tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91836688938707543912024-03-13T23:33:05.457-04:00Consider Me Inspired Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comBlogger468125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-51439587919483701492014-06-21T14:06:00.000-04:002017-09-25T22:00:53.080-04:0012 Free Learning Websites {For Kids}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">P</span>revent the summer slide and keep your kids brains busy on those hot summer days. Turning to inside play is a winner on those unbearable summer days. Reading and learning is always a great choice. With today being the first official day of summer we are feeling the hot sticky heat here in the Carolina Foothills. Normally it is not so sticky, but we will make do for now until it passes to just burning hot. </span>It all depends on the resources you have in your area for more family/kid geared activities. We are already having a blast this summer with lots of activities, crafts, trips, learning and reading with our local participating partners. </div>
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Our school sent home lots of resources last week for the summer to help us keep from sliding. Yes, we just got out on the 13th for summer. So far our schedule is going pretty well and the kids are adjusting just fine. This list is full of great elementary kid style websites! Some do have options to purchase if that is something you would be interested in. However, you don't have to if you don't want to. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--QzKnPdT-mU/U6XITnhgTvI/AAAAAAAAP_A/MgMtgILxeuI/s1600/12freewebsitessummerslide2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--QzKnPdT-mU/U6XITnhgTvI/AAAAAAAAP_A/MgMtgILxeuI/s1600/12freewebsitessummerslide2.png" title="12 Free Learning Websites {for kids}" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to share it with your social network friends.</div>
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<a href="http://www.switchzoo.com/">Switcheroo Zoo</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kids.nationalgeographic.com/">Nat Geo for Kids</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.seusville.com/">Seussville</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.pbskids.org/">PBS Kids</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.starfall.com/">Star Fall</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.storylineonline.net/">Story Online</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.abcya.com/">ABC YA </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.highlightskids.com/">Highlights Kids</a></div>
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<a href="http://reading.ecb.org/">Into the Book </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.funbrain.com/">Fun Brain</a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.gonoodle.com/how-it-works">Go Noodle</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.tumblebooks.com/">Tumble Books Online </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for more educational websites. </span></div>
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Get to learning and have a great summer! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-20771174196614096402014-02-03T00:00:00.001-05:002017-09-25T22:08:06.856-04:00Magnificent Choices- Tacky Box Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YxhgxYbxCw/UvA2xOcT2pI/AAAAAAAAP3E/x5o2X8mVYgA/s1600/tackyboxreview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YxhgxYbxCw/UvA2xOcT2pI/AAAAAAAAP3E/x5o2X8mVYgA/s1600/tackyboxreview.png" /></a></div>
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Have you ever said or done something that deserved the tacky crown? What about your little(s)? Mine have. Social skills are so important for kids to experience. Throughout the day my kids are hanging around friends and even riding the bus where there are older kids using tacky words. They then repeat what they hear later on. Luckily, a creative mom out there came up with a solution for our parenting endeavours. A tool to help your child and your family make better choices. When our <i>Tacky Box</i> came to the front door, the kids instantly wanted to start creating art and hearing a brand new story. It is so thrilling to be a part of this wonderful<a href="http://www.tackybox.com/campaign-for-kindness/"> Campaign for Kindness </a>and I instantly had high hopes. Not to mention that beautifully engraved wooden box complete with a latch that partners so perfectly with the story. Your kids can be like the character in the book, because they too have a <i>Tacky Box</i>. The book is of excellent quality and the vividly drawn pictures on each page just pulls you in even more. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbSw1gOnPI8/UvBDcio1NyI/AAAAAAAAP3g/HulVo_7CEsw/s1600/monkey.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vbSw1gOnPI8/UvBDcio1NyI/AAAAAAAAP3g/HulVo_7CEsw/s1600/monkey.png" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you know, my son started Kindergarten this year. He has come home with some colorful and not so nice words already and we are just getting to the half point in the school year. My daughter is in 3rd grade and she sometimes says words or statements that are kind of tacky as well. I love the fact that there is a girl book and a boy book. Having two littles and one kit caused another issue having to do with sharing. They feel they are entitled to having the same as the other, or they feel left out; which leads to fighting. I certainly did not want any fighting or hurt feelings for an activity meant to boost kindness. I split it right down the middle for them. Kaylei got one side and Gerry got the other side to art up. They were both happy and very excited to doodle all over their side. They were on tacky word and behavior patrol instantly! Decorating the box is what really set the ball rolling. One of their favorite things about the <i>Tacky Box, </i>is that they can put others in it as well. It makes them feel like they have so many choices, and that just makes them beam with excitement. Before we put anything in the Tacky Box, we discuss whether it is a tacky word or behavior and why it is tacky. It provides a conscience choice between good and not so good choices.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAx_UDeMZKk/UvBHSpeUgFI/AAAAAAAAP3s/BGDxMxAcmqI/s1600/tackybox4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAx_UDeMZKk/UvBHSpeUgFI/AAAAAAAAP3s/BGDxMxAcmqI/s1600/tackybox4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Tacky behavior:</b> Son coughed in my husbands face on purpose instead of turning head or covering. Poor manners is tacky behavior in our home. *It gave us a nice way to discuss a behavior that is tacky and how we can fix it next time.</div>
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Our<b> first word</b> that made it into the Tacky Box: Sh*t</div>
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Yes, I kind of got put in the Tacky Box first. I happened to make a statement about the tons of children toys, clothes, backpacks and other belongings just scattered about in the living room and kitchen. (We are in the middle of our first big move and the living room is stacked with boxes and totes right now.) I had asked them a few times to pick it up and may have referred to the belongings as sh*t. Bad me! Well, my daughter repeated exactly what I said in her response, "We did pick up our sh*t, mom."<br />
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Not my finest moment. I am only a human and this was a great learning moment for me. How can I discipline her on something she just heard me say? I couldn't. My tacky word had gotten me arrested by the tacky word patrol. Not only did I go in the tacky box, but I decided it was a partner deal. Kaylei knew better than to say it, so she wrote the word on the tacky pad. She made the wrong choice and it showed her to decide on the right choice and not to repeat tacky things you hear. I am putting an extra effort forward to reduce and eliminate my potty mouth with Tacky Box's help.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZdmTIDelTY/UvBB4T8zS4I/AAAAAAAAP3U/sWRtnhN_KDU/s1600/choice.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZdmTIDelTY/UvBB4T8zS4I/AAAAAAAAP3U/sWRtnhN_KDU/s1600/choice.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We are officially on the <a href="http://www.tackybox.com/campaign-for-kindness/">Campaign for Kindness</a>. You can get your very own </span><a href="https://shop.tackybox.com/" style="text-align: left;">Tacky Box</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and join the campaign. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Our lovely decorated </span><i style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.tackybox.com/">Tacky Box</a></i><span style="text-align: left;"> has a permanent spot on kitchen table as a reminder to make the right choice. Read more Tacky Box reviews </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox" style="text-align: left;">HERE</a><span style="text-align: left;">.</span></div>
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Follow <i>Tacky Box</i> on: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheTackyBox">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/thetackybox">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://plus.google.com/u/0/b/103666763911892099187/103666763911892099187/posts">G+</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/thetackybox">YouTube</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thetackybox">Pinterest</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-56413088141417655922014-01-11T13:43:00.000-05:002017-09-25T22:13:40.381-04:0012 Delicious and Satisfying Drinks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wQhrJiiAR0/UtGPeK7NjAI/AAAAAAAAP04/PetHQhlfsM8/s1600/drinklabel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wQhrJiiAR0/UtGPeK7NjAI/AAAAAAAAP04/PetHQhlfsM8/s1600/drinklabel.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shakes and smoothies are one of the best on the go drinks that can make or break you depending what is in them{calorie wise}. They are great for meal replacement, snacks, to cool off or great after a workout to help your muscles. Each and every one of the shakes and smoothies below are yummy and full of what your body loves. You can put 1 scoop of whey protein powder or a packet in each one and voila you have a protein enriched drink. By far my top favorites are the chocolate mint minus the mint with the fat-free, sugar-free pudding mix in it and the orange creamsicle. The ones below are just 1 portion, but they are large portions and my husband and I have always just split it in half. If you would rather a shake base....replace the 12 oz. water with 1 cup of milk. Hey, you might like it. That is the best thing about shakes and smoothies, because you can alter them so much. If you start with less you can always add to it to make it what you want.<br />
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Here are a few of our favorites:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfkxPafXIyU/UkciKfM6UMI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/I4S1j7QW7yo/s1600/coconutwatersmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RfkxPafXIyU/UkciKfM6UMI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/I4S1j7QW7yo/s320/coconutwatersmoothie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Coconut Splash Fruit Smoothie</span></div>
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o 8 oz Coconut splash water</div>
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o 1 cup frozen mixed fruit</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strawberry Banana Orange Smoothie</span><br />
o 12oz. cold water<br />
o 1 small banana or 1/2 of a large one<br />
o 7 frozen strawberries<br />
o 1/2 small navel orange-peeled<br />
*This could be any kind of fruit smoothie....substitute the fruit you like the best.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Mint Shake</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 2 tbsp chocolate fat-free, sugar-free pudding mix<br />
o 1/8 tsp peppermint extract (omit for just chocolate)<br />
o Handful of ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pina Colada</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple chunks<br />
o 1/4 tsp coconut extract<br />
o 2 tsp wheat germ<br />
o Handful ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vanilla Shake</span><br />
o 1 cup cold skim milk<br />
o 2 tbsp fat-free, sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix<br />
o handful ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cookies and Cream Shake</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 1/4 cup cool whip lite<br />
o handful of ice cubes<br />
o 3 chocolate cookies<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Chocolate Covered Cherry</span><br />
o 12 oz water<br />
o 1/4 cup frozen cherries, unsweetened<br />
o handful of ice<br />
o 2 tbsp fat-free, sugar-free chocolate instant pudding mix<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Orange Creamsicle</span><br />
o 12 oz diet Sunkist<br />
o 6 oz light, fat-free orange-flavored yogurt<br />
o 1/2 orange peeled<br />
o handful of ice<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blackberry Smoothie</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 2 Tbsp frozen orange juice concentrate<br />
o 10 frozen blackberries<br />
o a few ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reese's Shake</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 1 Tbsp natural Peanut Butter<br />
o 2 Tbsp fat-free, sugar-free chocolate pudding mix<br />
o handful of ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Key Lime Pie Smoothie</span><br />
o 12 oz cold water<br />
o 4 Tbsp frozen limeade concentrate (more or less, depending on the tartness of your choice)<br />
o 2 tsp wheat germ<br />
o handful of ice cubes<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Raspberry Lime Smoothie</span><br />
o 8 oz light, fat-free, sugar-free vanilla yogurt<br />
o 1/2 cup fresh or frozen red raspberries<br />
o Squirt of lime juice<br />
o 1 packet of sugar substitute to taste<br />
o handful of ice cubes<br />
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Daiquiri drinks are also an option with some liquor added. I never go by a specific amount, I just pour a little bit or a bigger little bit. So pick your poison- Vodka, Rum, Gin...Tequila or even Everclear and omit the water in the recipe! Whatever you like the best. If the recipes calls for a dairy...you can use half and half for the replacement. Don't want to kill me if you make this and you don't like it, because everyone has a different liking. Alter it to your taste. You can do like a chocolate based daiquiri...I tasted a Mudslide Daiquiri, which had more of a chocolate base flavor. Believe it or not you can pull right up to a drive-thru in southern Louisiana and pick up a cup, 1/2 gallon or even a gallon of your favorite daiquiri mix. Yes, drinking and driving is bad...so wait until you get home or have a designated driver. We have been all over the Southeast and that is the only location that this is acceptable. Either way it is a great adult slush! Wow, this post turned into a non-health related post....more toward the happy. :) Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-59163903347221604922014-01-05T17:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T22:46:30.525-04:00Mom's Monday Mingle 86 #bloghop<h2 class="entry-title" style="color: #3fcdd1; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda', cursive; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
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WELCOME! So glad to have you today linking your blogs up with us for Mom's Monday Mingle.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>RULES:</b></span></div>
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<i><b>1</b>. Please <strong>FOLLOW</strong> each hostess (They are <b>1-3 </b>in the link up)</i></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://thenaptimereview.com/" style="color: #3fcdd1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Naptime Review- Hostess</a></i></b></h3>
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<b><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a>- Hostess</b><br />
<u><a href="http://mommyondemand.com/">Mommy on Demand</a></u>- Co-host<br />
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<b>2. Leave a comment</b> if you are new and want us to return the follow.</div>
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<b>3. Grab</b> the button and display it on your sidebar or link it to the post.</div>
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<b>4.</b> Have <b>fun</b> and meet new friends!<br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-85854564392147543352014-01-03T09:35:00.000-05:002017-09-25T22:47:31.996-04:00Keeping it a Hobby"My blogging goals for this year are..." That is the question for <a href="http://www.janinehuldie.com/2014/01/happy-new-year-blogging-goal-for-2014-with-ftsf/">Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop</a> on Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic. I have thought about this for quite a few days. Well actually before the FTSF Hop took a holiday break. My first thought for a goal was to be more dedicated. It was soon decided that wouldn't be the goal for the new year. Dedication takes time and so much more time that I really do not have. Over the last year, I have spent WAY too much time on the computer. I consider myself a small blogger, I don't have ads, do lots of parties, giveaways or even have sponsors. That way works for me and it keeps from making me crazy. I did try it for a while and it proved to be more than I wanted. When I started blogging, I did it as a hobby. People actually reading my blog was a far thought from my mind. I really had no idea what blogging was all about and how much dedication it takes. However, in the last year, I feel like I have gotten a handle on blogging and what I want out of it. So it makes it easier for me now to decide what I wanted for this upcoming year.<br />
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Pretty simple. That was my idea when I originally jumped into blogging. I have complicated the whole process for myself. I have stressed way too many times and tried to be more than what I am comfortable with at times. I wanted to express my thoughts and creativity with others. It was created as a 'me' thing to relax and do for enjoyment. I take breaks here and there because life happens. I blog in real life...for me, that means that I am blogging within the week or day of a published post. Yes, one reason is that I just don't have that much content and the other is me being a procrastinator. As my kids get older, it really seems like there is more to do and I get less done. I have spent way too much time with blog related things...hobbies are supposed to be fun and enjoyable. </div>
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My kids were home for a week and a half and yes, I felt like a crazy person every day they were home. However, I love them so very much and spending so much time with them made me realize that I need to do more with them. I have been doing so many other things and it should be with them. By keeping it a hobby, it brings it back to the basics and gives me more time to focus on better quality in my posts that I want to express and share most. It gives me more family time and time to do the things I really need to be doing. </div>
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<b>o</b> <span style="color: #444444;">My original intent was list and series posts. Those are the ones that I am most fond of. I get impatient and post many projects individually when I could work them into a list. This will be something you will see more of this upcoming year. </span></div>
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<b>o</b> <span style="color: #444444;">I won't lie....I LOVE traffic from Pinterest. Seeing Pinterest within the top 3 of my traffic sources makes my heart happy. A sense of accomplishment, even though it is small, it is so very exciting for me.</span></div>
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<b>o</b> <span style="color: #444444;">I am interested in the series posts and hope to get my foot in the door on that one this year. Additionally, a longer term goal would be to invite others to do it with me. </span></div>
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*<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">Future-orientated </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">fear- </span></b>My biggest fear and lack of the 'go-getter' spirit in blogging is the fate of nothing happening. No linkers, readers, comments. I avoided doing linky parties and it took me a while to do my own link up for the fear of no one coming to link up and hop around. What a surprise, I hosted, co-hosted and linked. I gained so many new friends and opportunities. It has been a great experience. Jump out there for sure. </div>
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<b>o</b> I do not want to force posts. I want them to be authentic and what I am truly up to.<span style="color: #444444;"> So for now, my schedule will dictate the number of posts I can get out. I hope that more posts will be the case, but I won't sweat it.</span> </div>
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<b>o</b> <b>Developing friendships by commenting and connecting</b><span style="color: #444444;">- I have a list of other blogs that I really enjoy reading and connecting with. I go through phases of being able to comment on all of their posts and other times I run out of time. I don't know how some people do it. I do make an effort to comment on other blogs, but often times it is once or twice a week in a long stream of back to back blog visits and comments. I feel like it helps me write a more personal comment. </span>Once upon a time in my time blogging, I spent a large amount of time linking up and visiting other blogs, but it really made me feel like I was living on the computer. <span style="color: #444444;">With doing blog content, editing photos and regular life it just eats up so much time. I am really realizing that commenting and visiting other blogs is really the only way to actually develop a close relationship with other bloggers. A bloggers writing is something personal and comes from within, which is the best way to connect on a more personal level. </span></div>
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<b>Personal Blog Connections</b>- When I originally started blogging, I had the plans of doing post only articles and my blog not being a personal blog at all. It took a really long time to include personal details and personal photos, especially of my children. How can others get to know you and enjoy your content if they have no way to relate to you on any level if you say nothing about yourself or your life? They can't. </div>
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<b>Blogging groups-</b> I moved through a few different larger "blogging groups" before I ended up where I am right now. I couldn't figure out where I wanted to be, needed to be or where I felt like I fit best. I really feel like these semi-private blogging groups exist. I now enjoy a mix of connections within different groups. Some are crafting, creating, baking, sweets, organizing, personal and family. It was all in finding where I felt most inspired. </div>
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<b>My want of the year: </b>To further grow the connections with the bloggers in whom I already interact with and enjoy their blogs. Also, to keep on growing my blogging network. Blogging has been a blessing for me. It has given me a little bit of me back. It helped me jump off that comfort level cliff and dive into brand new experiences. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-20923582514610274122014-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T22:48:47.984-04:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year! We hope you have a year full of all the things you want it to be. The choice is yours! A new day, a new beginning. If you wanted to do something last year and didn't get to....maybe it wasn't that important. Life is what you make it. We have had a wonderful year. Grateful for the good times and the not so great moments. The bad things just teach a lesson and it is up to us to figure out what that lesson is. It has been a true blessing everyday that we receive. I am grateful for each and every follower and reader of Consider Me Inspired. Cheers to a NEW YEAR!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-77286037060513946202013-12-31T12:24:00.003-05:002017-09-25T22:17:20.545-04:0010 Almosts of 2013Everything is not perfect, just because another did a project and had no issues or made that fabulous goodie or dish doesn't mean that the next will have as much luck. I make lots of projects and I have my share almost projects as well as fails. Part of what I do as a creator is go through that process of elimination. I don't mind admitting what didn't work for me. It never hurts to try something new and if it works, that is fantastic. If it doesn't work, then you know what to change the next time; if you decide to do the project or make that recipe again.<br />
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<b>Where do I get my inspirations from? </b><br />
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o Things made growing up with my mom, school projects and crafts I did on my own.<br />
o Seeing a fabulous set up in a magazine(often Pottery Barn) or in a store like Kirklands and even kid stores.<br />
o I scour Google and Bing images for a subject that I am interested in creating and I brain storm off other peoples creations. This is normally my go to process and I often scan and wonder what I can make that hasn't been made already or even how can I change another project to reflect our families needs or interests.<br />
o I also scan through Pinterest for inspiration.<br />
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***I never try to create something exactly the same as another. I like to make everything I do my own. It works out a majority of the time.*** I am an <span style="font-size: large;">over analyzer</span>, so when it comes to projects around the net I often wonder how they did it and sometimes I try it out for myself...exactly as they said.<br />
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<b>Most disappointing project of the year:</b> Baking pan as a magnet board.<br />
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WHY? -It actually requires a old school metal pan not a typical baking pan that one normally has in the cabinet. I do not think I have came across one that says you need a real metal baking pan. I tried thick ones, thin ones, round ones, rectangle ones, small square ones, store bought ones and even the free ones that come on the phone book or a business magnet. They all just fell right off.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrNdnvhv5Nw/UsL4987J3oI/AAAAAAAAPvk/MMGMoWvfP8o/s1600/fruitbouquet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrNdnvhv5Nw/UsL4987J3oI/AAAAAAAAPvk/MMGMoWvfP8o/s1600/fruitbouquet1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fruit Bouquet</span>- I was like oh yeah, I am going to have the prettiest little bouquet. I actually made it for my neighbor that has no children or family near for Mother's Day. It was a mess and when I got the fruit and had the color scheme and design set up in my head, I failed to think about a few things.<br />
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<i>1. How do you get flat fruit cut outs with round fruit?</i></div>
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<i>2. How do you make all of the fruit stick together with toothpicks and it actually look neat?</i></div>
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<i>3. How do you prevent the juice from the fruit dripping everywhere?</i></div>
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It worked just well enough to me to quickly get it to my neighbor to prevent a complete self destruction of the project. It is a good thing no matter how torn up fruit is, it is always good for something. Snacks, smoothies, cereal accessory and so on.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf4yAHCSE2Q/UsD0KB-q0rI/AAAAAAAAPuo/2vbtqVM_INc/s1600/ayarnball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uf4yAHCSE2Q/UsD0KB-q0rI/AAAAAAAAPuo/2vbtqVM_INc/s400/ayarnball.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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<b>What happened?</b> -I have it on my list to try again. I used 1/2 water 1/2 glue solution the last time and I dipped the yarn beforehand and then wrapped it. Super messy and just inspiration crusher. I was over it. What happened with the glue was it ended up leaving a glue skin after popping the balloon and it was just ugly and the yarn ball was unstable. I saw a new way to actually wrap then dip and I will try again with a mod podge and water mix. I know this is possible. <span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it takes a few tries to get a project to do what you want it to.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4adUKbJeF0/UsDo5yHgCfI/AAAAAAAAPtY/U8X5Y61aN-E/s1600/batattack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w4adUKbJeF0/UsDo5yHgCfI/AAAAAAAAPtY/U8X5Y61aN-E/s400/batattack1.jpg" width="197" /></a></div>
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I swear I really lucked out in the great man department. My husband and I was walking down the strip of stores and as we passed the corner of Sports Academy- a baby bat was right there on the cold corner of the wall sleeping. At the time his camera on his phone was way better than mine, so he offered to get the pic for me. I was so amazed, because I had never seen a bat in real life. Pretty cool, right!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIGIZXDcyYc/UsDo50jJzrI/AAAAAAAAPtU/7Ov9aK-jXME/s1600/bread1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIGIZXDcyYc/UsDo50jJzrI/AAAAAAAAPtU/7Ov9aK-jXME/s320/bread1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was my attempt at making homemade bread and stopping the store bread buying. I think that possibly I should have divided my bread into 4 section before the second rising stage. The bread was really heavy, but it was quite delicious. My daughter loved it, my husband and son....not so much. I was happy with it with the exception of it being pretty fragile and falling apart easily. I will try this one again. We buy way too much bread in this house; we have 2 school lunches and 1 man lunch a day. That is about 3 loaves a week. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBD6IA0nm-0/UsL8ocxY2jI/AAAAAAAAPvw/3IR4ZAk725c/s1600/bathroommirror1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBD6IA0nm-0/UsL8ocxY2jI/AAAAAAAAPvw/3IR4ZAk725c/s1600/bathroommirror1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Our sink was replaced in the bathroom this past year. It once had a floating sink that was higher and was replaced with a lower sink with a cabinet below. Well, when it was moved it had ugly drill holes so I wanted to cover them. I also wanted the kids to be able to see in the mirror when they brushed their teeth, hair and anything else they needed it for. I trimmed the board to size and it fit perfectly. I ended up putting magnets on the back of the mirrors and magnets stuck to the board to make the mirrors actually stay. They fell off constantly, so I ended up just taking them down and replacing them with a double mirror. I must figure out what makes the magnet paint actually work. It says paint any surface and let dry and you can even paint over it with another color or even chalkboard paint, but I have used it a few times and I must be doing something wrong because magnets won't stick. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4irnXlcfEyw/UsDpI5ueY1I/AAAAAAAAPtk/KRKGo-yqnsU/s1600/almostlaundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4irnXlcfEyw/UsDpI5ueY1I/AAAAAAAAPtk/KRKGo-yqnsU/s320/almostlaundry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, almost laundry detergent. Why? -Well, I think it was just error in the process. I cooked it on the stove top and blended the rest of the ingredients and I just thought it wasn't thick enough, so I added more ingredients. My mom and I worked on this little solution to save money on detergent. However, it did end up coming together. It was more of a concentrate and ended up looking like a super gel. You know the only problem with this solution is that with all of the washing machines being <i>HE</i>. I do wonder about how that would be possible with a <i>HE</i> machine.<i><b> Lesson learned: BE PATIENT</b></i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwuVt0uBDBs/UsDpIbmdbkI/AAAAAAAAPto/fbkPrSNhwlo/s1600/fishtailbraid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EwuVt0uBDBs/UsDpIbmdbkI/AAAAAAAAPto/fbkPrSNhwlo/s320/fishtailbraid1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I am loving the variety of hair braiding styles there are. It is absolutely amazing what people can do. I practice on my daughter anytime <strike>I can</strike> she will let me. She is just so pretty with fixed hair, however she is pretty impatient and can't sit still for one second. It is like taking a little kid to get their hair cut at the salon except there is no crying or hair cutting, just lots of wiggling and moving and wanting to walk off. I almost have it down, just a little more practice. I need to make it tighter and I think it will turn out the way it should. I just haven't figured out how to make it tighter. Any braiding secrets you want to share? </div>
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The chalk hair craze hit hard, but it was short lived. That is just not my type of thing. The last hair fad I followed was the 3 different colored layers of hair in like 2005. So, my super experimental and totally in the fads of now sister had her mind set on this. We tried the regular chalk pastels and found out it had to be the oil pastel chalk. We did the wet spray, chalk, flat iron to set. It was so super light. We tried a few times before we gave up on trying to get that vibrant chalk coated hair. It was messy and our fingers got stained from the pastels. NO GO on another attempt on this little doozie.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xgpM79iAbA/UsDpN0CV-PI/AAAAAAAAPuE/aNw2x1xwUC4/s1600/burntchickenballs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xgpM79iAbA/UsDpN0CV-PI/AAAAAAAAPuE/aNw2x1xwUC4/s1600/burntchickenballs1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Wow, that is a horrible way to make dinner. My most scary moment of the entire year. This was a super crazy story. I always want my husbands dinner to be hot and ready when he comes through the door, so I keep it on low. I want it to be fresh for him after working a long hard day at work. Luckily, it took about 45 minutes to get him and get back home. If it would have been a moment later...we would have lost our house. I put the lid on the pot to keep the heat in, but obviously I forgot to turn off the burner. There was actually more chicken meatballs in the pan...many of them incinerated from the heat.</div>
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We drove down the driveway and got out and instantly we could smell something stinky. I ran to the door to open it and was instantly flooded in the face with white smoke. A really horrible white smoke that the instant you breath in it feels like pain. A sharp, stabbing and suffocating type of pain. The kids stayed outside, and my husband and I covered our faces and ran inside to turn off the stove, throw the pan outside, open all of the windows and doors. Thank goodness for 13 windows, 2 doors and 1 giant fan. I really think that the lid that I put on the pan before I left kept as well as the 2 cups of water to coat the bottom of the pan kept it from catching on fire and spreading to our entire house. The burner was a little damaged and the house smelled horrid. We actually left for about 3 hours before returning to the house after we opened it up. The kids room door had been closed so it wasn't bad. </div>
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I had just washed all of the bedding and couch cushions earlier that day. They all had to be rewashed as well as our clothes that were out or hanging. The walls had to be wiped down from base board to ceiling and everything else had to be cleaned. My house has never been so clean. The smell went away after about a month. We sprayed odor sprays as well as kept candles burning to contain the smell. We thank the good Lord above for having a home still to this day. I mean luck has nothing to do with it, it was a pure blessing. I have never made another chicken ball to this day!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db0egYcoaK8/UsDpRvZaKiI/AAAAAAAAPuM/o0JGBhk4z-U/s1600/chocwasted1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db0egYcoaK8/UsDpRvZaKiI/AAAAAAAAPuM/o0JGBhk4z-U/s1600/chocwasted1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Let's get chocolate wasted together. We were traveling back up to North Carolina after vacationing for a month with my mom in Mississippi and on our way back home we stop any place that looks interesting. We normally go the MS, AL, GA, SC, NC route, but this time we decided to drive north into TN for the route back home. It is longer even though it is less states to travel through. Anyway, we ended up in Athens, TN where there was a Russell Stover Factory Outlet. We had to stop....I mean you just can't pass something like that. I was surprised at the beautiful chocolates in the casing. We really got a great deal on the mountain of chocolates we left with. Anyway, if you ever want to get chocolate wasted, I am always available. GODIVA is my best friend! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-24768554761887125062013-12-29T18:11:00.000-05:002017-09-25T22:50:19.507-04:00Mom's Monday Mingle #social #bloghop<h2 class="entry-title" style="color: #3fcdd1; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda', cursive; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thenaptimereview.com/2013/10/moms-monday-mingle-74.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #3fcdd1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mom’s Monday Mingle #74">Mom’s Monday Mingle #</a>85</h2>
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WELCOME! So glad to have you today linking your blogs up with us for Mom's Monday Mingle.<br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-18383151807671919642013-12-28T12:10:00.003-05:002017-09-25T22:41:21.853-04:00Our Christmas CelebrationWe hope you had a very Merry Christmas with your family this past week. Ours was full of new memories and lots of creations and laughs. We sang, drank hot cocoa, binged on old Christmas cartoons and spend lots of quality family time. Christmas time is so very special to me. I love the magic and heart that it brings. More people focus on things just for this month that should be expressed during the entire year. A big one is doing good for others. We took part in a few community service projects to give back to the community. They got new jammies for Christmas Eve, we made gingerbread houses, colored, played outside, danced and had lots of fun.<br />
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<b>When you were a kid, when did you wonder about Santa? </b></div>
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Honestly, I never had a chance to not believe in Santa or wonder about him. I remember waking up on Christmas morning and seeing the tree surround by beautifully wrapped packages and treat stuffed stockings. I would get so excited that I could barely get to sleep the night before and I was sure Santa was going to catch me awake. I did expect coal in my stocking a few years. My mom made sure every holiday was beautiful and huge for us. The rule was was we had a new pair of pajamas to sleep in on Christmas Eve and a nice outfit for church service. We didn't get many things during the year, but when we woke up and the room was filled with gifts, Christmas cheer and lots of candy, we were in kid heaven. I never wondered about Santa, due to some sad circumstances during my childhood that let me see it was all in good fun at an early age. Pretending was the name of the game and that made us happy as little clams. One year my mom wrapped our gifts in comic book paper and it was just unforgettable. I just loved it.</div>
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<b>Now that you have kids, what is your approach?</b></div>
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I want my children to know that the reason for the season is to celebrate, our <b>Savior</b>, <b>Jesus Christ</b> being born. I feel like you can experience and show your love for <b>The Lord</b> and enjoy the magic of a big jolly man riding around in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Our kids are still young so everything is fun. I do not see any reason at all to take this away from our children. There is no magic like the magic of believing as a child. </div>
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So our approach is celebrating with our children while educating them as well. It works for us and we of course let our children know that Santa brings one special gift and we get the rest, but Santa brings them after the elves make them. I mean it ties real world in with the magic. Even though, Saint Nicholas was the Patron of Children and we go with the different<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/12/symbols-of-christmas-and-meaning.html"> symbols of Christmas</a>. I always wondered why we had certain symbols to represent Christmas and now I know. I did a blog post about it so I could share what I found out.</div>
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When you stop believing that is it. You can not go back from that. So yes, we believe in Santa at our house!<br />
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My children are home for Christmas break right now, so I am having very little chances to get on the computer. I am getting more time in with my kids, which is so very important. They are not at the age of Christmas break meaning "let's sleep late" yet. They are so fun and they are filling each day with excitement, love and they make me smile. From being silly and making funny noises, to being love bugs and making creative memories. I am contemplating on the upcoming year and what blogging adventures I will take on. </div>
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I love reading Janine from Confession's of a Mommyaholic's posts. She is always doing really great series and other posts that are equally interesting. <a href="http://www.janinehuldie.com/page/3/">Janine's Confessions of a Mommyaholic</a> has a great series every Friday. I am getting my post ready for the upcoming finish the sentence..."My blogging goals for this year are...."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-89151243245179337792013-12-25T19:32:00.002-05:002017-09-25T22:43:35.248-04:00Merry Christmas!<div>
We hope you all have had a wonderful and very Merry Christmas with your family and friends today. Be safe in your travels this holiday season. 'Glory to God' in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Thanks to God for his unspeakable gift. MERRY CHRISTMAS! </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-38759501409154317532013-12-23T17:00:00.005-05:002017-09-25T22:53:10.570-04:00Symbols of Christmas and the Meaning <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever wondered why we have certain symbols during Christmas time? I have and I decided to put together a few of the findings I came across. I just have one of those minds that needs to know the whys of everything. I printed it out and put it in a picture frame to serve as a much needed little reminder during the holiday season. I do not normally post topics having to do with religion or beliefs because I am acceptable to everyones right to religion and would never want to offend anyone. I would feel like something was missing in our home if we did not praise and celebrate our belief for the reasoning behind Christmas. I love being able to share this information with our children. I mean they ask a gazillion and a half questions an hour, so I better have some answers. Let's get to it! Here are a few of the symbols that are often at the top of our list during Christmas time. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.5em;"><b>Mistletoe:</b> In eighteenth-century England, it became irresistible to kiss a woman standing under mistletoe. The kiss could have meant a long-lasting relationship or a long-lasting friendship and goodwill. If the woman remained un-kissed, she would never marry. To this day, people stand under the mistletoe to kiss, whether to ward off evil spirits, or to declare a truth. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 1.5em;">We LOVE the 12 Days of Christmas songs as well as the funny ones. I have the glass set and we sing each of the songs! We made a <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-in-our-house.html">post</a> about it on December 12. </span><br />
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12 Days of Christmas song: Represents the twelve days between the birth of Christ on December 25 and the coming of the Magi on January 6. (Epiphany) <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial"; font-size: 12px;">The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. In the song, Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge which feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings, much in memory of the expression of Christ's sadness over the fate of Jerusalem: "Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so..." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">2 Turtle Doves- The Old and New Testaments </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">3 French Hens- Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">4 Calling Birds- the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">5 Golden Rings- The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">6 Geese A-laying- the six days of creation </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "arial";">7 Swans A-swimming- the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments </span></div>
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8 Maids A-milking- the eight beatitudes </div>
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9 Ladies Dancing- the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit </div>
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10 Lords A-leaping- the ten commandments </div>
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11 Pipers Piping- the eleven faithful apostles </div>
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12 Drummers Drumming- the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nativity_of_Jesus">Nativity</a>, <a href="http://www.orlutheran.com/html/chrtree.html">Christmas Tree</a>, <a href="http://christmasarchives.com/trees.html">History of the Christmas Tree</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Bethlehem">Star of Bethlehem</a>, <a href="http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-history/angel-christmas-history.html">The Lords Angels</a>, <a href="http://christmas.fundootimes.com/christmas-symbols/wreath.html">Evergreen Wreath</a>, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_7262286_meaning-holly-plants-christmas_.html">Holly Plants</a>, <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/12/131219-santa-claus-origin-history-christmas-facts-st-nicholas/">Saint Nicholas</a>, <a href="http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/candycane.asp">Candy Cane</a>, <a href="http://themeaningofchristmas.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-traditions-gift-giving.html">Gift Giving</a>, <a href="http://vitanutritionals.wordpress.com/2010/12/21/why-do-we-hang-mistletoe/">Mistletoe</a>,<a href="http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/music/12days.asp#spwB2cusrJCVv8eH.99"> 12 Days of Christmas Song</a><br />
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Free Clip Art Sources:<a href="http://www.bestfreechristian.com/stock_07/manger_scene_with_star_03.htm"> Star</a>, <a href="http://www.victorian-embroidery-and-crafts.com/free_victorian_clip_art.html">Lords Angel</a>, <a href="http://artzeechris.blogspot.com/2010/12/holly-wreath-illustration.html">Evergreen Wreath</a>, <a href="http://www.clipartlord.com/free-cute-christmas-tree-clip-art/">Gifts, Santa, Tree</a>,<a href="http://www.christmas-clipart.com/free_christmas_clip_art_images/clip_art_image_of_holly_leaves_with_red_berries_0515-1012-0219-3214.html"> Holly Leaf</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-18044283961128208972013-12-22T17:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:19:37.565-04:00Mom's Monday Mingle #bloghop #mingle<h2 class="entry-title" style="color: #3fcdd1; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda', cursive; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
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Check out the latest post: <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/12/24-days-of-elf-kindness-list-for-kids.html">24 Days of Elf Kindness- A list for Kids! </a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-38419689228580812142013-12-22T15:45:00.005-05:002017-09-25T22:56:16.295-04:0024 Days of Elf Kindness- A list for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Elf on the Shelf has become so popular over the years and so many have made it a part of their Christmas tradition. I was so very leery of doing this because of the price. I jumped at the chance to get one when the opportunity to get one for $17 came along(B&N email coupon with B&N membership discount). Yes, I have loved most of the pictures I have seen all over the web. From the ones so sweet and kind to the ones that are kind of leaving you thinking WTH! There are messy ones, funny ones and even horrible ones; like the shaving elf. I have gotten so many great laughs from searching through <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/agregdew/elf-on-the-shelf/">Elf on the Shelf ideas</a> on Pinterest. However, I have decided to change things up for our family and the way we do Elf on the Shelf. I am not about cleaning up unnecessary messes or even wasting food(especially when so many are without). It may be in the fun of it all, but how about kindness. For our family, the holidays are about showing love for others and celebrating the birth of <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">Jesus</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">Christ</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">, Son of God, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">Savior</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"> of mankind. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">We had fun, mischief and kindness with our little elf, Snozzberry, but I have that saved for an upcoming post. We do many of these things regularly, but we had our elf leave little glitter note tasks for our kids to do a deed a day. We mixed ours with kindness, crafts, holiday fun and more. One thing I always have in the back of my mind is that the kids will recognize my handwriting, so I try to make it a little messy. By the way our kids are 5 and 8 years old. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK72fqqwEh0/UrdM7yoZ2-I/AAAAAAAAPX0/OWjAftY-BUg/s1600/snozzberrynote1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AK72fqqwEh0/UrdM7yoZ2-I/AAAAAAAAPX0/OWjAftY-BUg/s1600/snozzberrynote1.jpg" /></a></div>
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-signed <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Snowflakes and Cookies</b></span></div>
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A few things seem a bit similar, but are different in task. The meaning in the end is the same and it is the most important message to send your kids. <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Acts of Kindness make such a powerful impact on kids. It really allows them see that they can make a difference, no matter how old they are.</b> </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-85436942135162824832013-12-20T06:20:00.004-05:002017-09-25T22:59:38.659-04:00Epsom Salt Snowflake Craft <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piSVDff1bLI/UrQc-cFvjuI/AAAAAAAAOyA/8WDAQ82lotA/s1600/epsomsaltsnowflake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piSVDff1bLI/UrQc-cFvjuI/AAAAAAAAOyA/8WDAQ82lotA/s1600/epsomsaltsnowflake1.jpg" /></a></div>
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The best way to decorate during the holiday season is to do it as cost friendly as possible. This one is a little messy, but worth it. Hey, it could be worse and involve lots of glitter. Glitter is great, but so much more messy and it spreads like crazy. The good thing about epsom salt is you can add more and if it ends up being too much, then it dissolves in water. When you sweep and then miss a few pieces of epsom salt, the mop will pick it right up. Clean floors once again. Okay, back on subject now. I was going to just leave the snowflakes plain and put them on the garland above my arch way to the kitchen from the living room, but realized I had nothing that says Noel. It just was too plain for me, so I jazzed it up. </div>
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Throwback share- When I was a teenager, I had dated this guy for many years and his mom was always doing really funny goofs here and there. She had this beautiful 4 piece white angel set that had the letters NOEL on it and she had arranged it NEOL on the fireplace mantel. So when something was said about it not being spelled right she swore it was right and she eventually saw things the right way and fixed it. It is always good to be able to laugh at yourself when you do something silly and she did just that. </div>
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We did an <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-simple-fun-budget-friendly-ornaments.html">epsom salt and glitter</a> ornament last year:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">19 more handmade ornaments on this post!</td></tr>
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Noel means Christmas in French! You probably already knew that, but I forgot and I had to Bing it. Sometimes I don't know what I would do without a search engine to answer my gazillion wonders in a day. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHVty2LfKAs/UrQeqwKwNNI/AAAAAAAAOyU/PJSoZDruAsM/s1600/noelsnowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHVty2LfKAs/UrQeqwKwNNI/AAAAAAAAOyU/PJSoZDruAsM/s1600/noelsnowflakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">What you need:</span></div>
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Mod Podge- Glossy</div>
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Epsom salt</div>
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Plastic snowflakes</div>
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Paintbrush </div>
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Paper plates </div>
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Newspaper</div>
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Large glass gems/bead</div>
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Lettering or stencil of your choice</div>
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Permanent marker</div>
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White paper bag</div>
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Hot glue- glue gun</div>
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So as my kids watch the <i>Scooby Doo Haunted Holidays, </i>I worked on this project. This project was super easy. Most of the above items you can find at the Dollar Tree. I got the snowflakes a few years back, so I am not sure if they sell those anymore, but I am positive you can find a different type of snowflake there. The snowflakes as is was okay, but they were just so cheap looking. I wanted sparkle and a snowy feel and liked the effect epsom salt gave.</div>
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Lay out your snowflakes on newspaper. Put a snowflake at a time on a paper plate. Paint your snowflake with mod podge on the front and back, then sprinkle your your epsom on. You should have enough excess salt to slide and gently shake back in forth to coat the bottom, if not just sprinkle more. I did this over the sink to prevent epsom salt from going everywhere.<br />
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*You can only sprinkle epsom salt on AFTER you paint the mod podge on. If you try to paint over the epsom salt with the mod podge, it will melt and create a big watery mess and you will have to start your project over. I tried to make candle sticks with mod podge and epsom salt last previously and it just did not work out at all. </div>
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Hang it to let it dry completely. Once it is set and dried, you can get your stencil ready. If you have super neat or pretty handwriting, that is great too. I happen to not have the best penmanship, so I used a stencil. I think I got mine for a buck at a local store called Mighty Dollar...another everything is a dollar store. Fantastic by the way and huge. You can use any light paper of your choice, I used a white paper bag. Stencil your letters on and paint a little mod podge on the back of the glass gem and attach your letter to the back...the side you wrote on will go directly on the bottom of the gem/bead. I didn't wait. After I pressed my letter on, I squeezed a little dot of hot glue on the center of the snowflake and attached my monogrammed letter on. It dries pretty quickly, so that completed my project. I hung them up and they are a great addition to the rest of our decorations this year. Have a wonderful day. </div>
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*I will be adding <strike>lots</strike> maybe even multiple posts a day in the next week....the Christmas spirit has hit and my kids get out of school today for 2 weeks and I have a huge list of things to work on with them. See and you thought I was abandoning my craftastic posts. Have a great Friday!</div>
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Happy Holidays!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-7791233056072937412013-12-19T00:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:21:02.930-04:00Inspiration in Progress #favoriteposts #bloghop #final link up<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are sad to say this is our final link up.</span></div>
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I can't tell you how much it means to me to have had all of you joining each with all of your favorite posts. <b>THANK YOU! </b>We hope to start some new hops in the New Year! <span style="background-color: white;">Welcome if this is your first time! </span>Whatever you are blogging about, we want to know. Hopping for fun and guaranteed inspiration along the way.</div>
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Host:</div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a></div>
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Featured inspirational posts from our last Inspiration in Progress party: {just click the photo to go to the link} Here are a few Christmas related posts from last week!</div>
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Snowman Pancakes!</div>
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<a href="http://www.jodiefitz.com/2013/12/11/breakfast-holiday-family-fun-with-this-eggnog-snowman-pancake-recipe/"><img alt="Making Snowman Pancakes" src="https://www.jodiefitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_1358-300x300.jpg" /></a><br />
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Snowflake Gift Bag/Box<br />
<a href="http://www.paperseedlings.com/2013/12/snowflake-gift-bagbox.html"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWpLK_wM23A/UqemT_VtlOI/AAAAAAAAB9U/ig9_FSrNu28/s400/festive+flurry+gift+box.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://sumoftheirstories.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/recycled-gift-wrapping-ideas.html">Recycled Gift Wrapping Ideas</a><br />
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Cupcake Ornament<br />
<a href="http://mbella77.blogspot.com/2013/12/cupcake-ornament.html"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vh7b0Otk648/Up0IaWA72MI/AAAAAAAAD-o/bAJRpYwxnkI/s400/ornam.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://wesens-art.blogspot.de/2013/12/wineglass-lampshade-reindeer.html"><img alt="WineglassLampshadeReindeer by wesens-art.blogspot.com" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q_DEg247feQ/UqZStBpgASI/AAAAAAAAEUo/Z8RDM8_KVeI/s320/WineglassLampshadeReindeer+by+wesens-art.png" /></a><br />
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Tips for Perfect Holiday Appetizers<br />
<a href="http://www.vintagezest.com/2013/12/tips-for-perfect-holiday-appetizers.html"><img alt="SeaPak Spring Rolls Quick Holiday Appetizers #PakTheParty #shop #ad 2" height="321" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/11197530476_1d854fc684_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://meehameeha.blogspot.com/2013/12/quick-diy-toy-christmas-tree.html"><img height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEkaYC61bLE/Up3mrKPdQ4I/AAAAAAAAFzs/_ltjqd8Ji9g/s400/toy+Christmas+tree+11.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">"To Inspire and be Inspired"</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Contact </span><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/p/button-up.html" target="_blank">Consider Me Inspired</a><span style="background-color: white;">! </span><span style="font-size: small;">Leave us a comment and let us know you would like a follow back.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-11392390916990889172013-12-18T08:44:00.003-05:002017-09-25T23:17:56.027-04:00Old and New Family Traditions of the Season<div style="text-align: left;">
We all have our own special traditions in our families and am so filled with joy to now have my own family to share the holidays with. As our little ones celebrate holidays, it is so amazing to see their little eyes bright with excitement. My husband works hard to let me be a stay at home mom. It is such and amazing gift, and I get to do things and teach the kids things I normally wouldn't get the chance to. I get so excited around this time of year, and I am always ready for Christmas to come again so we can do everything once more. It always for just a small break from the everyday grind. </div>
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<b>Here are few things our family enjoys during the holiday season:</b><br />
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<li>Talking about the 'Reason for the Season' and The Christmas Story.</li>
<li>Drink cocoa and watch Christmas cartoons until the kids and Daddy passes out.</li>
<li>Christmas stories- a story a day.</li>
<li>Driving around to see Christmas lights around town and other large lit up neighborhoods.</li>
<li>We always open a gift on Christmas Eve- New Christmas pajamas and socks!</li>
<li>Bake cookies and other baked goods to share with our neighbors and other community folk.</li>
<li>We buy breakfast for the garbage truck men and a soda as a Christmas thanks.</li>
<li>Crafting time and making ornaments together.</li>
<li>We actually do snack cakes in our stockings every year with a giant candy cane, a chocolate cross and little stocking stuffer gifts.</li>
<li> Driving down the road singing Christmas songs until the cows come home.</li>
<li>Buy a gift for a boy and a girl for the Salvation Army's Boys and Girls Club.</li>
<li>The kids are required to go through their toys and give up a majority of them in order to get new gifts. -We donate them to Salvation Army, Purple Ribbon thrift store that benefits a local Battered Women Shelter or the local Christian Ministries thrift store.</li>
<li>Random Acts of Kindness when the moment arises.</li>
<li>The kids take turns donating to the Salvation Army bell ringers at the store. (Sometimes I feel so guilty and wrong if we don't donate and walk past, but we don't always have cash or the extra to give)</li>
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<b>New things we have started this year: </b><br />
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<li>Elf of the shelf- acts of kindness with a little mischief fun. (I am not into wasting and writing notes to the kids of different things they can do to be good or do good is a much better option)</li>
<li>Making a Gingerbread house as a family.</li>
<li><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/12/christmas-tree-silhouette-dancing.html">Christmas tree silhouette dancing.</a></li>
<li>We are scheduled to help with a bagged lunch put together at a local soup kitchen when the kids are out of school.</li>
<li>Attend a Live Nativity Scene.</li>
<li>Advent calendar with scripture, games, songs and other activities each day.</li>
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*Posts about all of our Christmas fun to come soon!<br />
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<b>What are your favorite family traditions? Have you started any new ones?</b> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-72400472880033444292013-12-17T13:52:00.004-05:002017-09-25T23:25:47.514-04:00Christmas Tree Silhouette Dancing ~Jamming to Christmas SongsChristmas trees are so magical with all of the soft glowing lights and sparkly bells. Add Christmas music, family and maybe a little sugar to the mix and you have yourself some unforgettable memories in the making. That is just what we did. It was cold and rainy out, so we were at home trying to find something interesting to get ourselves into. My hubby and I were sitting on the love seat while he was flipping through songs and the kids just started to dance. I love the imagination and energy our kids have! They have the best little personalities. Attitudes and fits, well that is another story. Making new traditions just seem to happen, you can't force them or they are no fun and are just to planned. It just happened!<br />
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<b>Holiday voices like:</b> Bing Crosby, Brenda Lee, Perry Como, Bobby Helms, Nat King Cole, Gene Autry, Burl Ives, Gayla Peevey, The Ronettes, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Mariah Carey, Johnny Mathis, Doris Day, Barry Manilow, Eartha Kitt, Drifters, John Lennon, Spike Jones & His City Slickers and the Beach Boys. I mean some seriously soulful voices and it just isn't Christmas without them. <br />
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Christmas songs we love:<br />
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<li>The Grinch</li>
<li>Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer</li>
<li>Frosty the Snowman</li>
<li>Up on the Roof Top</li>
<li>All I want for Christmas is my two front Teeth</li>
<li>Jingle Bells</li>
<li>Blue Christmas - <i>the rooster in Rock-a-Doodle sings this song in the movie, which made my kids automatically love this Elvis classic. </i></li>
<li>I'm Gettin' Nuttin' for Christmas</li>
<li>Here Come Santa Claus</li>
<li>I want a hippopotamus for Christmas</li>
<li>12 Days of Christmas</li>
<li>Silver Bells</li>
<li>Hark! The Herald Angel</li>
<li>The First Noel</li>
<li>Silver Bells</li>
<li>Deck the Halls</li>
<li>Have yourself a Merry little Christmas</li>
<li>O' Holy Night</li>
<li>O' Come All Ye Faithful</li>
<li>We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year</li>
<li>Run, Rudolph Run</li>
<li>Sleigh Ride</li>
<li>The most Wonderful Day of the Year</li>
<li>Ol' Saint Nicholas</li>
<li>The Little Drummer Boy</li>
<li>Santa Baby</li>
<li>White Christmas</li>
<li>Happy Christmas</li>
<li>Little Saint Nick</li>
<li>Adore Him</li>
<li>Away in a Manger</li>
<li>Joy to the World</li>
<li>O' Little Town of Bethlehem</li>
<li>Silent Night</li>
<li>Mary Did you Know</li>
<li>Do you hear what I hear?</li>
<li>O Come, O Come Emmanuel</li>
<li>Tidings of Christmas and Joy</li>
<li>We Three Kings</li>
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Here is my YouTube channel with most of these songs (still working on it): <a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtQDcx7u6RsY9k9XZKey_bdMkHquvK8uI">Christmas Playlist</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I just made it public within the last month. Trying something new. :) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I really like those songs, but here are a few more favorites:</span><br />
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<li>Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Brenda Lee</li>
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<li>Trans Siberian Orchestra- Christmas Canon, Sugar Plum Fairy Dance, Snowflake Waltz</li>
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I hope to go see them one day!</div>
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Happy Holidays!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-3758577048093847402013-12-15T17:21:00.002-05:002017-09-25T23:29:07.431-04:00Mom's Monday Mingle #83<h2 class="entry-title" style="color: #3fcdd1; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda', cursive; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thenaptimereview.com/2013/10/moms-monday-mingle-74.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #3fcdd1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mom’s Monday Mingle #74">Mom’s Monday Mingle #</a>83</h2>
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WELCOME! So glad to have you today linking your blogs up with us for Mom's Monday Mingle.<br />
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<i><b>1</b>. Please <strong>FOLLOW</strong> each hostess (They are <b>1-6 </b>in the link up)</i></div>
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<b><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a>-Hostess</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.staceylehn.com/">Creating a Healthy Life</a>- Co-host</span><br />
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-72995415216871575042013-12-12T12:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:31:48.949-04:00Glass Angel Snow Globe & 24 DIY Ornaments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12 days of Christmas, that would be today...how can you just go with 12 things? I couldn't, so take a peak at 25 creative, inexpensive and enjoyable crafts and creations for this holiday season. Make it for you own tree or someone else's tree. Either way, you will be making unique holiday creations that can be treasured forever. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DvoDzvORmk/UkL-k-PdduI/AAAAAAAAM8A/uQoa3VoXF-U/s1600/diysnowglobe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DvoDzvORmk/UkL-k-PdduI/AAAAAAAAM8A/uQoa3VoXF-U/s400/diysnowglobe.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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What a fantastic gift idea! It is never too early to start planning gifts. Handmade gifts are the best in my opinion. Not only are they more cost efficient, but they are made with heart. We made one with gold and white glitter, baby blue and silver glitter and red with gold glitter...for a few staff members at my daughters school 2 years ago. </div>
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<li>$1 glass angel ornament </li>
<li>$1 gold wired ribbon</li>
<li>Fine glitter</li>
<li>Epoxy </li>
<li>Cleaned out dip jar- ours was a spinach dip jar</li>
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I have seen lots of snow globe jar how to's using baby oil and I tell you, that just was not the case for us. It was messy and it caused the glitter to stick to the lid and it just was unpleasant. We skipped the baby oil. I glued the angel to the inside of the lid (make sure you angel fits before you glue it) and let is dry and set completely before doing anything else. Glitter is so messy, but we love it and it just is the most awesome decor accessory you can add to any holiday creations....so I didn't measure. I poured some and then sprinkled some more until it was the look I wanted it to be. We used Epoxy to secure the lid after we got our desired glitter fall look. </div>
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*The epoxy gave us a few more minutes to secure and make sure there were no leaks.</div>
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*The hot glue dries too fast and just didn't work well with the lid nor did the super glue...dried too fast. </div>
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Sometimes it takes a few times of making sure the lid was on all the way. It was a process of elimination with the leaking jars to finally settle with epoxy. We glued one strip of gold wired ribbon around the lid and make our bow and attached it right to the front. </div>
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<i>Here are a few other handmade gifts and holiday creations you may love: </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/mongramming-faux-mercury.html">Pottery Barn Faux Mercury Bell inspired Bells</a></span></div>
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We made these as our teacher and principal gifts last year.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/mongramming-faux-mercury.html">Monogrammed Glitter PB ornament</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/"><img alt="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxIkm6J6h-Y/UNs-j0GSs4I/AAAAAAAAI-s/0r6YEkWpF3c/s1600/monogramming3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/neat-book-ornament.html">Repurposed Book Ornament</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/neat-book-ornament.html"><img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reH5yvy_mYo/UNe4MSyVpfI/AAAAAAAAIz4/0It79_PGYXU/s320/bellbook8.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-simple-fun-budget-friendly-ornaments.html">20 DIY Ornaments </a></span></div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/"><img alt="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYbfWCXfpqs/UNejJHAO7-I/AAAAAAAAIro/fz5pv1CeSOw/s400/bellspinimage2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-personalized-special-photo-ornament.html">Wedding Photo with Song Lyrics Ornament</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/"><img alt="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8RCL6yoPeA/UMfKbDsVZ3I/AAAAAAAAIDM/LOxZcp0TK6A/s400/gerryandamysubart12.JPG" /></a></div>
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Here is the story of how we celebrate <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2012/12/12-days-of-christmas-in-our-house.html">12 days of Christmas in our home</a> and a few of the things we do. Get the story. (For some reason the link button is not wanting to work with the photos like normal)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-58747201749155954932013-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T00:00:00.427-05:00Inspiration in Progress #yourfavoriteposts #bloghop<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Welcome to all of our new hoppers joining us! I hope you will be inspired and meet some new friends too! </span>Whatever you are blogging about, we want to know. Hopping for fun and guaranteed inspiration along the way. We have some really great posts from last week to share with you. We are always excited to see what creation or favorite post you have blogged about lately. </div>
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Host:</div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a></div>
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Rules:<br />
We have no rules at our hop...just have fun and link your favorite post. If you would like to tweet about it, like it and share it on Facebook or even pin it...we wouldn't mind a bit.<br />
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<span style="color: #423d42; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Follow us if you like and please be sure to leave us a comment letting us know how you're following and we'll return the favor! Grab a button and help us grow!</i></span></div>
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Featured inspirational posts from our last Inspiration in Progress party: {just click the photo to go to the link}<br />
<a href="http://www.sarahlynnssweets.blogspot.com/2013/12/heart-warming-cocoa.html"><img height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ou3vGi9rM_8/UqEsoCNxM_I/AAAAAAAAFmo/EjpkfpN-ivs/s320/hotcocoa.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://themodernmrsblog.com/christmas-door-hanging/"><img alt="Christmas Door Hanging" height="320" src="http://themodernmrsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/door-hanging-Small.jpg" width="243" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.paperseedlings.com/2013/12/watercolor-snowflakes.html"><img height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--I4WytDHi2E/Up5u31947DI/AAAAAAAAB8c/OefVhmMUPWU/s320/watercolor+snowflake+1.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
I am sure these lovely bloggers would loved it if you pinned, tweeted and shared and/or liked on Facebook all about their posts! Be sure to check them out and show all of the featured bloggers some comment love.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Check out the rest of last weeks party linkers right<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/12/inspiration-in-progress-favorite-posts.html"> <span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span>.</a></span></div>
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Check in next week to see if your favorite post is featured!<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">"To Inspire and be Inspired"</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Contact </span><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/p/button-up.html" target="_blank">Consider Me Inspired</a><span style="background-color: white;">! </span><span style="font-size: small;">Leave us a comment and let us know you would like a follow back.</span><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-20970026279967024102013-12-08T17:00:00.000-05:002013-12-08T23:07:35.276-05:00Mom's Monday Mingle #cohost #bloghop <h2 class="entry-title" style="color: #3fcdd1; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda', cursive; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 100; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thenaptimereview.com/2013/10/moms-monday-mingle-74.html" rel="bookmark" style="color: #3fcdd1; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Mom’s Monday Mingle #74">Mom’s Monday Mingle #</a>82</h2>
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WELCOME! So glad to have you today linking your blogs up with us for Mom's Monday Mingle.<br />
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<a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="BlogHop" data-related="Agregdew" data-size="large" data-text="Calling all moms! Let's get this blog hop started!" data-url="http://thenaptimereview.com/" data-via="MarlingJulie" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a>
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<i><b>1</b>. Please <strong>FOLLOW</strong> each hostess (They are <b>1-6 </b>in the link up)</i></div>
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<b><i><a href="http://thenaptimereview.com/" style="color: #3fcdd1; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Naptime Review-Hostess</a></i></b></h3>
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<b><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a>-Hostess</b><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://ohmyheartsiegirl.com/">Oh My Heartsie Girl!</a> -VIP Host</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f5f9e8; font-family: Tahoma, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.onceuponacanvasblog.com/">Once Upon a Canvas</a>- VIP Host</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://enjoyingthelife.com/">Enjoying the Life</a>- Co-host</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://weareadifferentkindofwoman.blogspot.com/">A Different Kind Of Woman</a>- Co-host</span></div>
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<b>2. Leave a comment</b> if you are new and want us to return the follow.</div>
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<b>3. Grab</b> the button and display it on your sidebar or link it to the post.</div>
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<b>4.</b> Have <b>fun</b> and meet new friends!</div>
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<!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-4883256829121990322013-12-07T00:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:34:07.558-04:00White Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIC0BFEA6Pk/UqFEbYYny8I/AAAAAAAANj4/HnfjJImv2dk/s1600/sugarcookiepeppermintwhchoc3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LIC0BFEA6Pk/UqFEbYYny8I/AAAAAAAANj4/HnfjJImv2dk/s320/sugarcookiepeppermintwhchoc3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh yeah, you read that right! Dana from <i><a href="http://thissillygirlslife.com/">This Silly Girl's Life</a> </i>is always coming up with the most wonderful creations. I give her credit for this wonderful inspiration. She linked some <i><a href="http://thissillygirlslife.com/2013/12/milky-way-stuffed-cookie-cups/">Milky Way Stuffed Cookie Cups</a></i> to our latest <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/12/inspiration-in-progress-favorite-posts.html" style="font-style: italic;">Inspiration in Progress</a> <i> </i>party (there is still time to link up) and I just knew I wanted to make some kind of stuffed cookie. </div>
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I have to admit I was strapped for time on the day I went in search of the peppermint Hershey kisses, so I swung by the nearest shopping center. The first store I went into and came out empty handed....the second store I found one of those little plastic candy canes filled with them for $2.50 and ehhhh I had some tightness in my chest on that one. That is my "Don't pay that much for that" feeling. I obey that feeling, unless I have no choice- which I try not to let happen very often. Often times local grocery stores are way too pricey for items you can get at a fraction of a cost at other places. Light bulb! What is on the baking isle? That is where I ran across the most perfect little morsels of goodness. Andes white chocolate peppermint baking chips. This was a perfect substitute for the peppermint Hershey kisses and in my opinion they taste better. </div>
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How brilliant is smashing ooey gooey holiday goodness between two cookies? I often get stuck in a cupcake rut and believe you me, I probably make way too many cupcakes. A few positives: they are easier than baking a cake, less clean pan clean up and they are already in portion size. Although it does make it way to easy to indulge in too many cupcakes. </div>
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This was a pretty easy cookie cake recipe for me. I decided to use the fabulous sugar cookie mix recipe we used for our <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/11/finger-painted-handprint-turkey-sugar.html">Finger Painted Turkey Handprint Cookies</a>. Since we only made a few cookies...I took the rest and popped it in the freezer. So this was the easiest cookie I have ever made because the dough was already made. I am loving these new little recipe cards and it makes saving so easy. There are no apps for this on Blogger that I have found, so I made my own. </div>
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*Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a cold soda. For some reason those are 2 things that just add to the flavor of anything sweet. </div>
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What is your favorite flavor to indulge in for the holidays?</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-30025353518694589552013-12-06T00:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:38:14.850-04:00Letter to the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This has been one crazy week. For some reason this holiday month is proving to be rather difficult for me. One thing after another. <span style="font-size: large;">I hurt my arm</span> on Monday and it just seems to be getting worst. It is pretty difficult to get anything done. My right arm is my dominant arm and man is it hard trying to do everything with your left arm that has had the short end of the stick forever. Don't worry it I am not being negative. I love sharing about little random things from my week that I normally wouldn't make a blog post about.<br />
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<b>Dear YMCA child watch</b>, I am deeply saddened that our first experience led to my children leaving with an unknown adult and the caregivers didn't even notice they were gone for a still unknown amount of time. Thank goodness the Zumba class was only an hour and my children were in the gym watching a soccer game. Thanks for adding even more stress to my week and even though you apologized and gave us a month free....I just don't trust you anymore with my kids. One time of jeopardized child safety= me saying adios to child watch. We have searched for a gym that had child watch for so long...so this disappoints me. Apparently our case was the one time incident they have ever had. </div>
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<b>Dear Mother Nature, </b>20's-50's, and then bam 70's for 2 days then back to frigid air. It was nice to have two days for everything to kind of defrost, I hope it doesn't rain today like it has for the last 3 days. Rain, Rain come again another day.</div>
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<b>Dear Christmas movies,</b> I look forward to you every year and I really cherish the quality family time you provide. <3 The Grinch! </div>
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<b>Dear Christmas decorations,</b> sorry my busted arm is preventing me from getting you up. With my husband gone for work throughout the week. We shall meet soon.</div>
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<b>Dear CW and ABC,</b> I am so addicted to way too many of your shows. Thank goodness in my free time I can catch up on all of the shows I missed during the week. </div>
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<b>Dear 12 day of Christmas,</b> where in the world can I find you in small decorations so we can make a 12 day of Christmas wreath? I have been to countless amount of stores with no success. I haven't even had luck finding pieces of other things to even contribute. I love you so. You are my inner Christmas child.</div>
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<b>Dear Frozen,</b> I want to see you so bad. I mean, I want to bring my kids to see you so bad. I would love to have Olaf the little snowman!<br />
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<b>Single most funniest yet most relatable things I have came across this week: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/problems-only-anxious-people-will-understand">26 Problems Only Anxious People Will Understand</a></div>
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{My favorite is the blow your anxieties into a balloon and then.....go watch it, you will laugh}<br />
{2nd favorite is the car noise with the little black cat}<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you have had a great week and I hope you have a fantastic weekend. How was your week? </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-63083098282054269442013-12-05T00:00:00.001-05:002013-12-05T00:00:00.871-05:00Inspiration in Progress #Favorite Posts #bloghop #socialfun<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white;">Welcome to all of our new hoppers joining us! I hope you will be inspired and meet some new friends too! </span>Whatever you are blogging about, we want to know. Hopping for fun and guaranteed inspiration along the way. We have some really great posts from last week to share with you. We are always excited to see what creation or favorite post you have blogged about lately. </div>
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Hosts:</div>
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<a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/">Consider Me Inspired</a></div>
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<a href="http://clippiedips.blogspot.com/">Clippie Dips</a></div>
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Rules:<br />
We have no rules at our hop...just have fun and link your favorite post. If you would like to tweet about it, like it and share it on Facebook or even pin it...we wouldn't mind a bit.<br />
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<span style="color: #423d42; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Follow us if you like and please be sure to leave us a comment letting us know how you're following and we'll return the favor! Grab a button and help us grow!</i></span></div>
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Featured inspirational posts from our last Inspiration in Progress party: {just click the photo to go to the link}<br />
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<a href="http://www.paperseedlings.com/2013/11/noel-and-holiday-sale.html"><img height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oEQ1T8Y_nG0/Uov2lXaQlZI/AAAAAAAAB5I/_ElXT0ZsMgA/s320/noel.jpg" width="260" /></a> <a href="http://justdipitinchocolate.blogspot.com/2013/11/fall-apple-cake-recipe.html"><img alt="Fall Apple Cake Recipe, the flavors of fall on each slice of this delicious cake, buttery, sweet and moist! The best way to have "that apple a day"! #applerecipe #applecake #falldesserts" height="237" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lKjOEkEEdm8/UowWbwPASII/AAAAAAAAJpE/BrnMao0YZL4/s320/086a.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vickymyerscreations.co.uk/tutorial-2/tooth-fairy-palace-pillow/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="320" src="http://vickymyerscreations.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/DSC_00051.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tooth fairy Palace Pillow: Vicky Myers Creations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bakewelljunction.wordpress.com/2013/11/17/gingered-monkey-bread-12wksxmastreats-twelveloaves/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Gingered Monkey Bread | Bakewell Junction" height="212" src="http://bakewelljunction.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/dsc_0238gingeredmonkeybread2.jpg?w=584&h=387" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.adashofsanity.com/2013/11/best-ever-pumpkin-bars-with-cream-cheese-frosting/"><img alt="Best EVER Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting" height="320" src="http://www.adashofsanity.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pumpkin-bars1.jpg" width="213" /></a> <a href="http://thehealthyandfithomeschoolmom.com/2013/11/27/workout-for-112813/"><img alt="squat side leg kick" src="http://thehealthyandfithomeschoolmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/IMG_6005-e1380408853760-199x300.jpg" /></a><br />
I am sure these lovely bloggers would loved it if you pinned, tweeted and shared and/or liked on Facebook all about their posts! Be sure to check them out and show all of the featured bloggers some comment love.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Check out the rest of last weeks party linkers right <a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/2013/11/inspiration-in-progress-blog-hop.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a>.</span></div>
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Check in next week to see if your favorite post is featured!<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;">"To Inspire and be Inspired"</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Contact </span><a href="http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/p/button-up.html" target="_blank">Consider Me Inspired</a><span style="background-color: white;">! </span><span style="font-size: small;">Leave us a comment and let us know you would like a follow back.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9183668893870754391.post-14685848210885334142013-12-02T17:00:00.000-05:002017-09-25T23:42:12.235-04:00A Mothers Love Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEwja0NVCcM/UpTF4l_yQGI/AAAAAAAANds/aFjtLblaNFk/s1600/meandkids4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEwja0NVCcM/UpTF4l_yQGI/AAAAAAAANds/aFjtLblaNFk/s320/meandkids4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have always said 'momma' and I call my mom 'momma' and I pronounce it mom-ma... I have noticed over the last year of blogging that many spell it mama....for me that is different. I guess it is a regional kind of thing. My kids call me 'momma.' My children mean the world to me. At one time I felt like a part of me was missing. Honestly, I had pronounced that I did not want to have children and wouldn't. How very wrong was I on this..I could not imagine my life without my children. They hold such a place in my heart that just can not be filled by anything else. They were the pieces we needed to complete our family puzzle. They completed my heart and gave me everything I never knew I wanted. I get beside myself sometimes, and I need to be wrangled in. They give me the reality check that I desperately need. </div>
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<i>I can not believe you guys are getting so big. </i></div>
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<i>Kaylei, you have such a beautiful heart and I am proud to call you mine.</i></div>
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<i>Gerry, you are my little helper and I wouldn't trade you for the world.</i></div>
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<i>You both are so creative and can make anything out of nothing and that is so impressive.</i></div>
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<i>I am so happy you both love to read and picture read.</i></div>
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<i>It makes my heart smile every time I hear you both pray and practice such gratitude.</i></div>
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<i>I love making silly faces with you guys. You keep things light. </i></div>
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<i>Gerry, you just lost your very first tooth with a 2nd to soon follow. Boy, how fast you are growing. </i><br />
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<i>Kaylei, I am so not ready for you to be a young lady. I want you to stay my baby.</i></div>
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<i>Sometimes I wish I could go back and have those baby moments again, even if that means going through the whole birth process again. I wouldn't mind a bit. </i><br />
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<i>Remember what I always tell you guys- Do what you love and if you love it, that is all that matters. Right now in your life I know your friends mean the world to you, but never forget that it is perfectly fine to be yourself. If they don't like something that you like....it doesn't matter, because you like it and that is all that matters. If they mind, they don't matter and if they matter they won't mind is the best saying to remember. Each and every person in the whole world was made different, so be proud of the special little person you are and run with it. </i></div>
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Help me remember that things are not as big of a deal as I think. Be the kids you are and do what you do the way you love to do it and I will grow with you. I know I am strict and am kind of OCD sometimes, but in my head I am making the best choices for your little lives. I can always count on both of you to remind me of how small you are and that it is okay not to have everything just so.</div>
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Love, Your MommaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10073969584300039461noreply@blogger.com