tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24444175194328262562024-02-21T00:30:20.624-06:00MY SOUL STEPSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger495125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-83355189227658862782015-03-16T20:34:00.002-05:002015-03-16T20:34:33.191-05:00I'm BACK!Yep, it's been awhile. A really long while. Writing is an open window to my soul. I feel my most vulnerable when I put things down to be viewed.<br />
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Voyeurs would have a blast with me.</div>
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My most difficult emotion is by far vulnerability. I guard it with fierceness. I very rarely put it out there. If I do, I'm either in a state of complete defensiveness, hurt, shock or pain. The funny thing is I completely know that I'm guarding it. I know exactly when I put up the walls, how tall they are, how much armor I need and how I will secure it. It's as if I have made a conscience decision to not allow it.</div>
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I used to feel that I held grudges against those that hurt me because I hadn't learned the skill of forgiveness. I don't think that's it anymore. I think I make the wall a little taller once I get hurt so that it won't happen again. but I'm much better at forgiving the older I get. I've joked with a friend of mine about this very thing many times- we both laugh when someone hurts us in screaming out "You're dead to me!" Something about articulating that statement puts finality in the discussion, even though we don't really mean it.</div>
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I find myself close to a crossroads. I stopped writing last year because I didn't want to be judged working through some of my emotions in writing. I picked up journals and filled them with ink that is never to be shared but I miss the creativity of this blog page It's time for me to come back, hold my head up high and not be worried about what anyone else thinks. I realized I never have to share this journal outside of those who want to read it.. a concept I have always known but somehow never implemented.</div>
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So I'm back. Hopefully for good. If you are chosing to read, enjoy the ride and <b><u>WELCOME BACK!</u></b><br />
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 50pt;">Jen</span></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-67453174952509770412014-08-17T08:30:00.001-05:002014-08-17T08:31:18.380-05:00Moving On Up<i><b>Reflection: a thought occurring in consideration or meditation.</b></i><br />
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I spend a lot of time planning. The beginning and end of every day, every week, every month, every year. Sometimes written on the inside of my hand, often times written on yellow legal note pads (thanks, Dennis Taylor). In fact as I type today, I have a running list of all the things I need to accomplish to get little guy to middle school tomorrow.</div>
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<b><i>Wait... middle school?!</i></b></div>
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Ah hell. </div>
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I have a lot of friends just starting out. Babies galore around me right now. In fact, I have three coworkers preggers and due any minute. I brag to anyone that will listen that I only have 6 years left. SIX. Out the door, for sale sign in the yard, laying on a beach eternally.</div>
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When time sits still I see it so differently. It always amazes me how I can feel one way and then take a 180 the next. Hubs would barb that is a "woman thing". Personally, I think it is a <i>human </i>thing. When the busyness subsides and we contemplate quietly it's amazing what comes into clarity.</div>
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Little guy hits his teens in a month. He still can't always remember to wear deodorant but somehow still has friends. I refer to him as an independent codependent most days. He is silently strong just like his dad and incredibly passionate just like me. Even so, I fear the next two years. Kids change in middle school... immensely. I can't even type what I was like in middle school. I'm surprised my mom didn't leave me in a hot car all day <i><u>on purpose.</u></i></div>
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So in the spirit of planning, I've made a list for my little guy. Because really, how can anyone survive without a list?<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>1. Just laugh.</i></span></div>
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When you drop your crap in the hallway in front of the cool kids in school, start laughing. When you fling food off your fork in the lunchroom, laugh. When you have tried to get your locker open a hundred times and still can't get it, start laughing hysterically. Self deprecation is not only humbling, it lightens everyone elses response to what has just happened. And let's face it... everyone is a dork at 13. Get them all to laugh with you. It will make the event totally harmless.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>2. Don't over analyze.</i></span></div>
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Everything around you is happening in moments. Each moment is just that... a snapshot of time that will most likely not even be remembered. As an adult, I have a few memories of special events but the day to day stuff is completely wiped clean of memory. It gets replaced with performance evaluations, grocery lists, Christmas planning. Trust me on this one- there is no need to over analyze every single moment. Roll with them, laugh and let them go. Everyone else will too.</div>
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<i style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">3. Stay true.</i></div>
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You may not know what you want to do when you grow up, what college you want to attend or how many kids (if any) you want to have. But you do know YOU. You know what is right and what is wrong. You know how you and everyone else should be treated. You know that everyone deserves respect but must also illustrate they have earned respect. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>4. Focus on the BIG picture.</i></span></div>
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School is just that - an education. Sure, it's a giant cesspool of social anxiety. Nonetheless, you actually go there for one specific purpose... to learn. Remember that, when your friends are getting sucked into arguments about girls. Remember what you have been given - the conduit to an amazing future. If you can stay the course and keep that focus in mind, your future will be so bright.</div>
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">5. Just WAIT.</span></i></div>
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Since I brought it up... girls can WAIT. Seriously. The next few years can be the most fun times of your life, with parties, dances and football games. Engage and have fun without commitment. In simplest terms - if you can't remember to put on your deodorant then you certainly don't need to be "falling in love". You will have SO much time for that after you finish your education and begin your life. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>6. Be patient.</i></span></div>
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I know you want to go to college right now. You have been a planner for as long as I can remember and your dreams are so lofty. Keep those dreams in your sight. They are completely attainable and you can do whatever you want in this life. But try to slow down just a little bit. Spend some time in the NOW. The next will come when it's time.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>7. Make good choices.</i></span></div>
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In every moment, you will have a decision to make. This way or that. Up or down. Eat this or not. Go with them or stay. Every moment. It may feel overwhelming at times. Refer back to #3... be true. You know who you are. You know what is right. Don't get sucked into things you don't want. You forge your path, no one else. Friends can't "make" you do things you don't want to do, just like they can't make you "feel" a certain way without your consent. </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>8. Make mistakes.</i></span></div>
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Sometimes you will cross a path and turn the wrong way. You will make mistakes, I promise you. When you do, forgive yourself. Be accountable and take the consequences. But know this: two people are standing on either side of you at all times. We will support you, no matter what. We will always be the first to forgive you and help you move forward. Although sometimes it may be painful, mistakes are the very best way to learn just how you want to live your life.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>9. Ask for help.</i></span></div>
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This is a biggie. I know as a boy you aren't supposed to ask for help. Honestly son, it is the most important thing you can learn to do in life. You won't always have the answers. You won't always know what you should do. When you come to that crossroads, ask for help. Seek guidance from those you trust and respect. They will guide you through the hard stuff and you will appreciate them even more. Remember - even Pooh asks for help when he needs it. It's not a weakness, it's a sign of strength.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><i>10. BE HAPPY!</i></span></div>
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Don't fall into the drama of girls, the politics of sports or the gossip train. Rise above all of that nonsense and know in your heart that it just weighs people down into a world of negativity, removing their focus. Get up every day being totally okay with the fact that you aren't in "the know". Let everyone else hang out down there... you don't need it. You are completely fulfilled and have a happy life without that junk. It's actually really rewarding to be the fun one. Try it, I think you will fit perfectly there. :)</div>
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As we embark on the next journey, I can't help but think that I only have six years left. Six more school shopping excursions. Six more first days of school (for me, anyway). I'm so proud and sad all at the same time.</div>
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Maybe he really will let me go to college with him?</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 50pt;">Jen</span></b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-7119797006509861872014-05-21T06:00:00.000-05:002014-05-21T06:00:10.556-05:00It's About Time<div style="text-align: justify;">
All it takes is a word of encouragement. One word. Sometimes a spoken word is even unnecessary. A glance, a gentle touch of the hand or a smile can achieve the same outcome.</div>
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When I was a little girl, I thought 40 was such an old age. Being the baby of the family with two brothers and a disabled sister above me, my mom was tired. <u>REALLY</u> tired. I honestly don't remember that many days of her life when she wasn't tired. She didn't really complain, but it was evident by the dark circles under her eyes and non-stop coffee consumption.</div>
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What I didn't know at the time was that she wasn't only tired, she was stressed. Absolutely and completely. The efforts of running a household, raising children, running a business and pleasing her spouse had worn down the energetic, spry and sassy woman she was just a short decade before I came along. She never really recharged her batteries, didn't really talk to any friends or family about her feelings, concerns or challenges. She endured it all... privately. She was brilliantly strong in that way. </div>
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Over the course of the last six months, I have a much greater appreciation for how she felt. Exasperated may be the only word I can use to describe it. Life experiences have weighed heavily on me and my family lately. I am not one to complain. I don't really even want to talk about my own challenges. I take responsibility for my own and just don't feel it's necessary. It's nothing we can't handle. We always overcome. Nonetheless, it's been exhausting. Stress plays an incredibly powerful role over a human being. It can be absolutely debilitating, leaving us feeling hopeless. And tired.</div>
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A great friend of mine recently shared she is getting married this summer and it was the perfect conduit to create happiness. My girlfriends and I assembled quickly to plan a gathering for us to celebrate with her. As we sat laughing and crying this past weekend over our long friendship with one another and life events recent and past, I realized something really important: <em>none of us are really alone if we don't want to be.</em> All it takes is the ability to share our vulnerability with one another, to find those individuals that will give you that one word you need at the precise moment that you need it.<br />
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I found that this weekend. I was enveloped with love and support from my girlfriends whom I don't spend near enough time visiting. By the end of the weekend, I felt at peace. Even with few hours of sleep, I finally felt rested. </div>
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Sometimes you just need a girlfriend to giggle with and lighten the load.</div>
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I haven't blogged for a long time, mostly because I refuse to use my writing as a dumping spot for all of my trials and tribulations. That's held in a private journal. This space is my place of comfort and joy, to share moments of joy and sometimes moments of sadness and be true to myself. I'm excited to get back though. It's truly healing for me to write and gives me a slight feeling of control in an uncontrollable world.</div>
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So thanks for coming back to visit.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #f79646; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 50pt; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-12629691256622967872014-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:002014-02-07T06:00:11.763-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!That escalated quickly!<br />
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The snowpocolpyse this week was awesome. And apparently we have more to follow. <br />
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In case you live under a rock, Kansas City was slammed with substantial snow this week. The road crews worked their tails off to make certain we didn't follow in other (embarrassing) cities quakes (ahem.. Atlanta). The men and women that clear our streets did an amazing job! Schools closed, government offices tapered to essential staff only and most employers did their best to give their employees leeway to get to work safely.<br />
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I'm so grateful to have that employer. They closed our office down early the day it started and gave everyone a few extra hours to get in the next day. It truly made all the difference in the world (plus helped us avoid the hectic "rush hour" traffic).<br />
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It's nice to know people care.<br />
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Amidst all the shoveling, cleaning and organizing I have done this week, I have somehow managed to pull together some faves to share. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE KICKS</u></strong></span></div>
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Ah.... love! Must have!! Steve Madden, you are my hero. :)<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE INVENTION</u></strong></span></div>
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Genius. Absolutely genius. Especially this time of year when I feel like my entire body skin is flaking off or itchy to death. I don't mind our weather getting colder or even the snowy precip but I absolutely hate how dry it is. This is perfect!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE PIT</u></strong></span></div>
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Our west coast kids have furniture similar to this and I love it. So comfy! Our new family room space requires something like this.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE WINE LOVE</u></strong></span></div>
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To be honest, I'm actually considering just buying red wine by the barrel for the winter. What a great use after it's empty! I love this mirror - so creative. Gotta have it.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE YUMMO</u></strong></span></div>
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We love chicken burgers in my house. Well, any kind of burger really. Hubs and I cannot get enough avocados of late - we are eating them practically every week. So why not just marry the two? Click here for these fab chicken avocado burgers ---- > <a href="http://www.smokedngrilled.com/grilled-avocado-chicken-burger/">Chicken Avocado Burgers</a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FUR FRIEND</u></strong></span></div>
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Yes! MOO COW! I love him (or her). Don't judge.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE GUIDANCE</u></strong></span></div>
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In the season of sickness, sometimes I need reminders on this kind of information! Here's a cool chart to help you know when to freak out on your kiddo's fever.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4kBcJ9PW2p0ILshV12O16TF3FOAU1S7RYDGJE2c41ir7R73IYvlJqLP9tCAKIs68RGUfJ1cygUK_I6OEhculY9EhQgbRWU9rLQ0LM1vKOrmSlH0H_DW14yCs4hPOrAqXPf1fNjKW28k/s1600/fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4kBcJ9PW2p0ILshV12O16TF3FOAU1S7RYDGJE2c41ir7R73IYvlJqLP9tCAKIs68RGUfJ1cygUK_I6OEhculY9EhQgbRWU9rLQ0LM1vKOrmSlH0H_DW14yCs4hPOrAqXPf1fNjKW28k/s1600/fever.jpg" /></a></div>
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I often forget this mantra, but it is a nice reminder. As a coincidence, most 1/2 and full marathon training is 12 weeks!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NAPS</u></strong></span></div>
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Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE built ins? Of any type, really. But these cute bunks just scream "build me!!" Love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5EaGHRoliz46fukdDtjFnziwHPUamDlTALv5gqdP_QOKszFuLVVTQ9u5T-w9Y0hpLFp9Zn8Y7vCt2Q1d7rZ-_Eg_cf1qafzyCY7aUcP68k5gxdLES43tDf_lyUOG5mlONIVtfG56deY/s1600/bunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5EaGHRoliz46fukdDtjFnziwHPUamDlTALv5gqdP_QOKszFuLVVTQ9u5T-w9Y0hpLFp9Zn8Y7vCt2Q1d7rZ-_Eg_cf1qafzyCY7aUcP68k5gxdLES43tDf_lyUOG5mlONIVtfG56deY/s1600/bunks.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE BLING</u></strong></span></div>
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Love the simplicity of these gems. Absolutely love them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBRuue6zbje2XVwMVrqojG6V-UGOZWdSGTER20lUX3eqcTWI-Z7tVhGFMj1hdMDEScNl-FkR2iSVzaE5w-wxzOY4GLEwMPrQlJxo72kfUiOJzGHiO7muWND0SjpHRpMwfknjtfwDKzZQ/s1600/initials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBRuue6zbje2XVwMVrqojG6V-UGOZWdSGTER20lUX3eqcTWI-Z7tVhGFMj1hdMDEScNl-FkR2iSVzaE5w-wxzOY4GLEwMPrQlJxo72kfUiOJzGHiO7muWND0SjpHRpMwfknjtfwDKzZQ/s1600/initials.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a safe (and warm) weekend, friends!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-45737106706197924892014-01-24T11:45:00.000-06:002014-01-24T11:45:37.703-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!Good morning, friends! How are those NY resolutions coming along? I am happy to say I am on track with two of them still, which is amazing for me. I made a few super obtainable ones that will roll along slowly with just a few great big decisions that will roll in shortly. I'm still super psyched and excited about all of them though, even though my 14 minute attention span challenges them every day.<br />
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For now, I'm optimistic. We can check back in next month on it.<br />
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Meanwhile, basketball is gearing up for tournament seasons. We have two out of town trips in February which no doubt will be the highlight of our winter, not to mention knock down two states for little guy's "Visit 50 states in 6 years" dream. Maybe if we are creative and drive loopy we can slide through the corner of other states and call it good.<br />
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Hmmm. Will need to Atlas that. Yes, I still use an Atlas. Bite me.... I'm old.<br />
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Below are my faves this week. It's a miracle I even found them since I do love paper so much. So much for the green movement in my house.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE MEMORIES</u></strong></span></div>
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This caught my eye immediately. I absolutely love taking pictures. When I look back at my pictures as a child it's virtually the only way my memories stay intact after layering in years of useless information into my brain. I think this is fantastic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ2HFLcaR7NUnZA48lJnLoOdYgoK0aqyVTqVo2xljXWEz-sqWaTt8WLsA7uhP2GtDa4TAmBgCJiDBaftcGj_Xg2EFKmM8dMU3B_zZF_Bmio1c2Nd88uWRNUCvqkn5yq9L1w6LxksdWUw/s1600/kids+months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZ2HFLcaR7NUnZA48lJnLoOdYgoK0aqyVTqVo2xljXWEz-sqWaTt8WLsA7uhP2GtDa4TAmBgCJiDBaftcGj_Xg2EFKmM8dMU3B_zZF_Bmio1c2Nd88uWRNUCvqkn5yq9L1w6LxksdWUw/s1600/kids+months.jpg" /></a></div>
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Love them. My man jam. Highly encouraged.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnAu72bcaJ6cUxE4bPt-XqahE42lWKmLonBtCvSgmqyGl7Bfx4TP97F3Po3NaHLZT83BGywytjL2eX5gy-WoVt_JROo4at0zxznuZMjBV_cojGf5-ePe2m-bfqQzp19RW_CiVySWj1oE/s1600/bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnAu72bcaJ6cUxE4bPt-XqahE42lWKmLonBtCvSgmqyGl7Bfx4TP97F3Po3NaHLZT83BGywytjL2eX5gy-WoVt_JROo4at0zxznuZMjBV_cojGf5-ePe2m-bfqQzp19RW_CiVySWj1oE/s1600/bb.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Amidst our ever changing polar vortex crap, I can't help but dream of the beach. Or the pool. Or with this beautiful concoction... both. I see myself on the chaise on the left. Bring it on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX4Mf6gxWWXxGMZREBLvN_SsCOJUUEd1Jt58xzSrh2vefIxVze2qyjuUs3gkN9dnQTY0ddo64Gctb7xZl_IEpBPD5JGRbZEF-cuQYWPrMXEiTc0a0L_fBYA8_oDCDP1G1caky8LvP96A/s1600/pool+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitX4Mf6gxWWXxGMZREBLvN_SsCOJUUEd1Jt58xzSrh2vefIxVze2qyjuUs3gkN9dnQTY0ddo64Gctb7xZl_IEpBPD5JGRbZEF-cuQYWPrMXEiTc0a0L_fBYA8_oDCDP1G1caky8LvP96A/s1600/pool+beach.jpg" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ah.... love. German short haired pointer. Perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6D3Z08DZLIVznjJT98J5-Jy5IbTmlI4_cEq7Jvw50mHZ4xf6AhzZHKMEikis6ulZmsFQM1ypmx7OgVON3ZwqetxTV7oXJXwXf3ZTTqh8xSVfhwkAgJ3bGl0K7_6ArkChs1m1qywljbw/s1600/fur+kid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6D3Z08DZLIVznjJT98J5-Jy5IbTmlI4_cEq7Jvw50mHZ4xf6AhzZHKMEikis6ulZmsFQM1ypmx7OgVON3ZwqetxTV7oXJXwXf3ZTTqh8xSVfhwkAgJ3bGl0K7_6ArkChs1m1qywljbw/s1600/fur+kid.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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I'm so lucky little guy loves to read. He informed me last weekend that he needed quite a bit of time to chill because he was reading 7 books. Yes, 7. AT ONCE. I have no idea how he does that. I can barely stay focused enough to read ONE book at once!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriD0ywHsSnmdaRjOfI1kiddb2SJpjz4n2bd8Ahgbc0eL7qgfWfzI9Rs74iVR69YNwS7FlNH4Tq2-JaWcw2BbMcyaMKFQs_WC40BUKXtkDyoOs8odlJBGbCutlBbE2n3FNEHANy9C3hrA/s1600/books+kiddo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriD0ywHsSnmdaRjOfI1kiddb2SJpjz4n2bd8Ahgbc0eL7qgfWfzI9Rs74iVR69YNwS7FlNH4Tq2-JaWcw2BbMcyaMKFQs_WC40BUKXtkDyoOs8odlJBGbCutlBbE2n3FNEHANy9C3hrA/s1600/books+kiddo.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE PLUGS</u></strong></span></div>
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These are awesome! I am so tired of all of our electronics scattered around, cords everywhere. Drives me absolutely NUTS. I think I need a few of these!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHRJG6PRCLoCWQuui5yociw8ILNq5E2HUBX0S0mDcwqWQHBEac7uy7Gm2b6qfp-FvaE0OevoLuT6-j050faZ7S2BcODNoopi3y7WdFQXeV3DywpEVNUi4n14FtI6b7C3nsQMFeaHYqEA/s1600/plug+ins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHRJG6PRCLoCWQuui5yociw8ILNq5E2HUBX0S0mDcwqWQHBEac7uy7Gm2b6qfp-FvaE0OevoLuT6-j050faZ7S2BcODNoopi3y7WdFQXeV3DywpEVNUi4n14FtI6b7C3nsQMFeaHYqEA/s1600/plug+ins.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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FAVE FASHION<br />
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This was defined as business casual. Wait, what is that again? So many employers define it differently. This is my dream biz cas. Nice jeans, nice jacket. Looks good to me!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y8yKFmCy1_U0YYOoTNczb73ODdtNS_uk1JOgEdANNlXaVipvKh6WjOSPVGin68e4pG8iwtG9bStoyi7n1Js05LztOwN_mqgU8whx81gAm04ENFbjy3Tly-bymVnSJ71-vvnczu538Q8/s1600/business+casual.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Y8yKFmCy1_U0YYOoTNczb73ODdtNS_uk1JOgEdANNlXaVipvKh6WjOSPVGin68e4pG8iwtG9bStoyi7n1Js05LztOwN_mqgU8whx81gAm04ENFbjy3Tly-bymVnSJ71-vvnczu538Q8/s1600/business+casual.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE SNACK</u></strong></span></div>
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YUMMO! I love pb after a run. Almost crave it. This looks fantastic and includes my fave - chocolate!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE SPACE</u></strong></span></div>
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I love my bedroom. I love my bed. Really, truly love it. We bought it (along with the bedding) five years ago when we finished our build. I want something new. This might work?<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE TICKER</u></strong></span></div>
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I have a thousand watches. None of them have a battery. Well, one that is working. I tend to just buy a new watch every time my battery dies, mostly because I buy fun trendy watches that don't cost a fortune.<br />
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I love this one. Maybe it's time I stepped it up a bit.<br />
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Have a great weekend, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 46pt;">Jen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-19631885843755831182014-01-21T09:44:00.001-06:002014-01-21T09:44:44.362-06:00I resolve to.... grind?Being that it is already the 21st of January, my resolutions are totally out the window. Well, the majority of them, anyway. I struggle a lot when it comes to making changes to myself sometimes but give me a house and I'll rearrange the furniture every month.<br />
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Hmmm.. not sure what that means.<br />
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In an effort to try to corral the 20 some odd pounds I slammed onto my body at the end of 2013, I am forcing myself (and my fam, by extension) to eat healthier. Out of the house are the cupcakes, cookies, candies and chips accumulated over the holidays. In are the bags of trail mix, fruit, veggies and greens.<br />
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I am fortunate that my little guy will give things a whirl. I know what he absolutely <em>won't</em> eat, which luckily is a fairly short list. If I mask everything properly, I am good to at least get him to take a bite. The biggest key is to not make it too spicy.<br />
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I must admit he can be my biggest fan. If he loves something, he tells me. Over and over again. If he doesn't like something, he will hem and haw for an hour trying to find the right words to politely tell me it sucks without hurting my feelings.<br />
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He's gonna make a great husband someday.<br />
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As I slid into my chair, he was already three bites into his dinner. When he looked up to take a breath and chew, I started the convo. <br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Me: So buddy, what do you think? Do you like it?</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>LG: Mom, this is amazing. Ah MAZ ing! I love it!</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Me: Oh good! I was afraid you wouldn't like it. Daddy and I had even planned to heat up some vegetable soup assuming you wouldn't like it.</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>LG: It has black beans in it! Why wouldn't I like it?</strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #660000;"><strong>Me: Well, I just wasn't sure. We haven't eaten veggie burgers before.</strong></span></em><br />
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Silence.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">LG: What's in it, mom?</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Me: Black beans. Corn. Veggies. I'm not completely sure but I know those three things.</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">LG: But what kind of MEAT is in it?</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Me: Honey, there is no meat in it. They are veggie burgers.</span></strong></em><br />
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Silence again... coupled with a blank stare.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">LG: But what kind of MEAT is it?</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Dad: Coop - there is no meat in our dinner. We are eating veggie burgers. </span></strong></em><br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">LG: I get that Dad but what kind of meat is it?</span></strong></em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6A4eIwxFtxHVG5gS5OKQJhhSVVmb1m_aSQxhg328igWDOEfcaKKi-JHwyL-kZURpcS9i93glzYK4nrD9laCScvNQnF3jFywEDFgpCBSdc1ZT115cliyLCtq_mjfLQ9GJlGGuJV_Q1o/s1600/MorningStar+Farms+Spicy+Black+Bean+Veggie+Burgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSn6A4eIwxFtxHVG5gS5OKQJhhSVVmb1m_aSQxhg328igWDOEfcaKKi-JHwyL-kZURpcS9i93glzYK4nrD9laCScvNQnF3jFywEDFgpCBSdc1ZT115cliyLCtq_mjfLQ9GJlGGuJV_Q1o/s1600/MorningStar+Farms+Spicy+Black+Bean+Veggie+Burgers.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hubs and I stared at each other. Clearly there was no way we were getting through. After a full 10 minutes to attempting to explain, we stopped talking and watched him devour the first one to ask for another.<br />
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Ah, my little gullible monster. Little does he know he just gave me some awesome ammunition. Apparently if you smoosh something into a patty, slap some cheese and ketchup on it, it becomes a hamburger. Rock on - I can grind anything up!<br />
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Maybe this resolution thing won't be so hard after all?<br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">Jen</span></em><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-53944138049040702632014-01-17T07:24:00.000-06:002014-01-17T07:24:31.571-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!Ah, Friday. How I love thee. There is something about these little endings and the openness of a weekend. I wonder if my friends that work different shifts feel this way about their Tuesday? <br />
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Every Friday Facebook, twitter and instagram are flooded with posters, comments and general happiness. Likewise, they are also flooded with a lot of negative comments come Sunday night / Monday morning.<br />
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Are people generally <em>unhappy</em> about the new beginning? Do their lives magically erase the prior weekend's happiness when they start anew? Are they sad to be forced to complete the fun and relaxation they enjoyed over their mini-break?<br />
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I challenge you to reconsider. Remove the negative thoughts you have about starting the new week. Allow yourselves to live in the moment of the weekend and carry that renewal into your week on Monday. <br />
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Embrace the new.... don't dread it.<br />
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Below are a few of my faves from around the interweb this week. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE SHORTCUT</u></strong></span></div>
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Those that know me well know that I absolutely HATE home viewing stations. In particular, there is no universal system. My BFF can attest that I absolutely cringe when I house sit for her and want to watch her television. I have absolutely NO idea what I'm doing with her 16 remote controls.<br />
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I love this. I need this. Embarrassingly this is a suggestion for our grandparents.... good thing I am a grandparent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-P-P_onEhdPyeNrbPJ47a-a5JgalJ-EV_E6GIbp7mNbusj6l1szrpd22vB4FhepfRd4-GCyFyNxtdTm8S3bG6Y32Ys3kWtWe8T5FwCtA_rPfCElRMuLnayurQUmN7sm8BCqV2SGHhQA/s1600/remotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-P-P_onEhdPyeNrbPJ47a-a5JgalJ-EV_E6GIbp7mNbusj6l1szrpd22vB4FhepfRd4-GCyFyNxtdTm8S3bG6Y32Ys3kWtWe8T5FwCtA_rPfCElRMuLnayurQUmN7sm8BCqV2SGHhQA/s1600/remotes.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE WINE STORAGE</u></strong></span></div>
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I love the rustic feel of these shelves. I currently have all my wine and glasses in a glass cabinet and I wish I could actually see them better. This is a great way to display the faves! I wonder if Hubs could crank this out for me this weekend?<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE PIGGY WARMTH</u></strong></span></div>
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Who doesn't love a warm, soft pair of socks? I absolutely covet them. These slips are adorable, especially with our holiday of love right around the corner.<br />
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So cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-mcVFseAuIGOMF1lLoc-Kre2rvVJPWQjeMmk11RwvStTzAu8qI3r_LQASajUkfTbTPDi0MXKvQPCwNyIfYjkjasxutuHyu3_YMogNa8l3yJfsk90J1DdamQ8F7jbf0F8D8xFnudu-EU/s1600/valentines+socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-mcVFseAuIGOMF1lLoc-Kre2rvVJPWQjeMmk11RwvStTzAu8qI3r_LQASajUkfTbTPDi0MXKvQPCwNyIfYjkjasxutuHyu3_YMogNa8l3yJfsk90J1DdamQ8F7jbf0F8D8xFnudu-EU/s1600/valentines+socks.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE TRUTH</u></strong></span></div>
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Ah, Roosevelt. So smart, so true. LOVE this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbvDcp4mwM4vEmQ08TeO6xJdj-ovng51id6NSY-nw8nObWosNsqFGDY95l6fwSAFPDuOKpPZvUu4doEvNn_KxUw7Jjv_p-wcQB1RU2fSQqZPAfmAWMf-VD_mSDX0N6cL2z-wZtDQA4MQ/s1600/COMPARE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbvDcp4mwM4vEmQ08TeO6xJdj-ovng51id6NSY-nw8nObWosNsqFGDY95l6fwSAFPDuOKpPZvUu4doEvNn_KxUw7Jjv_p-wcQB1RU2fSQqZPAfmAWMf-VD_mSDX0N6cL2z-wZtDQA4MQ/s1600/COMPARE.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE SNUGGLE</u></strong></span></div>
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I absolutely love this style of sweatshirt. Tall neck, long torso. Perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDSCkeVKbOsvepIwGRIbu2wq9QvWArPXVht53Fl-0kV5st77pn1gZktPa402rrcW9RNn7ovBsbhZT6R3DO-25O_sN8pyUMf2uCtNbcdsNESg0lVGZ2-y6Q3Pt3-lO3_SsCjRbP0LSlSc/s1600/sweatshirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDSCkeVKbOsvepIwGRIbu2wq9QvWArPXVht53Fl-0kV5st77pn1gZktPa402rrcW9RNn7ovBsbhZT6R3DO-25O_sN8pyUMf2uCtNbcdsNESg0lVGZ2-y6Q3Pt3-lO3_SsCjRbP0LSlSc/s1600/sweatshirt.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE HOME REMEDY</u></strong></span></div>
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For those of you with babes, I love this idea. No, I would never have thought of it when my little guy was born. Of course that was 12 years ago, before the invent of social media. Boo. I will admit though that every time I crack open a box of baby wipes that alcohol smell is always the first thing to draft out. That can't be good.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw5yxAn2GQBu8fq-NzrquJwLCZYL2P_c1N8W1zT51rihSECVIYY3FHOd4NSfC5xcolef6G8OhqaAWiY0VS27uUulK4_9QQkMywheHeHW-GuWweyggId84dDS4zQ76eGsGJHH4W3Xo39M/s1600/baby+wipes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkw5yxAn2GQBu8fq-NzrquJwLCZYL2P_c1N8W1zT51rihSECVIYY3FHOd4NSfC5xcolef6G8OhqaAWiY0VS27uUulK4_9QQkMywheHeHW-GuWweyggId84dDS4zQ76eGsGJHH4W3Xo39M/s1600/baby+wipes.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></strong></span></div>
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This is so true for many of my life connections and particularly funny right at this moment in my life!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE BREAKFAST</u></strong></span></div>
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My fam loves some homemade French toast. We make it a lot on the weekends, typically with a hint of cinnamon and orange. Check out this chai ft recipe! Looks absolutely amazing to me. Click here for the recipe -----> <a href="http://www.savorysimple.net/baked-chai-spiced-french-toast/#_a5y_p=1172805">Baked Chai Spiced French Toast</a><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FURNITURE</u></strong></span></div>
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Okay - I love doors. I really, really love doors. I love using doors in decorating as well. My only hiccup with this love is the knob. How does that work? Hmmmm. Otherwise, it's one of my faves!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FASHION</u></strong></span></div>
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Love the sweater. Love the hat. Love the jeans. Love the boots.<br />
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Yep, love the simplicity of it all. Maybe <strong>THIS</strong> is why we love the weekends... we can be comfy!<br />
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Have a fantastic weekend, friends!<br />
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<em><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">Jen</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-16950956004100928252014-01-10T08:42:00.001-06:002014-01-10T22:25:35.735-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!Morning, friends! I'm happy to announce that I completed the first full week of 2014 unscathed.<br />
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Well, partially. It was book club last night.<br />
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With the football season coming to an end, basketball has taken its position in my house as the official spokesperson. We are eating and breathing basketball 24 hours a day. Please try to contain your jealousy... envy is a bad color for everyone.<br />
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Little guy is becoming much more comfortable in his post position this year. He is working hard to gather rebounds and pushing back up when it seems a zillion arms and hands are slapping him. He says that it's fun.... but I don't see that. I see his blood pressure spiking every 15 seconds for 40 minutes. But hey, we all define fun a little differently.<br />
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Like jumping into a freezing cold lake for charity. Yep, I'll be doing that later this month.<br />
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I was able to scrounge up a few faves over the course of the week so dig in!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE DESTINATION</u></strong></span></div>
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Ah.... Ireland. Still up at the top of my list of future travels. With the stupid polar tundra crap we have endured lately I would love to transport here and take a nice long run.<br />
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Someday.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NEW ADDICTION</u></strong></span></div>
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Nope, not meth. The SHOW, accusers! I love, love, love me some Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Hubs needs this shirt. He loves chemistry (why wouldn't he....). Me? I doubt I could make it through the first two classes quite honestly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWd35G9zu2H_azb9JPHHwzIPztN5pRNsS3Mw656FKD9ICWzC2q9Pcuy58lCKFplgdvRwGh7DBneFXD7RlJ5U0PKFhZzWLdtntOuAB-E79nQ5YTNn3gbt6C5FVQkrt18jMLaLipQzFTvs/s1600/bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWd35G9zu2H_azb9JPHHwzIPztN5pRNsS3Mw656FKD9ICWzC2q9Pcuy58lCKFplgdvRwGh7DBneFXD7RlJ5U0PKFhZzWLdtntOuAB-E79nQ5YTNn3gbt6C5FVQkrt18jMLaLipQzFTvs/s1600/bb.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE RELAXATION</u></strong></span></div>
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Yes friends, I realize that this won't fit into my tiny house. But a girl can dream, can't she? I can just imagine all of those cold winter nights, curled up in the midst of all that softness and <strike>watching Netflix</strike> reading a book. <br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE REMINDER</u></strong></span></div>
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Oooh, I think Nugget needs this sign! He is absolutely the best big brother in the world. I can already see it in his eyes - nobody will ever hurt his little sister!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3LsijIdkrkvuGWFu-onM8XuJsm5BWZXrzUKadkTh3X61KmO5QktUdZJSwMlhztoc1whLB_r5vlvLzBUFV0ogxqVX6amBuTXYyBoe22ZAXOQX_6O-EIhvZAb2ei69bFc25dfMtn2OoU/s1600/ELI+SIGN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3LsijIdkrkvuGWFu-onM8XuJsm5BWZXrzUKadkTh3X61KmO5QktUdZJSwMlhztoc1whLB_r5vlvLzBUFV0ogxqVX6amBuTXYyBoe22ZAXOQX_6O-EIhvZAb2ei69bFc25dfMtn2OoU/s1600/ELI+SIGN.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NOURISHMENT</u></strong></span></div>
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Mmmmm. Seriously, who couldn't love a sammy AND French toast at the same time? This Monte Cristo just looks Divine. I think it has to hit the Davis menu. Click here for the recipe -------> <a href="http://shewearsmanyhats.com/2014/01/monte-cristo/">Monte Cristo Sandwiches</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWivNjfYDmuUMepd0g3dyaVFCSjCnQzii_U9Ew8siTiPoIMzfBhuNKa00sJqhMPeUwzcoujKjWSYRngTXlF5n6sqWKcTplhGOmLRthf3kcnpo4nvqD1fGwcCLB5IRaSdD-qKRjZ704O2k/s1600/monte+cristo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWivNjfYDmuUMepd0g3dyaVFCSjCnQzii_U9Ew8siTiPoIMzfBhuNKa00sJqhMPeUwzcoujKjWSYRngTXlF5n6sqWKcTplhGOmLRthf3kcnpo4nvqD1fGwcCLB5IRaSdD-qKRjZ704O2k/s1600/monte+cristo.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE WINE LOVE</u></strong></span></div>
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Okay - I must have this. Even if I have to figure out how to make it myself. I have more corks than anyone can imagine (okay, maybe you can imagine). This is an awesome way to hang onto them!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZHBpHhvNfZkQt-q8poDFVJTgv69CRH5YnayjgRqT1359owlrlruExWZuzseGtgKFbczVu-Kmg4Vz1d3ysbLmQ-OOJ5WRT7Gvn1F5BS6LH3RxTKRibza10EAVt-1avqW4CLEnbVrw-cs/s1600/wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZHBpHhvNfZkQt-q8poDFVJTgv69CRH5YnayjgRqT1359owlrlruExWZuzseGtgKFbczVu-Kmg4Vz1d3ysbLmQ-OOJ5WRT7Gvn1F5BS6LH3RxTKRibza10EAVt-1avqW4CLEnbVrw-cs/s1600/wine.jpg" height="640" width="596" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE COCKTAIL</u></strong></span></div>
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Hubs and I went to Maui in 2004 and during our visit we became intimately acquainted with a lovely little adult swim up bar that served a similar concoction. Although this isn't exact, it's pretty darn close (and I'm assuming a heck of a lot healthier!) Our beloved version had ICE CREAM in every drink! <br />
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Lava Flow Cocktail: 1 oz. light rum, 1 oz. Malibu® coconut rum, 2 oz. fresh or frozen strawberries, 1 small banana, 2 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice, 2 oz. coconut cream.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruXKcNmOQjVWHUxG6tLKKATjzumSo5sf4AZCfDMPJWA5oDGKecH_4zQjXKDUav51MUNDg3EpxwusYs8nwUQDodTt9Lewu1So1cf8rKNeVMzaqgDSGvDIaxWQareMfh8xiq1BwFzuKdd4/s1600/lava+flow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruXKcNmOQjVWHUxG6tLKKATjzumSo5sf4AZCfDMPJWA5oDGKecH_4zQjXKDUav51MUNDg3EpxwusYs8nwUQDodTt9Lewu1So1cf8rKNeVMzaqgDSGvDIaxWQareMfh8xiq1BwFzuKdd4/s1600/lava+flow.jpg" height="640" width="418" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NERD FUNNY</u></strong></span></div>
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I happen to LOVE math, especially algebra. Hubs could drop kick it to the curb (even though he uses it every day).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF99fvAYOMlgZMqwTEV0k-viGUVxknYfvHfILtCteguX49ocHm7ZxbdAh0yejcoZJymqYsnweO99acwL_jkySxdtyt5s5HfDvZJIToZ7rx05L7hoQ0aOgi1U2-OlgFz45OM8CVmptib0/s1600/math.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZF99fvAYOMlgZMqwTEV0k-viGUVxknYfvHfILtCteguX49ocHm7ZxbdAh0yejcoZJymqYsnweO99acwL_jkySxdtyt5s5HfDvZJIToZ7rx05L7hoQ0aOgi1U2-OlgFz45OM8CVmptib0/s1600/math.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE HAIR CONTROL</u></strong></span></div>
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EEEE! I absolutely love headbands. Lots of moms put giant bows on their baby girls and until our little sweetest one came along I saw it more of a hassle. Now that she is here, I can't stop fantasizing over the cuteness she can wear! This style is so super cute to me. I'll have to see if Nana can come upon a few...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO10EfF_VZQYOD2V9JeGSl0atnKgTvA9VAi92MUqntgK3aq-w07c6DWLPU_GdSFMo7lIH0Pf7J_UfpqhXPr6UbqHRbEwmLS4lr0-My1QFeGZeBMxQSffOdt7P6FUxwVDghBAePQFwBCk/s1600/headband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVO10EfF_VZQYOD2V9JeGSl0atnKgTvA9VAi92MUqntgK3aq-w07c6DWLPU_GdSFMo7lIH0Pf7J_UfpqhXPr6UbqHRbEwmLS4lr0-My1QFeGZeBMxQSffOdt7P6FUxwVDghBAePQFwBCk/s1600/headband.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE YUMMO</u></strong></span></div>
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With V day just a few weeks away, these little gems are perfect. I love halving the strawberry as I always find it awkward to eat a whole strawberry that's been dipped. I think this is a great way to display them as well as eat them!</div>
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Have a great weekend, friends!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Jen</em></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-89753791948202197012014-01-06T23:11:00.003-06:002014-01-06T23:17:09.872-06:00Jumpin on the Change TrainSome of my fave mommy bloggers did some major facelifts this weekend to their blogs. Must be their resolutions. Or maybe they just needed to rearrange the furniture. <br />
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I bought a new king size bed with a giant foot and head board for our house when we moved in 5 years ago. Little did I know at the moment that it would never be moved until the day we vacate the homestead. Makes me quite sad.<br />
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My blog needs a facelift. I tried to change out the header and make a few pic updates to it but that just didn't get it done. I need something that reflects my true self.<br />
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It's time for a rearrange.<br />
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Hubs gets it. In my 20 years of marriage, I've moved the furniture no less than 50 times. Just when he gets used to a certain end table being in a certain place, I shift it to the left 5 feet.<br />
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Yep, constant change. That's me.<br />
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It's not my fault entirely. I lived in the same house virtually my entire life. My parents bought it when I was 2 and although I moved out when I was (almost) 18, I moved back into it when I was (almost) 20. I stayed there until I married Hubs, moved out a total of (almost) 4 years and was back again until we built the house we are in now. Oh, and I didn't change anything about the house until (almost) 2 years before we sold it.<br />
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Yeah - I <em>need</em> change.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABdd6ujqg47PkTOJiZfSIGT0bpUKHRQzZsE2OqD2N3VS2PMQHLkr-aXnR0Dg25A7n-2VYuUCE8m4uNWII8FrZIIjO5Zau6CzKvq7vHq1XbeqhBKWfj9yMY0R0hL079gCeEDmMcMDTxlo/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABdd6ujqg47PkTOJiZfSIGT0bpUKHRQzZsE2OqD2N3VS2PMQHLkr-aXnR0Dg25A7n-2VYuUCE8m4uNWII8FrZIIjO5Zau6CzKvq7vHq1XbeqhBKWfj9yMY0R0hL079gCeEDmMcMDTxlo/s1600/change.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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In my effort to control my environment, I move the end tables. I move the sofa. I move the car's position in the garage (until Hubs understandably has to convince me once again that the Ford F150 won't fit in the single slot side very well).<br />
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It's time to update the blog. I've changed, so it's time to illustrate that. I'm over 40 (just barely, please note). I'm a grandmother (of TWO beauties now!). I'm a mom of a tween (and it's THAT fun). I've been married forever and I have a career. I'm in a book club, I have a dog, I love wine (particularly in the winter) and I love life.<br />
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It's definitely time to for an update. I have a lot to say and haven't said most of it lately. It's probably time to get it out.<br />
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I have always loved the opportunity to do that.<br />
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Please be patient as I make some changes, friends. I'm considering moving platforms and potentially adding some revenue opportunities.<br />
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I'm big time, can't you tell?<br />
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I will say this: in reviewing my last year of blogs the ones that seemed to have the most traffic, comments and attention were those where I shared my brutal honesty.... and consequently were the most controversial. That either says something about me or my readers, I haven't quite figured it out yet! It seems that most of you prefer when I am vulnerable and admit I don't have it all together.<br />
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Newsflash: I will never have it ALL together. And nobody else does either. Don't allow them to fool you.<br />
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More to follow. Stay tuned, friends!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Jen</em></span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-42792517674188904202014-01-03T10:01:00.001-06:002014-01-03T10:01:20.150-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!2014. Another new year. Out with the old and in with the new. Time to rewrite goals, establish expectations, design resolutions. Make lists: personal, professional, financial, spiritual. Filled with excitement and enthusiasm, we create significant changes we want to accomplish in the upcoming months.<br />
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And then..... we become completely depressed in two months for failing some of them. Or maybe all of them.<br />
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Why does this happen? Or better yet, why do we do this to ourselves?<br />
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The new year brings about the opportunity to face our lives with different glasses. It's that "start over" feeling that temporarily drowns our fears of change. We barge into the new year filled with determination.<br />
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Where do we fail? For starters, we are far to hard on ourselves. Our lists of accomplishments is far to long and often unattainable in a short term fashion. Sometimes we give up, admitting we couldn't meet the rigorous and lofty goal. Sometimes we cave and have a setback, ultimately quitting altogether.<br />
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It's not having goals that's the problem. It's the design of them.<br />
I'll admit I'm guilty of this. My goals last year looked something like this:<br />
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1. Lose 30 pounds.<br />
2. Go to church every Sunday and Wednesday.<br />
3. Run 3 miles every day.<br />
4. Stop eating all sugars.<br />
5. Eat meat sparingly, only once a week.<br />
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How many did I meet? Um..... <strong><u>Zero</u></strong>. Awesome.<br />
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This year will be different. I broke my goals down into small increments. I'm sure I may fail a few but I'm really gonna try hard.<br />
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Or have a glass of wine.<br />
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Enjoy my first Friday faves of 2014!!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE MONEY CHALLENGE</u></strong></span></div>
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I love this! Not only are we doing this, TD and I BOTH have jars! Even little guy wants in on it! How incredibly easy is this?! Come on, friends.... You know you wanna!!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE TRAVEL DREAM</u></strong></span></div>
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Little guy has a dream to visit all 50 states.... before he gets out of high school. No problem, no problem at all! Seeing as he is 12 and we have only taken him to three, we totally have our work cut out for us in the next 6 years! I see some road trips in our not to distant future! Oh - and if the trips can coincide with a college football game, we will win extra credit as the best parents ever.<br />
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We shall see.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NATURAL REMEDY</u></strong></span></div>
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I can't swear by this, but I do think it's fascinating. So many of my friends came down with the sickness over the holiday season. I wonder if this could have helped? I'm totally trying it the next time I feel icky.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE RESOLUTION LIST</u></strong></span></div>
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Yep, this is my fave. Instead of writing down everything you want or need to change, write down the things you love that you want to accomplish more. I love this.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE REMINDER</u></strong></span></div>
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I have been a wanderer for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, it wasn't unusual to hear my name called out over the loud speakers inside of a store. It was my momma's worst experience ever - I constantly wandered off to look at something (or hide when I was mad at her). It's a miracle she didn't kill me... I had many a swattings in the parking lot of TG&Y.<br />
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I so want this. Right now.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE GIFT IDEA</u></strong></span></div>
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I don't know yet if my granddaughter will love to read as much as her momma. I sure hope she does because I intend to buy her every single one of these books. I love the idea of teaching our young girls to be strong and brave, unafraid and unwavering in the faith of themselves. Yes, princesses are fun. But I don't happen to know any in real life.... do you?<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FASHIONISTA</u></strong></span></div>
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Okay, okay. No, it's not formal. No, it's not fancy. Yes, it's totally dressing for comfort and I completely LOVE it. So there! I love leggings and sweaters. It's my weekend apparel.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE KICKS</u></strong></span></div>
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And of course, it wouldn't be one of my fave weeks without having an awesome pair of boots. It helps that it is less than TEN degrees in Kansas City right now and I can't get my tootsies warm for the life of me.<br />
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I gotta get these!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NUGGET TEE</u></strong></span></div>
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Gotta find this - or make it. One way or another, my little nugget has to have it. He is the best big brother in the world! Constantly checking in on his sissy, patting her head gently or kissing her cheek before running off to play. I love to watch him love her... it's an amazing thing to witness.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE COPYCAT RECIPE</u></strong></span></div>
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Every year I swear we aren't going to eat out as much as the previous year. I am really going to try hard to stick to it this year - at least for awhile!<br />
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Although we rarely eat at Chili's, I absolutely love this pasta dish from there. I'm a self proclaimed starchaholic so this fits right in my wheelhouse.<br />
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Ugh... I think I need to go back to work. Or maybe take some more time off.<br />
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Click here to link to the yummo recipe -------> <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/chilis-copycat-cajun-chicken-pasta-410185">Copycat cajun chicken pasta</a><br />
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Have a fantastic weekend, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>Jen</em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-80706922347230630512013-12-27T08:18:00.000-06:002013-12-27T08:18:16.504-06:00END OF THE YEAR FAVES!Woo hoo! Final Friday of 2013!<br />
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I love endings. I really, truly do. They culminate a zillion emotions, spark remembrance of joyful moments and give closure to items that may require it. <br />
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Yep, the perfect ending.<br />
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My ending couldn't be any better, friends. The west coast kids are coming home which means I get to snuggle my little lentil, chase my nugget around the house and squeeze my daughter and son until they are blue in the face. Oh...and some vino may be in there as well, particularly now that Hubs has ensured I will have to find meetings in 2014 with the Wine every Quarter club from my fave winery in the country!<br />
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I'm have a feeling I'm gonna need it.<br />
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Much like when the kids go back to school, the new year brings in new calendars, new pens, new goals and new plans. I'm not sure what it completely holds for our fam but I do know this: we will stick together, whatever it may be. That's what Davis' do. Thick and thin and stuff (for the record.... my father in law conveniently left out the ".... and Obey" part from our vows specifically for me. Yep, I was snarky even back then.)<br />
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Below are my final faves of the year. I don't know how many of you like this format of sharing but it has been quite fun for me (and given Hubs GREAT gift ideas!)<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE VACAY</u></strong></span></div>
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I love this picture the most because we have actually been here! The Grand Wailea in Maui is one of the grandest destinations a person could visit. It's brilliantly beautiful and the picture looks EXACTLY like it does in true life. Davis and I spent 5 days in this gorgeous place in 2004, a trip that I will never, ever forget. <br />
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<img alt="Grand Wailea, Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, Hi." class="pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f5/b3/aa/f5b3aa22bc2a7d1ee97bf2c01ac9ac05.jpg" style="height: 844px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 425px;" /></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></strong></span></div>
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I don't know about you, friends... but I'm tired of being politically correct. I can believe whatever I want. It doesn't make me "judgemental" to have my own beliefs that may or may not be popular opinion. It doesn't make me "hateful" if I don't agree with every single word another person says. And it doesn't make me a "bigot" if I decide I want to live a different way than others.</div>
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There. I said it. And I'm not taking it back. The peeps that think I'm NOT PC can go right on ahead and judge ME (because we all know you will)....</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE TEE</u></strong></span></div>
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OH MY! Yes, yes, yes!! I'm screaming this as I'm typing away. I love this tee and absolutely must find it. MUST. Now if I could just get the institution fixed of all its flaws we would all be happy campers.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE WARMTH</u></strong></span></div>
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I've never been a huge fan of chevron but I know it's totally popular right now. I do, however, love this quilt! I'm thinking the black needs to be a warm chocolate brown and the edging needs to be a crisp soft blue and then it would completely match my bedroom. Just saying. Crafty friends.... take note.</div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">FAVE MORNING YUMMO</span></u></strong></div>
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Okay, we have eaten so much breakfast in my fam over the last week I could almost yell STOP! Almost. This little gem looks ah-mazing! I'm so in love with pomegranate it's almost a sin. Put some white chocolate with it and I'm completely sold.</div>
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Click here for the recipe to this delight! -------> <a href="http://thevanillabeanblog.com/2013/12/pomegranate-white-chocolate-scones.html">Pomegranate white chocolate scones</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJOyc5Y4Xdw8vHQgbHodqpuiSQej1yOXWikXz3WxhmHRIHV1sow8aonlZJOLYNauNLF4WyGBdtYSC9PyeI0p3V4ym2h6E9dW00QPJLZ3bHvuUqDsSXpdoKYXAkFlYgCPLc0odyh_iqQw/s1600/pomegranet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJOyc5Y4Xdw8vHQgbHodqpuiSQej1yOXWikXz3WxhmHRIHV1sow8aonlZJOLYNauNLF4WyGBdtYSC9PyeI0p3V4ym2h6E9dW00QPJLZ3bHvuUqDsSXpdoKYXAkFlYgCPLc0odyh_iqQw/s640/pomegranet.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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FAVE LITERARY</div>
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I'm in love with the English language. I'm particularly excited when people use complex words to describe something. It makes me all giddy inside... even when I don't know what it means. Excuse to use the dictionary!</div>
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So here you go friends... work this into your vocab today. Pick 5 and give it a shot. Use your brains. I love this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6fUspqPWSikFN-SigD4FEoDHhgCa1HmI82Av-5VaNLpUY7fh_eVQSA6HL5_Q1lmdTgrTsniSlwFJG97EXzHwjJCZsVmxkTl_rCw08v122oeXvx4N_A51-CvwecFNpLlx8nPp4HVPCxI/s1600/went.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6fUspqPWSikFN-SigD4FEoDHhgCa1HmI82Av-5VaNLpUY7fh_eVQSA6HL5_Q1lmdTgrTsniSlwFJG97EXzHwjJCZsVmxkTl_rCw08v122oeXvx4N_A51-CvwecFNpLlx8nPp4HVPCxI/s1600/went.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE KITCHEN HELP</u></strong></span></div>
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I love this. Simple. Not to fancy. Totally functional. Will match my kitchen. Done!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nSYMEcYQBcXby76NHocUxDH9lytcAIx5F1nqUEYWJyOctzlh4tcUCoP5FZTPPZSM9QokODGhP4tgW2giaIc1UtWvDqv3YN1k99nr6lylkIK6DvUExxQ-FqKEeRCixZ3XKg2MW_JPVYc/s1600/kitchen+helper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nSYMEcYQBcXby76NHocUxDH9lytcAIx5F1nqUEYWJyOctzlh4tcUCoP5FZTPPZSM9QokODGhP4tgW2giaIc1UtWvDqv3YN1k99nr6lylkIK6DvUExxQ-FqKEeRCixZ3XKg2MW_JPVYc/s640/kitchen+helper.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE GIFT FOR MY DAUGHTER</u></strong></span></div>
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She loves to read. She loves Batman. I think this may be a perfect combo! She is secretly a badass so its a 50/50 guess as to if she truly knows the big guy. I'd bet on her any day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1FkOZvJDhOhYJfPIryzR03tRf2pq7xLJrx5uzPOCGczz-PuzUC79WnsrT3vDJxrrGmH4joXyAfvm2cCFH5LPdS2jUWCFrEBja0HgsVg1xZjFXM1v9-IjfuvORZerouFdIB7_c5sWWwk/s1600/batman+shelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1FkOZvJDhOhYJfPIryzR03tRf2pq7xLJrx5uzPOCGczz-PuzUC79WnsrT3vDJxrrGmH4joXyAfvm2cCFH5LPdS2jUWCFrEBja0HgsVg1xZjFXM1v9-IjfuvORZerouFdIB7_c5sWWwk/s640/batman+shelf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE NEW (TO ME) FLICK</u></strong></span></div>
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I totally blame Jaxx Teller. I mean seriously.... if the Sons weren't on hiatus this would have never happened to me. Well, it may have.</div>
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Hubs grabbed the controller and fired up Netflix. Next thing I know, I'm addicted to a show about a guy with terminal cancer making meth to save money for his family after his death. </div>
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Uplifting, right?</div>
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Each episode leaves me a tiny bit more depressed than the previous one. There is one shining beacon in my opinion: Jesse. I absolutely, completely and totally love the guy that plays the character Jesse. </div>
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Yep, love him.</div>
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Go ahead friends.... you know you want to! Breaking Bad, in case you didn't know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20a7-bTxlm5Sb-xt6oDbaFjU8-q8Ax3U0oEQDvZpxDF9AhRRwGabMa2j-1BLFvkQx5i0rJozXPswlZUcXV5mRDQndPmWuu6jxDObnYlx4phTTyo6hGkGzX3_uGAWFMf2JGSYoLFKVq24/s1600/jesse+and+walt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20a7-bTxlm5Sb-xt6oDbaFjU8-q8Ax3U0oEQDvZpxDF9AhRRwGabMa2j-1BLFvkQx5i0rJozXPswlZUcXV5mRDQndPmWuu6jxDObnYlx4phTTyo6hGkGzX3_uGAWFMf2JGSYoLFKVq24/s640/jesse+and+walt.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Okay, I know I couldn't really pull these off. But a girl can love, right? And Nordstrom says that they are flattering on all body types.</div>
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See, a girl can dream! These shiny pups would look AMAZING twinkling on New Years Eve! I won't... but just know that I want to!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGMOqk5GVTfTcNv8Xv1JzNwHpJuECiBPa6ma6-HWdFH5_eIO5AjD-TlEqgFb2bGKp6T4dY2vQsaOtvMQjL1wzq31OF6d-0LOOOtrkpxW64V1nEQCGlehAxes7fUcGHpm8KymsRCXFK4U/s1600/leggings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGMOqk5GVTfTcNv8Xv1JzNwHpJuECiBPa6ma6-HWdFH5_eIO5AjD-TlEqgFb2bGKp6T4dY2vQsaOtvMQjL1wzq31OF6d-0LOOOtrkpxW64V1nEQCGlehAxes7fUcGHpm8KymsRCXFK4U/s640/leggings.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
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Have a FANTASTIC final Friday, friends! Thanks for all your support in 2013. I love that so many of you read my blogs. Hopefully you find my humor and sass uplifting.</div>
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Cheers!</div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-32977169760317842522013-12-24T10:33:00.002-06:002013-12-24T10:37:33.373-06:00May the Force be with You...Christmas Eve. Peace and Joy. Quiet tranquility.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: #660000;">Yeah, right.</span></strong></em><br />
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Every woman I know is utterly exhausted. Party after party, gift after gift, dinner after dinner. Women hold families together with their endless planning, shopping and hosting.<br />
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And don't forget the three F's... <u><strong>Forced Family Fun.</strong></u><br />
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Navigating family gatherings is often tricky. Forced smiles and laughs fill the room. Awkward non-descript conversations take place. Past emotions always seem to sit right in the back of the throat.<br />
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It's amazing to me that people that don't even speak to one another all year come together awkwardly and pretend all is calm and bright. Well - it is all about the children. We should put on a good show for them.<br />
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I'm so super thankful I don't endure that pressure. After 20 years of marriage and 42 years of life, I finally figured it out. I spend my time with the ones I love and who love me. I don't do anything I wouldn't do any other time of the year and I completely refuse to act. <br />
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I told my mother in law to shut her pie hole Sunday. She smacked me and ran from the room while my sister and I laughed. And then she forgave me, as always. Because I am who I am.<br />
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I love my little family. I love our genuine behavior. I love that we are imperfect, off balance and a little crazy. I love that we tease and love each other completely. It really makes my heart warm and makes the season all that much better.<br />
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And I love that this time every year the kids have to measure each other...against Pooh (or Pop or Poppy, depending on the grandchild). I have a feeling the Little Guy is gonna trump Dad in a few short years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMjHZuvWQzpzTQ8pmgUCOUPS621EXjW2tkrYEHPlpXuKfMLzgMdmTMJ192oSwEZxtMEu-A1vZAS2qoDgYOe8-YaFILq5EG7Dg6_XANIg_kEWFrtYjTH6fAIWJXKT3KPPO7rzp_O8iSU/s1600/the+boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkMjHZuvWQzpzTQ8pmgUCOUPS621EXjW2tkrYEHPlpXuKfMLzgMdmTMJ192oSwEZxtMEu-A1vZAS2qoDgYOe8-YaFILq5EG7Dg6_XANIg_kEWFrtYjTH6fAIWJXKT3KPPO7rzp_O8iSU/s400/the+boys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In just a few short days the west coast kids will arrive! I cannot wait to get my arms around all of them and squeeze tight. It has been 10 long weeks since I saw them and during the holidays that always seem so much longer. I can't wait to smell little Miss A, who has already changed so much. I hope I haven't packed on to much weight to chase Nugget around the house. And I hope we can fill up the kid's love buckets enough to sustain them until our next visit.<br />
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Have a very Merry Christmas Eve, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-22670256874860828722013-12-20T23:34:00.000-06:002013-12-20T23:34:46.256-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Oh, the holidays are upon us,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And the kids are all off the bus,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Since we've a million places to go,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here it comes. The season of griping. Oops, I meant complaining. No wait - I think I meant GIVING.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah - that's right.... <i>giving</i>. Isn't that what we did few short weeks ago? Right - that was being grateful for what we have. Now it's time to watch our kids rip through packages to find out what kind of loot they received.</span></div>
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Of course, most of us would LOVE to get this dig in:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.09375px;"><i>"Talk about pissing your money away. I hope you kids see what a silly waste of resources this was."</i></span></div>
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~ Momma In-law Griswold</div>
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But not me. Nope. That would make me a Scrooge.</div>
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With just a few short days from the holiday, it's time to slam into overdrive. </div>
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Wait... wasn't I already doing that?</div>
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My faithful friends that read here often are starting to become concerned. "Where are your musings? Why aren't you writing? Are you sick? Is everything okay?"</div>
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Initially I just threw out responses.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">"I ran outta stuff to have an opinion about."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">"I broke my left hand hang gliding."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">"My cholesterol is acting up so I haven't been able to write."</span></i></div>
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It's the last question that tells it all.... am I okay? Hmmm... I don't think I can answer that.</div>
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For the now 21st year in a row, I am in a fourth quarter nightmare. Most of my clients renew their benefit programs within the last three months of the year (or January 1st). Employee communication is at an all time high with the birth of the Accountable Care Act. Clients rates are soaring and innovative solutions are critical.</div>
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Long story short - I'm a bit worn out. I'm a little older this time (because that happens somehow every year). The pieces of the law that haven't been delayed and actually enacted are difficult for most to understand and tiring to discuss day in and day out. Even extroverted socialites get a little bit tired from time to time.</div>
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In short, my sweet energy juices are totally depleted.</div>
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I need a refill, Jobu.</div>
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I'm actually going to WILL myself to rest this weekend. Not try to wrap every single present in one sitting. Not spend all day cleaning or cooking. Take some breaks and laugh at my fave Christmas movie with little guy.</div>
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That's the plan. Let's just see how that turns out.</div>
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In an effort to actually blog ON the day, below are my faves from around the web this week. Happy reading!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE TECHY GIFT</u></b></span></div>
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I MUST give this! I am always running out of juice and watched a girlfriend have the same experience this week. She needs one of these!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FASHIONISTA</u></b></span></div>
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Oooh... I love, love, love this. I have two similar shirts but not exactly like this. I need to find it!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE SENTIMENT</u></b></span></div>
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I loved my mom's handwriting. And my grandma's. How cool would it be to have it around my neck and not in a weird (blood in a vile) type of way? I think this is a great idea!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE CHRISTMAS SONG</u></b></span></div>
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Yep. That pretty much sums it up.</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE KICKS</u></b></span></div>
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With all the holiday partying happening lately, new kicks would be awesome. I fell in love with these immediately. I know my ankles would be in heaven!</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE REMINDER</u></b></span></div>
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Try hard to slow down and listen....</div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></b></span></div>
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For my friend Ems, who originally forced me to become addicted to Netflix. This ones for you!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUR KID</u></b></span></div>
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Gotta love the goldens. Always make my heart happy.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE GIRLY GIRL</u></b></span></div>
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I've publicly scorned the scarf long enough. It's time I come clean. I do think that wearing scarves every day over all pieces of clothing regardless of the weight of fabric is a little over the top. For me, anyway. But subtle, lightweight versions I must admit are very pretty. This one jumped out to me immediately as a winner.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE VESSEL</u></b></span></div>
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Finally, someone printed one of my fave movie quotes of all time. Bring it on, Griswold!<br />
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Merry, merry friends. Have a great weekend!<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-31166941839892456522013-12-06T13:47:00.000-06:002013-12-06T13:47:08.780-06:00FRIDAY FAVES!!Well... I did it. I survived another half marathon. I'm not the fastest girl in town but I can manage to push my hiney across that finish line by the grace of God.<br />
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A lot of people posted daily grateful and thankful comments on Facebook in November. It's the usual suspects typically - family, friends, God, etc. For me, I have a mantra (or prayer, if you will) every single time I tie my shoes.<br />
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As I hit the road, the first mile is typically difficult for me. My muscles are tired from the hours of running the week before. My joints aren't loose and tend to pop and creak as I strike the ground. So I start thanking, most of the time out loud.<br />
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<li><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for the breath entering and exiting my body, despite my efforts to ruin my lungs for many years.</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for the ability to move my hips freely, knowing others cannot.</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for the strength in my thighs that propel my body forward.</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for the intricate structure of my feet that strike and push off MANY pounds of weight, forgivingly.</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: red;">Thank you for another day. I promise to not take it for granted.</span></i></li>
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Although the words change up, it is always the same. I'm happy to be here, breathing in and out and given the chance to contribute one more day to this life.<br />
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Because today, right now, someone is no longer given that opportunity. Lives are forever altered. Families are in mourning. <br />
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I try really hard never to forget that.<br />
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On a lighter note, it's hard to believe we have already hit another December. I know I mention this from time to time but could the universe PLEASE just slow the hell down? I feel like we are rolling through a movie script in fast forward and I yearn for time to be a little more appreciated.<br />
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I am super excited about upcoming celebrations though. Friends, work associates, family. It's a month of visits and lots and lots of food and cocktails. Man, I can already tell January is going to be ROUGH! :)<br />
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Below are some faves I managed to scrounge up in my oh so much spare time. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FLICK</u></b></span></div>
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Not only did I see this fab feature last weekend with my Book Club girls, I saw it again with little guy. Love, love, love! Little guy wasn't allowed to watch the movie until he finished the book so he read the entire thing in a week. Yep, I love my little nerd.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE CRAFTY</u></b></span></div>
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Oooh.... I must have this. LOVE!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></b></span></div>
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I can't help but share this. Introversion was a topic of conversation at our Thanksgiving table this year. As I grow wiser I see more and more of this woven in my friendships which always surprises me given that I am the opposite. This must be why Davis and I have been married 20 years. Thank God I'm one of his friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE GIFT IDEA</u></b></span></div>
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How darn cute are these guys? I have a love of all things chocolate anyway but my little guy is a cocoa / hot chocolate connoisseur. He LOVES that warm, velvety drink!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUR FRIENDS</u></b></span></div>
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I love deer. So pretty, so majestic. I mean seriously... could there be a more beautiful animal? And most of friends spend hours and hours and zillions of dollars killing them. No need to give me the lecture.... I get they are overpopulated and people hit them and we have to do it. Doesn't mean I like it. So there.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE BRAIN WARMER</u></b></span></div>
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Speaking of said deer... does it get any cuter than this? Really?!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE YUMMO</u></strong></span></div>
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Oh my. Yes, please!! Click here for the recipe ----> <a href="http://www.ziplist.com/recipes/1156309-Christmas_Bark_Cookie_Crunch">Christmas Bark Cookie Crunch</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPJ46RdOG-7tBSx5RSDMqnRnwzFyn3DCmnk_v674YjgSj8_DOgejF74jDnJz69jDdhW1NCzicRrC6HNcRDQlhRUye8SHy0XlFHJaz2LvEaRsdu38fncudK2B4lkrK7LOEfctU4phjiac/s1600/christmas+cookie+bark+crunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPJ46RdOG-7tBSx5RSDMqnRnwzFyn3DCmnk_v674YjgSj8_DOgejF74jDnJz69jDdhW1NCzicRrC6HNcRDQlhRUye8SHy0XlFHJaz2LvEaRsdu38fncudK2B4lkrK7LOEfctU4phjiac/s400/christmas+cookie+bark+crunch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE FURRY KID</u></strong></span></div>
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Heart melt. Dying from cuteness. Greyhounds are so awesome - especially this little Italian nugget. LOVE!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE GIFT IDEA</u></strong></span></div>
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Okay, why in the world wouldn't these be the best thing ever? No more watered down drinks! Love these little stainless steel n'ice cubes!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><strong><u>FAVE SIPPER</u></strong></span></div>
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Martinis are at the top of my fave things to sip. Okay, sometimes guzzle. Especially the yummo ones served at Houlihan's.<br />
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This little gem just makes me smile. Seriously - who wouldn't want a snowball martini?<br />
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Click here for the secrets to this cool cocktail! ----> <a href="http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-08-15T08:11:00-07:00&max-results=10">Alpine Martini</a><br />
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Have a fantastic weekend, friends!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Jen</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-50107674550516344422013-11-28T08:18:00.002-06:002013-11-28T08:18:39.582-06:00Thankful for the Nasties<div style="text-align: justify;">
My first big Thanksgiving endeavor I was a brave, brave girl. I invited not only my mom and her best friend over to our duplex with a 7 x 7 (maybe) galley kitchen, I invited my in law parents as well.</div>
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I insisted we cook everything. From scratch, of course.</div>
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Oh, and I was 23.</div>
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I begged my mom to come over and help. Believe me, there was no way I could get it done by myself. Hubs hadn't developed his love of the kitchen yet and although he was always helpful, we needed the precious real estate to maneuver all these dishes in and out of the oven (which was across from the sink so mom and I could stand butt to butt for hours on end).</div>
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I did have an advantage. I had watched my mom cook Thanksgiving feasts my whole life. Not just "hung around the smells" kind of watching.... staring intently, trying to soak up the knowledge of how she could amazingly get everything perfectly cooked on the table at the same time.</div>
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That has always been my end goal as a cook - how to get it all done and presented beautifully. I have to admit I'm a little bit anal about it and freak out when it doesn't go my way.</div>
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4 am, we started a pot of coffee. Or maybe even another one, I can't remember. My mother could drink coffee 24/7 and did. She bequeathed that awesome skill to my bestie who gulps caffeine goodness all day and night.</div>
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I was insistent to handle the bird. I wanted to be able to say I did it. Pulling the bag from the inside, I turned to chuck it in the trash when my mom slapped at me furiously (yes, she did that a lot).</div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"STOP! Don't throw that away!"</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b><br /></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"Isn't it just the neck and insides, mom? The yucky stuff?"</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"It's the gold, dear. We have to use it to make everything taste good. Get me a pot."</b></span></i></div>
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Confused, I lean over to grab a stockpot. I watch intrepidly as she fills it with cold water, empties the contents of the nasty bag into it and sets it on the stove over the flame.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"We have to make a stock, you know... broth."</b></span></i></div>
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Oooh. Broth. Okay, I think I'd heard of that somewhere. </div>
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{I can't help but laugh as I type this... my daughter and I would laugh now at such foolishness. Everyone knows all you have to do is Google it.....}</div>
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We played dice at the table, her drinking coffee with clouds and me I'm sure drinking a RED coca cola (my staple in my early 20's) waiting. The bird was cooking, the nasties were simmering and all was good in the world. Hubs and Bubba emerged for the morning to smells of goodness all around.</div>
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And then, it was time.</div>
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We entered the kitchen to deal with the nasties. Grabbing a colander and a bowl, I strained the golden juice from the pan. I have to admit, it did smell amazingly yummy. She was right. Damnit, she was always right.</div>
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As I stepped towards the trash with the icky remnants, she grabbed me once again.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"Little lady, where do you think you are going with that?"</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"It's trash, mom! I'm going to the trash!"</b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>"Nope, get back over here with that right now."</b></span></i></div>
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I handed her the colander and stood back in horror. Her hands sifted through the mess, pulling out the heart, the kidneys, the liver. As she handed me back the colander with the neck and lungs still present, I pushed down the bile rising in my throat. I turned and chucked the nasties into the trash, wishing I could just jam them down a garbage disposal (of which we didn't have at that time).</div>
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Yielding a knife, she went to work chopping the organs into teeny, tiny pieces. I was horrified - what in the hell was she doing? She scooped up her prize possessions and threw them straight into the pyrex pan holding the bread cubes.</div>
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The stuffing. She put that icky crap into the stuffing.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">"Mom, what are you doing?! You can't put that nasty stuff in there!"</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #783f04;">"My dear, you have eaten my stuffing since you were born. Do you think I just made this up for your benefit today? This is my recipe and has been for years.... and you love it."</span></i></b></div>
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Gasp. I almost wanted to cry. Actually, I think I may have.</div>
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All those years she had lied. Well, did she? She never told me that junk was in there but then again, I never noticed.</div>
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I watched as she ladled our golden juice into the stuffing as well, tossing it together and covering it with foil. She smiled as she popped it into the oven and returned to her spot at the table, lifting her coffee with a final sly grin.</div>
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Ugh. </div>
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The dinner was a hit. We were cramped and crowded, with only one bathroom for 7 people and less than 500 sq ft. We laughed, we ate and we loved.</div>
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And we even ate the stuffing. All of it. Oh, and the juice also went in the awesome gravy, too....</div>
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I am thankful for that experience and the other 18 Thanksgivings that followed it. I have always loved this day and always will. I miss my mom especially on this day but cannot help but reflect on our laughs, our jokes (almost always inappropriate) and our love for one another.</div>
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Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family. I am thankful for YOU.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Jen</span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-70451363437278821562013-11-04T07:05:00.000-06:002013-11-04T07:05:09.095-06:00Just Turn It OffJust like that, he flipped the switch.<br />
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Both of my boys got an amazing skill... and not from me. They have my passion about their own likes (and dislikes for that matter - little guy is NEVER going to like broccoli, no matter how many times he tries it) but they definitely possess an ability to let go that I have never attained. I call it "flipping the switch". Turning it off. Letting it go. Moving on and not looking back.<br />
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It's amazing to me, really. I still mull over conversations I had 20 years ago, replaying them in my mind wondering what other path I might have taken and what that might have led towards. It's a curse, really. Not necessarily a regret though. Just an inability to turn it off.<br />
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I guess I have a lot of lights on upstairs.<br />
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Our final football games occurred this weekend. Knowing exactly what we were most likely entering, little guy had huge passion and fire. He was excited. He was nervous. Despite a rough season, he wanted to leave his heart all over that field.<br />
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He did. He worked hard. He made mistakes. And he loved every progress and success. As he sat on the field after the final game, he fought back tears. Not tears of disappointment - he knew better than that. Tears that once again the game he loves has come to end. His pure love of the game is an awesome thing to witness.<br />
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We hugged a lot last night. We wrapped up on the couch for a few hours. We snuggled before bed talking about it.<br />
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And today, it is gone. The switch is flipped. He isn't dwelling. He isn't sad. <br />
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It's basketball season.<br />
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I wish I could do that. All of that passion, excitement, drama, anxiousness, stress... all shut off. <br />
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And who says we can't learn from our children.<br />
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Have a great Monday, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-58064039213518806322013-11-01T08:23:00.002-05:002013-11-01T08:23:52.447-05:00FRIDAY FAVES!!Ahh... my favorite month of the year is finally upon us! Not only does it hold my favorite holiday, I'm reminded all month of how grateful I am. Grateful for my family, my amazing friends, my health... the list is so long I couldn't begin to capture it all in one message.<br />
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Kicking off the month with my fave post of the week, my favorite things, I'll begin with this one. I absolutely love my blog. Yes, at times it appears to be controversial. Yes, I may not always agree with everyone that I know. Yes, sometimes I am repetitive and maybe not interesting to others.<br />
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But it's all me. It's all mine. At least once a year I remind anyone that really hangs around long enough to read any of my posts that I created this site (now SIX years ago!) to capture my life journey as a woman, a parent, a spouse and a friend. I write about MY perceptions of life events, which may not always be aligned with everyone else reading. I illustrate my flaws, often ask for advice when conflicted or confused and write the honest truth about what is happening in my life. It's not always popular. Sometimes people get mad at me. <br />
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I allow that, of course. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, just as I. But if you carefully read my words, you will see that I never write lies. My words are intentional. When I do on occasion spew angry posts, I save them and typically delete them the next day.<br />
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It's hard for others at time to look inside, admit their own flaws. That has never been an issue for me. I'm filled with them (as evidenced by my blog!) The difference is I'm not afraid to admit them. Because deep down, I know someone else will identify with me by admitting the truth. And someone always does!<br />
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So to kick off November - today I am grateful for my truths. I'm grateful for the ability to write and be honest. I'm grateful for the platform to do so. And I'm grateful for the clarity that typically comes along with the process.<br />
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Enjoy my faves this week, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FASHION</u></b></span></div>
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Yep. By far my fave uniform for fall. LOVE IT!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE TUB</u></b></span></div>
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After a long run in cool weather there is nothing better than a full dunk. I love tubs in general but this square version screams to me. Coupled with the stone walls, I'm in total heaven.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE KICKS</u></b></span></div>
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AHH! Love shorty boots! These are definitely on top of my list!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE SNACKERS</u></b></span></div>
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Mmm... I love pumpkin. And who doesn't love cream cheese. This swirly dip looks decadent to me. Click here for the link to the recipe! ----> <a href="http://madamedeals.com/salted-caramel-pumpkin-cheesecake-dip/">Salted Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip</a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE PASTTIME</u></b></span></div>
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This is exactly how I feel. If I can't get it down on paper, it didn't happen. I love looking back at my old journals from childhood. I have a terrible long term memory and writing has always helped me chronicle life events and have a platform to remember better.<br />
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That and I completely love it.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE WRIST CANDY</u></b></span></div>
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Before swarovski crystals, the seventies boasted the macrame. And my mother was leading the charge in my childhood 'hood to sell anything and everything to everyone. All things mac came out of our garage! She was mostly known for her hanging plant holders, but I have a feeling if she saw this gem she would have fashioned it in a moment's notice.<br />
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I miss her. And that smell of macrame in my garage. Some things I will never forget.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE REMINDER</u></b></span></div>
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I absolutely love technology but some days I am worn out trying to learn all the new gadgets and short cuts to be more efficient.<br />
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I caught of a glimpse of this last week and couldn't help but giggle. My little guy didn't get it at all. Of course.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE GIFTS</u></b></span></div>
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I find it very hard at times to figure out my gift giving throughout the year. I usually lean one of two ways: functional or sentimental. I'm not one to throw down cash on an item because of it's THE thing to buy. It still must have a need somehow or I just can't part with the cash to do it.<br />
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By far my fave gifts to give are homemade. Something about handing something off you put time and effort into in a calculated way makes me always feel proud. I found a great site for the best homemade gifts for 2013 so I thought I'd share it with you! Click here -----> <a href="http://hedgecombers.com/2013/09/23/the-ultimate-list-of-home-made-food-gifts-2013/">Ultimate List of 2013 Food Gifts</a><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE BAG</u></b></span></div>
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MUST HAVE! I love this hobo bag! Great color, great size. Perfect for me.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE TREES</u></b></span></div>
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When I see a birch tree I instantly think of Hubs. And Colorado, of course. He absolutely loves them. I love the delicacy of their bark but mostly love when those gorgeous orange leaves drop and the white trees stand against the blue skies. Truly fall!<br />
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Happy November, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-16673146272424418362013-10-29T07:18:00.002-05:002013-10-29T07:18:47.915-05:00Like Father Like Son(s)If you had asked me 24 years ago what <b>ONE </b>thing I would want my boys to learn during their childhood from their father, I would probably say loyalty.<br />
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No, commitment. <br />
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Wait, integrity.<br />
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Hang on - dedication.<br />
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Ah hell... I suppose I wouldn't have been able to sum it up in one word. Maybe it would have taken a paragraph. That is how I speak, as you know. One word responses are not really my style.<br />
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I witnessed little guy display them all last night. I was beaming with pride. Let's be honest - it's not everyday that our 12 year old kiddos excel. Oh sure, each of us have the smartest, cutest, most perfect children in the world (until our front door closes). <br />
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Our football season has been a tough one. Once again we have found ourselves improperly placed in the wrong division (for whatever reason). Basically... we are playing up. It shows. We have had some really rough games. Little guy not only looks like a football player this year, he could easily fit in with the Jax and the MC if only he knew how to ride a Harley.<br />
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We are facing massive adversity. We have many players on IR. We barely have enough left to get on the field. We are facing our largest competitor (meaning they have beaten us by the most points this season). It's fairly safe to say we will most likely go down... by a lot.<br />
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A question was posed to the team: should we play? I admit I was hot immediately. Never have my boys been allowed to quit anything. <br />
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And no, my dear naysayers, that has nothing to do with MY pride. It has everything to do with my childhood. I was allowed to start and quit everything, mostly because my parents really didn't want to take the time to take me anywhere for "activities". Childhood was meant to be played outside, not at sanctioned events. I suppose it was because I was the last child over a long parenting span. Or maybe they were just super tired. I'll never really know at this point.<br />
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I vowed when I had children I would not ever push them, nor would I allow them to quit. I wanted them to develop their own desires, their own sense of pride, their own accountability and dedication.<br />
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Stage Left - Mr. Davis.<br />
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I had no idea how my boys would learn any of those words listed at the top of my page, quite frankly. My Scorpion ways lean me to be fiercely loyal and protective but I'm not totally convinced I could teach the level of commitment and dedication I wanted my boys to grow up with to become <u>MEN</u>.<br />
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I became a spectator and quickly learned how they were going to get it. Hubs dedicated tireless hours to Bubba and little guy's activities. He showed them commitment by being by their side at every practice and every game. They discussed every night over dinner not only how to improve but how to celebrate successes. They did it together, step in step. He listened to them, gave them respect and in turn, taught them to appreciate and grow their love for their sports.<br />
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And then it happened. One day, they woke up and it seemed to click. Both of my boys have amazing loyalty. They illustrate great sense of team. They display commitment without flaw. And they both have an incredible sense of what is right, not for themselves, but for the teams they support.<br />
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That is probably why Bubba is in the military. Although he wouldn't define it that way necessarily, he is incredibly loyal. Loyal to his country. Committed completely to his wife. Dedicated to his team.<br />
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And little guy? Faced with possibly not finishing his season, he gave us one simple answer.<br />
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<i><span style="color: red;">"We finish our season mom because we can't quit. We may lose by 50 but at least we will know we tried. I will never, ever quit on my team."</span></i><br />
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As always, I will pray before his game Saturday. Pray he is safe. Pray his teammates are safe. Pray the coaches lead the boys as best as they can. Pray they have fun and feel good when they walk off the field, regardless of the scoreboard.<br />
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He knows the risk. He has buckled that chin strap for 6 years knowing that every snap is potential harm. 180 lbs of young men hit him every single down of a game that he plays. Especially now knowing that he may be playing new positions on the field for our final games, he knows that even if he makes mistakes he wants to give it his all.<br />
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I couldn't ask for more.<br />
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One last thing though - thank God my boys learned modesty from their father as well. I would be screaming from the rooftops if my boy's successes had been my own (mostly because I was not nearly as self secure as they are). But not my boys. They are selfless in their endeavors. They celebrate as a TEAM, not as an individual.<br />
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That has to be what I love about them the most.<br />
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Final week of football. Seems to be the longest season of little guy's life but now that it is coming to an end, it's bittersweet. He does love it so.<br />
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Have a great Tuesday, friends.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-77729649740158682712013-10-25T07:20:00.001-05:002013-10-25T07:20:19.604-05:00FRIDAY FAVES!As I stared at my Halloween decorations neatly tucked on a shelf in the basement this week, I realized this is probably it: the last trick or treat. I remember Bub's like it was yesterday. It was the first year he didn't want Hubs and I to walk with him... or anywhere near him. He wanted to go alone with his friends.<br />
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It was different 12 years ago. And we lived in a very small, tight knit community.<br />
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Halloween in our 'hood where we live now is INSANE. There are a zillion kids running everywhere. Parents line every sidewalk with wagons and strollers, stopping at every other house to catch up with friends. <br />
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And it takes 3 hours... or something like that.<br />
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I learned a long time ago the best solution to freezing cold standing all night is a warm cup of apple cider... and a 5 gallon cooler of it to come along. With maybe a little hooch in it. Maybe.<br />
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So I guess I better drag out the black decorations this weekend and throw them up. Little guy has already asked if I'm going to. He's such a stickler for "traditions". <br />
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All I see is more stuff to put away in ONE WEEK. Oh well... the things we do for the kiddos. <br />
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Enjoy my fave spookies from around the web and have a fantastic haunting day next week, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE DRINKY DRINKY</u></b></span></div>
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Yep - here it is! My friend Kim gave me this recipe 5 years ago when I first moved into our 'hood and I have faithfully made it every year since. WAY YUMMY! Be careful though... it's powerful!<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.454545021057129px; line-height: 20px;">It was that time of Year again for the Hot Apple Pie Shots! 1 gallon Apple Cider, 1 gallon Apple Juice, 3 cups sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks and 1 750ml bottle of everclear. I modified it this year and cut the recipe in half so I would end up with a little over one gallon. I also substituted some of the sugar with brown sugar instead.</span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE MAKEUP</u></b></span></div>
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For years I have slathered on Dracula, camo and skull looking paint on my boys. NEVER has it turned out this incredibly cool. I totally gave up but wish I could accomplish this level of work. This is COOL!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUR FRIEND</u></b></span></div>
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In ode to my grandfurbaby. Here's to you, Hank. Hope you get some extra lovin' on haunting day! Nana loves ya!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE YUMMO</u></b></span></div>
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This gem goes out to Sassy's momma. She makes the BEST chocolate covered strawberries on the PLANET! How cute are these, Julie?<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE HANGOUT</u></b></span></div>
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I love me some porch pics. This one screams to me (although I could do without the cat, no offense to my cat lovin' friends). I love the idea of the white punkins!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE SCARY (OKAY, TERRIFYING!)</u></b></span></div>
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Seriously creepy. CREEPY. AHHHHH!!!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE KID SNACK</u></b></span></div>
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I can't make lots of things but I can totally make these. Pretzel sticks, marshmallows and white chocolate. Sign me up!</div>
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My boys LOVE the weekend before Halloween, as we have traditions. Usually it is my first official batch of chili for the year. We carve pumpkins and drink mulled cider (no, not the Apple Pie Shots shown above!) We usually throw on a funny Halloween movie and giggle all night long.</div>
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This year will be different. The west coast kids are, well, on the west coast (snuggling their own little new bug!) Little guy has 5 games this weekend. YES, FIVE. How in the world we can fit this in I have no idea. </div>
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But I'll die trying!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJsApp8MAvY8JRt0rHa4oy2BoHp0bEyJQZpIT_UPx5Pn3RQjVjnHKL0xq6glpjxGKA1NQ8hV97tFN-dTdv2YCvM4MUWQbSM_-6rua0wqlxF2SPIlXGxwrKCnKOIVNi4i9WHkdKZAIM50/s1600/pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJsApp8MAvY8JRt0rHa4oy2BoHp0bEyJQZpIT_UPx5Pn3RQjVjnHKL0xq6glpjxGKA1NQ8hV97tFN-dTdv2YCvM4MUWQbSM_-6rua0wqlxF2SPIlXGxwrKCnKOIVNi4i9WHkdKZAIM50/s640/pumpkins.jpg" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE ADVICE - SAVE THE PUMPKINS!</u></b></span></div>
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Did anyone else already know this? Every year we work HOURS tirelessly on cool pumpkin carvings to watch them wither away the very next day.</div>
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We can preserve them! WOO HOO!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtsCtthyLAb9iwIYXw6bortfmCChgaZsCEIYOYOzOnMjxbnrr0lPd3z2rVYa8z4UEOW918_MRhWFBQSHP0lX7s7MpL96LM764tSaSWu8c5ccV9XsHReTocq5Jxm9vfG47gkSYCDJSDXo/s1600/save+the+pumpkins!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtsCtthyLAb9iwIYXw6bortfmCChgaZsCEIYOYOzOnMjxbnrr0lPd3z2rVYa8z4UEOW918_MRhWFBQSHP0lX7s7MpL96LM764tSaSWu8c5ccV9XsHReTocq5Jxm9vfG47gkSYCDJSDXo/s640/save+the+pumpkins!.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">“After you scoop out and carve your pumpkin, dip it in a large container of bleach and water (use a 1 tsp:1 gal mix). The bleach will kill bacteria and help your pumpkin stay fresh longer. Once completely dry, (drain upside down), add 2 tablespoon of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to a quart of water. Brush this solution onto your pumpkin to keep it looking fresh for weeks.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE CAKES</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">Why wouldn't this be the easiest thing ever? My little nugget absolutely LOVES his cakes... cupcakes, that is! I wish I was with him to give him a few of these. For breakfast, of course.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCnUzgx6UxEitN4Y5Of7XWB39rgY62dxhLxsuHHlZdva_hkd82yW9PYGhalmoHJn_parLLvl2iCBKPmb4jfbJid-sYcoh3haZtGSCb39yYiYJ-KNk2CSQVVkZbUzyuQqX1lsPsN4q5g0/s1600/Jack+Skeleton+cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCnUzgx6UxEitN4Y5Of7XWB39rgY62dxhLxsuHHlZdva_hkd82yW9PYGhalmoHJn_parLLvl2iCBKPmb4jfbJid-sYcoh3haZtGSCb39yYiYJ-KNk2CSQVVkZbUzyuQqX1lsPsN4q5g0/s640/Jack+Skeleton+cupcakes.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">'</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Hiragino Kaku Gothic Pro', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.988636016845703px;">Happy Haunting next week, friends!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-12523135892018646802013-10-23T08:26:00.003-05:002013-10-23T08:26:57.229-05:00Throwing the Lifeline<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am at an impasse. Whenever I find myself in this position, I turn inward and try to resolve my end of the conflict. When that doesn't work, I turn to others.</div>
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<i>This is where you come in.</i></div>
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I need help, friends. I'm angry, disappointed and frustrated. I can't see the appropriate reaction any longer. In short order I fear I will find myself irrational, which <i>nobody </i>wants to see.</div>
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I consider myself free. Free from judgement. Free from prejudice. Yes, I have my opinions (as all of us do). Yes, I have my own preconceived notions that I have learned to dispel while educating myself. </div>
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It hasn't been easy.</div>
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I was raised in a prejudiced family. I often heard words that now I find absolutely appalling... and not just from my grandparents. From my parents, too. It was hard to understand. As I was trying to learn more about people that were different from me those not so kind words were flying around my young girl head.</div>
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My first introduction to a person of a different color was thankfully provided by NBC and one fantastic show I watched faithfully... Different Strokes. I was fascinated to try to identify with teens that were different than me. I grew up in a community with one Native American family of which I befriended them as if they were my own (and practically lived in their house!) I went through primary and secondary schools with extremely limited exposure to people different than me.</div>
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But I thought about it often. I vowed to raise my children in a home that would be NOT see or feel difference. I was convinced if I raised my boys the right way it would never, ever be of concern to them.</div>
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Sure we had the "why does Frankie have chocolate skin, momma?" conversations. But both of my boys I am proud to say have NEVER heard the words that easily fell from my momma's lips. </div>
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<i>Until now.</i></div>
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My little guy is caught smack dab in the middle of what I say is none other than discrimination. He and his friends are being called a "white boy" or "white bread". Well - we are, is what I tell him.</div>
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But that's far from the worst.</div>
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He is hearing that dreaded word - the one I swore and vowed would NEVER enter my home. And I'm fairly certain you may be surprised to hear by whom.</div>
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A boy moved into our 'hood last year with a fairly identifiable track record of causing a bit of chaos. I don't blame him... as I rarely do. It typically falls squarely upon the shoulders of the parents in my eyes.</div>
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I'm sure in an attempt to find his own group of friends he has befriended mostly boys at our school that look just like him. I see no issue with that - that is probably would my little guy would do truth be told if thrown into a new environment.</div>
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The new group of boys are not behaving kindly. They follow others around school calling them names. They tease them at recess for being different.</div>
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And the worst.... they use that word. THE N WORD. I refuse to even type it, it generates absolute disgust down in the pit of my stomach.</div>
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And for some reason, when they call my son and his friends that word, it's okay. </div>
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<b><u>IT'S NOT OKAY.</u></b> Not with me. It's never okay.</div>
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I can't for the life of me understand the context. I can't understand why it's okay. I can't understand how it could be cool to use a word that for generations was used in slang to be hurtful, to be disrespectful. </div>
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I'm devastated, quite frankly. The very word I have never let into my home has pranced across my door. My son and his friends are asking some of us what it means, why they are being called this (verbally and in social media such as Instagram). They are asking what the word "racist" means as they are being told that they are. Boys that they have been friends with since first grade are no longer talking to them because they are a different color.</div>
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I'm at a complete standstill. I have no idea what to do. I have no idea how to respond. I fear I don't have enough reassurance to prove to my son that he is not nor has he ever been a racist. I fear the very opposite of all of the work I have done as a parent to teach equality has just flown out the window. The actions of these boys may very well teach my son to <b><i>not </i></b>want to befriend a person of color.</div>
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Hubs encouraged me last night that this will not happen. Our son is smart, he is inherently good and he will see that just as there are bad white people that sometimes there are bad people in all walks of life. </div>
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I pray he is right. I pray this experience will not change my son and who he really is. And I pray I gain the strength to find the appropriate way to support him.</div>
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Comments on my blog are always welcomed. If you have advice, please leave it for me. Sometimes a girl just has to throw a lifeline to others for help.</div>
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Now is one of those times.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-7792530860107413082013-10-11T09:39:00.001-05:002013-10-11T09:39:24.033-05:00Friday Faves.... Ainsley Style!I tossed and turned all night, knowing it was just a case of the jitters. Deep breaths. I'd only been with my daughter for just over 24 hours but my body ached for hers. She was so uncomfortable, stretched significantly beyond the space of her small frame. I took note of how incredible the human body is - completely adaptable to change. <br />
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<i>We should be that skilled. You know, us humans.</i></div>
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I couldn't help but wince at each contraction. She was so brave. Always has been, actually. She is strength for her family. It's one of the million things that I love about that girl. She can talk through any situation until she has surfaced a logical path.</div>
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As I entered the kitchen, Bubba was quiet. Not particularly unusual as he typically isn't a chatty Cathy in the morning. But this morning, he was somberly quiet. </div>
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I'd seen it a thousand times, that face. He was being strong. Batting down his fears. Being the brave one. Keeping the faith. It's one of the million things I love about him.</div>
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They were us - Hubs and I. Quiet and strong, confident problem solver. Their similarities to us always make me smile. I let out a little giggle as I reached around to grab my camera.</div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>"Smile you two! It's the BABY day!"</b></span></div>
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My son's glare could have cut my body in two.</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">"Mom. It's 5:30 in the morning. Do NOT take our picture."</span></b></div>
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I snapped it anyway. I've learned to ignore his irrational morning words many years ago.</div>
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As the kids pulled out of the driveway, the house sat eerily quiet. Nugget was still sound asleep. Even Hank had fallen back to sleep on the couch.</div>
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I was alone to wait. Wait for the news of our littlest one's arrival. And I must admit, I was a bit scared. I tried to busy myself. I couldn't keep focus reading. Facebook wasn't buzzing yet with my friends so no fun updates. Instagram was silent. Even twitter had few new feeds (that I cared about, anyway).</div>
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I think it may have been the longest 4 1/2 hours of my life. And then, just like that, she was here.</div>
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She is amazing. She has the sweetest little squeaky cry. She is so soft and vulnerable. And she is so incredibly loved.</div>
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In honor of our sweetest thing, below are my faves for the week!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to this big world, Ainsley Isla!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrpqZPxfQIxz6wY-VjS5sHbvc2dg_sAWUdKQ3grDLAcOp42H-OnZsOPkMvaGIPPgTpQMM4Tcm4tHdwpAoT0knzSZsW0b08lhRZHwvk1UPQj1HhTmreo3rtDTdxrLWLCFJGb0DKpulHNM/s1600/ainsley+scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrpqZPxfQIxz6wY-VjS5sHbvc2dg_sAWUdKQ3grDLAcOp42H-OnZsOPkMvaGIPPgTpQMM4Tcm4tHdwpAoT0knzSZsW0b08lhRZHwvk1UPQj1HhTmreo3rtDTdxrLWLCFJGb0DKpulHNM/s640/ainsley+scale.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wowzers! 8 lbs, 5 oz, 20 1/2 inches long!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJGVqq2n-r7e8ZYzBwznNGv-fJKFlBKvA9iUmdPnbS2kzNrM_a8owGz2KmjEyTT4J84A1LUIFyfiaAGpq8fTr4vLG-x31hAT3FTuOT90CAH5AQR7g4Fy6OgH6k5x8u3lEnma-6eRdWw8/s1600/ainsley+sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJGVqq2n-r7e8ZYzBwznNGv-fJKFlBKvA9iUmdPnbS2kzNrM_a8owGz2KmjEyTT4J84A1LUIFyfiaAGpq8fTr4vLG-x31hAT3FTuOT90CAH5AQR7g4Fy6OgH6k5x8u3lEnma-6eRdWw8/s640/ainsley+sleeping.jpg" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping is her fave thing to do right now.</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/AVvXsEiW8tuVSyHTC7f97N2eSua_luvqrUU7EpmQAa8-_V-hYmhbsMw_JnzMhuWaupYFobDsXrUerULpN-3fVLg59LEA9jeRVRtSPxToa_MAiNV5caZAT56ThWg4KCOMwaa20wqXxliqFz2WOOA/s1600/ainsley+yawning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8tuVSyHTC7f97N2eSua_luvqrUU7EpmQAa8-_V-hYmhbsMw_JnzMhuWaupYFobDsXrUerULpN-3fVLg59LEA9jeRVRtSPxToa_MAiNV5caZAT56ThWg4KCOMwaa20wqXxliqFz2WOOA/s640/ainsley+yawning.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously...<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/AVvXsEjtwy_7v0NDYeJc3D2BNRcUgDDZukDeuuaMBg9SHuWNi7scaudrlGgoLN8IlxdgCw1lXe0-KwFnG3qdsbBfJ0bydmcx5wmI_Z627lBPP94t0lTzPXnhUa_pQxk98F4jP3BP3SzKlRzQy0M/s1600/eli+hand+on+ainsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwy_7v0NDYeJc3D2BNRcUgDDZukDeuuaMBg9SHuWNi7scaudrlGgoLN8IlxdgCw1lXe0-KwFnG3qdsbBfJ0bydmcx5wmI_Z627lBPP94t0lTzPXnhUa_pQxk98F4jP3BP3SzKlRzQy0M/s640/eli+hand+on+ainsley.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Eli, your big brother and Master Protector!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkN1reqQPxlV_92efDMAZbOXt967nxzU1JifzAaD6qxPumpW3v6CZuI8X-dcIWE4GdNG2YS9YS48sSBxv5FM7LpdJlvZpcATFeU9tB6Ey1nc8NgWDkBI32vbwCe_7EkSXNLqm_0BZD-s/s1600/eli+holding+ainsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkN1reqQPxlV_92efDMAZbOXt967nxzU1JifzAaD6qxPumpW3v6CZuI8X-dcIWE4GdNG2YS9YS48sSBxv5FM7LpdJlvZpcATFeU9tB6Ey1nc8NgWDkBI32vbwCe_7EkSXNLqm_0BZD-s/s640/eli+holding+ainsley.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I hold the Baby?" But of course!</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/AVvXsEglDBjOjtJFWBWcoRhakFiYNiDwbjds0luhxlsRpCp6aki3cyEZNeNFdFkj7VbQHwDBBQ1s1FixxnMelW_H_JgJbPCR4iZw4x8mL26xgdIOPAztMuZG8FR1RUslWyeemCuakvjbgQ9S8G8/s1600/eli+kissing+ainsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDBjOjtJFWBWcoRhakFiYNiDwbjds0luhxlsRpCp6aki3cyEZNeNFdFkj7VbQHwDBBQ1s1FixxnMelW_H_JgJbPCR4iZw4x8mL26xgdIOPAztMuZG8FR1RUslWyeemCuakvjbgQ9S8G8/s640/eli+kissing+ainsley.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I love the Baby!" Yes buddy, we do too!</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/AVvXsEjv9iRjRcv5rX5b9WUT2GMN4jVz4H9VxKwsabt12MDm630UD_6-kqXY4EC73hoXRvlEpOix41-5FP_FE-WSotfwn2WRODfC3rsXNrMR9P922FmQZgpBvKR6vS5LExelIUCW79DVpq9pwyE/s1600/eli+meets+ainsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9iRjRcv5rX5b9WUT2GMN4jVz4H9VxKwsabt12MDm630UD_6-kqXY4EC73hoXRvlEpOix41-5FP_FE-WSotfwn2WRODfC3rsXNrMR9P922FmQZgpBvKR6vS5LExelIUCW79DVpq9pwyE/s640/eli+meets+ainsley.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So awesome to see him look at her...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIBC4EaEHrn_FuIY_OaZVv1S2y3nHvC_wOEhWCB_EypLR4h_wnRKBaAlAUvfro61rKS559SDs1VT7q9Rz-TCqMzjjdcBHaBsrIVcL1kn8uLdtV_5OqfKqeaz9c2bWcuU-FMmWmkAtly4/s1600/cunningham+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUIBC4EaEHrn_FuIY_OaZVv1S2y3nHvC_wOEhWCB_EypLR4h_wnRKBaAlAUvfro61rKS559SDs1VT7q9Rz-TCqMzjjdcBHaBsrIVcL1kn8uLdtV_5OqfKqeaz9c2bWcuU-FMmWmkAtly4/s640/cunningham+family.jpg" width="566" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My beautiful family. So incredibly proud!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMvT49BxHqTNOIc2_xxzdny-iPWp-cSiGcIe77_luDVfuVIJF_sFrwV3umJ33O7wJp1srmaafccHCRab5CdKcUtyvU1aZ-EJaMsFhBjQ69UPefyUN1avtmdjDzubBpjQEiJWw2GLBI48/s1600/ainsley+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMvT49BxHqTNOIc2_xxzdny-iPWp-cSiGcIe77_luDVfuVIJF_sFrwV3umJ33O7wJp1srmaafccHCRab5CdKcUtyvU1aZ-EJaMsFhBjQ69UPefyUN1avtmdjDzubBpjQEiJWw2GLBI48/s640/ainsley+bow.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. Even I did it. The big bow. Girls ROCK!</td></tr>
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My cup runneth over.<br />
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Have a fantastic weekend, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-40375037460410315252013-09-27T08:23:00.003-05:002013-09-27T08:23:40.797-05:00FRIDAY FAVES!!I always know when I've officially slipped into "fourth quarter" mode in my industry. Although one might think it is just 10/1-12/31, it has backed itself up further into late August/early September for most of us in the insurance field.<div>
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The eye twitch begins.</div>
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I spend a significant amount of time on the computer during this time. Couple that with the amazing amount of iPhone usage (and still the occasional Kindle read) and my left eye creates it's own survival mode.</div>
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It's been twitching for two days now.</div>
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I'm seriously about to poke it out. I've rubbed it until it's bright red. I've closed it for long extended blinks a zillion times trying to get it to stop.</div>
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It won't stop.</div>
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I may just strap on a pirate patch and call it a day. Anything to tape it down and make it stop. It's going to drive me absolutely insane.</div>
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I thought after a great night sleep I could get it to stop. Nope. Didn't work. Of course the first thing I did this morning was open up and work on a spreadsheet filled with calculations.</div>
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And so it goes until the end of the year. Yay me.</div>
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Somehow I've been able to compile a few faves for you in spite of my twitch. Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE CHUBS</u></b></span></div>
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Did I mention how excited I am to meet little Lentil? She is almost here! One more Friday Faves and I will be awaiting her final few days on the west coast. I could not be more excited. So of course I'm constantly finding new legs for her :).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPin8V35TcT9HwKZQYBooTeIp1iWklh_Uyl1rlO1YUIaWrScMg9X19060X2-lDl_1rC01r8axCw9YhDIbLsbTcA7jLei9r9paexL8VV0l21x6tVvPLtMvLwhM68u9hPYh2TaEMmIMCNJg/s1600/baby+legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPin8V35TcT9HwKZQYBooTeIp1iWklh_Uyl1rlO1YUIaWrScMg9X19060X2-lDl_1rC01r8axCw9YhDIbLsbTcA7jLei9r9paexL8VV0l21x6tVvPLtMvLwhM68u9hPYh2TaEMmIMCNJg/s640/baby+legs.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE PALLETY IDEA</u></b></span></div>
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Yes, I'm still obsessed with pallets. I swear I will stop someday. Right after I figure out how to make this.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdthjTbVMxBUx1QRWKPERaNn5U-HepI2ChuBrgq5f0o_T25JmTJE1Rew4g9Qqn9QLXJ6B1XLdFQgGmuoXc3ehfab8izfgxhiq0RMSH6s1jTT6AXR3IR0UG8RGeSow8SLtmGff1mgvb9ws/s1600/pallet+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdthjTbVMxBUx1QRWKPERaNn5U-HepI2ChuBrgq5f0o_T25JmTJE1Rew4g9Qqn9QLXJ6B1XLdFQgGmuoXc3ehfab8izfgxhiq0RMSH6s1jTT6AXR3IR0UG8RGeSow8SLtmGff1mgvb9ws/s640/pallet+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE DESTINATION</u></b></span></div>
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As fall continues to come, I love pics that illustrate fog and calm. This is Lake Orta, Italy. Let's go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01rLMw2gN_915drDSO6ciDhjm2KMKWs8WDga9fwyIP6J0UZ5vn7FwxeOMbnjHQg9bBc5PNBW0NYA9Iysd3nVFDFG3PKspZYgyzdvGtHLcX6iICqMGCWiKVwfEDxmsjw4_5DVjI5NCfYw/s1600/lake,+italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01rLMw2gN_915drDSO6ciDhjm2KMKWs8WDga9fwyIP6J0UZ5vn7FwxeOMbnjHQg9bBc5PNBW0NYA9Iysd3nVFDFG3PKspZYgyzdvGtHLcX6iICqMGCWiKVwfEDxmsjw4_5DVjI5NCfYw/s640/lake,+italy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE KICKS</u></b></span></div>
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Ooooh.... PLEASE and THANK YOU!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV4A2qPwfo9OKEToy3pkO_OjfrOTHSE7pzhYu1fwrBy-H-fkBhXfcRuI0Qz1C-YQzOzb4YExzUvob9U4YZTdML-FsoCLqk_QawmZTXPfu5HKLE2-FuLdBio4qkqkZ9mW-OSRxdjRJ5nc/s1600/short+boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV4A2qPwfo9OKEToy3pkO_OjfrOTHSE7pzhYu1fwrBy-H-fkBhXfcRuI0Qz1C-YQzOzb4YExzUvob9U4YZTdML-FsoCLqk_QawmZTXPfu5HKLE2-FuLdBio4qkqkZ9mW-OSRxdjRJ5nc/s640/short+boots.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE TRUTH</u></b></span></div>
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One of the things I love about fall is all of the new pilots and old fave shows return with new episodes! I know they have been on FOREVER and worn everyone out but I still love Meredith Grey and always will. Her truth and honesty is somewhat lost on this generation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hjZaAX7QcvDry35dwQ2d-srDW0w6YvP2xo64gekk_mP2c12gIQrp_aYmnwZnNF9BwZDTIgu9Xe2OmAcqbPo8ma6hYJjqqX9tFCIYoIJjve3FLSSkjLBauikSgtZn-iwgJPwErbtVJTQ/s1600/scared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9hjZaAX7QcvDry35dwQ2d-srDW0w6YvP2xo64gekk_mP2c12gIQrp_aYmnwZnNF9BwZDTIgu9Xe2OmAcqbPo8ma6hYJjqqX9tFCIYoIJjve3FLSSkjLBauikSgtZn-iwgJPwErbtVJTQ/s400/scared.jpg" width="335" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE YUMMO</u></b></span></div>
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Mmmm. Nothing says fall like APPLES. So who wouldn't want a big 'ole hunk of this Apple Pie Dump Cake? This is totally my style. Doesn't look pretty but tastes incredible! Click here for the yummo recipe ----> <a href="http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com/2013/04/11/apple-pie-dump-cake/">Apple Pie Dump Cake</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHwQGm7chZsiDgFTmp1DruNRGoKF8OdJFBMwcZTIjap1qg3zor6UNVvkXw_51RKHfTvynzN8TlYKOpy_FjtCtp3UsQ3cuf8vnAk07Ofk1TcKhy1Hc43RR8ibCPRkhQKXeVCh-h7sXtzQ/s1600/apple+pie+dump+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHwQGm7chZsiDgFTmp1DruNRGoKF8OdJFBMwcZTIjap1qg3zor6UNVvkXw_51RKHfTvynzN8TlYKOpy_FjtCtp3UsQ3cuf8vnAk07Ofk1TcKhy1Hc43RR8ibCPRkhQKXeVCh-h7sXtzQ/s640/apple+pie+dump+cake.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FASHION</u></b></span></div>
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Not totally suitable for an office obviously. But I do love the casual, comfy look of a country girl! Someday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFS3XroZLeCIP9uefa1bgRCeA3RVCzdZ80NWeq6Jr_RlTFHbTH-Y79tPTohmbKMrahtkIvb7FXrIZs83bFam5lLn5dwUYLANZ_qqRtH2Kcf5zDLGXmUZg4a51yEvpNulwctkGfm-8lXs/s1600/fall+camo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFS3XroZLeCIP9uefa1bgRCeA3RVCzdZ80NWeq6Jr_RlTFHbTH-Y79tPTohmbKMrahtkIvb7FXrIZs83bFam5lLn5dwUYLANZ_qqRtH2Kcf5zDLGXmUZg4a51yEvpNulwctkGfm-8lXs/s640/fall+camo.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></b></span></div>
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NO - I absolutely, positively would NEVER do this. NEVER. That doesn't mean it isn't funny.</div>
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Happy Friday, friends!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-21093235501107356632013-09-24T08:27:00.002-05:002013-09-24T08:27:57.983-05:00Not so Little Anymore!Libra #2 is center stage! Little guy blessed us on this day 12 years ago. <b>TWELVE</b>. Oh my God - I have a pre-teen again! I may be older and wiser but it's still a mystery to me. I'm not sure we <i>ever </i>really get this whole parenting thing.<br />
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Here are some of my fave pics of my sweet, gentle, funny boy. He is running all over the house telling me he's a teenager next year. A middle schooler. And he's driving in 4 years. Yeah, he's funny like that.<br />
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We love you, Big Coop! Happy 12th Birthday!!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Momma</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-77712137661090616632013-09-23T06:33:00.003-05:002013-09-23T06:55:29.499-05:00Balancing the Birthdays!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb-QDF7IqkmM-nnit0IudUE1z5BHeVtwr8h4psBNi398wSLykt7pcYFFksdHVm_9t1tGjCsnyugKiIAWFOaKT7Vm3zpIqK65qXrixzz24oFoetOzDEQnsxyeBb5q0PVOMnf6r_szKWh8/s1600/libras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDb-QDF7IqkmM-nnit0IudUE1z5BHeVtwr8h4psBNi398wSLykt7pcYFFksdHVm_9t1tGjCsnyugKiIAWFOaKT7Vm3zpIqK65qXrixzz24oFoetOzDEQnsxyeBb5q0PVOMnf6r_szKWh8/s640/libras.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's that week again - the one week a year that we turn our attention to the two Libras in my family. Davis is first!<br />
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(By the way - big shout out to the Man above for NOT allowing Bubba to become a Libra. Three of them hanging out on the scales would have tipped me over the edge. And there is no possible way he could have been any later than he already was... two weeks is plenty, thanks).<br />
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For those of you that don't know, these Libras can be a tad bit challenging at times. They want justice, equality and a balanced structure in their lives.<br />
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And me being a Scorpio? I want MY way. I'm stubborn. I don't want to compromise. <br />
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It's a perfect (ahem) union.<br />
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I think a Libra must have coined the phrase "People don't change". Of course humans do evolve but they fundamentally connect back to the roots of development. This is especially important for a Libra - that balance of who they are with who they want to become is very important to them.<br />
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I happen to have two of them.<br />
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As much grief as I give my Hubs over our differences, I absolutely love this passionate balance he desires in his life. He has never judged his success (nor ours as a couple) on what we accumulate, how much money we make or how we are perceived. He has always been very comfortable in his own skin and has very little self doubt. It's one of the MANY things I absolutely love about him, especially considering I worry enough about lots of things that he would never give the time of day. I strive for this balance, his confidence and ultimately, his faith. Maybe if we stick together long enough some of that will rub off on me.<br />
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Happy Birthday to Hubs on this first day of your sign. Your horoscope today is quite telling:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: red;">Untangling all the mixed signals may be challenging today, especially if you want to take the course of least resistance. Although you have common sense working in your favor now, you still could be overly serious about the current situation. Your need to be practical conflicts with an irrepressible yet irrational optimism, prompting you to quickly move past your concerns so you can truly enjoy the good times ahead. Concentrate on the present moment and take one step at a time.</span></i></span><br />
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You know... if you believed in that kind of thing.<br />
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Love you!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2444417519432826256.post-51662091766956511142013-09-20T07:03:00.001-05:002013-09-20T07:03:36.514-05:00FRIDAY FAVES!!It's been a long week, friends. Not my jovial self at the moment but I'm certainly working through it. I have a flurry of emotions crashing around me at the moment and I'm compartmentalizing them as much as I can. I hate carrying emotions and allowing them to seep into other areas of my life. My goal today? Try to see the good in everyone, be grateful for being alive and allow myself laughs and FUN. Yep, fun. That should help.<br />
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Below are some of my faves for the week. Enjoy, friends.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUR FRIEND</u></b></span></div>
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I see pure beauty in this picture (although don't ask Davis what he sees... I'm sure it's jerky or something). Fall is such a gorgeous time of year in Missouri and I absolutely love the changing of the leaves. When Jackson was younger he would streak across our back yard at our family home and Davis and I would laugh that we swear a deer just ran through the yard. Reminds me of him this morning!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE KICKS</u></b></span></div>
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Ah... bring it on! I love boots. Pretty much ALL boots (just some more than others). These are awesome to me over a pair of tights or skinny jeans. Little rugged, little urban. LOVE!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE TRUTH</u></b></span></div>
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I'm struggling with this in my life right now. I absolutely love this. Change is difficult for most people but changing the way we think about things is actually hard work. The key is to decide if you WANT to change the way you think... sometimes changing what you think may not be the best thing for you.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE PALLETY THING</u></b></span></div>
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Yep, another one. Seriously cannot get enough pallets in my life! I need to just select one, buy the pallets and get on with it already. Love this!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE REMINDER</u></b></span></div>
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I said the "Now I Lay Me" prayer with my Dad for the majority of my childhood every single night. That makes this rendition even more special to me. Very good reminder!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE DESTINATION</u></b></span></div>
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I have no idea where this picture was taken but I want to be there right now. Elusive. Quiet. Beautiful. Sign me up.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FASHION</u></b></span></div>
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I see a lot of neutrals in our future this fall wardrobe season. I love the matching up of the metal colors (which ironically fits hand in glove with the Obamacare healthcare system). <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE RELAXATION</u></b></span></div>
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I absolutely love long, hot baths. So relaxing, so indulgent. Who wouldn't love a dip in this beauty? PLEASE AND THANK YOU!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT8WxlrHewjtDQxRyFa0Bjd8SSs_mlhWdDOGgS7yxbhHYt7_LhyIPjeJASQVQ51M5aEovt75Kio5IquwdbOUDF-rxYFvngS3Xn3VJVLB0BtQn4YlrPvoz1K25X1xhaS9c-MYXG9-1h70/s1600/bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT8WxlrHewjtDQxRyFa0Bjd8SSs_mlhWdDOGgS7yxbhHYt7_LhyIPjeJASQVQ51M5aEovt75Kio5IquwdbOUDF-rxYFvngS3Xn3VJVLB0BtQn4YlrPvoz1K25X1xhaS9c-MYXG9-1h70/s640/bathtub.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE CRAFTY</u></b></span></div>
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Now that I am going to be a Nana for a second time, I'm thinking I need a grandma hobby. Quilting? Or is this crochet? I have absolutely no idea but I do love this blankie. Looks very soft and the colors are quite relaxing. So maybe I need to start googling how to do this stuff. As if I have a lot of down time...<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><u>FAVE FUNNY</u></b></span></div>
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Oh... I wish I could say this is just giggly and not very true but I cannot lie. Women, you know you do it! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotYxI4LQcBbFO118NRp2VasgmMXBomSvoKsqGOvxJjglcrdvkrT22J6XmjV-8Cq_SER-7T7INOo7JAY0JzUDsiRW1aKUFecrK5pn4Dg9hQotIdri0JVIP1rddHzDZCIo4ivSMlAJzZc4/s1600/shave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotYxI4LQcBbFO118NRp2VasgmMXBomSvoKsqGOvxJjglcrdvkrT22J6XmjV-8Cq_SER-7T7INOo7JAY0JzUDsiRW1aKUFecrK5pn4Dg9hQotIdri0JVIP1rddHzDZCIo4ivSMlAJzZc4/s640/shave.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have a great weekend, friends!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 80px; font-style: italic; line-height: 106.25px;">Jen</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1