute at their Polar Express Party on Wednesday!<br />
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Tutorial to come. I'm off now to make a pair of 6X and 9/10. Can someone please tell my 2nd grader to stop growing?!!! :)<br />
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Linking up with Amy at <i>Homestead Revival</i> for her</div>
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<a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/12/barn-hop-92-holiday-edition.html">Great Holiday Barn Hop</a>!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-2678402558998319602012-12-17T15:38:00.003-08:002012-12-17T15:52:17.717-08:00God is Everywhere all the Time!<div style="text-align: center;">
Here it is, Monday afternoon, I am just now getting my "Spiritual Sunday" post written up.</div>
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Obviously, that tells you what kind of weekend we had at our house!</div>
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But also, I needed some time to process what happened in Newtown, CT on Friday.</div>
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That being said, my dear friend, Carrie D. wrote a most beautiful post on facebook that I just didn't "like"...I loved! She summed up exactly how I feel about God and public schools.</div>
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"<span class="userContent">As I'm reading the t-shirt about God not being
in our schools, and the Fred Rogers quote about looking for the helpers
I'm having some thoughts. (I know, shocking right?) <i>I don't think we
have the power to kick God out of anywhere. God is good all the time
and He is everywhere all the time.</i> He gave us all free will and some
will for pain - to feel it, to cause it, and to be blinded by it. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">But</span> some of us choose to help, to respond, to teach, and to love. That
being said, we are praying for the families and students who suffered
yesterday and for all families everywhere who have suffered. We who
teach will continue our work daily to show our students a caring
community and the importance of their presence within it." ~Carrie D.~<br />
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I think Carrie is spot on.</div>
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I know that there are those who are non-believers...maybe even believers... who are pointing and asking..."Where was (your) God when this was happening?" </div>
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I believe, HE was right there. Waiting to usher HIS littlest ones in HIS kingdom. </div>
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I choose to believe that HE was weeping right along with those parents at the Sandy Hook Fire Department when they heard the awful news...that there were no more survivors. That their child was one of the 20 dead. </div>
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I believe that HE was running right alongside those brave first graders who made a mad dash past the gunman in their fight for survival. </div>
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I believe HE was working right alongside the first responders who, too, have to live with the horrific images and memories of that tragic day.</div>
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Yes, we as an American society may no longer allow images and icons of God in our public schools. We no longer use Scripture passages as handwriting...we no longer use Old or New Testament stories as our reading primers (teaching reading)... </div>
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...but to say that we have kicked God out of our public schools... </div>
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...impossible!</div>
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Instead, I believe that there are many, many complicating factors as to why this tragedy occurred including many in society who have systematically removed THEMSELVES from RELATIONSHIP with GOD, the prevalence of violence through media in our society, the gun control issue, bullying, the lack of access/resources for adequate mental health care, and last, but certainly not least the breakdown of the family. </div>
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We must do better, as a society and as parents, by our children. </div>
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God expects nothing less. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Linking up with <span style="font-size: large;">Charlotte for <a href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2012/12/welcome.html">Spiritual Sundays.</a></span> </span></div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-71728926099044577532012-12-15T12:57:00.000-08:002012-12-15T12:57:16.126-08:00Market/Tote Bags are Finished!My daughter and I had a lovely time at the Kansas City Ballet last night. We attended the Friday evening performance of <i>The Nutcracker</i>. After yesterday's tragedy in CT, it was good for my soul!<br />
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This morning I was able to finish up the last of the market/tote bags for my kids' teachers. I have a few last minute embellishments that I want to add, but otherwise am pleased with how they turned out. <br />
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Bag #1 (Red Chevron w/ Black Floral coordinating fabric)<br />
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Bag #2 (Orange geometric circles with orange scroll pattern coordinating fabric)<br />
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And finally, market/tote bag #3 (pink and green paisley with pink and green striped coordinating fabric).<br />
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It's hard to pick...but I think the pink and green paisley might be my favorite. I have a bit of yardage leftover and plan on attaching one big bow with tails to one handle for a bit of embellishment.<br />
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Do you have a favorite?<br />
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Now, I only have three (3) pairs of Christmas pajama pants to sew before my kiddos' "Polar Express" party on the 19th! whew! Tutorial to come.<br />
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Happy Saturday. We are off to a corporate Christmas Party tonight. 'Tis the Season!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
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P.S. If you are interested in a tutorial for the market bag click <a href="http://www.oursomedayfarm.blogspot.com/2012/12/simple-tote-bag-sewing-tutorial.html">here.</a>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-9765188296939766612012-12-14T14:17:00.000-08:002012-12-14T14:17:15.664-08:00The Nutcracker BalletIn light of this morning's tragedy in Newtown, CT, I'm not feeling particularly up to blogging about holiday decor...breakfast casseroles...sewing tutorials.<br />
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And while all those little things <i>are </i>important, because it is those little things that add up to make our days, I'm feeling a need to keep the television turned off, the radio dial tuned to Christmas music, and the computer shut down so that I can <i>truly </i>focus on being present with my loved ones.<br />
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Tonight, my sweet daughter and I have a date, compliments of Daddy! We are headed downtown to see the evening performance of the Kansas City Ballet's <i>The Nutcracker</i>.<br />
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And while part of me feels guilty for going out and having a good time in light of a national tragedy, a different part of me feels it is necessary to show my daughter (who doesn't know what has happened) that life continues on...we don't stop living or loving or celebrating with those we love. There is certainly a time to mourn, but there is also a time for celebration.<br />
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Tonight, I am honoring her innocence.<br />
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I leave you with these two sweet photos captured by our family photographer last Sunday...<br />
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...all the more meaningful today.<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/AVvXsEiDGusZZG-a8srmnratfitpBDrlyj0_gBXMkzzbDfB12WF7ShBMgZn-05lqvga7ivB6njr-SZhX58WpUOVnSmPhspQkn_dJ3VT8G77HM9j5DresZQa5HgX6yw_T3z7qV-Z2XlyLDV__1DQ/s1600/mary2bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGusZZG-a8srmnratfitpBDrlyj0_gBXMkzzbDfB12WF7ShBMgZn-05lqvga7ivB6njr-SZhX58WpUOVnSmPhspQkn_dJ3VT8G77HM9j5DresZQa5HgX6yw_T3z7qV-Z2XlyLDV__1DQ/s640/mary2bw.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our precious 8-year old.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNREB4BM3qQUE8bFMzJaOPJ8rY6KODlpkMv4bAorXzw-FIcPT5DNWhzE_z_NEJniGjLbWS-shGh-4X0yCHv3oLy3zQTx4g9li_3JErMgxDK1Q-a1l7-mGc5Gnd-WQT2FucMViu-HrGPk/s1600/sweetmoment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNREB4BM3qQUE8bFMzJaOPJ8rY6KODlpkMv4bAorXzw-FIcPT5DNWhzE_z_NEJniGjLbWS-shGh-4X0yCHv3oLy3zQTx4g9li_3JErMgxDK1Q-a1l7-mGc5Gnd-WQT2FucMViu-HrGPk/s640/sweetmoment.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama holding her sweet boys close to her.</td></tr>
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I will be back tomorrow to visit all of you at the various linky parties I joined up with and to share a delicious breakfast casserole.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-74569905455986920422012-12-13T17:46:00.000-08:002012-12-14T06:20:38.278-08:00Simple Tote Bag (Sewing Tutorial)<div style="text-align: center;">
Updated this morning...<br />
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I'm linking up with Laine over at <a href="http://www.justlaine.com/2012/12/a-homemade-christmas-linky-party.html">It's Just Laine</a> for her<br />
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<a href="http://www.justlaine.com/2012/12/a-homemade-christmas-linky-party.html">It's a Handmade Christmas linky party</a><br />
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Be sure to drop by if you are looking for last minute handmade Christmas gift ideas!<br />
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This evening, I'm linking up with Sherry at <a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/">No Minimalist Here</a> for<br />
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and the ladies at<br />
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<a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" title="The 36th AVENUE"><img alt="The 36th AVENUE" src="http://www.the36thavenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/New-Button-party.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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As this is my first "tutorial", let me sincerely apologize if I over-explain each step. I can't seem to help myself...it's the "teacher" in me!</div>
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Yesterday, I gave you a sneak peek of my fabric choices for this project. They include...</div>
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For today's tutorial, I am working with the red chevron/black floral fabrics.</div>
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These fabrics are from Hobby Lobby's printed duck cloth collection. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple Tote Bag <span style="font-size: large;">Tutorial</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Supplies</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two 15.5<span style="font-size: small;">" X 19" fabric panels (f<span style="font-size: small;">or front and back of tote<span style="font-size: small;"> bag)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two 5" X 30" <span style="font-size: small;">fabric <span style="font-size: small;">panels for tote bag handles</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sewing Machine</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Iron</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thread</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ruler</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">S<span style="font-size: small;">traight Pins</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scissors</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Step 1</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Begin by cutting your fabric panels. You will need two (2) 15.5" X 19" panels from your main<span style="font-size: small;"> fabric for the front an<span style="font-size: small;">d <span style="font-size: small;">back of your tote ba<span style="font-size: small;">g,</span></span></span> and <span style="font-size: small;">two (2) 5" X 30" fabric <span style="font-size: small;">panels of your coordinating <span style="font-size: small;">fabric for the <span style="font-size: small;">tote bag handles.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 2</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Working <span style="font-size: small;">on a flat surface<span style="font-size: small;">, on each <span style="font-size: small;">panel<span style="font-size: small;"> along the shortes<span style="font-size: small;">t side, fold <span style="font-size: small;">over <span style="font-size: small;">fabric 1<span style="font-size: small;">.5". Press with iron. Pin in plac<span style="font-size: small;">e. Sew folded edge down <span style="font-size: small;">on e<span style="font-size: small;">ach<span style="font-size: small;"> pane<span style="font-size: small;">l. I used a 1/4" sea<span style="font-size: small;">m <span style="font-size: small;">along the raw edge of the fabric.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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This 1.5" inside seam will be on the top of each front and back panel. (It is where you will attach your tote bag's handles.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Step 3</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">To make your tote bag handles, take rem<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">aining</span> panels and fo<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">ld</span> lengthwise, with <span style="font-size: small;">right sides (pattern sides) together. P<span style="font-size: small;">in folds and press <span style="font-size: small;">with iron.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">S<span style="font-size: large;">tep 4</span></span></div>
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Sew each handle from one end to the other being sure to backstitch. Turn each handle right side out and iron along all edges for crisp folds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbpwibis0e1i3_yECm6VSeJNBIhmCI2liEqopfhmPUgn5b8jkupNTpVaUuB1xmeARlYL2wWT1L2x4DiVxJ0oHKNTFgo_c_pnU7TemfWPQcPemo-WMRzzkKqeCbWSp0gfxavWWp4YlRI4/s1600/IMG_4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbpwibis0e1i3_yECm6VSeJNBIhmCI2liEqopfhmPUgn5b8jkupNTpVaUuB1xmeARlYL2wWT1L2x4DiVxJ0oHKNTFgo_c_pnU7TemfWPQcPemo-WMRzzkKqeCbWSp0gfxavWWp4YlRI4/s640/IMG_4238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 5</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next you will a<span style="font-size: small;">t<span style="font-size: small;">ta<span style="font-size: small;">ch your tote hand<span style="font-size: small;">le<span style="font-size: small;">s to the back of each panel using an "x" joint. (Feel fr<span style="font-size: small;">ee to e<span style="font-size: small;">mail me i<span style="font-size: small;">f you need further clarification on h<span style="font-size: small;">ow to sew an "x" joint.) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Placement of <span style="font-size: small;">your handles should be precise. <span style="font-size: small;">So, using your ruler, pl<span style="font-size: small;">ace handles 3<span style="font-size: small;">" fr<span style="font-size: small;">om each<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">outside e<span style="font-size: small;">d<span style="font-size: small;">g<span style="font-size: small;">e of each tote pan<span style="font-size: small;">el</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> and 1.5" from top of tote. (<span style="font-size: small;">Note, if your folded edge is 1.5" in width then <span style="font-size: small;">you should just be able to match up <span style="font-size: small;">ra<span style="font-size: small;">w edge of the tote handle with the ra<span style="font-size: small;">w edg<span style="font-size: small;">e of the tote seam</span></span></span></span></span></span>.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last step...you're almost finished! With right side<span style="font-size: small;">s (<span style="font-size: small;">pattern side) of panels</span></span></span> </span>together, pin left, right, and bottom edges together. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance being sure to backstitch. Turn tote right side out and voila...you're done!</div>
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You now have an adorable tote bag to take with you to your local Farmer's Market/Public Library/Errand Running, etc. The printed duck cloth is durable and holds up well. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note: <span style="font-size: small;"><i>I embellished this tote bag with a front pocket. (A first for me</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>...a novice seamstress!) I m</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>ight add some b</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>lack beaded trim/frin</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>g</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>e around the </i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>top/opening, but it is</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i> cute as </i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>is.</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This<span style="font-size: small;"> tote, along with<span style="font-size: small;"> the other <span style="font-size: small;">t<span style="font-size: small;">wo I am making, <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> for my child<span style="font-size: small;">'s</span> classroom teacher. <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I p<span style="font-size: small;">l<span style="font-size: small;">an to have my kiddos de<span style="font-size: small;">liver these to the<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">r teachers filled with </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>some <span style="font-size: small;">homemade Christmas treats<span style="font-size: small;"> and an ornament<span style="font-size: small;"> attached to<span style="font-size: small;"> the handle. (</span></span></span></span>My kiddos picked each teacher's fabric based on their personality! SEW Sweet!)</div>
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Please feel free to email me at oursomedayfarmdotgmaildotcom if you have any questions regarding this tutorial. Also, I'd appreciate any comments regarding the difficulty/ease of following these directions. </div>
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Happy Sewing!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
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P.S. I have no idea why some of my font sizes are normal...and others "tiny". I used the same size throughout unless I enlarged for the labels. Odd.</div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-63794664155846974532012-12-12T14:25:00.001-08:002012-12-12T14:25:23.889-08:00Some Simple Sewing ProjectsDust off your machine...<br />
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...get your needle and thread ready...<br />
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...I've got some simple sewing projects to share with you tomorrow!<br />
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For now, here's a sneak peek at the fabric I chose...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Project #1</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Project #2</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Be sure to drop by tomorrow to see the projects I've been "sew" busy with!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-64852201498312949282012-12-11T11:56:00.000-08:002012-12-11T12:12:27.249-08:00Caramelized Onions ~ RecipeHappy Tuesday!<br />
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Brrrrr...it's cold here in Kansas...the perfect day for hot sandwiches and/or soup.<br />
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This afternoon, I tried my hand at caramelizing onions to add to a store-bought package of French Onion dry soup mix. The onions turned out delicious and I thought I would share the process I used.<br />
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Caramelized onions aren't difficult to make, but they do require some effort and time to do right. You really can't "rush" the process otherwise you lose out on developing that sweet/nutty/savory taste that caramelized onions are all about.<br />
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So, let's begin!<br />
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I started with two large yellow onions. Don't worry...yellow onions are sweet enough to use. (Actually, any onion is acceptable because the process of caramelizing is the drawing out and browning of the natural sugar in the onion.)<br />
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I cut off one end of my onion and then cut in half.<br />
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Laying the onion on its flat side, I then began cutting thin ribbons/slices of onion.<br />
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Meanwhile, I began to warm canola oil (not extra virgin olive oil) in my frying pan with an equal amount of butter. I actually used about 1.5 tablespoons of canola and 1.5 tablespoons of butter. It is recommended that you clarify the butter....but I didn't! At this step, you can also add brown sugar to sweeten your onions. My recommendation would be to try them first...with out adding sugar. I find them sweet enough without additional sugar.<br />
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The trick with butter is that it burns easily...so you really need to keep your eye on the pan and level of heat...but I think it adds a rich flavor to the caramelizing process.<br />
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When oil/butter mixture was ready ( fats will ripple...be careful not to burn the mixture), I added my onions. I know this looks like a lot of onion...and normally it would be...but the caramelizing process really cooks the onions down. Don't worry...you won't have too many onions at the end!<br />
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As your onions begin to cook down and caramelize they will turn translucent and then begin to brown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTfH490G3iizJelHf8zIGhQ0-rmHsbj2m8kpNhpejQc3kR2mglC4NhkijZIBjwiRXDngjlG_iWEBkVG_v2ZcBVPnljJdhOxDeKzmZkbpSaFmC1rYvp_qDbQuaAtWSKt4__U7cUZ-2i0Q/s1600/IMG_4161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTfH490G3iizJelHf8zIGhQ0-rmHsbj2m8kpNhpejQc3kR2mglC4NhkijZIBjwiRXDngjlG_iWEBkVG_v2ZcBVPnljJdhOxDeKzmZkbpSaFmC1rYvp_qDbQuaAtWSKt4__U7cUZ-2i0Q/s640/IMG_4161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added salt and pepper to the onion as they began to cook. This is about 5 minutes into the process.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onions about 20 minutes into their cook time.</td></tr>
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Another trick that I learned when making caramelized onions is that you need to babysit them...but not hover! Sort of like that tween that is too young to stay home alone...but doesn't really need a babysitter! :)<br />
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The entire process takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending upon amount of onions, heat level, and personal preference on color and texture.<br />
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As onions cook you want to be careful to not over stir them...yet, you don't want to walk away and forget about them, thus burning them black. You want a happy medium. That's why I stay in the kitchen and prep other things. I'm close enough to keep an eye and stir when necessary, but also occupied enough to not be constantly stirring them.<br />
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You actually want your onions to stick to the pan for a bit to create the dark color, and sweet nutty flavor. As your onions stick, gently scrape off with your spatula. You can also use a bit of white wine, water, or vinegar to deglaze (i.e. un-stick) your onions. Just be careful not to add too much water...you don't want to "steam" your onions!<br />
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This afternoon, I added my caramelized onions to my French Onion Soup mix. But they are also delicious on hot sandwiches such as roast beef with provolone or a traditional grilled cheese; top bruschetta, focaccia or pizza; or add them to baked potatoes, salad, rice, risotto, or polenta. They're also delicious on hamburgers, pork, or roast.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLuI8m1_VCqGcIlQjY8roh6Rr5AF2TqE26KZpUztg-KeiJDE1B0QFIolFlsJqLV1XBp45qKKZKx6QlVqLflb9XhOccwBiXRN28ov-nMtmvDDgB6eXQGe-BsjRfQc8BJixCCo2OGJSU8E/s1600/IMG_4186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguLuI8m1_VCqGcIlQjY8roh6Rr5AF2TqE26KZpUztg-KeiJDE1B0QFIolFlsJqLV1XBp45qKKZKx6QlVqLflb9XhOccwBiXRN28ov-nMtmvDDgB6eXQGe-BsjRfQc8BJixCCo2OGJSU8E/s640/IMG_4186.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "sort of" made from scratch French Onion soup. </td></tr>
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Leftovers can be stored in a lidded container for 3-5 days in the fridge.<br />
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I hope that you are staying warm this Tuesday afternoon! I hear that 1/3 of the United States is covered in snow. No snow here in Kansas City, but it sure is cold enough for it to snow!<br />
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I'm linking up today with...<br />
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<a href="http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="”0”" src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss229/krystalwinn/hfd/cowgirl-up-003-button-4.jpg" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-1677562155067023692012-12-10T12:44:00.000-08:002012-12-10T12:44:33.148-08:00Family Picture<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, we had family pictures taken at an outdoor park.</div>
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Can you say, "Fastest Photo Shoot Ever?"</div>
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It was really cold, but the kids did really well!</div>
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Here are a few proofs to share...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjxtRk3jyXYMQ2ndvOTy00gwRcxvg7HyaxTRJj_vE3hZGfONCr9EJyYsxoSAmTTS4kQcYwiSdMJ6kMhd4sdRnoT8W-xFfNAwN0SeAbtcInmZ6NqpRnXE0ltpbsuxwKHBlgO-uGoupXf8/s1600/Mary+at+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjxtRk3jyXYMQ2ndvOTy00gwRcxvg7HyaxTRJj_vE3hZGfONCr9EJyYsxoSAmTTS4kQcYwiSdMJ6kMhd4sdRnoT8W-xFfNAwN0SeAbtcInmZ6NqpRnXE0ltpbsuxwKHBlgO-uGoupXf8/s640/Mary+at+park.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Catherine, Age 8</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEgAG1xLzPykr21udRYgqSsL14aoCvLcreH3rizoWg2PdinoMwTaYIAPOPuxmKOZYI8nk4litKCJsiAgiAilgQY7SKmuxRqjMpgcZIGNLmM4X0q5_jVFZhyIM3W6A9Km_XIClCqHh_uTDoc/s1600/Benjamin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAG1xLzPykr21udRYgqSsL14aoCvLcreH3rizoWg2PdinoMwTaYIAPOPuxmKOZYI8nk4litKCJsiAgiAilgQY7SKmuxRqjMpgcZIGNLmM4X0q5_jVFZhyIM3W6A9Km_XIClCqHh_uTDoc/s640/Benjamin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin, Age 6</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtpSF7EmArTdfTMKCmXucSCZ276FX-jPtbMlJtwxSzfnDR9TPgJk_2q9rpCtai0Gp0VDzFGZkYxoD_BVvwnIhp5H9AZYb2xTd_IA97-vcrsxCqv7rLTlQtNj1TClV2JBr1TB7_PxLb04/s1600/Luke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtpSF7EmArTdfTMKCmXucSCZ276FX-jPtbMlJtwxSzfnDR9TPgJk_2q9rpCtai0Gp0VDzFGZkYxoD_BVvwnIhp5H9AZYb2xTd_IA97-vcrsxCqv7rLTlQtNj1TClV2JBr1TB7_PxLb04/s640/Luke.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke Alexander, Age 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwodHt-oFvzutDewDM7s4fhpt3Vlm0Z9bD8NYIl_W1QmQW9mBIqLmPc1qJI1KmpK2GPOYzz_TSIwwg6wABHPsO9HG2wT5darOr5EEQhRTMBaVgn1KEVN81n7Eh8NJgOwAeLHGUgWHwArY/s1600/Family+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwodHt-oFvzutDewDM7s4fhpt3Vlm0Z9bD8NYIl_W1QmQW9mBIqLmPc1qJI1KmpK2GPOYzz_TSIwwg6wABHPsO9HG2wT5darOr5EEQhRTMBaVgn1KEVN81n7Eh8NJgOwAeLHGUgWHwArY/s640/Family+Pic.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Picture, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I can't wait to see more..especially the edited versions! These are just some proofs I pulled off of Facebook.<br />
<br />
We rarely splurge on family photos...so mama isn't in many pictures...but we are working on making some changes around our <i>Someday Farm</i> and celebrating who we are...exactly where we are...is one of our first steps!<br />
<br />
Happy Monday!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
<br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-28290389307410670372012-12-09T20:16:00.000-08:002012-12-17T15:56:38.873-08:00Living a Life of ContentmentSometimes, it takes seeing what you don't have to truly appreciate what you do have.<br />
<br />
Normally, the opposite happens.<br />
<br />
Spending time on the Internet...eyeing decorating blogs...pinning fabulous kitchens/bathrooms/craft rooms...one can become green with envy...<br />
<br />
...or overwhelmed by their very surroundings...the mounds of laundry...or toys scattered everywhere...or the unfinished decorating projects...<br />
<br />
But the answer to true joy and happiness is <i>contentment.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>"...for I have learned, in whatever situation I am to be content."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Philippians 4:11 (ESV)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
This afternoon, my husband, kiddos, and I took a ride out to look at a potential "someday farm".<br />
<br />
I wanted to cry.<br />
<br />
The photo actually did do the place justice.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcdllqQ6qjRP65oH9geM1IEI2ok4gGzefZEINg-5_cjQbYXAYvvyIjK5ddL6n3-eP-mGe4n_M1OOVktbVt7GsBIeKHR85bxMkjbabYNmF7CE7i2-gsM7MZZiuTfnnoNRJBc10Np9WjTI/s1600/front+of+columbia+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZcdllqQ6qjRP65oH9geM1IEI2ok4gGzefZEINg-5_cjQbYXAYvvyIjK5ddL6n3-eP-mGe4n_M1OOVktbVt7GsBIeKHR85bxMkjbabYNmF7CE7i2-gsM7MZZiuTfnnoNRJBc10Np9WjTI/s640/front+of+columbia+house.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This house needs so much work.<br />
<br />
So.much.work.<br />
<br />
I didn't even photograph the interior.<br />
<br />
It was too disheartening.<br />
<br />
It is disappointing to me that people are not better stewards of God's gifts. This home was trashed on the inside. In fact, the previous owners did not even pack up a lot of their belongings. Medication bottles strewn around...clothing left in the closets...cat feces everywhere.<br />
<br />
And then there is the structural damage...<br />
<br />
...the farmhouse needs a new sceptic tank...the in-ground pool needs to be filled in or replace...the house sits on a slab foundation that is sinking...<br />
<br />
Then I came home to this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDI_egBNTpDpmI1HkKRFjxuuSbxY7zcgWxgcqWFSNLO0Ta4FGl6guvGof9EhJKBUzs___BeJJ2hmph71oveIelSmDjWgkLjr7kFnRR12jQcTBIo0KRs8J77Dkz-b2q5ODA4qxL_F52g/s1600/House+Pics+Summer+2009+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDI_egBNTpDpmI1HkKRFjxuuSbxY7zcgWxgcqWFSNLO0Ta4FGl6guvGof9EhJKBUzs___BeJJ2hmph71oveIelSmDjWgkLjr7kFnRR12jQcTBIo0KRs8J77Dkz-b2q5ODA4qxL_F52g/s640/House+Pics+Summer+2009+017.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GC4bmd3pTKWLs7W87mTPQZu6bAlAIe5YuTpk6iB31kRCHrUDKRQHJQPNsATJjOpahC8QTj-ynKV1G4RJihdAnx_yLKrl5LadqX5MUaxyW4w_mU4dvZKcCpUZVd1kMhE6_t-pGMn88eU/s1600/House+Pics+Summer+2009+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GC4bmd3pTKWLs7W87mTPQZu6bAlAIe5YuTpk6iB31kRCHrUDKRQHJQPNsATJjOpahC8QTj-ynKV1G4RJihdAnx_yLKrl5LadqX5MUaxyW4w_mU4dvZKcCpUZVd1kMhE6_t-pGMn88eU/s640/House+Pics+Summer+2009+018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She's far from perfect...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
...I can't keep chickens...<br />
<br />
...and my interior will never find itself gracing the pages of BH&G Magazine or spotlighted on any decor blogs...<br />
<br />
...but it is my home.<br />
<br />
Structurally sound. Built with hard work and determination. Decorated with love...and kid art!<br />
<br />
I think God intended for me to see today's potential property to give me a wake-up call!<br />
<br />
To be <i>content </i>with the situation that I currently find myself in...<br />
<br />
...as a stay-at-home mom of three beautiful children...married to a wonderfully hard-working (not perfect!) husband...and living in a gorgeous-to-me home. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder!<br />
<br />
How about you...<br />
<br />
...are you living a contented life?<br />
<br />
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday night,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm linking up with Charlotte over at </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<a border="0" href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/Ettolrahcoj/spirit.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And Amy at <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/">Homestead Revival</a>! Happy Barn Hopping!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i838.photobucket.com/albums/zz307/amywalker63/Barn-Hop.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
And last, but certainly not least,
<a href="http://www.lilywhite-designs.com/">Jordan from Lily White Designs!</a><br />
THANK YOU Jordan for inviting me to join up with you today! <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lilywhitedesigns.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1170.photobucket.com/albums/r524/JordanRae87/button.jpg" /></a></div>
Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-21795671136433378762012-12-08T19:05:00.003-08:002012-12-08T19:25:14.863-08:00Holiday Popcorn Munch ~ RecipeMy sweet friend, <a href="http://countrydream1.blogspot.com/">Melinda, from Country Dreaming</a> shared this fun recipe for Peanut Butter Popcorn Munch. It is so easy to make and delicious, too! I added in the red and green M&Ms to give it that "ho ho ho" appeal. :) Enjoy!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHS9tvYhzRBk5a8djn5aoo4iocwTs2qtkQNNsrTb-zQtPvv9XMNJfQb5sVfX168-fc8KZkZIJpt4yPfYdEdZtBnK1WViYMaCxVK2_ugnB9bEPIYScr8m5uMdw2fNI5eoXpwyoCKN1yAY/s1600/IMG_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHS9tvYhzRBk5a8djn5aoo4iocwTs2qtkQNNsrTb-zQtPvv9XMNJfQb5sVfX168-fc8KZkZIJpt4yPfYdEdZtBnK1WViYMaCxVK2_ugnB9bEPIYScr8m5uMdw2fNI5eoXpwyoCKN1yAY/s640/IMG_4132.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 pkg. of Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popcorn</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 Cup tiny pretzel twists</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">3/4 Cup confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/4 Cup creamy peanut butter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Tbsp. butter</span> </span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span><br />
<ul>
<li>Prepare popcorn according to package. </li>
<li>In saucepan over low heat, melt the 2 tbsp. of butter (or buttery spread) with the 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter. (This step can also be done in a microwaveable safe dish.)</li>
<li>Mix 1 cup of tiny pretzel twists with popcorn.</li>
<li>Drizzle peanut butter sauce over the popcorn/pretzel mixture. Toss to coat.</li>
<li>Next, sprinkle the 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar over the popcorn/pretzel mixture. Again, toss to coat.</li>
<li>Finally, add your mix-ins...M&Ms, nuts, etc.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMi0_qLwP7_CnUe-3bvM0ipUrWa5H8jN258PI2l_WUVT65AZOh8rvr3iDAA_jDmItg6X527ZSnZ412afyubLWeqfHlrnemC5YXqhbuweeCMQH32cvfJMtfrE8ynxqGVfnJ88wR4QYInE/s1600/IMG_4135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMi0_qLwP7_CnUe-3bvM0ipUrWa5H8jN258PI2l_WUVT65AZOh8rvr3iDAA_jDmItg6X527ZSnZ412afyubLWeqfHlrnemC5YXqhbuweeCMQH32cvfJMtfrE8ynxqGVfnJ88wR4QYInE/s640/IMG_4135.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
Allow mixture to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
So, curl up in the front of the fire...while snuggling with your favorite 6 and 8-year olds...all while sharing some fun Holiday Popcorn Munch served in your favorite vintage white serving platter. :)<br />
<br />
...Oh...and be sure to rent <i>Brave</i> (Disney movie). It's a cute one!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>
Happy Saturday night!<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm linking up with Beverly over at <a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/12/holiday-treats-pink-saturday-december-8-2012-and-blog-shop.html">How Sweet the Sound</a> to share our Holiday Treat recipes or anything PINK!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/06/so-just-what-is-pink-saturday.html"><img border="0" src="http://i36.tinypic.com/3038rqh.jpg" /></a></center>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial;"></span></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
<b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"></span></b>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-517303792236024672012-12-07T12:31:00.002-08:002012-12-07T12:47:33.648-08:00A Potential "Someday" Farm!One just never knows when opportunity will arise...<br />
<br />
...we've gotten a lead on a foreclosed property in Miami County, Kansas.<br />
<br />
Farmhouse...similar in style to our current home...<br />
<br />
...detached garage barn...with possibility of a breezeway attachment...<br />
<br />
...additional red barn suitable for housing livestock...our daughter is dying for a horse...<br />
<br />
...all nestled among 15 acres.<br />
<br />
FIFTEEN ACRES!<br />
<br />
Of course, the home needs about $100,000 worth of work such as a new kitchen, master bath, exterior siding, etc.<br />
<br />
And then there's the non-functioning, in-ground pool.<br />
<br />
A trusted friend of ours went to look at the property for us this morning.<br />
<br />
Apparently, there's been a few parties thrown, complete with beer can decor, since the foreclosure...<br />
<br />
....but all I can think about are the possibilities!<br />
<br />
And the one thing it does have...that makes me smile...<br />
<br />
...A WRAP-AROUND PORCH...just like I have now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPCS6AKVWyOZZ_Pppcw_WFNARbbKq9avbhL4LLkjT1Ge_9I70COXKw1Tkndun_qHxIU1PhOKXIY-wa9TW2Yeav8t0NrQhnm6SSPlFKaOFSqFJBYUUsGN105INS6oLoDD1mPXiIxenp4c/s1600/front+of+columbia+house.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPCS6AKVWyOZZ_Pppcw_WFNARbbKq9avbhL4LLkjT1Ge_9I70COXKw1Tkndun_qHxIU1PhOKXIY-wa9TW2Yeav8t0NrQhnm6SSPlFKaOFSqFJBYUUsGN105INS6oLoDD1mPXiIxenp4c/s640/front+of+columbia+house.bmp" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possible "Someday" Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
I know. It needs A LOT of work. But it's just crying out to be loved. If not by us...by somebody!<br />
<br />
And I can just see my chickens...swinging from the tire swing...and chasing the real chickens around that front yard.<br />
<br />
And a coop in the back...<br />
<br />
...as well as a real-life clothes line...<br />
<br />
...and a kitchen garden... <br />
<br />
...oooh, I'm so excited!<br />
<br />
We go to see it on Sunday. The banker gave us the code to get into the house.<br />
<br />
I'll be back with a follow-up post for sure!<br />
<br />
And I'll leave you with this image...<br />
<br />
...our current home that we built 11 years ago...one 1 acre. I love this house so much...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexBoMnUVsIroeIPSaIgv7aftyKH67ZnDrNwnM_saY6GbcZkVC_VOLW8bI8g9cVFmTYH1GRGL57qVtcB2Pfs7DRUXMXPyVdAbYAcNw1_22MTEZ4xJFeNZa4oyfXi85w5cfOFmplhUMXGM/s1600/IMG_4047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhexBoMnUVsIroeIPSaIgv7aftyKH67ZnDrNwnM_saY6GbcZkVC_VOLW8bI8g9cVFmTYH1GRGL57qVtcB2Pfs7DRUXMXPyVdAbYAcNw1_22MTEZ4xJFeNZa4oyfXi85w5cfOFmplhUMXGM/s640/IMG_4047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
...can I leave it?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-63402557355026382702012-12-06T10:43:00.001-08:002012-12-06T10:43:51.515-08:00Saint Nicholas Day (Part 2): His Arrival!Last night as I put the little ones to bed, excitement and anticipation was thick! All three kiddos were so excited to see if Saint Nicholas (who is the historic figure for (Dutch) Sinterklaas (translated into Santa Claus) would come to our home tonight. After all, we have never left our shoes out before...how would he know to drop by?<br />
<br />
As we said bedtime prayers, we discussed Saint Nicholas' real life...especially how he lived a life dedicated to serving God by being the hands and feet of Jesus. We also discussed how during this season of Advent, as we wait in anticipation for the<i> ultimate </i>gift of Christmas, the baby Jesus, we too could serve God by doing good deeds for each other...our loved ones including extended family and friends...and even strangers.<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/AVvXsEi1rNfJ0Lg4zgnuGEJyyhyphenhyphenm9IwBaBWuKpdwQ0mHPz6eoTD6xPoG2Fk0lEtChqbzGkfLXG3aBZB45Z8FpZ_f-PQ6kucc6D4WN_ShplmMQvJBWJoGIcTweOW_uHp1U_DTu76ODc2Oj93G1kQ/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rNfJ0Lg4zgnuGEJyyhyphenhyphenm9IwBaBWuKpdwQ0mHPz6eoTD6xPoG2Fk0lEtChqbzGkfLXG3aBZB45Z8FpZ_f-PQ6kucc6D4WN_ShplmMQvJBWJoGIcTweOW_uHp1U_DTu76ODc2Oj93G1kQ/s640/IMG_4112.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Catherine's boots and art work (age 8, 2nd grade).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2o8HRR6h_epArm7gLHJQsGkJxTLiCWEonVlJeEDp2ZlJoackXtjReryMzVUTazZ-wvBuFCmquvEVKMcPY6ziEuAoiNs38fRUAQYt6UUN5MjVVbAdPHYFFHceeGaPo7m_iAKps79Fv3g/s1600/IMG_4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2o8HRR6h_epArm7gLHJQsGkJxTLiCWEonVlJeEDp2ZlJoackXtjReryMzVUTazZ-wvBuFCmquvEVKMcPY6ziEuAoiNs38fRUAQYt6UUN5MjVVbAdPHYFFHceeGaPo7m_iAKps79Fv3g/s640/IMG_4113.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke Alexander's light up shoes and art work (age 2).</td></tr>
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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/AVvXsEji6xjfeLXYcvwFyZebprn7V5Cji2Yu9Y6chNhCJ4reLsL79eR7g0uuFdnu1m2vYIZv6TO7aKqqfYwvhp1C8i7NCDxbCf-tItX9nyCVj84Rsql-LX_2PCwsMuXkytCck5PQnHwU1gAY2kI/s1600/IMG_4114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6xjfeLXYcvwFyZebprn7V5Cji2Yu9Y6chNhCJ4reLsL79eR7g0uuFdnu1m2vYIZv6TO7aKqqfYwvhp1C8i7NCDxbCf-tItX9nyCVj84Rsql-LX_2PCwsMuXkytCck5PQnHwU1gAY2kI/s640/IMG_4114.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benjamin Paul's winter boots and art work (age 6, Kindergarten)</td></tr>
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This morning all three kiddos were up early to see if <i>he</i> came!<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/AVvXsEgTrtJH1g5nQ5dystQOMY3VoZrRvnfY09H_Ej-9DoOEPnk2A50GgK60NnOEcc4oF8Sr3Sbz0H75ipkMItUBvX1Avok295J-kQWu0g8LMwv1wFrxBYFUBI0kcCnwQTpt7tGgRn91nryRSwk/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrtJH1g5nQ5dystQOMY3VoZrRvnfY09H_Ej-9DoOEPnk2A50GgK60NnOEcc4oF8Sr3Sbz0H75ipkMItUBvX1Avok295J-kQWu0g8LMwv1wFrxBYFUBI0kcCnwQTpt7tGgRn91nryRSwk/s640/IMG_4125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small gifts and treats from Saint Nicholas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Looks like he found our house! <br />
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I wonder...<br />
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...how did he know that my children love McDonalds?<br />
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To learn more about this beloved Catholic saint celebrated throughout Europe and North Americans by Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants, visit <a href="http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/home/">The Saint Nicholas Center</a>, a lovely website full of historical information, links to kid coloring and activity pages, as well as ways to celebrate through prayer in your homes or schools.<br />
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Happy Feast of Saint Nicholas!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-53464565848775858802012-12-05T21:05:00.000-08:002012-12-05T21:05:27.324-08:00Saint Nicholas Celebration (Part 1): The Eve of St. Nicholas DaySaint Nicholas, a 4th century Roman Catholic bishop, was known for his good deeds, generosity to the poor, and true devotion to Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made bishop at a young age. <br />
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Obeying Jesus' words to, "sell what you own and give the money to the poor, " Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He became known for his secret gift-giving, such as putting gold coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdAXHu_27DptsyZXQgZPhovFFl3V9aoDcGXXmKKKOo0hSqhA6LB1Vm1jPNDUBu9PaEY4PQ24N0KB-qwxFkE0eX_4jkMipmReurok9fztFqwG3WHmzeSshrWVCszSiHcD0kEFPp8u80zc/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdAXHu_27DptsyZXQgZPhovFFl3V9aoDcGXXmKKKOo0hSqhA6LB1Vm1jPNDUBu9PaEY4PQ24N0KB-qwxFkE0eX_4jkMipmReurok9fztFqwG3WHmzeSshrWVCszSiHcD0kEFPp8u80zc/s640/IMG_4115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although not nationally celebrated in North America, Saint Nicholas is the beloved patron saint of children, sailors and those in need. His feast day is celebrated on December 6th, primarily in German communities throughout the United States, such as Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and St. Louis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89XoUK4OcTtxovyYrP1p24SH4Hd7KlYIm2egr-Uyz58vKcNkFo266wVLTDrzlzlhn1wrtPKxrrXmIscs1O9wL7OBLPpYJ5vpC0NUsjMHFfg5r4cPf-sZYSd9IVNsypngpguTn_6PKnjI/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89XoUK4OcTtxovyYrP1p24SH4Hd7KlYIm2egr-Uyz58vKcNkFo266wVLTDrzlzlhn1wrtPKxrrXmIscs1O9wL7OBLPpYJ5vpC0NUsjMHFfg5r4cPf-sZYSd9IVNsypngpguTn_6PKnjI/s640/IMG_4116.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beauty of celebrating Saint Nicholas Day is that this holy man's feast day falls in the very early weeks of Advent. With his true devotion of serving God by focusing his life's mission on doing the work of Jesus Christ, St. Nicholas Day allows children to receive tiny treats and gifts...all while focusing on the reason behind the Christmas season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B6qx6rEsfxBL_gxcmdvwvMpogOf-LxTdnES8l5qayXDE6bqHYF5zA94TA6pAB9qSBMdupe__nwtCUl4nuD6oTXm95ICqjqvvYVAa02V2ZWY84rgV_KrZrwlqtOkSfs6gtBCwU8OnQFo/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B6qx6rEsfxBL_gxcmdvwvMpogOf-LxTdnES8l5qayXDE6bqHYF5zA94TA6pAB9qSBMdupe__nwtCUl4nuD6oTXm95ICqjqvvYVAa02V2ZWY84rgV_KrZrwlqtOkSfs6gtBCwU8OnQFo/s640/IMG_4122.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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(I've owned these vintage wooden shoe forms for quite some time and thought that they would make the perfect Saint Nicholas display!)<br />
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Since my children attend Catholic school and have been busy learning about the saints throughout the year, they have been very excited about the arrival of December 6th (Saint Nicholas day). And although I did not grow up celebrating this particular feast day, I've decided to embrace my children's German heritage and begin this sweet tradition of putting out their shoes on our hearth each December 5th.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-U8MX0W6JBRZET0P3XUNKX__vE9ibY0-gScw2KrynZRz7o_gax1XPeaougy8_SejFkaJjeciYmfEMfgNwaQZljzhnHy9XfkDtDy6PAb2Q-b8ce7FBq2pJ41_UCIIXisM-PYlf8pTtM/s1600/IMG_4111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0-U8MX0W6JBRZET0P3XUNKX__vE9ibY0-gScw2KrynZRz7o_gax1XPeaougy8_SejFkaJjeciYmfEMfgNwaQZljzhnHy9XfkDtDy6PAb2Q-b8ce7FBq2pJ41_UCIIXisM-PYlf8pTtM/s640/IMG_4111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As this is our very first year to put out our shoes for St. Nick, the children were overcome with excitement and looked for the largest pair of boots they could find. As we read from our Saint's Book about St. Nicholas, my kiddos were suddenly panicked when they learned that children in Europe typically leave hay and carrots for St. Nicholas' horses. EEEEEK! We decided to color Saint pictures in his honor instead and leave them in their boots for him to find.<br />
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Wishing you sweet dreams tonight...I'm certain my little ones have visions of sugar plums...or candy canes...dancing in their heads. Be sure to drop by tomorrow to see if St. Nick came by for a visit!<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span><br />
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<br />Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-28942920529331868602012-12-04T18:56:00.001-08:002012-12-04T19:03:45.470-08:00Operation Organization...The Christmas BinderBy now, you've probably seen them all over the Internet...<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113707722/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="836" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/174796029257979928_HKP5rTiE_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.teresacollins.typepad.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">teresacollins.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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...they're a favorite on <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/">Pinterest</a> ...<br />
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...the "Christmas Binder" or the "Holiday Planner".<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113707719/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="887" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/197032552418157707_7E1IcAOq_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://teresacollins.typepad.com/teresa_collins/2012/07/christmas-memory-binder-kit.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">teresacollins.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Whatever you wish to name your organizational tool, just know that this little 1-inch binder can revolutionize the way you prepare for the holidays.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113707713/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/218354281902891511_LHywbWCE_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.controllingmychaos.com/2008/11/christmas-organized.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">controllingmychaos.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I've been using my "Christmas Planner" for several years now. It is a life saver. And although it is not nearly where I want it to be "organization-wise" I still benefit from referring to its contents and I carry it with me everywhere I go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoa4mWdCXpG2EmGmYKuKIw-WBPsmfFooNyrFBi9vQWVVEgp8v_jqQGObdP4_DyEQXrgRXaR4bYHWPrYjm5wY5gTw3K_vUzxq93MJglokuDxNRSEGd4Vak9o-fa5WUYJX5Pq_Je4ImVMg/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoa4mWdCXpG2EmGmYKuKIw-WBPsmfFooNyrFBi9vQWVVEgp8v_jqQGObdP4_DyEQXrgRXaR4bYHWPrYjm5wY5gTw3K_vUzxq93MJglokuDxNRSEGd4Vak9o-fa5WUYJX5Pq_Je4ImVMg/s640/IMG_4084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnyhiHfhVo2Tgly4f40Ztjl_ZEV7ltPVqciXDsz8Yn4dFInQztvn4m3z4mwnM1mmP6cUWOKM7MQj7V3-iDqnKVQq84goUiPSDv1CZBJ4OVwLk2oUZPXU3OV8Y1vIpbDOEWbeFSfbqGz0/s1600/IMG_4086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnyhiHfhVo2Tgly4f40Ztjl_ZEV7ltPVqciXDsz8Yn4dFInQztvn4m3z4mwnM1mmP6cUWOKM7MQj7V3-iDqnKVQq84goUiPSDv1CZBJ4OVwLk2oUZPXU3OV8Y1vIpbDOEWbeFSfbqGz0/s640/IMG_4086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are just a few samples of the contents between the covers...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDo6_9ZraMm11b0EmSwpZRTPurJCQXYaJ5vmQNBeu35lm32wtNITAiX7RWN0SPlMgpwX92aL4L8dP6Osdtq7qPFZ8ilOXrzzw3GYI-qrVOX5DzptSauv66oZgeodqh8px48oc7Em__oo/s1600/IMG_4100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDo6_9ZraMm11b0EmSwpZRTPurJCQXYaJ5vmQNBeu35lm32wtNITAiX7RWN0SPlMgpwX92aL4L8dP6Osdtq7qPFZ8ilOXrzzw3GYI-qrVOX5DzptSauv66oZgeodqh8px48oc7Em__oo/s640/IMG_4100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubWD8Ep9tf0lvX8BWMMb3l56jyb-c8GxnQBzcHFhoIPjOaS3GcBFQ4Kw7aR-tqhavgv9zEBURms83gb3SAjQERLnPLl4thDP53-lOa55Xe3NY20Ef8qrpcLytoca3uciFWyhpon9XNqI/s1600/IMG_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhubWD8Ep9tf0lvX8BWMMb3l56jyb-c8GxnQBzcHFhoIPjOaS3GcBFQ4Kw7aR-tqhavgv9zEBURms83gb3SAjQERLnPLl4thDP53-lOa55Xe3NY20Ef8qrpcLytoca3uciFWyhpon9XNqI/s640/IMG_4101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz4yO-h-UKMtLWdqWRzSSujjT4SlR43VVZHseLlqjn5_DhwgFyOJvEupquuoGeJetkiGw5w6PPcKZUr9_3O_OvnZ1fCTIErr_LUc-jCRdPr17WVFsAXRDOBbAqJ45_O-K7Eg4cWMy_UU/s1600/IMG_4105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz4yO-h-UKMtLWdqWRzSSujjT4SlR43VVZHseLlqjn5_DhwgFyOJvEupquuoGeJetkiGw5w6PPcKZUr9_3O_OvnZ1fCTIErr_LUc-jCRdPr17WVFsAXRDOBbAqJ45_O-K7Eg4cWMy_UU/s640/IMG_4105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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All of these pages and more came from a home organization website called <a href="http://www.flylady.net/">The FlyLady</a>. She has awesome house cleaning tips, routines, tutorials, etc. and she has free downloads of her organizational binder tools including her "Holiday Control Journal". <br />
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In addition to the organizational pages that I downloaded, I also stick toy magazines that my kiddos have marked up to show me what they wish to get for Christmas. I love having those with me because it often prevents me from making impulse buys...as well as getting them something that they really do desire. With three, we don't spend a lot and so I want to make each dollar count!<br />
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I also keep clear plastic zipper pouches for gift receipts and purchase receipts. It is so nice come January to have all those receipts in one place to verify credit and/or debit card purchases. (I won't lie...sometimes I'll forget that I purchased and gifted an item and I will swear it's a bogus charge on my card...until I get out those receipts! This year we've done more with cash so I'm actually looking forward to January! ha!)<br />
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I hope that this has provided you with some sweet ideas of how to get organized for the holidays! I love the creativity of some of the women out there...they've made some beautiful binders. With surgery and the flu bug hitting out house early this season...I'm just excited I've got my binder together! There's always next year to get my beauty on! ;)<br />
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By the way...I wanted to give a big shout out to my girl friend, Melinda over at <a href="http://countrydream1.blogspot.com/">Country Dreaming</a> to say thank you for reminding me about my Christmas Binder. She did a similar post about her Holiday Planner and is doing a fabulous and unique daily post of Christmas Fun ideas. Be sure to drop by her place and check it out!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-32825478334298834482012-12-03T18:57:00.001-08:002012-12-03T18:57:33.523-08:00Holiday Gift Wrap IdeasI love receiving a gift-wrapped present.<br />
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But I think I love gift wrapping even more!<br />
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There's just something so hospitable about taking that extra time to pick out wrapping paper, ribbon, and bow to make a gift extra-special. And whenever I wrap a gift I always do so with the recipient and occasion in mind.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113700904/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/245586985900755916_1wNLZxld_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://annaweinreich.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-12-29T10:32:00Z&max-results=20&start=117&by-date=false" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">annaweinreich.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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That's why the Christmas season is one of my most-favorite times of the year. Not only do I get to gift wrap lots of presents...but I get to do so with a "theme" in mind. I love challenging myself to gift wrap each recipient's present in a slightly different way from anyone else's gift...using the exact same materials and/or color scheme.<br />
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This year, I am loving the kraft paper and baker's twine look, but there are lots of beautiful gift wrap ideas out on the web.<br />
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Here are just a few of my favorites...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kraft and Twine</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113700832/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/21603273183121030_1VdVeH4x_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://olderandwisor.blogspot.com/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">olderandwisor.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113604530/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/263601384409231745_63ftlroI_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1165890109981144372" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">Uploaded by user</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113556765/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="888" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/79868593361332605_qcyayut4_c.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://odessamay.blogspot.com/2011/12/handmade-holiday-woodland-wrapping.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">odessamay.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Newspaper</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113579687/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/228276274831946225_5hFXpVlS_c.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.theshabbychiccottage.net/2010/11/have-you-started-shopping.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">theshabbychiccottage.net</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113568265/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/44613852528337184_cLUHbOXH_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.refinery29.com/stylish-gift-wrapping-idea" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">refinery29.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whimsical </span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113567707/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="800" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/224617100135297188_5i93G9JG_c.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://creatingthehive.com/blog-post/182708/naughty-or-nice-a-creative-and-green-gift" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">creatingthehive.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113116707/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/5629568255267999_ItmNpUJs_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2010/12/craft-these-sweet-gift-bags.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">gooseberrypatch.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I hope this gives you some great ideas to start your holiday gift wrapping extravaganza!<br />
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And when your ready to do your wrapping, light a candle, cue the Christmas music, and allow yourself time to really appreciate the recipient and what he or she means to you in your life!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-42162985821294769622012-12-02T01:30:00.000-08:002012-12-02T01:30:02.485-08:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~ Advent WreathsHappy Sunday!<br />
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I hope you have had a peaceful weekend.<br />
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We've been busy cleaning, decorating, and crafting here at Someday Farm. I must say it's been a bit odd decorating the wrap-around porch in 70-degree weather on December 1st, but I'm not complaining! But as Saturday slips into Sunday, I'd like to take a minute to encourage you to slow down...if even for just a few minutes today.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113689494/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/216383957067871526_PfOXrBPw_c.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://uruguay-az.blogspot.com/2012/11/adventskranz-advent-wreath.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">uruguay-az.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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In our home, I really try to be intentional about focusing on the season of Advent with our three little ones. It is so easy when you're 8, 5, or 2-years old, to get caught up in the whole Santa/Christmas presents/me, me, me theme, and forget about the true meaning behind Christmas.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113689518/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/114912227961728086_lH6rymdm_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.impressionen.de/shop/produkt/kerzenhalter/4346841" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">impressionen.de</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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That's why each Christmas season, I not only do the Advent calender with my kids, but also light an Advent wreath. We do this each Sunday morning during the four weeks of Advent at breakfast time. It is a beautiful and peaceful way to start the day...and to remember the reason behind the season...celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113689503/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/287104544964491409_3DgSncyO_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com/2011/11/advent-celebrating-gods-gift-to-us.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">theblissfullycontentlife.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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But even if you are not Christian or religious, keeping an Advent wreath might be a helpful reminder to slow down and take of yourself and your loved ones among the hustle and bustle of December! Perhaps you can sit for a few moments enjoying a cup of hot tea and a good read...or at the end of a long day soak in a luxurious bubble bath.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113689513/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/251075747945900297_gFBODwJG_c.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://meandalice.blogspot.com/search/label/ikea" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">meandalice.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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I am just smitten with this Advent wreath created from tiny terra cotta pots and moss...love it!<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113689495/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="675" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/96968198197893869_LB8Fcz5H_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://eabdesigns.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/08/advent-candles-diy-advent-wreath-tutorial.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">eabdesigns.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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For more Advent wreath and calender ideas, visit my <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/advent/">Advent Board</a> on Pinterest. And as Charles Dickens said,<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
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Wishing you a peace-filled day,<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1165890109981144372.post-65965472472796404562012-12-01T12:42:00.002-08:002012-12-01T12:42:56.635-08:00It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year ~ Advent CalendersHappy December 1st!<br />
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I've been busy "decking the halls" around here and it really is "beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"<br />
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As we begin our countdown to December 25th, I thought I'd share with you a couple of fun Advent calenders that I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/">Pinterest</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whimsical...</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113664704/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/190980840419827614_zf13TAgW_c.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://blogs.babble.com/family-style/2010/11/29/the-best-advent-calendars/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">blogs.babble.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113656559/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="554" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/76701999874815377_OvVh1egC_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/11/advent-calendar-inspiration-board.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">onegoodthingbyjillee.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Simple... </span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113601914/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/106116134939406376_bT75sk2Z_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://foundpaperco.blogspot.com/2009_11_01_archive.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">foundpaperco.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113601912/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec5.pinterest.com/upload/47287864807475944_ZjmuvQYu_c.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2010/12/simple-advent-calendar.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">dandee-designs.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crafty..</span>.<br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719113630945/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/226517056229595017_iJYSIlPD_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/holiday-crafts-for-kids/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">parents.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719111786189/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="427" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/78883430942797847_7SIan3Kx_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://missgioia.com/2008/12/frankincense-advent-calendar.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">missgioia.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and Rustic...</span><br />
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719111764030/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="574" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/upload/248894316875923263_s7Xib7FG_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://cannycrafter.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-countdown-project-20-advent.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">cannycrafter.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/221872719111764028/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/81346336988943614_bTHD7S5u_c.jpg" width="500" /> </a><br />
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Source: <a href="http://www.thisispretty.co.uk/category/24/2" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">thisispretty.co.uk</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/herlittleways/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Valerie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Did you see a favorite...<br />
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...one that made your heart smile?<br />
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I love them all, but I think my favorites are the little cotton bags with typewriter printing...the buttons on burlap...and the rusted buckets tied to ribbon on the stairway banister.<br />
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Hmmm...so many decisions...and I'm already a day behind!<br />
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I'm off to gather scrapbook paper, ribbons, and my hot glue gun.<br />
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Happy Saturday friends!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">XXX OOO</span>Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12786949560580407682noreply@blogger.com1