tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35342378100650789122024-03-14T11:49:31.279-07:00PraiseworthyWe Seek After These ThingsCortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.comBlogger421125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-58648186087544717002012-01-18T21:52:00.000-08:002012-01-18T23:12:15.469-08:00Sugar and Spice, and a Tutorial!<div style="text-align: justify;">Well now, it <span style="font-style: italic;">has</span> been a long time, hasn't it? After a long break from blogging, which was unintended but turned out to be totally needed by most of us, the Praiseworthy girls are back! We'll be here and there, somewhat less regularly than we used to - we have springtime to plan for and babies on the way! - but I think I can speak for all of us when I say we missed you. So here we go.<br /><br />I always thought that the little rhyme about "sugar and spice and everything nice" was a teeny bit unfair to girls ("<span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span> nice"? I mean, that's a pretty tall order, don't you think?). Until I had a little girl - who is smart and helpful and funny and pretty and independent, and sometimes a whole lot more spice than sugar!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Nm82svUVZA79ijEAnHIPSoIJVoj-BPODh7l0U2xKjD9LmCYnichEEeLhjMbvJ4Gc6ZWgr2iuCEu218Y6UDcK8eXU2B_3TgGEMkKitSaNFPS40pNOhqUC1rHHRxsjjI2Y-20B6mWZgcH/s1600/IMG_3508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Nm82svUVZA79ijEAnHIPSoIJVoj-BPODh7l0U2xKjD9LmCYnichEEeLhjMbvJ4Gc6ZWgr2iuCEu218Y6UDcK8eXU2B_3TgGEMkKitSaNFPS40pNOhqUC1rHHRxsjjI2Y-20B6mWZgcH/s320/IMG_3508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699224777510351938" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Here she is at just 4 days old. Sassy already! ;)<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, to be perfectly honest, I love spice. Ask anyone. We have a whole kitchen drawer dedicated to spices, and a box in the pantry for what doesn't fit in the drawer. There are two ingredients I never measure anymore: vanilla and cinnamon. And when I use either of those two lovely lovely things, especially the cinnamon, I cannot help but think about how fortunate I am. I think "here is this precious spice, a spice that whole countries once fought other whole countries over, and I have a big jar of it right here in my pantry, <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> it's abundantly available to me when I run out. And here I am, I don't even measure it, I just toss some in like it never cost anyone anything." I don't know, I just love that thought; I love how simple it is, and how good for the soul.<br /><br />Anyway, back to my point. My daughter has made me appreciate that little rhyme, by making me think about the spice. And I do love spice!<br /><br />I also love this little skirt, which was made for my little Miss Sassy C when she was two:<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkm24BdvUV2HPUe8Pf7P3abWtntWZn690AVMJtMYASHUa0diYgmD2S2VMdwnOq8Bo_Q5pUHqssPbAG5-hfMTzdhqit00n0Et6x_MgRnudqbQxIDCrbCfydcwF4MjLhh2suPszLzG-Chrs/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihkm24BdvUV2HPUe8Pf7P3abWtntWZn690AVMJtMYASHUa0diYgmD2S2VMdwnOq8Bo_Q5pUHqssPbAG5-hfMTzdhqit00n0Et6x_MgRnudqbQxIDCrbCfydcwF4MjLhh2suPszLzG-Chrs/s320/IMG_2976.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699222080433568786" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">It's sushi fabric! And it's reversible! She would wear this with her little red rain boots or her blue shoes with the orange stars, and just radiate the cuteness!<br /></span></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved it so much that when she grew out of it, I did some careful examination of the seams and stitches, and made a couple more in bigger sizes (and fabric that suited her better at four- and five-years-old). They're still favorites of hers <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> mine.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0htJJ06BMoOZDjB7QWpufhXfzFUAts1vCKYT7bT9fUQPYNgkwLj8zHCDo6NYcllC67e6pd212wnYvbD-0b77ciQ2LGwqsObWlW7m7LFTtdoWAyV8axPxBXQ_PYf2DDuhWp6cwqUNY4Ww/s1600/IMG_2977.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0htJJ06BMoOZDjB7QWpufhXfzFUAts1vCKYT7bT9fUQPYNgkwLj8zHCDo6NYcllC67e6pd212wnYvbD-0b77ciQ2LGwqsObWlW7m7LFTtdoWAyV8axPxBXQ_PYf2DDuhWp6cwqUNY4Ww/s320/IMG_2977.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699222090746238514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And so! When our Cortney's littlest girl had her last birthday, I knew just what to make. And I took pictures! So now you can make some too!<br /></div><br />For a size 3-ish skirt, you'll need:<br /><br />Two pieces of fabric: 37" x 13" and 37" x 15"<br />Elastic, 1-inch wide<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sew each of your fabric pieces into a tube with the seam along the short end. Zigzag stitch the seam together, and do another zigzag stitch along one raw edge of each tube. Fold that edge up 2" on the 13" fabric; and fold up 3" on the 15" fabric. Stitch those folded up edges close to the raw edge. Like this:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLoKZzx-M5SFqsvc5cZ-pmffLsMOM1z3AcOHgMfMwbbsu0PeVL5WTlc3HOPB9U6-dd3Yr_h9gHeQiXaSBmlMLy1wPOraM7PIuXTbvEZeWZ5Es2VQSSOkFOir24lO2PEqx96etBpvwya9v/s1600/IMG_2957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOLoKZzx-M5SFqsvc5cZ-pmffLsMOM1z3AcOHgMfMwbbsu0PeVL5WTlc3HOPB9U6-dd3Yr_h9gHeQiXaSBmlMLy1wPOraM7PIuXTbvEZeWZ5Es2VQSSOkFOir24lO2PEqx96etBpvwya9v/s320/IMG_2957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699224741449233202" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbGJ-s6LdWq-VvcRFSBuxXZ_ElKwkAeDz4riz0afMdYXk8v2FevNuhX5yOm3_IU9QqNVYxi67sbyW_LikyntXWfgoU4Uzy-a61eI8CyXnFetOS_LwbgAUDONUkU3GlGij91wBsmrbP8Qt/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbGJ-s6LdWq-VvcRFSBuxXZ_ElKwkAeDz4riz0afMdYXk8v2FevNuhX5yOm3_IU9QqNVYxi67sbyW_LikyntXWfgoU4Uzy-a61eI8CyXnFetOS_LwbgAUDONUkU3GlGij91wBsmrbP8Qt/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699224750120475154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Turn one of your tubes right-side out, and pair them up right-sides together. Match up along the raw edges at the top. Make sure your tube-seams are matched up, too. Like this:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLNO70gzk0jBo6WUumHoW7cHWSt1DEPV-SaHXjTr_iZth99Q-29Lzg_RA8OueZdRDC_SJXir1EaHhdY8HkNXoX2hfaMLy6zIx8PiCsttVkhMyUcuyeCi7Icr52VhiJQD2xSrTkTsyiVZc/s1600/IMG_2961.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLNO70gzk0jBo6WUumHoW7cHWSt1DEPV-SaHXjTr_iZth99Q-29Lzg_RA8OueZdRDC_SJXir1EaHhdY8HkNXoX2hfaMLy6zIx8PiCsttVkhMyUcuyeCi7Icr52VhiJQD2xSrTkTsyiVZc/s320/IMG_2961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699224758355371554" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSFenWMyEZKCJQTILRDxtygy9YbSlM6zTszMm0qLt652fPnRpcN_NJUuJw40ArjGoGfg-0dra_Zq7dVNlDnvHgP7vaiur8mVnN3JYfWzuWnaqOhJIj60nQ1xLD2v2TEJ21XVbjq8X3ILS/s1600/IMG_2962.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSFenWMyEZKCJQTILRDxtygy9YbSlM6zTszMm0qLt652fPnRpcN_NJUuJw40ArjGoGfg-0dra_Zq7dVNlDnvHgP7vaiur8mVnN3JYfWzuWnaqOhJIj60nQ1xLD2v2TEJ21XVbjq8X3ILS/s320/IMG_2962.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699224764667910290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Stitch all around the top:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4cZCtIbvZ5mOLeqLOMxlrT-qkwNTU8xPlHMOtTGqsRmbTsVVBgSFjR2VAidpj2lXItLdWFW8gEgG5kf6P2cv_WCPtoDk9YkUVGL3ncQwOtBdqM1oXdmR5HTKu2YkPlC-TZfRO2lPBaCk/s1600/IMG_2963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4cZCtIbvZ5mOLeqLOMxlrT-qkwNTU8xPlHMOtTGqsRmbTsVVBgSFjR2VAidpj2lXItLdWFW8gEgG5kf6P2cv_WCPtoDk9YkUVGL3ncQwOtBdqM1oXdmR5HTKu2YkPlC-TZfRO2lPBaCk/s320/IMG_2963.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699229399460429106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />When you open it up, it will look like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WBMPGJMYi08Mq-v3tI0gATEZ4kfz5qUgq7uHICHGduwH4dqLVTV5buRvC42AzW0Ys3UTn27EISd1rNok5bdbCYrCjGLU71TbxXOiSvDmg5vMX4tKm_gcwsPgvs2iaYw79re3iifELKQ5/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WBMPGJMYi08Mq-v3tI0gATEZ4kfz5qUgq7uHICHGduwH4dqLVTV5buRvC42AzW0Ys3UTn27EISd1rNok5bdbCYrCjGLU71TbxXOiSvDmg5vMX4tKm_gcwsPgvs2iaYw79re3iifELKQ5/s320/IMG_2965.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699229783118140274" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Now fold it along the seam you just made, with wrong-sides together. Press to flatten, like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3HesJAdIFTZmI1c5T61zBwVO7yJL7UtgVPWPrcUGod7_cAyXBs21hoO3GhdMGzLDuxpxwL9HxVdM-f6rBCL_HOQH78BlZJ659wr8rq4C7mqFUwmX9r7-MSE0AxN504slb4_Aa_U-bC6/s1600/IMG_2966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd3HesJAdIFTZmI1c5T61zBwVO7yJL7UtgVPWPrcUGod7_cAyXBs21hoO3GhdMGzLDuxpxwL9HxVdM-f6rBCL_HOQH78BlZJ659wr8rq4C7mqFUwmX9r7-MSE0AxN504slb4_Aa_U-bC6/s320/IMG_2966.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699228978148061746" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now make another seam, a smidgen more than an inch from that one at the top, leaving a space open to feed the elastic through. Like this:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxd0YgSP2lnb8Hk286YIddQTxeQ4RsjoUEoXdsS2-hS1PkKXz7WRY_SxODI2Hxb1bO1hpTPfJnCF-GQ7UjgEdsIXwlTzVe76Fiyu76hlLk0pN0gydfZLWzE0fZC8F5apGcngMCLcwtYVF/s1600/IMG_2967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxd0YgSP2lnb8Hk286YIddQTxeQ4RsjoUEoXdsS2-hS1PkKXz7WRY_SxODI2Hxb1bO1hpTPfJnCF-GQ7UjgEdsIXwlTzVe76Fiyu76hlLk0pN0gydfZLWzE0fZC8F5apGcngMCLcwtYVF/s320/IMG_2967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699228988215163122" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you look between the two pieces of fabric, your opening where you'll feed the elastic through will look like this:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Vhm8jL-tyT7Jb13hXTs6OD8p2r5qdEVBv5FcHPz0MQEjF3tX69bWSbss7RjgAZ6xeztjHfWYO788KZ7q142zgatnV9VirPfG8liTuXAjF8obO9-nvH4eBfibTR9T71TB3-ixwbPAD6t/s1600/IMG_2968.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2Vhm8jL-tyT7Jb13hXTs6OD8p2r5qdEVBv5FcHPz0MQEjF3tX69bWSbss7RjgAZ6xeztjHfWYO788KZ7q142zgatnV9VirPfG8liTuXAjF8obO9-nvH4eBfibTR9T71TB3-ixwbPAD6t/s320/IMG_2968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699228994114437730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Trim your elastic to size so that it fits your daughter's waist with a little stretch. Pin one end of the elastic to the fabric with a safety pin, and put a second safety pin on the other end of the elastic. Like this:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9gjyR81WQKjSYito06uAYncRx-SSDvbjyxkJbuOfoiAzDPnD3VAgxRJ5DzolOThnJfg9DfVUjBKRWO7QkTQO-NVvKFU3j9k8WAHLmOyLM0Xmay901msOqbClARAI1HxqVoG04rRfYBTz/s1600/IMG_2970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9gjyR81WQKjSYito06uAYncRx-SSDvbjyxkJbuOfoiAzDPnD3VAgxRJ5DzolOThnJfg9DfVUjBKRWO7QkTQO-NVvKFU3j9k8WAHLmOyLM0Xmay901msOqbClARAI1HxqVoG04rRfYBTz/s320/IMG_2970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699229001621326162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Using that safety pin on the end, work the elastic through the opening and all around the skirt, making sure the elastic doesn't get twisted. Hook the two safety pins together, then shimmy and pull the elastic around inside the seams so it's all nice and even.<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmRPEpi54hS6rwK5zkpV4kwE7k23wZ3a_RtrRNQnjW7x0zCaTyMJE0LZqO-ANxWACl8KOmle1mMSHxWMMPEyu1y9v_xRqvcYgQ0ZpLUzx8yNUi9lUnXx6TKSd0Tl7TR0W3IHCmaKkuC2n/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKmRPEpi54hS6rwK5zkpV4kwE7k23wZ3a_RtrRNQnjW7x0zCaTyMJE0LZqO-ANxWACl8KOmle1mMSHxWMMPEyu1y9v_xRqvcYgQ0ZpLUzx8yNUi9lUnXx6TKSd0Tl7TR0W3IHCmaKkuC2n/s320/IMG_2971.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699233290684551794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Once you like how it looks, stitch the two ends of elastic together and trim off the excess:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JAxw4dcj42f44XMjcdrQWF7MyyqFAqgefmLQ89vV7lZekcBI9lCLYyZjE35s0-mjm7wohI2GmWk7tsLk_1lglTGndvDYHupP5HD239iUykB1nVXvP0ijexdZnOh9qyh5gJxLr-_85scw/s1600/IMG_2972.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JAxw4dcj42f44XMjcdrQWF7MyyqFAqgefmLQ89vV7lZekcBI9lCLYyZjE35s0-mjm7wohI2GmWk7tsLk_1lglTGndvDYHupP5HD239iUykB1nVXvP0ijexdZnOh9qyh5gJxLr-_85scw/s320/IMG_2972.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699233301016499346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Turn the skirt back to wrong-sides together and stitch up the opening - just pick up that seam you left, right where you left off. You're done!<br /></div><br /><br /><br />So cute one way ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbpZhcTA2QP1dCoHaCH_Xv0RIHeBbT3u1_UPJy6hFZPJIuyxSu-6P1OW4DrdJryHq6enlYQf86QYxUbAHakIvvcjqRq2xrpSg2Zjcd0g1MjAZ0eKM7ETJqRSivWhSnHtfPexjXPkZFSzi/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbpZhcTA2QP1dCoHaCH_Xv0RIHeBbT3u1_UPJy6hFZPJIuyxSu-6P1OW4DrdJryHq6enlYQf86QYxUbAHakIvvcjqRq2xrpSg2Zjcd0g1MjAZ0eKM7ETJqRSivWhSnHtfPexjXPkZFSzi/s320/IMG_2975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699233314626489698" border="0" /></a><br />... and the other!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7MsGDqfk7Z-UtBQITFk6ZrUXFcWkM1bWHn48xg3BtoEvome8ZIStqmdfRxJLmirg7KjvW07MC7SfkVzsBiV5oUubz0tgH4IKawKmGntWEP7L73s11ElhaJwEfoluNgxQ839rSxMIbnw_/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7MsGDqfk7Z-UtBQITFk6ZrUXFcWkM1bWHn48xg3BtoEvome8ZIStqmdfRxJLmirg7KjvW07MC7SfkVzsBiV5oUubz0tgH4IKawKmGntWEP7L73s11ElhaJwEfoluNgxQ839rSxMIbnw_/s320/IMG_2979.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699233321833367010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/748A9B0F60A099D5D673E271A0DF988D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16244475172254514356noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-79224063355211499402011-09-04T15:29:00.000-07:002011-09-04T16:01:04.777-07:00MatchmakingAre you having a great Labor Day weekend so far? Are you "laboring" around the yard and/or house? Or enjoying an end-of-summer vay- or stay-cation? Maybe you're like me doing a little bit of both. I'm playing matchmaker around here. Lookie what I mean.
<br /><div align="center"><strong>Match #1</strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638118822770690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwqp0SyfyJyBSnvMqwCp9MNLS2lNYMsYTL7lYcXuJAn3fakQjrOSxRg1DRgXK4gRnPCq8XecIvFbgaWeckQcpdt9m3GZ9AOUuhIBxBQtBTmakxQxDAZn2ZBzYFQnIZsNNVLAlFSjo7DWJo/s400/DSC03687.JPG" /><div align="center">+</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638116053597650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp4JbRrccgnKKS3n7lKtn-kLmWS2sPNK2hgkqjOT9nuLGX7W8gBww9OGs7GWOeDFaw2BIIVls5NH1x-YbEI6233PIQ8TgapM8AImiNpa2Dyk4Uom2Bsa13ph7y5VDomdRUeS-S7z4hyphenhyphenTE/s400/DSC03689.JPG" /><div align="center">=</div><div align="center">our pantry filling up for the winter!</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>Match #2</strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638123634196722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FJAb17m8LZskSZrqUMIDWQp7lD3xh3JmfJRJYii54aC8_HkiRrmRu9A551V6N5JNyc3NdYH42HZ84idkRDsGrABNlCaHpMZxAhhCqEsdllENL241G4G3ZU8okRUw6xaya9eQxwXpXpL_/s400/DSC03695.JPG" /><div align="center">+</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638130126886610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9i1DnTi34SglEvIPrUWt0Pj6iM0VgWFL16J61-geGgWVGh2axeB05w7nVnWPw4U-waLgH7gDIIf4NEAblNajavE3yE9ikpq0vmm3JvS3ayop02x0dqzhUp9UHrBpZMSvauxXkt1-XnVc/s400/DSC03696.JPG" /><div align="center">=</div><div align="center">a new delicious grilling adventure!</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>Match #3</strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638440756755554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-oXHhMroIi4Nm1n-HzYooKZtHBHkmf5LIM3Pj_OHdhsPQeFDTOb-sCE0JnnMvCdzJPTwrITDk-ZN0EmujMQenRsxAQqAiXAMTcuyda3hsQ-1do2wdheaAs48wfCWzpuBoT9_5IGwl0Gl/s400/DSC03698.JPG" /><div align="center">+</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638442664887170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8Z93r63zs1OTZfO_h0vcjYJQ7UZCkrN0xqsZXSqGCFR6gFQ8xFz6Ijcu_4xHYmxJFbqmrMqzIkpgia8njLmEwa3Ft5KG7L6FkQW4Kc6SBroXLxo4zXj6Q4DMYHHCuSjRj4220n5ElPvu/s400/DSC03699.JPG" /><div align="center">=</div><div align="center">no explanation needed...throw in some popsicles, friends and family, and a party is born!</div>
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<br /><div align="center"><strong>Match #4</strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638443509572498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7WuIsQ3JuCbmSmJv1WU7ieL-W0anFZwzCEShm0TUXRJ6iQtl3Yytyww_ag2GWwwBTCz8pZZwqAvRymxl_32DjtG5WbaT7CJqghbCOkuDENGwqbQbDqHxVgAt_cF_Q0BMt-zOeV7PIxsT/s400/DSC03661.JPG" /><div align="center">+</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648638119303490338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFE1iqFrLO848WTIhf_KBvFbYVGcPL_tXsyDVm5MQeAm3c8Zs8BJ7Nrzeq1HcbkAyD-fmnoh-R1DBTWv5FJIlWiC-dr8LdOFKXJl2xqrKaktfqITDzQNW-l_DUI3riylgPJH7JlJTjE6k/s400/DSC03693.JPG" /><div align="center">=</div><div align="center">Well, let's say this one didn't really get off the ground. Soon, though. Very soon. This doesn't shout "holiday weekend" to me, so we'll wait a little bit.</div>
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<br /><p></p>Hoping you and your weekend are a match made in summery heaven!
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<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-62656817598256034032011-08-10T20:09:00.001-07:002011-08-10T20:28:51.241-07:00When life gives you lemons, I mean zucchini......make zucchini brownies!
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<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639430670335048898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrvdutSnBNPk7J03RmVfC0Oc6Kf96YSTnOLUGj6qwa5ZpbK7j2AvY6679vmbPwFV8K93B5QiWMwCB6z0fom18AH295RZ8Pxr3aaEw8FzpWblvv5QBZ2wt3QLMLcKqvSw2EyA2Yec6U82s/s400/DSC03574.JPG" /> That's right. 'Tis the season for zucchini coming out the wah-zoo, and if you're like me, about this time of year I'm really scraping for new ways to use our bountiful crop of emerald beauties. When we sit down to the dinner table, my husband teasingly asks "OK where's the zucchini?" I've gotten clever at the hiding game!
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<br />My mom gave me this recipe a couple of years ago, and it's a winner. Rich, moist brownies with a fudge-like frosting. And, thanks to the cooler-than-normal summer we're having, I can actually stand to turn on the oven in our non-air-conditioned house and bake up a batch of these. I like to grate zucchini and freeze it in 2-cup portions so I can make this year round too.
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<br />We're bringing these to our neighborhood picnic tomorrow, and I expect the dish will be empty by the end of the night! I hope you'll try these and let me know what you think.
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<br /><strong>Zucchini Brownies</strong>
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<br />2 cups grated zucchini
<br />3/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
<br />1 1/2 cups sugar
<br />1 tsp. vanilla
<br />1 egg (optional - If you add it, the brownies will be more cake-like. If you leave it out, they will be more fudgey.)
<br />
<br />2 cups flour
<br />1/3 cup cocoa
<br />1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
<br />1 teaspoon salt
<br />
<br />Combine first "wet" ingredients in a large bowl. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add dry to wet and combine well. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes. Top with frosting.
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<br /><strong>Chocolate Fudge Frosting</strong>
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<br />1/4 cup butter
<br />1 cup sugar
<br />1/4 cup milk
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<br />Mix together in saucepan and boil for exactly one minute. Remove from heat and add: 2/3 cup EACH chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Stir until marshmallows are melted and spread on brownies. Let set until frosting firms up like fudge. Enjoy!
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCy35kPGMS6y_UD3RfG6_QZpKXEgjd3cZL4mlgfKAeyfic-5w1Rv4SYFGl6svCIZynqXFBm9ruWo3XW6jQ39IFYqZ9-wsFYlmNtHtqc_0oAZPx3ljUkFb0DViABv8kMDk6dOW3jutXwmY/s1600/DSC03576.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639430677688430002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCy35kPGMS6y_UD3RfG6_QZpKXEgjd3cZL4mlgfKAeyfic-5w1Rv4SYFGl6svCIZynqXFBm9ruWo3XW6jQ39IFYqZ9-wsFYlmNtHtqc_0oAZPx3ljUkFb0DViABv8kMDk6dOW3jutXwmY/s400/DSC03576.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a></div>
<br />Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-44762841397831007542011-07-21T09:56:00.000-07:002011-07-21T13:38:27.434-07:00We all scream!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq1LlJ8-G3WGINjH7V_0ZyTMy1xlOwvew76vnSGymwii6Yr69T-wVYFWhR8gmIrEnKjmGe1idA4RZjuXjUYfh6jgWuu0qT6O2bYcHgzHrjpCt2h376QYY9ZzqHI95HXsL54ipe3PKHpOc/s1600/raspberry_icecream-400x266.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631854863579867330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq1LlJ8-G3WGINjH7V_0ZyTMy1xlOwvew76vnSGymwii6Yr69T-wVYFWhR8gmIrEnKjmGe1idA4RZjuXjUYfh6jgWuu0qT6O2bYcHgzHrjpCt2h376QYY9ZzqHI95HXsL54ipe3PKHpOc/s400/raspberry_icecream-400x266.jpg" /></a><div><p>Did you know this month is National Ice Cream month? Did you know there was such a thing? Thanks to President Reagan's declaration back in 1984, July is officially the month to celebrate this frozen concoction of deliciousness. The third Sunday of the month (or this past Sunday) is National Ice Cream day. </p><p>I don't know about you, but I usually don't need an occasion to enjoy a bowl of cookies n' cream or a pudding pop. But it's nice to know it's celebrated in our country. </p><p>I once heard that there is more ice cream consumed in winter months than in the summer. Has anyone else heard that? It's been so long since I learned that surprising fact that I'm starting to wonder if I made it up so I wouldn't fee so guilty digging into a dish of caramal cashew on a chilly February night.</p><p>Anyway, we like to make ice cream at our house, but we usually like to make it when it can all be eaten the same day as it's made, so we'll invite you over sometime to help us eat it! Re-frozen homemade ice cream just seems to lose a lot of the texture and flavor that it has when it's eaten right out of the ice cream maker. <a href="http://www.ice-cream-recipes.com/">Here's a site </a>with all the recipes you can imagine. </p><p>But for a "quick fix" I love a good Dilly bar or a soft serve cone too! It's worth all the brain freezes in the world!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631854624612755058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6E0Y0geyvZ5-6mpScK61Pd3atxURUyVAk-GSdw34QePnm9iCygoWqi-XtyBomLfHUnqziJZrYk9EF7fC_RxvPmrKwNX4ZnE6do1rtNcZsSWL2Qga-w_udZMnOJGO3FqPdLbM6_7ZdC2UQ/s400/img_6978.jpg" /> </div><div>Happy ice "screaming" this month! What's your favorite kind?<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-48569930312572693332011-07-13T13:56:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:12:37.603-07:00Hope for little lambs<div align="left">I was asked to speak in church this past Sunday, and I wanted to share just a couple of thoughts with you. The subject was mostly on hope, and I related it to the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how vital it is to have hope in our lives and in our families. There is an element of action that needs to take place along with hope.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">"As parents, we find our fondest hopes center around our children. We hope they will grow up to lead responsible and righteous lives. Such hopes can be easily dashed if we do not act as good examples. Hope alone does not mean our children will grow in righteousness. We must spend time with them in family home evening and worthwhile family activities. We must teach them to pray. We must read with them in the scriptures and teach them important gospel principles. Only then is it possible our fondest hopes will be realized."<br />-Elder Steven E. Snow</div><br /><br /><div align="left">I realize more and more the importance of the responsibility I've been given to raise righteous children. I'm certain the challenges will be greater the older they get too. But I also know the potential of my hopes and actions becoming exponentially far-reaching, perhaps for generations to come.</div><br /><br /><div align="center">"The Echo"<br />C. C. Miller<br /><br />’Twas a sheep not a lamb<br />That strayed away in the parable Jesus told,<br />A grown-up sheep that strayed away<br />From the ninety and nine in the fold.<br />And why for the sheep should we seek<br />And earnestly hope and pray?<br />Because there is danger when sheep go wrong:<br />They lead the lambs astray.<br />Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,<br />Wherever the sheep may stray.<br />When sheep go wrong,<br />It won’t take long till the lambs are as wrong as they.<br />And so with the sheep we earnestly plead<br />For the sake of the lambs today,<br />For when the sheep are lost<br />What a terrible cost<br />The lambs will have to pay.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-60521372975989191012011-06-30T08:53:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:10:55.897-07:00Yummy!<div>Well this weeks topic is one of my favorite things. I figure Oprah has them, so I can have them too. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cranberries, Huckleberries, etc. Yummy!<br /><br />I love berry muffins too. Here is one of my favorite recipes. It came from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/To-Die-For-Blueberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx">allrecipes</a>, but I adapted it a little, so I will call it my own. :)<br /><br />Blueberry, or any berry for that matter, muffins<br /><br />1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour<br />3/4 cup white sugar<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1 teaspoon or so of cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon or so of nutmeg<br />1/3 cup vegetable oil<br />1 egg<br />1/3 cup milk<br />1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries/huckleberries,raspberries/etc<br /><br />Crumb Topping<br />2/3 cup brown sugar<br />1/4 cup flour<br />1/2 or more teaspoon cinnamon<br />2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)<br /><br />1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners.</div><div><br />2.Combine flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture.<br /></div><div>3.To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon. Mix with fork till there are small crumbles and sprinkle over muffins before baking.<br /></div><div>4.Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.<br /></div><div>Try them, you will not be disappointed! </div><div> </div><div>Enjoy!</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/379/3A0D9F4142B71749971642808AB40C4D.png" /></a></div>Calihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172893227293247507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-59068171586129442452011-06-29T21:59:00.000-07:002011-06-30T09:35:02.144-07:00Berry-licious<div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623873473214152242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhDTF4lytPIH-JTgTFAcivlQ3I56wB_BbRWn2_C3b0Htc8tFmDeKs8jX3Gxv7mB2pvGM3BhWKRJHLHsCtxidlIdpPjCTJynkCKORnr1nDxEmqdB6O5JdqrycTZfKIiKqsJe3AlZtbOcsH/s320/berries-300x257.jpg" /> <span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://littleedventures.com/blog/?attachment_id=275">image source<br /></a></span></div>It's that time of year when all the berries are their full glory. I guess strawberries have been on for a while already, but the blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are catching up. And that means stocking up!<br /><br />Growing up, we had a huge strawberry patch at our house, and it was my summertime household job to pick berries and make freezer jam pretty much every other day. Any time my away-at-college sisters would call home and ask what I'm doing, no matter what time of day, the answer would always be "dishes" or "making jam." I got pretty sick of it sometimes, but we were sure glad to dig a carton of homemade jam out of the freezer in the winter when we were craving a little taste of summer.<br /><br />Speaking of summer, it's having a hard time making an appearance around here. Our heater kicked on this morning! So, our harvest may be meager at best, which means we'll be visiting our local "u-pick" farms for berries. If you haven't heard of <a href="http://pickyourown.org/">PickYourOwn.org</a>, you must go and check it out. You can search by location and narrow your search by the type of produce you're looking for. It has extras like recipes, canning tips and picking tips. Our favorite is blueberry picking at <a href="http://www.canterberryfarms.com/">Canter-Berry Farms</a>. They don't use any pesticides or herbicides, and they encourage you to eat as much as you like while you're picking.<br /><br />If you're looking for something delicious and different to make with your berries, try this <a href="http://pinksuedeshoe.com/2011/06/27/recipe-rhuberry-pie/">Rhuberry Pie</a>. It combines FOUR kinds of berries and my favorite - rhubarb. Hurry before the rhubarb is gone for the season! Or convince yourself to break open one of the 6 bags you're hoarding in the freezer for year-long rationing. Not that I do that.<br /><br />Happy Independence Day next week, everyone! Make something deliciously patriotic with all those berries out there!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>P.S. Speaking of strawberries, this is one of our favorite books! We all love the illustrations, and I love that I totally relate to it (although my freckles didn't go away when I got older either!).</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 249px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624051300990434210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOWtKrDGpS-GxSCzOLXvcheYbvU70Nhyphenhyphenqs1ao3tOHS3Anj5nOfWhekw-2BE72YXdiIU30Iice5MroXzaGAJ4X42Qfrt_EHz3vCa3C3PSaGYlLpkmc6TUqBISGB9S3oydcQMDU71NCLqzO/s320/get.jpg" />Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-32234444223968283152011-06-24T10:02:00.000-07:002011-06-24T10:02:47.922-07:00Still here....Well, Jen has been true and faithful...but the rest of us, well, I guess we're lost. :)<br />
<br />
We are still here. I'm can't speak for the rest of the women, but I can say that for myself, I have just been anxiously engaged in a few other good causes...namely the Book of Mormon Challenge, and moving! I have not forgotten about this Praiseworthy blog and our Praiseworthy cause--quite the opposite is true! My mind is filling up with thoughts and ideas and things I'd love to share. However, there is a time and a season for all things...<br />
<br />
Last week's topic was "sorry." <br />
I'm sorry I didn't write anything.<br />
<br />
The topic this week is "white." I didn't want to let this one pass me by completely! There are so many wonderful white things in this world! For example...<br />
<br />
wedding dresses<br />
a big, white-toothed smile<br />
temples<br />
new paint<br />
fluffy clouds in a blue sky<br />
a blank canvas<br />
snow<br />
pages in a book<br />
sea shells<br />
clean socks<br />
fresh whipped cream<br />
<br />
The other day my daughter asked me if I knew what her favorite part of her body is. Then she proudly declared "My teeth! Because I like to take care of them."<br />
<br />
Clean. White. Smile. :)<br />
<br />
My sister is getting married in August. It has been fun to help find a unique and beautiful dress for her to wear to the temple. It has a bow. It has a train. It has been fitted just for her.<br />
<br />
Clean. White. Smile. :)<br />
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There is just something comforting in the beauty of white in this world! <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/43C6F2B5B92737DCEF27965D56897FDE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-39760599790270813452011-06-22T08:28:00.000-07:002011-06-22T08:38:55.225-07:00In bloom<div align="center">I'm loving this one right now:<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621066807417888034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrOyCZqsWnLnWnPoizgVT32WLKF5PXgA_WpaQVPA1DWzPH0XQpeq4dXLutKla1AKxdz_OLFXO0MP97M8iV-WPAqqaOMK6flVtHF9qMarJlBddsh2ZTFE1SRJ9MCUyV0uHiEs2KRcOYJ6I/s320/DSC03446.JPG" /><br />And this Japanese variety is pretty spectacular too:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621066808981667858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ1e9Fn-xPakapOdjvrV9wiyE5T44IJt8hDTB7XAIEYjCm8tP3-OtkjKb-xcrZ8A7zeMOGTtUjw101dyzv2cDpLCUmReQff1zeaoKpxURJjBEd5L0u6smKoilzBkQyUDG2HU42XoK4iMZ/s320/DSC03447.JPG" /><br />This soft pink one smells like a sweet breath of fresh air whenever I walk by:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621066815732086434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKp_Q9emUABoJw0_c0JnY_fZ53nPVOWt_0r29Dt5b4iRk1el3vLH-r6plchfxJLnhsGaCmoGaBiAwpBuxOJ-GRAp9VB4dzX7wgE-w9_bz_ECbcCn5VGZBfpQLusZOkEowHP-6-8oAk7l7d/s320/DSC03448.JPG" /><br />But you know which is my favorite? The white one. Look closely and you'll see tiny flecks of bright red in a few spots.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621066817802527602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIpJIhyphenhyphenwNkiXpZIUiuHawTlBKFR4-X9VJQ5xpCJe4qepdIEhauPCebySs9KW7vhXUYIq-o8wv3lrv4Ze-aD2K0SdUxWEwldvd7tFzxDmP7hyzrlvC0kTmnyfjqe6yyRdm6Tr8YlbgjzGb3/s320/DSC03449.JPG" /><br />It's a reminder that something doesn't have to be perfect and pristine to be beautiful.<br /><p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></p><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-89282358441798023562011-06-16T13:33:00.000-07:002011-06-16T14:11:03.051-07:00Sorry<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>Have you ever heard the saying "Love means never having to say you're sorry."? It's actually a line from a book and a 1970 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_Story_(1970_film)">movie</a>, and I've heard it here and there in various contexts. Two years later, the phrase was repeated by Barbara Streisand's character in another <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What%27s_Up,_Doc%3F_(film)">movie</a>, to which her costar Ryan O'Neal responds, "That's the dumbest thing I ever heard."</br><p>I have to say I agree with his answer. Since being married, I've learned that "I'm sorry" is one of the most important, and necessary, things I can say to my husband. I don't think I say it too much because I think overusing it just becomes a trite cure-all phrase, and because I try my hardest to not do or say too many things in the first place that I'm sorry for. But there are definitely times where I have to put my pride aside, get a little perspective on the situation, and turn on the empathy. It might be easier to just disregard the situation, and when the bad feelings subside, just go back to life as usual as if nothing happened. But, as I'm sure you all know, that doesn't make it better in the long run.</br><p>I recently read an article titled <a href="http://lds.org/ensign/1981/09/making-a-marriage-work?lang=eng&query=sorry+marriage">"Making a Marriage Work"</a> where Elder Pinnock lists ten ideas to not only make your marriage work, but to strengthen it (I highly recommend reading it individually and then as a couple). The seventh idea is:</br><p align="center">"Say, 'I’m sorry,' and really mean it. Contrary to a popular saying, love, in part, means learning how to say 'I’m sorry.' So often when we make mistakes, even innocent mistakes, damage has been done and an apology is in order. Along with learning to say, 'I’m sorry,' husbands and wives must learn to say, 'I forgive.' Jesus taught that to be forgiven by our Heavenly Father depends, in part, on our ability to forgive those who trespass against us. Some of the strongest marriages of which I am aware have been between partners who could say, 'I am sorry,' and who forgive each other."</br><p>So, if I could re-write the saying based on my own experience, it would say something like "Love means saying you're sorry even when it's the most difficult thing you've done in a long time and it wasn't your fault to begin with and you want to sulk until the other person comes to you and apologizes and you don't want to talk about it and you don't care about being sorry because you just want to be right."</p><p>Now that's TRUE love.</br><br /><p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-12726805078437859762011-06-08T23:32:00.000-07:002011-06-09T09:14:47.634-07:00She was born on a Saturday.<p align="center">I gave birth to her at 3:27 am on a Saturday.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u8EqHE0tstq-mgtDmkeHgKnv8frHqnB0q_42hYyng3TfvVTqMLzib7hW1UzniYImC8jJUpjR4kaJ4jxp_WztOAtX3wCTHNYA7mkYVub2vdgyZK679js4-9wAl0eiOmpjNIG1BKvuHYh7/s1600/DSC01795.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616107776658019266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u8EqHE0tstq-mgtDmkeHgKnv8frHqnB0q_42hYyng3TfvVTqMLzib7hW1UzniYImC8jJUpjR4kaJ4jxp_WztOAtX3wCTHNYA7mkYVub2vdgyZK679js4-9wAl0eiOmpjNIG1BKvuHYh7/s320/DSC01795.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">In these short two years, I've seen some of myself in her.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">She's a little crafty...</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHmS-WPGt7cHiaphQfmyv5aGnGueUj6Zz8peyIRb8YMC2KUPHF4BPfdDBsWEVa-TF24SBIQsLbPetQhBDwm5v7godOjEvQ0alNvYisXsQA6xW31clDbjpi7VVK0W01oEjJuExr_6pbx8r/s1600/DSC02617.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 213px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616110833346331362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHmS-WPGt7cHiaphQfmyv5aGnGueUj6Zz8peyIRb8YMC2KUPHF4BPfdDBsWEVa-TF24SBIQsLbPetQhBDwm5v7godOjEvQ0alNvYisXsQA6xW31clDbjpi7VVK0W01oEjJuExr_6pbx8r/s320/DSC02617.JPG" /></a><br /><p align="center">...and a little domestic.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqFPznhx4orBtCkNaeu9WRJxyz00FHCGLfxYvjf8xXUcXyo43L1CZiJBdr5gTC2tOnwDe6mGLET_WokpvEwqJKjKCKuwsopXr6j4UjYVbvZLPqZ_fZOpdMSTepog6CYLF1PK3waz_s6rj/s1600/DSC02063.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 241px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616107783241252450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqFPznhx4orBtCkNaeu9WRJxyz00FHCGLfxYvjf8xXUcXyo43L1CZiJBdr5gTC2tOnwDe6mGLET_WokpvEwqJKjKCKuwsopXr6j4UjYVbvZLPqZ_fZOpdMSTepog6CYLF1PK3waz_s6rj/s320/DSC02063.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">She loves being outside...</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMtyvhszHkl8uJYXcXd028FDYUXeLbeN-CsxOC3qa99TGVSmyLM7kjP7uNR1woytci2CJ55NGZ2n5x9_2_tmz_-iUzgjV211pLbcumY5JbpYBkfwWdT3buDUQp4hdMAbg7bTEUKWy8Aao/s1600/IMG_1693.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616110831742070914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMtyvhszHkl8uJYXcXd028FDYUXeLbeN-CsxOC3qa99TGVSmyLM7kjP7uNR1woytci2CJ55NGZ2n5x9_2_tmz_-iUzgjV211pLbcumY5JbpYBkfwWdT3buDUQp4hdMAbg7bTEUKWy8Aao/s320/IMG_1693.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p align="center">...even if it means getting dirty.<br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSdj9THYExr4wvnwFI_YYmL_1bunkUpapoEZNgDgzibGg4Vnq3v1yrdgnHs7ZQB3RE9G1xNZE43rhg5dxB5aXD1PP20EwADZZswjf-KgjgvLxG2XJppVUW_SyxbJK072JAYf9ivZtpmtb/s1600/DSC02466.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 239px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616107796992586578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSdj9THYExr4wvnwFI_YYmL_1bunkUpapoEZNgDgzibGg4Vnq3v1yrdgnHs7ZQB3RE9G1xNZE43rhg5dxB5aXD1PP20EwADZZswjf-KgjgvLxG2XJppVUW_SyxbJK072JAYf9ivZtpmtb/s320/DSC02466.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">She's independent, determined (sometimes to the point of stubbornness) and has a special admiration for her big brother...just like her mom.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">But she's very much her own person.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">She takes an unconventional approach to life.</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURn1T1rGKxIR28009gkMPJ_IRUu0Vzn1LBDd4eGeAw879VQDMyBTP7YDrfCcB5x5P6Fz7m_LXeqZCEbT9f6ZuAqi6ZAkOrW4aFsdvFpKH3Hu0YKi8gQLjKe76hKEKjJgnPr95fAptQWO/s1600/DSC02349.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616107793384419986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTURn1T1rGKxIR28009gkMPJ_IRUu0Vzn1LBDd4eGeAw879VQDMyBTP7YDrfCcB5x5P6Fz7m_LXeqZCEbT9f6ZuAqi6ZAkOrW4aFsdvFpKH3Hu0YKi8gQLjKe76hKEKjJgnPr95fAptQWO/s320/DSC02349.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">And she could teach me a thing or two about finding joy in simple things.</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD-lguIeAF5g4WoF5bEDmTmP0MHHQSuxfHH6O3oEzohA9-kAsiAo5YRnwAiKIRM9SrlHxKXd_6xcE1_jkfnscvQs0XJ3Hge6ucHGaOghgIWb4MTMY1N8IT5cGp-5Pbythx-RZBJmXv_vz/s1600/DSC03016.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616110821719877826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD-lguIeAF5g4WoF5bEDmTmP0MHHQSuxfHH6O3oEzohA9-kAsiAo5YRnwAiKIRM9SrlHxKXd_6xcE1_jkfnscvQs0XJ3Hge6ucHGaOghgIWb4MTMY1N8IT5cGp-5Pbythx-RZBJmXv_vz/s320/DSC03016.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOLT2qgUQ4bQ-vYaN1kpmR2ExWycxEN4qa1Q47anmBO3uUTm4UZ4qcYXoK-wfROYCbCojqlZ8LopMhjMoaQC-uEmHN23ZSet4Mp6KfK_dWsmTerSM4ZAjCV3XQShflQYNgE68Rz1wZrAF/s1600/DSC02598.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616111423652354050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOLT2qgUQ4bQ-vYaN1kpmR2ExWycxEN4qa1Q47anmBO3uUTm4UZ4qcYXoK-wfROYCbCojqlZ8LopMhjMoaQC-uEmHN23ZSet4Mp6KfK_dWsmTerSM4ZAjCV3XQShflQYNgE68Rz1wZrAF/s320/DSC02598.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center">Yep, she was born on a Saturday...</div><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF8N0hejhgIT8oNYbvrLy53uJqOWb_dqAV6-8TNrXbbwHiwe3pBBVQR1nXFk-bB8I4Y7_M9N_6Fk4vol1fv7_peNALAiJ154P3QnBp1wd69TfC6KzBXSPvqGh5ebUir47DXsJ-TSB-SJ1/s1600/1220691556_img_5416.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 214px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616111432755611618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF8N0hejhgIT8oNYbvrLy53uJqOWb_dqAV6-8TNrXbbwHiwe3pBBVQR1nXFk-bB8I4Y7_M9N_6Fk4vol1fv7_peNALAiJ154P3QnBp1wd69TfC6KzBXSPvqGh5ebUir47DXsJ-TSB-SJ1/s320/1220691556_img_5416.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">...and I'm changed because of it.<br /><br /><div align="left"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a></div>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-52846744533984034842011-06-03T14:18:00.000-07:002011-06-03T23:47:26.862-07:00Hidden Treasures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT7HOAaztkDsrKM1ukDbEy-dPN7rPKrTi2JRjYLn4TX4ATzaoV5JotGJJtna_FmrwFE6ZiKcMW8QBk4vJgXvzvfynKXtMIQvFyAyPElu7yUdseK8cSQcAcrS-TS6EJpLVAfEiJmRghSDA/s1600/follow_buttons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUT7HOAaztkDsrKM1ukDbEy-dPN7rPKrTi2JRjYLn4TX4ATzaoV5JotGJJtna_FmrwFE6ZiKcMW8QBk4vJgXvzvfynKXtMIQvFyAyPElu7yUdseK8cSQcAcrS-TS6EJpLVAfEiJmRghSDA/s400/follow_buttons.png" width="244" /></a></div><br />
Oh the joy of a hidden treasure...<br />
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I LOVE to come across a blog or photo or item online that makes my scroll finger pause, and then my eyes widen, and then my heart leap! :) There are so many hidden treasures online--well, they aren't really hidden I guess. They are out there for everyone to enjoy, you just have to know where to find them. And that is why I am totally loving Pinterest! Have you seen it yet? Jenni introduced me to this world of not-so-hidden treasures a few weeks ago and it has quickly become one of my favorite online joys! <br />
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For any of you who are like me when people say, "Oh, I just got online and found it..." (a tutorial or cute kid's item, etc.), then you have probably heard yourself say, "Why can't <i>I </i>find that kind of stuff online? Where <i>are</i> these awesome blogs and cool websites?" I always feel like I'm the last to know!<br />
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Well, now I find all kinds of treasures online--those same ones that I used to think were hidden somewhere in the mommy-blog sphere where I was not invited. Oh, no, we are all invited! And you can invite your friends.<br />
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I'm not trying to promote anything here--except the fun and excitement that comes when you do find something that really makes you smile.<br />
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Here is the description of Pinterest directly from their website:<br />
"Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.<br />
People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it."<br />
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So, if you want to discover the hidden treasures out there...go to Pinterest and request an invitation. Once you're account is set up, you can find friends, invite friends, make friends, and best of all--pin EVERYTHING and ANYTHING until your heart is content. If any of you have a shopping addiction--this just might kick it. It's like shopping, but without spending any money! You can add anything you want to your pinboards and look at it as much as you want, so that's almost like having one of your own, right? :)<br />
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Happy Friday, all!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/43C6F2B5B92737DCEF27965D56897FDE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a><br />
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ps. The topic for this week is "hidden," in case you wanted to write a little something of your own and link up with us! <br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=91434" type="text/javascript"></script>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-43583709847712945362011-06-02T16:49:00.000-07:002011-06-02T17:07:35.541-07:00What's your secret?<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxfVzdzMBM-dtaEymKyqBQw1q_EeMmjFg_ynMyQRPShT_RzD9DOGFIb63CTTpzrXQO8MFmDvhAipFh9OOD-yY0xXHiJjgzUJWfypG0Nl2-WWT8oL_cNPEsoaHNyiXGiTNItufcgGp9kcc/s1600/shhh.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613774536343195970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxfVzdzMBM-dtaEymKyqBQw1q_EeMmjFg_ynMyQRPShT_RzD9DOGFIb63CTTpzrXQO8MFmDvhAipFh9OOD-yY0xXHiJjgzUJWfypG0Nl2-WWT8oL_cNPEsoaHNyiXGiTNItufcgGp9kcc/s320/shhh.jpg" /></a></p><br />OK I need some ideas here. <br /><br />Let me back up. It's been awhile since I was introduced to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sneaky-Chef-Rescue-All-New-Creating/dp/0762435461">a couple </a>of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deceptively-Delicious-Simple-Secrets-Eating/dp/006176793X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1307059284&sr=1-1">cook books </a>that are all about creative ways to hide vegetables in kids' favorite dishes, and I've tried a good amount of them with success. <br /><br />I was reluctant at first because I thought, "My kids might not eat many vegetables at first, but I'll keep offering them at mealtimes and eventually they'll try them and decide they like them. If I grind, puree and disguise them in other foods, they'll have a warped sense of what vegetables taste like. They'll think zucchini is supposed to taste like my mom's zucchini brownies or that butternut squash tastes like macaroni and cheese. Then they'll NEVER like them when they find out their green leafy friends really taste like, well, vegetables." <br /><br />In actuality, I'm the one with a warped sense of reality. The truth is, they each like a few veggies like cucumbers and carrots. But with summer approaching, I'm going to be whipping up all kinds of salads, and I'm not sure how well they're going to go over with the people under 5 years old in the house. <br /><br />So, what's your secret to hiding a little extra goodness in the meals you make for your family? I've just shared a couple of mine with you (I like to throw in a handful of fresh spinach into our smoothies too), but I'd love to know from you!<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"></a></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-6820856874747967892011-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:002011-06-02T08:00:02.995-07:00Hidden Treasures<div align="center"><a href="http://www.zombiemomcomics.com/comic/eating-in-peace/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 123px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613509584966860386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI9B_wos9zVyfi6SXKOyP7_r3N3jR0KbyX1rK8gWSxrDfsEDJK_TuQ04t0lJPVV9wVbHMXNSz9g81NXbAi3Kk7noIuRNTjGUCm1cpwK4iIQEwb6SbG0ukyNqTlg163OSv8CI4mKRQELr3D/s320/2011-02-21-dining-before-having-kids.jpg" /></a></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.zombiemomcomics.com/comic/eating-in-peace/">Zombie Mom Comics</a></div><div align="left"><br />I remember while growing up my mom would always have a stash of hidden treasures somewhere in the house. They were things like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, M&M's, Rolo's, Caramello's, etc. My dad had his own too. His was usually Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. We always new if we wanted a treat, we just had to search.<br /><br />My Dad's treasure was always somewhere in the freezer. My moms on the other hand, well there were lots of places. In the side drawer in her room, or one of the other many junk drawers she had, you could find them in the basket on top of the fridge, in a bowl in the top of the cupboards, and my favorite place, the wheat grinder shelf/cabinet.<br /><br />Yes, my mom has a shelf with a built in wheat grinder. It is an old antique from my grandparents. It has the grinder inside with the lever to turn on the out side. We always loved to turn it. Imagine our surprise when chocolate candy and chewed up wrappers started coming out! yeah, I think that was the last time they were hidden in there.<br /><br />I also had my own hiding places. I had 4 older siblings and one younger one. The younger one I did not worry about, but the older ones made me nervous. Halloween would come around and it was time to hide you stash again. And like my dad, there is something about frozen Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Well I hid mine in the ice dispenser. Then I forgot about them. Well, my brother ended up with chocolate, peanut butter, foil wrapper ice. Yeah, that was a mess. Oops!<br /><br />As a mom, I don't really have a hiding spot yet. My kids are not old enough to steal my favorite treats and treasures. I can just put them up on a high shelf in the pantry, and they are safe. I have not had to worry about them climbing the pantry shelves, yet. I see it coming int the near future though, so I will have to start finding my hiding spaces now. Maybe in the e canning pots at the top of the pantry, maybe in my silver flower vase, maybe even in the unused toilet paper roll holder/stacker thing. Oh the ideas.<br /><br />Where do you hide your treasures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/379/3A0D9F4142B71749971642808AB40C4D.png" /></a></div>Calihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172893227293247507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-65022185185984547002011-05-31T21:35:00.001-07:002011-05-31T22:01:13.760-07:00Bloom Where You're Planted (Or Sprout Where You Are)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38dt0s7MZV8L2xeJfAqo3uO_KqD868MDmfUZtKDb3nU2lNiqZ3bdUkV2kHTZZ5MRuTl0p5-ITGlVdHYYz3Vr_H51xVOuZ6DmA8y6VQ4Jjh99gbUX8Bsxop4PWsEZ7poThPh6CuYqodV1C/s1600/IMG_0487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38dt0s7MZV8L2xeJfAqo3uO_KqD868MDmfUZtKDb3nU2lNiqZ3bdUkV2kHTZZ5MRuTl0p5-ITGlVdHYYz3Vr_H51xVOuZ6DmA8y6VQ4Jjh99gbUX8Bsxop4PWsEZ7poThPh6CuYqodV1C/s320/IMG_0487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613105788337199810" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Apple blossoms in the backyard!<br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A few months ago, my daughter found that one of the seeds in the apple she was eating had sprouted. We stared at it in amazement for a little while, then wrapped it loosely in a damp paper towel and set that in an empty yogurt container on the windowsill. And forgot about it. Days and days later my husband happened upon the forgotten seedling and what do you know? It was <span style="font-style: italic;">growing</span>! Obviously, this little plant wanted a chance. So we put some soil into the yogurt container and planted the tiny tree. And it grew and it grew. Reaching for the light outside, it got a little lopsided so we turned it around so it could reach the other way. And it grew and it grew.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu0JxV9DcjvCtdezZaFH9fJYkjKr2TJ_TGWSBxUjW7VMoKiYgalF4tj6IWSIuRfWL17G6gSXJcfSSKsOfPeZLGEAIZOWaprpKf7mJFiaRQf1yMIy-uNmlQShcjg84QgtiAcnOiG8pj8nj/s1600/IMG_0409.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu0JxV9DcjvCtdezZaFH9fJYkjKr2TJ_TGWSBxUjW7VMoKiYgalF4tj6IWSIuRfWL17G6gSXJcfSSKsOfPeZLGEAIZOWaprpKf7mJFiaRQf1yMIy-uNmlQShcjg84QgtiAcnOiG8pj8nj/s320/IMG_0409.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5613105785621778114" border="0" /></a>Here is our little apple tree last week just before we put it in a bigger pot outside. We didn't really have much hope for it in the beginning, but now I'm looking forward to seeing it become what it was meant to be. And when it gets bigger it probably won't bear tasty fruit (apple trees from seeds don't grow the same apples they came from - weird, huh?), but it's worth giving it a chance, don't you think? You know, <span style="font-style: italic;">just in case.</span><br /><br />There's an analogy in there about life and relating to other people and seeing the hidden potential in ourselves. Pick your favorite! It's sure to be delicious (hehe!)<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/748A9B0F60A099D5D673E271A0DF988D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16244475172254514356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-3046167584956338452011-05-28T08:14:00.000-07:002011-05-28T08:14:22.855-07:00A Book, A Challenge, A Blessing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://30daybomchallenge.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8pgLJLy8ODiKYdBSyH-PIF1fxVe-jfPaqBnSe7b5EmILCxjmyGlmMYUavFxGaymseC5vcLMZRcFCLaqqaGa1uRz3c0xei-dzNoaqWBcOaQtUdDJIjf2t3wO_3tilb3TYj7awdUvm1fQ06/s400/Book+of+Mormon+Challenge+Blog+header+Final+r1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We are starting something--it's a 30-day challenge--and we would love you to join us! Beginning June 1st we will be reading the Book of Mormon together. Check it out over on The Book of Mormon Challenge <a href="http://30daybomchallenge.blogspot.com/">Blog</a>. There you will find a reading schedule, links to other resources to help you complete the challenge, and the best part: a community of people all excited to do it together! If you are a member of our church, you know the impact of such a challenge. If you are not, you have the opportunity to learn what it's all about with a group of people to answer questions and provide added insight along the way.<br />
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I hope you'll accept the challenge! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/43C6F2B5B92737DCEF27965D56897FDE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-76427227011686940052011-05-27T04:00:00.000-07:002011-05-27T04:00:09.171-07:00Clean Feels Good, Don't You Think?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22579139@N06/2275408431/" title="Shower by Robin Cas, on Flickr"><img alt="Shower" height="500" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2179/2275408431_a43be3dfa4.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22579139@N06/2275408431/">photo credit</a></div>Physically, mentally, in any way it comes, <span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;"><b>clean just feels good</b></span>.<br />
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This has been the center of my thoughts all week. Some mornings I slide out of bed and slowly begin with the daily tasks--breakfast, dishes, laundry, picking up, and more picking up, and more picking up. I stay in my pajamas, throw on an apron, and think that once I've done all the chores, then I will shower and get ready for the day. Sometimes all that picking up can get sweaty, right!?! However, I am so much more motivated to move quickly and get things done AFTER a good shower, when I feel clean and refreshed! Somehow taking care of my body and<i style="color: #0b5394;"> <span style="color: #674ea7;">being clean improves my mental state</span></i><span style="color: #674ea7;">--it's a wonderful thing!</span><br />
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And then there is the night-time shower. What a beautiful feeling it is to crawl into bed--with newly washed sheets of course--after taking a warm shower. My sleep is so sweet when I go to bed clean.<br />
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Now, I am not recommending we all shower twice a day. I am just making note of<i><b style="color: #674ea7;"> one thing that can improve practically every aspect of life: CLEANLINESS!</b></i><br />
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I watched the American Idol finale--did you? Well, I didn't <i>just</i> watch the finale, I watched almost the whole season--almost. And I have to say, there is a stark difference in my mind between the so-called "mentor" of the season (Miss Lady Gaga herself) and the two finalists. Even if you don't like country music and are disappointed with the results of the show, you have to agree that those two young singers are clean. They are young and sweet and eager, and <span style="color: #674ea7;">CLEAN!</span> I hope they grow into a stardom that my daughters can enjoy without feeling the dirty and uncomfortable feeling that I had Wednesday night when Lady Gaga performed. I hope I can listen to their music and watch their videos and not have to worry what images might fill my mind. Because <span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><b>clean feels good</b></span>.<br />
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So I'm hoping maybe, just maybe, you've been thinking about our topic along with us all week...and have some of your own thoughts to share about "clean." Link up below (with our faithful Little Shortstacks--thanks for your posts!) and share with us! Just click below--it's easy. And you can add your post up until next Thursday at midnight.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=90452" type="text/javascript">
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/43C6F2B5B92737DCEF27965D56897FDE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-53517671323655561482011-05-25T20:38:00.000-07:002011-05-25T20:51:04.313-07:00My New Favorite Mop<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUcfhmEXonjWzQiXqV-FXX5nXU96sLJ5A3V42cAbWyAVzievh-xkohs3lCYUHoaL_6bfHzbkpC8LSWhDjG2sD7VjxZOglgeDGQOmrutdkt9CD-xJU4lK4fT3jR0KS3VE6_iCRC8jfkOA1/s1600/1M15-1-large.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 240px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610866720083306914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUcfhmEXonjWzQiXqV-FXX5nXU96sLJ5A3V42cAbWyAVzievh-xkohs3lCYUHoaL_6bfHzbkpC8LSWhDjG2sD7VjxZOglgeDGQOmrutdkt9CD-xJU4lK4fT3jR0KS3VE6_iCRC8jfkOA1/s320/1M15-1-large.jpg" /></a><br /><div>For my Birthday I bought a Swiffer Wet Jet for myself. Well I Left it unopened and left for Colorado. It is there that I heard of the <a href="http://www.rubbermaid.com/Category/Pages/SubCategoryLanding.aspx?SubCatId=SprayMopping&CatName=CleaningUtility">Rubbermaid Reveal</a>. When I got home, I promptly returned it, and purchased the Reveal. I used it for the first time tonight, and have to say, it is awesome! I highly recommend it. (Oh, and I was not even thinking of the blog at the time when I used it, but it all worked out.)</div><div> </div><div>Here are the best parts about it.</div><div> </div><div>It is wider then the Swiffer and other brands</div><div>It has washable pads</div><div>You can fill the container with your own cleaners and use it over and over again.</div><div>You can buy extra pads so one can be in the wash and one on the mop.</div><div>It has a Sweeper attachment, so no Swiffer sweeper pads either!</div><div>No sink full of dirty water.</div><div>No mop to let sit and dry, you just throw it into the wash!</div><div>Your floor drys faster since you use less water.</div><div> </div><div>It works great! I highly recommend it! It was on sale for $20 at Target, and I bought an extra microfiber mop pad and sweeper pad so it cost $30 or so, so the same amount as the Swiffer and a box of 10 pads or so. And I can wash these at least 100 times! </div><div> </div><div>If you hate sweeping and mopping like I do, I highly recommend this.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/379/3A0D9F4142B71749971642808AB40C4D.png" /></a></div></div>Calihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06172893227293247507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-47919430909571787402011-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-25T10:00:02.508-07:00Fresh & Clean<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV0RZbMUM_4M8YQDqIB7lffR_ta-OfMaWeh0IcBupR-c0su7e7C1WIjYW3B5P3YFCjRdMzwkGIVNKdJKnKrMnbTetZHajmDdTb-ch9uXTZJrdXNkAacFSoibdrivYFnjPDmujBxDzapqZ/s1600/limes_4l7j266iy9es44440g4s4skw8_8wlwk6mi6zggocssco44gwoow_th.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607793499600521634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzV0RZbMUM_4M8YQDqIB7lffR_ta-OfMaWeh0IcBupR-c0su7e7C1WIjYW3B5P3YFCjRdMzwkGIVNKdJKnKrMnbTetZHajmDdTb-ch9uXTZJrdXNkAacFSoibdrivYFnjPDmujBxDzapqZ/s320/limes_4l7j266iy9es44440g4s4skw8_8wlwk6mi6zggocssco44gwoow_th.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.wattphoto.wattweb.net/2007/06/09/limes/">photo source</a></span><br /><br /><p align="left">I've probably already exhausted the topic of house cleaning <a href="http://lovelypraiseworthy.blogspot.com/2011/04/pucker-up.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lovelypraiseworthy.blogspot.com/2010/06/find-your-inner-she-lectrician-how-to.html">here</a> and <a href="http://lovelypraiseworthy.blogspot.com/2010/01/house-of-order.html">here</a>, so I won't talk about that during this week of "clean." So, switching gears a little, what a fitting topic for this time of year, when springtime brings out the newness and freshness that makes me want to open all my windows and bring it inside! That's what I love about living where I do. The rain is nature's shower that leaves everything fresh and clean.<br /><br />So, now that Memorial Day weekend is approaching and summer is on its way, I've put away the hot chocolate, and I'm stocking up on things for warm-weather drinks. I love mixing up a delicious, refreshing, CLEAN-tasting drink to pair with a tasty salad or with whatever's on the grill. I've always been a fan of citrus, and now I'm particularly all about limes. Here's a quick, zippy refresher I like to make: </br><br /><p align="center"><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Fizzy Lime Refresher</span></strong><br /><br />5-6 limes, juiced<br />1 TB grated lime zest<br />1 handful mint leaves, roughly chopped<br />1/4 cup sugar <em><span style="font-size:85%;">(I experimented with </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbinado_sugar"><span style="font-size:85%;">turbinado</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> sugar for this and it was yummy)</span></em><br />1-liter bottle sparkling water, like Pellegrino or similar<br />mint leaves and/or lime slices for garnish</br><p align="center">Combine lime juice, zest, mint leaves and sugar. Refrigerate 30 minutes to dissolve sugar and meld flavors. If desired, strain through a fine sieve to remove mint leaves and zest. Just before serving, add sparkling water. Serve with ice and garnish with mint leaves and/or lime slice.<br /><br />*Note: I like this pretty tart, so if you want it sweeter, either add more sugar, or use 7-Up or Sprite instead of sparkling water.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a></p>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-72932870327889602652011-05-24T21:31:00.001-07:002011-05-24T22:05:03.301-07:00Clean as a Bean<div style="text-align: justify;">I can't do it. <br /><br />I've tried and I've tried, but I simply can't think of what to write on our topic this week: clean. The hard truth is that I'm far more familiar with dirty. I did think of a pop song, though ... again! But I'm not going to tell you what it is, because I think it's time for another giveaway on our lovely little blog. So how about this? The first person who can guess the song I'm thinking of will receive a bottle of one of <a href="http://lovelypraiseworthy.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-youre-happy-when-youre-cleaning-clap.html">Jennis' favorite cleaners</a>. Would you like a hint? I used to mishear one of the lyrics; I thought they were singing "clean as a bean." Good luck!<br /><br /><br />And while we're waiting for someone to guess, here's something I've been dying to share that has nothing to do with clean or dirty. Last Saturday was our stake's Relief Society conference and it was so inspiring. The theme was "Celestial Garden Shop" and all the classes - from dealing with depression, to teaching your children, to making your marriage more fun, to finding joy in motherhood - took some aspect of gardening to help illustrate the point of the class. The keynote speaker was my favorite, though. She shared seven "celestial gardening tips" and I <span style="font-style: italic;">loved</span> how she tied it all together. Here were the tips and my notes about them:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-style: italic;">Plant in season</span>. Everything has it's season, and you can't have it all at once. Learn what season you're at in your life and plant accordingly.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-style: italic;">Pick your seeds</span>. A little like the first; you will only have space in your garden for a limited number of things. Don't try to plant more than you have room for. Also, don't plant carrot seeds and expect cucumbers.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-style: italic;">Nourish your garden</span>. Building a celestial life takes work. She quoted Lou Erickson: "Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration."<br /><br />4. <span style="font-style: italic;">Reap the harvest</span>. Enjoy what you have, even if it doesn't seem like much. That tiny, funny-looking cucumber can be just as delicious! Feast on the scriptures and bask in the light and warmth of the Spirit.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-style: italic;">Preserve the extra</span>. The winters in our lives will come. It's wise to store up what we can spiritually to carry us through the dark and cold.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-style: italic;">Seek guidance from the Master Gardener</span>. I didn't need any notes on this one :)<br /><br />7. <span style="font-style: italic;">Don't forget the value and importance of fertilizer</span>. And what is the best fertilizer? Manure. Our trials can help us flower! I added a note about pruning, too, as she'd also related <a href="http://lds.org/new-era/1973/01/the-currant-bush?lang=eng">Hugh B. Brown's story of the Currant Bush</a>.<br /><br />Great, huh? As weak as I am as a gardener, I do so love all the life lessons you can relate to gardening!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/748A9B0F60A099D5D673E271A0DF988D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16244475172254514356noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-22326327117501905642011-05-23T14:33:00.000-07:002011-05-24T06:11:16.540-07:00If You're Happy When You're Cleaning Clap Your Hands!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4RuZ3TGATEzHrZg3OHeGZSoZUOkllEilQr-JhdtoTd7ldSrmMUotJtjfyK9gFp1AOxIh1ccK3CNUJ8VqshZRa0T-4Fbbe-jBZ_Addd2xBrfPFL4_Kj76ll4qgtN6-jQXZMn_bryKFbVt/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4RuZ3TGATEzHrZg3OHeGZSoZUOkllEilQr-JhdtoTd7ldSrmMUotJtjfyK9gFp1AOxIh1ccK3CNUJ8VqshZRa0T-4Fbbe-jBZ_Addd2xBrfPFL4_Kj76ll4qgtN6-jQXZMn_bryKFbVt/s640/011.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's that time of year and I don't know about you but spring cleaning can be the worst!!! How fun is it to stay inside when the sun is shining and wash your windows or scrub your floors? Ya...I know. <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #45818e;"> BUT</span></span> I have discovered a few fun things that have made my long list of to dos more enjoyable. In fact, do I dare say they have made me happier?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First you must turn on the tunes. My favorites right now are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/coldplay/id471744?mt=11"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Coldplay</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-good-day/id388262747"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Priscilla Ann</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one-cell-in-the-sea/id385854606"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">A Fine Frenzy</span></a><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/norah-jones/id1001750"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Nora Jones</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and the best for last:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stairwells-deluxe-version/id424654678"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Kina Grannis</span></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is my new favorite and who I listen to non stop -thanks to Cortney- which you must look up and buy and memorize and dance to and sing at the top of your lungs while you scrub. <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stairwells-deluxe-version/id424654678"></a>She's clean and fresh and soooo adorable in person. Kinda like how we all want our houses to appear right? All right. Enough cheesiness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Okay so the music is on and your feeling pretty great. Hopefully it's raining outside, unless of course, you want to open your windows up and let in the sunshine. In that case it's sunny and brillinat out there. But, don't worry. You're not missing anything because it's still 7 am!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Now don't go grabbing your stinky chemical cleaners that you have to use gloves for. You knwo i don't believe in that Find some of these AWESOME cleaners and you might just fall in love with cleaning all over again. Well...maybe not in love but you will love the smells and you'll love the way you feel after their aromatherapiness does it's magic. Plus you'll have a clean house and I know you'll love that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhfN8CCvVn5Vk1fCO8beZ18Q5vcvw1r10O6l7cV5eX4zMTg7tm4EthRD47WGhS7ULEcudmZge6LNn9yEBy4srLyWwCi5SqHvcwm4lmE70Wa_4UEotqhcjn6js2qqTIqUWX-uCAAbtBPVX/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhfN8CCvVn5Vk1fCO8beZ18Q5vcvw1r10O6l7cV5eX4zMTg7tm4EthRD47WGhS7ULEcudmZge6LNn9yEBy4srLyWwCi5SqHvcwm4lmE70Wa_4UEotqhcjn6js2qqTIqUWX-uCAAbtBPVX/s640/014.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jrwatkins.com/jrwatkins/store.cfm?Store=E4C33AFE-2386-BA86-A9DE93D5276FAEFE&Country=Usa">These first ones</a> are my favorite for in the kitchen. If you have been following this blog or you know me at all you'll know I am obsessed with lemon. If my kitchen smells like lemon drops then I am a happy girl. Plus I found these a Target and who wouldn't pay just a little bit more to be happy while doing a terrible task.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO7SS7icGFhIm81HFoJck_oeBk-yy27_K9VFvNKk6itu7TdY_O9CdelcH5yQvVTHp_cvWACJV3MP_Sdm4Ny88_9u2pBscDXTIVfvbc7iq5vf49mqFr644VBLZNkULONnOGK1p6wSE_krg/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQO7SS7icGFhIm81HFoJck_oeBk-yy27_K9VFvNKk6itu7TdY_O9CdelcH5yQvVTHp_cvWACJV3MP_Sdm4Ny88_9u2pBscDXTIVfvbc7iq5vf49mqFr644VBLZNkULONnOGK1p6wSE_krg/s640/016.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I use this for everything. My table tops, counters, sinks, appliances...you name it. In fact I look for things to clean with this stuff because it smells that good!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn9ct_44OV5WhBhKOaEP2vZIY2tQX88YJAkxbmAPiHUAdHf-kUeLnH7eXcFg44hCfqt2lKBYQPkiuS17Ul_rxEBraRS7hRefXOZYSwJK_v89iSt55dJNGYzwCH2xYO0tiWIKgx-WJhI02/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdn9ct_44OV5WhBhKOaEP2vZIY2tQX88YJAkxbmAPiHUAdHf-kUeLnH7eXcFg44hCfqt2lKBYQPkiuS17Ul_rxEBraRS7hRefXOZYSwJK_v89iSt55dJNGYzwCH2xYO0tiWIKgx-WJhI02/s640/035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mrsmeyers.com/">This other line</a> I discovered a little while ago and have been testing out their different scents. My favorite for the bathrooms is lavender and for the rest of the house is the Basil. They are both fresh smelling and have those great aromatheraputic qualities... so don't be surprised if you find yourself grinning from ear to ear while you clean your toilets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkdfe8cbLcySRtlQh300I1IUiFZyxsjcuQQQKX9MzXSBjtIqu1bSHeHj92TanDzjg1oZMzq8H49VqZXLEzdLRJxUjnWJeQIdr9_c4IWUgSsbcuTdZqx__3iD3BNnn65WevuDitEkWxh1n/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWkdfe8cbLcySRtlQh300I1IUiFZyxsjcuQQQKX9MzXSBjtIqu1bSHeHj92TanDzjg1oZMzq8H49VqZXLEzdLRJxUjnWJeQIdr9_c4IWUgSsbcuTdZqx__3iD3BNnn65WevuDitEkWxh1n/s640/040.JPG" width="394" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This stuff even comes in a concentrated bottle that you just add a little bit to a whole bunch of water. I've seen this stuff at TJ Maxx, at Target and Walmart. Try them. I think you'll like 'em.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKN78FrYH0wdcNO9-4nJdYO8B_9LmwYCpS9uN7Ivr4ceO6kKFJOhJfBc3ErN_1I_C3WEZMRuDAJkrImhKB7zkmgKYrGLVzqbhDVQc4v2-OdV5gB9yneYwJJJ5x9ImdLkowLZvq_QsZlPW/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKN78FrYH0wdcNO9-4nJdYO8B_9LmwYCpS9uN7Ivr4ceO6kKFJOhJfBc3ErN_1I_C3WEZMRuDAJkrImhKB7zkmgKYrGLVzqbhDVQc4v2-OdV5gB9yneYwJJJ5x9ImdLkowLZvq_QsZlPW/s640/026.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Both brands of product are natural and safe and smell amazing so cheer up and clap your hands. Cleaning can be fun if you do a little extra something for your house and for yourself every once in a while!</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/379/8C4BF59F74D7CBEF39E01BAD49D58C3D.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638410679201224293noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-42060332760335613612011-05-22T21:53:00.000-07:002011-05-22T21:53:24.348-07:00Dirty, Dirty, Everthing is Dirty!Well, I apologize to anyone who was excited to join us in writing this week...I hope some of you are planning to take the challenge...I neglected to post anything on Friday, thus also neglecting to put up the link for you! But here it is, late, but nevertheless, here are my thoughts on the topic for the week: DIRTY! (and a link at the bottom so we can hear your thoughts too!)<br />
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I feel like everything in my house is dirty right now. The sun has finally made a welcomed appearance and lingered long enough for me to see just how dirty my windows are. Yikes! Friday was my daughter's birthday--which was filled with parties and friends and tons of fun! But the best part of the day for me was at the very end, when a few of my girlfriends (all of whom you know from this lovely little blog) stayed late at my house to help me clean up. They picked up toys and trash and wiped down counters and did all my dishes! Could a girl ask for better friends? I think not!<br />
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However, my Spring cleaning (which feels months overdue), will begin this week and will not be complete until my carpets are clean! Take a look:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuM2MCcjLaTUoiYApvIDdatmosm1Nt-qOx6PVualoUp-OWvmW-g4dkigxo-S8PL6owI5LeqFEe14oW1TvXD5hDBGppLfjVgtqGRVWl4hQ6C_bHB1RHvHTdUkuSUbtVWRnOyw7ySbG005c/s1600/photo%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuM2MCcjLaTUoiYApvIDdatmosm1Nt-qOx6PVualoUp-OWvmW-g4dkigxo-S8PL6owI5LeqFEe14oW1TvXD5hDBGppLfjVgtqGRVWl4hQ6C_bHB1RHvHTdUkuSUbtVWRnOyw7ySbG005c/s320/photo%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmXiPtyhqF0d6D1RN8FLOSPpu8G10yh9MBaNI0B27VlJFag9OdpNTUIg7HudaXY9MA17Lt3-yWxn63vPQO-3Cb45lNJEDVzBezooZHSQJG2Z_3wZNnSb7G5dN0nRV5gLUSaa5T8BPRbNZ/s1600/photo%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEmXiPtyhqF0d6D1RN8FLOSPpu8G10yh9MBaNI0B27VlJFag9OdpNTUIg7HudaXY9MA17Lt3-yWxn63vPQO-3Cb45lNJEDVzBezooZHSQJG2Z_3wZNnSb7G5dN0nRV5gLUSaa5T8BPRbNZ/s320/photo%25283%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Yuck, I feel bad posting such an eye-sore for you to look at!)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm not sure what it is, but the last few weeks seem to have been dedicated to the destruction of my creamy white carpets . Every time I turn around there is a new stain, and I'm starting to get sick just looking at them. I am sure their poor condition has to do with how lenient I am with wearing shoes and eating in carpeted areas of the house. But really, homes filled with children should not have creamy white carpet, agreed?<br />
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So, any advise on tired and true carpet cleaning is much appreciated. I can only bear to look at these stains a few more days before I must take action!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/376/43C6F2B5B92737DCEF27965D56897FDE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a> <br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=89852" type="text/javascript">
</script>Cortneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00049835261385319565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-28117616190971128032011-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T10:00:07.014-07:00Relax<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6va1Xs9CFwKMO7ZMBqT1BLCW2dESwbHZkD3yHzLbXYGHfRPHZUNqt5MW3ad-iafM4Jm0lSdqM6skRGuhHIl3iOJW_fWU93X9A8Wc3-nZdk2K2fHd4P07ZX0si64pvqsElg6P6P8yKJTa/s1600/mr_922dcfa7b57989.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 233px; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607763083287838322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6va1Xs9CFwKMO7ZMBqT1BLCW2dESwbHZkD3yHzLbXYGHfRPHZUNqt5MW3ad-iafM4Jm0lSdqM6skRGuhHIl3iOJW_fWU93X9A8Wc3-nZdk2K2fHd4P07ZX0si64pvqsElg6P6P8yKJTa/s320/mr_922dcfa7b57989.jpg" /></a></p>Since having kids, I've really had to learn how to relax when it comes to my house getting dirty. I think I'll always be the type to admire fresh vacuum lines in the carpet as much as I cringe at stepping on something crumbly or sticky on the kitchen floor. I don't sleep well on the nights when my sub-conscious reminds me that there are dirty dishes in the sink.<br /><br />But, as they say, life happens. My kids teach me that it's more fun, and more necessary, to put a train track together than to wipe up the counters. It's more urgent to read a stack of library books together than to get out the broom. And it's more important to watch an episode of Curious George together than to fill up the dishwasher.<br /><br />Do you remember moments you wish you could go back and change? A few years ago around Halloween, I had some moms and their kids over to our house to play, carve pumpkins and have treats. After the pumpkins were done and most of the carnage was cleaned up, somehow it bothered me that the table was still sticky while everyone was enjoying their delicious pumpkin dessert and hot chocolate. I couldn't leave well enough alone, so what did I do? I got out my spray bottle of cleaner and proceeded to wipe around and, embarassingly enough, under everyone's plate and cup until the stickiness was gone. Why that moment is engrained in my memory, I'm not sure. But I think of it often to remind me to relax and enjoy...there will always be time to clean up, but time with family and friends is precious and fleeting.<br /><br />I'm a slow learner, but I'm getting there. I'm learning it's OK to enjoy the fun of life, even if it gets a little dirty sometimes.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/FDC4FFDA35E61028BA3106D8DADB6186.png" /></a>Jen Ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14547871720535698564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-39450142279128599302011-05-17T20:20:00.000-07:002011-05-17T20:55:24.960-07:00Dirty Enough to be Happy<div style="text-align: justify;">Once, when I was little and we were visiting the extremely clean home of a family friend, I noticed a plaque that read: "Dull women have immaculate homes." After asking my mom what "immaculate" meant, I only remember spending the rest of the visit thoroughly confused. This home was without a doubt immaculate, and I couldn't understand why this woman would call herself dull?<br /><br />My own housekeeping quote-of-choice goes: "This house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy." (Followed closely by <a href="http://mrsfussypants.com/">Mrs. Fussypants</a>' "We can't both look good. It's me or the house.")<br /><br />With two small children running about the place, my house is no stranger to dirt. I can't even tell you how many times a day I clean this one spot right here:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvXvuDiXjW6RW4oSXuEwmDSULFiVwSSA5aI82MNlmrOo8pNbqGD2OuSpLg2wajMMpPSNpfu6l_U3Njp76-D_5GBS_Ujsy4DthOZqcr6iQXy1fHwU_DEXe9UO1u72QNpiFQSJNTxiHSxYX/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvXvuDiXjW6RW4oSXuEwmDSULFiVwSSA5aI82MNlmrOo8pNbqGD2OuSpLg2wajMMpPSNpfu6l_U3Njp76-D_5GBS_Ujsy4DthOZqcr6iQXy1fHwU_DEXe9UO1u72QNpiFQSJNTxiHSxYX/s320/IMG_0476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607891809584042226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This is definitely the dirtiest spot in our house at any given moment on any given day. (Except, of course, when I'm taking a photo of it. :) But most of the time I don't mind. It's a reminder of how much LIFE we spend outside, and that's a good thing.<br /><br />In fact, here's something I've been looking forward to for a while, and finally we got a sunny day to do it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJA5CyYQJYrDEbxYXExpcQ2hUm4QHHOAgg9y_gkzH9VLjKcDxr0SbxdXjt0pqwrecw5hbEokRLIIuO4dM8xyPiSGYvaLSSrZ6Tt_C8vjMhNscs9t5bPO5aIDrLRUHdzrJfyrxNDu93Jhg/s1600/IMG_0448.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJA5CyYQJYrDEbxYXExpcQ2hUm4QHHOAgg9y_gkzH9VLjKcDxr0SbxdXjt0pqwrecw5hbEokRLIIuO4dM8xyPiSGYvaLSSrZ6Tt_C8vjMhNscs9t5bPO5aIDrLRUHdzrJfyrxNDu93Jhg/s320/IMG_0448.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607892834323448162" border="0" /></a>This is our old backyard fence. It's seen better days. We took it apart last fall to build a new one (in process!) because the dog who lives behind us finally came crashing through it to nosh on our tomatoes. Which we actually think is kind of funny, and it's a just a relief our son noticed him before he noticed our backyard chickens running free. It currently stands lined up like this near our garden shed, waiting. For ... <span style="font-style: italic;">something.</span> <br /><br />Well, today part of that something happened.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBTon__DN43HnY48DZQh4XItE-UHgC7SfpSjtJ057F5LPxvLam2n8_Jr7y9HLN3I9r2M9hWL9RKcd4AdemVoK_aO10sDv_bK1MEmdXDh4JrsjjRuhkZ2gY2r8-xbg9-vUkQaTB2ED-1A4/s1600/IMG_0451.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBTon__DN43HnY48DZQh4XItE-UHgC7SfpSjtJ057F5LPxvLam2n8_Jr7y9HLN3I9r2M9hWL9RKcd4AdemVoK_aO10sDv_bK1MEmdXDh4JrsjjRuhkZ2gY2r8-xbg9-vUkQaTB2ED-1A4/s320/IMG_0451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607892827276525010" border="0" /></a>I pulled off about 10 of the pickets, grabbed an old can of white exterior paint (left in our garage by previous owners), said "kids, go get your smocks!" and we started painting.<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcdzeVPOMYEfEQxWItedrA8DMXFhWOAgCzG1EuFCwLK7-jhGeMntv1DpvTp1DLFxUXyotfQ_7dop4vVXGKerrzU1pSd7BW5hoBPrdbAOjDN5TIrhFKltIVvlbw1aOVpaOMsKZrJbzFbTN/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcdzeVPOMYEfEQxWItedrA8DMXFhWOAgCzG1EuFCwLK7-jhGeMntv1DpvTp1DLFxUXyotfQ_7dop4vVXGKerrzU1pSd7BW5hoBPrdbAOjDN5TIrhFKltIVvlbw1aOVpaOMsKZrJbzFbTN/s320/IMG_0458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607892823313030834" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After they were all dry, we got out the Sharpies, and ... Voila!<br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIfxgeOgm-OKhFb7w7WICTJFH9-q3BYMcGQB76dVky4KQNHi0a9zwlUslZRtKJTraO3gFuvyUZx1MlnmruneRYvIIid2k8Ur18Q__Es_AljN7fow0r3fNU8f9MuNyGTczWXuGjUE0CYJA/s1600/IMG_0462.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIfxgeOgm-OKhFb7w7WICTJFH9-q3BYMcGQB76dVky4KQNHi0a9zwlUslZRtKJTraO3gFuvyUZx1MlnmruneRYvIIid2k8Ur18Q__Es_AljN7fow0r3fNU8f9MuNyGTczWXuGjUE0CYJA/s320/IMG_0462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607891833881507266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WAhzOrzpY_h7EmrI8oIxPeCeNVzKiA_m9W-ZFjjQVUtn2AWHNrpqhKfzWtEZnPpHxG_mujDMpoluNneJtms3tN3tM-NZr4InMFcA3cUvTCbnkXKDMg93QIjBKeTSBDaDwW4B6gnUpW9Y/s1600/IMG_0468.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WAhzOrzpY_h7EmrI8oIxPeCeNVzKiA_m9W-ZFjjQVUtn2AWHNrpqhKfzWtEZnPpHxG_mujDMpoluNneJtms3tN3tM-NZr4InMFcA3cUvTCbnkXKDMg93QIjBKeTSBDaDwW4B6gnUpW9Y/s320/IMG_0468.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607891826143967602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm_A5NtpctXm2IQ0sFmD4qTESc9WC4UwYbybus5h7QrH-fG3HSgvQQbJn0nyU_L7FV9M61gD2VN3zuWqprBaDTSDqeT3IV-LnVI3XVeEhDSwtblhjWdaHDPggt9OWKwK25TMOj6xhZxGY/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm_A5NtpctXm2IQ0sFmD4qTESc9WC4UwYbybus5h7QrH-fG3HSgvQQbJn0nyU_L7FV9M61gD2VN3zuWqprBaDTSDqeT3IV-LnVI3XVeEhDSwtblhjWdaHDPggt9OWKwK25TMOj6xhZxGY/s320/IMG_0469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607891820304806162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qlRRerYqV96zWawRQ29pNMERQP7b35s-ms1wo8qT-HHU8smEDjUExn9rEGmT-MDJ0m7Zb45wcyOooYGFoQl40hRfkrcygxpbA-VdXnHIBAzaybUmV-v2e7zr0sDDc01SYsviLpHgYiyM/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7qlRRerYqV96zWawRQ29pNMERQP7b35s-ms1wo8qT-HHU8smEDjUExn9rEGmT-MDJ0m7Zb45wcyOooYGFoQl40hRfkrcygxpbA-VdXnHIBAzaybUmV-v2e7zr0sDDc01SYsviLpHgYiyM/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607891813780632034" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">I just LOVE making good use of old things!<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/377/748A9B0F60A099D5D673E271A0DF988D.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" /></a>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16244475172254514356noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3534237810065078912.post-16156566262915766202011-05-16T22:20:00.000-07:002011-05-16T22:23:59.321-07:00Less Than Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT70GvSkFpyh36nSyM9AB4OkEAj3pohER8aZhOGFlB30RIUEEFOCAXlh218CSSMof7JRGcV5wbCRd5fY89kkgcgQMLrK1BN4wmUi0sjZBKou_XNo0lybVAEvPKjWFhhMM7nVJEhmZ4eukg/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT70GvSkFpyh36nSyM9AB4OkEAj3pohER8aZhOGFlB30RIUEEFOCAXlh218CSSMof7JRGcV5wbCRd5fY89kkgcgQMLrK1BN4wmUi0sjZBKou_XNo0lybVAEvPKjWFhhMM7nVJEhmZ4eukg/s640/041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are some who look at dirty hands and cringe. There are others who wonder if Mr. Soap has ever been introduced to said dirty hands or if they need a good home. I, on the other hand, see hands that love to be apart of spring time, that love new projects, hands that are made to create. I see those hands as doers of good and hard work. Hands that really know how to live. They tell a story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have never been one to wear gloves or use expensive creams. I don't protect them from anything and I tend to forget they look the way they do. If I'm going to garden then I need to feel what I am doing and what I am working with even if the dirt stays for days and stains the beds of my fingernails. If I am washing dishes then why would I not want to soak them in clean warm water? I actually like to look at my hands and see that they tell my story. These callused, unmanicured, scared hands are mine and each little imperfection either reminds me of my past or gives me glimpses into my future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cute family has a history of hard working women who's hands at one point looked like mine I'm sure. I use to love looking at my Gammie's hands as she held mine during church and I remember wondering about the reason for her age spots and the tiny wrinkles that had developed. Her hands were so beautiful to me. I miss them. When I would practice my violin long enough I would get black fingertips from the fingerboard of my instrument and I would remember hers and her Gammie sized hugs after giving me a lesson. My mother's hands are the same and are looking more and more like my Gammie's. I don't mind seeing bread dough in my wedding ring or age spots starting to appear because that makes me just a little bit more like the women I want to be and it reminds me of them and how I'm trying to pass on their legacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORhYFsFUZs_6EKKfdEvyycB4Mn6qzv8cSLq5wN6N0JUJg3hTHb6jMMa-GB_Dz1FotCpUJpkuR5qJ83Wi18N4WoAfUKr4qSB54IDMguvkn476w7kWKDQdYgIllat-YSsVmsMF0Zh7JZetz/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORhYFsFUZs_6EKKfdEvyycB4Mn6qzv8cSLq5wN6N0JUJg3hTHb6jMMa-GB_Dz1FotCpUJpkuR5qJ83Wi18N4WoAfUKr4qSB54IDMguvkn476w7kWKDQdYgIllat-YSsVmsMF0Zh7JZetz/s640/038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tonight I received a package from my sweet mother who thoughtfully sent my Sadie her own little garden kit. She has been watching me plant our garden and has enjoyed being in the dirt with me so I knew the minute she saw this gift we had to immediately open it and plant. After getting stared I saw my hands in the dirt and yelled for Mark to grab the camera. This was a perfect way to document a symbolic moment for me and for her. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7igg5XCbAl7byI4xBhVSD-AkR9XhNGWlheWSNlM6LELMmc0yEpHymeroJhVEFtOwHLqcEJcossJ9zPrZlqd1KSDKbp8W_qk-TdUOVQmmih9WRWp7fvEtkFXy4h2p1p_lfrDNGTM2DK-xt/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7igg5XCbAl7byI4xBhVSD-AkR9XhNGWlheWSNlM6LELMmc0yEpHymeroJhVEFtOwHLqcEJcossJ9zPrZlqd1KSDKbp8W_qk-TdUOVQmmih9WRWp7fvEtkFXy4h2p1p_lfrDNGTM2DK-xt/s640/057.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadie is my little girl who will one day have hands like I do. She will learn to work hard and to love working hard because I will teach her the way my mother and Gammie taught me. She will hopefully learn how to play the violin and one day, while she is off at school she'll see her callused hands and her black fingertips and think of where she came from. <br />
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Thank you Gammie and thank you mom for setting the example for me and for my children. Because of you I know that beauty comes from hands that look less then perfect.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Today she began to learn that.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd876M7wFhyRCu12SdOJw2MWSkpeMvDjQLUdyLmWjURx4tM0QfdHn2g4-djfVTxDluKgaFQZW1H3I9pv5xTZuV3e2CMZbQmRhOlXrfrM9tUTH_FZJ3CIfZJmpSEuhkP5Rl7SLK0600coXC/s1600/066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd876M7wFhyRCu12SdOJw2MWSkpeMvDjQLUdyLmWjURx4tM0QfdHn2g4-djfVTxDluKgaFQZW1H3I9pv5xTZuV3e2CMZbQmRhOlXrfrM9tUTH_FZJ3CIfZJmpSEuhkP5Rl7SLK0600coXC/s640/066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/379/8C4BF59F74D7CBEF39E01BAD49D58C3D.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08638410679201224293noreply@blogger.com2