tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6507219998075720672024-03-14T01:07:40.797-07:00The Mom Blog{a blog for young mothers}Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger304125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-38153172140533341052013-01-17T08:57:00.000-08:002013-01-17T08:57:20.952-08:00Prayer: Daily DevotionalFor the last year or so I've been doing a Daily Devotional with my kids. I don't plan ahead. I just try to follow the Spirit, or teach them something based on an issue we've had that day, or a book we've read. I keep them short and sweet and I take cues from my kids. We do more with it if they're interested, or it can just be a 5 minute lesson.<br />
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Here's what we did yesterday...<br />
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First we sang a primary song - chosen by Little Miss - <a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/families-can-be-together-forever?lang=eng" target="_blank">Families Can Be Together Forever</a>.<br />
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Then we listened to <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/2013/01/the-five-dollar-miracle?lang=eng" target="_blank">The Five Dollar Miracle</a>, an article from this months <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/2013/01?lang=eng" target="_blank">Friend</a> magazine, using the <a href="https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps" target="_blank">LDS Gospel Library App</a> on my phone.<br />
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While listening Little Miss and Mr Man colored pictures of children praying (courtesy of <a href="http://lds.org/">lds.org</a>).<br />
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/topic/gratitude/images/media-thumbs/color/Activity2.gif" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8D1jzqmPXA/UPgsH9KLBXI/AAAAAAAAEfw/KyvTN3Kri9U/s320/boy_praying.gif" width="247" /></a><a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/gospel-library/magazine/fr08sep48_color.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5HVunixUlY/UPgsJBoZTrI/AAAAAAAAEf4/wAPXyWQHz2o/s320/girl_praying.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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After, I asked Little Miss questions about the story to check her comprehension...<br />
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"So what did <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/leader/thomas-s-monson?lang=eng" target="_blank">President Monson</a> lose?...How did that make him feel?...What did he do?...What happened in the end?...How did that make him feel?"<br />
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And some follow up questions on <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=b6139daac5d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD" target="_blank">prayer</a>...
"What are some reasons we can and should pray?...Where can we pray?...Who are we talking to when we pray?"<br />
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I then bore my <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&sourceId=d2157c2fc20b8010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____" target="_blank">testimony</a> of prayer and reiterated the fact that when we pray we are speaking to a loving Heavenly Father who always wants to hear from us, His children.<br />
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I quickly spoke of times I've prayed when I'm scared or sad, and have been comforted.<br />
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And of course, we ended with a prayer.<br />
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Short, sweet, and simple. These daily devotionals have added so much to our family life at home. When we do them our day goes so much better. There is less fighting, I have more patience, and my kids are just better kids - more helpful and happy. So, I've decided I ought to start sharing them with others. Hopefully they help you and your family! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-55233388557896859742012-11-02T20:02:00.002-07:002012-11-02T20:09:50.250-07:00Glow Sticks to the Rescue!My husband and I have been working on being self-sufficient and prepared for an emergency for a long time - but recently, with the effects of Sandy back east, we've felt a definite push to be on top of things. You know those people you've seen interviewed..."We need help! Send us food. We need water. Everything is gone." - flashback of Katrina, anyone!?<br />
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My heart goes out to them. I can't even imagine losing everything. But I do know one thing - if an emergency comes our way, I don't want to be helpless. I don't want to watch my kids starve. I don't want to not have food, water, the basic essentials.<br />
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I want to be ready, be prepared, and not have to rely on others if I can help it. I want to be so prepared that we can help others.<br />
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So, guess what we've been working on?! Everything emergency prep...but I won't hit you with it all at once. It's all so daunting, the only way to tackle it all is baby steps...so here is an easy and fun way to get started...<br />
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Like lots of kids my Little Miss is scared of the dark and will not sleep without a nightlight...so if we had a power outage, bedtime would be miserable. She'd end up sleeping with us - which, is like sleeping with a hyperactive ninja...my solution: glow sticks! It's a fun, easy, cheap way to solve the power outage scare. What better way to distract the kids with some fun in a tube?!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpqaO3Zz2AU/UJSIy5plJDI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/HuwYhpVx4m8/s1600/glowsticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpqaO3Zz2AU/UJSIy5plJDI/AAAAAAAAEfQ/HuwYhpVx4m8/s320/glowsticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<center><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-mom-blog.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fglow-sticks-to-rescue.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-mom-blog.com%2F2012%2F11%2Fglow-sticks-to-rescue.html&description=Glow%20Sticks%20as%20Night%20Lights%20and%20other%20Emergency%20Prep%20%7Bwww.the-mom-blog.com%7D" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="none"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a></center>
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With Halloween just over we were able to pick up tons of super cheap glow sticks that will be kept in our emergency supplies, next to flashlights and batteries. <br />
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So go out and get prepared while they're on sale and in stock!! <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-6266960015977148842012-06-27T07:20:00.000-07:002012-06-27T07:20:20.329-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Special Reading Spot + Special Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzc2UJmknsE/T-sWjBkoHDI/AAAAAAAAEeY/1llUtefOFVs/s1600/P5310246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vzc2UJmknsE/T-sWjBkoHDI/AAAAAAAAEeY/1llUtefOFVs/s400/P5310246.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-27646383054045762242012-06-26T06:58:00.000-07:002012-06-26T06:58:23.269-07:00Giveaway Winner of The Party Works Party Pack!<br />
<a href="http://www.thepartyworks.com/template/images/logo-thepartyworks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="party supplies" border="0" height="81" src="http://www.thepartyworks.com/template/images/logo-thepartyworks.png" width="200" /></a>Thanks to random.org - our winner for The Party Works Party Pack for 8 is....<br />
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<b>Shelly!</b> who said..."I would love to win the King of the Jungle Baby Shower prize pack. The
best party theme I had was barbie because my grandma made a barbie cake
with an actual barbie".<br />
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I love those barbie cakes - totally vintage, and they kind of freak me out a little. Congrats Shelly! If you can email me your mailing address at barb.themomblog(at)gmail.com & your choice for party pack that would be great!<br />
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Thanks everyone for entering to win! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-42360582285581231362012-06-25T08:01:00.001-07:002012-06-25T08:01:40.580-07:00This Mommy's Life with Epilepsy: My Teen Years<br />
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<a href="http://www2.massgeneral.org/childhoodepilepsy/images/overview/q_types_evan.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" id="il_fi" src="http://www2.massgeneral.org/childhoodepilepsy/images/overview/q_types_evan.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>Do you ever have those moments where things are just too perfect? Absolutely nothing is wrong or hard in your life. I hate those moments. When things are too perfect - I know something big is about to change. Something hard is just around the corner. Those perfect moments are God's way of giving you a break and letting you recharge your spiritual batteries before the trials begin again. </div>
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Well, that something hard has spurred me into a series of posts about my life with epilepsy. It's something I've been wanting to share in hopes that it will help just one person. When I was getting diagnosed - so many times throughout my experience I would google my condition and nothing would pop up. No personal experiences. Just medical definitions. So I'm hoping my own personal experience will come in handy to someone someday.<br />
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I have what is now diagnosed as Complex Partial Seizures. Let's start this story from the very beginning....<br />
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During junior high something strange started happening. At the most random times and in the most inconvenient places (usually school) I would hallucinate. Sometimes I would hear voices. Sometimes I would see things in the air in front of me. Along with these hallucinations came this out of body feeling. Dizzy, floating, as if I was completely detached from my body. A loss of total control. My brain would wander in a strange and dizzying way wherever it wanted and I couldn't stop it no matter how hard I concentrated. <br />
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<a href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/thumb/b/b8/Soniamanzano.jpg/300px-Soniamanzano.jpgg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" id="il_fi" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/thumb/b/b8/Soniamanzano.jpg/300px-Soniamanzano.jpgg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a>The most common reoccurring theme in my episodes at this age was Maria
from Sesame Street counting in Spanish...as I heard her voice in my head
I would usually see the numbers flying in front of me in the air...now
it's laughable, then it was terrifying. <br />
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When these "head spells" were done, I usually couldn't recall what part of the lecture I had missed in class or what my friend had been saying. But everyone around me was oblivious since everything was in my head and my body showed no visible changes. After each episode I would get massive headaches and feel very nauseous. I was thirteen and embarrassed. I kept it quiet at school. But at home - I let my mom know right away.<br />
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My mom was (is) amazing. She believed me instantly and took everything my 13 year old self said as truth. Seriously, I don't know if I would believe my daughter if she came and told me she could hear Maria in her head.<br />
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And so the doctors visits began. We went to a number of different primary care physicians explaining the episodes to them and we always got the same answer..."I don't know." Now that I'm older I wonder if some of them talked to my mom privately and told her it was probably just a ploy from a teenager to get attention. No tests were run. No blood work done. Nothing. No one really believed me besides my mom. Shame on you doctors.<br />
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So I found a coping method that helped sometimes. At the beginning of my head spells came a profound heavy sense of de javu - like my body and mind were swimming in memories. Sometimes if I could snap my brain out of this feeling I could stop the rest of the episode from occurring. If I changed what I was doing, where I was, etc as quickly as possible when this happened I could regain my sense of control and normalcy and my brain wouldn't spiral down into the black abyss of hallucinations.<br />
<a href="http://www.weitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Stilwell-Junior-High-Hallway-1024x682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" id="il_fi" src="http://www.weitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Stilwell-Junior-High-Hallway-1024x682.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /></a> Since they mostly happened at school I would quickly ask for the hall
pass to use the restroom and get out of my desk. I rarely went to the
restroom, I would end up in the halls, wandering, trying to focus on
reality. If I found something to read it would sometimes help, so I
usually headed to posters, etc and started reading. I would even step
outside sometimes for fresh air. <br />
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These "head spells" as we called them continued through high school. My brilliant mom had me keeping track of everything when they happened. Trying to help me find a pattern. I would write down the date, time, where I was, who I was with, what I was doing, and how I felt before, during, and after for every single episode. That log came in handy later - like I said, my mom was brilliant! <br />
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The head spells changed as I grew. I no longer heard Maria counting, and the frequency and intensity came in clusters. Sometimes I would go a few months without anything - other times I would have 3-4 episodes in one day. <br />
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Still no doctors believed me and I led a normal life telling very few people about what was going on, since I didn't really know what was going on myself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">*A small note about the doctors we saw. My family was very poor and doctors visits were very expensive. In hindsight I don't think I was ever taken to a specialist like I should've been. If I was and had been diagnosed sooner my condition now would be far better, and maybe even gone. So if your child is experiencing something take them to a neurologist <b>now</b>! The sooner treatment begins the more likely your child will grow out of a seizure disorder. If you have seizures past the age of 23 your less likely to grow out of them because brain development has stopped. I'll get to the research aspect in a future post...</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-33387770883786335212012-06-22T09:37:00.001-07:002012-06-22T09:37:26.676-07:00Friday Finds: Polka Dots & Toy Storage<div style="text-align: center;">
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Water coloring over white crayon. This would be so fun to do with kids! Can't wait to try it with Little Miss! </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">alisaburke.blogspot.com </a></span></div>
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This just screams summer to me! Looks so fun and healthy! This would be a great activity to do with kids - let them decorate it with whatever fruit pattern they want.</div>
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<img alt="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/556203_395566763822959_444278969_n.jpg" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/556203_395566763822959_444278969_n.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I need this saying up on my bathroom mirror so I can read it every morning and remember the battle I'm fighting - not the battle of cleaning my house, or juggling my time...but the battle of raising my children to be good and righteous in the face of so much evil. Bring it on satan!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://imgfave.com/view/1462365" target="_blank">imgfave.com/view/1462365</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">One pattern all the princess dresses - Little Miss would die of happiness!! </span></span></div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/283234264034923900_0a2K1Dn7_c.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mykidsdrawers" target="_blank">mykidsdrawers.etsy.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this idea for a chore chart. Gives the kids responsibility, but a feeling of independence while picking chores that you're okay with. Totally making one!</span></span></div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/205195326742254509_SBkMigMF_c.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://thebaezablog.blogspot.com/2011/11/magnetic-chore-chart.html" target="_blank">thebaezablog.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coconut Curry Chickpea Quinoa Pineapple Burgers...drool...These are already on my menu to try next week. Oh they look so good and healthy! Totally doing the sweet potato fries too - I love sweet potatoes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.cheekykitchen.com/2012/04/coconut-curry-chickpea-quinoa-pineapple-burgers.html" target="_blank">cheekykitchen.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This color wheel is a great idea for so many reasons - promotes matching, fine motor skill development...just awesome! So easy to make too! </span></span></div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/upload/189784571766720627_K2tiMKKT_c.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://therigneys.wordpress.com/2011/08/26/toddler-busy-bag-swap/" target="_blank">therigneys.wordpress.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty much the cutest Halloween costume I've ever seen...wish I'd thought to do it last year with Mr Man! </span></span></div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" height="400" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinterest.com/upload/209558188881647702_WAxo0eIa_c.jpg" width="265" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://countrynightsparkle.tumblr.com/post/13598897509" target="_blank">countrynightsparkle.tumblr.com</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this look! I just need the polka-dot blouse...I have a thing for polka-dots.</span></span></div>
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<img alt="Pinned Image" id="pinCloseupImage" src="http://media-cache-ec6.pinterest.com/upload/284289795198278139_f60QFeDi_c.jpg" /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://outfitposts.blogspot.com/2012/06/outfit-posts-denim-pencil-skirt-polka.html" target="_blank">outfitposts.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are great diy kids benches/toy storage...love! Husband and I already decided we need this for our toyroom. Although my bins will have pictures of things on the outside to promote organization...cars, dolls, blocks, etc. This way friends that come over will know where things go & Little Miss won't have any excuses.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/05/playroom-progress-bunch-of-baskets.html" target="_blank">iheartorganizing.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love this saying.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">via <a href="http://spirituallythinking.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">spirituallythinking.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Great colors and more ways to organize toys! The ABC print in the back is adorable!!</span></span></div>
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via <a href="http://projectnursery.com/projects/lukes-vintage-truck-nursery/" target="_blank">projectnursery.com</a></div>
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Tucking this one away for when Little Miss is a little bit bigger...such great ideas! I should probably review some of them myself...</div>
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via <a href="http://homegrownmom.com/homemaking-for-girls-30-days" target="_blank">homegrownmom.com</a></div>
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Hope everyone has a great weekend!! We're headed off camping with the munchkins. Praying Mr Man sleeps in the tent, instead of crying last time...well, at least the crying would keep the bears away! =)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-74752493342499603022012-06-20T07:12:00.001-07:002012-06-20T07:12:58.184-07:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Caught Mr Man's violent rage while taking Father's Day photos before church...as if that spontaneous act wasn't hilarious enough, then I saw my husband's face. Pretty much my favorite picture ever!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-92225092530709658192012-06-19T08:18:00.000-07:002012-06-19T08:18:20.643-07:00The Paper Bag Princess Birthday PartyI usually foster independence in decision making for Little Miss - hence the <a href="http://www.the-mom-blog.com/2011/04/carrot-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Carrot Party</a> last year and all of her crazy clothing choices. But when she told me she wanted a princess party for her fourth birthday I started making suggestions. I just didn't want to do a princess party - all the pink, and the dress-ups...it just seemed so typical. But it's what she wanted. So here is my twist on a princess party...<br />
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Of course we had to have a castle sign with mote and alligator...The river is blue poster board I cut to look wavey like a river. And the alligator head is actually a dinosaur foam hat I got at the dollar store and spray painted green. <br />
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Some princess stickers I found at the dollar store - this was Little Miss's special project to help decorate.<br />
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One of the signs Little Miss and I made together - it points to the bathroom...which I thought was hilarious, and Little Miss didn't. To help her get involved I would do the block letters and she did all the coloring...<br />
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The Happy Birthday sign I surprised her with in the morning. <br />
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The book we read a little later - super cute book. I'll get to that later. Note the poison apple decoration...<br />
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More decor. A magic mirror on the wall next to the princess dress-up station...<br />
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Mirror, mirror...ignore my ugly masking tape. I couldn't find my clear double sided stuff that morning...good thing four year olds don't care!<br />
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The sign next to all the princess dress-ups...when Little Miss and her friends dress-up every few minutes they are changing their clothes and who they are - so this sign was mostly to entertain the moms...<br />
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The cake - totally worth staying up late to make! For the towers I frosted rice krispy treats for the bottom that I molded with my hands. And the pointy tops are sugar cones dipped in melted white chocolate and rolled in sprinkles. She loved it!<br />
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Each party-goer got their picture taken at the door with the princesses, paparazzi staging of sorts. Totally fun.<br />
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Playing "Poison Apple" - which is just hot potato with an apple. The boys wore prince capes that I made out of dollar store men's shirts. I just cut off the arms and fronts so the neckline was still intact to keep the cape in place.<br />
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Playing "Magic Carpet Ride", which was actually just musical chairs with magic carpet squares instead.<br />
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Reading The Paper Bag Princess - super cute book! It's about a princess who doesn't wait to be rescued and takes matters into her own hands. She works hard to rescue her prince from the dragon. Her prince in turn tells her to come back when she looks like a real princess (she's a mess from all the rescueng), and she in turn calls him a bum and rides off into the sunset by herself. Girl power! A great moral, not to mention entertaining. So we gave Little Miss a copy for her birthday, family tradition to give the kids a book on their birthday.<br />
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Slaying the dragon after reading the book. I bought a blue and pink unicorn pinata - it's all I could find. Nothing a little spray paint and poster board couldn't fix. I added the spikes and wings, dehorned it, and I seriously love spray paint.<br />
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The kids collected their candy in paper bags, to go along with the book.<br />
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Candle time...<br />
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And it wasn't a royal ball without a dance party at the end...so I cranked the disney music from pandora and the girls (and boys) went wild...<br />
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After her friends left and Mr Man went down for a nap we did a quiet time activity together. I took a plain white men's shirt I found at the dollar store - sewed it down to size. Let her choose how to decorate it (flowers and the saying "I'm 4 and I like it!"), helped her block it out and she colored it with some fabric crayons.<br />
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She loved this! Oh, and she chose some ribbon to go around the bottom. She wore it the rest of the day - and many days since.<br />
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I got the shirt idea from a tradition my sisters and I used to have. We had these pink pants with pom-poms on them that we called our birthday pants. Whoever's birthday it was wore the pants and the other two sisters decorated a shirt for her...usually horribly embarrassing. And we had to wear it all day.<br />
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I wish I had a picture to post - I loved that tradition. I wonder who ended up with the pants...<br />
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On a side note...How is Little Miss 4 already!? It's freaking me out!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-65832056020794775472012-06-18T09:20:00.000-07:002012-06-18T09:26:38.065-07:00Giveaway: The Party WorksThe Party Works is giving away a <span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.thepartyworks.com/search.php/keywords/party%20packs%20for%208/var4/var2/page/1/var2" target="_blank">party pack for 8</a></b></span> to one of you lucky readers!! They have over 250 themes to choose from - everything from disney to NFL teams. Here are some of my favorites...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3n7GAKz5eg/T99QnsTHGmI/AAAAAAAAEZU/vZS5ZBqt64k/s1600/patriotic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h3n7GAKz5eg/T99QnsTHGmI/AAAAAAAAEZU/vZS5ZBqt64k/s320/patriotic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This would be great timing for a 4th of July barbecue!!<br />
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I love the vintage stroller on these plates - extra tall legs. So cute! And I am just a sucker for polka-dots. Little Miss's first birthday was polka-dot themed. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQm0OPmjWvU/T99QrdmHbFI/AAAAAAAAEZk/vkPctn_pNcQ/s1600/gerberagarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQm0OPmjWvU/T99QrdmHbFI/AAAAAAAAEZk/vkPctn_pNcQ/s320/gerberagarden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the colors and flowers on this pack! So perfect for a summer party.<br />
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My husband would LOVE it if I through him a space mission party...so would my son... =)<br />
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I love this little Sweet Pea set! Gender neutral and super cute graphics.<br />
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Beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54B0Zeoo2ds/T99QwclvzII/AAAAAAAAEaE/MgOL4V--xpo/s1600/owlfirstbirthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54B0Zeoo2ds/T99QwclvzII/AAAAAAAAEaE/MgOL4V--xpo/s320/owlfirstbirthday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Owls are totally in right now - they are everywhere! So if you're into owls, here ya go!<br />
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All you have to do to enter to win is <span style="font-size: large;"><b>leave a comment</b></span> telling me about your favorite
birthday party theme ever and what made it so special.<br />
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To get an extra
entry in the giveaway <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mom-Blog/289760463531" target="_blank">"like" The Mom Blog on facebook</a></b></span>. And if you're
really ambitious and want three entries - you can share this giveaway on
facebook or blog about it (make sure to comment and tell me what you've done).<br />
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Giveaway will close on June 25th at
midnight. A winner will be announced on June 26th.<br />
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Stay-tuned for a detailed post about Little Miss's 4th birthday party...<br />
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*This giveaway is for residents of the Continental United States only...our next giveaway will be open to everyone so check back often!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-46656093595551692682012-06-15T14:13:00.002-07:002012-06-15T14:13:54.541-07:00Friday Finds for Father's Day<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So many cute ideas and it's not too late to get started on any of them!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/02/choo-choo-train-massage-t-shirt.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vULp8KRPf_Q/TzsrEUxPUsI/AAAAAAAAAp4/Vjqs2FcaYfA/s400/TrainMassage1.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74402590/marvellous-dad-fathers-day-card?ref=sr_list_4&ga_search_query=fathers+day+uk&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Marvellous Dad - Fathers Day Card" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.313441926.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sugartartcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/lego-cufflinks.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twz2Tne272M/TguBB326m5I/AAAAAAAAApE/ycUBwUZ6MCI/s400/IMG_1078.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://crafts.slides.kaboose.com/283-quick-easy-father-s-day-crafts/17" target="_blank"><img alt="Nuts and Bolts Frame" height="357" src="http://assets.kaboose.com/media/00/00/1a/84/7a64f8d4026e6b235570be2c5cd069db482c3681/476x357/fathers-day-craft-photo-475x357-kbz-nutsframe1_476x357.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto;" title="Nuts and Bolts Frame" width="475" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.bigdandme.com/2011/05/fathers-day-printable/" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1901" height="400" src="http://www.bigdandme.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Andrewdadform.jpg" title="Andrewdadform" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://themoodyfashionista.blogspot.com/2011/06/diy-fathers-day-shirt-tie-boxers.html" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618495875768216530" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh5NFiUSNh8/TfjoOx8pa9I/AAAAAAAAB7s/jjLUinpRq-4/s400/fathers-day-favor-boxes2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 310px;" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75396498/fathers-day-gift-diy-childs-handprint?ref=v1_other_1" target="_blank"><img alt="Fathers Day Gift - DIY Child's Handprint Tree - Printable pdf" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.330314689.jpg" width="570" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://amandaparkerandfamily.blogspot.com/2011/06/freebie-fathers-day-printables-are-tie.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/amandaleaparker/blog%20stuff/fathers-day-printable-1.png" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.simplestarfish.com/dad-keychain-custom-names-or-words/" target="_blank"><img alt="custom dad keychain" height="395" src="http://www.simplestarfish.com/product_images/r/686/custom-keychain-for-dad__14924_zoom.JPG" width="527" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://easypreschoolcraft.blogspot.jp/2012/03/fathers-day-dad-rocks-paperweight-craft.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://belladia.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341cc08553ef015432e28bdc970c-800wi" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-20460861507385367362012-06-14T08:26:00.002-07:002012-06-14T08:26:43.593-07:00Naptime is Sacred!Seriously. Naptime is the best thing ever. Little Miss stopped napping the day we brought Mr Man home from the hospital. It was a very sad day for this mommy. Our current naptime routine consists of the following...<br />
<br />
Mr Man sleeps from 1pm-4pm (sometimes a little less) and in those three hours I cram as much in as possible. Laundry, weeding, cleaning, reading, writing in my journal, prepping for dinner, spending time with Little Miss and reading to her...the time flies. But it is special. And without it I would be one frazzled mommy with a messy(er) house.<br />
<br />
Naptime is a time to play catch up for me. Naptime is a time to give Little Miss some much needed one-on-one, my full undivided attention, an opportunity to make her feel extra special. Naptime is also extremely necessary and good for Mr Man...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTNbSQceWaw/T9oCL5FLlEI/AAAAAAAAEZI/CEvtBDcaUYY/s1600/howmuchsleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTNbSQceWaw/T9oCL5FLlEI/AAAAAAAAEZI/CEvtBDcaUYY/s320/howmuchsleep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Proper amounts of *restful* sleep are vital for brain development in children. Vital! And vital for mommy's sanity. So around our house we stop everything to make sure naptime is a consistent enjoyable experience for all. I schedule my day around it. My errands are done in the morning and I leave things that can be done during naptime, until naptime. So loud things - like vacuuming are done early in the day.<br />
<br />
Consistency is the key. Same time everyday. Dark window
treatments to block out the light and the same white noise Mr Man gets
at night.<br />
<br />
Because, naptime is sacred...<br />
<br />
What are your naptime tricks and tips?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-14123525009501815452012-03-30T11:45:00.000-07:002012-03-30T11:45:20.374-07:00There's Always Silver Lining<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xyupx9HW4E/T3X-IHNsgnI/AAAAAAAAEY8/lmZFYJMp1lA/s1600/silverlining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xyupx9HW4E/T3X-IHNsgnI/AAAAAAAAEY8/lmZFYJMp1lA/s200/silverlining.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
What a horrible no good very bad week this has been....between the 4 of us we've had the flu, a migraine, 3 nasty colds with sore throats, a bout of croup followed by an asthma attack, and pink eye (at least I'm pretty sure it's pink eye)...let's look at the flip side shall we....<br />
<br />
I got the flu on a day when Ry could easily stay home from work, he can use his sick leave (which he's got plenty of) to stay home and take care of his family, I magically got better in time to take care of him when his fever was raging above 102, neither of the kids caught the nasty flu (thank heavens! One-year-olds don't know how to aim for the toilet when throwing up)...<br />
<br />
Yes, Little Miss having an asthma attack is scary - but she's got an awesome daddy who's had asthma since he was tiny and knows how to help her stay calm and learn how to control her breathing. The bout of croup came on a night when the air was nice and cold, just right for opening up the airways. And the pink eye - well, that belongs to me. Our sweet little ones don't have it (yet) and I know how to not touch my eye and wash my hands when I do.<br />
<br />
Another plus - we're not attending normal church this weekend, because it's <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/events/april-2012-general-conference-dates-announced?lang=eng" target="_blank">General Conference</a> (which rocks!), so we can watch that at home instead of missing regular church or getting exposed to more germs. And, my dr had a cancellation today so I can get what I need for my pink eye! Woot!<br />
<br />
So...sick, yes - but blessed, <i><b>very</b></i>!<br />
<br />
And amidst all the sickness I was still able to make 18 jars of jam, freeze chicken & 3 bags of sliced strawberries, paint Little Miss's bedroom, do laundry, and catch up on some of the cleaning. Wow. I'd say that's pretty good for feeling slightly dead to the world.<br />
<br />
Do you take the time to find your silver lining?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/Mormon?sk=app_175956092522107"><img alt="Come listen to living prophets" src="http://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/images/come-listen-banner-2.jpg" style="height: 60px; width: 468px;" /></a>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-73314885159699632542012-03-22T08:42:00.000-07:002012-03-22T08:42:00.185-07:00Slightly Indoctrinated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhW61_kBi0o/T2ijc6xsG-I/AAAAAAAAEYg/1ygZ_gqGqwI/s1600/Forks-Over-Knives-Movie-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhW61_kBi0o/T2ijc6xsG-I/AAAAAAAAEYg/1ygZ_gqGqwI/s320/Forks-Over-Knives-Movie-Poster.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
At least that's what my husband would say. I've been on this healthy food kick for a couple of weeks now and changing lots of things. This second documentary, <a href="http://www.forksoverknives.com/about/synopsis/" target="_blank">Forks Over Knives</a>, <i>I loved</i>!! It doesn't use scare tactics, it uses hard scientific research studies to back up healthy eating. I highly recommend it! My husband watched it and loved it as well! So ha! He's indoctrinated too.<br />
<br />
And ever since he watched it we've both been regularly eating huge salads for lunch together, more fruits and veggies and nothing processed. We feel great!<br />
<br />
The documentary follows one scientist and one doctor on their research journeys that they started decades ago. It pretty much proves without a doubt that the <a href="http://www.lds.org/study/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng" target="_blank">Word of Wisdom</a> (don't know what that is? Follow the link!) is completely inspired. A whole foods plant based diet is the best thing for you! They do cut out all meat and dairy...Ry and I just can't be that extreme. Not yet.<br />
<br />
The coolest thing about the documentary is that by eating a whole foods plant based diet people are reversing their health problems!! Not just halting, reversing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krKl_UzSCes/T2ijuLSiCXI/AAAAAAAAEYo/eHf7pFXKh0o/s1600/wholefoods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krKl_UzSCes/T2ijuLSiCXI/AAAAAAAAEYo/eHf7pFXKh0o/s200/wholefoods.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So this is what we're doing - limited dairy. I love my milk and cheese. So I try to only have one small dairy serving a day. Lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Avoid processed foods all together. And meat. Well, we've decided small healthy cuts of meat twice a week is good for us. And no overeating!<br />
<br />
Sounds extreme I know - but watch the show! It is amazing! And on netflix. =) So now begins my hunt for some vegetarian recipes for the other 5 days of the week.<br />
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Another thing we do is try to find the healthiest version of whatever it is we want to eat. On Saturday we wanted waffles - so we searched for a healthy recipe...then changed some things to fit our needs.<br />
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This is what we came up with and it was delicious! We will definitely be making them again!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9rRTz_H-Oc/T2ilJEiGCtI/AAAAAAAAEYw/gMf9tltIb2Y/s1600/waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N9rRTz_H-Oc/T2ilJEiGCtI/AAAAAAAAEYw/gMf9tltIb2Y/s320/waffles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Oatmeal Wheat Waffles</b><br />
(adapted from allrecipes.com)<br />
<br />
1 cup white flour<br />
1/2 cup wheat flour<br />
3/4 cup rolled oats<br />
1/4 cups milled flaxseed<br />
1 Tbsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
2 eggs, slightly beaten<br />
1 1/2 cups milk<br />
4 Tbsp butter, melted<br />
2 Tbsp brown sugar<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">In large mixing bowl, stir together flour, oats, flaxseed, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; set aside. In small mixing bowl, stir together eggs, milk, butter and brown sugar. Add to flour mixture; stir until blended. Pour batter on to grids of preheated, lightly greased waffle iron (amount will vary with size of waffle iron). Close lid quickly; do not open during baking. Use fork to remove baked waffle. Top with fresh fruit and yogurt.</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Super yummy!! And you can feel good serving it to your family!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-17128393738317508072012-03-20T08:15:00.000-07:002012-03-20T08:15:11.798-07:00Mother of all Grains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXeIrMFF_4k/T2ieyBY6Q0I/AAAAAAAAEYY/t2lFBjFCANI/s1600/quinoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EXeIrMFF_4k/T2ieyBY6Q0I/AAAAAAAAEYY/t2lFBjFCANI/s200/quinoa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Quinoa - where have you been all my life?! Seriously, as far as nutritional value - the Incas were right in calling it the 'mother of all grains'...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">"Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in </span>pre-Columbian<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> </span>Andean civilizations<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, secondary only to the </span>potato<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, and was followed in importance by </span>maize<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its </span><b>protein</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> content is very high (18%). Unlike </span>wheat<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> or </span>rice<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> (which are low in </span>lysine<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">), and like </span>oats<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">, quinoa contains a balanced set of </span>essential <b>amino acids</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> for humans, making it a </span>complete protein<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> source.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> It is a good source of<b> </b></span><b>dietary fiber</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b> </b>and </span><b>phosphorus</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> and is high in<b> </b></span><b>magnesium</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> and<b> </b></span><b>iron</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">. Quinoa is </span><b>gluten</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><b>-free</b> and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered a possible crop in NASA's </span>Controlled Ecological Life Support System<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> for long-duration human occupied spaceflights.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">" - Wikipedia</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">Incorporating Quinoa into our diet is one of the healthy changes I am making. You can replace the rice in most of your recipes with quinoa - but rinse it first to remove the bitterness. My kids love it! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;">Our favorite quinoa recipe so far is from this lovely site I just found, <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/2012/02/16/mini-ham-cheese-quinoa-cups/" target="_blank">Iowa Girl Eats</a>. Mr Man could not get enough!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcXXRqTo920/T2idyOLWFqI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/7My1dAA6L1k/s1600/quinoa+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YcXXRqTo920/T2idyOLWFqI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/7My1dAA6L1k/s320/quinoa+cups.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
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<h3 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font-family: 'Gill Sans Condensed', Helvetica, sans-serif; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b>Mini Ham & Cheese Quinoa Cups</b></h3>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes 28 mini cups</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.soveryblessed.com/2012/01/cheesy-quinoa-bites.html" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(70, 89, 85); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #67847e; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">So Very Blessed</a></span></em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</span></strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></strong>2 cups cooked quinoa (about 3/4 cup uncooked)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #212122; font: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 egg whites</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup zucchini, shredded</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup diced ham</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup parsley, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Tablespoons parmesan cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 green onions, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">salt & pepper</span></div>
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<strong style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Directions:</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix to combine. Liberally spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray and spoon mixture to the top of each cup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cups are golden brown. Let cool for at least 5 minutes before removing from the mini muffin tin.</span></div>
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That's all we had for dinner one night + some fresh fruit and we were all full and satisfied, but we didn't feel heavy. I didn't have parsley, so I used spinach instead.</div>
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Have any kid friendly quinoa recipes you'd like to pass on? Please do!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-32228180826033964532012-03-02T08:22:00.005-08:002012-03-02T08:22:54.859-08:00Not a Hippie<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWQo4nIQYHU/T1Dyp0F0iDI/AAAAAAAAEYA/7JUeQZd_CN4/s1600/hippie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vWQo4nIQYHU/T1Dyp0F0iDI/AAAAAAAAEYA/7JUeQZd_CN4/s200/hippie.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
I'd like to preface this post with this statement...I am not a hippie. I don't go barefoot, I don't protest big companies with picket signs, I love free market and capitalism, I hate big government...not a hippie. Just a conservative republican. Having said that...<br />
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I succumbed and watched Food, Inc. I hate shows that use scare tactics but I was interested. And really, it was on Netflix so...I don't know if I'll ever eat meat again. Ever. Okay - maybe if we raise and butcher it ourselves (and by ourselves, I mean my husband).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq58AS5JOm8/T1Dz0bvZktI/AAAAAAAAEYI/DebKi9N5EKg/s1600/food-inc-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq58AS5JOm8/T1Dz0bvZktI/AAAAAAAAEYI/DebKi9N5EKg/s200/food-inc-poster.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Yikes to the food industry! There are so many things I want to change about the way we eat. I was already headed in that direction - but this definitely propelled me forward. More fresh fruits and veggies. Less processed foods.<br />
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In the last few months we've made some changes - homemade bread, homemade yogurt (recipes to come), and our chickens started laying eggs! So yay for not having to buy expensive eggs anymore! Everything in California is so expensive - so lots of these changes were spurred by the desire to save money. We've also been canning lots - salsa, applesauce, pears, chicken. <br />
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And our garden plots are nearly ready to be planted in. We have 4 plots - 16x4 feet each - super excited to fill them up with veggies! My husband also just planted our seventh fruit tree. We have 3 apple, 2 pears, 1 nectarine, and 1 peach. So excited to reap the rewards of that hard work in the next couple of years!<br />
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Other changes headed our way...I really want to incorporate LOTS more veggies and fruit into our diets and minimize the meat. We are not vegetarians - I love a good hamburger. But we don't need meat as often as we eat it right now. I want to find other sources of protein and eat more "pure" foods, less processed. Have any good recipes to pass on? Please share! <br />
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Does it make anyone else mad that it costs more to eat healthy than to eat junk food? Maddening! Watch Food Inc if you haven't - it's very enlightening. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QqQVll-MP3I" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-80302071513343131722012-01-03T14:44:00.000-08:002012-01-03T14:44:06.590-08:00This Year I Will...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLJ8HrOrzg/TwOCZrRwO5I/AAAAAAAAEX4/ovaasdWHzE8/s1600/sidebarquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlLJ8HrOrzg/TwOCZrRwO5I/AAAAAAAAEX4/ovaasdWHzE8/s320/sidebarquote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There are so many things I want to do it is ridiculous. Figuring out how to manage all of my interests has been a challenge.<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://www.the-mom-blog.com/2011/11/when-i-grow-up.html" target="_blank">this book</a> that I posted about awhile back, I have learned about Focal Points for people like me (and you..admit it...)<br />
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So, I will be tackling 4 things at a time this year. The four things can change anytime, as soon as something is accomplished. And since public accountability seems to work for me - here are some things I want to accomplish this year, in no particular order...and yes, I refuse to call them New Years Resolutions. They are simply goals.<br />
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I will not beat myself up, or give up, if I fall short, I will just work hard at trying. And if I don't get them done in 2012 - big deal! Have you seen my list? Chances are I won't... =)<br />
<ul>
<li>Run a 5k without throwing up or passing out</li>
<li>Landscape our backyard</li>
<li>Garden like a mad woman and can everything possible!</li>
<li>Finish the 6 credits I need to graduate from <a href="http://institute.lds.org/" target="_blank">Institute</a></li>
<li>Teach Infant Massage classes again</li>
<li>Become a Certified Lactation Consultant</li>
<li>Study for and possibly take the GRE</li>
<li>Earn my <a href="https://lds.org/young-women/personal-progress/overview-for-parents-and-leaders?lang=eng" target="_blank">Young Women Personal Progress Award for Leaders</a></li>
<li>Make my own yogurt</li>
<li>Craft it up!</li>
<li>Make awesome family memories - camping, hiking, traveling</li>
<li>Spend more time cuddling with my babies</li>
<li>Attend the <a href="http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng" target="_blank">temple</a> once a month without fail</li>
<li>Make my own bread every week</li>
<li>Sell more online in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/motleymarket" target="_blank">my <i>new</i> shop</a></li>
<li>Try Sushi</li>
<li>Date Night every week like we used to before Mr Man came along</li>
<li>Serve my friends and neighbors more diligently</li>
<li>Draw closer to my Savior through study & prayer</li>
<li>Refinish our thrift store piano and get it in the house so I can practice! </li>
</ul>
That's all I can think of right now. And probably a good list. So...stand by as I get busy. What are your goals this year?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-73222199919493414762011-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:002011-12-30T11:36:26.674-08:00Under ConstructionI'm gearing up for an entire site makeover...entire. My goal is to have it up and running by Jan 1st! Yippee! I'm stoked. Meanwhile...I will carry on with my nursing duties since everyone in my household is sick, with something different...keeping my fingers crossed the 3-5 germs don't get passed around for the next month. I don't think I can handle being quarantined for that long. Especially since we've already been sick since beginning of November almost non-stop. Gotta love the preschool age! =)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-40537576781085417072011-12-03T15:53:00.001-08:002011-12-03T21:21:07.210-08:0025 Days of Christ in ChristmasOne of our new traditions this year...a simple countdown chain to ensure we focus on Christ being the center of <b>Christ</b>mas at least once daily...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJxrbgI5QNY/TtsChgNFP1I/AAAAAAAAETs/vlIR5L-rRRs/s1600/PC030138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XJxrbgI5QNY/TtsChgNFP1I/AAAAAAAAETs/vlIR5L-rRRs/s320/PC030138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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On each chain I wrote a scripture to look up followed by a question to be answered. Little Miss gets to take one link off a day - although we did 3 tonight...playing catch up is okay! It's not too late - get on board! This is such a fun way to teach Little Miss more about the birth of our Savior.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpvRwnF7Tg/TtsCp49WJkI/AAAAAAAAET0/aGo5EzSK9Ok/s1600/PC030136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JEpvRwnF7Tg/TtsCp49WJkI/AAAAAAAAET0/aGo5EzSK9Ok/s320/PC030136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Making the chain was also great in other ways. Little Miss got to practice with scissors, then with patience while she waited for me to write on every link. =) It also gave us an opportunity to discuss patterns and numbers. Yay for multi-tasking!<br />
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Here is the list of the 24 scriptures & questions - I got them from <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=96c3ff52fc41c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=21bc9fbee98db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD" target="_blank">here</a> - where other good Christmas lesson ideas are! To make it 25 days - we'll be reading the whole Christmas story in Luke 2 on Christmas day...<br />
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How do you keep Christ the center of your Christmas?<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
1<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/1/26-33#26" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 1:26–33</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Who told Mary that she would have a baby?</div>
<a href="" name="15" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
2<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/1/18-21#18" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 1:18–21</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Why did Mary and Joseph name the baby “Jesus”?</div>
<a href="" name="16" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
3<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/3-6#3" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:3–6</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Why did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem before Jesus was born?</div>
<a href="" name="17" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
4<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/7#7" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:7</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Why did Mary lay baby Jesus in a manger?</div>
<a href="" name="18" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
5<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/8-11#8" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:8–11</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />To whom did the angel announce the Savior’s birth?</div>
<a href="" name="19" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
6<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/12#12" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:12</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />What was used for a cradle for baby Jesus?</div>
<a href="" name="20" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
7<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/13-14#13" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:13–14</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Who joined the angel in praising God?</div>
<a href="" name="21" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
8<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/2/15-17#15" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 2:15–17</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Where did the shepherds go after the angels left?</div>
<a href="" name="22" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
9<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/2/1-2#1" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 2:1–2</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />How did the Wise Men know that Jesus had been born?</div>
<a href="" name="23" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
10<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/2/7-10#7" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 2:7–10</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Where did Herod send the Wise Men?</div>
<a href="" name="24" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
11<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/2/11#11" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 2:11</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />How did the Wise Men show that they knew the young child was the Savior?</div>
<a href="" name="25" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
12<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/2/13-15#13" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 2:13–15</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Why did Joseph take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?</div>
<a href="" name="26" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
13<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/5/6#6" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 5:6</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught that we will be blessed for seeking righteousness. Spend at least 10 minutes reading scriptures or scripture stories.</div>
<a href="" name="27" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
14<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/5/9#9" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 5:9</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught that we should be peacemakers. Be a peacemaker in your family by not arguing with others.</div>
<a href="" name="28" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
15<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/5/16#16" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 5:16</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught that we should be good examples to others. Set an example by choosing the right.</div>
<a href="" name="29" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
16<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/5/43-44#43" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 5:43–44</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught that we should love our enemies. In your personal prayers, ask a blessing for someone who has been unkind to you.</div>
<a href="" name="30" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
17<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/6/3-4#3" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 6:3–4</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught that we should help other people. Perform a secret act of service for a member of your family.</div>
<a href="" name="31" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
18<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/7/7-8#7" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 7:7–8</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught us that our prayers will be answered. Volunteer to say the family prayer.</div>
<a href="" name="32" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
19<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/7/12#12" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 7:12</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Write a letter to someone who is far away, such as a missionary or grandparent.</div>
<a href="" name="33" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
20<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/luke/17/12-19#12" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Luke 17:12–19</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ praised the leper who thanked Him. Write a note or draw a picture to thank your Primary teacher for what he or she has taught you.</div>
<a href="" name="34" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
21<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/mark/10/13-14#13" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Mark 10:13–14</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ showed that children are very important to Him. Show your love for a brother, sister, or parent by reading a story to him or her.</div>
<a href="" name="35" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
22<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/matt/22/37-39#37" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Matt. 22:37–39</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbors. Work with your family to do something nice for a neighbor.</div>
<a href="" name="36" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
23<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/john/13/34#34" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">John 13:34</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />Jesus Christ told us that we should love one another. Show your love to your parents by helping without being asked.</div>
<a href="" name="37" style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"></a><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Verdana; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
24<br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /><a class="scriptureRef" href="http://scriptures.lds.org/isa/9/6#6" style="color: #003366; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" target="contentWindow">Isa. 9:6</a> <br style="line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" />The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is a time for joy. Write in your journal the feelings you have for Him.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-67771318057072810642011-12-01T22:39:00.001-08:002011-12-01T22:42:39.999-08:0025 Days of Christmas, AlmostI meant to post my 25 Days of Christmas List here yesterday...which obviously didn't happen. And won't until tomorrow, hopefully. =) So ya'll will just have to wait. Only so much I can do when I'm sick and my kiddos are sick. But get excited!! I've rounded up some great ideas!<br />
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I really don't like being sick. However, after a very busy Thanksgiving I decided maybe catching a nasty cold and being forced to stay home with my munchkins for...4 days and counting isn't the worst thing. It's forced down time. I have just about zip energy - and the kids, especially Mr Man, just want to cuddle. So...we watch movies and cuddle, we read books and cuddle, we play dress up and cuddle...maybe being sick isn't the worst thing this week...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-17849988011208933232011-11-23T06:54:00.000-08:002011-11-23T06:54:00.664-08:00Wordless Wednesday: Future Blackmail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-43903598101893290042011-11-22T21:28:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:28:38.324-08:00Videos<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of Video Tutorials to come!! I already have some in mind...meanwhile, check out what Little Miss has been memorizing...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oBPEGzgSIeM" width="420"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-62761720054662609452011-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:002011-11-18T07:00:14.496-08:00A Love Hate Relationship With My ArtI've been delving into the world of painting - love it! But, I don't always love what I make...in the past few months I've done some of this...<br />
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Obviously - some very amateur, some better than others...but I'm learning, creating, and having fun - so that's the point. My latest piece...<br />
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Yes, those are antique water knobs actually screwed onto my canvas. I had this planned out for awhile. Now depending on my mood I either love it or hate it. Sometimes I look at it and think - "that is pretty cool!", and other times I think "what a weirdo!"...<br />
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I checked out some art books from the library and about half way through the first one decided I didn't need to read about techniques and how to mix colors and what art is or isn't. Art can be anything...as noted by this horrible french fry sculpture on the campus of my Alma mater...ugh...<br />
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It doesn't mean everyone will like it, in fact they won't. As long as I like what I'm doing and I'm expressing myself than I think it's okay - although I don't think giant french fries are ever okay. =)<br />
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I learn the most about art and technique from just studying paintings, not books!<br />
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Little Miss is getting very artsy with me. It's our mommy/daughter time while Mr Man has a nap...of course her best work always ends up on her arms and then rinsed away down the drain. She is quite the little creative girl! Some of the color mixing she does is awesome. I wish I could replicate it.<br />
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It's good down time for us - we can chat, no technology is involved, and get creative. It also has helped Little Miss with her fine motor skills - the brush painting anyways, not so much the body painting. =)<br />
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What do you do for a creative outlet?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-56922092214798294102011-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:002011-11-16T06:53:00.431-08:00Wordless Wednesday: Honk If You Want To Live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-55283039323508884312011-11-15T06:50:00.001-08:002011-11-15T07:04:16.920-08:00When I Grow UpMotley. Something I am trying to accept about myself. Composed of diverse often incongruent elements. That is me. And I know it's a lot of you reading this. <div>
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I am a mom. I am a wife. I am a painter. A musician. A chef. An entrepreneur. The list goes on and on. The things I'm interested in our endless. My hobbies - I don't have just one. This is actually something that drives me crazy! So many things to try and do, so little time - I end up being okay at lots of things, but not excelling at anything. I'm no expert. I just dabble. It is a source of great frustration for me. </div>
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I want to be great at something. Anything - I just can't pick which hobby to focus on. I love them all. So I remain mediocre at a lot of things. Still unsure of what to be when I grow up...at the age of 27...ha!</div>
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Please tell me I'm not the only one!? </div>
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I was actually researching this problem online and stumbled across a book...I haven't read it yet, but it definitely is on my Christmas list. I'd love to understand myself better. According to the book - I am a "renaissance soul" - sounds so fancy eh. I love books that put a positive spin on something so ridiculous. </div>
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The full title - "The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One" - yep, sounds about right. I'll let you know how it is after I read it. I hope it helps me figure out how to spend my time. (If you <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Renaissance-Soul-Design-People-Passions/dp/0767920880" target="_blank">click here</a> you can read the first 30 pages or so of the book...)</div>
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Meanwhile - I am a mom. And that is the most important. That is something I should strive to excel at. And since my baby just woke up...I better go excel at changing his diaper. =)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-650721999807572067.post-80801027074710737712011-11-10T07:08:00.001-08:002011-11-10T07:14:41.893-08:00The Feast, Not ThanksgivingThis came in the mail the other day...<br />
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So excited! I set a new goal for myself. I want to not only re-read, but <i>diligently study</i> each talk by the next conference...so I'll be reading one talk every Thursday and every Sunday. That way I have a few days to study the topic via scriptures, etc if I so desire. I'll be keeping a notebook handy to jot down thoughts, things I learn, and I plan on highlighting my issue like crazy!<br />
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Anyone care to join me? Today's talk will be...<a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/as-we-meet-again?lang=eng" target="_blank">"As We Meet Again" by President Monson</a>. I know it's just the opening welcome - but I'm sure there are good meaty things in it, and I plan on finding them.<br />
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Let the great feast begin!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0