tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158922782024-03-13T08:55:20.282-07:00Couldn't Ask For MoreSeeing the Extraordinary in Ordinary Everyday LifeKimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.comBlogger502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-5573329611101516662013-01-14T19:57:00.000-08:002013-01-14T19:57:07.162-08:00We've Moved!Hi All!<br />
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I'm excited to announce we've moved! You can now find us at www.couldntaskformore.com<br />
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I hope to see you there!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-15370252630164224192012-12-11T21:51:00.000-08:002012-12-11T22:10:48.146-08:00Land of the Beautiful PeopleWe just returned from a refreshing 10-day vacation to our "former" home in Orange County. My heart is full and I'm feeling thoroughly blessed by the generosity of friends. They sacrificially gave their time, prayers, and invited us into their homes.<br />
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We chose to head to the OC, after only four months in our new Midwest location, mainly because our passes to Disneyland expire on the 15th of this month, although many think it was because we're already experiencing a freeze-out here. Yes, we're freezing in this 30 degree weather, but we hear it's bound to get much colder! I'm learning to love being inside the house. Bread is baking in the oven as I type. Cold weather makes for cozy, comfort food.<br />
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Although my heart is full from time with friends and blessed by the magic of Disney, one thing I was reminded of while we were in the OC is: IT IS THE LAND OF THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. You can't miss it! They are EVERYWHERE! A few steps off the plane, I looked around and knew, yes, I'm back in Orange County. Fabulous Shoes, Coach bags, manicured eyebrows, the whitest most amazing teeth, and gorgeous hair. Not many bushy brows or ponytails to be seen.<br />
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While waiting for the rental car, I glanced around and noted: Black Leggings and Riding Boots are IN! My Keen clogs (perfect for REI country) and faded old boot cut Gap jeans, not so much. Coach Handbags: IN! Computer bag posing as a purse, not so much. Long necklaces dressing up a fabulous tunic style top: IN! Rubberband around wrist awaiting ponytail for unruly hair and no jewelry dressing up a recent Goodwill sweater find, not so much. White, glow-in-the-dark perfectly shaped teeth with porcelain veneers: IN! Clenched, chipped teeth due to excessive middle-of-the night grinding with durable, yet flashy gold bling on the molars, not so much! Long, dark, perfectly shaped eyelashes: IN! Wacky eyelashes going this way and that with gaps of lashes missing due to being plucked from stress and then caked with mascara, not so much. Gorgeous flowing, thick straight hair touched with sun-kissed highlights: IN! Ponytail, with all over frizz...not so much.<br />
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I could go on and on about how deficient and out of style I feel in Orange County, but that would just send me to the land of tears and I don't want to go there tonight...My kids are watching <b><i>Christmas Vacation</i></b> (FOR THE FIRST TIME BECAUSE I'VE NEVER ALLOWED IT) laughing and having a jolly old time. It would be awkward for me to sit here on the computer getting completely depressed while mentally comparing my outward appearance with those I see in the OC thus allowing the enemy to beat me up for no good reason while the family creates holiday memories. Yeah, not a good idea.<br />
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But I do this a lot. I look at other people and then bring out the measuring stick and compare. I was once told status (among women) is measured by shoes and handbags. That's a sad statement of our society when we measure worth by what type of handbag we carry or what brand of shoes we wear. I remember thinking years ago how cool I felt when I recognized one of the latest trendy bags from some designer. It was apparently so important to me, I can no longer remember the name. I've NEVER had a designer handbag! I wouldn't know a designer handbag if I saw one, with exception to the Coach bags because they have COACH printed ALL OVER THEM so no one would miss the status symbol. I've never spent more than $50 for a bag. The one time I did was for an REI purse made out of some sort of nylon canvas. ABSOLUTELY nothing fancy! I've never spent more than that on a pair of shoes either, with the exception of running/athletic shoes and a pair of riding boots I bought 14 years ago that I still wear. <br />
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We've never had the disposable income to spend on such things, and it's never really been that big of a deal to me. I'd rather spend money on healthy food, great books, medical/dental bills (no I don't really prefer medical/dental bills), car repairs, or sports/lessons for our kids. Some of those things I'd prefer not to have on our expenditure list, but such is life.<br />
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The comparison game. I've mentioned it before. I read other gals' blogs and see how many "followers" they have and feel the inferiority set in. I begin to compare layout, photos, sponsors, etc. I admit its crazy-making, but I fall into the trap. I will do the same with ministry opportunities, success, home decor, accomplishments, etc. As women I think we do this, we compare. We measure. We evaluate. Do we measure up?<br />
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I was recently alerted to a "GREAT" blog. I immediately went to check it out. I read. I checked out the sidebar noting 50,000 followers! Holy Smokes! We're talking HUGE blog success! I read on. I wondered what made this such a note-worthy blog to attract such a following. What is the recipe to such success? I wanted to know. I "liked" the blog on Facebook so I could figure it all out. Here I saw a beautiful, thin gal with GREAT hair married to a handsome-model-of-a-husband also with amazing hair! They had three gorgeous kids and perfect family photos. The model family. AND she has a successful blog with an apparent service mission. How does she do it?<br />
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Then came the next day's post. Complete Devastation! Her husband left her. The vision was shattered! WHAT? It was ALL so perfect the day before! I was actually jealous of her. I know jealousy is a sin. My envy meter spikes every so often and I feel convicted, but still fall into the same miserable pit time and time again.<br />
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I remember years ago walking with a friend. She's a beauty. Thin, long legs, beautiful eyes. I come from a thick family and it takes a lot of effort and discipline for me not to be a plumpy. Envy plagued me as I looked at outward appearance. How did she maintain such beauty? One day when we were walking and getting to know each other better she shared she has Crohn's disease and has a hard time eating and digesting food. My heart sank. The illusion of perfection I had imagined was destroyed. She struggled to keep weight on because of this terrible disease. I learned a valuable lesson. What we see may not be what we want.<br />
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Perception may not be reality. One of my greatest loves is mascara. There once was a time when people would comment on my lashes, but those days are gone. There are new and improved lashes blinking around the world. I began noticing them when we moved to Orange County. They were amazing! Long, dark, lush, far-reaching lashes. Really beautiful! So I began asking about mascara. "What type of mascara do you use? Your lashes are GREAT!" The responses would be, Maybelline Great Lash, MAC, or just your average over-the-counter mascara. WHAT? I went out and tried them all! I love lashes, and love mascara and my mission was to find the ONE that could create those far-reaching amazing lashes! Well, despite my purchases and a great deal of money spent, none of the products gave me the winky blinks I desired. What was I missing? Did I curl them wrong? Apply the mascara wrong? Were they using a mascara primer I didn't know about? Why didn't I have THOSE lashes? I found out why...eventually. The eyelashes I dreamed of were EXTENSIONS! They are like hair extensions for eyelashes. You know the beautiful hair you dream of that's thick, LONG and gorgeous? Yeah, probably extensions and so are the eyelashes. Bummer. There's no mascara to work miracles. I'm stuck with the real deals.<br />
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While I was on vacation we dropped in at a Christmas party. I was wearing jeans, tennis shoes, t-shirt, workout jacket, and (unwashed) ponytail. Needless to say, I was feeling underdressed and frumpy. As I looked around the room I saw beautiful people in dreamy, flashy, sparkling clothes. Of course, I brought out the measuring stick. Dang! Could I just quit that? I leaned over to a friend and almost apologetically said, "I'm not a very sparkly girl." (Can I insert a saddie face here?) She immediately responded, "But you have a sparkly personality." We ALL need friends like this. She instantly put my sense of inferiority at rest. I am what I am.<br />
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I fall into the envy of beauty/inferiority pit time and time again. Perhaps it's our culture. Perhaps it's my insecurity. Perhaps it's the media or the desire to keep up with the Jones's. Never being satisfied. Never finding contentment. Never being happy about being a sparkly person without the sparkly clothes and accessories.<br />
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What does the Bible say about this?<br />
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Vicky Courtney (fabulous writer) had a short piece on the <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/sexuality/preventing_the_sexualization_of_your_daughter/what_the_bible_says.aspx">Focus on the Family website</a>. The excerpt was taken from her book <b style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://family.christianbook.com/conversations-must-have-with-your-daughter/vicki-courtney/9780805446661/pd/446661">5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter</a>. </b>I would recommend reading the entire post, or better yet, the entire book, but here are a couple important points.<br />
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Psalm 139:14</h2>
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I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.</div>
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<strong>What it means: </strong>You are created in the image of God, and God doesn't make junk! Like a snowflake, every person is unique. No two are the same. God sees you as a masterpiece; and when you look in the mirror, He wants you to "know that full well." Try this beauty tip: Every morning when you look in the mirror, say Psalm 139:14 and smile. You might even tape the verse on your mirror as a reminder!</div>
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1 Samuel 16:7</h2>
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But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."</div>
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<strong>What it means: </strong>The world focuses on what people look like on the outside. God focuses on what people look like on the inside. Do you put more time and effort into being pretty on the outside or the inside? As you get older, you will meet Christian girls who spend more time trying to find the perfect outfit, get the perfect tan, find the perfect lip gloss, and have the perfect body. While there's nothing wrong with wanting to look pretty, we need to make sure it's in balance. God would rather see us work on becoming drop-dead gorgeous on the inside. You know, the kind of girl who talks to Him on a regular basis (prayer) and reads her Bible.</div>
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Proverbs 31:30</h2>
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.</div>
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<strong>What it means: </strong>Beauty fades with age, so if you are more concerned with your outer appearance, you will be unhappy when the wrinkles come and the number on the scale goes up. In fact, did you know that your body may show the beginning signs of aging as early as age twenty? That is why God wants us to "fear" Him. That doesn't mean to be afraid of Him but rather to be in awe of Him and all that He has done. Let me put it to you this way. If you stand two girls next to each other and one is Miss Teen USA whose beauty is limited to physical beauty, and the other young lady is a more average-looking girl who loves the Lord more than anything, she is the more beautiful girl in the eyes of God.</div>
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Tonight I was looking at yet another blog tonight, trying to figure out how one gal could do so much and have a life that appears to be so perfect. I stopped myself before the nagging envy tried to worm its way into my night. Remembering "other" circumstances may be present and showing only a perfect representation of a life utterly beautiful may not be the complete truth of the situation. We don't know.<br />
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Gals, if you've made it all the way to the end of this rambling post, I'm grateful! I want to hug you and let you know you're the real deal! Don't let the world try to define you by what you wear or what you look like. I hope you don't listen to the lies of the enemy telling us our worth is based on the type of bag we own, our home decor, or the length of our lashes. If you're blessed to have the "stuff," I hope you don't let it consume your identity. If you struggle in this area, know you're not alone. We live in a land that focuses on the outside. Take care of your heart. Cherish what you've been blessed with. Intercede for others. Know that when I begin to struggle with this matter, I will pray for you. Don't buy into the lies.We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Spend your time and energy drawing closer to your Creator. He finds you amazingly beautiful! Sparkle On!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-51534071398296573522012-11-19T08:51:00.000-08:002012-11-19T18:33:45.273-08:00Struggling Through NovemberNovember is a hard month. The signs of winter shrouding the sky with clouds of heaviness, the naked trees lacking fullness and signs of life, and the brevity of daylight remind me that we will soon bring another year to close. Where did it go? What did I accomplish? Was it meaningful?<br />
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The heaviness of this month is accompanied by our anniversary. I know it should be a reason to celebrate, but again I question whether or not this year's journey glorified God and made and impact for his kingdom. Quantifying such a measurement can be daunting. Man's measurement and God's are completely different. <br />
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Measuring worth and eternal impact plagues me in the month of November. I know the Bible warns us not to do this. In Isaiah 55:8-9 The Lord tells us:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span class="text Isa-55-8" id="en-NIV-18749" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">“For my thoughts<span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18749A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span> are not your thoughts,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="position: relative;">neither are your ways my ways,”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18749B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="right" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 2em;"><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="position: relative;">declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-NIV-18750" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>“As the heavens are higher than the earth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18750C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="position: relative;">so are my ways higher than your ways</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="position: relative;">and my thoughts than your thoughts.</span></span></b></i></span><br />
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November is National Adoption/Orphan Awareness Month which brings an annual heartache I can't seem to shake.<br />
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I think I've always had a heart for the orphan, the downcast, the overlooked. As a child, in the early 70's, my favorite companion was a black, Madame Alexander Pussycat baby doll. She was loved to the point of her hair being rubbed off, eyelashes lost and dress soiled. She still holds a special place in my heart and is stashed away as a treasured keepsake. This may not seem like a big deal to anyone in 2012, but in 1970 the image of a white/light brown skinned girl carrying around a black baby doll was a big deal.<br />
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My favorite childhood story was <b><i>The Little Matchgirl</i></b>. It's actually quite a depressing account, but I read it repeatedly hoping to discover a revised ending where someone noticed the little girl, cared for her thus allowing her to survive the snow and cold. It never happened. At the end she still died unnoticed, lonely and I think, heartbroken.<br />
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It still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. Time to grab a tissue!<br />
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Early in our marriage we struggled with infertility. I had a number of friends, at the time, who were adopting and I thought, given my heart for the orphan, perhaps this was God's plan for us. It all seemed to make sense. I gathered adoption packets and began praying with friends for a child.<br />
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After a great deal of prayer and discussion, we opted to try IVF and conceived our first son. After one failed attempt, a few years later we tried again and conceived our second son. Just over a year later we received the surprise of our life when we learned I was pregnant with our daughter (the old fashioned way).<br />
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After three kids, I think my husband's quiver was full. Mine wasn't.<br />
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As the years went on, my passion for the orphan/fatherless did not subside. All around us friends were hearing the call from God to increase their families by reaching out to the fatherless and providing a loving home to kids at risk. I thought God was pressing my heart in the same way. The kids and I began praying for God to open the doors if it was his will. As I looked at scripture, the call to take care of the orphan was so evident. There was no way I could justify living our comfortable life and ignoring the less fortunate. We had the love, the room, the money and most importantly the COMMAND,<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white;">"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30294A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;"> orphans and widows</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30294B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;"> in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:27 (NIV)</span></b></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>"Anyone who sets himself up as “religious” by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world." James 1:26-27 (The Message)</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white;">"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;">to visit </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;">orphans and widows in their affliction, and </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;">to keep oneself </span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30277D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white;">unstained from the world." James 1;27 (ESV)</span></b></i></span></blockquote>
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I began meeting with a friend weekly praying for an orphan ministry. We were willingly to do whatever to help adopting families and kids around the globe to find their forever family. My girlfriend's family had already adopted a boy from the Philippines and she had a heart for African missions. God was moving and shaking in her family. Over the years she's traveled many times with her family to Africa, helped orphans, set up AWANA programs in desperate communities and currently has a daughter serving in Tanzania.<br />
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Another<a href="http://thehplace.blogspot.com/"> friend</a> who also was pressed to care for the orphan quit her successful radio program and followed God all the way to China. Prior to moving to China her family adopted two "special needs" (really minor issues) children from China. Sensing a greater faith calling they sold their belongings, packed up their five children and moved to China. While living in China, they've adopted two more kids. What a blessing! All of her adopted children had what were considered "special needs," but the needs were minimal, often just cosmetic. They really just needed a family to love on them!<br />
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Another friend adopted a little girl from China and soon thereafter felt God's hand leading them to adopt a boy. These kids are BLESSED! What an amazing family!<br />
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I can go on and on with amazing life-changing adoption stories around us. Abandoned children plucked from certain death or terrible lives, but now they're in loving families, really experiencing Christ's love for the unlovable, and knowing first hand what it's like to be saved. How much better can they relate to The Savior?<br />
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I'm not trying to compare life to life and the Lord's calling on one's life to another. Focusing on others and comparing lives/callings can steal joy and make this life feel insignificant. I have the life I have and desire Christ to be glorified through it.<br />
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Years of praying has never resulted in any recognizable orphan ministry. Around me I've seen amazing growth among families and hearts welling over with gratitude and love, but regarding an orphan ministry/adoption, I hear crickets. Don't get me wrong. We are fully blessed in the kid department with our three. I'm not trying to fill a void. I'm just desiring to be used by God to bless a little one.<br />
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Perhaps I heard wrong. I often take God's Word at face value. He says it, I want to do it! I've tried to justify, "Maybe the command and <i><b>Promise</b></i> I thought I sensed was for my littles." Maybe the seeds of compassion we're planting now will encourage our three to care for the orphan(s). I don't know. W<span style="font-family: inherit;">ith every passing year, I'm that much closer to the door closing on this dream and it breaks my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">November reminds me how much I desire to follow my heart, but am at a constant roadblock. I just read this quote this morning from Teddy Roosevelt and it spoke to my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">“</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">daring greatly</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">.”</span></b></i></span></blockquote>
I want to spend my life in a worthy cause daring greatly and striving valiantly! If I fail, at least, with God's blessing, I tried. My prayer this month and for 2013 is for a door to open.<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-65451076130550673932012-11-16T10:41:00.001-08:002012-11-16T10:48:03.586-08:00Proud of My Pie Maker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three weeks ago our boys began attending a local church youth group. Two weeks ago, our middle son came home from group enthusiastically sharing about an upcoming Pie-off (bake-off). The event was a parents' open house and pie contest, a meet and greet and have some good eats type of gathering.<br />
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Our little brown-eyed boy was so excited! He began brainstorming the best pies to make. I promised to set aside a day to help him bake. AND, perhaps being a chip off the old block, he wanted to make not one, but two pies. I also think he calculated his odds of winning a category in the pie contest would be increased with more entries. Smart little dude!<br />
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We found about 8 recipes for him to choose from. </div>
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Snickers Bar Pie</div>
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Chocolate Glazed Chocolate Tart</div>
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Creamy Peanut Butter Pie</div>
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Mile-High Cranberry-Apple Pie</div>
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Cranberry-Ribbon Apple Pie</div>
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Apple Pudding Pie</div>
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Caramel Apple Pie</div>
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Deep Dish Dulce de Leche Apple Pie</div>
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He decided on a <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/10/04/deep-dish-dulce-de-leche-apple-pie/">Deep Dish Dulce de Leche Apple Pie</a> and a <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/08/26/snickers-bar-pie/">Snickers Bar Pie</a>. I wish I could take credit for creating these tasty desserts, but we found both on <a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/">Recipe Girl</a> website. (If you'd like the recipe, just click on the pie name). One was fresh from the oven and the other chilled to perfection.</div>
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For the apple pie we searched for the best, crispest Braeburn and Granny Smith apples I could find. Fall deliciousness!</div>
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We used a basic crust recipe. Since I'm a butter girl and not a shortening girl, we go with ONLY butter. Some people like the results they get with shortening, but I choose to go with the REAL stuff.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pastry for Double-Crust Pie</span></b></div>
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Stir together 2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in 2/3 cup butter until pieces are the size of small peas. Using a total of 6-7 T cold water, sprinkle 1 T water at a time over the mixture. Gently toss with fork. Repeat until all dough is moistened. Divide dough in half. Form into 2 balls and chill for at least 15 minutes before rolling out.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxDq5P6DK8Kiela7Xv7iYr2gR9gXvMrtcuic-P2TpoeHXHvRhLZ1kTZo5s22M1DlgBQMhEZ2mdZi_BDos1fs7ZX_WPsz6oOsYGxkNEnRiug1nJRmB9OUQHZNwSjgYBbFq12cl/s1600/IMG_2136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGxDq5P6DK8Kiela7Xv7iYr2gR9gXvMrtcuic-P2TpoeHXHvRhLZ1kTZo5s22M1DlgBQMhEZ2mdZi_BDos1fs7ZX_WPsz6oOsYGxkNEnRiug1nJRmB9OUQHZNwSjgYBbFq12cl/s320/IMG_2136.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/08/26/snickers-bar-pie/">Snickers Bar Pies</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn78UUfusOttgYGyRFJsBIlqRZ1QCImsyOA-Bc5xDQPgEj5M_Sw_y-zhDcjqjRZ1fDhSCqSuCpe5ZVBH3c7cYqeiwv4BtjhvopcBodozmymEgr86XrTdvKV2T5Y7Oa8NBVcLPU/s1600/IMG_2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn78UUfusOttgYGyRFJsBIlqRZ1QCImsyOA-Bc5xDQPgEj5M_Sw_y-zhDcjqjRZ1fDhSCqSuCpe5ZVBH3c7cYqeiwv4BtjhvopcBodozmymEgr86XrTdvKV2T5Y7Oa8NBVcLPU/s320/IMG_2138.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/10/04/deep-dish-dulce-de-leche-apple-pie/">Deep Dish Dulce de Leche Apple Pie</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMJk3rnYvbc9OcVGDTj6k2JEHt4D3NYBDDVggpYErpLfwAmmhv4lbq7T2wbHJH7SmfkoKfa-p6imZRT8BIkt3iy-xTHnfDsBRdnAUb-t4SbaTnHSIxpmESSW-e_lH9ITNIqEK/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMJk3rnYvbc9OcVGDTj6k2JEHt4D3NYBDDVggpYErpLfwAmmhv4lbq7T2wbHJH7SmfkoKfa-p6imZRT8BIkt3iy-xTHnfDsBRdnAUb-t4SbaTnHSIxpmESSW-e_lH9ITNIqEK/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/10/04/deep-dish-dulce-de-leche-apple-pie/">Deep Dish Dulce de Leche Apple Pie</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JTvoG0HIZOB3sttZvAkG-Mvq5dIviPoDk3PKBIcHgyeGTJnrwOwc5vR5WpMx8mHPbLLJqrWD-KSMPb8p9Zbl73HZBlN5VPKUn5FrRWtN-3wqkHfH-U9Yq-HgCR8U9v71HdE1/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2JTvoG0HIZOB3sttZvAkG-Mvq5dIviPoDk3PKBIcHgyeGTJnrwOwc5vR5WpMx8mHPbLLJqrWD-KSMPb8p9Zbl73HZBlN5VPKUn5FrRWtN-3wqkHfH-U9Yq-HgCR8U9v71HdE1/s320/IMG_2142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOQlYHm8TUFX6xF1a3guAYiinJgR8BJyvfXQ8reXhbaF2hDLyBL_22HAzoDUs_TkrFmuxku0PEJpRNZgrHzA27zOHmrIMTPK8G_H7h7JgtnCBkzIyLOLng19YL88fxCW9-cro/s1600/IMG_2144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOQlYHm8TUFX6xF1a3guAYiinJgR8BJyvfXQ8reXhbaF2hDLyBL_22HAzoDUs_TkrFmuxku0PEJpRNZgrHzA27zOHmrIMTPK8G_H7h7JgtnCBkzIyLOLng19YL88fxCW9-cro/s320/IMG_2144.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2008/08/26/snickers-bar-pie/">Snickers Bar Pie</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVz3grZLxrW2LA_R1ssaJ8TwpDFLN2DquQrFf1gbK_1_fF5iUmxFPmGNZd-HhNhb7VkN7ISdngAvoSDxbDG3vEjyZTwoWoF85WCiY57DxIVpqaFyyqW8EvFWaLT7WvyDfgXxZ/s1600/IMG_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVz3grZLxrW2LA_R1ssaJ8TwpDFLN2DquQrFf1gbK_1_fF5iUmxFPmGNZd-HhNhb7VkN7ISdngAvoSDxbDG3vEjyZTwoWoF85WCiY57DxIVpqaFyyqW8EvFWaLT7WvyDfgXxZ/s320/IMG_2145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were 73 pies entered in the Pie-Off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86pN2k0nz-M21YYl6u9aG_6BjLy1r_N-j5-14xz0FqqOy7L6tv1eYuyIPjVyvAJtVCOiQorKR1CzoF-U-YEoE82a8o8KhXD34x6xeEhsiNe1LJdY93qh3N3_dKtEq3cAkJ2EQ/s1600/IMG_2148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh86pN2k0nz-M21YYl6u9aG_6BjLy1r_N-j5-14xz0FqqOy7L6tv1eYuyIPjVyvAJtVCOiQorKR1CzoF-U-YEoE82a8o8KhXD34x6xeEhsiNe1LJdY93qh3N3_dKtEq3cAkJ2EQ/s320/IMG_2148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of the judges are in this photo. They were PROFESSIONAL bakers from the community<br />
THE WINNERS!</td></tr>
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Here are his official score cards...</div>
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What a fun night for all!</div>
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Congratulations sweetheart!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-46214720342227073352012-11-12T12:23:00.000-08:002012-11-12T16:58:14.941-08:0044 DaysYesterday my daughter came running up to me exclaiming, "44 More Days! 44 More Days!"<br />
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She's the countdown queen always counting down to the next big event. Skipping, singing...44 more days! As soon as the jubilant words were in earshot, I was overcome with a huge sense of anxiety. My heart began racing. Adrenaline was coursing through my extremities.</div>
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FORTY-FOUR more days until...<br />
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Disappointment, possibly.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">44 more days to substantial debt?</span></b></div>
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I used to LOVE Christmas. Days of baking cookies, making crafts, decorating, listening to favorite holiday tunes of John Denver and Amy Grant, laying beneath beautiful lights, cozying up to a warm fire sipping hot chocolate or an eggnog latte. </div>
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These days, I'm agonizing over the upcoming holiday and the sense of dread associated with it. I love Christmas, just don't love the expectation of stuff. I want to celebrate Christ and family. I want to give, but perhaps not in the same way we have in the past. I want to be carefree in our celebration of Christ's birth, but not have the holiday focused on consumerism.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Credit Card Christmas</span></b></div>
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Like many Americans, we've been hit with numerous financial setbacks. These have been results from the downturn in the housing market, to multiple medical bills, to rising food and gas prices to necessary home repairs to renters who fail to pay their rents and damage homes, etc. I'm sure many are in the same boat. We're facing tough times and trying to continue to manage on one income. We've never lived high on the hog. I've always been frugal, but life has just happened.</div>
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There once was a time when we had financial abundance. We were blessed to give generously and abundantly, but now I'm happy if we can tithe, pay our bills and buy groceries. If we were to have a Christmas like we used to, it would be a credit card Christmas. There's no way around it. We're not at a point where we set aside a few dollars monthly to build a Christmas fund. We've been hit with unexpected expenses and they don't seem to be letting up. In 2009, Forbes posted an article noting the average American Christmas-celebrating family spends $751 on gifts, $41.50 on a Christmas tree, $33.00 on cards and postage, $23 on flowers (poinsettias), $52 on decorating, $960 on travel, and an additional $200-$500 on food. Just looking at these numbers, which look rather conservative to me, total an extra $2360.50 burden on the average family budget.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If You're Going to Buy, Some Ideas on Saving</span></b></div>
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I've known families who have limited their gift-giving budget to $50 per child. $50 doesn't go a long way these days, so how do we stretch the dollar and purchase quality gifts? </div>
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There are many websites that offer deep discount deals. One of my favorites for clothing and shoes right now is 6pm.com I've found many deals to clothe our family. With our move to the Midwest, I've had to buy the kids boots and coats since we were a shorts, flip-flops and tank tops family. Luckily, I've found great deals on warm winter wear. In addition, our kids grow out of their clothes so quickly, paying retail seems wasteful. If you sign up for updates on 6pm.com, they'll send you a deal of the day every morning. I've been able to purchase quality items for 75% off MSRP. I especially like 6pm.com because they allow me to pay through my Paypal account. Throughout the year I sell items on ebay to raise funds for such clothing purchases without having to dip into our household account.</div>
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CNBC compiled a list of sites for <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/41626359/The_Best_Websites_for_Steals_and_Deals?slide=1">great steals and deals</a>. You can find them<a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/41626359/The_Best_Websites_for_Steals_and_Deals?slide=1"> here</a>. Great deals can always be found on ebay, half.com, amazon, overstock.com, etc. I just don't like bidding. The pressure and anticipation are just too much for me.</div>
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Another website I learned of recently is TheClymb.com Again they send deals via email. Their site features outdoor gear, running apparel and more. I was able to find great deals on running shoes. They claim to have deals up to 85% off. Our family is such and outdoor/sports oriented family, a great deal of our spending budget goes toward sports gear.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If You're Going to Buy, Buy American</span></b></div>
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Some friends are seeking to buy American this Christmas. I've read posts asking about local/American companies to purchase from. ABC compiled a list of gift ideas from<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2011/11/made-in-america-gift-ideas/"> American companies found here.</a> I saw Louisville Slugger on the list. For the baseball enthusiast, a personalized bat is a great idea. I've purchased them for coaches before and them make a great gift.</div>
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Another idea is to buy from handmade/homemade locally. <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a> is a wonderful site for a personalized gift. I know many mom friends who are trying to supplement their family income by selling on <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy.com</a>. In one family, the hub has been out of work for some time in the struggling California economy. His wife has been blessed through her tutu business. Please check out her site, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetlilytutus?ref=shop_sugg">Sweet Lily Tutus</a>. She donates 20% of her income to help struggling women in Cambodia. What an awesome way to pay it forward!</div>
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Another great Etsy.com idea is a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search?q=personalized%20necklaces&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US">personalized necklace</a>. You can find personalized necklaces with scripture, kids names, or just positive words. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If You're Going To Buy, Support a Great Cause</span></b></div>
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There are many great causes available if you're looking to purchase a gift to help impoverished people around the globe.</div>
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There are amazing gifts if you're passionate about ending the slave/sex trafficking trade. Some of my favorites are:</div>
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International Princess Project which helps women in India. Their website is <a href="http://www.punjammies.com/">http://www.punjammies.com</a> A couple years ago I purchased punjammies for my mom and mother-in-law. They are made from cozy cotton and I love knowing the purchase helps save women from the torment of the slave/sex trade.</div>
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31 Bits helps <a href="http://31bits.com/about/">women in Uganda</a> They make unique, stylish jewelry. The prices are wonderfully affordable!</div>
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For the hipster in your life, how about a trendy handmade, crocheted hat from <a href="http://www.krochetkids.org/">Krochet Kids International</a>? The hat purchase helps provide opportunity, education and an occupation for peoples in Northern Uganda and Peru.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Helping Kids Around the Globe- Honor Gifts</span></b></div>
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One of my favorite organizations is <a href="http://childcareworldwide.org/">Childcare Worldwide</a>. There are many ways you can give gifts through sponsorship, survival packs and more or a gift in honor of someone. This is a great opportunity for you to give outside your family to some in desperate need. They have a <a href="http://childcareworldwide.org/index.php?page=catalog">catalog of gifts</a> and a card to let someone know you gave a gift in their honor.</div>
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<a href="http://www.worldvision.org/?lpos=top_img_wvLogo">World Vision</a> is another great organization that allows you to give a gift in honor. Their catalog is <a href="http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&&section=10389&prod=KPcveWKNPm0yr3gB6FCflQAB:S&prod_pses=ZGA0BE3357BA9A07ED5096C837469265E6AB30A010E9E3C99C85D80690B6FB81D69A64A1E1123AB46A7B04473A8FC92977F22E7806E64E3072">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/">Samaritan's Purse</a> is another organization helping those suffering. My hub went on a mission trip after Hurricane Katrina sponsored by Samaritan's Purse. They have a catalog <a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/gift_catalog/">here</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If You Choose to Cut Down On Spending, How Can We Celebrate?</span></b></div>
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Christmas has become so commercialized, I think we've lost the focus. I love focusing on Christ, family and giving, but hope to break this cycle of going in debt in the process. We can give of ourselves selflessly without feeling the overwhelming burden of compounding debt. How do we do this?</div>
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I just learned of <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/free-jesse-tree-advent-devotional-book/">The Jesse Tree</a> yesterday. It's a 25 day advent devotional leading to draw us closer to Christ. Ann Voskamp has a downloadable devotional book available at her website, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">A Holy Experience.</a> A <a href="http://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/2012/11/jesse-tree-ornaments_10.html">Hundred Acre Wood</a> has another great site with handmade ornaments for you to create with your kids, <a href="http://www.halfahundredacrewood.com/2012/11/jesse-tree-ornaments_10.html">here</a>.</div>
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There are many websites available for cutting spending:</div>
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<a href="http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/a/savemoneychristmas.htm">http://christianity.about.com/od/christmas/a/savemoneychristmas.htm</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.themoneyprinciple.co.uk/2011/20-ways-to-celebrate-christmas-with-kids-without-overspending/">http://www.themoneyprinciple.co.uk/2011/20-ways-to-celebrate-christmas-with-kids-without-overspending/</a></div>
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<a href="http://bemorewithless.com/2010/5-ways-to-have-a-rich-christmas-without-spending-more/">http://bemorewithless.com/2010/5-ways-to-have-a-rich-christmas-without-spending-more/</a></div>
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<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Ways-to-Celebrate-Christmas-Without-Breaking-Your-Piggy-Bank&id=3392879">http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Ways-to-Celebrate-Christmas-Without-Breaking-Your-Piggy-Bank&id=3392879</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Christmas-During-a-Recession">http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Christmas-During-a-Recession</a></div>
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I especially love the ideas like baking, singing Christmas carols, enjoying family time, playing games, watching classic Christmas movies, and reading Christmas stories.</div>
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If you have more great ideas for giving let me know. I love new ideas!</div>
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-47212043859091284052012-10-25T06:37:00.000-07:002012-10-25T06:46:37.275-07:0045 is Too YoungAs mentioned in the <a href="http://3blessings.blogspot.com/2012/10/like-wildflowers-we-bloom-and-die.html">previous post,</a> this past week we lost a classmate. He was only 45 years young. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWrswaCDFwNKZ8mSLH-PSUMCwWhK9aYnhQdSQo-g9eOHpUBd0N7XkmkLdmEAneFHsR0Xlyhs4t46IPxkm-43kg4ML1kGk_9tLY3-nzHxmHUZV4OBRDaj7f2VDgw7Tv4QRxlu7/s1600/481074_10151087373306994_1505646246_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWrswaCDFwNKZ8mSLH-PSUMCwWhK9aYnhQdSQo-g9eOHpUBd0N7XkmkLdmEAneFHsR0Xlyhs4t46IPxkm-43kg4ML1kGk_9tLY3-nzHxmHUZV4OBRDaj7f2VDgw7Tv4QRxlu7/s320/481074_10151087373306994_1505646246_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tom and I weren't close. We were Facebook friends who graduated from a very small southern Illinois high school. At reunions, I could always count on him to have an upbeat attitude and a smile stretching from ear to ear.<br />
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He loved life, his family and music. His life was a reflection of his loves.<br />
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Five years ago, when his youngest, a little boy, was born prematurely, Tom reached out to our classmates for prayer that his little guy would pull through. And pull through he did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhyRNxTvziu1FDbOr-f5QKp_q3TSiVlczkZo0EuqHbn8KEGDLIURkgJNyXs4kwBVPMSolcfFOrmmtx7pkmEdyx9arA1B7to6Qgu2jKITrfY5F_zXx1NqvOPlzoWTF5sB-Z2fN/s1600/67105_472274262795258_824324771_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhyRNxTvziu1FDbOr-f5QKp_q3TSiVlczkZo0EuqHbn8KEGDLIURkgJNyXs4kwBVPMSolcfFOrmmtx7pkmEdyx9arA1B7to6Qgu2jKITrfY5F_zXx1NqvOPlzoWTF5sB-Z2fN/s320/67105_472274262795258_824324771_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom's Kids</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PdprRBOqnnKi2BlPFXnm-dblFZqbUd0b1RBWCa6Sa6T478ttKLJsVTcW_y6og7FWSYcD7SybSZToRVgv8L07K_JX0lnnWQmo1Wy57drUGGrl79JF47lmhv_TV5sKx6Vpx6pY/s1600/578403_4008026911552_2087461819_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2PdprRBOqnnKi2BlPFXnm-dblFZqbUd0b1RBWCa6Sa6T478ttKLJsVTcW_y6og7FWSYcD7SybSZToRVgv8L07K_JX0lnnWQmo1Wy57drUGGrl79JF47lmhv_TV5sKx6Vpx6pY/s1600/578403_4008026911552_2087461819_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and his wife, Laurie</td></tr>
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I can't say I knew Tom all that well. Miles and years separated us, but he was still a part of the small band of 1985 graduates who are like extended family. There are those who are close like siblings and if something happened to one of them I would be devastated. Then there are those who are like cousins. This loss is still painful and there's a sense of, "I wish I would have known him better, or invested in conversation a bit more."<br />
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One classmate wrote,<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"I just wanted to send my deepest sympathies to the friends and especially the family of Tom. I knew Tom since junior high and was close friends with many of Tom's friends. Tom and I never became close friends as we were simply into different interests. As I've read most all of the posts of all who were affected by this loss, It's clear that I missed out on getting to know a remarkable man and truly loving father. My thoughts are with all of you through this extremely difficult time."</b></span></span></blockquote>
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Our Class of 1985 is a unique one. We're bonded in a way that is unlike many graduating classes. We were a mixed group of military dependents and small town Midwest kids. There was a constant turnover of students due to the fluctuation of the military influence. I was one of the many military kids (not brats). Due to reassignments, we usually attended a school for 2-3 years, yet despite the short duration, I developed close-knit circles of friends. Was it because our school was so small? Our class numbers ranged somewhere between 160-180 students. Was it because on the first day of our senior year we learned that some of our own were killed in a tragic car accident? Was it because even though we had varying groups (athletic kids, smart kids, etc), we crossed those lines and were part of many circles. I asked a friend what her thoughts were on this and she replied,<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"We learned that no matter the circle we were in, everybody hurt (great rem song) and the class went to one funeral after another - emotions exposed, emotions we didn't know, we hurt, we didnt understand, and we didnt reconcile. It was identifying we shared something, although a horrible circumstance, and no matter if you were a jock, or a fre</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ak, or a nerd we all had the same pain. </b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We were too young to know death so we held on tight.</b></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">"</b></blockquote>
Perhaps that is it. We experienced a pain that bonded us together. When one of us hurts we feel it. <br />
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This week we made the trip south to attend Tom's wake with fellow classmates. In addition to paying respects to an incredible father, husband, son, and friend, I wanted to invest in those who are still living. I haven't seen these high school friends for years. We text, Facebook or call occasionally, but I haven't seen them face-to-face for quite awhile. Taking time from a busy schedule to connect with dear friends should be a priority. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Todd, Keith, Celia and Lisa</td></tr>
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It's hard to believe one of our own is gone. I still can't wrap my head around it. I'll close with an incredible performance by Tom's daughter, Courtney. Tom is behind her, wearing the cowboy hat playing the guitar.<br />
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Goodbye Tommy. You are missed.<br />
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Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-1426716676034819652012-10-20T03:34:00.000-07:002012-10-20T03:34:12.532-07:00Like Wildflowers, We Bloom and Die<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 103:15 Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">This week we finished reading </span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Where the Red Fern Grows </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">by Wilson Rawls. For a dog lover this book is a heart warming yet heart wrenching read! Through the pages we fell in love with Old Dan and Little Ann. Their antics, battles, victories and most importantly their relationship with Billy left us desiring the company of man's best friend in our home. We lost our beloved family member, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=15892278#editor/target=post;postID=4493699984517634449">Sam</a>, about five years ago and there's still a void in our hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I read aloud to the kids nearly everyday and the kids know my emotional sensitivities get the best of me on a regular basis. While reading, if something touches my heart, the next thing they know I'm fanning myself trying to hold back the tears. The day before we finished the book I had to call it quits. I was so choked up I couldn't speak or read. The tears were flowing freely.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">***Spoiler Warning*** Don't read on if you haven't yet read this book***</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">How could I not cry? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">After we had fully developed an affection for the coon hounds, Dan and Ann, we learn in an effort to save Billy, their owner and main character of the book, from certain death, Dan and Ann fight off a mountain lion and eventually kill the beast, but not before they both suffered serious injury. Unfortunately, during the jostle with the savage beast, Old Dan endured damaging fatal swipes from the blade-like claws of the mountain lion. Dan saved young Billy's life, while sacrificing his own.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Despite all efforts to save Old Dan, Billy realized there was no hope for his dear dog.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Old Dan must have known he was dying. Just before he drew one last sigh, and a feeble thump of his tail, his friendly gray eyes closed forever."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">At this, I continued to try to maintain composure, albeit unsuccessfully. Old Dan had breathed his last breath, and then he was gone. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I felt I was reliving my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=15892278#editor/target=post;postID=4493699984517634449">Sammy's</a> death.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The book continued, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"At first I couldn't believe my dog was dead. I started talking to him. 'Please don't die, Dan,' I said. 'Don't leave me now.'</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">We continued to hope Old Dan would recover, pop his head up and lick Billy on the face reassuring his dear friend all would be okay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">But he didn't.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">He was gone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Forever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I quit reading for the day and bawled my eyeballs out.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">That afternoon I received a text from a friend. A classmate of ours had died suddenly of a heart attack. Forty-five years young, a father of three. A good guy. Gone.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sometimes death comes so fast, so unexpected and it feels so final. The void left feels like a huge chasm.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">My heart aches for his wife, kids, parents, sister, and friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sometimes life just doesn't make sense.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The following day we resumed <i><b>Where the Red Fern Grows</b></i>. I thought we'd gotten through the worst of it. Sadly, I was wrong.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Little Ann, Old Dan's constant companion, lost all hope for living when Old Dan passed. Billy had to watch his surviving pet give up on life. He found her laying upon Old Dan's grave. She used the last of her strength to drag herself to his grave where she collapsed and died.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When Billy realized Little Ann was also gone, he...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"laid her head in his lap and with tear-filled eyes gazed up into the heavens. In a choking voice, I asked, 'Why did they have to die? Why must I hurt so? What have I done wrong?'"</span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Overhearing Billy's questions, his mom replied, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"I know this seems terrible and I know how it hurts, but at one time or another, everyone suffers. Even the Good Lord suffered while He was here on earth."</span></span></blockquote>
I can only imagine my classmate's family asking the same questions. Why? Why did he have to die? Why does death have to hurt so? Could it have been prevented?<br />
<br />
Struggling through this book to the end was a mission of dedication. I was a bawling mess. The kids think it's rather funny that books affect me so, but how can one not cry!?!? <br />
<br />
We have a family joke. My hub has "one" feeling. While I have Feelings, he has <b>A</b> feeling. I'm not sure why my emotions are so evident and I don't understand why he doesn't "feel" or have sensitivities. Empathy is needed in the world. I'm sure he wishes I would stop crying, while I wish I could see him display some emotion. Maybe it makes for balance. Who knows?<br />
<br />
All I know is <b><i>Where the Red Fern Grows</i></b> ruined me...in a GOOD way! It's such a great book for the whole family!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, after finishing it, I had to take a school break. I was completely emotionally drained.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-5709522442597456792012-10-04T17:45:00.001-07:002012-10-04T17:47:45.276-07:00Trying to Find the JoyNo lies. This transition has been tougher than I ever imagined. As my earlier post noted we've been through quite a lot and this week it has continued. I'm documenting some of these events so one day when we look back we'll be able to see how far God has led us. He is Faithful. He is Sovereign. He has a Plan.<br />
<br />
But, I forget.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
This week I was overwhelmed and overcome. Seriously, I didn't even realize how the stress was affecting my health.<br />
<br />
October 1st was going to be my comeback to CrossFit. It is an activity I love and it provides such a great stress relief. I've been off for over a month and was ready to hit the gym. Endorphins are my friends and I was pumped!<br />
<br />
I texted one of my workout buddies in SoCal letting her know. She sent texts of encouragement.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieObmxFHYMB6NeGcrAdoZMGzjB6VJWv1S_hDBX5pxOy_Anidt3MfDyzhsrDnTzallCZXfbAK_NGgB9CgY03LS5kQ6CMiwM4P7vlCiG8d1NfkUDlRYrcZzyb72BUKvugNw43lCA/s1600/IMG_9953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieObmxFHYMB6NeGcrAdoZMGzjB6VJWv1S_hDBX5pxOy_Anidt3MfDyzhsrDnTzallCZXfbAK_NGgB9CgY03LS5kQ6CMiwM4P7vlCiG8d1NfkUDlRYrcZzyb72BUKvugNw43lCA/s320/IMG_9953.JPG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are at my last CF workout in SoCal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The warm up was tough, but good.<br />
<br />
The workout was going to be a tough one too, but I was ready. It was an AMRAP of push jerks, ring dips and snatches.<br />
<br />
First round of push jerks, 8 reps of 75#. This would have been a challenging, but doable workout for me. <br />
<br />
On the 8th rep, my arms were locked out above my head, but I wasn't steadying the weight. It began to go back over my head. Instead of dropping it, I arched my back thinking I could recover it. Stupid, stupid, stupid...I know, but I held on. Next thing I know I'm heading back toward a back bend. Then I felt a pop, pop, pop in my back. I quickly dropped the weight. I was done. I rolled out and committed my evening to icing.<br />
<br />
I went to bed with 3 acetaminophen because I couldn't find the ibuprofen and prayed there was no other problem.<br />
<br />
At 3:00 am our middle son woke up with a sore throat and achy body. I took care of him and then headed back to bed. Still aching, I decided to switch sleeping positions as I hadn't moved up until then. The throbbing in my mid-lower back kept me awake. As I lay in bed, thoughts of medical bills, the need to find a doctor and/or chiropractor, the inability to workout, etc. started flooding my mind.<br />
<br />
Once again, I got up and planned to take something to help with the pain.<br />
<br />
Before I had the opportunity to take anything, I found myself on the hardwood floor in the hallway with my husband calling my name trying to wake me. I lay with my face on the floor, my left hand close to my head. I began to wonder where I was and what was I doing on the floor? Had I slept on the floor?<br />
<br />
My hub was saying, "Do you know where you are?" <br />
<br />
I thought. <br />
<br />
I responded, "I am at home."<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
I told him I wanted to get up.<br />
<br />
I then worked myself to standing with his help. We made it as far as the bathroom and I apparently fainted again. The next thing I knew my hub was talking to a 911 operator.<br />
<br />
The next 4 hours included paramedics coming to our house, a ride in an ambulance, a trip to the ER, scans, and tests.<br />
<br />
Everything looked good.<br />
<br />
According to the doctor, I probably had a vasovagal attack.<br />
<br />
What the heck is that?<br />
<br />
Well, my sweetheart, while sitting in the ER did a little research. Vasovagal attacks, or fainting, can be brought on my pain, stress, emotional distress, anxiety, along with a number of other triggers.<br />
<br />
So the good word is my heart looks good. There was no injury as a result of the fainting. Overall, health is good. Back looks fine, other than some muscle soreness. I'm just not handling the stress very well.<br />
<br />
I miss the sunshine.<br />
<br />
I miss friends.<br />
<br />
It's a lonely time.<br />
<br />
Today, I had to get out to find some joy. <br />
<br />
Nature brings me joy. Being cramped in a house brings me stress.<br />
<br />
We found a local nature center filled with autumnal trees, manicured landscapes, and overall, breath-taking amazing color. Filling our days with more than schoolwork is a necessity. I need to get out more, take deep breaths of fresh air. Most importantly I need to take care of my health, physical, mental, and emotional. I'm not a very good wife and mom when I'm a wreck.<br />
<br />
My prayer is God will bring us friends and more importantly that I will be able to appreciate life in this new place.<br />
<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-45720511688360338472012-09-25T21:58:00.000-07:002012-09-25T21:59:07.315-07:00To Want For NothingI've sat down to blog my thoughts many times in the last few weeks, but every time the words just don't come and the ones that did echoed my whiny complaints. Our circumstances within the last year or so don't seem to make sense and I've asked the question, "Why?" too many times to count.<br />
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Not to bore you with the details of our life drama, know we've dealt with trials that encompass a cross-country move, loss of friends (due to move), sale of what we thought was our dream house, health issues, financial strain, insurance problems, auto issues, new school, renter issues, hotel living, court dates (to deal with non-paying renter), worries about our kids making friends, and as of Friday I learned my identity was stolen.<br />
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In this new place we're learning to live day by day. We've talked about the strength gained making it through tough seasons of life. And over the last 20+ years my sweetheart and I have been through some tough stuff and every time we say something to the effect, "If we made it through <i>this</i>, we can make it through the next thing life brings."<br />
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The other day a couple friends texted me that they were praying for us. To one, my response was, "I feel like I've been in the refiner's fire lately. Learning more and more to trust because I can't carry this load."<br />
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She sent me a song that evening. Some of the lyrics were,<br />
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<b><i>"In weakness or trial or pain</i></b><br />
<b><i>There is a faith proved</i></b><br />
<b><i>Of more worth than gold</i></b><br />
<b><i>So refine me Lord through the flames"</i></b><br />
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To be completely honest, who wants to be refined through the flames? <br />
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That would be painful!<br />
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But the outcome is a faith proved of more worth than gold.<br />
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Many want the outcome, but would pass up the pain and trials.<br />
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Today, as I was driving (in the car by myself- it was so quiet) to the police station to file a case of identity theft the words <b><i>"TO WANT FOR NOTHING"</i></b> came to mind. <br />
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I really sensed it to be a message from God in answer to my "why"?<br />
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I nearly had to pull over from emotion. My eyes began to well up with tears.<br />
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In my mind the words just kept repeating over and over.<br />
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<b><i>To Want For Nothing</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>To Want For Nothing</i></b><br />
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I really sense God wants me to want for nothing. When I had everything material I always had another want. With the changes we've experienced all I want is to trust Him more. To want more of Him.<br />
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To Want for Nothing of<i><b> this world.</b></i><br />
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To ONLY want for Him. To Trust Him. To have Faith in Him alone.<br />
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I will continue to meditate on these words, "To Want for Nothing." Today and tonight they were a response to my many why's. I will cling to these four words.<br />
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Good night.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-24971823958091675962012-08-21T12:15:00.000-07:002012-08-21T12:15:11.806-07:00Covered By PrayerIn the last 24 hours a lot has happened. Thankfully there are the faithful prayer warriors out there doing what they do and I'm witnessing the results of their intercession.<br />
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Yesterday, I met with the director of the homeschool program our kids were planning on attending. After our brief meeting, I sensed some misgivings about attending. First off, driving to the location required a commute on toll road that often has traffic delays. Second, I sensed an air of conflict with the director. Third, it was a new program lacking years of experience.<br />
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The first day of this school was supposed to be today, but I was really hesitating being part of this group. Stress began to set in. What to do with little or no time to make changes?<br />
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After our meeting yesterday, I came back to the hotel and frantically researched other groups. Much to my surprise, I found a group located one mile closer with reasonable travel time, five years of experience, and a seasoned staff.<br />
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I quickly sent an email to the director and arranged for our kids to switch groups. Last night we set up a meeting for today to discuss the program.<br />
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This morning, when planning to take my hub to the train station we discovered our vehicle had a flat tire. We would not have been able to make the drive to group #1 if we wanted to. I sensed one way or another we weren't supposed to be there.<br />
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After getting the tire repaired we had a meeting with the director from group #2. We planned to meet at Starbuck's. When the kids and I walked in there was a group of three very hip looking guys having a meeting next to where we were seated. One had a t-shirt on with a Bible verse on the back. I took note of them.<br />
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About 10 minutes after we arrived at SBUX, I felt a creepy feeling of someone staring. I glanced up and there was a man staring my way. I immediately felt uncomfortable so I looked down. <br />
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A few minutes after that, one of the three men sitting next to us came up to the table and said, "This might sound strange, but did you know that man staring at you?" <br />
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I had no idea who it was and had dismissed it.<br />
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The hip guy then said, "We've been watching him watch you. He was taking photographs of you with his phone then stood over there staring. When we confronted his stares he dropped his glance and within 15 seconds or so left the building. We just want to make sure your safe."<br />
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I thanked them. <br />
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A few seconds later, I leaned over and asked if they were Christians.<br />
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They then told me they were all pastors.<br />
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I really sense God's protective covering placing those three pastors around us.<br />
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Perhaps this was all nothing, or perhaps it was something. We don't know, but we do know whatever it was God's people were at the Starbuck's this morning armored up just in case.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-83307606316244003592012-08-19T20:27:00.000-07:002012-08-19T20:27:21.490-07:00Never Let Me Go<span style="font-family: inherit;">We've packed up and headed east. In making this job transfer we've left behind palm trees, beautiful beaches, the hustle and bustle of Orange County and countless friends. It's hard. My heart aches to be close to the rushing waves. I've lived close to the Pacific for the last 25+ years. I didn't realize how much I'd miss it or how claustrophobic I'd feel without it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are now in the land of country roads, corn fields and water towers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our schedules and to do lists have been so packed the last couple months I haven't had time to absorb the reality of leaving the most beautiful place I've ever lived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm now sitting in a hotel and reflecting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be quite honest...this really is the pits. I'm searching for understanding. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Deep down I know there's a reason for everything, but tonight I'm feeling the grief.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We're all grieving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My heart aches for our kids who have left behind friends and sports teams. They're troopers. Truly amazing! They're rolling with this better than I ever dreamed. They're the most positive, embracing-the-moment kids I've ever known. I could take a lesson or two or two thousand from them!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This morning, our first in Illinois, we attended Willow Creek church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">God is so faithful and met us just where we are. We are blessed. I'd like to share some of the ways he reassured me He's never going to let us go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three plus years ago when we arrived in SoCal I was also grieving our move from Washington. On our first Sunday at Rock Harbor we sang Matt Redman's <i style="font-weight: bold;">You Never Let Go. </i>As I stood in church with tears streaming down my face, uncertain of why we were in Orange County I remember having a rush of peace cover me as I cried out singing this worship song.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This morning as we visited Willow Creek what song was included in the worship sequence? Yes, YOU NEVER LET GO! I don't believe in coincidence. Hearing and singing this same song today reminds us in this move He will not let us go. Through the calm and through the storms, He's right beside us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the worship music, Isaiah 42:3 was read.</span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" id="en-NIV-18508" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">When you pass through the waters, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;">I will be with you;<br /><sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18508B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">and when you pass through the rivers,</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;">they will not sweep over you.</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">When you walk through the fire, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;">you will not be burned;</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span></span><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;">the flames will not set you ablaze. </span></span></i></b></blockquote>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My mom sent me this <b><i>same</i></b> verse on July 9th after I had blogged about <a href="http://3blessings.blogspot.com/2012/07/wishing-for-back-peddle-in-life.html">Wishing for the Backpeddle in Life</a>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="text Isa-43-2" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then there was a special music and dance presentation. Florence and the Machine's <i style="font-weight: bold;">Never Let Me Go</i> was the song. Oh my word! "And the arms of the ocean deliver me..." When we moved to HB the arms of the ocean offered me such peace as I've never felt in my life before. I felt God in the crashing waves and the gentle breeze. I really felt like we had found paradise.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After this song, Dr. Henry Cloud spoke. His message is a WHOLE blog in itself, but I really wanted to run up to him after the message and ask that he'd take us back to Los Angeles with him. He'd probably then offer me psychological help. I thought it best not to meet him today. Maybe next time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We drove around our new town a bit today. It's nice, but tonight I'm just missing the beach, our peeps, the palm trees, the smell of salty air, the pelicans, the sand, all of it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm confident God has a plan and purpose, but for now, my heart just aches.</span></div>
Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-31618409640171811742012-07-25T15:56:00.000-07:002012-07-25T15:56:58.124-07:00It's Not About the MoneyThe Bug.<br />
<br />
I was so excited to have two parties interested in the little green bug, but I didn't realize how hard making a decision between the two was going to be. Many people would suggest to go with the highest offer price, but I soon found that didn't sit well with me.<br />
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Both interested parties were teenage girls. Girl #1, was my first caller. She is 18 years old and in the process of getting her driver's license. She's heading off to college in the fall and is currently employed as a Disney Princess. Girl #2 is also about 18. She lost her previous car to an unexpected engine fire. In the fire she lost her purse, iPhone and other personal belongings so dear to a teenage girl. Her family does foster care. You know how I love that!<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Both families were incredibly sweet and kind. Both girls were adorable. I wish I had a car for each of them, but sadly, I have only one car, so I needed to make a decision.<br />
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Girl #1 has diligently saved and saved in hopes of one day owning her own car. She is a theater major and worked at the American Girl store acting in plays for customers. Last night #1 Dad told me they could only offer me $$ and up to $$$, because they have to consider the cost of registering my out-of-state vehicle in CA.<br />
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Girl #2's mom is so sweet, kind, compassionate, and caring! Again considering the cost of registering the car, they offered me $$$ + $200 more than Girl #1.<br />
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I kind of felt like Girl #1 was supposed to have the car, but Girl #2 was offering at least $200 more than the highest number that Girl #1 offered.<br />
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Oh, What to do?<br />
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With the upcoming move every dollar is important, but my heart leaned toward Girl #1. <br />
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As of last night, Girl #1's dad thought they were out. He sent me the most encouraging text following our conversation. He said, "If they offer you $$$, then you've got to go with it! That's great! We understand."<br />
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He called his daughter and broke the news to her.<br />
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Last night I called Girl #2's family and said I'd go with their offer.<br />
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Then I tried to go to bed. <br />
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Couldn't fall asleep.<br />
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My heart was not at peace.<br />
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I tossed and turned.<br />
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And prayed.<br />
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When I awoke this morning I texted my hub and explained how I still wasn't at peace. <br />
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I prayed again.<br />
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Despite the $200 loss, I really feel in my heart that Girl #1 was supposed to have the car.<br />
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I feel a bit like this is an adoption process and I'm trying to pick the new parents for my little bugger. Who knew it'd be so stressful?<br />
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I texted Dad of Girl #1 and asked if he'd be willing to go to his highest offer, which was still $200 less than Girl #2. <br />
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He texted back, "Yes."<br />
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Now I had to call Girl #2's parents. I know this sounds like high DRAMA, and I guess it was to me. This call felt like a break-up. <br />
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"I'm so sorry! It's just not going to work out. You guys are fabulous, but my heart's not at peace."<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">"It me, not you," kind of break up.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Girl #2 mom was so sweet. She said they understood. These are all GREAT people! Wish we could have known each other a bit more.</span><br />
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I'm sure there are those out there rolling the eyes...UGH! D-R-A-M-A! It's just a car for goodness sakes!<br />
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Yes, true, but it's <i><b>my</b></i> little green bugger.<br />
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So today I had a meeting with Girl #1. She pulled up with her dad and walked up to me and gave me a hug. She then proceeded to walk over to the bug and give her a hug.<br />
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This feels like the right girl for the bug. My heart is at peace.<br />
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Here she is with the bug...<br />
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And here she is as Snow White and Cinderella...<br />
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Girl #1 will love this little Green Sweetpea as much as I have. Soon it will be hers.<br />
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I just had a friend tell me how God honors this type of obedience. Just having a sense of peace is perfect. I Couldn't Ask For More.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-20247774078515525342012-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:002012-07-24T10:47:08.186-07:00God's Faithfulness in the Small Things of LifeThis morning I'm reminded once again of God's amazing faithfulness and the love He has for each one of us. He knows my inner fears and anxieties and provides in the most amazing of ways.<br />
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As we continue to prepare for this upcoming move, we're trying to downsize our belongings. I have a little green bug that I have LOVED for the last 10 years. This little bugger has brought a smile to my face every time I look at her and is a reflection of my youth and fun-loving spirit. But sadly, it's time for the little bugger, or Sweetpea as my mom calls her, to find a new home. She needs a vivacious young gal who will love her, care for her and find Bug-owner joy driving her.<br />
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Last week I put her on Craig's List. As the week passed, not a call came. I began to get discouraged. Perhaps I should lower the price or ship it back to Washington where it might find a better market. I wasn't sure what to do.<br />
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Looming even greater on my mind was what to do if I did get a call. My hub had plans to leave for our new destination today and I'd be alone in showing the car.<br />
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At the gym yesterday afternoon, I even asked a friend, "What do I do if I get a call? How do I make sure someone doesn't drive off with it?" How does a gal safely meet with potential lookers? I had so many fears about selling the car on my own. Most of the fears loomed around meeting with strangers and the Craig's List horror stories I've heard over the years. I've sold a number of items on Craig's List and they've been great experiences, but the fear still crept in.<br />
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Completely unexpectedly, after no interest or calls on the car, I received 4 calls yesterday afternoon! Two of the interested parties were anxious to see the car last night. This meant, my hub would be with me, I'd feel safe, and perhaps we'd find a buyer.<br />
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Needless to say, this little Bug is a teenage girl's dream. We now have two interested parties. There are two teen girls anxiously awaiting a decision on our part.<br />
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I'm waiting for my hub's plane to land so we can talk about what to do next.<br />
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I have to reiterate...GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!!!<br />
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He knows my heart and He knows my fears and at the last possible moment, He's there to provide. I just need to trust.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-63776685588512225312012-07-20T22:19:00.000-07:002012-07-20T22:22:08.262-07:00Playing, Building, Learning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some may say my Papa (grandfather) was a junk collector. If you knew him you know he would NEVER consider throwing away a piece of copper wire, an old two-by-four, a rusty nail, or an unusable toilet. He embraced the unwanted and reigned as king over his junk castle. To him, these were ALL treasures and would one day be used to create a kingdom to be admired.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>My Grandma on the other hand is meticulously clean and organized. Perhaps they were like a married version of Felix and Oscar of the Odd Couple. I don't think she cared for all the junk, but as long as he kept it in his designated "areas" all was good. He had a carport, a shed, one side of their backyard and a dusty basement at one of their rentals. He could often be found enjoying a cup of coffee in the depths of the musty basement looking over his treasure trove of discarded building supplies. I think he really felt at home amidst all the cast-offs.<br />
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Today we discovered a play area for kids that my Papa would have LOVED! He loved kids and loved building. He often encouraged me to build and help him when he was older. I remember building a cat condo for my precious kitty. My Papa sat and watched me pound nails trying to make something my kitty would love. As he got older I'd climb atop roofs to clean shingles for him and he even taught me to roof. I'm no expert, but it was fun working alongside him.<br />
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Last week we read about a park sponsored kid playground. From the article I thought it was something new. Little did I know, this park has been around since 1983 according to one of the employees. And even more shocking is the fact that it's located only about a mile from our house! How did we miss this?<br />
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The cost to play is $3 per kid. Adults are free. Kids need to wear tennis shoes. If you don't have any, they have shoes the kids can wear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choose your shoes</td></tr>
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Our first stop was the raft line. Kids can raft around the shallow pond. There's a 5 minute time limit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raft Dock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outings are better with friends.</td></tr>
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After rafting the adventurers headed to the rope bridge. <br />
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They were getting pretty wet, then there was "LAST CALL FOR MUD SLIDE!!"<br />
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Woo hoo!!!<br />
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MUD!!!<br />
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They're in!<br />
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After the mud...a rinse off was definitely in order. This brown-eyed guy was a bit creeped out afterward. I think he's read too much about vicious parasites living in murky water.<br />
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In addition to all this fun, there's a building area. Piles and piles of wood scraps sit ready for young builders to get to work. Everyday the building structures are dismantled and await a new young crew to descend the next morning.<br />
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In the event you don't want to ride home in your muddy clothes, there are well constructed changing rooms. While you're waiting for your brother or sister...roll some tires for fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYX0PgytoH6rreX3vKu5tH7M1M98i0DQ0DZEO14KA70yF4C69IVRt-GlJDlsx1tUaKIssXjuXzG6ZAjpXwjSaBiU44dM8TLlMs6o4N_0ZysEa-8DK8cKGlB8tT0mvBf5QIBzs/s1600/IMG_8909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYX0PgytoH6rreX3vKu5tH7M1M98i0DQ0DZEO14KA70yF4C69IVRt-GlJDlsx1tUaKIssXjuXzG6ZAjpXwjSaBiU44dM8TLlMs6o4N_0ZysEa-8DK8cKGlB8tT0mvBf5QIBzs/s320/IMG_8909.JPG" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or roll in a tire...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqnyOBjm2AA72WvH7JKh_B1UQzAuQLtkyEMjN-i6zYwITn8c_0lZntX9jh-UtlApnZicXJ2483yo89hT2rCU1IIxVHV8iUpgDP8cqs_OofuRiAo5I5kD342m5md5aYCz_aHgF/s1600/IMG_8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqnyOBjm2AA72WvH7JKh_B1UQzAuQLtkyEMjN-i6zYwITn8c_0lZntX9jh-UtlApnZicXJ2483yo89hT2rCU1IIxVHV8iUpgDP8cqs_OofuRiAo5I5kD342m5md5aYCz_aHgF/s320/IMG_8918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HQwKscBCLaCrh92dAJDQQEpq6E9xFS5Y95xhWc-TTLpJSJl6vcNC_SbCPm2nXHViMi3T9VY_W8vD0r6Qij3Yo4esJp8xZIfEs-z01ig4RLgfccMmVPRZpqAo32mz9Pgv5fWL/s1600/IMG_8991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HQwKscBCLaCrh92dAJDQQEpq6E9xFS5Y95xhWc-TTLpJSJl6vcNC_SbCPm2nXHViMi3T9VY_W8vD0r6Qij3Yo4esJp8xZIfEs-z01ig4RLgfccMmVPRZpqAo32mz9Pgv5fWL/s320/IMG_8991.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone didn't play.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxIkUdJM1In1aIf7TvjZNVGI3FIkWvfHDIVDkE2kZVmUk-VE2kLKdO_rwYRJn-odj3RZ4FQCwMSEq2e5ss4Dr_brdFYJThOtC8ZP8yqdS0vGVfMdMwSp8TdLmdJFMwEhZaUzh/s1600/IMG_8998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxIkUdJM1In1aIf7TvjZNVGI3FIkWvfHDIVDkE2kZVmUk-VE2kLKdO_rwYRJn-odj3RZ4FQCwMSEq2e5ss4Dr_brdFYJThOtC8ZP8yqdS0vGVfMdMwSp8TdLmdJFMwEhZaUzh/s320/IMG_8998.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Super-Hero is ready to head back home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhaQUbA0d5b1GWSJy-ji0Kt7H6O2zaBGQ5CPRndDiJqLNaDBTGKLQOtu_NegEM6u6ZH8dFTUELlmxBmMQmBsb435lj5wduHDwM6DaLAiwoaSHzJE2jBfO8We9xIokeqUe8uw_/s1600/IMG_9006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXhaQUbA0d5b1GWSJy-ji0Kt7H6O2zaBGQ5CPRndDiJqLNaDBTGKLQOtu_NegEM6u6ZH8dFTUELlmxBmMQmBsb435lj5wduHDwM6DaLAiwoaSHzJE2jBfO8We9xIokeqUe8uw_/s320/IMG_9006.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Are You Ready, Mom?"</td></tr>
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What a great afternoon! We'll be back!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VdYgXvCkhmI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-38513838213294356212012-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:002012-07-08T21:14:17.410-07:00Wishing for the Back Peddle in LifeIt was 1986. Southern Illinois across the river from St. Louis. I packed up my royal blue '73 VW Super Beetle and followed my mom in her Dodge Caravan and my dad in his red '64 Volvo 544.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbdXvTrdRIcLPY7RB-5SZ38b8f_FMHaFlphevFk2sQLjvcvK79eMRnnPOHIrtm4xV-XuCIrVi0foKIssqWeJiHiSFVScQpJKpjkbqoi64NB6eBjKS0IGqW0VL_1NCzpGKl5vl/s1600/volvo544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbdXvTrdRIcLPY7RB-5SZ38b8f_FMHaFlphevFk2sQLjvcvK79eMRnnPOHIrtm4xV-XuCIrVi0foKIssqWeJiHiSFVScQpJKpjkbqoi64NB6eBjKS0IGqW0VL_1NCzpGKl5vl/s320/volvo544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks exactly like my dad's car</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RYxbs3KCCzo74hcLulIBpXCn3PFULe0CLfRGpCURYs40gcXiRcVedkHYPU5w4cCaNTF2EdydHhsCyM17adOqDeJVbU4oKIWCHaiZR9f-8OWtG95UZGfFSyupkOU1fZ2ezfqO/s1600/Scan+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RYxbs3KCCzo74hcLulIBpXCn3PFULe0CLfRGpCURYs40gcXiRcVedkHYPU5w4cCaNTF2EdydHhsCyM17adOqDeJVbU4oKIWCHaiZR9f-8OWtG95UZGfFSyupkOU1fZ2ezfqO/s320/Scan+6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my bug...and my friends from high school. <br />Not sure what they're doing. I think they're breakdancing.</td></tr>
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We were packed and heading west. <br />
<br />
Truth be told, I'm a west coast girlie. Born in Washington, raised mostly between Washington and California, but I spent three years in small-town mid-America where I graduated from high school and attended my first year of college.<br />
<br />
In those three years, I became a mid-west girl. I loved it SO MUCH! I had amazing friends. I had acclimated to the heat and humidity along with the miserable deathly cold winters. I planned on growing old in Southern Illinois, sitting around the table with my midwest girlies talking about small town life, and having my kids know about corn fields and lightning bugs, but <i><b>my</b></i> plans were abruptly changed.<br />
<br />
In the summer of 1986 my dad received orders (military Colonel) to head west. I was going back to the familiarity of the Pacific Northwest, but my heart wanted to stay in the midwest.<br />
<br />
Much to my despair and objection, we packed up and headed west across the U.S.<br />
<br />
My heart was being ripped out. I think it somehow broke. The grief set in.<br />
<br />
I loved the life in the midwest.<br />
<br />
Following our departure, sadly, I entered the worst years of my life. I won't go into how bad they were. Just know....They sucked!<br />
<br />
Then in 1988, life began improving. I transferred to a great college, met the love of my life, and the rest is history, or so they say.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 20+ years.<br />
<br />
We're living the BEST LIFE ever! To be honest, I think we live in paradise. The last three years have gone by in a blink and they have brought me countless moments of joy. Life in the O.C. has been completely dreamy.<br />
<br />
Never in a million years did I think we'd ever live anywhere but the west coast. I find comfort knowing the ocean is close. I love seeing the water. The sunshine and moderate climate are appealing. I consider myself a coastal girl.<br />
<br />
But wait...<br />
<br />
Transfer???<br />
<br />
To where???<br />
<br />
The Midwest???<br />
<br />
Illinois?? <br />
<br />
Again???<br />
<br />
I have long since let go of the midwest girl I once was. <br />
<br />
I'm trying to wrap my head and heart around this one.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to remind myself I have precious friends in the Land of Lincoln. There are adventures to be had, opportunities to embrace!<br />
<br />
But really, it's just my heart that is breaking.<br />
<br />
The other night we went to a movie with some friends of my oldest son and one of the dads. <br />
<br />
At the end of the movie, the friend's dad, a scruffy teddy-bear-of-a-guy and former undercover police officer hugged me and said, "Come back to California. Come back to California."<br />
<br />
I'd really like to.<br />
<br />
Three years ago, when I moved back to California after years away, I got off the plane, took a deep breath, and thought, "I'm back!" It felt good. I feel like this is a land I belong in.<br />
<br />
I hope there is good in store for us although right now it's tough to think of life somewhere else.<br />
<br />
I'd really like to back peddle and somehow find a way to stay in Orange County. <br />
<br />
Nothing's coming.<br />
<br />
Pray for us as we enter this new chapter in our lives.<br />
<br />
Prayer for our kids and my hub would be appreciated. I grew up doing this...it's tough stuff. Moving, finding a home, friends, church, school opportunities, sports programs, etc. It can be overwhelming and we're feeling it now.<br />
<br />
T-minus not so many days...<br />
<br />
And counting.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-59293193056606409132012-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:002012-07-08T20:10:49.694-07:00Mini Healthy Hash Quiche For Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQDjs2_JHxuJtjdkLATOKUELQxM_vhW3TvHRAUoa1-FtZFZDRoQaynG9yUqZb18PP4hFaKgG9H3eTufFMHEBeaK2YC81POwo6DYHB7-dv9Nt4Y2OFyiPACMsSOxBVG1502JhH/s1600/IMG_7799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQDjs2_JHxuJtjdkLATOKUELQxM_vhW3TvHRAUoa1-FtZFZDRoQaynG9yUqZb18PP4hFaKgG9H3eTufFMHEBeaK2YC81POwo6DYHB7-dv9Nt4Y2OFyiPACMsSOxBVG1502JhH/s320/IMG_7799.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This week the contents of our fridge consisted of leftover frozen pie crust, Trader Joe's bacon ends and pieces, kale, and A LOT of eggs. What's a mom to do with these ingredients and lunch soon approaching? Make mini quiches for the kids and a few paleo-ish quiche cups for a healthy lunch option for mom.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Healthy Hash Quiche</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/lovelaughterandgoodeats/healthy-hash-mini-quiche-for-kids?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">Printer Friendly Recipe</a></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<br />
Dough for pie crust<br />
1 package bacon ends and pieces from Trader Joe's<br />
3-4 red potatoes, diced into mini-cubes<br />
1 onion, diced into small pieces<br />
2 stalks kale, chopped<br />
12 eggs, whisked<br />
kosher salt and pepper to taste<br />
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Heat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
<br />
Cook bacon ends and pieces until crisp. Remove bacon from pan and cool, reserve bacon grease. With kitchen scissors clip bacon into small pieces. Set aside.<br />
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Meanwhile, spray mini tart pan or cupcake pan with non-stick spray. Press pie crust onto bottom of mini tart pan or cupcake pan. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyTNVXTi4BJ3o921BFsfVJavvydiwL3wYZqz4mWwNyEQ_ukhu-X6jFJwazEzD8l-W8rB3jzbA0MoSAZdP34SNyLHtSKkOrG-eMYAH4ma8YyPOqF_d8zFMqFyZgjqvRywmbuzF/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyTNVXTi4BJ3o921BFsfVJavvydiwL3wYZqz4mWwNyEQ_ukhu-X6jFJwazEzD8l-W8rB3jzbA0MoSAZdP34SNyLHtSKkOrG-eMYAH4ma8YyPOqF_d8zFMqFyZgjqvRywmbuzF/s320/IMG_7763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cook diced potatoes and onion in reserved bacon grease. Add kale and bacon pieces. Continue to cook until bacon is tender.<br />
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Place eggs in large bowl and whisk. Add potato/bacon mixture to eggs.<br />
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Spray tart/cupcake tin well so you'll be able to easily remove the mini quiches. Carefully spoon egg mixture into pie crusts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXd7Om-3Y1y8PQHqW6PRWo4L9M9zGpICqMUGm0_SgIcZmTPIcnZwnaPOdjJPIX0ZMtAeC2xtIVaD_rxzvgtY9SR96EBxap_7KEsMdtDYNx0zfC72kOa96OriEAe3RHnuefwaW/s1600/IMG_7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXd7Om-3Y1y8PQHqW6PRWo4L9M9zGpICqMUGm0_SgIcZmTPIcnZwnaPOdjJPIX0ZMtAeC2xtIVaD_rxzvgtY9SR96EBxap_7KEsMdtDYNx0zfC72kOa96OriEAe3RHnuefwaW/s320/IMG_7779.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Bake at 350 degrees 5-10 minutes (about 5 minutes for mini tart pan and 10-12 for cupcake pan) or until eggs are set.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAnwLaN7b2YZVYJYUSH9Dx7kZo9YY2zUAvGuHJdGiSZcWnsP9a2Xmd0Xm3hEaK2XgAmAK0YWqmmymQ_s6ewND3JdSlpBEG7zXNN2kKLp0lRfn-xvm9JhoLUJl_EyNJADYh0K-/s1600/IMG_7781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsAnwLaN7b2YZVYJYUSH9Dx7kZo9YY2zUAvGuHJdGiSZcWnsP9a2Xmd0Xm3hEaK2XgAmAK0YWqmmymQ_s6ewND3JdSlpBEG7zXNN2kKLp0lRfn-xvm9JhoLUJl_EyNJADYh0K-/s320/IMG_7781.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini-Tart Pan</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq37hL7vfHFkwU2VHx00hnwjDpbm5DT7lLawtxUYrFJiGOOGqcamJbAmimghHBLF74MIXN7gcA-4wlcQvYkZa2Dp3-1Hm70Cyga43vPXDXSXZ7qx7fwW_ZslzKBlXsieE08I9Q/s1600/IMG_7784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq37hL7vfHFkwU2VHx00hnwjDpbm5DT7lLawtxUYrFJiGOOGqcamJbAmimghHBLF74MIXN7gcA-4wlcQvYkZa2Dp3-1Hm70Cyga43vPXDXSXZ7qx7fwW_ZslzKBlXsieE08I9Q/s320/IMG_7784.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Paleo-ish version in cupcake pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RHLzM0UrdbbQf_IZlb6dCKVG_RrEJPILz9uP5Pul0tKyYQKFt9g625-wKFP-IpTlxzuohifJ1ZAVU6hcnVFd2-4knXst_GPGRxNdUUiSeL7LFv72Bv95J6gtgaJk6oDz3XLr/s1600/IMG_7796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RHLzM0UrdbbQf_IZlb6dCKVG_RrEJPILz9uP5Pul0tKyYQKFt9g625-wKFP-IpTlxzuohifJ1ZAVU6hcnVFd2-4knXst_GPGRxNdUUiSeL7LFv72Bv95J6gtgaJk6oDz3XLr/s320/IMG_7796.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Quiche with Pie Crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNSeBdQ0Rhyphenhyphen6xXZlJire8uFZEJU-Jrs3W1-0QzMmVrdbuqKwFQqM_VBQZyCHLaOwjCahjKKj94aLD4q_XLfhvCue1F3GvlnPhRhp7duawGzqzFgKZY9-hHgoLvH-HgY0AKfEo/s1600/IMG_7801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNSeBdQ0Rhyphenhyphen6xXZlJire8uFZEJU-Jrs3W1-0QzMmVrdbuqKwFQqM_VBQZyCHLaOwjCahjKKj94aLD4q_XLfhvCue1F3GvlnPhRhp7duawGzqzFgKZY9-hHgoLvH-HgY0AKfEo/s320/IMG_7801.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Paleo-ish Quiche Without Crust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtubkp2jc3gpc4uMIRKZSGICtlqgnI-d2gObdhyphenhyphen_N-iKORgQ1bEzLU0ZjTLlgbae8derEQePVRoWeN0KypE0r9bQUkULDbAfb9szZazWAZ-fNXOpinpcLSN77FiAzioaH2Nqy/s1600/IMG_7802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtubkp2jc3gpc4uMIRKZSGICtlqgnI-d2gObdhyphenhyphen_N-iKORgQ1bEzLU0ZjTLlgbae8derEQePVRoWeN0KypE0r9bQUkULDbAfb9szZazWAZ-fNXOpinpcLSN77FiAzioaH2Nqy/s320/IMG_7802.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YUM!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This makes a great healthy snack or quick breakfast for the week. Make ahead and you'll be set!<br />
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Also, experiment with other vegetable like broccoli, red pepper, green onion...<br />
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Enjoy<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-573994623629100982012-06-26T17:43:00.001-07:002012-06-26T21:44:59.791-07:00Make Way for The Ducklings!Finding the extraordinary amidst the ordinary. <br />
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Today was an ordinary day. I dropped the kids off at Junior Guards, then headed to have the oil changed in the car. Finished up at the auto shop and then headed for home. <br />
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On the way home the lane of traffic I was in came to a sudden halt. I tried switching lanes, and then also promptly stopped.<br />
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Crossing the street was a proud momma duck with her precious 9 ducklings. They looked so small and helpless clustered close behind their momma. They were headed to the local park. <br />
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I grabbed my cell phone to take a photo of this worthy sight.<br />
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As the momma came to the curb, she hopped up with ease and continued into the park. The babies, not able to jump the curb, began hopping. There was no way they would make the curb. They continued hopping. Unbeknownst to them, they were directly in front on the storm drain.<br />
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Suddenly, at once seven of them fell straight into the storm drain. The lady in the car next to me hopped out to help the one left, but before she could reach it, it too fell in.<br />
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I rolled my window down (and yes, between the two of us we had completely stopped traffic) and looked at her with shock. I then asked, "What do we do with this?"<br />
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She asked if we should call Animal Control. I agreed and we both proceeded to make the call.<br />
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When I spoke to the Animal Control agent they reported another person had called also and they were sending someone out.<br />
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I headed back to the storm drain where we found our fellow animal lovers waiting for Animal Control. I told her I had to leave to pick up our kids, but I'd be back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eXClZi3AeAqvgoZUSY-TIRzQPWABAQQlhAKR2gcFotOodbJjOR9xTVhbvw-o7s_ZYXeyF3ywwtXt_AQW5jrb3nvqxBlB3iNAAAv84yr0xFH-th8H3HWNoQB6gLbXp_AVeNvE/s1600/IMG_0867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0eXClZi3AeAqvgoZUSY-TIRzQPWABAQQlhAKR2gcFotOodbJjOR9xTVhbvw-o7s_ZYXeyF3ywwtXt_AQW5jrb3nvqxBlB3iNAAAv84yr0xFH-th8H3HWNoQB6gLbXp_AVeNvE/s320/IMG_0867.jpg" width="294" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Momma Duck pacing and quacking for her littles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzYr8zkAXCQ2xivs4T3TgCSkvKHmZ5jMGXmWhO8EgOKcZ-hg4BQD112yXpyyKBPwzUgiZzaZ1eBTC6RJJ2u8K_RE0CZVr0dHeQZHdTnJs2c22DVyHJf6PndVI9u0Gr56OtS6K/s1600/IMG_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjzYr8zkAXCQ2xivs4T3TgCSkvKHmZ5jMGXmWhO8EgOKcZ-hg4BQD112yXpyyKBPwzUgiZzaZ1eBTC6RJJ2u8K_RE0CZVr0dHeQZHdTnJs2c22DVyHJf6PndVI9u0Gr56OtS6K/s320/IMG_0868.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She stood over the storm drain quacking and they'd chirp back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEOWuiANQcNC-sqUbZVB7jckiuJ4wYYy56vTaxpD8PKsEpUbx26FrFHlgjQGvYVwMUW1H5MjpLsIm_K-_QgY3SuqA8fS_uhxCRU7_Zina1zg-c0d1fkkFBCZ3U0wDrb5O19-l/s1600/IMG_0869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEOWuiANQcNC-sqUbZVB7jckiuJ4wYYy56vTaxpD8PKsEpUbx26FrFHlgjQGvYVwMUW1H5MjpLsIm_K-_QgY3SuqA8fS_uhxCRU7_Zina1zg-c0d1fkkFBCZ3U0wDrb5O19-l/s320/IMG_0869.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was afraid she might get hit as she continued to check on her babies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv72VRkGCiuUsAfrUnspS0ILfvn-FyoGYx7Wl77CfTuDUuWpGLpmZSdBeTdeBk3Wspr3pvuK_ChGQkIAIcGGnRIX0yHJ9B0Fdm7e6c3ekIk09BIiQoynlgyxeS0nHNTNtwLqDk/s1600/IMG_0870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv72VRkGCiuUsAfrUnspS0ILfvn-FyoGYx7Wl77CfTuDUuWpGLpmZSdBeTdeBk3Wspr3pvuK_ChGQkIAIcGGnRIX0yHJ9B0Fdm7e6c3ekIk09BIiQoynlgyxeS0nHNTNtwLqDk/s320/IMG_0870.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Mother's Love!</td></tr>
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I came back after picking up our kids and found the Animal Control trucks on site.<br />
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The other mom with her girls had waited the WHOLE time along with the momma duck. How precious is that?!?! <br />
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While they waited Domino's pizza even stopped by and sold them a pizza.<br />
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The rescue workers were able to save all nine ducklings and deliver them further into the park. Before turning the over to the Momma Duck, they let the girlies who so diligently waited for help hold a few of the babies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwf8wezUpFnybT7qxTkXoZdiYPVz1MC8hXOAfL58cDBsR7ZkzOfv2BIo93a45TJNhMcHwpC-kQrLlBLniodt3Ndta6Dkl8jjx8Z1H9lUBMyP2lovTL1GvkacPyz7wlXmOT_Ms/s1600/IMG_0871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqwf8wezUpFnybT7qxTkXoZdiYPVz1MC8hXOAfL58cDBsR7ZkzOfv2BIo93a45TJNhMcHwpC-kQrLlBLniodt3Ndta6Dkl8jjx8Z1H9lUBMyP2lovTL1GvkacPyz7wlXmOT_Ms/s320/IMG_0871.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rescue worker working alongside Momma Duck and Kids</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEi45l_BVOTKPob_XQHpfc_ua9Uu8z8GVKKo_W62HOQKgyrRZIpX_quZt82u0jhuqsQFtX4l425dCiErXBUJwxe2Sl67kZ-DAX8OePaN2fwUdYWDoJSqRt1UQ21IIv87nzXDV/s1600/IMG_0872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBEi45l_BVOTKPob_XQHpfc_ua9Uu8z8GVKKo_W62HOQKgyrRZIpX_quZt82u0jhuqsQFtX4l425dCiErXBUJwxe2Sl67kZ-DAX8OePaN2fwUdYWDoJSqRt1UQ21IIv87nzXDV/s320/IMG_0872.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrji__f8YfNcy62cwe_KROPPTdonXEIzz0JC9a1fFtK3UiMKi5D-OLdLkE_vbZuWFNH_0uCKXROgHC5wVYExJP4sPiTk-cwIWQg6xXV_XNwmWoQPm0WpzmXygXahmV82eNKkhM/s1600/IMG_0873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrji__f8YfNcy62cwe_KROPPTdonXEIzz0JC9a1fFtK3UiMKi5D-OLdLkE_vbZuWFNH_0uCKXROgHC5wVYExJP4sPiTk-cwIWQg6xXV_XNwmWoQPm0WpzmXygXahmV82eNKkhM/s320/IMG_0873.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're Safe!</td></tr>
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I'm so encouraged by the care shown by this mom and her girls. I'm glad they waited and I LOVE that our wonderful city, Huntington Beach, cares about the little things in life. And I love that the LOVE a mother duck has for the littles is like the love I have for my littles. <br />
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All of those involved made this ordinary day simply EXTRAORDINARY and I thank you!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-80055204092676599132012-06-22T22:17:00.000-07:002012-06-22T22:19:00.608-07:00Grandma Telling Stories of the PastMy Papa used to tell SO MANY stories of growing up in South Dakota, traveling out west, and settling in Seattle. In addition he had oodles of zany escapades recounting our crazy family history. When he was around I thought I'd NEVER forget these nuggets of history, but now...they're hard to recall unless I'm with family and we jog each other's memories. Oh how I wish I would have captured them!<br />
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Recently I went out to lunch with my Grandma, kids and cousin. My Grandma began telling a story about settling in the Rainier Valley of Seattle. I quickly changed the camera mode to record and tried to capture a bit. I wish I would have gotten more, but it's inspired me to try in the future.<br />
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Here's the little tidbit I caught. It's only about two minutes, but so rich in memory-making.<br />
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<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-1169220333038867332012-06-21T09:26:00.000-07:002012-06-21T09:26:36.187-07:00Radiator Springs Racers VideoWe had the opportunity to experience Cars Land at California Adventure this week. Disney offered Annual Passholders one hour special event early entrance before the park opened to the general public. It was GREAT! Having this hour before the masses allowed us to take in the new land, photograph it and go on a couple rides.<br />
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If you're going to California Adventure this summer, and you would like to go on Radiator Springs Racers, I would highly recommend getting there at opening, rushing to the Fast Pass line or go on as a Single Rider. Otherwise, you're looking at a 3-4 hour wait. Who wants to spend a good portion of the day in line? <br />
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When we got in line with our Fast Passes the wait time was 210 minutes for Stand-by. By the time we got off the ride, Stand-by wait time was 240 minutes!! We don't even know how bad it got as the day went on. With our Fast Passes, our wait time was about 5-10 minutes. We rode alongside two gals who did the Single Rider line. They waited 45 minutes. Not too bad.<br />
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Here's the ride from our vantage point:<br />
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I will post more photos from our day. What a special day it was!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-91878598682410284642012-06-16T08:11:00.000-07:002012-06-16T08:29:09.860-07:00Perfect Words, Perfect Timing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic-7JJwltw5Ql9OAzCUNlZBvBRpg6jPbWYOQLbKJOhJFqlIOzc-j8_hpcujW2uOD2pO_OSmmpowupdBhgYxyf7x1KlMQthFRgiHxDO8AwXbA1OSdm6c343YDJo2vYJYwzy88s/s1600/IMG_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiic-7JJwltw5Ql9OAzCUNlZBvBRpg6jPbWYOQLbKJOhJFqlIOzc-j8_hpcujW2uOD2pO_OSmmpowupdBhgYxyf7x1KlMQthFRgiHxDO8AwXbA1OSdm6c343YDJo2vYJYwzy88s/s320/IMG_0853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week was All-Star selection in our local little league. It's met with enthusiasm and anticipation as boys from ages 9-13ish await to find out if they've "made the cut." It's also a stressful time of anticipation for parents too. Do we prepare our kids for the excitement or the big letdown?<br />
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Sports, politics and the politics of kids' sports stir up a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I know in every league, if people are involved there will be amazing dedicated volunteers, kids striving for the best they can be and parents hoping their child will shine in America's Best-Loved sport. On the other hand, with people involved and human flaws, life happens and the outcomes are not always fair...but that's life. It's not fair. And that's okay.<br />
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We learn from these experiences.<br />
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In our household one of our sons was chosen for All-Stars and the other wasn't.<br />
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Life happens.<br />
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Prior to the selection I sensed this was going to happen and tried to prepare our sweetheart who probably wasn't going to make it. It wasn't due to lack of effort, drive, determination, performance, preparation or skill. <br />
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Life just happens.<br />
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But...<br />
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More importantly God knew this was going to happen and He loves my little precious more than I do and He ordained for the PERFECT words to be delivered at the PERFECT time.<br />
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Our boys go to a {Christian} pitching/catching coach every so often. He played amateur ball for the California Angels and had a brief experience playing MLB with the Cardinals. He made it to the Majors and then went on to a career as a pitching coach. One thing I love about this coach is he teaches our boys pitching/catching techniques, while also pouring a Godly, eternal perspective into the coaching.<br />
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This past week when our precious went to his lesson, his coach asked, "How was your week?"<br />
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Our son replied, "I didn't make the All-Star team."<br />
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The coach's response surprised our son, "Okay. What else?"<br />
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In our son's world a major blow had been experienced, and his coach asked him, "What else?"<br />
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In asking him that, I don't think the coach was trivializing the concern or the let down, but he was giving our son opportunity to put this roadblock into perspective.<br />
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His coach went on to tell him, "I NEVER made the All-Star team," yet he made it (be it ever so briefly) to the Big Leagues.<br />
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These are good words and good reminders.<br />
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Just because one does or does not make "the team" has no reflection on future success and/or failure.<br />
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We've always taught our kids LIFE ISN'T FAIR. Just because we THINK we may deserve a reward, position, job or accolade does not mean we will receive it. Despite what life hands you, HOLD your head high, continue to WORK hard, NEVER let a roadblock stop you, and be the BEST YOU God has designed.<br />
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That's all we can do.<br />
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I'm reminded of the verse in <b>Psalm 37:4</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><strong></strong></span><br />
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<b>Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.</b></blockquote>
I have to say, our boy is handling this whole thing very well. He's rolling with it, and realizes everything happens for a reason. It was not meant to be that he play on an All-Star team this summer. God has other plans for him.<br />
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And we're all okay with that.<br />
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Blessings to you today and remember, if you find yourself at a roadblock, take a detour. Perhaps something bigger and better is awaiting.Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-29104129450429074162012-06-13T21:15:00.000-07:002012-06-13T21:15:33.179-07:00Kale Salad with Yam Noodles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpruKfdpx_HuK-wz7Iclh8flfHvzwSIzUKsYEpD6lnYk75JsJSGRG8-YWsgC74htEfuERe91a1TPSCFCcVY5H8YVzuQFj6dO8Gi2lPKamHBnkUzWYy9YrF5Lyj2F5g8b2cVwx/s1600/IMG_7515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpruKfdpx_HuK-wz7Iclh8flfHvzwSIzUKsYEpD6lnYk75JsJSGRG8-YWsgC74htEfuERe91a1TPSCFCcVY5H8YVzuQFj6dO8Gi2lPKamHBnkUzWYy9YrF5Lyj2F5g8b2cVwx/s320/IMG_7515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've heard so many people tell me they don't like kale. Sadly, I hear it most often in our own house. I don't get it. Taste wise, kale is GREAT! It's crunchy, lends great color to a salad, but the best thing about kale is its nutritional value! I've heard it's the most nutritionally dense vegetable! According to Livestrong.com<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/391248-a-list-of-the-most-healthy-vegetables/">Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in iron, dietary fiber, calcium, vitamins B, E and K, protein, carotenoids and other antioxidants.</a></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You really can't go wrong eating kale.</span><br />
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Today I was shopping at Whole Foods and they were demo-ing a kale salad with yam noodles. I've used yam noodles in Chinese cooking before, but never in a salad. One taste and I was sold!</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Note, like kale, you can't go wrong with Yam Noodles. They don't have nutritional benefits, but add great texture and variation to the salad. I bought Shirataki White Yam Noodle Substitute. They are calorie free, gluten free, cholesterol free, vegan, sugar free and soy free. I think they're basically air in the shape of a noodle.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I came home and tried to recreate the salad.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here it is.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Kale & Yam Noodle Salad </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/lovelaughterandgoodeats/kale-and-yam-noodle-salad?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=1">Printer Friendly Recipe</a></span><br />
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">One package Shirataki Yam Noodle Substitute- 8 oz.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2-1 bunch kale</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">handful of dried cranberries</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2-1 clove of garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 Serrano pepper minced</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 limes, squeezed for juice</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1-2 tablespoons light olive oil</span></div>
<div>
<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">kosher salt to taste</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Rinse yam noodles and place in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain. Cut into smaller strands.</div>
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With scissors, cut leafy kale from stock. Discard stock/stem.</div>
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Place kale, noodles, cranberries in a large bowl.</div>
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Blend garlic, pepper, lime juice, rice vinegar and olive oil together. Pour over kale mixture and toss well. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WsEiRpZBSMlwgFCkD6nf2PScwRIC1RImEuno89kW7WvfhRWqH2ea__8ghTxp00bmSEQjF1p_xZd5jrlbnlSexk2zktKoh08V2gCLtHAwx-8OuU_8dozqz0uECDYZESShQJBa/s1600/IMG_7513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WsEiRpZBSMlwgFCkD6nf2PScwRIC1RImEuno89kW7WvfhRWqH2ea__8ghTxp00bmSEQjF1p_xZd5jrlbnlSexk2zktKoh08V2gCLtHAwx-8OuU_8dozqz0uECDYZESShQJBa/s320/IMG_7513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 13px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-9399136012628117132012-06-13T19:08:00.000-07:002012-06-13T19:10:30.904-07:00More Than a Sandwich...Treat Dad to a MANWICH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbGToYWOJdpRwwEi-dj8YoHqs-X4o26my19gTeRfbRWfseweK1_U4r1Yu5YG7d9pymbTfYk6ud15DIMf4VdFI9osIrtEhluKyC-KKLRD5gbXEqpgDJh2vlsSxUHEvSBIhUYu2/s1600/IMG_7505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbGToYWOJdpRwwEi-dj8YoHqs-X4o26my19gTeRfbRWfseweK1_U4r1Yu5YG7d9pymbTfYk6ud15DIMf4VdFI9osIrtEhluKyC-KKLRD5gbXEqpgDJh2vlsSxUHEvSBIhUYu2/s320/IMG_7505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My mom sent me a forwarded email this morning titled MANWICH. The name alone peaked interest so I checked it out. What followed were photos of a SERIOUS sandwich that the likes of Guy Fieri would drool over. I decided I would give it a try as we're trying to show added appreciation this week for my sweetheart and Dad to our kiddos. How could we go wrong with sourdough bread, steak, bacon, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, onion and BBQ sauce?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVhJbp81gIx1_DgC1N4f-fLGYmwWvzI4MmTxRymG-nX1yNnny5mgzfGrYd-v_s0muc8PdsRkd0iecB1vfby2ROznJH6uTXVd8LwOWF1nKbNRTlRAI1gfIz_oX_HV9KAKTHdhF/s1600/IMG_7462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVhJbp81gIx1_DgC1N4f-fLGYmwWvzI4MmTxRymG-nX1yNnny5mgzfGrYd-v_s0muc8PdsRkd0iecB1vfby2ROznJH6uTXVd8LwOWF1nKbNRTlRAI1gfIz_oX_HV9KAKTHdhF/s320/IMG_7462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I purchased sirloin steaks at Costco and then sliced them in half to make thinner steaks. Grill the steaks slightly, to desired doneness. I went for about medium.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT403mWjKXhSno9b04YxsNFKcWRtYUl8h06db_pDM0IGdf_w9NrwJmw2SlWqUWp2zpq5UkdVwZET04GdtY6Wu4PD6he2PhVA1TgPXMr2JkcDtq9vY1fGgcqg7gbNXv8hTeESB/s1600/IMG_7470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT403mWjKXhSno9b04YxsNFKcWRtYUl8h06db_pDM0IGdf_w9NrwJmw2SlWqUWp2zpq5UkdVwZET04GdtY6Wu4PD6he2PhVA1TgPXMr2JkcDtq9vY1fGgcqg7gbNXv8hTeESB/s320/IMG_7470.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvPbgOv3oM_uyX00cnU3Rwg0tH7xQduf1nxs_0FmM20vL0RsvIS35AgHkecBEtyo-bU5E42Jip3YvHOOlK3Cn-F9obfd20efleBg21h0QjTtfqlvKCNHx7MPgJIjHGwome4na/s1600/IMG_7472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvPbgOv3oM_uyX00cnU3Rwg0tH7xQduf1nxs_0FmM20vL0RsvIS35AgHkecBEtyo-bU5E42Jip3YvHOOlK3Cn-F9obfd20efleBg21h0QjTtfqlvKCNHx7MPgJIjHGwome4na/s320/IMG_7472.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqbBmQi3bUxhmqTSjnX2cnK2rqSBvq3srvrtx_s-icOYesuMygkhk7xba_BAkNm6lI6EWzrzS55sDwNc0mywUSsrhVz2WO00UXfTmBHUjMvFdOmq0Hvj4FBF73EZr0tZg1TNQ/s1600/IMG_7475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqbBmQi3bUxhmqTSjnX2cnK2rqSBvq3srvrtx_s-icOYesuMygkhk7xba_BAkNm6lI6EWzrzS55sDwNc0mywUSsrhVz2WO00UXfTmBHUjMvFdOmq0Hvj4FBF73EZr0tZg1TNQ/s320/IMG_7475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the meantime, sauté mushrooms and onion. I used one large onion and a Costco sized package of mushrooms. I'll use the extras in another dish later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwezjtoGoX3rpMw8FPpUhoIT_2DZUDLldFWYHqbf7H0-x-75h5fei2Ga_WneNjvsjHZM9AWcIUuZm4zKqK4xEJjtnav4Wc05MJV-gSy41ietQZEEiXoyDkfjlBb8IKLt3aaQ3a/s1600/IMG_7467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwezjtoGoX3rpMw8FPpUhoIT_2DZUDLldFWYHqbf7H0-x-75h5fei2Ga_WneNjvsjHZM9AWcIUuZm4zKqK4xEJjtnav4Wc05MJV-gSy41ietQZEEiXoyDkfjlBb8IKLt3aaQ3a/s320/IMG_7467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cook up one pound of bacon.<br />
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Cut top off of a sourdough bread bowl. I bought mine at Whole Foods and it ended up being a whole wheat sourdough. It wasn't as fluffy looking as a regular sourdough boule, but it worked fine. Trim out extra bread from inside and from top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmhVzINdPEwcIeOlt8ZQRyxu_ruBIKcEtgG1L8qaiu9holHy-UJkzHkC3OHA261P0JZJ7qA8Ml7Vi0fS2dAgoJtBKjCkrOhLEOgHkrquwxck8Z4Wp1BOQb-q9cecXV_5D4TjC/s1600/IMG_7476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmhVzINdPEwcIeOlt8ZQRyxu_ruBIKcEtgG1L8qaiu9holHy-UJkzHkC3OHA261P0JZJ7qA8Ml7Vi0fS2dAgoJtBKjCkrOhLEOgHkrquwxck8Z4Wp1BOQb-q9cecXV_5D4TjC/s320/IMG_7476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lay grilled steak on bottom of bread bowl. Top with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with a little Worcestershire sauce. Top with bacon, Swiss cheese, pack on the mushrooms and onion, another layer of steak and BBQ sauce, then one more layer of Swiss cheese. Place bread top on and wrap in parchment paper, then wrap in foil.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOmwtdSXk9PpS-s-9n48ejHWct10-9CMKkVAVV1r68wHGbA2cJ06ueQ6i8x_QnMtgXegQP6jHTqjcePG31dmKb12vtEkGBAo4ycLu0YcoeEi0NOJqqOBxbwpEj_MLRTNkMt6G/s1600/IMG_7477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOmwtdSXk9PpS-s-9n48ejHWct10-9CMKkVAVV1r68wHGbA2cJ06ueQ6i8x_QnMtgXegQP6jHTqjcePG31dmKb12vtEkGBAo4ycLu0YcoeEi0NOJqqOBxbwpEj_MLRTNkMt6G/s320/IMG_7477.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put steak in bread bowl and top with BBQ sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHD5n_dNhISAO4-c9Is59J4KIUZWH5I5uu0dQWpH4NpBFR-T3mUwWTSYRkTuZEAyLHp0wTSW8cgNwDf25vD58AQfG6dDtN2A3_G8ZGKck0xrF5U9KBmejp5efydAjOgNgBHZY/s1600/IMG_7478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHD5n_dNhISAO4-c9Is59J4KIUZWH5I5uu0dQWpH4NpBFR-T3mUwWTSYRkTuZEAyLHp0wTSW8cgNwDf25vD58AQfG6dDtN2A3_G8ZGKck0xrF5U9KBmejp5efydAjOgNgBHZY/s320/IMG_7478.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top with Bacon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6hlcOPpXFJ51v64oND6E-yu_wjk0Qj8SPBEu9XUMLTysT0q1PG_NUrgKr4EIKZsgpPLZt26drdaEocxISPF0rQ_MZwUiVwhTxk-q75PEEV6YImeU9L0fJ_3EEKAdfQZimzct/s1600/IMG_7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6hlcOPpXFJ51v64oND6E-yu_wjk0Qj8SPBEu9XUMLTysT0q1PG_NUrgKr4EIKZsgpPLZt26drdaEocxISPF0rQ_MZwUiVwhTxk-q75PEEV6YImeU9L0fJ_3EEKAdfQZimzct/s320/IMG_7480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add Swiss Cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYjvb00oe-tqSaIyV107k9i-8Jo_ppK7_GFd-du5PI6eEQtZHXVB6pUnCqe2HjEInwoZcZAOmcXftb78VhZCYJ_hGfDTp8rGIbrneLA8gyQELR5LB3smMEW2OgMKo7bRj1f64/s1600/IMG_7481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGYjvb00oe-tqSaIyV107k9i-8Jo_ppK7_GFd-du5PI6eEQtZHXVB6pUnCqe2HjEInwoZcZAOmcXftb78VhZCYJ_hGfDTp8rGIbrneLA8gyQELR5LB3smMEW2OgMKo7bRj1f64/s320/IMG_7481.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lather with mushrooms/onions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IAJDv6CwE5oYzZM9QE-MoW1KvETX6kGR98Lj2N0-ZAwLKoiLZHGkbcvksGswDBT-Lnby4ZrpA280Da-h-QQMjoBhOYOvEucRNL_6lOx9OhoWUX-hrdEQOH15IMWEyqBYcCaG/s1600/IMG_7486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IAJDv6CwE5oYzZM9QE-MoW1KvETX6kGR98Lj2N0-ZAwLKoiLZHGkbcvksGswDBT-Lnby4ZrpA280Da-h-QQMjoBhOYOvEucRNL_6lOx9OhoWUX-hrdEQOH15IMWEyqBYcCaG/s320/IMG_7486.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add more steak and slather on more BBQ sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLV5VP9s1bBC0aUpGBvauk3nygbZOfnRa3tzatWIOvr7_5KlE-EsO4VUuaEmmM1EyEa4CbY0heu5IpZ_YytpCnLhY3LGbA8TlvUg4SakBuOAJbP7uFSZ3pv5lnzx75iNnNuyAz/s1600/IMG_7491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLV5VP9s1bBC0aUpGBvauk3nygbZOfnRa3tzatWIOvr7_5KlE-EsO4VUuaEmmM1EyEa4CbY0heu5IpZ_YytpCnLhY3LGbA8TlvUg4SakBuOAJbP7uFSZ3pv5lnzx75iNnNuyAz/s320/IMG_7491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add another layer of cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs1eor8hpa1y7Q87QITKIdToVDMNfR8NIHi9VYuT0ZTKATI-DG2-vJxAT3KzpUim79okx00BNR77VPGnlC5NHFUO5zLzsMezOgExrhj0930PrcLZsECtLAcCvZC4USAjcYQqZ/s1600/IMG_7492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKs1eor8hpa1y7Q87QITKIdToVDMNfR8NIHi9VYuT0ZTKATI-DG2-vJxAT3KzpUim79okx00BNR77VPGnlC5NHFUO5zLzsMezOgExrhj0930PrcLZsECtLAcCvZC4USAjcYQqZ/s320/IMG_7492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top with bread lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6YJXO0t4tUk3HypmqUrVz_kwRBUJzAIoI4VB8j0CH5VborDxMJbzoTSPwbwBrczDV-9wKPtOFXfGeECcEpTFuwxNyvePk19h9BFhyphenhyphenL80PHyazSHKZSBvuO7XNcs2KSdgicFe/s1600/IMG_7493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6YJXO0t4tUk3HypmqUrVz_kwRBUJzAIoI4VB8j0CH5VborDxMJbzoTSPwbwBrczDV-9wKPtOFXfGeECcEpTFuwxNyvePk19h9BFhyphenhyphenL80PHyazSHKZSBvuO7XNcs2KSdgicFe/s320/IMG_7493.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wrap in Parchment Paper, then wrap in Foil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I placed the foil wrapped package on the grill heated to medium low and let set for 15 minutes.<br />
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Bring in and place a cutting board on top. Top with books or weights to flatten the sandwich out. Let set for an hour or two.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sandwich is like Atlas...holding the weight of the world!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After an hour or so...time for the reveal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmm....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sliced!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner is Served</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a Success! Manwich for the Man!</td></tr>
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This would be a great Father's Day lunch item! Lots of Meat, and very filling! Next time I may try some variations. I could see a yummy turkey sandwich with roasted bell peppers, or perhaps turkey with pesto and provolone...Oh, the possibilities!<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-89757952807657401742012-06-13T17:35:00.000-07:002012-06-13T17:35:51.425-07:00My Brother VisitsThe saying that time flies when you're having fun is so true. I can't believe we've lived in southern California for almost three years! In these three years we've had some friends and family visit, but in May we had some extra special visitors. I think we had my mother-in-law, my Grandma and most recently my brother, sister-in-law and niece came for a one week visit. As expected, the seven days FLEW by!<br />
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I went a little crazy taking photos of them all!<br />
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On their first full day we headed to Los Angeles for a stop at a couple of my favorite places...The Grove, Farmer's Market, then a drive up to Griffith Park.<br />
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My sister-in-law was awed with Mr. Wonderful Personality Mario Lopez. The girls were able to dance with him while Donna Summer played in the background. Later in the day, we stopped by Donna Summer's star on Hollywood Blvd. as she had passed away the day we were out. While watching Mario tape Extra, we were given a ticket for a gift. At the end of the taping, we received a bag FULL of girlie foo-foo goods! It was a $165 value! Yay for us!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the set</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Excited to see MARIO!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so excited to see Mario...</td></tr>
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Beware! This is your Mario Alert! There are an uber number of Mario pics to follow. I know, it's also nerd tourist alert, but I have to keep the visitors happy. Extra is an easy way to get a TV personality fix.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLYxBUJXygtBm__-tSGoPiwaeMeOn47gmuC1F5RY7A8F5kmcPts9-Xk9T050ATEtN8U_5YTL17LOn6-U3q74eFQqiUtIAFLSpbVz_WN-fSK0hiveikn05kaDWCDfUdihdQsnhrA/s1600/IMG_5234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLYxBUJXygtBm__-tSGoPiwaeMeOn47gmuC1F5RY7A8F5kmcPts9-Xk9T050ATEtN8U_5YTL17LOn6-U3q74eFQqiUtIAFLSpbVz_WN-fSK0hiveikn05kaDWCDfUdihdQsnhrA/s320/IMG_5234.JPG" width="252" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MARIO!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mario signing an autograph</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dimples</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnibQf8a4Wq1RJVpjFCb3NTtLMRA3wFS2190ky4zuNov0AW75Z8zM0aVHJi6EuQ1Ok1J1uQXZ-_EI_jVZ6UtQrMN9y_SDy87GFeDpesfQrsCHtCcOVzAOsDeT2uSUvcd2sZ_VA/s1600/IMG_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnibQf8a4Wq1RJVpjFCb3NTtLMRA3wFS2190ky4zuNov0AW75Z8zM0aVHJi6EuQ1Ok1J1uQXZ-_EI_jVZ6UtQrMN9y_SDy87GFeDpesfQrsCHtCcOVzAOsDeT2uSUvcd2sZ_VA/s320/IMG_0526.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps, Mario is texting his peeps letting them know we were visiting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJxse5M82e6zi7W9Y3vqqkPLqE0mhCJaDv9zxSx2l0GbOQVkoQoJnZnCxh-pYFso2MnIfViYniu9ynM5Su5eaXZAJkpCS67icuj0QnSug4BQpt68Tvb2uOcoB7a91dra5fnItGw/s1600/IMG_5247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJxse5M82e6zi7W9Y3vqqkPLqE0mhCJaDv9zxSx2l0GbOQVkoQoJnZnCxh-pYFso2MnIfViYniu9ynM5Su5eaXZAJkpCS67icuj0QnSug4BQpt68Tvb2uOcoB7a91dra5fnItGw/s320/IMG_5247.JPG" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls doing their clapping routine</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAqmekOKqxmtKPUazoLd3Meqq_CDiRFGQvWvUrw2t-0XNMufhPZzxdHS8Ig37jzUX4fvUcBR7wpf9RpaWuFXnyT2l4sh2GHQ7ktKilITVTujymS8UOLhIphDB_Fke3t6t0pmYgQ/s1600/IMG_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAqmekOKqxmtKPUazoLd3Meqq_CDiRFGQvWvUrw2t-0XNMufhPZzxdHS8Ig37jzUX4fvUcBR7wpf9RpaWuFXnyT2l4sh2GHQ7ktKilITVTujymS8UOLhIphDB_Fke3t6t0pmYgQ/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" width="278" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D_e2dZ4jQONpcco1TyfO0E45tKh2fVrv3uqMbN9KN49dGMCMSGmut7Vx8VxAF6DdRg_7ngnH-r-kPDfy-zm06CDR3P3alIk7pxYACiggbbZ3iB3-o0q8HdWqlJcnu_moVCvpnw/s1600/IMG_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_D_e2dZ4jQONpcco1TyfO0E45tKh2fVrv3uqMbN9KN49dGMCMSGmut7Vx8VxAF6DdRg_7ngnH-r-kPDfy-zm06CDR3P3alIk7pxYACiggbbZ3iB3-o0q8HdWqlJcnu_moVCvpnw/s320/IMG_5264.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See Mario in the background?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBDRKb7TbL0UcrCpSK4EXbQsAzsG4UijXjDBImt2kLKB5L3nYFcRAVO4LHvIEugc3VWQK3LTT33c_Gg3aINE2bN9gIsIR4g47Ww1RJFZwiO-9Ensybn_2qGHo4LnsijWFAMHbtQ/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBDRKb7TbL0UcrCpSK4EXbQsAzsG4UijXjDBImt2kLKB5L3nYFcRAVO4LHvIEugc3VWQK3LTT33c_Gg3aINE2bN9gIsIR4g47Ww1RJFZwiO-9Ensybn_2qGHo4LnsijWFAMHbtQ/s320/IMG_5267.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Gift!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo1oXZ0Cny6mnYJwzkKtAYaS4tzoigxt18XpwFzdu8gTQXM3nLVsxQ_7gTdGIhF8aNBI8BB_kyWzeWIoGgnKmQ2w9gqNHvx63CZelTyBBaJrg2QLJW9p2T0eVMZwvjsZKi9d6Ag/s1600/IMG_5396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIo1oXZ0Cny6mnYJwzkKtAYaS4tzoigxt18XpwFzdu8gTQXM3nLVsxQ_7gTdGIhF8aNBI8BB_kyWzeWIoGgnKmQ2w9gqNHvx63CZelTyBBaJrg2QLJW9p2T0eVMZwvjsZKi9d6Ag/s320/IMG_5396.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh La La!</td></tr>
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Because they were on a special outing, and my niece's birthday is in June, she was able to go to The American Girl store and pick out a special American Girl doll. She chose one who looked most like her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarlenQdRFNVluEK3XPMxeRntD3meFcpw6q0XOlV1fX5X1s8WU6XkvgMUUvwHYSe9EYykoNcL1GpICabj41YxUExAlXT0rwUWeO1WuDn-r80KntjIjyqzu1F6MuYIpKYxCqzp0pA/s1600/IMG_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarlenQdRFNVluEK3XPMxeRntD3meFcpw6q0XOlV1fX5X1s8WU6XkvgMUUvwHYSe9EYykoNcL1GpICabj41YxUExAlXT0rwUWeO1WuDn-r80KntjIjyqzu1F6MuYIpKYxCqzp0pA/s320/IMG_5271.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvau5MH5Ku0SN9NGplnCe7Ge4kgt5LipBUp8G88uyI8ysfLdpSamM6p4pLNCsCgxz6f7xZWul41Mbwt225kGrwFtUNDlbypye6fVsA4A9r5cRr0PIv-yeE4o9SSUrJ7BVcxmFQCA/s1600/IMG_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvau5MH5Ku0SN9NGplnCe7Ge4kgt5LipBUp8G88uyI8ysfLdpSamM6p4pLNCsCgxz6f7xZWul41Mbwt225kGrwFtUNDlbypye6fVsA4A9r5cRr0PIv-yeE4o9SSUrJ7BVcxmFQCA/s320/IMG_5292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchase complete...A new American Girl owner</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjoQNyas46l06-LIoBVCFEKXGmgiNHtLoqeZ51vXRhjiyu_mQomWiFVeCeoMQG7TAY02cNAYn8BdTfoy7-7y85sau49TwxLxkSPjMkw79AhuPVqZSlqmpa-VDEAXdVdOO4pnLVg/s1600/IMG_5293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjoQNyas46l06-LIoBVCFEKXGmgiNHtLoqeZ51vXRhjiyu_mQomWiFVeCeoMQG7TAY02cNAYn8BdTfoy7-7y85sau49TwxLxkSPjMkw79AhuPVqZSlqmpa-VDEAXdVdOO4pnLVg/s320/IMG_5293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One big bag!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXiZJz-3TyS3O14Pr5JwkGIcbO-ujHpTOQn9IS9h2l68iiuzhsQ4rwY8RoHvBNKW7F2Uh_NGGWBIsO0-H91cBC-nnwqmmxf10N04VlzRrBOFQrR4vCKqoNzheSZ1HRfax-RlWFg/s1600/IMG_5297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZXiZJz-3TyS3O14Pr5JwkGIcbO-ujHpTOQn9IS9h2l68iiuzhsQ4rwY8RoHvBNKW7F2Uh_NGGWBIsO0-H91cBC-nnwqmmxf10N04VlzRrBOFQrR4vCKqoNzheSZ1HRfax-RlWFg/s320/IMG_5297.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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At the Farmer's Market we enjoyed DELICIOUS, meaty sandwiches from Phil's Deli. Oh, I love a good Reuben!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8TSCtCYgfKiZUiBeyNOXel4Djf0TCmD691iuWhl8Ajdvc1XyLHUU8I8RaXyDoCe-2z7p44QA0NwepynJjJhiQl9_DbTE2CpoH_DNjspmGADJwLsMd-Uryoctnx4tgzGECiTV/s1600/IMG_0532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8TSCtCYgfKiZUiBeyNOXel4Djf0TCmD691iuWhl8Ajdvc1XyLHUU8I8RaXyDoCe-2z7p44QA0NwepynJjJhiQl9_DbTE2CpoH_DNjspmGADJwLsMd-Uryoctnx4tgzGECiTV/s320/IMG_0532.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this make you drool?!?!</td></tr>
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After lunch we enjoyed, or tried to enjoy a sit-down-in-the-sunshine couple minutes, but my oldest and youngest decided out of the eight chairs available they wanted the same one. What ensued was a battle for the chair. Pushing, whining, pushing, and more whining. Finally, I figured since I was with my sibling, I'd like to experience the push-off for the same chair. It turned into a laugh off! Good times! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWZ8T4J02z0ce3wMl1STkoYbsU8I1NWO0bpfcf_qse2X7Of2ZmwxpbBjQKx6XR4poUz6ub3fLqE504PlKXgXGvqBaOWULb3KeeS7V4zXu6d4lP0FSsUhT783QSKRx1KidbRkoPg/s1600/IMG_5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWZ8T4J02z0ce3wMl1STkoYbsU8I1NWO0bpfcf_qse2X7Of2ZmwxpbBjQKx6XR4poUz6ub3fLqE504PlKXgXGvqBaOWULb3KeeS7V4zXu6d4lP0FSsUhT783QSKRx1KidbRkoPg/s320/IMG_5303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNok55eFxEotrcx8QjtLgy8KN4ziyswUr53EWVpa_5lPFH26htzmG5w-941LrTaK6drLEhB9zt8HyMOkoHjCDNeexy17_otb2pGBJ-pf3tF15nKBmifC8iFn0pkHjMfpL3pJrJyQ/s1600/IMG_5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNok55eFxEotrcx8QjtLgy8KN4ziyswUr53EWVpa_5lPFH26htzmG5w-941LrTaK6drLEhB9zt8HyMOkoHjCDNeexy17_otb2pGBJ-pf3tF15nKBmifC8iFn0pkHjMfpL3pJrJyQ/s320/IMG_5318.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle for the chair begins...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOxsr9JkJMiY1Gmp6oYfO3JjSiuWJtZ3vfHsv6EPjplQIwGBHP2hmvVb9ZME8OgUk4Y-rXCHQbgVRzI9wsUeJjSuenOpmGbtu9FpkE7TYMSRrYZaGz6LzB3rndWNZuONc19ZDSw/s1600/IMG_3895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOxsr9JkJMiY1Gmp6oYfO3JjSiuWJtZ3vfHsv6EPjplQIwGBHP2hmvVb9ZME8OgUk4Y-rXCHQbgVRzI9wsUeJjSuenOpmGbtu9FpkE7TYMSRrYZaGz6LzB3rndWNZuONc19ZDSw/s320/IMG_3895.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvBEbFNu8PnwbAu-6c23ejkTc0A7uvGd_dI8la49yTJ1HmlskS5HWMyLwAo4QRvIlhvM7EDVzzIwVIGyOxS50v6NJPJBsXaP4E9ywBMxEJLVMzHYD-_FTVTe2JHImf1A8rPOIQ/s1600/IMG_5358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvBEbFNu8PnwbAu-6c23ejkTc0A7uvGd_dI8la49yTJ1HmlskS5HWMyLwAo4QRvIlhvM7EDVzzIwVIGyOxS50v6NJPJBsXaP4E9ywBMxEJLVMzHYD-_FTVTe2JHImf1A8rPOIQ/s320/IMG_5358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My best push against this stationary wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_dq_TB1cWFkq2faFB1bfGj7nBVcXdmA3RGrcpe7irudipeVkpZ1jqGrucuAME5iRdXEf8S4Ay9W3wXY1j_Y0spcVjKsYyuMvVSTMhRxVzqnVMVSPeZq_P97bwy89SI8-bMJ4ng/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_dq_TB1cWFkq2faFB1bfGj7nBVcXdmA3RGrcpe7irudipeVkpZ1jqGrucuAME5iRdXEf8S4Ay9W3wXY1j_Y0spcVjKsYyuMvVSTMhRxVzqnVMVSPeZq_P97bwy89SI8-bMJ4ng/s320/IMG_5364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her push</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnplmycpj-W5IPVVblJ8xdPHr3MrX0sQGFekSv8tOteILIZ3esZ704NrviFusuRw8ZqDLd7DvhSFRvYJBHICyVZj013q86Su0Gn_RSDBV9RlmZ8Is2Fb41hPsWXnnNXvbw8bigjw/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnplmycpj-W5IPVVblJ8xdPHr3MrX0sQGFekSv8tOteILIZ3esZ704NrviFusuRw8ZqDLd7DvhSFRvYJBHICyVZj013q86Su0Gn_RSDBV9RlmZ8Is2Fb41hPsWXnnNXvbw8bigjw/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's getting tired...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP74N69RAj6tAM5U0sPOdAKaIgzrWSRVKSP8Heh6VnzCl3pT4UVND-JoW7lcb8fqdODFU3fXKAnNbqnonlIn5PI94qloAOx0qhHTyuaktDw8lfsw6kqJphVpA7zGkrqRPEo0XUA/s1600/IMG_5330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZP74N69RAj6tAM5U0sPOdAKaIgzrWSRVKSP8Heh6VnzCl3pT4UVND-JoW7lcb8fqdODFU3fXKAnNbqnonlIn5PI94qloAOx0qhHTyuaktDw8lfsw6kqJphVpA7zGkrqRPEo0XUA/s320/IMG_5330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The push...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1mc5vz50jVDf1laf0aUB-sFT4j4gBEtyCO_S19Lt5WS9fbXAWIXb7IMdTt7DEHdhXXeod07TKFg3ExcNlkm5AoJtu0lQCaSrPXI8CY1p7K_LyoS6dCs-5BjaOH1YBEw8QuSoYQ/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1mc5vz50jVDf1laf0aUB-sFT4j4gBEtyCO_S19Lt5WS9fbXAWIXb7IMdTt7DEHdhXXeod07TKFg3ExcNlkm5AoJtu0lQCaSrPXI8CY1p7K_LyoS6dCs-5BjaOH1YBEw8QuSoYQ/s320/IMG_5331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fall off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQAeRqhrzcMDvTljO8aYT_tMSK7xr1x3NGLCrW2x1qs-hEG3dpMbC6ulhBeH1jcdqC-YYLL2StbwtkXqEEFbBInav0AZ30THhB8_A3mzdOOo3YC90BybdGXEWgem8k2R8zw3DUg/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQAeRqhrzcMDvTljO8aYT_tMSK7xr1x3NGLCrW2x1qs-hEG3dpMbC6ulhBeH1jcdqC-YYLL2StbwtkXqEEFbBInav0AZ30THhB8_A3mzdOOo3YC90BybdGXEWgem8k2R8zw3DUg/s320/IMG_5333.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The re-group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuhteZhoFAQLBvtmi4I2py9_H4mVhTg3rfmyq2jWarZ5NxDnG3l40uiOUw4xfEFG1TXBcLGkG4EG9mAAiqoN848YtDS_G8R5qEfE4ZOLgxJr4Wfd67ydNEj5gw7v-_svSlcp7Kw/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuhteZhoFAQLBvtmi4I2py9_H4mVhTg3rfmyq2jWarZ5NxDnG3l40uiOUw4xfEFG1TXBcLGkG4EG9mAAiqoN848YtDS_G8R5qEfE4ZOLgxJr4Wfd67ydNEj5gw7v-_svSlcp7Kw/s320/IMG_3893.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oops...I knocked the Pradas off</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBmCtQeuUxSsjQKWXOVKSmlVhmptRYlXsPjobe5KWeUxx_kzMkq3UMIMGT9lHssw3bvl3FZ10GXQ1eBG5XQZy7JcnmmjjOugAkWpDCpeJLNJgWwdzyxYxK-BhxdknoDiqsMphUA/s1600/IMG_3897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBmCtQeuUxSsjQKWXOVKSmlVhmptRYlXsPjobe5KWeUxx_kzMkq3UMIMGT9lHssw3bvl3FZ10GXQ1eBG5XQZy7JcnmmjjOugAkWpDCpeJLNJgWwdzyxYxK-BhxdknoDiqsMphUA/s320/IMG_3897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to give someone the business!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1log7rueBIqViMMoGTvZxdskzaKLj9chSs_HYC1fDKbpO0KNx9GyZKOIGqN1-CTPOxiVwPzFUdyv9NSIpEs8q_eKTeUjlsm8p4zgyRg0P95Cs76YNAJ6lj1BfVPUMu2aGBMDocw/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1log7rueBIqViMMoGTvZxdskzaKLj9chSs_HYC1fDKbpO0KNx9GyZKOIGqN1-CTPOxiVwPzFUdyv9NSIpEs8q_eKTeUjlsm8p4zgyRg0P95Cs76YNAJ6lj1BfVPUMu2aGBMDocw/s320/IMG_3899.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thinking...what can I do to my sister next?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovFXE4HPutk1Cm47AW4ODsgkATACmKM5x3cyPGVps4hVCaxM92lnxv5aEsfccQMkUohDwBm7uCQdeivGceg1ST9t8lPj-_rEh9eF3MtoF6U2mHioPeAegNPNa1CbCFjBao0W5Mw/s1600/IMG_3902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovFXE4HPutk1Cm47AW4ODsgkATACmKM5x3cyPGVps4hVCaxM92lnxv5aEsfccQMkUohDwBm7uCQdeivGceg1ST9t8lPj-_rEh9eF3MtoF6U2mHioPeAegNPNa1CbCFjBao0W5Mw/s320/IMG_3902.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Happy Guy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierVXCQLY2xefE0QdULAfrEEcD-AB970afqeuE-D6-TsZm1iyoP5y-kBhyvuWeMqZZ7m52h-9d4gJ_lm82YdTYdQuiQdb6FBkGl_WRBXNMNebm5wJE0Xgc8XxgA46Lvp49KDNPdg/s1600/IMG_3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEierVXCQLY2xefE0QdULAfrEEcD-AB970afqeuE-D6-TsZm1iyoP5y-kBhyvuWeMqZZ7m52h-9d4gJ_lm82YdTYdQuiQdb6FBkGl_WRBXNMNebm5wJE0Xgc8XxgA46Lvp49KDNPdg/s320/IMG_3888.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grove Sign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGGMOIP0OHUXgCuOK1dtaxP4yDyR5lgrZlplWQTf4_480WLi0k_GZW6G47nSOI105ts_tLXZ9avd5qQsj6EncHAb1nZ34pFa8_neOHJHRQkanifjtoRNuaEVHnAxmycN6LQFJxQ/s1600/IMG_3892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGGMOIP0OHUXgCuOK1dtaxP4yDyR5lgrZlplWQTf4_480WLi0k_GZW6G47nSOI105ts_tLXZ9avd5qQsj6EncHAb1nZ34pFa8_neOHJHRQkanifjtoRNuaEVHnAxmycN6LQFJxQ/s320/IMG_3892.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh-Huh!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN0wcktPtyQ3YDI9J5olYYqZmTuhZps-jYfJlTz54TgaprwkvnpmSNBksN6t6VJOI387TPEUxPexCebHlq_wZf92ftI7jVQgVRJdgT3-7R0oXXB2aD3gBEW-xLGxITLt0EiZ7KA/s1600/IMG_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqN0wcktPtyQ3YDI9J5olYYqZmTuhZps-jYfJlTz54TgaprwkvnpmSNBksN6t6VJOI387TPEUxPexCebHlq_wZf92ftI7jVQgVRJdgT3-7R0oXXB2aD3gBEW-xLGxITLt0EiZ7KA/s320/IMG_5344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1qNOq2TElmJAUTusRfm_u3I6n4UHIyDU2jyO0-bwERgXWLbQaGOMzlX6sPregWje_IDfvANlH2wRLQ_eICDsa3ofgoMdav42UdfdKhCxR-CX28gQcC-HtTRtiE3I_4Z3DY38BQ/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1qNOq2TElmJAUTusRfm_u3I6n4UHIyDU2jyO0-bwERgXWLbQaGOMzlX6sPregWje_IDfvANlH2wRLQ_eICDsa3ofgoMdav42UdfdKhCxR-CX28gQcC-HtTRtiE3I_4Z3DY38BQ/s320/IMG_5374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the trolley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Next we headed up the hill to see the Hollywood sign from a distance and walk around the top of the world at Griffith Observatory.</div>
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My SIL took photos on the way.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamo6akHAIE0K_UC3f4xj6GqFTT9ROdaRlocDugTkTrIeoQPp148dZwTze_tS5YQGxYaPPYTuPNhzhpiMQ6ewvb1iaEL6zGKJPqAIsXBPjg5BOcum0OvZTCsacYV__6Jy96rz-6Q/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamo6akHAIE0K_UC3f4xj6GqFTT9ROdaRlocDugTkTrIeoQPp148dZwTze_tS5YQGxYaPPYTuPNhzhpiMQ6ewvb1iaEL6zGKJPqAIsXBPjg5BOcum0OvZTCsacYV__6Jy96rz-6Q/s320/IMG_3908.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT1mG4YjkmSUMqDCmSMn9buN9evrESFM7-UMLQvvXTVEycmWVQ3MnHFq0p6dDaxGrKZy-SNya36q-mFGfS7hF5N0zU1S8UyxP0X1r9Mw03ynpSYAaSB9LYMyvus3_HY4rG6h3FA/s1600/IMG_3910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiT1mG4YjkmSUMqDCmSMn9buN9evrESFM7-UMLQvvXTVEycmWVQ3MnHFq0p6dDaxGrKZy-SNya36q-mFGfS7hF5N0zU1S8UyxP0X1r9Mw03ynpSYAaSB9LYMyvus3_HY4rG6h3FA/s320/IMG_3910.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQryzeH6g2YymnY0FSPp4zFBqj-1tb0E74teXuL6KRbGu3W0KfJDF9NcQgYJenHXqt2sumyWRaQa-AUSeqd9GUzKw9xZ8cmRoCPF9C1j9vWreERDNrKehzsGAhhPmYeksYkxbg8g/s1600/IMG_3913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQryzeH6g2YymnY0FSPp4zFBqj-1tb0E74teXuL6KRbGu3W0KfJDF9NcQgYJenHXqt2sumyWRaQa-AUSeqd9GUzKw9xZ8cmRoCPF9C1j9vWreERDNrKehzsGAhhPmYeksYkxbg8g/s320/IMG_3913.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuATbWNLugVrdGU6w0OOz5vwoqwWwGqNHQdgNrWCyNgsKjo5-qiNETZj6s-weVniHLbZNTIGNPmPsgL9CqkfQvh_nBw-fQF5YlCJoCgzKdCpAbUurJy7OdZvldvJ98txJA-QcyEw/s1600/IMG_3919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuATbWNLugVrdGU6w0OOz5vwoqwWwGqNHQdgNrWCyNgsKjo5-qiNETZj6s-weVniHLbZNTIGNPmPsgL9CqkfQvh_nBw-fQF5YlCJoCgzKdCpAbUurJy7OdZvldvJ98txJA-QcyEw/s320/IMG_3919.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx6xbswbh72Qn1NpKqSyGi0ALAN0nKX0tRaKG2DZyObi-wufjw98FGAhfBNStAcwhRaKBKJdalR8BdvbMnM6xe4n3qMd3KDHAsEjpPsOK8dEZzcPEkNGDMIyF0psST84oQ2c61g/s1600/IMG_3920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEx6xbswbh72Qn1NpKqSyGi0ALAN0nKX0tRaKG2DZyObi-wufjw98FGAhfBNStAcwhRaKBKJdalR8BdvbMnM6xe4n3qMd3KDHAsEjpPsOK8dEZzcPEkNGDMIyF0psST84oQ2c61g/s320/IMG_3920.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLLYWOOD!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesvK6D3hhFxDFfhgu72XeSihOwYbxwwN36nvmIlEfg6FVONTaMRcjbZLBAkXDU3HKtvqDQvBZvjwtsopmcPjJFDKXDJEPH2VfkWtP6uI5X20I6pwXBfWJfa7pASsqlay1bsqIeg/s1600/IMG_3922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesvK6D3hhFxDFfhgu72XeSihOwYbxwwN36nvmIlEfg6FVONTaMRcjbZLBAkXDU3HKtvqDQvBZvjwtsopmcPjJFDKXDJEPH2VfkWtP6uI5X20I6pwXBfWJfa7pASsqlay1bsqIeg/s320/IMG_3922.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother and niece with the Hollywood sign in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61mywyH9atm2RtaK4w2953dETuEZX7OUYgsgB07zrps4KmCROo0MYlfU_OTuvE-7E9Kod5vvC1vF4JEFAHlOTfc6dQfLoL1h5aZuc9Aon1CqEiRtAJ4aGxXO2MJeWYxdKiVfNuw/s1600/IMG_5389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61mywyH9atm2RtaK4w2953dETuEZX7OUYgsgB07zrps4KmCROo0MYlfU_OTuvE-7E9Kod5vvC1vF4JEFAHlOTfc6dQfLoL1h5aZuc9Aon1CqEiRtAJ4aGxXO2MJeWYxdKiVfNuw/s320/IMG_5389.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Griffith Observatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbMAFMMBEu-v8KiWEuM8J31YVqY-LgWvC6t9ICsu6-NyexH29q-6jNd1hQcJe3inKoDXiFV0ektl9B7MzPED2KkMtc4ass37VSL0E9XRskApbsf7fWkb2hq29EoGjLRJ7ksgiZQ/s1600/IMG_3929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFbMAFMMBEu-v8KiWEuM8J31YVqY-LgWvC6t9ICsu6-NyexH29q-6jNd1hQcJe3inKoDXiFV0ektl9B7MzPED2KkMtc4ass37VSL0E9XRskApbsf7fWkb2hq29EoGjLRJ7ksgiZQ/s320/IMG_3929.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz957fIeQ-M-eOKv8SQwrRxzaqusSQzjX2m4sVQaXZqKOP9gF4nOcHR4k-5xpDJfQnTBWZXfGVS32w6c1yFZoNkNiQAjOXOREaEKJebqO05f4K5cvlI2kpEYssMVThj-tGqWdPw/s1600/IMG_3931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWz957fIeQ-M-eOKv8SQwrRxzaqusSQzjX2m4sVQaXZqKOP9gF4nOcHR4k-5xpDJfQnTBWZXfGVS32w6c1yFZoNkNiQAjOXOREaEKJebqO05f4K5cvlI2kpEYssMVThj-tGqWdPw/s320/IMG_3931.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is proof that as we think we're still, we're still rotating on Earth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Haze</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Summer's Star on Hollywood Blvd. News reporters covering her unexpected death.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGC0S9KKecUDbGF0kQB9e7jOGsPbm_yVOPUl8lNZBPgZCv6UdVaHUzTuKypKM_NjFoVSsUf2vGxaPfqkViS1vl9yqro7flp2N_xCdf81jPvI9ha0InpkuPpuu3pDIIlT5fGfGjg/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUGC0S9KKecUDbGF0kQB9e7jOGsPbm_yVOPUl8lNZBPgZCv6UdVaHUzTuKypKM_NjFoVSsUf2vGxaPfqkViS1vl9yqro7flp2N_xCdf81jPvI9ha0InpkuPpuu3pDIIlT5fGfGjg/s320/IMG_3959.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beverly Hills</td></tr>
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Lastly we cruised down Rodeo Drive then back on Santa Monica Blvd and off to the freeway.<br />
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What a great day!Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-62215328306071902612012-05-28T15:42:00.000-07:002012-05-28T15:42:16.689-07:00A Happy Day to RememberToday is my birthday. It's my half-way mark to 90 and my half-way mark to 50. It's also Memorial Day.<br />
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As a kid I hated that my birthday always fell on or around Memorial Day. Friends left on weekend get-aways, camping trips or picnics making birthday parties difficult to plan. I grew up thinking it was a pretty sad and lonely time to have a birthday.<br />
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Years have passed and my perspective has changed. As I sit in an empty house, enjoying the quiet, I feel so blessed to share my special day on this most special day of Remembering. <br />
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On Memorial Day we remember those who have so sacrificially given their lives protecting our freedoms. We remember those who have voluntarily served our nation in our armed forces. We remember those who are serving in our military today. And, we remember family members who have passed.<br />
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I'm grateful to be raised in a military family being taught respect and honor for my country. I'm proud to be the daughter of an Air Force Colonel! Our military personnel are priceless.<br />
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I'm so forever grateful!<br />
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Thank you for a Day to Remember and a Day to Honor our Heroes!<br />
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Happy Memorial Day!<br />
<br />Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15892278.post-11185674710110949382012-05-25T06:56:00.000-07:002012-05-25T06:56:18.036-07:00It Could Be Worse...I Could Be A Tribute<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Remember Job? We're having a Job kind of week. If you're not familiar with this book named after a faithful man of God, <a href="http://suite101.com/protestantism">Protestantism Suite 101</a> describes it as, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1540578405">"T</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1540578405">he biblical book of Job that gives an account of Job's sufferings and his trust in God has great quotes about the immensity of God's love, power and greatness.</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1540578405"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The story of Job's life in the Bible comes up as the best example of extreme sufferings. From the moment Satan tests Job to the time God restores Job's fortunes, many great quotes and sayings can be found that exemplify God's divine power.</span></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1540578405">Job is the ideal good man, husband and father. Satan challenged this and said to God that Job is a complete believer because he is prosperous. God allowed Satan to test Job through a series of immense hardships, practically stripping him off all his possessions and loved ones; he also suffered a disease.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://telasiado.suite101.com/god-quotes-and-sayings-from-the-book-of-job-a153521">Job was in conversation with some friends, with mixed emotions as they try and help him out. In the end, Satan was unsuccessful as Job's trust and respect in God remained steadfast.</a>"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Job's faith was amazing. Despite losing everything, his dependance and faith in God was unshakable. I feel like many things are being lost, and our faith is still present, but I've been so down and/or stressed about it all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Through these trials, my dependance on the things of life is surely being stripped away. We're selling or giving away so many worldly possessions. They just don't seem to matter when others have need, or there are bills to pay.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Last night, after a VERY stressful day, I was supposed to attend a Homeschool Convention. I drove to the Convention Center and when the parking attendant told me it would be $10 to park for the two hours left in the day, I headed directly to the exit of the parking lot. Ten dollars, for two hours and I was feeling so stressed I didn't know if I could even enjoy the seminar. I couldn't even think straight to pay attention to the lectures. I think I had a $10 meltdown.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Instead I headed back home, did some necessary grocery shopping at Costco (we're talking Old Mother Hubbard type of necessary shopping), and decided I would have a loner kind of night and go see a movie, compliments of Costco cheap tickets.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hunger Games.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I know, if you're already depressed and disgusted with the greed and tragedy around you, Hunger Games is probably not the movie to go to, but I read the book and was curious about the movie.</span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">While watching the movie, I was so surprised so many people took their kids to see this movie. Not a good kid movie. The premise is so disturbing. I found the movie more disturbing than the book. There was so much hype about the series, I decided to read it. Truth be told, it's so upsetting. I've read that perhaps Suzanne Collins is making a correlation between our society and the world of the Hunger Games. I'd love to read her thoughts.</span></div>
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As the story goes, the country is divided up into 12 districts (District 13 was supposedly obliterated). Because of an uprising 75 years ago or so, every year each district has to "reap" one young male and one young female to participate in the annual Hunger Games. These 24 young people, approximate age is probably 11-18, are required to fight to the death with one Victor surviving. While they fight, the country watches the gruesome battles/deaths on television. </div>
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Those who watch take great pleasure in the destruction and death of the tributes. </div>
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Sick and wrong.</div>
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But it's the world we seem to be living in. Delight in the demise of another sells papers, gathers headlines, and fuels the greed, jealousy and envy of the individual.</div>
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Truly a heartbreaking situation we have here.</div>
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But then there's Katniss Everdeen, the heroine of the story. She does what is right. She doesn't kill for the sake of benefit, but protects her fellow tributes. She challenges the game makers and the outcome is unprecedented. But, Katniss will pay a price.</div>
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After watching the show, I came home thinking, "At least I'm not a tribute, and there is no upcoming reaping."</div>
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I went to bed at about 11:30.</div>
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I woke up at 4:45, stressed about life.</div>
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What can I do about it? I could get up and put more items on ebay trying to fix this mad situation.</div>
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But instead, I took the next 15 minutes and lay in bed singing, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus... sweetest name I know." I just kept repeating those words.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I sit here, I looked up the rest of the words to this old hymn. Like a song sent directly from God, these words are music to my aching soul.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">There's within my heart a melody</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Jesus whispers sweet and low</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">In all of life's ebb and flow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Though sometimes he leads through waters deep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Trials fall across the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">See his footprints all the way</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">chorus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Jesus, Jesus, Jesus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Sweetest name I know</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Fills my every longing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Keeps me singing as I go</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Feasting on the riches of his grace</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Resting ‘neath the sheltering wing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Always looking on his smiling face</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">That is why I shout and sing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">chorus</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">All my life was wrecked by sin and strife</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Discord filled my heart with pain</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Jesus swept across these broken strings</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And stirred these chords again</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #545559; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">As we walk through these deep waters, I hope to rest in His sheltering wing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">If you're a praying type...we could use it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">I know God works everything out for His good. My prayer is that I'd be faithful and steadfast like my friend Job.</span></div>
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</div>Kimberlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05859368613521167034noreply@blogger.com0