tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23140263220161109492024-03-05T01:08:32.873-08:00{Jenny Free Style}Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.comBlogger448125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-22471071800652033392015-08-02T22:50:00.000-07:002015-08-02T22:54:38.223-07:00emery's birth story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtUsdEYrAAp2-aTbDS4yIAR4WVyaHUWSPy8M_6I3zYAs3vEXafFxSyje7Q-ztY_ncMxHjAmQoPlGj4A3xDEdwrDKnG7Wm3d_Oi1zlHHi9icftic3xo8AF_Wk7DINitk0mOxOJF7kHeWI/s1600/11236563_10100434649206969_491345454336576681_oemery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbtUsdEYrAAp2-aTbDS4yIAR4WVyaHUWSPy8M_6I3zYAs3vEXafFxSyje7Q-ztY_ncMxHjAmQoPlGj4A3xDEdwrDKnG7Wm3d_Oi1zlHHi9icftic3xo8AF_Wk7DINitk0mOxOJF7kHeWI/s320/11236563_10100434649206969_491345454336576681_oemery.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">emery lane freeborn entered the world on May 17, 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">weighing 9 lbs. 9 oz. and 21 " long</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>here's her story</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My due date was originally June 4.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being diabetic and such, we knew I would probably need to have baby by 38ish weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like we did with Levi, we decided to have Baby 2 be a surprise as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My pregnancy was very different this time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>A lot.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it impacted my blood sugars <b>a lot.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had several ER visits because of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to have my first ambulance ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Midway through pregnancy, baby began measuring large.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each ultrasound, the percentile got larger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally, my doctor was on board with trying a VBAC this time, pending that I went into labor on my own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't have any strong convictions either way, but just decided to take things one day at a time and see how it all played out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, Baby began measuring over 90th percentile and we determined a scheduled C Section at 38 weeks would be best.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her birthday was scheduled for May 22.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She chose otherwise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This pregnancy, I was huge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I gained 30 lbs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not crazy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NOl141oFkZ54E9Rxlm-g6v26vwVCoTeg5iHFsy9TH1UdtsL7uAgyx-MLP50TFmNadTCFu0XDNGA6n_NQEbovRHszNaxZogjwMEjw9n3RIhrbYdZrpwEfJNOFv6qpBPFDA2EQ2NnfanG4/s1600/pregn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-NOl141oFkZ54E9Rxlm-g6v26vwVCoTeg5iHFsy9TH1UdtsL7uAgyx-MLP50TFmNadTCFu0XDNGA6n_NQEbovRHszNaxZogjwMEjw9n3RIhrbYdZrpwEfJNOFv6qpBPFDA2EQ2NnfanG4/s320/pregn.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{at 37 +1}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I was huge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It hurt to walk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It hurt to move.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Teaching wore me out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weekend of May 16, Mr. Free had been asked to officiate his good friends wedding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No, Mr. Free isn't a minister, but got his online certificate to perform the ceremony.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We always joked about baby making their grand entrance during the wedding, but I prayed Baby would wait.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Baby did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By 5 hours. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the wedding a strong storm came through our area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 2 am, 5 hours after we got home from the wedding I began to get super crampy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began to time them and they were a minute long and 3 minutes apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When they continued for an hour, I called my mom to come over and watch Levi so we could get checked out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The contractions got stronger and harder to talk through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got to the hospital and it was crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Completely full.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They said the storm had brought in a lot of women in labor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They monitored me and said I was definitely in labor, but I wasn't dilated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being that I was 37 and a half weeks pregnant, and "technically" not full term yet, they wouldn't take me in for a c section until I was dilating or my water broke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I labored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And labored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nurse told me, " you didn't prepare for labor did you?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Um, no.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That wasn't the plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This sumo baby was not coming out that way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Luckily she gave me some tips and tricks and it helped to relax me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I labored for a few hours in the triage room until I was finally dilated to a 1.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was all they needed to justify the c-section.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So around 7:30 am I was prepped and wheeled into the OR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was so surreal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last time I kept falling asleep and this time I was determined to be awake and enjoy it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I was scared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a huge wimp and it totally hit me that I was going to be cut open awake again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cried and said how scared I was and the nurses were awesome at comforting me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did I mention that my regular OB was on maternity leave?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that she was returning from it the next day?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I had the Dr on call, whom I was informed had been there the entire stormy weekend and I would be here ELEVENTH c section that weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I asked if she was up for it, and they said "Oh yeah, she got like 2 hours of sleep."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then I realized I may die.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or have surgical equipment left inside my uterus after the surgery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, we go in for the surgery and I'm given a spinal which works quickly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was kind of bummed that I never got to talk with my doctor about some requests I had for a "gentle cesarean".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, God was so good and the doctor asked about some of the things I wanted right before the surgery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to have a clear sheet in front of me, instead of the standard blue one so I could see baby be born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so thankful for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this time the spinal make me very queasy and I dry heave throughout the procedure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before I know it, Baby is out and the doctor exclaims, "This one's a two hander!" And lifts her up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She asks Mr. Free if he'd like to announce the gender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"It's a girl!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This entire pregnancy I knew she was a girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew before she was conceived.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like I knew Levi was a boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God just laid it on my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They hold her up and she is a total chunk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They take her over to get cleaned up and monitored.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when I can tell somethings not quite right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They call the NICU doctor back in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Free is over with Emery as they are assessing her and we lock eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can tell something was wrong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was so scared we may lose her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They cleaned her up, let me kiss her and quickly whisked her off to the NICU.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sent Mr. Free to be with her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got sown back up and into Recovery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt pretty darn good, just nauseated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And worried sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. Free comes back in and tells me, with tears in his eyes that she is going to be OK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That it was hard seeing her all hooked up to machines, but she would be fine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgCng0Cb5VepLkylwT3W0jV8W2vTpW7lhQFizC-5hy5GfS6w4Rpqxdt9GuJqD4kUyQLWWrzPFD92iRqSYMPnF-dm-ygIpwR3xAhjW2ObsUJbggpkbhY_gI9YAGPaLYmpOPiEU-ah5qSlL/s1600/nicu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgCng0Cb5VepLkylwT3W0jV8W2vTpW7lhQFizC-5hy5GfS6w4Rpqxdt9GuJqD4kUyQLWWrzPFD92iRqSYMPnF-dm-ygIpwR3xAhjW2ObsUJbggpkbhY_gI9YAGPaLYmpOPiEU-ah5qSlL/s320/nicu.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After my hour in Recovery, they wheeled me in my bed to the NICU to see her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found out then that she was having difficulty breathing, that she swallowed meconium and that her blood sugar registered at 0 at birth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zero.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is so crazy scary.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUDdYWtkMSdvXVaTUFQk-EBp16f-NjND887jeyBRiBm-2ah99IY_P7AX97eCCLw_L7HalG7sPOdb-GIgLk6FRN_yhzMkk8YCPXVo8GIPd7KJvaMjxXbEV1cWQE7HY6GtXl807hlXUL8dS/s1600/famnicu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUDdYWtkMSdvXVaTUFQk-EBp16f-NjND887jeyBRiBm-2ah99IY_P7AX97eCCLw_L7HalG7sPOdb-GIgLk6FRN_yhzMkk8YCPXVo8GIPd7KJvaMjxXbEV1cWQE7HY6GtXl807hlXUL8dS/s320/famnicu.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They had her hooked up to glucose, breathing machines, monitors, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was in the NICU for 6 days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She went home the day she was scheduled to have been born.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each day she got stronger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each day she fought to get out of there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She would pull out her tubing and monitors and they would then follow her lead and see how she did without those things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had to work on feeding that week but we eventually got the hang of it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entire NICU team was so fantastic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't say that enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The neonatologist worked with kept reassuring me that her situation was very normal for babies of diabetic moms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And not to blame myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is so hard not to, but he just kept reassuring me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is how it is, and we treat it and all will be OK.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuqpj7HZuUDkmoUtCg5B3Yv9r-tsul-28nW1o6pwJPLDCAyDMqA5ZEHhZI_HiCFR1bUAJfeDDd18P-M5K4kdvDyTD3gGQr4UHsvviQe0VL5j2jctzASt-mnhVm2mK_bDlqyJVYhuE4M3L/s1600/leviemnicu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvuqpj7HZuUDkmoUtCg5B3Yv9r-tsul-28nW1o6pwJPLDCAyDMqA5ZEHhZI_HiCFR1bUAJfeDDd18P-M5K4kdvDyTD3gGQr4UHsvviQe0VL5j2jctzASt-mnhVm2mK_bDlqyJVYhuE4M3L/s320/leviemnicu.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They did an echo cardiogram and noticed her right side of her heart was enlarged slightly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The doctor said that is normal with babies of diabetic mamas but that we would follow up in 3 months to see that it returned to normal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All during this week of NICU time, I began to feel weak and found my blood level dropped to below 6.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This required a blood transfusion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 2 pints of blood I felt much much better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was discharged 2 days before Emery would be, but luckily they offered us a hospitality room to stay in for those 2 nights so we could remain at the hospital with her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Levi this whole time stayed with his grandparents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I missed him like crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cried each night missing my sweet boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully he was in great hands and enjoyed his little "vacation" with grandma and grandpa.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3fgS8QMO5xoJk5cPIzwhSVn9VRqYeu5ihWclW1OlUgsbB6d_tj4rp6FDLpwh5hdtqZhYsI0nbw5JjrB2G9gy4GGQ49Iuc8Ms-AiKYkHs8mRmbBnW3tvuUNrvs9kxRAiQGUF_2ice7-kc/s1600/levinicu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk3fgS8QMO5xoJk5cPIzwhSVn9VRqYeu5ihWclW1OlUgsbB6d_tj4rp6FDLpwh5hdtqZhYsI0nbw5JjrB2G9gy4GGQ49Iuc8Ms-AiKYkHs8mRmbBnW3tvuUNrvs9kxRAiQGUF_2ice7-kc/s320/levinicu.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He would visit the hospital each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He got several "big brother" gifts, one including a cape and batman mask.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The child wore them every.day. to the hospital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone loved it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But all of our first family pictures include Mommy, Daddy, Emery and Batman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh well, it's fitting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How did we get her name?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like a billion years ago, Mr. Free and I were driving and saw a street called "Emery Street".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remarked how that is a cute name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It stuck ever since.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was our girl name.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lane is a combination of my middle name, Louise, and my grandma and his grandma's middle name of Jane.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag0EfdhRQSG_j7ZByHvuq5bYJkFPBhHsr9dZQb6-jrc99tXa_vGAbbFDMM8uNYNIpIExt8Eigys-rwxoM-jgz_uobfi9LCNGxgBc3RBIA70UfORfTaroNuQryH-2zvw55OwRf_q4ovnJ-/s1600/emery5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiag0EfdhRQSG_j7ZByHvuq5bYJkFPBhHsr9dZQb6-jrc99tXa_vGAbbFDMM8uNYNIpIExt8Eigys-rwxoM-jgz_uobfi9LCNGxgBc3RBIA70UfORfTaroNuQryH-2zvw55OwRf_q4ovnJ-/s320/emery5.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Emery has done fantastic since.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her weight has dropped in percentile considerably.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At 2 months old she was 10 lbs even and 23%.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, Levi was small.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We just make small kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emery just started off large, thanks to her mama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so thankful to be this sweet girls Mama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She looks just like her daddy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She loves to smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She adores her big brother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pinch myself that God blessed me with a son and daughter and look forward to the many memories we will all make together.</span></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-64848057624183564362015-08-02T22:12:00.002-07:002015-08-02T22:12:15.684-07:00....hello?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it's been over a year since I've blogged and thought I may get back into it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So...what's happened since last June?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished my 7th year teaching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got pregnant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took our first family vacation to Chicago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a crazy pregnancy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Levi turned 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a precious baby girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent a week in the NICU.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are now adjusting to being a family of 4.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are Dave Ramsey-ing our Grad School debt, to hopefully be debt free (beside our house) within 2 years.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLiEY9S4OmDm707D8awzLSr__d3bdQM-BDQ6uIbJ12zhjoqBt017sR357enkyAnzptI4WsUkiZjATMT4Ur2_Ed7KkW81hqRIRB6TaRANQ4oPLOEOZSXf6f2XosD6dC3ZogVfSHy0EBB1c/s1600/emery+lay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLiEY9S4OmDm707D8awzLSr__d3bdQM-BDQ6uIbJ12zhjoqBt017sR357enkyAnzptI4WsUkiZjATMT4Ur2_Ed7KkW81hqRIRB6TaRANQ4oPLOEOZSXf6f2XosD6dC3ZogVfSHy0EBB1c/s320/emery+lay.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will try and blog regularly (maybe?) and share some big stories from this past year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most importantly Emery's birth story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Though probably no one reads this but me and my mom, I do love having it as a reference for when my memory begins to fade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My next post will hopefully be Emery's birth story.</span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-90424052124521516882014-06-21T13:12:00.000-07:002014-06-21T13:21:03.064-07:00a beginner's thoughts on EXTREME COUPONING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYx4rpIS27TB3BLqRTMrtAivOjDDY70VtbHq8wLL711fEWS4cTTgE5lE4FzobAc3UFLs_YSGBE0NCEXKs2WHEyGjmsSTOScfHZ-crEFNswn8TcJWXelqWPGJhURncSeNLYyyES8LtfzUB/s1600/couponcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYx4rpIS27TB3BLqRTMrtAivOjDDY70VtbHq8wLL711fEWS4cTTgE5lE4FzobAc3UFLs_YSGBE0NCEXKs2WHEyGjmsSTOScfHZ-crEFNswn8TcJWXelqWPGJhURncSeNLYyyES8LtfzUB/s1600/couponcover.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://instagram.com/jennyfreeblog" target="_blank">FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE MY DEALS AND HOW TO SAVE</a></div>
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So, as of this summer, I can call myself an "extreme couponer".</div>
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I began clipping coupons and stacking savings about a month ago and the savings has been incredible!</div>
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I am obviously still learning, and use so many resources to do my shopping, but thought I'd share a little bit of my process!</div>
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Disclaimer: The savings are amazing, but it does take<b> time. </b>I would guess I've been spending approximately 20 hours per week on couponing, clipping, matching deals and shopping.</div>
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However...</div>
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I'm a shopper. I love to shop. </div>
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And "extreme couponing" has allowed me to continue my "hobby" AND benefit my family.</div>
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Disclaimer 2: So far, I've averaged a savings on groceries, household items, toiletries and pet care at 71% off retail. My trips have been anywhere between 60-100% off. You're not going to walk out of a store with free stuff each time. Despite what TLC may lead you to believe: )</div>
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So...this first part of Extreme Couponing is completely thinking of how you shop.</div>
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Prior to couponing, I would make a list of what we needed for the month (the weekend after pay day), then go to Costco and Aldi to stock up for the month.</div>
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Then I would go to Aldi weekly for milk and fruits/veggies.</div>
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I thought I was being savvy by always buying store brand and avoiding the regular grocery store.</div>
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I was wrong.</div>
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Now, I don't shop for specific items of desire, but I shop what's at rock bottom prices.</div>
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Then I stock up.</div>
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And by stock up, I mean approximately 3 months worth of the item, if coupons and store policies allow.</div>
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So when laundry soap is on sale for $1.49...I buy 4 or 5.</div>
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Or pasta sauce is $.23, I buy 6 jars.</div>
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I then store the items in an organized storage area of our basement. And when it's time to meal plan, I check my stockpile and know that I can prepare that dish for the most cheap price.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5OpIscAsW4jadHtfQcDoqjh0U_K4EchNJILbs2lSYkH_bZMdwHARPdVSTR0XNI_Cyb_fL1J9dZ0iuNMldSvZNe6M9fVJWjDU3VOJqMkpqc8BEEwCOu197bTivqEJtkEylILItklVfmqr/s1600/coupon7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5OpIscAsW4jadHtfQcDoqjh0U_K4EchNJILbs2lSYkH_bZMdwHARPdVSTR0XNI_Cyb_fL1J9dZ0iuNMldSvZNe6M9fVJWjDU3VOJqMkpqc8BEEwCOu197bTivqEJtkEylILItklVfmqr/s1600/coupon7.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now building that stockpile takes <b>time.</b></div>
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And you only need it as big as you have space and feel comfortable with.</div>
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I know people who want a years worth of items.</div>
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So if anything were to happen with their jobs, economy, or a natural disaster they would be perfectly fine.</div>
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It's completely up to you.</div>
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Also...sales come in cycles. Usually about 12 weeks.</div>
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So if you can purchase something at it's lowest price, and buy enough to last 3 months, then you can purchase it again when it becomes that cheap again.</div>
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<b>Disclaimer 3</b>: If something is FREE I do stock up for longer than 3 months worth. I get as many as my coupons/store policy allows. If we have an abundance, then we give it away.</div>
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For example, 2 weeks ago, Target was having AMAZING deals on body wash. I think I got <b>PAID </b>approximately $1.50 to "buy" 18 bottles. We obviously don't need 18 bottles so we've given several away.</div>
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<b>CLIPPING COUPONS</b></div>
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There are a lot of different systems when it comes to getting, organizing and carrying coupons.</div>
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Here's what's worked for me.</div>
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I buy 2-3 papers a week, depending on how good the coupons are</div>
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(you can preview them online a few days in advance)</div>
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Then on Sunday evening, I get clipping.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB7R73hxjsdiXcg4sWlr-t8WuOS6_NY0KGFG0PM8KJnmj5jqwvIlxe8skkeMAHOymzUi-oLakz-tm-q_GKZpKDQQn6zFlXsN0WvHwZb3kiWus35ITuOsht8PPgy55yJfCTUrhvKF1ytuo/s1600/couponclipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXB7R73hxjsdiXcg4sWlr-t8WuOS6_NY0KGFG0PM8KJnmj5jqwvIlxe8skkeMAHOymzUi-oLakz-tm-q_GKZpKDQQn6zFlXsN0WvHwZb3kiWus35ITuOsht8PPgy55yJfCTUrhvKF1ytuo/s1600/couponclipping.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then put them in my coupon binder.</div>
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I use the "baseball card sleeve method".</div>
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I bought approximately 100 sheets of baseball care sleeves and placed them in a 3" binder.</div>
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I then bought tabs and labeled the coupons into categories so I can easily find them.</div>
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<a href="http://www.passionforsavings.com/stockpiling-stock-up-price-list/" target="_blank">I also printed this awesome list of what prices items should be, and at what price to stock up!</a> This has been a great resource as I learn!</div>
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I always keep my binder with me, even just to go grab something quick. You never know when you will see something on clearance and need that coupon!</div>
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<b>RECOMMENDED RESOURCES</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.krazycouponlady.com/" target="_blank">Krazy Coupon Lady</a> lists current deals and what coupons to use to get the best prices. She also has a coupon database, where if you are wanting to find a coupon to print online, you can see if there is one and how to get it.</div>
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<a href="http://pennypinchinmom.com/" target="_blank">Penny Pinchin Mom</a> is also great and is from Raymore MO. She posts some local Kansas City deals which are fabulous to see!</div>
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Instagram has become my number once resource. If you simply search #extremecouponing, savvy shoppers post their deals and the "breakdown" of how to do the same. I simply see people's deals that interest me and copy them!</div>
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Favado app for iphone is also amazing! You select the stores you shop at and it will list the best deals of the week and how to get them!</div>
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So each day, I usually check instagram and krazy coupon lady and see if there are any deals I can't pass up. Then make my list of where and what I'd like to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgoM3mEKohDwq3Q2F_K-OlZu0kdsscx_J13GirjexDEmdwbgMPy30QpcV_YOULN2wIsQ-H54DiPKpuc8900n-etTPpl6ejjKOrBOaLLrdZzq9DoRhanNM1MlZsTnqzZvSeQ0pQkcEdl9W/s1600/coupon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgoM3mEKohDwq3Q2F_K-OlZu0kdsscx_J13GirjexDEmdwbgMPy30QpcV_YOULN2wIsQ-H54DiPKpuc8900n-etTPpl6ejjKOrBOaLLrdZzq9DoRhanNM1MlZsTnqzZvSeQ0pQkcEdl9W/s1600/coupon2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>STORES</b></div>
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The BEST stores for extreme couponing is Target, CVS and Walgreens.</div>
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Target offers AMAZING savings in multiple ways, and in the last several weeks have gotten TONS of stuff for FREE!!!</div>
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Target deals can be a bit complex. It usually involves a manufacturer's coupon, stacked with a target.com coupon, stacked with a store deal (like a $5 gift card when you buy 3 or $10 off your purchase of $40 or more) and the Cartwheel app which can add on additional savings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidC20EesHLTP9ijJ2SjDpEcxtH3TzqYirYGoNeEKHQqsqJl7bwCFEkVLayUqwrXHNQPGZKn-AHKhUf31lJxJKbJ9n5MAb-VPrQbz6LjXB5GHcErf0hGdSd3Im-ZZGpkzQZinbWT1lGMiK/s1600/coupon8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidC20EesHLTP9ijJ2SjDpEcxtH3TzqYirYGoNeEKHQqsqJl7bwCFEkVLayUqwrXHNQPGZKn-AHKhUf31lJxJKbJ9n5MAb-VPrQbz6LjXB5GHcErf0hGdSd3Im-ZZGpkzQZinbWT1lGMiK/s1600/coupon8.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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CVS and Walgreens required membership to their saving programs. You can sign up in store or online.</div>
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By using the membership, you get the lowest prices. And also, many items on sale will qualify for either "Extracare bucks" or "Register Rewards" which is "money" that can be used toward your next trip. This is what makes for some free deals!!</div>
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So Extreme Couponing isn't super easy. It takes time, effort, organization and a lot of math.</div>
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But, it has been a blessing for our family and others.</div>
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I've been able to get such amazing deals, we are comfortable in many areas of things we need for our family AND have had excess to share. We've never been able to do that before.</div>
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And that is one my favorite parts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjO3oLZG0kyPmyYJua_Xz-_aBV4HnmyEl9VhyphenhyphenfWnGb32BFI5QdK7OBdt87Kwb6qz1f_ZtlLhsl-u-tQ8c8bk-RSJOFCIadBWj1JPpotMhLXzO8wky8UyGg-rwnUZb5R7RlBGEaj4huCea/s1600/coupon6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjjO3oLZG0kyPmyYJua_Xz-_aBV4HnmyEl9VhyphenhyphenfWnGb32BFI5QdK7OBdt87Kwb6qz1f_ZtlLhsl-u-tQ8c8bk-RSJOFCIadBWj1JPpotMhLXzO8wky8UyGg-rwnUZb5R7RlBGEaj4huCea/s1600/coupon6.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>WHAT TO DO WITH GIFT CARDS AND EXTRA BUCKS?</b></div>
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With stacking deals you often will wind up with gift cards and extra bucks and such.</div>
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There are a few different things people do with those to maximize savings.</div>
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Some people simply use those for the next "deal". This greatly reduces any out-of-pocket and keeps "rolling" the freebies.</div>
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Other's save them and use them for Christmas/birthday/wedding gifts.</div>
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(please note: some do have expiration dates, so you have to watch for that)</div>
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Here's what I do: I save <b>some</b> to roll into the next week's deals, to reduce out-of-pocket expense <b>and</b> I save some to use on necessities that don't necessarily have coupons regularly.</div>
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For example, I usually make sure I have $4 extra care bucks each week so I can get "free milk", or I will use Target Gift cards from deals to buy meat or fruits and veggies.</div>
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Again, no right or wrong, just what's worked for us.</div>
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<b>If you have any questions, feel free to email or comment. This is a very quick little overview and is no way comprehensive at all. </b></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-79982656770088381532014-05-14T20:58:00.000-07:002014-05-15T09:58:38.229-07:00beginners price matching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYa1uAFxa4CtUxfiuZGz8IgqXEmEBz9TXoNNPl5_Fw3Q8flD2QAPaR1br7uEoM0aeErA5_SgvybbUQREdsR9U4xelPx6vF5p9pKhux-xlvk7IyB_b0WlfRSQsXl3sIf8WVkq5dh6ozlbV/s1600/pricematch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYa1uAFxa4CtUxfiuZGz8IgqXEmEBz9TXoNNPl5_Fw3Q8flD2QAPaR1br7uEoM0aeErA5_SgvybbUQREdsR9U4xelPx6vF5p9pKhux-xlvk7IyB_b0WlfRSQsXl3sIf8WVkq5dh6ozlbV/s1600/pricematch.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week I decided to dabble in the world of couponing & price matching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had a good friend begin this venture and save a TON.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I figured it was worth a shot!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love shopping AND saving money!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note: I normally grocery shop primarily at Aldi & Costco, so never really paid attention to weekly circulars and coupons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here's how it began.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My friend gave me some ads from last weeks paper and I clipped away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then sorted them by category into an accordion file.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also then wrote down in a little notebook each coupon I had, so that I could easily reference it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, the weekly grocery ads came and I scoured to see if 1) there was anything we really use/needed and 2) any stellar deals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most were snooze-worthy for the Free household, except for the Price Chopper celebration ad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It contained several things we constantly use at cheap cheap prices.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this evening, I ventured off (alone!) to Target to scour the clearance, coupons in hand and to try price-matching for the first time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was a bit nervous!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here was my set-up as I made my rounds:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYGku5ak87__1unfmLNbDptpLiYHPmKISfruFPy0MW3lUrtXD7SZR3jSjsTqDjeqbyhdPY2WumKFe8fr7hBW-sHUg2Ph3aefAo3C8qmcw9jqtbj2fALWLmzk9uNUULjQFuN2tnRxQUth6/s1600/coupon+set+up.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYGku5ak87__1unfmLNbDptpLiYHPmKISfruFPy0MW3lUrtXD7SZR3jSjsTqDjeqbyhdPY2WumKFe8fr7hBW-sHUg2Ph3aefAo3C8qmcw9jqtbj2fALWLmzk9uNUULjQFuN2tnRxQUth6/s1600/coupon+set+up.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before I even stepped into the store, I checked <a href="https://corporate.target.com/about/shopping-experience/shop-with-confidence" target="_blank">Target's Price Match</a> policy and <a href="http://www.target.com/HelpContent?help=/sites/html/TargetOnline/help/promotions_sweepstakes_and_discounts/target_coupon_policy/target_coupon_policy.html" target="_blank">coupon policy.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I then went around the store and only found deals worth purchasing we price-matching the Price Chopper ad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My hope was to price match, plus manufacturers coupon, plus 5% off.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifddF4UArRMwso5QzTm9OXYqF39ppbKeujXFJp_G1o9k-vl0ADAraDNFxFxQflfz1tB-KqvK3Hcg9NYPHvpzd7rFBJZ30tjzkU2TfIWLtdcU9jX7xObndhi8pWK8GOGUh5hpMEm5PI0KaK/s1600/image_1+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifddF4UArRMwso5QzTm9OXYqF39ppbKeujXFJp_G1o9k-vl0ADAraDNFxFxQflfz1tB-KqvK3Hcg9NYPHvpzd7rFBJZ30tjzkU2TfIWLtdcU9jX7xObndhi8pWK8GOGUh5hpMEm5PI0KaK/s1600/image_1+(2).jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reg. price $2.50, ad price $1.48 (limit 2)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jif peanut butter and Smuckers grape jelly</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSR8JN8OGHc2MTJfPC-1GOEohVuh9OYOlkL8q8-YgwAalfYIEG5LT-JyAOssN4jzqYNn325xVRY3XV2WUFNhnsnOZQcbdTjNGj1Zl7JrQz1QIyT8addWHc9GU11VuQwAHMDC86o5vAOzJ/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSR8JN8OGHc2MTJfPC-1GOEohVuh9OYOlkL8q8-YgwAalfYIEG5LT-JyAOssN4jzqYNn325xVRY3XV2WUFNhnsnOZQcbdTjNGj1Zl7JrQz1QIyT8addWHc9GU11VuQwAHMDC86o5vAOzJ/s1600/image_2.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reg. price $1.59 ad price $.59 (limit 3)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMka2X0RqQqmFISqF2HaehMs1Kwylgwh1nm3pcomq1LdyoBwa4sul4V1x4Qf2tbON2cSJZh0HhSDBndw2we1-k3CQ6PoRFHyR6N5E8CBHFDUqf6_U380zxzOwxD-5xFeRXKDeMfrFuRPxl/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMka2X0RqQqmFISqF2HaehMs1Kwylgwh1nm3pcomq1LdyoBwa4sul4V1x4Qf2tbON2cSJZh0HhSDBndw2we1-k3CQ6PoRFHyR6N5E8CBHFDUqf6_U380zxzOwxD-5xFeRXKDeMfrFuRPxl/s1600/image_3.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reg. price $1.99 ad price $.89 (limit 4)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reg. price $2.99 ad price 2 for $3, plus manufacturers coupon for $1 off 2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">reg. price $2.50 ad price $1.48 (limit 3)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after grabbing my deals, I nervously headed to Customer Service, where you have to ring up to price match (annoying.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as I strolled up, they stopped me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We don't price match Price Chopper".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I asked why?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They said because it uses a loyalty card for their specials.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told them the Target site said they would only not honor <b>paid</b> loyalty programs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price Chopper's is free.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They called in the manager.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The manager said the same thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But couldn't find it in their written policy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then said, they couldn't honor it because it was a limited time special</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(aren't all ads limited specials?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He did point out something to that effect in their written statement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I told them I'd love to support them, but if they wouldn't honor it, I'd go to WalMart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They said they wouldn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I left.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0ElL2n1hHNH7RhtUuLZgNdeghHNbFL44PNBOn-BjWw-6bzNHjr6aIc0NgnEHIiTBfRM0PwfrDSXg319hTvLZRTByZqrU9Rh3AIid22hNWylcSiVcZOsiLRvi77yzMuxkiliGGzMCk8kj/s1600/target.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0ElL2n1hHNH7RhtUuLZgNdeghHNbFL44PNBOn-BjWw-6bzNHjr6aIc0NgnEHIiTBfRM0PwfrDSXg319hTvLZRTByZqrU9Rh3AIid22hNWylcSiVcZOsiLRvi77yzMuxkiliGGzMCk8kj/s1600/target.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People, this is like the only time I've left Target sad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like, ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I put my big-girl panties on, got in my car and drove to Wal-Mart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really don't like Wal-Mart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is one like 1 minute from my house, but it annoys me like no other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The store is fine, but the lines....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OH the lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are long, and annoying and take forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BUT I was determined to get my deals.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwstMXouF9mdDfg4pnmC2xKTdrHLo91sGpTZRaepdmw2rko1aNj1ve1yN_COU9s0SYYB-0j5I0lROcT1RTtyft0qaDXyVzIkkL7BLxUBAuQn2ZyKLDbSMU79YN8fI6n16iu3JaPMJKaPuk/s1600/round2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwstMXouF9mdDfg4pnmC2xKTdrHLo91sGpTZRaepdmw2rko1aNj1ve1yN_COU9s0SYYB-0j5I0lROcT1RTtyft0qaDXyVzIkkL7BLxUBAuQn2ZyKLDbSMU79YN8fI6n16iu3JaPMJKaPuk/s1600/round2.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Same set-up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I quickly went through the store, snagging the same products and went to the check out, ad and coupons in hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Score one for Wal-Mart...you can check out at a regular register).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I again, nervously showed the ad to the cashier and she quickly and nicely matched all the prices.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgINXHMNG5cRK6B4nk9RTt4Ydx6PH_vOLaFu4Joi6u45wvb2zj9Qgrr9k84qN6uq0E5y_iIodKHs8I3ODeGoPGcko9Tz7CLCU0a1oQfpkoPsPmqY3erLhRHPByUBa1DUL5298x4z5SQhjK/s1600/walmart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgINXHMNG5cRK6B4nk9RTt4Ydx6PH_vOLaFu4Joi6u45wvb2zj9Qgrr9k84qN6uq0E5y_iIodKHs8I3ODeGoPGcko9Tz7CLCU0a1oQfpkoPsPmqY3erLhRHPByUBa1DUL5298x4z5SQhjK/s1600/walmart.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not a single hiccup.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, $18 later, I loaded my car.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY7ccIkNHhwkaPdBXk3OPo8qpc8Pf_cgJKu5Umm4gTqtPVrDSEiyctVTSwGYuvaKNZvGiv8-bVm8h4hIl573KARHmDOekU1shIBPsEvTiGkn9FUjZ0DRV4ZjpwAxzsBYj0TNWH-31G8WF/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZY7ccIkNHhwkaPdBXk3OPo8qpc8Pf_cgJKu5Umm4gTqtPVrDSEiyctVTSwGYuvaKNZvGiv8-bVm8h4hIl573KARHmDOekU1shIBPsEvTiGkn9FUjZ0DRV4ZjpwAxzsBYj0TNWH-31G8WF/s1600/image_6.jpeg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Score!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what I learned:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I will no longer attempt to Price Match at Target. Too much hassle and waste of time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will however keep scouring their own ads for deals that stack well with manufacturers coupons and their Cartwheel app.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* If I see an ad special that I'd like, I will immediately go to Walmart. Save time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Having a price book, with written list of coupons I had helped SO much. It really helped me streamline my shopping.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>So, couponers and price matchers.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Share your best tips, secrets & deals! I'm a newbie and would love to learn more!</b></span></div>
<br />Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-37282434717479260482014-04-29T16:28:00.000-07:002014-05-15T09:59:47.956-07:00summer toddler routine + free printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTqy3c-ag4fLV-qIA68Hpyfy9uDi1QPfOCmN5katX3iWdHJqoC5Wc84cPcd0v0TaxHJv2_ktkis6_t1B1DQvfy-bRHyWnyp0vbItsutSI6GZO3vZkQq-2jMdcpBCv5dl1MHMmNDeGZQWm/s1600/summerblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKTqy3c-ag4fLV-qIA68Hpyfy9uDi1QPfOCmN5katX3iWdHJqoC5Wc84cPcd0v0TaxHJv2_ktkis6_t1B1DQvfy-bRHyWnyp0vbItsutSI6GZO3vZkQq-2jMdcpBCv5dl1MHMmNDeGZQWm/s1600/summerblog.png" height="243" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The last day of school is a month away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Free household is very excited about this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the school year is wrapping up, and having an energetic 2 year old, I've begun thinking of fun plans for our family this summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One important thing, though I'm admittedly not the best at it, is keeping a routine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what we are striving for:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKovp-EDoAFbEnxPbgfTyu5UdhYV-NR97jQiT0vrVfyNz6JAyMSKl_pum6xVcFc53V8oVFmop9U7jjLGhuHJ1NzkMbIIWclJXYpWeQqXNvEEnYx2X1jHknAUSx6fzhAR6mniOPmnEpnZf/s1600/summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKovp-EDoAFbEnxPbgfTyu5UdhYV-NR97jQiT0vrVfyNz6JAyMSKl_pum6xVcFc53V8oVFmop9U7jjLGhuHJ1NzkMbIIWclJXYpWeQqXNvEEnYx2X1jHknAUSx6fzhAR6mniOPmnEpnZf/s1600/summer.png" height="320" width="247" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have zoo passes, which we want to utilize.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our PTA is also selling movie passes for our local theater for kid movies each week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It comes out to $1 per person per movie.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We haven't taken Levi to the theater before, but I am wayyyy excited to try this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He loves movies and I think he will just love the big screen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Plus it'll be theater full of kids, which will help mama not worry about a wiggly toddler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also have great public libraries with a summer reading program where they can earn free books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the local libraries has a children's area AND a coffee shop.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've planned to make that a regular stop this summer with some friends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kansas City has great activities for kids.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've kept Friday as time for special outings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Saturday can be this as well)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This could be going to a local park, swimming at Grandma and Grandpa's pool or something from our "Summer Special Activities" list</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswMI1DgQ7E2pY4t-xht9M0m7eQ52XnUnBcst9G0ISpoH6Bms9C-osyw01JRyTeDaaCAj8P0CEKaIQBN3Kpp7nW7TzbY6hkU4Wtj5PAPk-7Zg6ouPdAoG8GihFb5f-6vj7rBNliSntKeq6/s1600/summerspecialactivities.png" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswMI1DgQ7E2pY4t-xht9M0m7eQ52XnUnBcst9G0ISpoH6Bms9C-osyw01JRyTeDaaCAj8P0CEKaIQBN3Kpp7nW7TzbY6hkU4Wtj5PAPk-7Zg6ouPdAoG8GihFb5f-6vj7rBNliSntKeq6/s1600/summerspecialactivities.png" height="320" width="247" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so excited to spend some fun family time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am the type though that has to be careful not to try and do it all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love being out and about, but know Levi needs down time at home as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some free printables you can customize for your own summer plans!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can print them and write them in, or right-click and save and then edit it in picmonkey and add your text and print off!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mamas and Kansas City peeps, any things you add or any tips for a memorable summer?</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please share!</span></b></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-46284693440748916132014-04-25T10:28:00.002-07:002014-04-25T13:56:34.741-07:00When God has placed you in the "not so nice" part of town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaa4diVWnEbPLSfRLwE50xjBRo6rif7Md1DYSX2px3j7SLC0aA4b-vevQP6_TzhqFe8FtYxCfoKzoNrE1Gs4b0lPMj2E2HRM0gJZCbyjvMPeyjhmiN65ASG2wR9seXiBaoPbi66M1dpFr/s1600/raytown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaa4diVWnEbPLSfRLwE50xjBRo6rif7Md1DYSX2px3j7SLC0aA4b-vevQP6_TzhqFe8FtYxCfoKzoNrE1Gs4b0lPMj2E2HRM0gJZCbyjvMPeyjhmiN65ASG2wR9seXiBaoPbi66M1dpFr/s1600/raytown.png" height="295" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our family lives in small, humble home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It boasts about 1400 sq. feet (including our finished basement)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a 1 car garage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is shaped like a shoebox.</span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.09375px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." Luke 12:15</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In comparison to many of our family and friends, we live in a very "reduced" state.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(What do they expect...we are both teachers! And I teach part time!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only is our home on the humble side....so is our town.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our town is not very desirable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In fact, most people would love to avoid it all together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is crime.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are rougher schools.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some do not take care of their home and yard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(For example, our neighbors asked if they could have a piece of plywood. We happily gave it to them, in which they took it and propped it up against their house with an old couch to "finish off" their "fence")</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But you know what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is where God has placed us.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkmJa-_ao8EOHh5cCyjYImLAEAm1TTLNED01pOghpjiKMPyGDY-gPBRrBQ23QvjUf5jMeU2rtU4w7fGRn8ixlBX92U39uVZmDxs8u58LaL-NsEhfYGkV5FFaJwVNta6RnbSuk8KoICNmm/s1600/our+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkmJa-_ao8EOHh5cCyjYImLAEAm1TTLNED01pOghpjiKMPyGDY-gPBRrBQ23QvjUf5jMeU2rtU4w7fGRn8ixlBX92U39uVZmDxs8u58LaL-NsEhfYGkV5FFaJwVNta6RnbSuk8KoICNmm/s1600/our+home.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our home really fell into our laps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was my grandparents and when they needed assisted living, we were getting married and it worked perfectly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was affordable and just what we needed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And God knew that.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have worked to make our little home work for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like adding a family room and 2nd bathroom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We've tried to make it a little haven for our family and guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A place to serve others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHd6BRqpPEKQQkokE4S4OaKK3cD0DuVdUnzl4RaiHswnbwCCsWXkR6yBQOYVyskOEaO_lMv_-uowATF9OYVRAG84N5G4DZyNnbYXTix54Rgbs-qLtPN53I78v-W6NjZTB0cGVmuJNXdrR/s1600/basement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHd6BRqpPEKQQkokE4S4OaKK3cD0DuVdUnzl4RaiHswnbwCCsWXkR6yBQOYVyskOEaO_lMv_-uowATF9OYVRAG84N5G4DZyNnbYXTix54Rgbs-qLtPN53I78v-W6NjZTB0cGVmuJNXdrR/s1600/basement.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> God has placed us here for a reason.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our neighbors need the gospel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They need to be loved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They need to be cared for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvoRm0nvdmGzgx1HoNhevmeHWzAQ7ONf1REjfLODxigrlayJmvqaBusQfNl-fcYeIcrsFYx8bhxsXplcnx7OE5TRGMXVEv4QsBYfFyXpsVIPC9mLyo2WbW2P57QN0Jx-LDbpGFRqO5EIM/s1600/frame.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvoRm0nvdmGzgx1HoNhevmeHWzAQ7ONf1REjfLODxigrlayJmvqaBusQfNl-fcYeIcrsFYx8bhxsXplcnx7OE5TRGMXVEv4QsBYfFyXpsVIPC9mLyo2WbW2P57QN0Jx-LDbpGFRqO5EIM/s1600/frame.jpg.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Living in a more "affluent" area does not save us from anything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, the yards and homes may be more beautiful, but the people are just as broken.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It just may not be as visible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So friend, if you are living in a less-than-desired area, but encouraged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>God has you there for a reason.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iBN1YsQSen2zELAior39MZo3Nz1S2B07bW1gW9hCVssVvUxlXy_TKT1rWxesFcehn8RAuKgJHTAiSF0HVotlBrtmTCdVp-Ssw6bdT-KTYiMX0POyLn7gYAGcYW0wcJu10R6xu6UitoVb/s1600/blogger-image--1316927820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4iBN1YsQSen2zELAior39MZo3Nz1S2B07bW1gW9hCVssVvUxlXy_TKT1rWxesFcehn8RAuKgJHTAiSF0HVotlBrtmTCdVp-Ssw6bdT-KTYiMX0POyLn7gYAGcYW0wcJu10R6xu6UitoVb/s1600/blogger-image--1316927820.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Whether it is a financially wise decision for your family, o</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">r a mission-field ready for harvest, where He is going to use you or your family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take<b> comfort</b> in knowing He has placed you there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are on a mission everywhere you go, and your neighborhood is a mission field you encounter daily.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvKZP6WVsJsf3IRyXcrxUVRI-SfxA4R8qObdSouZT8xPLHvwELBLh1Gmv7wvfzemg_oBmSfKHZTzBF9nNTsnigIqe1H8ikx5r0tEOQaqfdmv5O7aLcjtOAYUfQscuvsKIEennVG519CLu/s1600/blogger-image--1305574176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvKZP6WVsJsf3IRyXcrxUVRI-SfxA4R8qObdSouZT8xPLHvwELBLh1Gmv7wvfzemg_oBmSfKHZTzBF9nNTsnigIqe1H8ikx5r0tEOQaqfdmv5O7aLcjtOAYUfQscuvsKIEennVG519CLu/s1600/blogger-image--1305574176.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And on the days where I find myself perusing the real estate ads and drooling over master bathrooms and kitchens that can fit more than one person, I remind myself that <i>I am exactly where I am meant to be for this season.</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; line-height: 23.09375px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," Hebrews 13:5</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not to say we won't move.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God can use us wherever He needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But don't let jealousy and discontentment steal the joy and purpose of being exactly where you are in the here and now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all people." 1 Chronicles 16:24</i></span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-694540000709695922014-04-22T16:52:00.001-07:002014-04-22T17:58:45.475-07:00keep em busy basket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZo1UxNEn0hVejK8AR0UMF6tNwu5ysHtegDF4c1AMQ5x7qK_q27HzSL3RZTTfUN89EJHWWJ6dXLgOJBYR-QHUoE-S3FH822VzJEl1fPOK264WnicnxfcYj5gugtKyp_j66fk-YBdO8Sxa/s1600/basket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZo1UxNEn0hVejK8AR0UMF6tNwu5ysHtegDF4c1AMQ5x7qK_q27HzSL3RZTTfUN89EJHWWJ6dXLgOJBYR-QHUoE-S3FH822VzJEl1fPOK264WnicnxfcYj5gugtKyp_j66fk-YBdO8Sxa/s1600/basket.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am loving toddlerhood, but it is <b>kicking my butt.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm grateful to sleep through the night, but once we are up, it is full on energy. Everywhere I turn there is a new mess to clean up, Levi is climbing somewhere he shouldn't and I'm attempting to get regular clothes on or heaven forbid, take a shower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One particularly stressful time of day is dinner prep time. Levi usually wants to help, which is awesome, but sometimes our tiny kitchen just doesn't accommodate. There are nights I simply need to get in there and whip dinner out ASAP. Any mamas relate?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyways, I decided to make a basket of special activities just for during that time. Here's what's currently in our basket:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n4SmJIHYlDRcBFkY5q8aWAu8NfBD4XUmZEgQJQDE8V2RZv2Fi7bFlH23GAcUcemZ7w1T03J49W_XMn1qabiU-coUxQJXo4esNnUYblgYD9DMmM3rYY0ISOrGNmL2Pzbr64qmrdA1S35M/s640/blogger-image-1075539352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n4SmJIHYlDRcBFkY5q8aWAu8NfBD4XUmZEgQJQDE8V2RZv2Fi7bFlH23GAcUcemZ7w1T03J49W_XMn1qabiU-coUxQJXo4esNnUYblgYD9DMmM3rYY0ISOrGNmL2Pzbr64qmrdA1S35M/s640/blogger-image-1075539352.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have color wonder paper & markers (can I get an AMEN on how awesome these are?! Levi's been experimenting in "graffiti" and with these there isn't a problem!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also stickers & a dishwasher basket hat we use to stuff Pom poms into for fine motor practice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The basket is placed in our dining room next to his high chair so he can easily grab it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEjlQxqRlpvSWvMNIgNSQ6597IBWmEH-65DB9miUxnz56-j41_8QLnH-Dpd8Zw2yhpkEBZpZtS01baNzPPedAmwuMzgsTF8ece9p88rAcLvVR0tn36qDffYLvIRmygYTb4NwzQh9mHsUA/s640/blogger-image-1047352091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEjlQxqRlpvSWvMNIgNSQ6597IBWmEH-65DB9miUxnz56-j41_8QLnH-Dpd8Zw2yhpkEBZpZtS01baNzPPedAmwuMzgsTF8ece9p88rAcLvVR0tn36qDffYLvIRmygYTb4NwzQh9mHsUA/s640/blogger-image-1047352091.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to rotate different items regularly to keep things interesting and keep his attention. This idea is also great for other hectic times, like attempting to get ready in the morning or if you are tending to another child. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok mamas, what other awesome ideas do you have to keep little ones occupied when your attention is needed elsewhere?</span></b></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-8259162885752640142014-04-21T14:10:00.005-07:002014-04-21T14:10:35.858-07:00diy sunburn relief spray {using essential oils}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjrUZkkSTaEyPafgWFNnC4687nOJqfov1PPApaE7acsK-Mom9PLeWlYXCCC9MektGRn49lUFxmEQ7BA8PISCLCy1z9aHQ9y5qCN-KocttPycTm83PVDF0HTcY9R0DLnlCoE4zePOH6CX7/s1600/sunburn+spray.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjrUZkkSTaEyPafgWFNnC4687nOJqfov1PPApaE7acsK-Mom9PLeWlYXCCC9MektGRn49lUFxmEQ7BA8PISCLCy1z9aHQ9y5qCN-KocttPycTm83PVDF0HTcY9R0DLnlCoE4zePOH6CX7/s1600/sunburn+spray.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this past weekend was GORGEOUS in Kansas City.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And luckily there were lots of wonderful events to do outside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, this usually means one thing for a redhead like me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunburn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We went to a Kite Festival, where hundreds of kites were flying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was so much fun and beautiful weather.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I loved being barefoot in the grass, flying a kite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Can't get much better than that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I put on sunscreen like crazy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I missed a spot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the back of my left arm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And boy did it get red.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this weekend I applied my usual aloe vera to it, but then decided to experiment with some other ingredients and came up with this wonderful Sunburn Relief Spray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's fantastic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It soothes, heals and cools!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has 4 ingredients:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>aloe vera</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Aloe Vera helps with sunburn through its powerful healing activity at the epithelial level of the skin, a layer of cells that cover the body. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 25px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7654/the-benefits-of-using-aloe-vera-for-skin-care-and-more.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{from here}</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>witch hazel</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22.09375px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Healing damaged skin is one of witch hazel's specialties. But as sunburn is also a type of skin inflammation, witch hazel is ideal for treating this too (despite swelling not being obvious). Treating sunburn with witch hazel will lessen healing time and prevent the infamous skin peeling and flaking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22.09375px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.wisebread.com/15-wonderful-uses-for-witch-hazel" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{from here}</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>lavender oil</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #747474; text-align: start;">Did you know that Lavender has tissue regeneration and healing properties that quickly relieve sunburn?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; text-align: start;"> Yes, lavender also reduces scarring and minimizes pain associated with sunburn!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #747474; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/home-remedies-for-sunburn.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{from here}</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>peppermint oil</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Peppermint oil has incredibly cooling properties to it. When the heat of a fresh sunburn is bothering you, the peppermint oil will help cool the skin down and bring relief.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBH_VILZFuapk45jTqRX7dI_ctpVK7v86WALRM9FL7w5IsUaKK25SkpWfGN2hz-F5-EqifcSqV2G2xZIEPe6LDuC6pdAO0ftLkYGR1eGdqkeJKuT19zJC_jUWxxy98W57m2_sdWNQK7ip/s1600/sunburn+recipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBH_VILZFuapk45jTqRX7dI_ctpVK7v86WALRM9FL7w5IsUaKK25SkpWfGN2hz-F5-EqifcSqV2G2xZIEPe6LDuC6pdAO0ftLkYGR1eGdqkeJKuT19zJC_jUWxxy98W57m2_sdWNQK7ip/s1600/sunburn+recipe.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This concoction worked wonderfully for me. It helped me sleep with minimal stinging and heat. The next morning it was noticably lighter in color and not nearly as painful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it was fantastic because I already had all these ingredients at home! I now leave it in our medicine cabinet ready in case of another burn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me know if you try it or have another sunburn relief to share!</span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-17759823092587225172014-04-17T11:43:00.002-07:002014-04-17T11:44:24.007-07:0075 Toddler Easter Basket Ideas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuRQpKlkrfmO4rwEvSTwrfKTrwI7fF2480GquhODdgiUiBW3cBHnf9EX4daEfCE3MDVMqth0zmJuwYibt9lmsYFjHYKj1uZfce4zlpbZgKPblFX5_FaS71hraqfF_fWXBvcppYzaig8ce/s1600/easter+basket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuRQpKlkrfmO4rwEvSTwrfKTrwI7fF2480GquhODdgiUiBW3cBHnf9EX4daEfCE3MDVMqth0zmJuwYibt9lmsYFjHYKj1uZfce4zlpbZgKPblFX5_FaS71hraqfF_fWXBvcppYzaig8ce/s1600/easter+basket.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My most popular post thus far has been last year's <a href="http://jennyfreestyle.blogspot.com/2013/02/50-toddler-easter-basket-ideas.html" target="_blank">50 Toddler Easter Basket Ideas.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So this year, I obviously had to up it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some ideas:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Classics</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Stuffed Bunny or Chick</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Easter- themed books (see list below)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Bible (The Jesus Storybook Bible is highly recommended)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Chocolate Bunny</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Preschool Devotional</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Toddler Snacks (gold fish, fruit snacks, puffs, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summer Fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Swimsuit</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Sunglasses</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Beach towel</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Water wings</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Pool toy</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Sand bucket and shovel</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Inflatable swimming pool</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Sprinkler</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Bubbles</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Sidewalk chalk</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Kite</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Water/ Sand Table</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Lawn chair</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Tent</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Tunnel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Gardening Supplies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Educational</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Puzzles</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Links</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Tobbles</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Magnetix</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*CD's (Hidden in my Heart lullabies, Songs for Saplings, etc.)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Games for Tablet (leap pad, innotab, etc.)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Misc. board books</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Educational DVDs</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Artsy </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Color Wonder marker set</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Coloring book</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Do a Dot Markers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Art kits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Crayons</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* "My First Paint Set"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Construction Paper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Stickers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Apron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Play dough</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Play dough stamps </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Necessities</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Sippy Cups</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Plates</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Bowls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Utensils</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Disposable dining mats</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Bibs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Socks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* PJs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Summer clothes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Shoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Easter outfit</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Shampoo/Lotion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Girl accessories (hair bows, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Mega Bloks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Bath toys</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Small instruments</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Little People</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Play food</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Mr. Potato Head</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Small cars</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Slinky</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Stuffed animal</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Doll</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Experience</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Tickets to the Zoo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Membership to Gymboree</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Tickets to local children's museum</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Tickets to baseball game</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Books</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What is Easter?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The Berenstein Bears and the Easter Story"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Pat the Bunny"</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: 20px; line-height: 27.719999313354492px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The Pout Pout Fish"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Movies</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Disney (Frozen, Toys Story, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* Favorite TV show on DVD (Thomas, Sesame Street, Etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Veggie Tales</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">HAPPY EASTER!!!</span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-71986088331134515172014-04-10T10:47:00.003-07:002014-04-10T10:47:56.475-07:00motherhood: a reflection on the first two years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleBdKr2I7FMa722SWNMJwIIzeklBYX2vP8GUELqance1MZDBK6vvbMcpe-lz6uW_BzF6eHjkK_ojoYl_1tVAA2T3X-CFBsGOSleVMR1l3xJBHYVs14yu7apWvts5otst4wueI5TNmfcUM/s1600/motherhood.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleBdKr2I7FMa722SWNMJwIIzeklBYX2vP8GUELqance1MZDBK6vvbMcpe-lz6uW_BzF6eHjkK_ojoYl_1tVAA2T3X-CFBsGOSleVMR1l3xJBHYVs14yu7apWvts5otst4wueI5TNmfcUM/s1600/motherhood.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Life has been busy.</div>
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And this blog has been neglected. </div>
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Sorry friends.</div>
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I thought, now that I've been a mama for a whopping two years, I'd give a check in on how things are going!</div>
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<b>milestones</b></div>
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Levi is 2!</div>
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He is running, climbing, jumping, skateboarding, and tricycling</div>
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He has a HUGE vocabulary and is now putting together sentences</div>
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He can identify shapes, colors, some letters and can count</div>
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He is now in a big boy bed (sniff sniff)</div>
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He is now in the 30% for height and 24% for weight!!!! This is HUGE for us!!!!</div>
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<b>feeding</b></div>
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Levi is the typical toddler. He'd rather play than eat.</div>
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He's not overly picky, which is fabulous.</div>
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He would love to have a diet consisting of chocolate milk, cookies and candy though (don't we all?!)</div>
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<b>cloth diapering</b></div>
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2 years and still going!</div>
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We did have to switch to disposies overnight. The wet cloth on his skin for an extended time was causing rashes. Switching to overnight disposables cleared it up. </div>
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Hoping to start potty training this summer when mommy and daddy are home!</div>
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<b>work</b></div>
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I've still been blessed to teach part-time in the afternoons. I've loved our leisurely mornings together. This is when we do preschool time, play outside, prep for dinner or just watch a movie : )</div>
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<b>what we love</b></div>
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being outside (I think we are going to basically live outside til October)</div>
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movies (this kid LOVES movies)</div>
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stuffed animals (he loves to play with them, make them walk, feed them, etc.)</div>
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toys (duh...what toddler doesn't love toys!)</div>
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<b>random thoughts</b></div>
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so....infancy is exhausting. The whole living life in 3 hour chunks is brutal.</div>
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Now that we are in toddlerhood, we sleep through the night (hallelujah!), but it is a whole different kind of exhausting.</div>
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My house is never picked up. Not that I don't try. Just as soon as everything is in it's place, Levi dumps his bowl full of cheerios on the floor and jumps on them. Then pulls out every sippy cup we own. Then takes all the towels out of the cabinet. You get the picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k6RpeV_izG9mECIzybJkcfusnEY62YfXWB436wObipk7bI-9e33naufKYMzMxm2NEBAMsNgiGCII1lt5dabLBXv8uRwn89UbUgzXfK1EM4CUA1msWucY3uliWkyTNMs5A9iqB0ArVz_e/s1600/funny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3k6RpeV_izG9mECIzybJkcfusnEY62YfXWB436wObipk7bI-9e33naufKYMzMxm2NEBAMsNgiGCII1lt5dabLBXv8uRwn89UbUgzXfK1EM4CUA1msWucY3uliWkyTNMs5A9iqB0ArVz_e/s1600/funny.png" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love seeing his little personality emerge. I love talking with him and starting to see what goes on in that little noggin of his.</div>
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I love seeing him interact with others. Playing with his friends. Telling his family he loves them. Love it.</div>
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Motherhood requires a sense of humor. Otherwise you'll go insane.</div>
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Find Mommy friends. Luckily, my best friend has a son a few months younger than Levi. Together we can vent, laugh, cry and "get" each other. This motherhood stuff is tough but SO amazing.</div>
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<br />Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-42260746528419600592014-03-10T16:32:00.000-07:002014-03-10T21:37:02.159-07:00DIY Sesame Street Birthday Party {on a budget}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6q_n-5RRPI7iy2T3QyWuG5J3h8rYFziU94nWJyvmHq9TgyUheIdk29TX24r65sQouhM1zikm_S5bKW1TOmaGqo1XpJtHbcMCV-iqMRAiYbzy2UXq2IujBsaAOvP7pXts4EbAgmJgmIaYg/s1600/sesame+street+party.png" width="400"></div>
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Levi is 2!</div>
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I can hardly believe it!</div>
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And so far....2 has been absolutely terrific.</div>
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I LOVE this age!</div>
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We celebrated Levi's birthday with a Sesame Street birthday party.</div>
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With a very low budget, we were able to pull off a cute and fun party for Levi, family and friends!</div>
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Here's some pics with a few tips to keep costs low!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NzK5ku_iqXEbIr4oR8EbA3snswKHh8UzFFpfVpdvARfCSZ7iYPx1bhXMgYlif57wDq4G5L68aJZMu5HpUHSo7i6xLesO3b8CxAwothLmO7CjLbgf31L9Q8lA9djFRKgUGVml2UlprBJ5/s1600/meeting+space.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3NzK5ku_iqXEbIr4oR8EbA3snswKHh8UzFFpfVpdvARfCSZ7iYPx1bhXMgYlif57wDq4G5L68aJZMu5HpUHSo7i6xLesO3b8CxAwothLmO7CjLbgf31L9Q8lA9djFRKgUGVml2UlprBJ5/s1600/meeting+space.png" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
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We used our church to hold the party.</div>
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Our home is small and we had about 25 people invited.</div>
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This cost us nothing to use (just had to clean up!)</div>
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and allowed us access to a full kitchen and gym for the kids to play in</div>
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No need to feed a full meal!</div>
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A few snacks that are toddler friendly, something sweet and a drink is plenty!</div>
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And we skipped the ice cream...just another mess and expense!</div>
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Check Dollar Tree and Target's Dollar Spot for favors!</div>
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{and favors are totally optional too!}</div>
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We included a Sesame Street cup and an Elmo book with included CD.</div>
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Each goody bag was $2 each!</div>
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and a few extra pics of the day</div>
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Levi thoroughly enjoyed his party and our whole family just got to have fun and celebrate together.</div>
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It was a perfect way to celebrate our big 2 year old boy!</div>
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It is called WISE women (women in support of each other). It is based upon the passage of Titus 2 and is intended to encourage each woman wherever she is in life.</div><div>And let me tell you, we are a diverse group!</div><div>We have grandmothers, moms of preschoolers, new married women, single moms, single ladies. Large families, small families. We also have a group of homeless, pregnant teen moms who join us.</div><div>I love this group of women.</div><div><br></div><div>But today, as I was planning the detalls for our study tonight, I was convicted about something.</div><div><br></div><div>It starts with what I'm wearing.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, let me first start with me. Whenever I imagine a women in a ministry leadership role, I always imagine a suburban stay-at-home mom with a beautiful, organized home who looks like she walked out of a J. Crew catalog. She has a perfect walk with The Lord. She makes it all look easy.</div><div><br></div><div>So naturally, I have tried to be that.</div><div>But BOY am I not!!!</div><div><br></div><div>What is ironic is that my BIGGEST concern in our group is that we be real with one another.</div><div>I have long been intidimated by said "women in ministry". How does she have the perfect family, perfect outfit, perfect everything!</div><div>I can barely take a shower and pull my hair back and change out of yoga pants!</div><div><br></div><div>It hit me today. </div><div>Women need to see each other in their yoga pants.</div><div><br></div><div>They need to see, that even women with a heart to minister others are REAL.</div><div>We struggle to keep cheerios off our floors.</div><div>We get flustered at bed time when little ones wont cooperate.</div><div>We feel like a glamorous move star if we happen to put eye shadow on for the day!</div><div><br></div><div>So as much as I'd love to be Mrs. J. Crew Mama...I'm not. And neither are you.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm Jenny. I love The Lord, my family and my home. My hair is always in a bun because I don't take the extra 5 minutes to blow dry it. I struggle with keeping up with laundry. I'd prefer to eat out then cook any day. I hate sticking to a budget, but I do it. My house is usually a disaster.</div><div><br></div><div>And tonight, to bible study, I'm wearing my yoga pants.</div><div><br></div>Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-68185422230376798212014-01-30T17:15:00.000-08:002014-02-13T13:29:09.992-08:00adding a second bathroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsXFvekWim9LpvfVAxpyDWRcr1RmHxkASuxIwrTVkgVKU-2UdWNCwT2ziJnAbk3G1bewihOZwSx1HIBoeKRT0dgw2l4ITLyJfPNkJ9j8XT4MWudUA0-sVHzz3Nf_MOMEPCFQ9c8P7aw4x/s640/blogger-image-1755125853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsXFvekWim9LpvfVAxpyDWRcr1RmHxkASuxIwrTVkgVKU-2UdWNCwT2ziJnAbk3G1bewihOZwSx1HIBoeKRT0dgw2l4ITLyJfPNkJ9j8XT4MWudUA0-sVHzz3Nf_MOMEPCFQ9c8P7aw4x/s640/blogger-image-1755125853.jpg" /></a></div>
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This post is long overdue.</div>
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Better late than never, right?</div>
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Last summer Mr. Free added a second bathroom to our home.</div>
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And it's been about as life-changing as a bathroom can be.</div>
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Let's back up.</div>
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When we bought our home, it had 900 sq feet upstairs and an unfinished basement that was the same size.</div>
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We saved and saved and finally were able to finish half of it to make a generous family room.</div>
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Mr. Free did all the work himself, and right before Levi was born it was complete.</div>
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This is the most used room in our house. It is spacious and cozy and we love it.</div>
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Then, as Mr. Levi grew and gained more toys and fun things, we decided to convert our unfinished storage space into a make-shift playroom for him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0uVbXQUZTXlOS95jGc_V6kiQIJ9kdUQvN_gsFqVnSOtIBstthmHkGRKDA6aXmubIcHQB-YZfOyhNjsPm1j2gMwd9jDjLQ9HLB5NHBAPyKKUKx6uFklr0GAsrVzB07XcmWr5AJAfG_n9A/s640/blogger-image--1305574176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF0uVbXQUZTXlOS95jGc_V6kiQIJ9kdUQvN_gsFqVnSOtIBstthmHkGRKDA6aXmubIcHQB-YZfOyhNjsPm1j2gMwd9jDjLQ9HLB5NHBAPyKKUKx6uFklr0GAsrVzB07XcmWr5AJAfG_n9A/s400/blogger-image--1305574176.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love that the space is right off the family room. Levi can play and play and we can simple close the door afterwards if its not in perfect condition.</div>
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The only thing missing downstairs?</div>
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A bathroom.</div>
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So after more saving, Mr. Free got to work.</div>
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We first had to move our washer and dryer and then add in plumbing for a sink, toilet and shower.</div>
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We are fortunate to have friends in the construction business who were able to help with insight on layout and installing the plumbing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIruvkvR2foBQ_PUJWfQ91q8nytV8CddTeEnYPbX2y9dOKnPOLpaPFYkqMzfeJzWlMTrJxJ3cu1c6H-39rUUrmEYJCJmuwrIT4us3t5QI4hC0p5Oi5vrXzX5kk-k7m7vX5pWrwOkmdGi9/s640/blogger-image-635482668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIruvkvR2foBQ_PUJWfQ91q8nytV8CddTeEnYPbX2y9dOKnPOLpaPFYkqMzfeJzWlMTrJxJ3cu1c6H-39rUUrmEYJCJmuwrIT4us3t5QI4hC0p5Oi5vrXzX5kk-k7m7vX5pWrwOkmdGi9/s400/blogger-image-635482668.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So it was a mess to move the washer/dryer, hot water heater and adding the plumbing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSBX40bq3UrezKN_hE6vCgD5Qj1QGFYj88Oonv6W0ME83zgE9RQNCVBRL9LAn7H1f4SSP2jJeRzGxQQbCnZ0retsBl_rGwXsOL9ZCKt79XvhYFVbFy5T7-GvORXWeqcqP4IYOBq1fH47/s640/blogger-image-1875762205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSBX40bq3UrezKN_hE6vCgD5Qj1QGFYj88Oonv6W0ME83zgE9RQNCVBRL9LAn7H1f4SSP2jJeRzGxQQbCnZ0retsBl_rGwXsOL9ZCKt79XvhYFVbFy5T7-GvORXWeqcqP4IYOBq1fH47/s640/blogger-image-1875762205.jpg" /></a></div>
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But soon it was framed out and drywall was going up.</div>
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We had decided to make a little closet for the utilities, a toilet alcove, corner shower and sink.</div>
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My favorite part (of course) is picking out fixtures and finishings.</div>
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We had decided to keep with oil rubbed bronze fixtures, gray paint, white trim and espresso cabinetry.</div>
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Simple and modern.</div>
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So with the magic of internet, our bathroom quickly took shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi1jPk1KREVUX1-JER6zEAiBkr2ZFtvzb-nhUsMSR1Fd9Xi4C5qYc06CF25rg7-bFRNrVE3siYwtc-iikz6Cqv6YNxbJDm-3iq6qFg8p04Kfo12nCsWUNMqMbw22fh1707mCC1r9WTR7X/s640/blogger-image--710830248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi1jPk1KREVUX1-JER6zEAiBkr2ZFtvzb-nhUsMSR1Fd9Xi4C5qYc06CF25rg7-bFRNrVE3siYwtc-iikz6Cqv6YNxbJDm-3iq6qFg8p04Kfo12nCsWUNMqMbw22fh1707mCC1r9WTR7X/s640/blogger-image--710830248.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dWh7Lag7QSZcSOshA5iwpX8d5hZkOM-u-CcR_64UdWYT7mtjR_CNjMwey1APSyW2dNO9qtp9pd28PoxnpIzC8tlnsDjS2o_HWWIGWIS083DdjUP2uTVIYhaK9fSG-dimY_Is3QhFLuvA/s640/blogger-image-310672885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dWh7Lag7QSZcSOshA5iwpX8d5hZkOM-u-CcR_64UdWYT7mtjR_CNjMwey1APSyW2dNO9qtp9pd28PoxnpIzC8tlnsDjS2o_HWWIGWIS083DdjUP2uTVIYhaK9fSG-dimY_Is3QhFLuvA/s640/blogger-image-310672885.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVbDkHKERyu_KBeTizYCZXitTyCFcEklu-XATZeu02fqqS-rwDT_9uR83MkRi6bAh7KzcW-ZnZy-UXMKbPHT6SG1UbTd2KpUNqs1eiWd9T0aSd9SUjU7Xh2k5iThz22-DFlHC6buXre_g/s640/blogger-image--1316927820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVbDkHKERyu_KBeTizYCZXitTyCFcEklu-XATZeu02fqqS-rwDT_9uR83MkRi6bAh7KzcW-ZnZy-UXMKbPHT6SG1UbTd2KpUNqs1eiWd9T0aSd9SUjU7Xh2k5iThz22-DFlHC6buXre_g/s640/blogger-image--1316927820.jpg" /></a></div>
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We spent roughly $2500 start to finish and can say its been well worth it. We know it has also added value to our home.</div>
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Here's a breakdown:</div>
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Vanity- Lowes</div>
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Toilet- Lowes</div>
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Fixtures- Lowes</div>
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Shower base- Lowes</div>
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Tile- already had</div>
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Ceiling tiles- Lowes</div>
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Corner shower curtain rod- hospitaltracks.com</div>
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Shower curtain- Target</div>
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Mirror- Homegoods</div>
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Light fixtures- Lowes</div>
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Rug- Homegoods</div>
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My favorite part? </div>
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The shower curtain system.</div>
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We wracked our brains to figure this out.</div>
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To make a glass enclosure would be $$$.</div>
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We looked at corner rods but they were pricey too and had something we wouldn't like about it.</div>
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Finally it hit me! What about a hospital track? And thats what we did. It turned out perfect and was a fraction of the price.</div>
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I am so thankful Mr. Free is handy and that we could afford to add such a great assett to our little home!</div>
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<br />Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-89507531300218430072013-12-18T13:24:00.001-08:002014-05-15T09:59:22.696-07:00natural homemade disinfectant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx-gN-q0xsgN7NETcJNVVT8rvVcbCdSltHimvcD4TQNkHVSEElrrFZpFoaelAuys5bPXdGuMtxX3SWDMtvyGzA5_6I29iBuSQmrgjW6Vi_kX-gf3Ffceg2AtpXSBb0lJ2NN4eX3q0o_BY/s1600/cleanerphoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixx-gN-q0xsgN7NETcJNVVT8rvVcbCdSltHimvcD4TQNkHVSEElrrFZpFoaelAuys5bPXdGuMtxX3SWDMtvyGzA5_6I29iBuSQmrgjW6Vi_kX-gf3Ffceg2AtpXSBb0lJ2NN4eX3q0o_BY/s640/cleanerphoto.png" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Tis the Season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just the Holiday Season, but Cold & Flu Season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blech.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since Thanksgiving, everything has been going around in our little corner of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flu, stomach flu, strep throat, upper respiratory viruses, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this year, instead of running off to the store to by some Lysol and spraying down every surface in our home, I decided to research some natural alternatives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I perused the internet and saw all sorts of recipes, so I kind of combined some using items I own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a pretty basic recipe and you can obviously play around and find what works for you and with smells you like.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aPdbW41lDNkWr-F-iHtYXTaTh12644auswq2zaUjcz2ACMZHBCPvMUZID8jM1tF4TgCPMcHmDkxHqrwZawsM8dH2LTRMok2mn8FE6QR-wFyt2m1osWEJQvdSU5kKV9yjqR7JZuKUKA6J/s1600/cleaner+ingredients.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aPdbW41lDNkWr-F-iHtYXTaTh12644auswq2zaUjcz2ACMZHBCPvMUZID8jM1tF4TgCPMcHmDkxHqrwZawsM8dH2LTRMok2mn8FE6QR-wFyt2m1osWEJQvdSU5kKV9yjqR7JZuKUKA6J/s400/cleaner+ingredients.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For your reading pleasure, <a href="http://www.ehow.com/facts_6304154_lysol-health-hazardous_.html" target="_blank">you can read about the dangers of commercial spray disinfectant sprays here.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you can read about the many benefits of <a href="http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/vinegar" target="_blank">vinegar</a>,<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2013/04/25-uses-for-tea-tree-oil.html" target="_blank"> tea tree oil</a> and <a href="http://www.mindbodysoulessentials.com/orange-sweet-essential-oil.html" target="_blank">citrus oils</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picked up some spray bottles and labels at Target (love that dollar spot!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVJzYljxC7LeSXvjX7O6n06sMDr4zN8pPWn1m5zRBUkS5i2w4TWfzC-NYbZmfO8Bq9rR002ss_AiGbh0H2jd2OzmptILTOvTGogn3YbgV8kZLw5IPKzt9M7VAHyLKj6_IOZ663zFfSlbX/s1600/cleaner+bottles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVJzYljxC7LeSXvjX7O6n06sMDr4zN8pPWn1m5zRBUkS5i2w4TWfzC-NYbZmfO8Bq9rR002ss_AiGbh0H2jd2OzmptILTOvTGogn3YbgV8kZLw5IPKzt9M7VAHyLKj6_IOZ663zFfSlbX/s400/cleaner+bottles.png" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here is the recipe!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yT8IQkX4AKvqfKO7hEqnlhHWGE0PXSpayok2N8KT6SQW_Iv9Xa8JBPVC0a69fI5fv474pim7AtLeDHQl8xm9aunzbhjR45o4MXxTpN9PYPYoaZK46nwJZj8lczWcllh4wm_H5yAiDPMw/s1600/disinfectant+recipe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yT8IQkX4AKvqfKO7hEqnlhHWGE0PXSpayok2N8KT6SQW_Iv9Xa8JBPVC0a69fI5fv474pim7AtLeDHQl8xm9aunzbhjR45o4MXxTpN9PYPYoaZK46nwJZj8lczWcllh4wm_H5yAiDPMw/s400/disinfectant+recipe.png" height="342" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tea tree oil and sweet orange oil smells so nice together!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you happen to eat any citrus, I always just peel it and put some of the peels into my disinfectant and all purpose cleaner bottles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adds a great fresh citrus scent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've used this recipe for a few weeks now, spraying it on all the germy surfaces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(door knows, light switches, tables, counter tops, toys, etc.) and the benefit is it makes my house smell great too! Plus is so cheap to make!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzM3fSh-iXI1cg9YNtdFlmp2It0rHcAkxa2d8PfphQZEAuTTWKdRPEMtFIMnutcRuyEoApVuqIAZ0LokVt_9Z-F9H4S6zSK32oBbFXz9Z__2nPLYRQYR3nrX8YVPr4bUooK309Th1eToU/s1600/disinfectant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzM3fSh-iXI1cg9YNtdFlmp2It0rHcAkxa2d8PfphQZEAuTTWKdRPEMtFIMnutcRuyEoApVuqIAZ0LokVt_9Z-F9H4S6zSK32oBbFXz9Z__2nPLYRQYR3nrX8YVPr4bUooK309Th1eToU/s640/disinfectant.png" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been diving into the world of essential oils and all-natural body & home care products. I will share more recipes and tips as I find and use them!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Do you have a favorite essential oil or all natural recipe? Please comment and share!</b></span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-18404759819919797692013-12-03T10:01:00.000-08:002014-05-15T10:38:54.269-07:00The ULTIMATE List of Toddler Stocking Stuffers<span id="goog_1339875545"></span><span id="goog_1339875546"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfocb-dcTXIN_Pw3wPR2dbGSvi0J9cIPfIs8T5QHjZYfZzEIx1gzG1t8LOYsTd3axnqhoRa3jDhiXhmHSGtlc8pv6hKRYznxXYut58y0ooQ_UXBqJrdFZEd_gnjM2puGof-6_6xw5-pA8p/s640/blogger-image--244667964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfocb-dcTXIN_Pw3wPR2dbGSvi0J9cIPfIs8T5QHjZYfZzEIx1gzG1t8LOYsTd3axnqhoRa3jDhiXhmHSGtlc8pv6hKRYznxXYut58y0ooQ_UXBqJrdFZEd_gnjM2puGof-6_6xw5-pA8p/s640/blogger-image--244667964.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>TOYS</b><br />
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Play Dough</div>
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Finger Puppets</div>
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Masks</div>
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Little People</div>
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Small Doll</div>
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Bubbles</div>
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Blocks</div>
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Bath Toys</div>
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Bath Crayons</div>
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Egg Shakers</div>
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Toy Balls</div>
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Matchbox Cars</div>
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Slinky</div>
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<b>ENTERTAINMENT</b></div>
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Books</div>
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DVDs</div>
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CDs</div>
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Tickets to Local Event</div>
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<b>ART SUPPLIES</b></div>
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Markers</div>
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Do A Dot Markers</div>
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Coloring Book</div>
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Crayons</div>
<div>
Paintbrushes</div>
<div>
Washable Paints</div>
<div>
Art Smock</div>
<div>
Stickers</div>
<div>
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<div>
<b>PRACTICAL</b></div>
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Sippy cups</div>
<div>
Utensils</div>
<div>
Bibs</div>
<div>
Fill Yourself Food Pouches</div>
<div>
Bowls</div>
<div>
Plates</div>
<div>
Snack cups </div>
<div>
Stickers</div>
<div>
Washcloths</div>
<div>
Cloth Wipes</div>
<div>
Bath Soap</div>
<div>
Lotion</div>
<div>
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<b>CLOTHING</b></div>
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Socks</div>
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Slippers</div>
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Scarves</div>
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Hats</div>
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Mittens</div>
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Tights</div>
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Leggings</div>
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Headbands</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Festive cloth diaper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Play Jewelry</span></div>
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Play Purse</div>
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<b>FOOD</b></div>
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Applesauce Pouches</div>
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Goldfish</div>
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Granola Bars</div>
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Dried fruit packets</div>
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Apple</div>
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Orange</div>
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<b><i>Do you have anything you'd add to the list?</i></b></div>
</div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-59745709602068078112013-11-27T08:53:00.000-08:002013-11-27T08:53:56.039-08:00Family Blessings Tree<span id="goog_855938204"></span><span id="goog_855938205"></span><br />
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This November our little family was blessed with an empty calendar and a heart to make this season intentional.</div>
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Though Levi is still little, he is grasping concepts and the world around him at a crazy pace.</div>
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So this November, each morning I would ask Levi what he was thankful for.</div>
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Out of construction paper I simply cut out a brown trunk and some leaves out of yellow, red and orange paper.</div>
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Hearing what Levi was thankful for made me smile each morning. His little personality shone through. Like being thankful for "Baby Bear" and "Elmo".</div>
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Mr. Free and I also contributed when we remembered.</div>
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The tree has been up on a door in our dining room and it has been a blessing to see it each day and be reminded of just how good God has been to us.</div>
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I've really enjoyed doing this activity with Levi and I think it's helped put our hearts in a great place to begin advent. I pray that my son can grow with a heart of gratitude.</div>
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I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of quality time with the ones you love.</div>
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<br />Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-47770715642587287132013-11-09T09:42:00.001-08:002013-11-09T09:44:01.369-08:00DIY magnetic train board<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPSWFQRkOJfkxijgKRuRSdHnHzTejmuH2Q69inQHcGLodRgmTk2FJcRzvELvKJb8p1JlNjwIkuDCHQrFdDet80anxJh1IHmpdiiIm-oFMFxlOTQLokeUr-RhyRxgPrtwjLyMY5Ctj8req/s640/blogger-image-1661248301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPSWFQRkOJfkxijgKRuRSdHnHzTejmuH2Q69inQHcGLodRgmTk2FJcRzvELvKJb8p1JlNjwIkuDCHQrFdDet80anxJh1IHmpdiiIm-oFMFxlOTQLokeUr-RhyRxgPrtwjLyMY5Ctj8req/s640/blogger-image-1661248301.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Levi is currently LOVING playing with his "toot toot". (Thats what he calls his train set he got last year).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love seeing him creatively play with it. It is adorable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The one thing I don't like? How the pieces come apart and he screams in frustration because he's not quite old enough to piece the track together. Frustration for all.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love the many train tables that are available for kids, but they are pretty pricey and take up a LOT of room. Room we don't have. Plus, I don't know how long he will be in his "toot toot" phase.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I had seeen on Pinterest ideas for train boards. Basically taking plywood, painting it and then screwing the train tracks onto the board. The great part? It can just slide under the couch for storage.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">The part I didn't like? The fact Levi wouldn't be able to move the tracks and items around when he gets a bit older.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">I had also seen on Pinterest the idea of buying a giant Oil Drip Pan from the automotive section at Wal Mart and using it as a magnet board.</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So I just merged the ideas together!</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">So here's how I did it;</font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Nz-7HZhiTy_Mwkc78a0d26WSn82FGmiMpP4I1PszANOz-bPnHD8bA8E1jRDxepNLR5Et8oXuCwimms_uMsZPbDRrqGTwxx_FlbfxSNGNbyPNJfkaSh-o32SWq4A228TQEA9nLrzqNQc/s640/blogger-image--1366375809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Nz-7HZhiTy_Mwkc78a0d26WSn82FGmiMpP4I1PszANOz-bPnHD8bA8E1jRDxepNLR5Et8oXuCwimms_uMsZPbDRrqGTwxx_FlbfxSNGNbyPNJfkaSh-o32SWq4A228TQEA9nLrzqNQc/s640/blogger-image--1366375809.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can buy the drip pan for around $12 at WalMart. An amazing price considering its size,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Layout your train set and make sure it will fit the way youd like it to be set up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1q2LKNh_LR9Y5Ir2neDIbxEnen2CBP5cbKzHJhaerseB2PgPtCGkFkEU8fkquOZfuMD-SfZBw2nnn7dMGc5TMEYt7RFSmXXV1kgHVghv4SJ577C96L8hbuoFnRFGlIJ1cF6bQ_XFVm35/s640/blogger-image--2032306234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1q2LKNh_LR9Y5Ir2neDIbxEnen2CBP5cbKzHJhaerseB2PgPtCGkFkEU8fkquOZfuMD-SfZBw2nnn7dMGc5TMEYt7RFSmXXV1kgHVghv4SJ577C96L8hbuoFnRFGlIJ1cF6bQ_XFVm35/s640/blogger-image--2032306234.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then hot glued magnets to the bottom of the tracks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No, it isn't a permanent way to keep the tracks together, but it does help and I want Levi to be able to recongifure it (rumor on the street is his grandma is getting him some more train pieces...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYJPMwuJUz8HWE3D2GEYtJvDm6cA304fPLUe1Hs1jXpDUC_d8EWjsSTF_QyCmlEcZQk3yLB7UD5jLvcF9LqGe8iY1bOMG-NapZCC0Bs_1CW2r2rMPGUg9Hor-mBqbjhiGP3UrWZbEX2Vm/s640/blogger-image-800945575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYJPMwuJUz8HWE3D2GEYtJvDm6cA304fPLUe1Hs1jXpDUC_d8EWjsSTF_QyCmlEcZQk3yLB7UD5jLvcF9LqGe8iY1bOMG-NapZCC0Bs_1CW2r2rMPGUg9Hor-mBqbjhiGP3UrWZbEX2Vm/s640/blogger-image-800945575.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I hot glued magnets on all the pieces and also numbered them in the order of putting the set together. I don't know why I didn't do that sooner....makes it MUCH MUCH easier!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoeJmrESw7AiwZakjq9IQNIXLIWjJtE09DB1H235M_8ZftvOJyQ2EJO4cB5RHTKrZZDHi2atuBWN3Ixh3wnFp6rNaWNdHiKTMxdDVCvt7mgt3RdAZiSA0EMZyOz-WTlwbWSmKLqBd6LRX/s640/blogger-image-130378529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoeJmrESw7AiwZakjq9IQNIXLIWjJtE09DB1H235M_8ZftvOJyQ2EJO4cB5RHTKrZZDHi2atuBWN3Ixh3wnFp6rNaWNdHiKTMxdDVCvt7mgt3RdAZiSA0EMZyOz-WTlwbWSmKLqBd6LRX/s640/blogger-image-130378529.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then took all the pieces off and spray painted the drip pan a fun green.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I wanted it green to look like grass, but not a dark green. I wanted it fun and cheery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is the spray paint I used</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84HQ9sqiQuEV0EUxgfQoX5fYf5JfDtzD9lyJfLdo5UM562AQuQR7YQhP5w0ls_SQujzEiG26IPfP3cR7Ot_6TIiClvYMymcbQF_Pt_1TVfgHJ4jSwqy3yeMKnUc6ql8fKEhbJXv1b3vCW/s640/blogger-image-1218946893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84HQ9sqiQuEV0EUxgfQoX5fYf5JfDtzD9lyJfLdo5UM562AQuQR7YQhP5w0ls_SQujzEiG26IPfP3cR7Ot_6TIiClvYMymcbQF_Pt_1TVfgHJ4jSwqy3yeMKnUc6ql8fKEhbJXv1b3vCW/s640/blogger-image-1218946893.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was like $4 at Wal Mart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My next step was making accessories for his landscape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I used some odds and ends I had in my craft stash.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took blue foam and cut the shape of lakes and ponds, then hot glued magnets to the back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also cut out bushes from green foam and stiff felt. Attached magnets and glued some colorful buttons on a few to look like flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbROlYkIrISiIDzRWW7kWuA7R27CHNtq0mdrYmHIBmLSM1nXhUhnfQVLuPLoc7MeX_XJnQpu1QgLaoaelGe9Tf8DNTP6NNjBT_4uNEI4qS6uZ1bUDA0BoQMGweMKDubGnZyGGWJ8aa-bn/s640/blogger-image--132228534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGbROlYkIrISiIDzRWW7kWuA7R27CHNtq0mdrYmHIBmLSM1nXhUhnfQVLuPLoc7MeX_XJnQpu1QgLaoaelGe9Tf8DNTP6NNjBT_4uNEI4qS6uZ1bUDA0BoQMGweMKDubGnZyGGWJ8aa-bn/s640/blogger-image--132228534.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was still missing something.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So I headed to Hobby Lobby to find some buildings and trees to add some dimension.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I forgot to take a picture, but I got 2 already painted trees. A 6 pack of wooden unpainted pine trees I painted and a 4 pack of unpainted wood houses I painted as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMcSYEvInkWpCW8nU-0Vt6FxL8zTcsmgKsxzSfwX7s15WymAGqZi4MW6xh_sgb1YNxbXKNGzLVMhWKHNBkqVh6Bt38VP3pMl5KskKpFQZEzOzEBgLDAHJYHO_nJkMSR96i6KhCd59UWxp/s640/blogger-image--992620992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMcSYEvInkWpCW8nU-0Vt6FxL8zTcsmgKsxzSfwX7s15WymAGqZi4MW6xh_sgb1YNxbXKNGzLVMhWKHNBkqVh6Bt38VP3pMl5KskKpFQZEzOzEBgLDAHJYHO_nJkMSR96i6KhCd59UWxp/s640/blogger-image--992620992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hot glued the trees and houses to some foam and then hot glued magnets to the foam.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They stood up! I was a little nervous about that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjd2Sr0ubyHo24ppgRHv2RFeLSyNM2Y3rZexACG5rH6hGgi9RcmFlLF3GpaSnGAKjpk4mT6NZTaRzo2ywB8kWkyD4DLcW1zqB__4gAJjuXGkdyVaAsK0Uu-nRSpLxui72nrzVln7JqUIt/s640/blogger-image--789451532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjd2Sr0ubyHo24ppgRHv2RFeLSyNM2Y3rZexACG5rH6hGgi9RcmFlLF3GpaSnGAKjpk4mT6NZTaRzo2ywB8kWkyD4DLcW1zqB__4gAJjuXGkdyVaAsK0Uu-nRSpLxui72nrzVln7JqUIt/s640/blogger-image--789451532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I think it looks much better with the trees and houses. And I know Levi will love arranging them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphX3PHaB9pYBs6PHuQVodTpnENaWEJLq47ojoLAXTU9RhwmPluDOlZ17nwBu8kYmt5LWei41kLNuxM6Cd5Tox4uPaIDnSTcWc3ELJgBAUg-9icT8XH1gqxIuuCesOK5nfql3NN6EnHArc/s640/blogger-image-1286678961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphX3PHaB9pYBs6PHuQVodTpnENaWEJLq47ojoLAXTU9RhwmPluDOlZ17nwBu8kYmt5LWei41kLNuxM6Cd5Tox4uPaIDnSTcWc3ELJgBAUg-9icT8XH1gqxIuuCesOK5nfql3NN6EnHArc/s640/blogger-image-1286678961.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The hard part is going to be waiting til Christmas to give to him! It's hidden under our couch until Santa brings it to him next month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I can't wait!!!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></font></div>Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-63839928512179026852013-10-16T11:25:00.001-07:002013-10-16T11:38:13.732-07:00Home Preschool<a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennyfreestyle.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F10%2Fhome-preschool.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-jLUAbzr5lpQ%2FUl7U_U8dE4I%2FAAAAAAAAF4k%2FvscKU13QE-c%2Fs400%2Fpreschooledit.png&description=Home%20Preschool%3A%20how%20to%20get%20started" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjf7oSF_A40bw6JLao0oqMd6vbhhNkJiUypXxwNyVp8hCwLqRnQkr7ftWWfZ_xjaTi8MDqt3sdb1431200w9BL46Rh1JYuLnyWNIIXCWZKk6R9nZYq7yhFMFxqkpMSYddvw2oGH5M_b7/s1600/preschooledit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgjf7oSF_A40bw6JLao0oqMd6vbhhNkJiUypXxwNyVp8hCwLqRnQkr7ftWWfZ_xjaTi8MDqt3sdb1431200w9BL46Rh1JYuLnyWNIIXCWZKk6R9nZYq7yhFMFxqkpMSYddvw2oGH5M_b7/s400/preschooledit.png" width="346" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the time being, our family has decided to "home preschool".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Granted, our child is one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But since Levi doesn't go to a daycare center and is with me most of the day, I knew I needed to start working on some of his academic skills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, I know I'm his Mama and I'm supposed to say this, but.... this kid has some smarts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Must take after his daddy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after <b>lots</b> of research, we dove into the school year with our own little version of preschool.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now, at 20 months old, Levi's goals are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning his colors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learning shapes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Begin counting (he can count to 5!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Begin identifying letters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lots of reading together</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Expand his vocabulary</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOTS of creative play</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our family room, I carved out a little area for his preschool things:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiN6I9ZOlqGfCM-qjh5lPsw3AhmjYkE-plzgHSH39aepOse10g92A90y1abGqUsQqdgfAth3kmVcVm1PXP4_q9ekLfPiwnuHgycGe0F1iYFAk0AmuIh5od210Mn5S_GE2BAYEF-aEV-9w/s1600/preschool2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiN6I9ZOlqGfCM-qjh5lPsw3AhmjYkE-plzgHSH39aepOse10g92A90y1abGqUsQqdgfAth3kmVcVm1PXP4_q9ekLfPiwnuHgycGe0F1iYFAk0AmuIh5od210Mn5S_GE2BAYEF-aEV-9w/s400/preschool2.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDPQkPxIKXwhsbVQ3nKEV5LASIQVnknHEgjw5o1nNwe26obZpLgka-bccZrdouwI2A4RNpohwl4ZDKQ_mM9-UGmYvoneccqX77RCzC86HF72ajUCYxqpOnfNRI6mYAmSljylOxw0Vw-pk/s1600/preschool3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSDPQkPxIKXwhsbVQ3nKEV5LASIQVnknHEgjw5o1nNwe26obZpLgka-bccZrdouwI2A4RNpohwl4ZDKQ_mM9-UGmYvoneccqX77RCzC86HF72ajUCYxqpOnfNRI6mYAmSljylOxw0Vw-pk/s400/preschool3.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyfUX8VtpB86DfK670bdF62j_tzEtfLXN2RwZuH4huxESeJJ8bhBgNwi-goYqZ7GiG1uUGBW0qfQ65gX2ZRycrqskzzFHX3KMuSaEq7FYJWCMPYLtjhwftWQtitpDsnTK_gHPUD2ANE9-/s1600/preschool4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyfUX8VtpB86DfK670bdF62j_tzEtfLXN2RwZuH4huxESeJJ8bhBgNwi-goYqZ7GiG1uUGBW0qfQ65gX2ZRycrqskzzFHX3KMuSaEq7FYJWCMPYLtjhwftWQtitpDsnTK_gHPUD2ANE9-/s400/preschool4.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The key being that I wanted his items accessible, but organized.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clearly labeled so that he can help in putting things back where they belong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How I've structured our time is that we do mini-units every 2 weeks (give or take).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So for now, we are on "Fall".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are still working on his general concepts (shapes, colors, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But through structured play that corresponds to the theme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've gathered a billion ideas from Pinterest, and organized them into a little binder so I can keep it all together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0vk41_JWN9Kp-eWA5Cy5IqQKNSHeLRtYkdmVcJPFifM-Ar7qVcYXSAPD1TEP8odpSuYAHylZy2OL-wKgBL6sX_Tr29FpjXjm5M2KU-EuORAg3IBYrD4IdALi0CkfCnI4DH7SJybiKaP2/s1600/preschool5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-0vk41_JWN9Kp-eWA5Cy5IqQKNSHeLRtYkdmVcJPFifM-Ar7qVcYXSAPD1TEP8odpSuYAHylZy2OL-wKgBL6sX_Tr29FpjXjm5M2KU-EuORAg3IBYrD4IdALi0CkfCnI4DH7SJybiKaP2/s400/preschool5.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A fabulous blog to check out is 1 + 1+ 1= 1.</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is filled with everything you'd need to start Tot School inclduing free printables!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can also follow my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennyfree/preschool/" target="_blank">Preschool Pinterest board</a> for ideas!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3rrmqewcxdWaD7JnIj64QEDGsSt5ePB-VunD6ScejpYsbnF_gkTP_Kfl8dLRTCqjOsTxHhYA_xQV_77LkKceYb85Any7r98Ke18B5_vbgNnLK8Lex0PtRnUkddoLeTGjiIqqIIDVrtxS/s1600/preschool6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3rrmqewcxdWaD7JnIj64QEDGsSt5ePB-VunD6ScejpYsbnF_gkTP_Kfl8dLRTCqjOsTxHhYA_xQV_77LkKceYb85Any7r98Ke18B5_vbgNnLK8Lex0PtRnUkddoLeTGjiIqqIIDVrtxS/s400/preschool6.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Each week, on our book shelf is 3 baskets. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each basket has an activity or toy that goes with the theme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They may be homemade stick puppets that go along with a book, blocks, toy animals, leaves, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This helps keep toys fresh and interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At Levi's age, with the attention span of an active one year old boy, we only do preschool for 20-30 minutes. Much of the time is lead by him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We usually have time for him to explore the activities in his basket, we then read a book that goes with the theme, then usually some type of art project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really? You can make it what works best for you and your little one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is meant to be intentional, fun learning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To get started....here's items I recommend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Laminator </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kCzlMUAB2uzpzIJuE-w7DyVUs42hasmCOL8413fYBISf5-P637wsTinZYLf2LCsKNArCAFv2Rc8By0dS-ECgfIosKlpcC2FSG4YmklhuN7ZzckIQUdx9TY5Mhb7dFUb3J4Ui3vobF20O/s1600/preschool8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kCzlMUAB2uzpzIJuE-w7DyVUs42hasmCOL8413fYBISf5-P637wsTinZYLf2LCsKNArCAFv2Rc8By0dS-ECgfIosKlpcC2FSG4YmklhuN7ZzckIQUdx9TY5Mhb7dFUb3J4Ui3vobF20O/s400/preschool8.png" width="298" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I got this one at Target for $25.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can get refill pouches for cheap on Amazon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely recommend this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Velcro Dots</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work great when making puzzles or labels</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Binder rings</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For making your own books</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bookcase</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So items are organized and accessible for little ones</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Baskets</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lots and lots of baskets. Organization is key.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Kid size work space</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A little table and chair are great for them to do reading or art</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Magnet Board</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great for kids to manipulate items and practice storytelling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Paint Dot Markers</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are washable and fabulous for little hands!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ1nrWKcObTI03oEIIwEf497V2h9JD3bMsgcB6Kn0bssc_7AI7YJW57OnqLFzwExhuBiNkU3Z4PJa5b_AwFaF_9kambVJ14kL8YTga-kPT0S_DUnnkJzVbL64MTCApNce4i_pwWig1tN9/s1600/preschool9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZ1nrWKcObTI03oEIIwEf497V2h9JD3bMsgcB6Kn0bssc_7AI7YJW57OnqLFzwExhuBiNkU3Z4PJa5b_AwFaF_9kambVJ14kL8YTga-kPT0S_DUnnkJzVbL64MTCApNce4i_pwWig1tN9/s400/preschool9.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And to help you get started, just right-click and download these labels I made in organizing your own preschool area!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlOxlLxdOstz_Qu9uHP86JKNmzIKh2ApznPmIraJeu_DER5wYCsAZ4CR8n0jpV6c7YFCQncRjC-JMUvf9yFE_Dl19UFBACxJOcs-IrALF1G7KRhqISMbGZY019duYadEjcfyppJJ9TN71/s1600/preschool+labels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlOxlLxdOstz_Qu9uHP86JKNmzIKh2ApznPmIraJeu_DER5wYCsAZ4CR8n0jpV6c7YFCQncRjC-JMUvf9yFE_Dl19UFBACxJOcs-IrALF1G7KRhqISMbGZY019duYadEjcfyppJJ9TN71/s400/preschool+labels.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just print, laminate and attach to your baskets!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And for us, teaching Levi the Gospel is the center of our day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I pray and strive to show Christ-like patience and love to him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We look at the wonders outside and how our Creator made them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We practice saying sorry and forgiving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We read Bible stories and try to recall the characters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We pray for those around us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has entrusted Levi's precious mind and soul to me to mold and shape and I pray daily for His wisdom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Is anyone else a "home preschooler"?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Have any great tips or resources?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-9889322297816245162013-10-15T18:17:00.000-07:002013-10-16T02:44:13.606-07:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR_ZCDD0zI8brR14aXHiozRYHCqK-RavDSKzINkK68ZbjX80ZY0j65wxdqEeKYSAzfKszu-eGhuz5JykSbBZ95Z2rSP3bDBn2umPIrVDllpPr6jcRwjDO9Y6fjAVMe1jYdV-Nhjdj88SL/s1600/baby2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsR_ZCDD0zI8brR14aXHiozRYHCqK-RavDSKzINkK68ZbjX80ZY0j65wxdqEeKYSAzfKszu-eGhuz5JykSbBZ95Z2rSP3bDBn2umPIrVDllpPr6jcRwjDO9Y6fjAVMe1jYdV-Nhjdj88SL/s400/baby2.png" width="400"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is Pregnancy & Baby Loss Remembrance Day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A day I wish didn't exist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wish every positive pregnancy test ensured a healthy baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That pregnancy would be full of joy and anticipation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That all baby's are born healthy and get to live a happy life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But many of us know the cruel reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dropping HCG levels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The silent face of the technician during a sonogram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The many heavy decisions to make.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The calls of telling loved ones the terrible news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sleepless night sobbing and wondering what could've been.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The feeling of helplessness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The disappointment in your own body.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The surgeries.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The doctor's appointments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The tucking away of cute baby things that bring too much sorrow to look at.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also know we have a loving God. A Father who loves us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That we do not know the plans He has for us. And for our children as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The year that we lost 3 pregnancies and underwent infertility testing and treatments were the darkest months I have yet to encounter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt so alone. So isolated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt incredible sorrow and jealousy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt doubt and confusion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But through it all...though I did not understand, I knew God was good and He had a plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That was my rock that kept me going.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUy8MTgsdNTCiEb_P1a0DE7A3OZV1sFCCZlwAynnYM_u-VbOKQ97nPVIhyphenhyphenoT-H1acpqftB0pdk-ZPoeg1sUtew0mhZzJBN7otwMlqkDGdw8Zs27-E-pvC7tsGHiEWdjfhTkvj5pyjJf77/s1600/hope.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUy8MTgsdNTCiEb_P1a0DE7A3OZV1sFCCZlwAynnYM_u-VbOKQ97nPVIhyphenhyphenoT-H1acpqftB0pdk-ZPoeg1sUtew0mhZzJBN7otwMlqkDGdw8Zs27-E-pvC7tsGHiEWdjfhTkvj5pyjJf77/s400/hope.png" width="400"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been nearly 3 years since that very dark time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord has since blessed me with my sweet little boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thankful each and every day to have experienced a healthy pregnancy and getting to mother my son.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Motherhood is the hardest thing I have ever had to do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has grown me in so many ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not the same woman I was prior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I am thankful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am thankful that no matter where my life would be now,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">whether I would still have empty arms and a broken heart,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or a home full of children.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My God is good.</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And for that I am thankful.</span></i></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-78674877327869292782013-08-13T17:46:00.001-07:002013-08-13T17:46:17.808-07:00I'm still here.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm alive. I promise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We sold my laptop at the beginning of the summer, and that's where I did all my blogging (we are hoping to get an updated laptop this fall!). Plus, I was just enjoying spending time with my little family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I hadn't updated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>But hoping to get back in the habit.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here is a recap of the last 2 months in pictures.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVEtWFPUS3rn5ZNJJklfEgC82D5kc0reuAaoVq5S83JdnksnCwfALFGuzB6m0rG9c3s9srVaUQcRdi7JbsjsxoF4v9q1nIi7eFz47u9aP10t-zQ-xBJ6PnzZOG6vLHC5dvjalJBLvU4Rs/s1600/12332_959633644989_1278853709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVEtWFPUS3rn5ZNJJklfEgC82D5kc0reuAaoVq5S83JdnksnCwfALFGuzB6m0rG9c3s9srVaUQcRdi7JbsjsxoF4v9q1nIi7eFz47u9aP10t-zQ-xBJ6PnzZOG6vLHC5dvjalJBLvU4Rs/s320/12332_959633644989_1278853709_n.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c4JSADTaCzlv0gsHOFNrsuXWo7ojLyWrCosneqYm5OKfDoRRqHNhCi7KEyItGI_6uMhsusKJljJyfd3QHwjXsLC2ff1TCxzhDOezPOOnmUyJ2y553QIMJu4smsJcF_ijbdIjdF1rz25d/s1600/555480_956376716899_1371028342_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4c4JSADTaCzlv0gsHOFNrsuXWo7ojLyWrCosneqYm5OKfDoRRqHNhCi7KEyItGI_6uMhsusKJljJyfd3QHwjXsLC2ff1TCxzhDOezPOOnmUyJ2y553QIMJu4smsJcF_ijbdIjdF1rz25d/s320/555480_956376716899_1371028342_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX6dkaYVn-h_2D5seI82wi6T-iS96ZXSmBDcZblOtQkTyLLpuWD7JKDG3hxImNu-OeANmZQDb9-R059ahljtMDCD5MiAaM5WmZmCNvgjoZ9mGDEAw0XZMXVEKphciOTCjzYcf-cUaflo4/s1600/644184_957041439789_599978392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKX6dkaYVn-h_2D5seI82wi6T-iS96ZXSmBDcZblOtQkTyLLpuWD7JKDG3hxImNu-OeANmZQDb9-R059ahljtMDCD5MiAaM5WmZmCNvgjoZ9mGDEAw0XZMXVEKphciOTCjzYcf-cUaflo4/s320/644184_957041439789_599978392_n.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzZ8cSYobDd6W4uKsgFQspN-wtTmzgDpEoge8dglJ1LtnaRd5A_hmznLqsnkt4qQ5n_anxbAm_JTiqjfvbtxydRlNq9Nk5QHPLrNnkFSubBrype1sDL9iLrXrVZbvmyFxThQvM5fGuNN4/s1600/936421_931006464089_1635528361_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzZ8cSYobDd6W4uKsgFQspN-wtTmzgDpEoge8dglJ1LtnaRd5A_hmznLqsnkt4qQ5n_anxbAm_JTiqjfvbtxydRlNq9Nk5QHPLrNnkFSubBrype1sDL9iLrXrVZbvmyFxThQvM5fGuNN4/s320/936421_931006464089_1635528361_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been an absolutely amazing summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have cherished the time I have had with my husband and wild little boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had way too much fun and tried to cram in as much as we could into 2 months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is the first day of school and Levi and I are beginning "Tot School" in the mornings when I'm home.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did a little trial run this past week when I went back for teacher meetings.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn4yLt2H_PueFBG2ySb29pmNDhJVerLxY_nKdhHizEuWczDUX4dR3BSOP16hVQD4GGGO3MnC80LbAHGt8pSUquDTaM1sY2i0GXTXT7p1MliyLbhxsbJUJhLY0fKhIy3oDVHazW6zV8Gno/s1600/1173853_963054165239_735304531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPn4yLt2H_PueFBG2ySb29pmNDhJVerLxY_nKdhHizEuWczDUX4dR3BSOP16hVQD4GGGO3MnC80LbAHGt8pSUquDTaM1sY2i0GXTXT7p1MliyLbhxsbJUJhLY0fKhIy3oDVHazW6zV8Gno/s320/1173853_963054165239_735304531_n.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to do several blog posts about "Tot School" and what is and isn't working for us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(The briefest summary: tot school is learning through active, intentional play)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've also been making Busy Bags to help increase his learning of colors, shapes, animals and Bible stories.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll have several posts and those as well.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's to a great school year!!!</span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-82787931001751954172013-06-11T19:02:00.001-07:002013-06-11T19:02:18.378-07:00striving to live a simple, intentional & joyful life.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8V5h8a6drdVdGv4C-w03f5gpGnQcYW7H6knFYLc6qdK8GmdPsJA10j09HtGU5LyCtP_KQsFoFNbEd70yUQEQajphIMg_UqXwsbGJEh4h-FhziIsHxnirP69U6h5iu9IhTgPKSt0tHZqJ/s1600/intentional.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8V5h8a6drdVdGv4C-w03f5gpGnQcYW7H6knFYLc6qdK8GmdPsJA10j09HtGU5LyCtP_KQsFoFNbEd70yUQEQajphIMg_UqXwsbGJEh4h-FhziIsHxnirP69U6h5iu9IhTgPKSt0tHZqJ/s640/intentional.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So God is definitely working in my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the past several months, I have felt a need for <b>simplicity</b> in our lives.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fast-paced world in which we live is just too much.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've seen as a new-ish mama, how fast babies really do grow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And I don't want to miss a second of my precious boys life.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of months ago, God began working in my heart about living simpler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And at that time, I thought it meant about "stuff".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clear the clutter, buy less things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've made improvements in that area, but the last few days God has shown me there is so much more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been reading some fantastic books lately about motherhood and simple living.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The latest book I've been reading has really opened my eyes...not to things I didn't know, but things I closed my eyes to.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkMwV1ye6wAvziTrsgVJhyphenhyphenx08TJv2WguqJkUqcDfi81N510MiRSKPQLznC2tk4WY-7DqZqhsjOF0C67WK_PvqO0pGBtDzFNAgWApIOKcRsIWXgsH5xzQP92qF98ihUhygBJ1cJbHfgNjE/s1600/7-an-experimental-mutiny-against-excess.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkMwV1ye6wAvziTrsgVJhyphenhyphenx08TJv2WguqJkUqcDfi81N510MiRSKPQLznC2tk4WY-7DqZqhsjOF0C67WK_PvqO0pGBtDzFNAgWApIOKcRsIWXgsH5xzQP92qF98ihUhygBJ1cJbHfgNjE/s400/7-an-experimental-mutiny-against-excess.jpeg" width="278" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyone needs to read this book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It had been on my "to read" list for awhile, and I found it in the $5 bin at Mardel and scooped it up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The premis of the book, is Jen, a pastor's wife, takes 7 months to focus on the excess in her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each month has a focus (food, clothes, stress, etc.) and fasts from those items in some form.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Only eat 7 foods for a month, give away 7 items a day, etc.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is written like a journal and you see her journey as she learns to let go and live much, much simpler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, her measures are a bit extreme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Lord willing, I'm not going to just eat 7 foods for the rest of my life).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her message is clear though.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMsa9Ck-jJeUU8ua_x2pG5HM7gbw_hQahQZyMZmkbWtlJHZ284U78GJoqOnzhwnEVNz_k4-wF7LTGuk18quhwV-fnxXKlOiwrE3ooYMXd7MMQrSBfdbWuDyz82KdKhVfboYM00Dmz_-wl/s1600/live+simply.png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMsa9Ck-jJeUU8ua_x2pG5HM7gbw_hQahQZyMZmkbWtlJHZ284U78GJoqOnzhwnEVNz_k4-wF7LTGuk18quhwV-fnxXKlOiwrE3ooYMXd7MMQrSBfdbWuDyz82KdKhVfboYM00Dmz_-wl/s640/live+simply.png.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Christians, we should release our desire for stuff.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(clothes, a beautiful big home, dinners out)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we should focus on those that don't have any.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had heard statistics before.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know many, many children die of hunger each day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know some students that I have that may not get a decent meal over the weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I continue to live my indulgent life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starbucks, shopping, decorating, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All while complaining about how poor I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*hangs head in shame*</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You see, we live in a small-ish house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We live in a lesser desired suburb.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We drive used cars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compared to many others in our family and social circle, I felt poor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had to scrimp and save to go out to dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I would find loose change in my car in order to drive through Starbucks before work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I am oh-so blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A home with plenty of space and that we can afford.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We live in an area that needs Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has placed us here for a reason.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have reliable, paid for transportation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have 2 refrigerators full of food (2!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have clean water, indoor plumbing and medicine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though I selfishly feel poor for not having my every want and desire met, I am in fact in the top 1% of wealth in the entire world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here I am, one of the richest people in the world, praying to get richer while children die of hunger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gah, I make myself sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is my scripture mediation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEGGemfU1yrz0L2Ko18ZPJ_6xjs3p32b6_v5ZjD_r-g9Q8YAl15V4TLVpFCOU2nP-l8XZGbZ_be0kgxyKdumbtYdjE1bjUISkrVqQ-e5cBM-yG5j5S0aaCTxz_uH_G3XsIMU2G3Iy5oS/s1600/poverty.png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXEGGemfU1yrz0L2Ko18ZPJ_6xjs3p32b6_v5ZjD_r-g9Q8YAl15V4TLVpFCOU2nP-l8XZGbZ_be0kgxyKdumbtYdjE1bjUISkrVqQ-e5cBM-yG5j5S0aaCTxz_uH_G3XsIMU2G3Iy5oS/s640/poverty.png.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has really shown me how blessed I am in so many ways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And it's time for me to be grateful for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To say "enough is enough" to wanting more, and bless others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've already purged a lot of our things to donate to those who need it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am trying to use every scrap of food we have, instead of throwing old food away, simply because I "didn't want it".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm trying to slow down and enjoy each-and-every blessing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Levi's giggles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fireflies at night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Air conditioning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresh-baked cookies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is going to be a journey my friends, and I hope to keep you updated as I go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freestyletextiles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">One of my new steps is that with each sale from my Etsy shop, I will donate a portion to the World Hunger Fund.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freestyletextiles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">100% of the proceeds go to feeding the hungry around the world.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.freestyletextiles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">And through this vital task- thousands of people are seeing the love of Christ and accepting Him as their Lord.</a></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXKUxESLf5FyU9HYQiOFa2u_I0K40crh5vCl1Z8pakYG0M3ZGi7McAZA8HO8MhMkxlCQEtJyhuiuQnlY9j6O1RCxKeUo0JECnPtIAmNC9K_B-8cLn4zpzYrQgRrLVP2cuTGk0mlv7rHEf/s1600/hunger.png.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXKUxESLf5FyU9HYQiOFa2u_I0K40crh5vCl1Z8pakYG0M3ZGi7McAZA8HO8MhMkxlCQEtJyhuiuQnlY9j6O1RCxKeUo0JECnPtIAmNC9K_B-8cLn4zpzYrQgRrLVP2cuTGk0mlv7rHEf/s640/hunger.png.png" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>So, here is my heart.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is how God is leading me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Pray for me as I try to live intentionally and simply and find the joy in each and every blessing.</b></span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-41636501060445292732013-06-06T10:34:00.004-07:002014-05-15T10:00:09.188-07:00diy kids art display<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuHYXqccqFNw0bZjM4LCla073q9ESvHXQUuveWige8tm_gH-pJDafMxq6fPluGruHYQHv42NOP5Sn97ruP2JlynCZEv3EeUOItLGf43GFN5M28HPJkgxFEKsY27XhLenwqPSWlS7aK_QL/s1600/art.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuHYXqccqFNw0bZjM4LCla073q9ESvHXQUuveWige8tm_gH-pJDafMxq6fPluGruHYQHv42NOP5Sn97ruP2JlynCZEv3EeUOItLGf43GFN5M28HPJkgxFEKsY27XhLenwqPSWlS7aK_QL/s640/art.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Our home will never look like a magazine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've made peace with that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Our home is where we live.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Our home contains a child and animals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I want it to be comfortable for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">And part of that, includes showing off their creations!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Levi is just now getting the hang of making art (as opposed to eating it!) and I wanted a place to show it off!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Here's what you need:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMdTAsTeJ2DZNLzO-8CZA76vzQ3-C-5sVmBBfufbc-Eesam4OjIXVxXKVui0lL5Kehek74mI6e4HG1qqCxyKIPRU6W83-5S2tOpgx2EyXv8vOgY7LrozPH7esd-9kqPKOIuRgtNVXoiqD/s1600/art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMdTAsTeJ2DZNLzO-8CZA76vzQ3-C-5sVmBBfufbc-Eesam4OjIXVxXKVui0lL5Kehek74mI6e4HG1qqCxyKIPRU6W83-5S2tOpgx2EyXv8vOgY7LrozPH7esd-9kqPKOIuRgtNVXoiqD/s640/art3.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A yard stick ($2.99 at Hobby Lobby)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Clips ($2.80 at Hobby Lobby)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Hot glue gun</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Command hook strips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">clipboard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">color printer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">card stock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">First</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Decide how many clips you'd like and how far apart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The beauty of using a ruler, is the measurements are right there!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Simple hot glue the flat back part of the clip to the front of the ruler.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Allow to dry.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV5GGlMGajIdOEp1c7ynZ_tOm6pn-xfHxh2EhPlKz-1lNVW6EwB7sJD52Z_O4nNT251rWbJFoPMQ1SGkbbBrVsViqXlr5oBSQm7mMcbRiza2ZvfN7Fol5Y3PztUIAAOI_xJLcWtkHO1ph/s1600/art4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV5GGlMGajIdOEp1c7ynZ_tOm6pn-xfHxh2EhPlKz-1lNVW6EwB7sJD52Z_O4nNT251rWbJFoPMQ1SGkbbBrVsViqXlr5oBSQm7mMcbRiza2ZvfN7Fol5Y3PztUIAAOI_xJLcWtkHO1ph/s640/art4.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Use command strips (or double sided tape) and attach to wall using level.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheW6xmtORLQ7m0Y397a63e2asqZTKh_zCJt2fW6iEBwstUIRJu6ozqg_WfMf2l4r8scIGZJPdR70NYJUlg6ry2moUAxoQgd-uVVBXOMZXdn-Ot5yWb1cA30BLycBxh0Te2nXg_bbSjQryj/s1600/art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheW6xmtORLQ7m0Y397a63e2asqZTKh_zCJt2fW6iEBwstUIRJu6ozqg_WfMf2l4r8scIGZJPdR70NYJUlg6ry2moUAxoQgd-uVVBXOMZXdn-Ot5yWb1cA30BLycBxh0Te2nXg_bbSjQryj/s640/art5.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There it is!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">{Isn't my child a brilliant artist?!}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDJaPll5WFzAlV8j-nR2wHGmcIlkZw7T_lXCRwiHijbbkPdrYlBipWEMAXrW3xca_OsxWRAESmGkg0Ok79GZwnBpbKwFTx8WTJtaQI5jEk5pIwM0Mu08aVsj-THdMnETpS8FJvtqFLhns/s1600/art+display.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDJaPll5WFzAlV8j-nR2wHGmcIlkZw7T_lXCRwiHijbbkPdrYlBipWEMAXrW3xca_OsxWRAESmGkg0Ok79GZwnBpbKwFTx8WTJtaQI5jEk5pIwM0Mu08aVsj-THdMnETpS8FJvtqFLhns/s640/art+display.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To add a little extra pizazz, I made this printable and simply printed it and put it on a clipboard I hung right above it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love this quote.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC9joKdnZ0jU_ddVgi-QfPMFEmxtdu0ldm8vuJ-n8ZdO6UWa-akuq8Eu5JzUp0J-JbTdY7IznmUQRQV9u9u21tuqT7XitOKLtfknR7MdFGFnvpzAs8DZJS7qiKt4yJiQbGxwKYIoQctES/s1600/artist.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC9joKdnZ0jU_ddVgi-QfPMFEmxtdu0ldm8vuJ-n8ZdO6UWa-akuq8Eu5JzUp0J-JbTdY7IznmUQRQV9u9u21tuqT7XitOKLtfknR7MdFGFnvpzAs8DZJS7qiKt4yJiQbGxwKYIoQctES/s640/artist.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">{right-click and save and/or print this image for yourself!}</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkuDHAA9L4R1g5Rp5erFdnwRQlEMKb1OWZiGyOZw_OaXQyd0IWB0sWfW7FC3CuSj07kMXG3DZwr0p5U8WisgMP6QAJ_rE4eE1WYC87PkiMTv4abR6s784ocoS1cnSUWzwGqaZ1EGdozG-/s1600/art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkuDHAA9L4R1g5Rp5erFdnwRQlEMKb1OWZiGyOZw_OaXQyd0IWB0sWfW7FC3CuSj07kMXG3DZwr0p5U8WisgMP6QAJ_rE4eE1WYC87PkiMTv4abR6s784ocoS1cnSUWzwGqaZ1EGdozG-/s640/art2.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> There it is! A great, cheap naptime craft project!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07jvhRY4p-6JFhJcsRK0HnodFcjXCocVW49k_CVS4usPqawXDxmuvLmPdEocKqC08upfhjnGLhYnMBYH3gCamh8GqwmP4AkGA3YhUksInyMCCB68wD7gW7XLH3cSizU-WQQxOb2rK5C49/s1600/art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07jvhRY4p-6JFhJcsRK0HnodFcjXCocVW49k_CVS4usPqawXDxmuvLmPdEocKqC08upfhjnGLhYnMBYH3gCamh8GqwmP4AkGA3YhUksInyMCCB68wD7gW7XLH3cSizU-WQQxOb2rK5C49/s640/art.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How do you display kids art work?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Are you a fridge family? Make an album or binder for each child?</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Frame special pieces?</span></i></b></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-14612682914814768442013-05-29T20:51:00.000-07:002013-05-29T20:51:06.462-07:00learning to live life unplugged<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTkMXqoh0hek4AO0S5Q8UpKFr9QENLSGDLol2qE913YowoIf9p3QkJ4sLan3fpNIMIgFmLk-m5u9m3s0BKfVIUjC23GiKOQoFLSKGlV5I5xwBoQyXp3eaZ_bkSeX9bd69RNwsUJyqKWHJ/s1600/unlpug.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTkMXqoh0hek4AO0S5Q8UpKFr9QENLSGDLol2qE913YowoIf9p3QkJ4sLan3fpNIMIgFmLk-m5u9m3s0BKfVIUjC23GiKOQoFLSKGlV5I5xwBoQyXp3eaZ_bkSeX9bd69RNwsUJyqKWHJ/s640/unlpug.jpg.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, this post is written to <b>me</b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you happen to glean anything from it, that's just a bonus.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Background:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <b>love</b> technology.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>but not as much as you, you see</i>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But seriously. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I <b>love </b>me some gadgets.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaVSiZPQO0cF_FDe-2Q85F_GvjL6yDT9osj2ttqW1YRXJIMQH9l0haZ5IA4S0ZodGs3sfZIajUbZLjhitL77c-KyBzpjcbkEWwYyDd3itSS7DhJAdUexBKYDbqM_JtvzpfnOylVGwp6YZ/s1600/phone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaVSiZPQO0cF_FDe-2Q85F_GvjL6yDT9osj2ttqW1YRXJIMQH9l0haZ5IA4S0ZodGs3sfZIajUbZLjhitL77c-KyBzpjcbkEWwYyDd3itSS7DhJAdUexBKYDbqM_JtvzpfnOylVGwp6YZ/s400/phone.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my iPhone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my iPad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love my Macbook.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iHeart them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But....it's becoming a problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always on my phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is always someone to text, a facebook status to write, a pin to "pin" and a blog to write.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love current events, socializing and learning new things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And my phone helps me do that to the max.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love it for that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It records videos of my sweet little boy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It contains my recipes that I use often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It tracks my weight watcher points.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It gives me directions to a new place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It tells me anything I need to know via Google.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's a time waster.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a life sucker.</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you had those moments where you are driving somewhere and realized you left your phone at home?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you panicked?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I've had those.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And miraciously, I survived to tell about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But as I strive to live simpler, and enjoy a more quality life, I've realized I have to unplug.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Multi-tasking with my technology in hand is robbing with of the true moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am now putting some restricitons on my technology time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9oMhC33LFGe2EnvfRsShBrd2g8U7LHjhMIckbl3r7AynKnoxEBi7X-8v5MoMPzOa16b0qUDIXGIq67sMLSb3UbvewrRM5JyDk2UVfGZ1wCDfbeoi_f6xxnh55PxyPDtON6zN4MMSIS_H/s1600/phone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9oMhC33LFGe2EnvfRsShBrd2g8U7LHjhMIckbl3r7AynKnoxEBi7X-8v5MoMPzOa16b0qUDIXGIq67sMLSb3UbvewrRM5JyDk2UVfGZ1wCDfbeoi_f6xxnh55PxyPDtON6zN4MMSIS_H/s640/phone2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Because it's at the point, that I think if Levi were to draw a picture of his Mama, it would include a phone in her hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not cool, mama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I have to remind myself</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS5Qxa2yKnUd9r0OtUqsvtgi-wurnE7RiTkrEZGIItBJXUn_X2Orxn9CZ24q3hXl2wjp4GCz9XCSvxsDv4_wVXoSp3GMy5ga102I4Na3FyZ47jvNgpp0YQlVGFhImyO2p1c-1tJIUjk-V/s1600/tech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS5Qxa2yKnUd9r0OtUqsvtgi-wurnE7RiTkrEZGIItBJXUn_X2Orxn9CZ24q3hXl2wjp4GCz9XCSvxsDv4_wVXoSp3GMy5ga102I4Na3FyZ47jvNgpp0YQlVGFhImyO2p1c-1tJIUjk-V/s640/tech.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So I am vowing to unplug just a bit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Technlogoy is a part of our everyday life, but in order to live my life to its fullest and most joyfyl, I have to learn to unplug.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jDjQbW4Km55965jNXNEzbqs9WLzLU3LKb0twmX1qvjEjRsZpkJb0wEl0wRvnJCQtDHjfSTOjM-1kVGGHLSMfqun64IxWw6-PvK2wYZ6rSYksGDYlqoBJ0kJteqByxhBAdLh9xww1WjLv/s1600/tech2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3jDjQbW4Km55965jNXNEzbqs9WLzLU3LKb0twmX1qvjEjRsZpkJb0wEl0wRvnJCQtDHjfSTOjM-1kVGGHLSMfqun64IxWw6-PvK2wYZ6rSYksGDYlqoBJ0kJteqByxhBAdLh9xww1WjLv/s640/tech2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i><b>Is anyone with me?</b></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone else addicted to the iLife? (phones, ipads, laptops)</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How have you beaten the technology addiction?</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to hear your thoughts!</span></b></i></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-86858429542419577192013-05-28T18:47:00.000-07:002013-05-28T18:47:36.688-07:00books to grow as a christian woman, wife & mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXTtlvEg385Z94uwa-YG7Ua4P-xYERsRGJuWLu5PXy8UKjLmCjppWhwJ-AaV5uwYcybas4qCz-6aUQfgzHBQVNuIakxx6JW93AiGKBq8PPz0ozM16MHvepEkRgo38gBB5Ga5T6oPrqWfW/s1600/books2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXTtlvEg385Z94uwa-YG7Ua4P-xYERsRGJuWLu5PXy8UKjLmCjppWhwJ-AaV5uwYcybas4qCz-6aUQfgzHBQVNuIakxx6JW93AiGKBq8PPz0ozM16MHvepEkRgo38gBB5Ga5T6oPrqWfW/s640/books2.jpg.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a reader...but a very particular reader.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only like to read non-fiction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Particularly non-fiction that benefits myself, my family or my home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to learn.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like to better myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So for Mother's Day, Mr. Free & Levi gave me a big ol' stack of books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've started most of them so thought I would pass along some recommendations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am also going to recommend some tried and true books I have loved and read over the years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All of these books are encouraging in my walk with the Lord and are applicable to whatever season of life God may have you in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DDRUJ3J0Skne-Wjy0lKP-L7DaS99SlXaogzRJ9uKjZGuNnNmwYYTJ5vgCGyQ7qorVdvnAsLEwyuvaAFNlDm_IWpUPfNAKu91w2KDec0ZCkQGVFEW_GUPOu8cppOpCLO9gPd_sMpOPn4d/s1600/5lovelanguages.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DDRUJ3J0Skne-Wjy0lKP-L7DaS99SlXaogzRJ9uKjZGuNnNmwYYTJ5vgCGyQ7qorVdvnAsLEwyuvaAFNlDm_IWpUPfNAKu91w2KDec0ZCkQGVFEW_GUPOu8cppOpCLO9gPd_sMpOPn4d/s400/5lovelanguages.jpeg" width="262" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We read through this while we were engaged.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good read understanding how you feel loved, and if you are in a relationship, how your partner feels loved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A good, eye-opening read on relationships.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3enxZQE1ieyk3JCEp7_u23MTvAnykFtTPKhu47PaBtLreXzxY2aYtuavgQVupmkQQ7gC-bOqexjaANYgHvMzLhOImvwolWe_0vjta1KUFFq2UWndcxrJliXzFGXg5jdISt3TDwowowfts/s1600/675896.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3enxZQE1ieyk3JCEp7_u23MTvAnykFtTPKhu47PaBtLreXzxY2aYtuavgQVupmkQQ7gC-bOqexjaANYgHvMzLhOImvwolWe_0vjta1KUFFq2UWndcxrJliXzFGXg5jdISt3TDwowowfts/s400/675896.jpeg" width="252" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn't a christian book, however, so note that as you read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the basis of this book is fantastic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved the tips that are shared on how we all need to slow down and simplify our lives with our children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I highly recommend it...just be forewarned on the worldly view that it is evident during some parts of the book.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny-UPSwCA1x0LFWb9khb-KoB9q49J_pqKyLKDDlFaOHYFNrWMzV1_DAm2S5vm0HkBoXam8oAGkbB9GdzgeNVY3_d41QrSAKa6ac8olcj7wEkKD3xFi4KQRfAydmaYBs4-b5HIYHFJwwdf/s1600/Beautiful+in+Gods+Eyes.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgny-UPSwCA1x0LFWb9khb-KoB9q49J_pqKyLKDDlFaOHYFNrWMzV1_DAm2S5vm0HkBoXam8oAGkbB9GdzgeNVY3_d41QrSAKa6ac8olcj7wEkKD3xFi4KQRfAydmaYBs4-b5HIYHFJwwdf/s400/Beautiful+in+Gods+Eyes.jpeg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fell in love with this book in college.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was (is) obsessed with Mrs. Proverbs 31 and this book breaks down each verse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is daunting, and at times may seem unrealistic, but it is fabulous.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was unmarried at the time and gleaned so much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have re-read it many times during changing seasons and find new application.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJrNEdXnOPr3NYomC82ayBxs5HI7UaV3BU7RsR1Uj2dp4_3_DULIPpUT_aFdQ2iV2pYtKCibqaGkhLauiTdc9XsTHI5UGHEYwr8JxHu1BaBo7y6fpNZVOsdtL2mTFxtKXHEE9w4XnZaf0/s1600/LifeManagementForBusyWomen.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJrNEdXnOPr3NYomC82ayBxs5HI7UaV3BU7RsR1Uj2dp4_3_DULIPpUT_aFdQ2iV2pYtKCibqaGkhLauiTdc9XsTHI5UGHEYwr8JxHu1BaBo7y6fpNZVOsdtL2mTFxtKXHEE9w4XnZaf0/s400/LifeManagementForBusyWomen.jpeg" width="263" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love anything by Elizabeth George.<br />Many of her books have a similar theme, but are grounded in scripture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is great on prioritizing what is important during busy seasons of life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx98svH9VfHJLjqipCNS-RJtWaaitTfezOPaWKDBfFl33mgpzMCNG-DURYvA8unWDjulAYqhVdy4TQ5L8HWCuqsJ2h1dzibaceIkL-9zBbAvQZyd8pTEC8GzxAEAlUEIi8INyaJT59vsrB/s1600/Loving+God+with+all+your+mind.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx98svH9VfHJLjqipCNS-RJtWaaitTfezOPaWKDBfFl33mgpzMCNG-DURYvA8unWDjulAYqhVdy4TQ5L8HWCuqsJ2h1dzibaceIkL-9zBbAvQZyd8pTEC8GzxAEAlUEIi8INyaJT59vsrB/s400/Loving+God+with+all+your+mind.jpeg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read this book while really struggling with anxiety.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a great, encouraging read whenever life is a bit challenging.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_fptW9v_tntksdn13IGgcmotVNPC34sGm8pKo95vpWZgxmSq42Qpqt_ayE-N1KxZG-1PL-GvJpQI_zW74ZNYiV2h88_35QQpPwyeMYERZXxGjMxoSokjdngO0hBl3mbepMFQ6ZC9WHpx/s1600/Woman+after+God's+own+heart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_fptW9v_tntksdn13IGgcmotVNPC34sGm8pKo95vpWZgxmSq42Qpqt_ayE-N1KxZG-1PL-GvJpQI_zW74ZNYiV2h88_35QQpPwyeMYERZXxGjMxoSokjdngO0hBl3mbepMFQ6ZC9WHpx/s400/Woman+after+God's+own+heart.jpeg" width="253" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This book is very similar to Beautiful in God's Eyes, but with a different format.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn't solely based on Proverbs 31, rather using the entire Bible for helpful insight on what it means to be a godly woman.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxZxUPC6-Brjz_gwyjzqwzXU5eEJCoy1cAuqJqOiNb92uErDSIn4jhnlSR6-ETuapqdwu7gNE1NBZFl18OZQumCyhINoJJ5x_jCEiZqNDShMLFCMLfqcULKiTK3B24KkETNIdK16heiGC/s1600/comp_1000gifts_revised-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxZxUPC6-Brjz_gwyjzqwzXU5eEJCoy1cAuqJqOiNb92uErDSIn4jhnlSR6-ETuapqdwu7gNE1NBZFl18OZQumCyhINoJJ5x_jCEiZqNDShMLFCMLfqcULKiTK3B24KkETNIdK16heiGC/s400/comp_1000gifts_revised-1.jpeg" width="275" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> OK, I may be tarred and feathered, but this book isn't my favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People are in LOVE with this book, but I can't say that I am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am, however, in love with her insight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just found the book to be a bit too detailed and wordy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love her premise of looking for the blessings in each day and to be grateful for all life's simple gifts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqdm3wro_kXPpB0GOcfSK2_FRhNbWkSxJNIioQ3tX4ZbBsq_QtBukCnRgUVZvmNwauJMWKAiecLkAV18RsXzJL-k5cp64iyYfxf_LI3c6x6H7d6O92hhyphenhyphencIymPTrQ3fIUG5hnwxgMAIBu/s1600/cover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqdm3wro_kXPpB0GOcfSK2_FRhNbWkSxJNIioQ3tX4ZbBsq_QtBukCnRgUVZvmNwauJMWKAiecLkAV18RsXzJL-k5cp64iyYfxf_LI3c6x6H7d6O92hhyphenhyphencIymPTrQ3fIUG5hnwxgMAIBu/s400/cover.jpeg" width="258" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is divided into 40 tiny chapters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect to read one a day before bed or with your daily devotional.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a very practical, easy read on how to make each day flow and be intentional as you raise your children for the Lord and manage your home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f4h6woXahigx4PhPDlqjP1cZt0pamsyjOPMHO_CxSNY6zxCriTchEDLd1pnEyHmxzIbRHc0plbqAaHJrtDdOuI5LJdxqk42GY2ctj619AilBUjUkntczD7BtR1Yv5id6V-7Hc-1jjoqp/s1600/images+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7f4h6woXahigx4PhPDlqjP1cZt0pamsyjOPMHO_CxSNY6zxCriTchEDLd1pnEyHmxzIbRHc0plbqAaHJrtDdOuI5LJdxqk42GY2ctj619AilBUjUkntczD7BtR1Yv5id6V-7Hc-1jjoqp/s400/images+(1).jpeg" width="260" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This book is amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite mothering book by far.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sally Clarkson has such an amazing heart for motherhood, that it is completely contagious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The way she describes this important role of mothering completely affects your outlook on even the littlest tasks in child rearing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is convicting and inspiring.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Definitely read this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EX9q4EsS8vJ7ddL30ntzqAW2bMPDc2Y8vlcKC54M4jDI9weNoVnwg_GVQk1eppD4-G0ciOzfi4B7D_0pmPx5APBiM0RGeqRe-gcbWli42sfGxoTLJ9k3hyphenhyphenyBm_R8F682s8Pu07P7Fq9S/s1600/images+(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EX9q4EsS8vJ7ddL30ntzqAW2bMPDc2Y8vlcKC54M4jDI9weNoVnwg_GVQk1eppD4-G0ciOzfi4B7D_0pmPx5APBiM0RGeqRe-gcbWli42sfGxoTLJ9k3hyphenhyphenyBm_R8F682s8Pu07P7Fq9S/s400/images+(2).jpeg" width="272" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is interesting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is about how our homes are the most important place on earth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How they should minister to our family, brothers and sisters in Christ and the community.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truly interesting thing about this is that it is written by a man.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He talks a lot about his childhood home and how it was a loving, nurturing place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He takes those memories and applies them to his own home and how we can as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhCU2T9Kwcj2wAjmESZSa5LCahpWphPrlXM1DqSAHSk2A3hZQdFlzvVfXqkCPkp1H__kQHtK2-BK4xXfF07BQVppK3cayyZpEAZFrHr0eeSmUAeqjkt_fuNsPXz7seutpG0tSTp0ayQ-l/s1600/the-total-money-makeover.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhCU2T9Kwcj2wAjmESZSa5LCahpWphPrlXM1DqSAHSk2A3hZQdFlzvVfXqkCPkp1H__kQHtK2-BK4xXfF07BQVppK3cayyZpEAZFrHr0eeSmUAeqjkt_fuNsPXz7seutpG0tSTp0ayQ-l/s400/the-total-money-makeover.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This book is a must-read no matter what season of life you are in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I would've read it sooner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are in a relationship, read it together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make financial commitments together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It truly makes a huge difference in your overall well-being.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that's my list.</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you add to your must-have books to help you grow?</span></i></b></div>
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Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2314026322016110949.post-33741330113425954002013-05-27T21:39:00.004-07:002014-05-15T10:00:28.879-07:00celebration<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.freestyletextiles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">I can't believe my little Etsy shop turns 1 this week!</a></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof-8LQMf66u200kbaSRuGyoLu02LqphKdAe4n-Lm1ePAO47LWyTYevC65cF1LV32JqzSiUA8AKV3JS_z5uXINFJoKH867dxnImKJaS81mKF7Z4lX5jRNsd5rR-iV6kyxFy1w4ogep08Mw/s1600/birthday.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof-8LQMf66u200kbaSRuGyoLu02LqphKdAe4n-Lm1ePAO47LWyTYevC65cF1LV32JqzSiUA8AKV3JS_z5uXINFJoKH867dxnImKJaS81mKF7Z4lX5jRNsd5rR-iV6kyxFy1w4ogep08Mw/s640/birthday.jpg.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Running this tiny little business has been a tremendous blessing to myself and my family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have learned a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been learning new techniques and items to sew.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been learning how to manage a business.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been learning how to advertise and manage graphics and a brand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I've been learning how to balance my time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My family has been blessed through this venture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It has been able to help us financially when times have been lean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It has allowed me to bless my family with a few "wants" along the way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It has helped me bless my home with handmade items to decorate it frugally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It has been a tremendous creative outlet for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love fabrics, and I love creating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you to each and every one of you that have supported me. Whether as a customer, admirer, Facebook friend or prayer warrior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I sincerely thank you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To celebrate this accomplishment, I have a few goodies for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This week, through the 31st receive 15% off your entire order with coupon code: 1YEARCELEBRATION</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE8XQa66p63JzRaSrOD7UDw7aJv6bKf6GgHchItsFhCG-RD03ipfLhNf4VVDAeW4lvNgQKeWU5wNN9Zgh0aniRKpFXVUleMJghVMcRxHH96VDYn59mqW3OlqZEe3TkcfDIcD4LOHwRfY9/s1600/May+2013+Calendar.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPE8XQa66p63JzRaSrOD7UDw7aJv6bKf6GgHchItsFhCG-RD03ipfLhNf4VVDAeW4lvNgQKeWU5wNN9Zgh0aniRKpFXVUleMJghVMcRxHH96VDYn59mqW3OlqZEe3TkcfDIcD4LOHwRfY9/s640/May+2013+Calendar.jpg.jpg" height="396" width="640" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So thank you again, and I hope you snag a few deals this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.freestyletextiles.etsy.com/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO BEGIN SHOPPING!</a></span></div>
Jenny Free Stylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16878870724104131380noreply@blogger.com0