tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54037691123085008542024-03-08T12:22:21.716-08:00Olive You Because...He first loved me.Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-71801341117732089162017-01-15T20:25:00.001-08:002017-01-15T20:25:18.028-08:00Taking Advantage of a Cozy Day InThe weathermen were wrong again, but I am not fussing about it. Church was canceled because of the ice storm, so we decided to make it an official day of rest. When I looked at my phone this morning and saw that our church canceled service, I turned my snooze off and closed my eyes for an extended sleep! I was in a dark room snuggled in my heated bed. It didn't take long to fall back asleep. I woke to an amazing smell of cinnamon and vanilla. Matt had made gluten free oatmeal bake. He had let me sleep until eleven, and invited me to join the family for brunch.<br />
After brunch I lounged around the house in my PJs, caught up on some household projects, and even took a nap. Oh I needed it and it felt good. So I have no guilt in mid-day napping, even after sleeping in till eleven. <br />
The quiet day ended with highlights of family game time as the Chiefs kicked off their last game, (bummed about their loss.) But super thankful for the time with family.<br />
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<i style="color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day Fifteen of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-37691506969938616992017-01-13T21:09:00.000-08:002017-01-14T13:25:27.718-08:00Thankful for Compassion Have you ever wanted your children to see the world from a different perspective? I struggle as a mom in the United States to grow gratitude and compassion in my children. They are both amazing girls, with big hearts for God, but they won the lottery of birth nations. I thank God that our country doesn't suffer the injustices that are common in other parts of the world. Knowing these conditions exist sometimes isn't enough to cultivate compassion, but it can be a seed. Our experiences fuel the cultivation of compassion, but I don't want my children to experience what children endure in other places. <br />
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I remember traveling to South Africa when I was in college, and our tour van drove past a shantytown. I couldn't contain the emotional response of seeing humanity devalued. The sight is etched in my mind, and I can remember the warm tears that ran down my face as it was pressed against the cool window. In that moment poverty became real, and my perspective changed. It was more than the ugly hand-me-down shoes from my brother, I received as a child, or the struggle I was facing in working two jobs to get through college. Gratitude had a new meaning and my heart ached to make a difference. I was thankful that my struggles were different. I felt empowered that I might be able to make a change in this world, because I had opportunity. There didn't seem to be much opportunity in the shantytown we drove past; it seemed as if its chain linked fence bordered it from the hope of opportunity.<br />
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It was while I was in South Africa that God gave me the desire to be an adoptive mom. Here I am fifteen years later and I am in the process of becoming a foster/adopt mom. Even in our country there is unfairness. It isn't fair that children are caught in a cycle of destruction, or that their parents don't know how to break it. Compassion compels me to help heal the wounds caused by the destruction, by doing what is right. <br />
Without the impression South Africa left in my heart, I am not sure that I would look at the world from the perspective that fairness isn't to be striven for but that justice is. If we strive for fairness then it calls for a sacrifice of everything leaving everyone with empty hands, because if we have then it would not be fair to those who don't. Fairness is a form of oppression that conforms to the world's view of entitlement. It deems ideas like, <i>if I don't have then you shouldn't either.</i> Fairness is saying it is okay to rob the rich to pay the poor, but stealing is never right. Justice, on the other hand is a freeing, it puts value on each life. The sacrifice that justice requires is one that says, <i>we have, so we give, because it is right.</i> Compassion compels us to give, the unfair fades because it fills the need. Life isn't fair, but compassion bridges the gap between the unfair and justice. Justice never requires an act of wrong, but is the an overflow of giving. It is on that journey through compassion that grows our character, and breaths hope to the places bound by the unfair.<br />
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I want my kids to know that deep love for humanity. The kind of compassion that keeps them focused on the eternal value of life and not the material distractions in it. Finding ways to make it real for them, well that isn't easy. Today we attended an event put on by <a href="https://www.compassion.com/default.htm?referer=517193&gclid=CjwKEAiAtefDBRDTnbDnvM735xISJABlvGOvnSypHDMxsoWJMuZbEa9VsSn8KMqQ9s9A4zOxwI9JnRoCmnLw_wcB" target="_blank">Compassion International</a>, an organization know for breathing hope by filling needs. the event was a simulation of three true stories of children from all over the world. We listened to their stories, about the struggles each child faced, and of the hope they found in Jesus. I am not sure how deep my girls took what they saw to heart, but I know it impacted them by our discussion afterwards. This experience was only a glimpse into the injustices in our world, but I know that compassion grows from our experiences. </div>
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The simulations illustrated the living conditions of children in other countries.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0JCJLKJDx7ynx49ihGHWDrU0OYpeAl1Tn72FDAtruwHjdI_ojjaQWvsvz_Tfx2-hVIW3oxV62P6M7CVHmgqDvD1hEwXDO_eRD1AQMhbvlzEP7bg1a2q_5OsYAnVxX1gz0cWwVBI74R-U/s1600/IMG_5274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0JCJLKJDx7ynx49ihGHWDrU0OYpeAl1Tn72FDAtruwHjdI_ojjaQWvsvz_Tfx2-hVIW3oxV62P6M7CVHmgqDvD1hEwXDO_eRD1AQMhbvlzEP7bg1a2q_5OsYAnVxX1gz0cWwVBI74R-U/s640/IMG_5274.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The living conditions were in stark contrast to their warm rooms at home, and they listened about the struggles that are common in other countries, like having to work at the age of seven and still not have enough money for a pair of shoes. Not one of the children in the true stories asked for an ipad, a cell phone or any form technology, their desires were for basic needs and for safety. They only spoke of the gratitude they had for books without ripped pages, and the people that showed them compassion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIE2yKK_vQF4b9F-9lGmWuA892EZsHD3Z0yxBkM2IIex1wEd0miQ5PKrllzob4RZVnpMyCosYius4JftVDc0bJlPtu0K0_-yswWsbd5o7astNHxUXe-jpn-4XRUNP99jhynCkmCpwl7W_/s1600/IMG_5300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPIE2yKK_vQF4b9F-9lGmWuA892EZsHD3Z0yxBkM2IIex1wEd0miQ5PKrllzob4RZVnpMyCosYius4JftVDc0bJlPtu0K0_-yswWsbd5o7astNHxUXe-jpn-4XRUNP99jhynCkmCpwl7W_/s640/IMG_5300.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
The experience was a huge eye opener when we heard of a young girl named Olive, that would have to hide in the jungle a night from the soldiers who would raid villages kidnapping children. My Adi sat in the tall grasses, not understanding why this Olive's couldn't be like our Olive's story. Even when the Olive from the experience was moved to the city, life didn't deal her a fair hand. She was still shown compassion, and that gave her hope to over come the unfair. The compassion from a stranger that showed her she was valued and encouraged find something to be thankful for, and to lean on faith in a just God. <br />
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We were able to listen and experience three true stories, and a the end of each we were able to see the real person tell how the act of compassion helped them achieve more than they ever hoped. But the most inspiring part of their story is the contagious over flow of compassion they show in their lives today.</div>
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I am not sure what God has planned for my girls but I know that as a parent, if I sheltered them from the unfair of life, I would be doing them an injustice. Creating a totally fair world for our children doesn't help them grow compassion in their character. They will never know compassion if they have never needed it. Nor, will they ever feel empowered to make a change unless they are given the opportunity to fill a need. <br />
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Opportunities to show compassion are all around us. Compassion come in many forms. Sometimes it requires little of us like a smile given as you meet eyes of a stranger passing. Other times it calls for far more effort, like missionaries that put their live in danger to spread the Gospel. Our family is taking on the challenge of showing compassion to local families, by becoming a foster family. Someday, I hope to adopt, and show compassion to a son through the giving of unconditional love. It will always look different based on what God calls your heart to respond to. If you are looking for a way to show compassion in a very practical way, you might consider <a href="http://www.compassion.com/child-sponsorship/bible.htm?referer=517193" target="_blank">sponsoring a child through Compassion International</a>. Who knows, your act of compassion, might grow into something much more contagious.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Thirteen of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-52891526563678923582017-01-12T19:15:00.000-08:002017-01-14T13:24:01.028-08:00$5 Make OverSo I am huge Target clerence shopper and I often walk past the cosmetic isles looking for nail polish and glance past the hair dyes. But today I was feeling brave, okay only semi brave, because the dye is only semi-permanent. Needless to say, I was ready for a new look, especially since I had so many compliments on my ombre. Uhh, it was only because I hadn't had my hair done since May. Then seven months later bad roots look cool.<br />
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Today I chose a different cool. $4.88 later I feel like I have a rockstar look, at least for the next twenty-eight washes.</div>
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So thankful for the little things, like a $5 Makeover.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Twelve of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-2879121795512215702017-01-11T20:57:00.001-08:002017-01-14T13:23:32.560-08:00Unpackaged Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love receiving mail, real mail not the junk mail. I really love getting packages. This holiday season I did more online shopping than ever before. Looking back I should have signed up for Amazon Prime, but that's another post sometime down the road. <br />
I am a store shopper, but recently with the convergence of getting what I want delivered to my door with a click of the button has intrigued me. I know I am a little late in the game to be an Amazon junkie, but I am impressed. This must be the way women felt when they first came out with QVC and HSN. But I think Amazon is so much better, because I don't have to listen to someone sell the product I can just search for what I want and click; it's on it was to me.<br />
I know the packages are on there way. A tracking number is provided so I can stalk the parcels every move. When it arrives, I feel get all giddy to open it. It's the best, except when you open the package and what you thought you ordered isn't what you receive. Uhhhh! <br />
This happened to me this week. I had ordered some "get healthy" equipment and that came with an excursive book. When I opened the package the book was delivered but no equipment. I was frustrated, but I called Amazon and they totally smoothed the issue out.<br />
First they issued me a credit so that I could order the product directly through them, I should get it in the next day or two (still not a Primer yet.) Then contacted the seller and arranged a refund on the previous order. Besides the inconvenience of waiting a couple more days for the new product the process was relatively painless. <br />
So today I am thankful for Amazon!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Eleven of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-587244493235946302017-01-10T20:57:00.000-08:002017-01-14T13:23:15.821-08:00A Little Spot of TeaIt can be a long night when your baby (ever your seven year old baby) isn't feeling well. As a mom all I want to do is make her feel better, but that dry cough just won't let her get a solid rest. <br />
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In her room there Is a warm glow from the lamp on her nightstand and a calm trickle from her oil diffuser. The night is peaceful, with the exception of a bark that interrupts the quiet. </div>
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<img border="0" class="bloggoimg" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphPrVzLABuWrF8vIc3Ci96hAcmHfppGyV96r0-yxt4KKIsu_b6Ihh2ncedYrc2YQ7QxHvc6gEuoePAwHSJO8V1zbiHccoUstMWT5eZAkVQzKHr8DQR_L9kf7PNauNmI10IbtHP5fNf7sl/I/photo_160513.jpg" /></div>
A cup of warm camomile tea, with honey and lemon, only come second to the comfort of her wanting her mommy at her bedside. What a privilege it is to be her mom. Tonight, even though my rest may be limited, I am thankful for the time I get to watch over my baby.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Ten of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i><br />
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-75322090169461774222017-01-09T21:16:00.000-08:002017-01-09T21:16:42.566-08:00She's Singing Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2b92ZlI1sNWNTmxWnxA5k559B2E2L63hlTnEdk_TERsDQnuXxtP2blgAY9kxM1gOhWfyGdytKmaTwBS4Ccb6l1i2qPAcfj6F2c8oMqTAET_GoxSISQzNe2QcfQhonKbiajbE8tA79thpZ/s1600/46093539_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_highwaystarz'>highwaystarz / 123RF Stock Photo</a>" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2b92ZlI1sNWNTmxWnxA5k559B2E2L63hlTnEdk_TERsDQnuXxtP2blgAY9kxM1gOhWfyGdytKmaTwBS4Ccb6l1i2qPAcfj6F2c8oMqTAET_GoxSISQzNe2QcfQhonKbiajbE8tA79thpZ/s640/46093539_m.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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When Olive was a four we had enrolled her in a dance class. Ms. Grace, her dance teacher, ran a tight ship. I have never seen a row of such behaved four years olds be so attentive. Olive is a diehard rule keeper, so I was surprised when she started singing during the ballet segment of her class. Ms. Grace cracked the door between the studio and parent waiting room to let me know she would need to speak to me after class. My heart and mind raced like I had been called to the principal's office. At the end of class I walked in to meet with Ms. Grace, braced myself for the worst, and was released to hear her compliment Olive's talent. She recommended that we get her voice lessons and that we encourage her musically. <br />
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We thought voice lessons at such a young age was kind of extreme, but after careful consideration we hired a voice teacher. Our reasoning was that the voice lessons would help prepare her for future piano lessons, by training her ear. She was a natural, but her lessons were cut short when we moved to Wisconsin. There she entered public school where she was able to take advantage of music class. <br />
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Olive is extremely talented in all things music, but rarely get's to exercise it since we have been homeschooling (I am musically challenged). The local community has a children's choir and she went to a rehearsal today and had a great time. She couldn't wait to tell her dad that she would be singing about Spider Man; he thought it was super cool too.<br />
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Today I am thankful for a new activity that my Olive can explore her musical talents.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small; font-style: italic;">Day Nine of Gratitude Challenge.</span><br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-17849647707970053092017-01-08T12:28:00.002-08:002017-01-08T12:28:56.670-08:00Thankful for Much ❤️ Have you ever had one of those mornings in church when you were overwhelmed by God's love during worship? Today was one of those days. It has been a long week and my heart has been heavy about a situation that I have no control over. I feel as if I have found myself at sea in a great storm. Most of the week I have been riding the waves, keeping my eyes on the one steady light in my life. I am good at publicly holding it together, though my emotions and my thoughts have been rolling over me like great waves. This week my prayer has been for God to exchange my thoughts for His, after all His are higher than mine. It may seem silly, but I have literally had to pray, "Lord, take my thoughts captive, and help me trust you."<br />
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I am thankful that God is so gentle in bringing my focus back to Him. I began to think about how I need to spend more time on my knees about this matter, but I also began to miss my ladies Bible study in WI. With them, I could be vulnerable, and this week I was getting weary of holding it together. I could lay out the broken pieces of my heart and they would be the hands and comfort of Jesus. They wouldn't try to fix the situation; they would be that friend that would sit across the table with a cup of coffee and say, "That sucks." They would know that I didn't need to be reminded that God's in control, or that <i>all things work for the good for those who love Him</i>. They would just be there, and be the friend God called them to be. They would pray with me, pray for me, and let God do the fixing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieanWFldeFkW0t-N-oFCDAWidSCdZMP1RSSpb3p7GSwyVU-WPj4kuxDmfi-iu59vTcbpRR2dOAMRslehuJkvCXcRFd71pRg38U7eCeLLriHtsVYlIzuV1i3VQcgphF7Y3jmf-K8W1apJZv/s1600/47461043_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_dedivan1923'>dedivan1923 / 123RF Stock Photo</a>" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieanWFldeFkW0t-N-oFCDAWidSCdZMP1RSSpb3p7GSwyVU-WPj4kuxDmfi-iu59vTcbpRR2dOAMRslehuJkvCXcRFd71pRg38U7eCeLLriHtsVYlIzuV1i3VQcgphF7Y3jmf-K8W1apJZv/s640/47461043_m.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a><br />
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So many times we see a friend that is hurting or going through something unimaginable, and we often want to say or do something to fix it. Honestly in our human capacity we don't have a strong enough glue to put together a broken heart. There is nothing we can do to take away the hurt or injustice in this world; only God can take the brokenness, put it back together, and sculpt it into a more beautiful, stronger masterpiece.<br />
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Our bones grow stronger with the combination of stress and impact. When we run, there are tiny breaks in our bones from the impact of the exercise. The impact does a couple of things: it creates interstices, but also stimulates the body to grow new bone over them, making it stronger. It sounds painful and it sometimes can be. When too much stress in placed on the bone, it can break, but when properly allowed to heal, a completely broken bone can become stronger than it was before.<br />
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During worship, today, I felt like all the songs were God's voice saying, "I know right where you are and I got this. I know the stress you are feeling and it's okay to be broken with me." The release was freeing and though the pain of the situation is still there. I held my hands up in surrender and I was reminded in my heart of His promises. I could trust him to do the fighting for what is right, and the lesions in my heart would allow for Him to lay a layer of His stronger, more compassionate heart over mine.<br />
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God's comfort is real, but just incase I needed some earthly encouragement He put me on a friend's heart. On my way home from church I received a text from one of my favorite gals back in WI, letting me know I was on her mind. She dosn't know how my week has been, but her text was a huge hug sent from miles away, it read, ""Thinking of you! Much ❤️"<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Eight of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i><br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-58628533082581933412017-01-07T20:01:00.000-08:002017-01-15T20:02:26.620-08:00The JuggleSometime balancing life can be like a juggle and there isn't a lot of time for fun. So when you find the time to learn to juggle with your kids it is a moment to be thankful for!<br />
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I was not very good at all. Matt of course schooled us all.</div>
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<i style="color: #7a7a7a; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Day Seven of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-78616257501589262932017-01-06T22:17:00.000-08:002017-01-08T12:33:28.970-08:00Something Worth More Than Silver To Be Thankful For.It has almost been a week since I started the challenge to find something unique to be thankful for each day this year. I can say that having an intentional agenda to find something and document it has been fun. I find that I look for it in the everyday and it has shown up in the most interesting places. Today, while shopping at Costco the unique treasure to be thankful for found me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZzxUBwFd8jtoY1ewVZgkmpUcqqdtF2qrqoY5rIAFuoTDy_cFSn8IkpKB4svZskNQKSUEg9iTxnICwhDUmIWR8oL3mpbBjikwr3hePf9U_xiNbTN4zuFf0Cyh_DNhk8zbkkQxvPwSPPsR/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZzxUBwFd8jtoY1ewVZgkmpUcqqdtF2qrqoY5rIAFuoTDy_cFSn8IkpKB4svZskNQKSUEg9iTxnICwhDUmIWR8oL3mpbBjikwr3hePf9U_xiNbTN4zuFf0Cyh_DNhk8zbkkQxvPwSPPsR/s400/IMG_2946.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Costco is place that our family spends a lot of time in. They are opening one just minutes from my home and I can't wait. I have found the best deals there and it has become a staple place for us to shop on a strict grocery budget. Costco has become familiar to our whole family and exploring new products, and food samples make routine shopping a little more fun. We had goofed around in the store, tasted samples and loaded our cart. After check out we sat down in the foodcourt and opened up a a $4.99 rotisserie chicken (another thing to be thankful, because Costco has the best ones.) <br />
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While we were seated we watched as a woman prepared pizza's for the Friday evening rush. We were approached by a man who asked if he could give our girls a gift. I wish I had gotten the man's name or a photo of him with the girls, but I was just in awe of the simplicity of his request and the intentionality of his gift. He was dressed in a patch covered vest, a veterans hat, and he wore a gentle smile, framed by his silvery beard. We gave him the nod of approval and he said "Here this is older than you are," as he placed a Eisenhower dollar in each of our girls hands. Wonder filled the girls' eyes as they looked at the coins dated from 1976. Then he turned to my husband, Matt, who was wearing a Harley Davidson Shirt and asked, "What do you ride?" Matt responded that we didn't own a bike, but he did work for Harley Davidson. (Matt wants a bike and hopefully will be able to get one sooner than later.) The conversation continued when Matt in turn asked what he rode "A 2008, 1200 Custom." He replied. We only caught a couple more details about his son riding a 2003 Night Train, and then he was gone. His act of kindness was brief but deeply genuine, and a little bit magical. In my mind I keep thinking that he was almost Santa like, but Kansas City is quite a long way from the North Pole.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j4jMLLhbox0db8A_tzuxNlZhryMkbAxv8-XZeV_llAnP46BXqQLa9Nbs1C5hPfTwG8Vyc4hpkdv8QhyGEtn6T770WC90130srz4KydT725UhLU0CGzCNXHdP-4tPcAvVLYcX2wXfxEsB/s1600/IMG_2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9j4jMLLhbox0db8A_tzuxNlZhryMkbAxv8-XZeV_llAnP46BXqQLa9Nbs1C5hPfTwG8Vyc4hpkdv8QhyGEtn6T770WC90130srz4KydT725UhLU0CGzCNXHdP-4tPcAvVLYcX2wXfxEsB/s640/IMG_2947.JPG" width="480" /></a>In my heart I know that he wasn't Santa, but his heart to give and his badge of service spoke volumes of how a little kindness goes a long way. His service to our country was more than enough to be thankful for. However it is the memory of a man who without prompting, or any desire for recognition entered our lives and touched our hearts with two silver dollars.<br />
Today, day 6 of the challenge I am thankful for this man who showed kindness, gentleness, and grace to our family.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Six of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i><br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-30827457322250912122017-01-05T19:10:00.001-08:002017-01-08T12:32:56.030-08:00I Read, She Reads Truth, and I am Thankful for ItThe holidays are always filled with family and this year I was excited to learn about some trendy things the young people (ok people my age too, because 35 isn't old) are enjoying! Like nifty makeup sponges and crazy amazing mascara, but the trend I am most thankful for is the introduction of <i><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/she-reads-truth-bible-+-devotional/id892128363?mt=8" target="_blank">She Reads Truth</a></i>. It is an app that you can download which has all kinds of Bible reading plans, lock screen graphics and more.<br />
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I have other Bible apps, but this one is visually stimulating as well as spiritually inspiring. You can choose reading plans based on your interest and also interact with other women reading the same plan. It's pretty, full of Truth, and social; it's perfect for me! For me this is the Bible reading app jackpot. <br />
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My day five gratitude Challenge is for the She Reads App. <br />
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If you want to join me I am reading the <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/plans/" target="_blank">Psalms of Gratitude</a>. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Five of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-25607179210221367962017-01-04T21:11:00.001-08:002017-01-08T12:30:17.082-08:00Snowy Nights Maybe it is the way the sky lights up or the crisp smell, I am not sure what it is that makes me love snowy nights. Tonight as the snow falls down I think about the friends that I have back in Wisconsin and the days that we would drink coffee in front of a wood burning fire place.<br />
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I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to make life long friendships all over the country. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Four of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-23520838877443455542017-01-03T22:39:00.000-08:002017-01-08T12:30:41.480-08:00When Things Slow Down: Day Three of the Gratitude ChallengeToday I am thankful for finding time to be still. I have the tendency to think that I can do more than a normal day will allow. I tend to over schedule and usually push myself to the limits, or try to fix problems that I wasn't meant to fix. So when today, when some of my plans that didn't work out I was able to find time to just be still. <br />
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It is in the still that we can meet the One who's plans never go wrong. When we sit down and remove the distractions of life and focus on the Creator of it; then we are able to find joy in the worst of situations. <br />
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It is in those bad situations that life flies by at a cut throat pace and wants to drag you a long with it. No one can run a marathon without pacing themselves, but there is an enemy that lies to us. When we are distracted because we are trying to push ourselves at an unnatural pace we miss the simple joys that linger in being still.<br />
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In the still you can reflect, step back and see a greater picture. What we can see with our limited perspective, doesn't scratch the surface of God's understanding. When you slow down you see the little details that you would have missed otherwise. It is then when you realize you can trust that the crummy situation isn't too big for the Mighty God you serve. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Three of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i><br />
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-64142119453837814342017-01-02T21:14:00.000-08:002017-01-08T12:31:28.019-08:00Day Two Of Gratitude: Family Fun Falling When family fun turns into sleepy little ones sleeping on the floor of the living room.<br />
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I don't know what it is about carrying your baby to her bed because she just couldn't stay up for all the fun. Maybe it is the memories that you make up until that point or the thought that one day she'll be too big to carry up the stairs, but for now I am thankful for night's when little one's fall asleep in the midst of family fun!</div>
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<i style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day Two of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i></div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-62252953402408891752017-01-01T22:57:00.001-08:002017-01-08T12:31:46.113-08:00New Year's Resolutions Busted on Day One<br />
Happy New Year! It's a fresh start and now we can work on all those areas in our life that we have neglected and procrastinated until this day January first. Except it is January first at 11;30 PM and I realize I have been putting off the obvious so long that I forgot to make a New Year's Resolution.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte8mgPDkZDCVOrw7I6URfEdbJLDND0E2cri7_5YPbI4ImXttYznho3jhYOfqdaYWbtlMtkAZm1COflURVDd0qJ3plNJZ4xjhrGCqLVzBwaaHt5UIx85AlLEKUD97g1L7wVaMbuYnnm5c8/s1600/11252681_10153332723939303_3525868685225274167_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte8mgPDkZDCVOrw7I6URfEdbJLDND0E2cri7_5YPbI4ImXttYznho3jhYOfqdaYWbtlMtkAZm1COflURVDd0qJ3plNJZ4xjhrGCqLVzBwaaHt5UIx85AlLEKUD97g1L7wVaMbuYnnm5c8/s320/11252681_10153332723939303_3525868685225274167_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Every year I always set these outstanding goals for myself; they are all noble causes but the total Amber Make Over tends to crash and burn just a few weeks later. I occasionally make it to mid summer and I have to admit there have been some successful years like 2005. That year my husband and I made a resolution to avoid all fried foods. We made it just over a year but I fell off the wagon when french fries were one of the few foods I could stomach during pregnancy. We also have obtained set goals like running (or jogging) a half marathon together which we completed in June of 2015. <br />
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Now keep in mind I would love to loose weight, reduce debt, become saintly, but for now I am going to challenge myself AND you to find 365 different things to be thankful for. That's only one a day, we can do this. SO here's the rules find time to document somewhere one unique thing everyday of the next year that you are thankful for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija5Id4axegUMPNirjBwV5hjO5QsLdvR6vTtFjpd-5VWdy0fu5g3d9fpJHGvVnhtjVsTUhotkYTz6xtytRDNsBGufaX01eY8KqpB48eYARz1Zw7fiqrirDfu6jk-u7U4Fc2gJpYbq8_pFc/I/photo_845136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" class="bloggoimg" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEija5Id4axegUMPNirjBwV5hjO5QsLdvR6vTtFjpd-5VWdy0fu5g3d9fpJHGvVnhtjVsTUhotkYTz6xtytRDNsBGufaX01eY8KqpB48eYARz1Zw7fiqrirDfu6jk-u7U4Fc2gJpYbq8_pFc/I/photo_845136.jpg" width="241" /></a>The best part of this is that we don't have to feel bad about where we are now, deprive ourselves of things we enjoy or go on some crazy detox that labels chocolate public enemy number one. Just have a thankful heart and be willing to change things as your perspective changes. Refuse to focus on the negative and let the positive overflow into other areas of life. For example: I am a stress eater, and gratitude has a profound affect in reducing stress... Better stress management, less emotional face-stuffing...Let's see where this adventure leads.<br />
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Now there is nothing wrong with traditional resolutions, hats off to you and I would love to support you in anyway I can (go a head comment below and tell me your resolution.) Or let me know if you are joining me on this gratitude challenge! <br />
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Day one: I am thankful for extra caffeinated coffee, It helped keep me alert on a four hour, late night drive from Nebraska to home after the hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations.<br />
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Don't forget to follow my blog to see how I am doing. Just in case you feel like really being awesome comment often, because words of affirmation are welcomed!!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Day One of Gratitude Challenge.</span></i></div>
<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-15056478635533108042016-11-29T21:49:00.000-08:002016-11-30T05:43:31.734-08:00Coffee and My Camera at the Kansas City Roasterie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm4Q0pKjiaQ7sJeduKqld-Slwx_bhyphenhyphenillTMPIQhuTljeiRPaOiUcPBtzhHtoTr7WL1CDpq9S3i0Fvpmz5QAK6ZHaUJTPKXOFvgvnFQuep5oZgkKnZcKz3VaEug2Gf-_iS8OxnPJ845m0h/s1600/IMG_4947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm4Q0pKjiaQ7sJeduKqld-Slwx_bhyphenhyphenillTMPIQhuTljeiRPaOiUcPBtzhHtoTr7WL1CDpq9S3i0Fvpmz5QAK6ZHaUJTPKXOFvgvnFQuep5oZgkKnZcKz3VaEug2Gf-_iS8OxnPJ845m0h/s640/IMG_4947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love my coffee and my camera, but not as much as I love my family. When I have the combination of all three it is a real treat. We visited <a href="https://www.theroasterie.com/" target="_blank">The Roasterie</a>, in downtown Kansas City. My children weren't exactly excited when I told them that we were taking a field trip to a coffee roaster, but once we arrived they were quickly intrigued. The smell of brewing coffee welcomed us into the industrial cafe atmosphere. </div>
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The girls perked up when they discovered the silly hats and goofy props available for mugshots and selfies. Their imaginations took them to far away places while sipping pretend coffee. Fun was definitely in the lesson plans for the day, and this dress up session was just the warm up for the tour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F6BF7fMtz2-gwdIEx8fjBqRHjQ1xIxXyARbxHmK8yUlWtpTEkv8jzmaXKklpON0DPEB2zb8dqV72wNXn6lCSkOOSL9B9701FIUx8JFsU-R7RH9VGcZ39qzR7D97Ew02kozjL2J5CMH0o/s1600/IMG_4928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7F6BF7fMtz2-gwdIEx8fjBqRHjQ1xIxXyARbxHmK8yUlWtpTEkv8jzmaXKklpON0DPEB2zb8dqV72wNXn6lCSkOOSL9B9701FIUx8JFsU-R7RH9VGcZ39qzR7D97Ew02kozjL2J5CMH0o/s400/IMG_4928.jpg" width="266" /><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOwZuXEzEhp1bSmFzX4vIcp-OrgF0MGiwwpnxkyWiKClE1vdOVkSdaSy8WZp4uLQfjx1kKGmpA0cnwZd_izU4o4a5G6a5AmBLH3SFC0yGhz7X8bvL81NxYaZhpkIhjAf2RedSaCSR0Z0y/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizOwZuXEzEhp1bSmFzX4vIcp-OrgF0MGiwwpnxkyWiKClE1vdOVkSdaSy8WZp4uLQfjx1kKGmpA0cnwZd_izU4o4a5G6a5AmBLH3SFC0yGhz7X8bvL81NxYaZhpkIhjAf2RedSaCSR0Z0y/s400/IMG_4927.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
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Welcomed by our tour guide we were encouraged to take a seat for a mini documentary on the history of The Roasterie and the care the company takes to ensure the best coffee gets to their customers. After the movie our girls weren't thrilled with the cloth hairnet, everyone was required to wear as we entered the rotating room, but they thought it was funny to see me in one. We enjoyed the tour and we learned many interesting facts about the growing, harvesting, and roasting of coffee beans. </div>
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One interesting fact that surprised me was that a coffee tree only produces one and a half pounds of coffee beans per year. This made me appreciate my daily cup of joe a lot more.</div>
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The air roasting process is the not the most common way to roast beans, but can be argued that it is the best way to evenly roast each bean. The Roasterie only roasts the quantity of beans to fill the daily orders to ensure the freshest coffee is delivered to their customers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBzYWwOitlg_YG7ulxosJbk_IPUZmnmU5hCoUuJZ4FKjOAzNoUFrOmpYyx9XYv4M5RNcObQxj9VQBemwtZK75LOUS1dCWOy07cSkb03EnnFp5HYMUddX1ahOAUzPyf8jyGre7QcErQjVZ/s1600/IMG_4932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBzYWwOitlg_YG7ulxosJbk_IPUZmnmU5hCoUuJZ4FKjOAzNoUFrOmpYyx9XYv4M5RNcObQxj9VQBemwtZK75LOUS1dCWOy07cSkb03EnnFp5HYMUddX1ahOAUzPyf8jyGre7QcErQjVZ/s400/IMG_4932.jpg" width="265" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Y9dicxram-c_cYnckguiF53tlgMLFBXROgxfsZZl2IVfoVpz0Fbv4Nu3cm1B9JifufQH5kPZbM6YPgg-oREB4Co4EU0LEgMvB1sAB7l23DE6gIZCMmLnZwD4bYviqN8pcb3nSQFqiQY/s1600/IMG_4930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7Y9dicxram-c_cYnckguiF53tlgMLFBXROgxfsZZl2IVfoVpz0Fbv4Nu3cm1B9JifufQH5kPZbM6YPgg-oREB4Co4EU0LEgMvB1sAB7l23DE6gIZCMmLnZwD4bYviqN8pcb3nSQFqiQY/s400/IMG_4930.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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They roasts larger batches in the machine on the left, to meet the popular demand of daily orders and special blends or smaller orders in the machine on the right. The smell of the roasting beans was amazing, like warm caramel!<br />
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The Roasterie has a huge selection of coffee beans from all over the world. <br />
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Different geographical locations and the ecological qualities of the soil and air contribute to the flavor of the coffee. <span style="text-align: center;">Mixing different beans from different areas of the world enables roasters to create new flavors.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42BbAKPtX0PZ-d_5vJAOVGM9xNnuETRMRB9K4OS2sUxm8c4or60DGg0EGLjUqMBFiIHeXQwtOp8r1fvKFoD5v6SHyNE9JwwV8p25Mpcf-Z7sM0I0CaNuQSX8IGKavw0ppSp71MyZPcTqe/s1600/IMG_4940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Each burlap bag holds approximately one hundred fifty pounds of coffee beans. The girls and I were amazed to think that took one hundred trees to fill on of these sacks.<br />
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There was so much information shared with our family during the tour. They covered subjects like agriculture, social studies, economics, chemistry, and math all wrapped up in the art of coffee. I felt like we could return multiple times to learn something new each time.<br />
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Adi loved watching "the workers" as they diligently monitoring the beans from burlap bag to sealed bags ready to be shipped to the customer. Her favorite part was watching the bags be deoxygenated and filled with nitrogen to keep the beans fresh longer.<br />
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The tour ended with a brewing lesson and demonstration of a french press brew and a pour over. I was amazed at the difference in the taste of the types of brews. I preferred the french press to the pour over because it tasted less bitter. The girls didn't get to experience the awesome coffee at the end but we did spring for a hot chocolate at the cafe.<br />
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The attention to detail from the technical measures to ensure a perfect bean roasting temperature and time to the chocolate syrup doodles on a hot cocoa in the cafe, made us feel special and want to come back again. <br />
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My kiddos reported that it happened to be the best hot chocolate they had ever had! The Roasterie has become one our Kansas City favorite places.<br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-51101305654121928282016-11-19T07:57:00.000-08:002016-11-19T07:57:01.604-08:00KC Tradition Lights Up My HeartThis November has been SPECTACULAR! I really have enjoyed our unseasonably warm weather. Looking ahead to next week's holiday endeavors, I am particularly excited about the forecast on Thanksgiving!!! Lows in the 40s and highs in the mid 50s, are perfect for layering up, sitting with warm hot cocoa, and making memories with my family at the Country Club Plaza.<br />
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The lighting ceremony at the Country Club Plaza has been one of Kansas City's most enjoyed holiday traditions. The gleaming lights sparkle in my childhood memories and now I get to share them with my girls!!! I am so excited to be back in Kansas City!<br />
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There is a full evening of entertainment here is a link to the event's itinerary: <a href="https://countryclubplaza.com/event/plaza-lights/" target="_blank">Plaza Lighting Ceremony</a><br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-38484324793617443242016-11-18T07:22:00.000-08:002016-11-22T14:27:05.982-08:0010 Reasons to be Thankful on Thanksgiving <br />
There is so much more to Thanksgiving that turkey and diabetic comas. It is one of my favorite holidays because it helps us remember what we are thankful for, at least until the stores open on Black Friday. No but really inspiring gratitude is the best way to get over the holiday stress and focus on what matters. My friend Sarah is a huge list maker so I thought that I would share 10 things that I am including in my Thanksgiving celebration!<br />
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10. Cute Kid Crafts. Go ahead and show off your Thankful Spirit with a homemade Turkey Hat. Here is a link to <a href="http://www.craftymorning.com/8-easy-turkey-hats-kids-make/" target="_blank">8 Turkey hat crafts</a>.<br />
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9. Saving Money. I enjoy stocking up on practical items on Black Friday. No need to fight the crowds for those techie gadgets when this girl can get her hairspray over half off. I usually go after the initial store rush, and after my babies have gone to sleep. </div>
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8. Taking time to help my children practice gratitude. Here is a great link to a printable <a href="http://beckykelly.blogspot.com/p/free-gratitude-journal.html" target="_blank">Thankful Journal</a> by artist Becky Kelly<br />
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<a href="http://beckykelly.blogspot.com/p/free-gratitude-journal.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwvPx1yw2-ZK8vpjb5VqWuJ0uDZ6sgXv4xmwXDYuBervYye0Nw3pw6MGJ8akuA-NcyVKmO2mEWteed-xn5KiJ4CdAU3hRjFmHn858u2kGAv6plZwcwdRLgdjMkBsggsRD-gInI4fQSX_KW/s400/DSC07040-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. <a href="http://social.macys.com/parade/" target="_blank">The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</a> - every year our family lounges around in our PJs and occasionally dance to the live performances. This is the 90th anniversary of the parade and they have an interactive activity on their site that highlights the parade over the last nine decades.<br />
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6. Gluten Free Dessert always stirs warm and fuzzy feelings of thankfulness. Thank you Mom Loves Baking for this delicious idea: <a href="http://www.momlovesbaking.com/chocolate-turtle-apple-slices/?utm_content=bufferae63f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=budgetbytesbuffer" target="_blank">Chocolate Turtle Apple Slices</a><br />
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5. <a href="http://www.oliveyoubecause.com/search?updated-min=2014-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2015-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=8" target="_blank">Homemade Gluten Free Egg Noodles</a> - Check out this recipe from one of my posts. I look forward to these every year. I consider it a labor of love to make them, because I LOVE TO EAT THEM!<br />
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5. Left overs, yes left overs! I can't express how thankful I am to always have more than enough.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VCMFFkH6gWedtAV5lLyigqJ5GeRbsLlTUYxksgv03XnTgAwbQrUQnTeL8l81emGGBC-pvU4vfXCxq4KCdMqykjKXUin7TPpToOCqEYWTRTRPv3_GisQizyp-r63G2CGdfICqg3bI7Poy/s1600/1796502_10152827297439303_4758032132552976653_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VCMFFkH6gWedtAV5lLyigqJ5GeRbsLlTUYxksgv03XnTgAwbQrUQnTeL8l81emGGBC-pvU4vfXCxq4KCdMqykjKXUin7TPpToOCqEYWTRTRPv3_GisQizyp-r63G2CGdfICqg3bI7Poy/s640/1796502_10152827297439303_4758032132552976653_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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4. Friendships, each and every person. It is always fun to connect especially since we've moved so much. No matter where we live we host a Misfit Thanksgiving on Black Friday, for all our friends that don't have family around to celebrate with. Our cup of Gratitude overflows into Friday. Yep two days of Turkey feasts, who says we have to be thankful only one day of the year. <br />
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3. Laughter! Part of spending time with our friends is playing Just Dance Kids on our Wii. Laughter during Just Dance Kids helps burn those extra calories. It is a necessary tradition that reminds me how blessed I really am. Here is a snippet of what one can expect from our calorie burning activity, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amber.kaspar/videos/10152827525449303/?l=4421984289230919696" target="_blank">Just Dance Kids</a><br />
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2. My family. I do believe I have the best husband and the most amazing children a girl could ever ask for. I also am thankful that we will one day welcome our adopted children into our family. I look forward to the day when I can thank God for all my children by name. <a href="http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/about/" target="_blank">National Adoption Day</a> is November 19th, I am thankful of all those who made the choice to adopt and redefine Family. I am thankful for my Forever Family!</div>
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1. I am most thankful for my salvation. There is nothing I could do in my own power to make things right with God except his free gift of salvation through His son Jesus. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Rom-3-23" id="en-ESV-27999" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">23 </span>for <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27999AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-27999AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-24" id="en-ESV-28000" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">24 </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28000AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28000AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>and are justified <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28000AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28000AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>by his grace as a gift, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28000AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28000AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-25" id="en-ESV-28001" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">25 </span>whom God <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28001AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28001AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>put forward as <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28001AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28001AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a propitiation <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28001AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28001AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28001AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28001AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>his divine forbearance he had passed over <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28001AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28001AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>former sins.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Rom-3-26" id="en-ESV-28002" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">26 </span>It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26</span></span></div>
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-6297758775718210032016-11-17T09:30:00.000-08:002016-11-17T09:30:09.504-08:00Fostering Creativity Through HomeschoolingThere are days that I find homeschooling very challenging; I sometimes wonder if it is the best schooling choice for my children, but yesterday wasn't one of them. I am so thankful we are able to foster individual thinking and creativity though homeschooling. My children have different learning styles and they work at different paces. Olive often stays focused and cruises through her daily assignments and Adi keeps up with her big sister in areas like Latin and art, but Olive usually finishes her core subjects quicker. Her speedy scholastic skills results in more time for independent study or exploring hobbies. <br />
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Olive usually spends her extra time reading for fun, working ahead in her math book, Minecraft, making music.lys or drawing in her sketch book. Recently, she was given an assignment by her cooperative finance teacher to make a craft to sell for class cash. Carefully, she thought of an original idea for her contribution. It needed to be tangible, homemade, and enough for multiple students to purchase. The teacher had provided suggestions like baked goods or jewelry, but Olive decided to be think out side the box by creating hand drawn color sheets. Her selection is an adorable reflection of her interests and displays her hidden talent of illustration. She drew three different animals and made a few copies of each. <br />
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Drawing has been a passion of Olive's for many years. She received accolades from her public school art teacher when we lived in Wisconsin. The encouragement from that teacher has fostered her desire to sketch, drawn and color. Yesterday was one of those affirming days that homeschooling is the best choice for our family, because homeschooling has allowed her to work at her own pace and explore her creative intelligence in the extra time. <br />
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I believe that math, science, social studies, and language arts are very important. But I also believe that the creative arts are often under appreciated and the first to go when schools cut budgets. Watching my children thrive in their core subjects and in the creative arts makes me a happy mama. <br />
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I have attached a link to her blog that will allow you to print off her hand drawn color sheets. Please leave a comment to encourage her. Positive words go a long way and are a precious currency! <br />
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<a href="http://olivesmarts.blogspot.com/">http://olivesmarts.blogspot.com</a>Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-67226750334369841362016-11-16T13:07:00.002-08:002016-11-16T19:35:58.186-08:00Pumpkin Spice Cran Scone, Yummy and Gluten Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During the holidays we usually snack on pastries for the early parts of the day, to save room for a large lunch mid afternoon. I usually bake breakfast and snack treats in advance because my kitchen will be busy enough with Turkey and fixings. These Pumpkin Spice Cran Scones are a sure fire way to please any crowd, and they freeze well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFNjULigV_TIgPlwFEWCXWWK5Ltu7W_YCwZ-13e21iN1iWxSVkeh19TwgeKXy-RpgZQxZEa5AT7ka3Ut84OXh4quvvGFVttW5nHwjVaWOJGALYV2D-8zLXSwhT8CQ2jpcw6Rjn996MGyz/s1600/Pumkpin+Spice+Cran+Scone+-+Gluten+Free+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFNjULigV_TIgPlwFEWCXWWK5Ltu7W_YCwZ-13e21iN1iWxSVkeh19TwgeKXy-RpgZQxZEa5AT7ka3Ut84OXh4quvvGFVttW5nHwjVaWOJGALYV2D-8zLXSwhT8CQ2jpcw6Rjn996MGyz/s640/Pumkpin+Spice+Cran+Scone+-+Gluten+Free+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Like what your seeing on the blog? Make sure to follow Olive You Because!Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-12100832006763725972016-11-12T20:56:00.001-08:002016-11-12T20:57:37.194-08:00Memories of Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cRlm2aw2GBMxj3wvWPLFgecg6rLLRWU4Ixwqp50aU6GgmRGzQKOMs32kB1OyMgokmgLCfjw2RnS4dsubIcdi6GWVjW4CHh_x-MIrYqg2IQXYB_ytTgn2UTsDfqhxCaujgmlc3tmFLnh4/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cRlm2aw2GBMxj3wvWPLFgecg6rLLRWU4Ixwqp50aU6GgmRGzQKOMs32kB1OyMgokmgLCfjw2RnS4dsubIcdi6GWVjW4CHh_x-MIrYqg2IQXYB_ytTgn2UTsDfqhxCaujgmlc3tmFLnh4/s640/IMG_2283.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">When I was a little girl I remember playing outside till dark with my neighborhood friends.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Our days were filled with imagination and jumping fences to play in each other’s backyards.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">The small house next door was called home by three generations of one Laotian family. I am not sure what brought them to Kansas City but I am glad they moved in next door because that's how I met Ana.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">She was younger than I, but was smart and mature for her age, so I enjoyed her company.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Ana often had to translate english to the older generations.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">She showed her parents and grandmother unconditional respect.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Their household always seemed to be in order and she knew her place in her home. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Our homes were like two different worlds only separated by a chainlink fence and a language barrier. My parents did their best to provide for us in very humble circumstances. Both of them worked outside of the home and sometimes there was no parental supervision on long summer days. My older brother would babysit, but under his care orderly would not describe us. The lack of order overflowed into our backyard. Our backyard was a place of free play and Ana’s a place of work and resource.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ana’s petite grandmother was always working long days in the garden. She didn’t speak a word of English but I knew she expected order from the pale freckled face girl from the strange world next door. I remember Ana had a gentle and graceful way of translating her grandmother’s stern reprimands to me, when we would sneak strawberries from their garden. Those strawberries were tiny, but delicious on those hot summer days.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Ana’s family garden was full of small plants with colorful peppers and vegetables. I will never forget the day I was tempted to try one of those colorful peppers. They were so tiny and I couldn’t help think they would be as refreshing as the tiny strawberries. I would have never guessed they carried a powerful kick of heat that would set my mouth on fire. Nor did I realize that as I bit into it that the oils would run down my hands and become a catalyst for an overwhelming wildfire on my face. I had wiped the tears from my eyes as we ran into their home for some milk and I was confronted with a new burning sensation that only intensified by my second wave of tears. There was no rebuke from her grandmother that day, but I definitely felt punished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Ana’s backyard was a rural oasis in the midst of urban calamity. Sometimes there would be live chickens pecking in there backyard. It didn’t dawn on me that they weren’t pets until the day Ana’s grandmother chopped one of there heads off and let it run around till it fell lifeless to the ground. At first I was terrified until I realized the feathered friend wasn’t a playful pet; it was family dinner. Though lifeless the fowl still provided entertainment to a group of dirty faced neighborhood kids, as we explored the science of the chicken talon. I remember her brother pulling the tendon causing the claw to open and close. For me the grass seemed greener on my side of the fence that day; I was thankful our chicken came frozen from the grocery store. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">There was always a since of mystery on Ana’s side of the fence and I was often introduced to new food experiences. I guess that is why food is often linked to my memories of Ana, and it is a food that reminds me of her sweet friendship. I had moved away when I was in sixth grade and I don’t recall interacting with Ana ever again. I have never forgotten her or her strict grandmother, because I am reminded of them when I eat on of my favorite foods. Ana introduced me to pomegranates. She and her siblings would snack on the vibrantly colored seeds. One day they offered me a handful; I was hesitant to try them after my pepper experience, but am so glad I did. Not only do they taste good, they will always remind me of the quiet girl from another world who happened to lived next door to my childhood home. </span></span></div>
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-3558792284448381512016-11-10T08:21:00.000-08:002016-11-10T10:01:16.354-08:00Frugal Festive Frill: Christmas Craft<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ8-CKbxyng30P3E40caXVRDKayDREOAmYmrAzvENva4JO9UGIb-MZm84WQLzTh5ytIDd0fk-XbZnYQ8K0cZxgS9v3T05bmy-VTJj_ieUidji5-DADz8wg7sy9YRUeBAXhwnbaBtqdei4/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ8-CKbxyng30P3E40caXVRDKayDREOAmYmrAzvENva4JO9UGIb-MZm84WQLzTh5ytIDd0fk-XbZnYQ8K0cZxgS9v3T05bmy-VTJj_ieUidji5-DADz8wg7sy9YRUeBAXhwnbaBtqdei4/s640/IMG_2354.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, so I am not bothered by the early arrival of holiday decor in the stores. The commercial craze sets my mind toward family traditions and reflection of my savior. I can totally see how all shiny things can distract us from the true meaning, and I am often guilty of getting over stressed this time of year, as well. One temptation this time of year is to over spend and extend my budget and well that stresses my husband out. God provides for our family through Matt's hard work, and I need to respect the boundaries of our budget, especially this time of year. <br />
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Savvy shopping and saving all year is the key to apply our budget wisely for this costly time of year. This summer I was in a cute gift shop in a small town in Nebraska. It had last year's Christmas decor on clearance for seventy percent off. I had spotted an adorable pom pom garland for $5.99 (after the discount), and really wanted it. Matt, who is often the voice of reason, pointed out that there was only one (and I would want more of them) and the price even at the discount was a little high for pom poms on a strings. The cuteness of the garland and the logic of Matt's observation made me think about how easy it would be to recreate it on my own and have several to decorate with throughout the home.<br />
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Recently, I was running an errand at Target. The store like many others had rolled out their holiday enticements and in the midst of them were these red, green, and white pom poms. Instantly I remembered the vintage pom pom garland. So I bought a few packs and some cotton string from Hobby Lobby, and created my own. My total cost was under $8 and I was able to make several garlands. Here is how:<br />
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The Light and Airy Pom Pom Garland:<br />
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Supplies:<br />
Red, Green, White Pom Poms (approximately 24 total per garland)<br />
Cotton String or Yarn<br />
A Yarn Needle<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ylDfmE3yFhM1PcwyBzQUIJ7ae00CUJS6p8xj22yCziORL3LrTHgJ4H0T1g0aL-IQP57QGvS-U0QX9bIsy-Fs4dFWqF2gjhwwfm5lfn1FZjuJa_vaHwtQ6ZU0UFyof-jQU0tRBMuCf5rr/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ylDfmE3yFhM1PcwyBzQUIJ7ae00CUJS6p8xj22yCziORL3LrTHgJ4H0T1g0aL-IQP57QGvS-U0QX9bIsy-Fs4dFWqF2gjhwwfm5lfn1FZjuJa_vaHwtQ6ZU0UFyof-jQU0tRBMuCf5rr/s400/IMG_2349.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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The Light and Airy Pom Pom Garland:<br />
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1. Measure and cut 120 inches of string.<br />
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2. Tie a knot at one end of the string and thread the needle at the other.<br />
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3. Insert the threaded needle into the center of the pom pom, and slide it along the string to the knot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTaLOybcDBNxf5dBufEGJrfYrSBD_e5uUJKaLr9cvUVodLkmiI4vLzbC-RQ6LMRP5dpGYcvmZFkZkw-jD3Jy5uuKkQlVb7Njmm66Dpj9YMM4mdM7ldstu347z5YvySINN3hBTm91IW7nX/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTaLOybcDBNxf5dBufEGJrfYrSBD_e5uUJKaLr9cvUVodLkmiI4vLzbC-RQ6LMRP5dpGYcvmZFkZkw-jD3Jy5uuKkQlVb7Njmm66Dpj9YMM4mdM7ldstu347z5YvySINN3hBTm91IW7nX/s400/IMG_2352.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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4. Tie another knot on the other side of the pom pom, to keep it in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2e6r6wVvziFsVyGDH34EuuXXqAqGPBNyBThN7mN6dzNPtU7kRbNLvRshyphenhyphen5UGpz36yIXppkAeRKOE0zh3yWiwvIWP9nUyx4vvPCMs53K9A9-C8q2HqsDfNPSfF1kKH53Eu_m40jEk54Ul/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2e6r6wVvziFsVyGDH34EuuXXqAqGPBNyBThN7mN6dzNPtU7kRbNLvRshyphenhyphen5UGpz36yIXppkAeRKOE0zh3yWiwvIWP9nUyx4vvPCMs53K9A9-C8q2HqsDfNPSfF1kKH53Eu_m40jEk54Ul/s320/IMG_2350.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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5. Tie a third knot a few inches from the pom pom. I used my hand as a guide, grabbing the string with the left side of my hand at the pom pom and started the knot at the right side. <br />
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6. String another pom pom and tie another knot to secure it.<br />
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7. Repeat this process until you run out of string.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ8-CKbxyng30P3E40caXVRDKayDREOAmYmrAzvENva4JO9UGIb-MZm84WQLzTh5ytIDd0fk-XbZnYQ8K0cZxgS9v3T05bmy-VTJj_ieUidji5-DADz8wg7sy9YRUeBAXhwnbaBtqdei4/s1600/IMG_2354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ8-CKbxyng30P3E40caXVRDKayDREOAmYmrAzvENva4JO9UGIb-MZm84WQLzTh5ytIDd0fk-XbZnYQ8K0cZxgS9v3T05bmy-VTJj_ieUidji5-DADz8wg7sy9YRUeBAXhwnbaBtqdei4/s640/IMG_2354.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-65000024376740247742016-11-06T21:12:00.001-08:002016-11-07T07:05:30.587-08:00Coffee and My Camera<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaldxCyIF-4nNwrN4WyQubfQdWXfLBztCASoSZTtc2pIbfWQN4sup6kqUq2tyFBhSg7GnHIrrVtrEJN-Nex86qDycLe7abiZwp7PxXtH-C9P7a-ppYCBqVrtpAjmr3aVLBinBbG-9VkVaj/s1600/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaldxCyIF-4nNwrN4WyQubfQdWXfLBztCASoSZTtc2pIbfWQN4sup6kqUq2tyFBhSg7GnHIrrVtrEJN-Nex86qDycLe7abiZwp7PxXtH-C9P7a-ppYCBqVrtpAjmr3aVLBinBbG-9VkVaj/s640/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25285%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Coffee! Yes please! In desperate need of an hour to myself and a good cup of joe, I set out for some mommy time this afternoon. I was intent on finding a caffeinated oasis, and decided to check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/citymarketcoffee/?fref=ts" target="_blank">City Market Coffee</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXRt9u9VNGkJ0KnqkTtHP2du4eWeOTw4wLOBlzrOzTyi6iY3oO1gHCpobOb-XFqEnvBYr7zmenXfOeQIAhYMDVsR5keUIYQSkH6aSdEekRuDa_27uIW_DGf_5Lop7l70H2cPg2xzGmFxq/s1600/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXRt9u9VNGkJ0KnqkTtHP2du4eWeOTw4wLOBlzrOzTyi6iY3oO1gHCpobOb-XFqEnvBYr7zmenXfOeQIAhYMDVsR5keUIYQSkH6aSdEekRuDa_27uIW_DGf_5Lop7l70H2cPg2xzGmFxq/s400/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25282%2529.jpg" width="263" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3E31-kzRYA1PoZoYK3UvHoWGVMe6kutekXpJvjjuI0L6naoQYrAyu7X3cr-jA7DJOjrok5zgk2MTcqLumSMvYOrgjYhJ9o_AtuZb-51bHA6B6sgSWnzqEt3B_Fg_1WKc5OqkywOWIXRE/s1600/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3E31-kzRYA1PoZoYK3UvHoWGVMe6kutekXpJvjjuI0L6naoQYrAyu7X3cr-jA7DJOjrok5zgk2MTcqLumSMvYOrgjYhJ9o_AtuZb-51bHA6B6sgSWnzqEt3B_Fg_1WKc5OqkywOWIXRE/s400/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Every mom deserves a coffee break, especially one that involves crafted swirls of steamed cream and awesome 90's music. Bravo on the Beve!</div>
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<img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd51b91ZTO-DTajC1_CGxKIZtzY_ztuVXOnsyryf7v7C_bF70_rCbVwzpO4pp1xOzUuLoWWiv2FeWsSjiOPFuh7_QXrThS7qHzvOiaFBCPCay1U-YGZ4pAfovyyh4IZ5vU-fdKj1BCM_n1/s640/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Today, I decided to find a little rest by taking a coffee break with my camera. I found that a couple hours of enjoying two of my favorite hobbies was beyond relaxing.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> It has been nearly a decade since I moved away from Kansas City and since I have photographed for my own enjoyment of art. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI47h_FQIAUx8X4ZRjFgfmCmP5csqYrdlo__6wX_QnriUh0p0rjGIUoLH5CZhpJ1timvaylGyMmMkTvMPrBxlOAzMLukF6slcscwrG-kKmmZPJ_GBM4FZJSQj6NbtTVEww0M80IgQuOnk6/s1600/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI47h_FQIAUx8X4ZRjFgfmCmP5csqYrdlo__6wX_QnriUh0p0rjGIUoLH5CZhpJ1timvaylGyMmMkTvMPrBxlOAzMLukF6slcscwrG-kKmmZPJ_GBM4FZJSQj6NbtTVEww0M80IgQuOnk6/s640/Photography+Kansas+City+Coffee+Copyright+Olive+You+Photography+TM++%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My favorite shots of the day reminded to not forget to take note of the little things, and the value of a grander perspective.<br />
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I am excited to jump back into my hobby. Leave comment below and tell me a hobby you have neglecting because life is too busy to have hobbies.</div>
Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-7066684463669678182016-10-15T16:20:00.002-07:002016-10-15T16:23:26.082-07:00Groceries on a BudgetDo you ever wonder if it is possible to do what those extreme couponers do on TV? I often think those people are crazy, seriously I think it is because I relate to them. Deal shopping is addictive, and I have to admit when you have a great savings day you do acquire a shopper's high. I am not as extreme as you've seen on television, but I do like to save money. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTQe3OXbmNlt11GPJU1a5_5AhsEDtIYO6LmJ0sOGjJxmnGy3D7iEwedKLSNUXkC5biyGJx_mANcD4jl17GmJYbtqx4TCqoUfydBIsLFUROkDB-UdQjdNJ9fQUb85Nd4lzxQhsNH8nawPO/s1600/IMG_2189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTQe3OXbmNlt11GPJU1a5_5AhsEDtIYO6LmJ0sOGjJxmnGy3D7iEwedKLSNUXkC5biyGJx_mANcD4jl17GmJYbtqx4TCqoUfydBIsLFUROkDB-UdQjdNJ9fQUb85Nd4lzxQhsNH8nawPO/s640/IMG_2189.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used to think that you couldn't eat healthy on a budget. On top of that I have a gluten sensitivity and that is an added expense at the checkout. <br />
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We feed our family on approximately $400 a month. The secret is to stock up when things go one sale, to use coupons, and shop multiple stores. <br />
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I had once assumed that it would take too much time to save like the crazy coupon people or to go to multiple stores. Contrary to my initial thought it doesn't take that much more than making a list each week. Here is how we shop to save more than a few bucks:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvt0HDxAODeONuWeKCEY2FJC_3QkBeyrSF58VWd5DiNiaWU-Ym2UxYiPfWhPuZ1YcqiblNt_WxHeDwQ12_vpbbRJuveNSd0G0OhQmEIhWt-BdV5V8ewGtTqHRDiedbNHSFlaQcntbkGG9/s1600/IMG_2191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvt0HDxAODeONuWeKCEY2FJC_3QkBeyrSF58VWd5DiNiaWU-Ym2UxYiPfWhPuZ1YcqiblNt_WxHeDwQ12_vpbbRJuveNSd0G0OhQmEIhWt-BdV5V8ewGtTqHRDiedbNHSFlaQcntbkGG9/s320/IMG_2191.JPG" width="320" /></a>It doesn't takes too much time to clip coupons, if you only clip the ones you'd typically use. There are multiple ways to coupon and some of them do take a lot of time. I have developed a method that doesn't take much time or cause us to over spend on unnecessary items, like 10 tubes of tooth paste. I filter through the coupons and pull the out only the coupons for products we normally use: cereal, meat, dairy, and select hygiene products. On average I spend 15-30 minutes going through the coupons and ads each week. I put them in an organizer and watch for those products to go on sale. Then combine sale and coupon for maximum savings. This week's coupon savings totaled $17.75.<br />
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I used to think I didn't have the time to drive all over town to go to multiple stores. Once a system has been established like sticking to only the items on your list, with laser focus your grocery shopping does get more efficient. I can't claim to be efficient it is a trait I inherited with marriage. We shopped three grocery stores this afternoon and it took approximately an hour total. We saved $31 by using the store discount cards. Finally, we save 10 cents for using canvas bags (believe me every little bit counts.)<br />
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My total time clipping, driving and shopping was about an hour and a half. I will round up to to two hours for easy math. Two hours of savvy shopping to save our family $48.85. That is would be at least four hours of work at a part time job if I were paid over $11/hour. And I would still have to grocery shop on top of the time I worked outside of the home. Spending a little extra time saving is worth being able to stay home with my children.<br />
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This week's grocery store visits totaled $86.55. It consisted of:<br />
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8.5 lbs of ground beef<br />
3 lbs of bacon<br />
8 boxes of Cheerios<br />
4 59 oz Minute Maid OJs<br />
1 lb of kale<br />
2 zucchini<br />
7.58 lbs of bananas<br />
3 Old Orchard Frozen Juices<br />
2.29 lbs of squash<br />
.32 lb of baby boo chop<br />
.58 lb ginger root<br />
3 red bell peppers<br />
5.04 lbs of red grapes<br />
3 large pumpkins (for carving)<br />
Renew Life Ultimate Flora 30 ct Probiotic supplement<br />
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Most of the list above will be consumed this week but some of them are stock up items. We only buy them when they are on sale and freeze them to use when we need them. Some weeks we buy other items that compliment our meal plans. I hope to post a stock up price list in the future so keep an eye out for that. <br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-12968040590192205802016-10-12T21:43:00.003-07:002016-11-07T07:07:21.994-08:00Clear Away the Clutter ChallengeI dread the organizing process of moving into a new home. Once all the major unpacking was done, I shifted to the sorting of the random objects. I have found that I had created piles that would migrate through the home until they found a temporary spot in our office. I began to call it Mount Catch All.<br />
Organization has never been my strong suit. Many of my childhood memories are of my mother and I in conflict over my messy room. In fact, one of my mother's favorite school projects that she saved is a laminated children's book I wrote in sixth grade, titled: Cleaning My Room Is So Much Fun. Uh, that was a big fat lie I told myself, my teacher, and my mom. I can thrive in piles of papers and books. That is until they somehow multiply like ciaos causing gremlins. Mount Catch All had taken over the whole office and was flowing into the kitchen, leaving me overwhelmed and unfocused.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RXgvVOPIKNp5IumL4A4lJdRUV-yYqrx1xgYk_4ne54B0OcUrgO0us7g74oP9mJi6h-YPMUs3OKvAT1fhm5G-jCGlis_8kigkz4_Z9GdhBNNanXb_V-3NsTBMgvOxqDj8p6mDs_4Y0-K8/s1600/49039549_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_solandzh'>solandzh / 123RF Stock Photo</a>" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RXgvVOPIKNp5IumL4A4lJdRUV-yYqrx1xgYk_4ne54B0OcUrgO0us7g74oP9mJi6h-YPMUs3OKvAT1fhm5G-jCGlis_8kigkz4_Z9GdhBNNanXb_V-3NsTBMgvOxqDj8p6mDs_4Y0-K8/s640/49039549_m.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a>I have to give a huge thank you to my dear friend Amy, who came to my rescue. She came over this week and helped me organize our office. If I am the Hot Mess Mamma, she is the Organizing Ninja Mom. In less than two hours she stealthily sorted, delegated tasks and advised me through the office. What had once been the landing pad for the miscellaneous office supplies, bills, homeschool curriculum and any other random objects, (Mount Catch All), were now neatly sorted placed and orderly stored. I had been chipping away at the pile for weeks and thought I had weeks ahead of me. Nope she had the floor cleared and left the desk functional, in a matter of hours. Woo Hoo! I love Amy, she rocked it, but why couldn't I do that on my own. Am I hard wired to be messy?<br />
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I love when my home is clean and clear of clutter. My brain actually is relaxed and calm when my home is organized. So why don't I keep it that way? I am on a mission, yes the impossible kind to find a system that works for keeping up with the clean up! Join me as I relearn how to be domestic. I would love to hear from you about your organizing tips and tricks. Obviously I have a lot to learn, and I am ready to get started!! <br />
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<br />Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5403769112308500854.post-83422905672024439102016-09-30T15:07:00.001-07:002016-09-30T15:07:43.345-07:00Fun Can't Wait For TomorrowIt doesn't matter how busy I actually am. There never seems to be enough hours in my day. I will just have to put it off till tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzeM1yeSWYs4oHp6cFDVU_6gks6gqiax46cE9DRfOfhlBjT8X-mDwPMydfZruy6SCasKhxDtLLnoMvL-kd-9XyiPtQZNVkYNy9IbTPhPsZmGQnodH0vOmQBTfUp3l2AprJnoZRocZJFul/s1600/IMG_1972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzeM1yeSWYs4oHp6cFDVU_6gks6gqiax46cE9DRfOfhlBjT8X-mDwPMydfZruy6SCasKhxDtLLnoMvL-kd-9XyiPtQZNVkYNy9IbTPhPsZmGQnodH0vOmQBTfUp3l2AprJnoZRocZJFul/s400/IMG_1972.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Whether I have ten or two things on my daily list, I have a hard time being motivated to complete them. What isn't finished today should get done tomorrow.</div>
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I function better with a visible list, but creating that list is often a task I am not motivated to do. I will make one tomorrow.</div>
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I plan on doing better tomorrow! </div>
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The truth is that today is important and many things on my to do list aren't as important as others. Sure I could have the tidiest house, or most fit body, those things are good, but choose other things like experiences with my kids. I once asked my mom how she thought that my kids would remember me when I pass. She replied, "You always make things fun, you're the fun mom!" Inside I beaned, did a happy dance in my head. "Oh yeah I am the fun mom. I am not the tidy mom, the organized mom, nor even the cool mom, but I am the fun mom." </div>
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So today I will enjoy being the fun mom. I am headed out for a bike ride the piles of books and office supplies stretch across my dining room can wait till I get back or organizing can resume tomorrow.<br />
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Amberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17161209456341142253noreply@blogger.com2