tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9786405323463931032024-03-13T10:05:29.322-07:00bubbly girl meets physicist: starts a familylibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-69298853432834175912017-06-20T09:09:00.001-07:002017-06-20T10:26:39.258-07:00Star Wars Color by Number Multiplication PageHey everyone! I haven't blogged in a while since things are quite busy here, but I couldn't think of a better way to share this fun image I created! I know how hard it can be to find great, educational activities for your kiddos during the year (and especially over the summer!). It may well take your child less time to color this than it took me to create it (haha!); I hope they enjoy it!<br />
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Let me know if there are any problems with it!<br />
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(And yes, I created this by hand, but since it's technically a copyrighted franchise<span style="text-align: center;">, I won't be selling it ;-P )</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Great for middle or upper elementary kids who are multiplying double digit numbers.</span><br />
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Happy summer!</div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-46613911400080629012015-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:002015-11-05T11:29:31.066-08:00A Great Autumn Finger Dessert: Pumpkin Muffins topped with maple frosting and a touch of cinnamon<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGptN6zrxUU/Vjurb1O_3aI/AAAAAAAACVk/yOmvspAXcgQ/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fGptN6zrxUU/Vjurb1O_3aI/AAAAAAAACVk/yOmvspAXcgQ/s640/IMG_5650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In preparation for the slew of people who are going to ask me for the recipe (yes, these do taste THAT good), here is what I did:<br />
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First off, I love the pumpkin bread recipe from the Joy of Cooking book that I used to own, so I copied it before giving away the book. I used that recipe for the base of these. I think you'll find the recipe <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/1142360-Pumpkin-Bread">here.</a><br />
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Then, you can save yourself the hours of time I spent finding the perfect frosting recipe and just head on over <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/maple-walnut-layer-cake-with-fluffy-maple-frosting-recipe.html">here</a> for a MAPLE SYRUP frosting that is scrumptious! Be sure to look past the cake recipe and just use the frosting recipe. I added an egg so that I'd have more frosting when all was said and done, but I am convinced that changed little in the realm of taste. It is amazing, and, to quote a reviewer, "like a light maple marshmallow." Just the perfect fluff for the top of such a dense pumpkin muffin!<br />
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Just for looks, I coated them with cinnamon. This does take some of the yummy maple syrup flavor at least, when you take that first bite of cinnamon, but I think it's perfect. You'll have to decide if you prefer it with or without the cinnamon. :-)<br />
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Also to note, I'd recommend doing this on a day that is not hot and humid. If you notice, my frosting is looking a bit *wet.* I would attribute this to the fact that my house is 82 degrees right now and it's raining outside. :-( For them to look the best, I'd recommend doing it in slightly cooler temperatures and no humidity.<br />
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There you go! I hope you love them as much as I do! (Oops, did I just confess that I ate some before taking them to the party?!)<br />
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libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-15377106576863004712015-03-26T20:28:00.002-07:002015-04-10T14:27:58.584-07:00How to Make a Simple Clutch Purse<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crafts By Libby</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tutorial on How to Make a Simple Clutch Purse</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If you purchase a fat quarter of cotton in my pattern from Spoonflower, you should receive something like this in the mail:</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63L4XLcJZ4g/VSgw7MudBEI/AAAAAAAAB-I/R9Mh-dubms0/s1600/IMG_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-63L4XLcJZ4g/VSgw7MudBEI/AAAAAAAAB-I/R9Mh-dubms0/s1600/IMG_3485.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Choose a matching color for the inner fabric, a coordinating zipper and thread. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv1stKNzQLE/VSgxRu0u_PI/AAAAAAAAB_A/uZiE152QgUc/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv1stKNzQLE/VSgxRu0u_PI/AAAAAAAAB_A/uZiE152QgUc/s1600/IMG_3497.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, cut two pieces of the matching inner fabric, the same size as your front and back of the purse.</div>
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If you'd like a pocket, cut another piece of fabric with the same width as the first, but choose what depth you'd like for a pocket, and make it that heigh. Then, cut an additional piece of fabric two inches tall and, again, the same width.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oxILAXddig/VSgw3RAV2dI/AAAAAAAAB-A/IKosva1c_Iw/s1600/IMG_3486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oxILAXddig/VSgw3RAV2dI/AAAAAAAAB-A/IKosva1c_Iw/s1600/IMG_3486.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Take that two inch piece and fold it in half. Iron it closed.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm_UvrT5KAk/VSgw0k_cqhI/AAAAAAAAB94/YSOjYdQhkwU/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fm_UvrT5KAk/VSgw0k_cqhI/AAAAAAAAB94/YSOjYdQhkwU/s1600/IMG_3489.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, take the top piece and fold it in half again, towards the middle. Iron.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgfRpwhJ2Go/VSgxCadLZcI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/sX1JvSHgIWs/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgfRpwhJ2Go/VSgxCadLZcI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/sX1JvSHgIWs/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIedcqCzPUo/VSgxFkoWIcI/AAAAAAAAB-g/ZbeLcrHyG0o/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eIedcqCzPUo/VSgxFkoWIcI/AAAAAAAAB-g/ZbeLcrHyG0o/s1600/IMG_3493.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Repeat this step for the other piece.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k882Rg34KM4/VSgxGe5EafI/AAAAAAAAB-o/iApIZySm_Kw/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k882Rg34KM4/VSgxGe5EafI/AAAAAAAAB-o/iApIZySm_Kw/s1600/IMG_3494.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now it should look like this:</div>
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Place this self-made bias tape at the top of your "pocket" piece. Sew top seam.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0leSFaYdQ/VSgxQjkjntI/AAAAAAAAB-4/foaURfJ8XkQ/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VL0leSFaYdQ/VSgxQjkjntI/AAAAAAAAB-4/foaURfJ8XkQ/s1600/IMG_3499.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, lay onto one of the lining pieces. Sew 1/4 inch seam around to attach.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu8kpu2RM8o/VSgxcgr6ehI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/5lSo_c55jko/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xu8kpu2RM8o/VSgxcgr6ehI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/5lSo_c55jko/s1600/IMG_3501.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sew a seam down the middle if you'd like two separate pockets--or, sew more seams if you'd like more divisions.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTu28wjw_JY/VSgxe1WuC6I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/-3lMYzudkLg/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTu28wjw_JY/VSgxe1WuC6I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/-3lMYzudkLg/s1600/IMG_3502.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, take one rectangle of the lining and place the zipper approximately 1/4 inch from the top (right side facing up; zipper also facing up).</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkv74WBD4Oo/VSgxht4GxQI/AAAAAAAAB_g/N9Za7jVz2Zo/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkv74WBD4Oo/VSgxht4GxQI/AAAAAAAAB_g/N9Za7jVz2Zo/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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No, put one rectangle of your outer purse on top, lining up the edges of fabric (the zipper will still be 1/4 of an inch below) Use zipper foot to sew seam, staying near the zipper.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyVPpC5nLFA/VSgxqpYFoMI/AAAAAAAAB_w/31L7cJanpuw/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyVPpC5nLFA/VSgxqpYFoMI/AAAAAAAAB_w/31L7cJanpuw/s1600/IMG_3505.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Repeat on the other side--the part that you just finished can be seen inside these two pieces you will sew.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQT0jxzcToc/VSgxyiLrToI/AAAAAAAACAA/KdgTW6R7zoc/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQT0jxzcToc/VSgxyiLrToI/AAAAAAAACAA/KdgTW6R7zoc/s1600/IMG_3510.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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When finished, open as shown and sew lining to outer fabric on each side, close to the zipper. This will hold the material in place to keep from "jumping" up and snagging your zipper as you open and close the pouch.</div>
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If you'd like to sew the fabric "hook" piece, cut your small rectangle in half and sew each side.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3tPbx7teb0/VSgyAXtYcBI/AAAAAAAACAk/c0Y4HGDqVMw/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t3tPbx7teb0/VSgyAXtYcBI/AAAAAAAACAk/c0Y4HGDqVMw/s1600/IMG_3517.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Turn right-side out.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJITzUrZCIs/VSgyChawaDI/AAAAAAAACAw/vPjPIrmsTUo/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aJITzUrZCIs/VSgyChawaDI/AAAAAAAACAw/vPjPIrmsTUo/s1600/IMG_3518.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fold this in half and tuck inside on the outer layer, close to the top but below the zipper.</div>
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It is seen below where the white pin is.</div>
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Now, put lining rectangles together and outer rectangles together. Be sure to put zipper so it is popping UP, towards the outer layer, as shown bellow. Then, pull the zipper to the middle of the pouch before you sew.</div>
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(Pins that are Vertically shown below in middle of lining show where to start and stop to leave an opening to turn out the purse. Don't forget this!!)</div>
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Sew 1/2 inch seam all the way around, leaving approx. 3 inches at bottom of lining.</div>
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Cut excess and corners.</div>
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Turn right side out, push outer corners on bottom so they look nice.</div>
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Close the opening from turning it out by sewing a straight seam near the bottom edge of the lining.</div>
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Fold inside.</div>
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You're finished!!!</div>
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Great work!</div>
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Don't have my purse design but are excited to make your own? Follow the link here!</div>
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/4110379?view=for_sale">Trio of Purses by CraftsByLibby</a></div>
libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-35703923668757382842015-02-28T07:18:00.000-08:002015-02-28T07:18:53.981-08:00Temptations Only Mothers Know: Evening Plans....That You Ultimately CancelI'm exhausted at the end of the day. All the bottom-wiping, dish-washing, food-preparing, making tears into laughter, and generally staying sane. It wears me out. And there are so many times where I'm like, "Oh yeah, I'm definitely going to do this thing that starts at 7:30. I can leave as soon as hubby gets home, have a little time to myself, enjoy the company of other adults for once... This will be GREAT!"<br />
<br />
But then reality comes. It's 6:30 and hubby is walking in the door and I'm ready to turn off. I'm ready to pretend I have no children instead of four and I'm ready for a little "time out" of my own, in my own space, where no one can pull the belt loops on my pants so that they start falling down, or make a mess of a room in five minutes flat, or call to me crying from the bathroom because they peed in their pants just two inches from the toilet (this seems to be happening daily in our house).<br />
<br />
In theory, I love hanging out with friends. I love meeting new people. I also love blogging. And crafting. And a slew of other really cool things.<br />
<br />
But the first thing I really want to do when I am no longer fully responsible for my children? Be ALONE. I want to finish a coherent thought. Think through a whole sentence from start to end without being interrupted.<br />
<br />
So let me just take this opportunity to apologize if I have ever made evening plans with you and cancelled them. I am tempted by the allure of adult freedom and conversation. I am tempted to imagine all the fun I will have by escaping my house for just a few hours. I am so tempted by these things that I make the plans.<br />
<br />
But then I don't follow through. I am the lame one making an excuse at the last minute. I am at home realizing if I make the effort to go out, I will be all the more cranky when I get home because I will be doubly exhausted. People think I'm an extrovert. And don't get me wrong, I do love being with people. But when it's the end of the day and I've been managing small humans for most of the time, it feels like putting on a show to keep friendly conversation.<br />
<br />
Oh, and did you notice how this blog is a day late? Just another plan I made that got left behind. Like a pile of clothes discarded for a time when they're clean again, I just put all my "fun" things-to-do on a list that never stops growing. Some days the laundry gets cleaned. Just like some days I actually follow through. But most days, the piles and lists are much bigger than what's actually done. It's just reality. <br />
<br />
I often tell myself that it's just a season of life. And that's probably true. It's also true that as I age, I am being more and more careful with my time. It's full of the important things. And the important things aren't always the "fun" things I used to fill my time with. It's okay. It's okay if I don't hang out with a group of people or make new friends. The things that fill my life right now are wonderful. It's work, for sure. But it's the best kind of work that fills you with satisfaction and joy and a deep sense of goodness. I'm blessed to be given such a job.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-49338538748150877812015-02-26T20:29:00.000-08:002015-02-26T20:29:01.511-08:00Temptations Only Mothers Know: Mama guilt/confusion/questioning/advice-seeking/controlling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wordy title, right? There's no easy way to trim down all that *stuff* that goes on inside the mama mind. The angst. The guilt. The confusion. The frustration. The attempts to control every situation and the advice we seek from others when we're not sure we're doing it just "right."<br />
<br />
You can see the signs everywhere, "You're a good mom." Every mom wants to hear it. We want to know we're doing an okay job.<br />
<br />
I know, it's getting heavy today. No light-hearted Libby joking about velcro and elastics, or stuffing her face with chocolate. I spent the better part of my day at a specialists office for my oldest son, and the more time that I spend thinking about "am I doing it right" with my son, the more frustrated I am with myself.<br />
<br />
Do you know why?<br />
<br />
It's not because those questions are bad to ask. We should always be trying to better. We should try hard to make wise decisions and serve our families. But how many times are we looking around at others wondering how they see us? How many times are we trying desperately to hold on to control to our lives and our parenting? How many times are we asking advice just so we can say, "yep, I did that. I'm a good mom."<br />
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I am so tired of it. I am worn out from trying to look like a good mom, and I'm tired of everyone else judging whether I am or not. I don't even like that slogan "you're a good mom." You can't even think it without comparing yourself to someone else. You will NEVER be happy when you compare yourself to someone else. Ever.<br />
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It is so tempting in our culture to control every thing we can. We are so sure that parenting in ways A and B will lead to C behavior. We are so sure, in fact, that we are quick to give advice even when others haven't asked for it, or they have asked advice from certain people and you're NOT those people (but you give your advice anyway because you're sure it will help).<br />
<br />
Just stop. Stop giving people advice when they don't ask. How many times has unsolicited advice helped you in your parenting? I'm going to guess that more times than not it's put you on the defensive and it's pretty hard to listen when you've got your shield in front of your face ready for battle.<br />
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Just stop judging other parents and how they're doing it. I know not all of you are Christians, but I firmly believe the Bible is true. And you know what's pretty amazing? God Himself walked around in the flesh telling people how to live righteous lives and He still found a way to do it with grace and mercy. *You* can't dole out grace and mercy but the only person in the whole world who ever lived a perfect life can? <br />
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Stop comparing yourselves to others. Stop feeling elated when your kid isn't tantruming in the store and you've done "such a great job" of being a parent. Stop feeling totally down on yourself when your kid IS tantruming in the store and everyone is looking at you. Guess what? Your worth isn't in how your child behaves. It isn't in how clean his face is or how well she did her homework. First off, I'm here to tell you that your worth is in Christ and nothing you do makes Him love you more or less.<br />
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And secondly, the most wonderful way to parent is to work hard at it and make the best decisions you know how. That's it. It's really not complicated. I know, it feels more complicated than that. But it's really not. Since we're so distracted by our joy-stealing, habit-forming temptations of guilt, questioning, controlling and advice-giving, here are some things to consider:<br />
<br />
1) In that moment when you glance at another kid/mama and thinking to yourself "I would have....." or "oh boy, I wouldn't have....." Just STOP. Stop yourself in your tracks. Look at your precious child and smile. Consider all the wonders you've been blessed with and just leave it at that. You're not making anyone's life better by comparing yourself to them.<br />
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2) When you're hanging out with friends and you see them do something you wouldn't, or you hear them struggling with a particular part of mommyhood, ask yourself these questions:<br />
- Is she actually asking for advice, or is she just bemoaning the fact that her child is having an off week and is screaming every day?<br />
- How would I feel in her shoes?<br />
- How can I best encourage her right now?<br />
If the answer to "how can I best encourage her right now" is telling her some great thing you found useful in your own parenting life, then by all means, share away! Don't get me wrong, I love getting advice from other moms. At the right time. Seasoned with love. Try not to go spouting off things as if you are Anonymous, The Internet Troll without any consideration for her.<br />
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3) Use that God-given mama instinct. So many times in my seven years of being a mom, I wish I had let go of that anxiety-driven need for control and just listened to my instincts. Don't try to follow the crowd just for the sake of following the crowd. Cut a path for your family that blesses all of you. Figure out what's best for YOUR family. And once you've figured it out, go back to #1.<br />
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<br />
Now it's time to start using it. Grace. Mercy. Kindness. Temper all your parenting with it and I guarantee your whole family will benefit. If you start clinging to control or wanting answers, check yourself. Am I doing my best? Am I working at it? That's it. Leave it at that. You are NOT in control and you will never know everything. Let's all start encouraging each other to do our best. Let's gather around and lift each other up.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-69894596148836637812015-02-25T19:57:00.000-08:002015-02-25T19:57:41.963-08:00Temptations only Mothers Know: The after-the-kids-are-in-bed Dessert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Temptation #2 in the week-long series on Temptations Only Mothers Know:</div>
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The After-The-Kids-Are-In-Bed Dessert</div>
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It's 9:30 and all is quiet upstairs. My 7 year old probably still has his nose in a book, but he won't be coming down again until morning. It's the time of day that I can eat whatever I want and no one is watching. For the first time. All day. There are occasions when I try to sneak something earlier in the day, but I inevitably get caught. It seems that my kids are just as good at sniffing out a treat as I am at sniffing out a poopy diaper. Unfortunately.<br />
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The problem is that when a person feels deprived, they often overindulge once they finally get that thing. No? Never happens to you? You obviously have the whole "will power" thing down, then. I can tell you are the spitting image of Frog from the short story "Cookies." (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhYh1eZh1Ew">Frog and Toad: Cookies</a>) We could all learn a lot from you, I'm sure.<br />
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The fact is that last night I was so stressed that I ate FOUR cookies. (Maybe it was all my angst at having let the washing machine run a load only 1/2 full since I didn't add the bucket of dirty towels and bibs? ;-) ) I like to soothe my conscience by telling myself that the cookies were only half the normal size, so it was really like eating two cookies. But, then, I like to follow that thought with the reminder that the REASON I made them half the normal size was so I would ultimately be eating less cookie. Clearly, I am at war with myself. But hey, I figure, as long as the pants fit, eat a cookie. Tonight, I'll just try to eat one instead of four.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-52683426315693494702015-02-24T19:06:00.002-08:002015-02-24T19:06:44.377-08:00Temptations Only Mothers Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In an effort to lighten my otherwise stressful week, I'd like to get back to blogging. Today, I introduce to you what I hope will be a week-long series I'd like to call:<br />
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TEMPTATIONS ONLY MOTHERS KNOW</div>
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Truthfully, these will most likely be temptations that only mothers of small children in America know, but hey--that title just seemed far too wordy. "You get what you get and you don't get upset," as my son's kindergarten teacher used to say. But, enough with the chit-chat. Let's get down to business.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Temptation #1: Adding that bucket of dirty bibs to the washer load of underwear and socks.</span></div>
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Okay, this may be a temptation that only I struggle with. I'm willing to guess it's not an across-the-board struggle of all American young moms, but it's definitely a struggle at my house. Every. Single. Time. I put in a load of underwear and socks I want to dump in that bucket of dirty bibs and towels that have collected from the kitchen. But you know what happens every. single. time. I give in? <br />
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Velcro. Velcro happens. <br />
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Ever experienced velcro on elastic? No? You're not a mom with a small child in bibs, you say? Lucky you, I say.<br />
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Bibs. Such a love/hate relationship I have with these things. Snaps you say, snaps! Yes, I know.... snaps don't get caught on everything and ruin your perfectly nice underwear. Snaps make that wonderful little (you guessed it) SNAP sound when push them together and they are near impossible for the child to take off. Snaps. But of the approximately 40 bibs that we own, only about 3 have snaps. Yes, I could make my own (in fact, I have an Etsy business where I do just that), but why make new bibs when you already HAVE 40 bibs? I'm all about using what you have. Even if I have material to make something new without buying it, WHY make something new?! People are way too used to throwing out what they don't like and replacing it with something they'll only like a little more. But let's not get off on a tangent here. The point is, VELCRO.<br />
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I like to be as efficient as I can with laundry since there are six of us in this family. (And when one is potty training, isn't that more like three people??) That means when a load of dirty things is going on the hot cycle and it's not full, my basic instinct is to add whatever else I can. That bucket.... that bucket that I always keep in the kitchen to toss dirty bibs and towels and washclothes in... that bucket sitting there ready to be cleaned and put back in the cabinets....<br />
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Just. Say. No.<br />
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I learned that phrase in the D.A.R.E. program in elementary school, and yet it's still so applicable today. Just say no. Just don't do it. You know what will happen. All that nice velcro is going to fall in love with all that lovely elastic in the underwear and next thing you know you'll be spending twenty minutes painstakingly pulling each "hook" of those doggone hook and loop closures off your once-unfrayed underwear.<br />
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Ladies and Gentleman, I want you to know that tonight I said no. Tonight, I did not give in. May there be many more nights like this one, for the sake of my will power and the longevity of our underwear.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-7373727357526536112014-10-24T05:52:00.004-07:002014-10-24T05:52:31.692-07:00They say being present is too hard in these times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've heard people say that bullying is a problem these days and it needs to end.<br />
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When my son was being bullied on the bus, I took the boys cookies and talked with them and <br />
told them we wanted friendship. The bullying ended.<br />
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I've heard that people don't talk to each other enough and that kids are always on their phones.<br />
<br />
Every morning at quarter to seven, my son waits for his school bus. The kids run around and<br />
laugh and talk. They talk to each other and they talk to me. They tell me about their lives and<br />
they tell me about their favorite things.<br />
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I've heard that kids these days don't ride bikes around the neighborhood or get to know their neighbors.<br />
<br />
Do you want to hear about David and Savannah next store who always brighten our day when<br />
we get a chance to spontaneously spend time talking on the front lawn? Do you want to hear<br />
about Jonah who just started riding the bus and every day asks to come over to play? Do you<br />
want to hear about the older boy who took my son under his wing and spent half an hour<br />
leading him on a bike ride throughout the neighborhood last night?<br />
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<br />
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I keep hearing these "truths" mentioned in conversation as though they are fact. The certainly aren't facts in my life. Want people to be neighborly? Be a neighbor. It's just that easy.<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-11204359214256550422014-09-16T20:31:00.001-07:002014-09-17T04:26:28.055-07:00When Exhaustion Makes Thinking Too HardHere's a little play-by-play of a good portion of my day...<br />
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FIRST: We find the huge "Toyota" sign signifying that we've made it to our destination and follow the "Service" sign to get to our appointment. It seems a bit strange that as we round the bend, following the sign, there seems to be no clear entry area for a vehicle OR a person. Nonetheless, I drive on. Slowly. Creeping. Looking around as if I were lost. (Mostly because I was.) Just before a line of garages, full of cars getting worked on by men in "Toyota Nation" shirts, there is a sign that reads, "Service 200 Yards ahead." <i>Strange sign</i>, I think. <i>But oh well. </i><br />
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We squeeze into a parking spot just barely big enough for our car. Forget about opening the doors wide enough to unbuckle and lift the children from their seats, it's more of a pinch and maneuver and desperate attempt not to scratch the cars on each side. Finally we're all out. Me and three kids and ALL THE STUFF WE NEED TO SIT IN THE WAITING AREA OF A SERVICE STATION FOR HOURS ON END. No problem. Now I just have to figure out where in the world we're supposed to go because there is no obvious signage.<br />
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A man walks over and says, "Are you looking for the service area?" Why yes, I am. "Sorry, you got all your kids out, but it's actually through that fence and up across the road there." Say WHAT?!?! You have got to be kidding me. I look at him with desperation. With empathy, he looked from me to each of the kids and said, "let me go put this paperwork where it goes and I'll drive your car over for you and you can walk there." Yes, please and thanks.<br />
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He comes back five minutes later and drives my Rav4 to the service station a good half a mile away while we saunter on over, trying not to get run over by the other dozens of cars that seem equally as confused as we were (but who were smart enough not to park and get out before asking where to go).<br />
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THEN: The "service station" was full of hallways and glass rooms and people, but again, no clear signage. I really wanted something that said, "COME HERE FIRST." Too bad I didn't find anything like that. We walked around at the pace of a 3 year old who has no interest in his current endeavors, slowly passing each person and waiting area, wondering where in the world we were supposed to go. We walked the entire length of the building before I decided we must have passed wherever we needed to be, so we turned around and walked back, at an even slower pace. Finally, I decided to ask the cashier.<br />
Me: Hi! We parked in the wrong area and a kind gentleman helped to drive my car over here while we walked. I can see my car in the service area, but I have no idea where I'm supposed to go. I'd like to touch base with someone about what I'd like done to the car.<br />
Cashier: You need to drive your car up to the service area and the porter will come out to meet you.<br />
Me: Yes, I understand that's the way it's *supposed* to be done. But, as I said, someone ELSE drove my car here for me and so I was unable to talk with a porter. What should I do now?<br />
Cashier: Do you even know this person who brought your car? Where did they put it? You need to go out and get your car.<br />
Me: No. I don't need to go out and get my car. It's in the right area where the cars need to be to be serviced. The man who dropped it off told me that a man named Nathan is handling it now and it is all set to be serviced. I just need to talk to this person.<br />
Cashier. Okay.... let me look you up.... what's your last name?<br />
Me: Bratt. B-R-A-T-T.<br />
Cashier: I don't see you on here. Are you sure the car was dropped off here?<br />
Me: Yes. Absolutely sure. I can see it outside. I just need you to tell me where to go now. I think maybe the man who dropped it off said "Nathan" was taking care of it?<br />
Cashier: (rolling eyes) Well, Nathan is in that first room to the left. You can go ask him.<br />
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Meanwhile, baby strapped to me in a carrier is getting fussy and my 3 and 4 year olds are running around playing with toy planes and asking loudly about how that shiny red car got into the building.<br />
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AT LAST: We get situated. We talk to Nathan. I give him the information. We're good to go. We find a children's area. Frozen is playing on the big TV and we're the only ones in the room. Perfect. Sit down. Relax. Oh wait.... the kids probably have to pee...<br />
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Me: Wait, kids, before you get comfortable, let's go to the potty and then we can come back and have a snack and then you can play.<br />
Daughter: Sure!<br />
Son: NO! <<firmly hold son's arm and walk to bathroom>><br />
(In bathroom)<br />
Me: Okay [son] it's time to try to go to the bathroom.<br />
Son: NO!<br />
Me: Okay, let's go in here <<taking off diaper and hold him in front of toilet>><br />
Son: NO, I wanted to go in THAT bathroom!! <<son starts flailing body and writhing as though in pain>><br />
Me:<<Trying to keep his now naked bum off the floor>> Okaaaaaaaay, let's go over to that one.... <<holding him up as much as possible while his shorts are down around his legs, maneuvering to the adjacent stall>><br />
Son: NO! I have to take my clothes off!<br />
Me: No, we don't need to take off all of our clothes to use the bathroom. Please keep them on. We're in a public restroom.<br />
Son: No! I have to take off my shoes!<br />
Me: No, there is probably pee on the floor. Please keep your shoes on. <<son starts screaming; I proceed to put him on the toilet seat and take off his shorts and sandals>><br />
Son: Okay. Now I'm done.<br />
Me: You're finished? You have no pee? After all of that? After I finally took off your shorts and sandals??<br />
Son: I'm done. Get me off. <<Son jumps off toilet, bare feet on the floor, making efforts to keep his feet clean completely useless>><br />
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Shorts on. Sandals on. Wash hands. Gather belongings. Head back to play area.<br />
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....THEN:<br />
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That's it. I'm done. I'm exhausted. I just want to shrivel up and look at Facebook on my phone and pretend I have no kids for a few minutes (except that I'm rifling through my diaper bag looking for a nursing cover because baby girl is crying and wiggling and needing to eat).<br />
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And that's when he comes in. Nathan. Yes, Nathan. Remember him? The one in charge of the car. He tells me the car needs new brake pads. <i>What?</i> I say. He repeats himself. I try to remember what it's like to think coherently about something other than diapers and toilets and nursing babies, but the thoughts don't come. I try asking questions to give me more time to screw my head on, but it's not working. <i>Yes,</i> I tell him. YES? What did I just say yes to? Yes, he says, do the brakes, then? Sure, I say. He quickly turns and walks away and I feel like crumbling. What did I just do? I just agreed to a $600+ service to our car without carefully thinking it through.<br />
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I want to make people sign a waiver when I go in a place like a car service center or anywhere else that large sums of money might potentially be exchanged. I want it to say something like,<br />
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<i>I hereby recognize the inability of this mother to make sound financial decisions at this time and waive my right to charge her anything more than $100. If (insert name of company here) feels it is in the best interest of this client/mother to purchase (insert expensive service here), we promise to print out all applicable information and will give 24 hours for her to make an informed decision. </i></div>
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<i>Signed, (potential benefactor-of-my-money)</i></div>
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Wouldn't that be great? If only. I wish exhaustion didn't make it so hard to formulate coherent thought. Feeling really thankful that, for the most part, the only store I have to frequent is one that sells groceries. Usually the most damage I can do there is buying an unnecessary gallon of ice cream.<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-8727917586782855442014-09-10T11:42:00.000-07:002014-09-10T11:42:00.085-07:00FOE elastic baby rompersAfter making a few PUL diaper covers a month or so ago, I realized that I hadn't been creative enough about my fold over elastic. I had yards and yards of it sitting around waiting to be used for girls headbands. The problem is that I have, for the most part, stopped making girls headbands. When I made the diaper cover I realized what an awesome invention FOE was--think stretchy binding! It's like the lazy-sewers way to finish an edge stitch and make it stretchy all at the same time. It's amazing. Truly amazing.<div>
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It was a great revelation at a great time, because I have found myself in need of more bottoms for my daughter. She seems to have a wide array of tops, but no bottoms. It's always great when you realize that you have all the pieces to make what you need already amongst your craft supplies. I had this wonderful wide, soft, elastic that I had bought online for making cute skirts that I never got around to using. I also have a lot of random fabric (including old jeans), and a ton of fold over elastic. Voila! The biggest problem was making up a pattern. I probably could have found something online, but I didn't look... I used almost the entirety of one pair of old (hol-y) maternity jeans before finally giving up and just cutting material for a romper. I made two, but then decided I'd try again for something more interesting and made some pants. At least now I figured out what I'm doing, so the next ones won't be so hard. ;-) </div>
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libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-42065477670188400552014-09-04T17:44:00.001-07:002014-09-04T17:44:24.530-07:00Making MonstersWhere has the time gone? Three months since my last post? It would seem that resolving to write posts more often doesn't necessarily result in more posts. Go figure.<br />
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The kids and I were crafting some monsters today made from Costco pretzel containers. I've been saving the containers in the hopes that I would envision some ingenious craft that would amaze everyone--including myself. Sadly, that never happened. So, why wait around filling your house with random pieces of potential-crafting items when you could simply use them for a sub-par crafting project that will not only expand the space in your home but somehow delight your children (despite its lack of amazingness)...? Right. That's what I thought.<br />
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So, here you have it. Our monsters. This could be a great Valentine's box. Of course, Valentine's Day is five months away, and I'm not sure that these monsters will last one week let alone five months. As it is, my kids just think it's great to fill them with toys they find. For some reason this brings them great joy. And that's wonderful. Because, some of these crafting things have been sitting around for a year hoping to be used. I would resolve to craft more often, but obviously we know what little comes of my resolutions.<br />
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To make:</div>
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plastic container</div>
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exacto knife (or scissors, or whatever you can cut the plastic with)</div>
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paint (I used acrylic)</div>
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cardboard for the feet</div>
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felt</div>
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ribbon (for bows)</div>
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yarn for hair (though I'm sure there are better ways to do their hair)</div>
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and...most important.... googly eyes!</div>
libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-26123292197581108402014-06-04T20:07:00.001-07:002014-06-04T20:07:57.698-07:00Making Hash Browns and Learning About ProcessIt had been on my mind for weeks to make hash browns. I kept seeing recipes calling them delicious and delectable, crunchy and satisfying. Though I'd never been particularly fond of them in the past, I suddenly had an urge to try my hand at making this side dish that others found so tasty. It helped that I had a few potatoes in the pantry that needed a recipe to call their own. With an unexpected quiet time yesterday afternoon while three of my four children slept, I started grating potatoes.<br />
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I love to eat. I also really enjoy making the food I eat. Or at least, I used to find it enjoyable--before I had children. Now I have less time and more interruptions and cooking is something I often loathe. Really? We have to eat dinner *every day*? Who says?<br />
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Because I have learned that daily dinner means daily dirty dishes, I often make a point to double or triple a recipe. Since my kind husband doesn't mind having leftovers (and my children simply don't know any different), I usually get away with only cooking half the week and having left overs the rest of the week. It's wonderful. Truly.<br />
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Sometimes, though, a recipe does not lend itself to doubling. I want to believe that all I have to do is multiply the ingredients, but sometimes that's just not the case. Yesterday, I got out the largest skillet I own (which is *huge*) and put in all the potatoes I had--four. The recipe called for two. And, truth be told, the recipe called for two normal sized potatoes, and mine were like twice the size of a regular potato since, well, that's just how they come in the 20lb. bag from Costco. I suppose it's more efficient to pack fewer big potatoes into the bag than a whole bunch of small ones. Way to keep things efficient, Costco.<br />
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But, I digress. The point is, I was practically quadrupling the recipe. The grated potato was supposed to be sprinkled at the bottom of a buttered skillet and left to cook until brown on one side, and then turned over to cook on the other side. My grated potato did a wonderful job of cooking on the bottom, but the moment I tried "turning them over" I realized that my dream of deliciously crunchy hash browns was definitely not going to come true. At least, not with those potatoes.<br />
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There were far too many pieces of potato to simply "turn" them over, and very quickly I was left with a mixture of about 1/4 cooked, brown, crunchy potato and 3/4 not-at-all cooked, soggy, non-edible potatoes. What was supposed to take about 10 minutes of baking time took half an hour, and I was pretty much left with what could be considered extremely buttery mashed potatoes that, with some bites, had a slight crunch to them.<br />
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I decided I should be more particular about which recipes I try to double (or quadruple for that matter). But I also decided this was a great metaphor for some parts of my life.<br />
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For how many years, and in how many situations, have I tried to get to my "end goal" through short cuts? I have a beautiful picture of how I want life to be, but I often try to get to it haphazardly and with little care for the process. It's not surprising that when I screw up the recipe, I don't get the same results I was looking for. Know what I mean?<br />
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I can't expect things to work out just like I hoped when I am sloppy and careless about how I get there. I'm thankful that God has been gracious to bless me even in the times when I've been undeserving and "sloppy" in my process. And I'm glad to know that even as I strive to be a better runner in this race set before me, He will always forgive me when I stumble.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-71987245390334481472013-11-24T12:28:00.002-08:002013-11-24T12:28:38.835-08:00The Mystery of the Cowlick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-29981077107947035872013-09-19T12:23:00.000-07:002013-09-19T14:47:53.055-07:00Simple Angry Bird mini cupcakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was really disappointed recently when I looked up Angry Bird cupcakes to get ideas for my son's upcoming sixth birthday. There were a ton of awesome fondant ones.... but I don't have any experience with fondant! And we just moved 1200 miles less than a month ago, so let's just say I don't have a lot of extra time to learn a new food art. Honestly, I barely have time to get the laundry done amidst all of the moving-across-country logistics.<br />
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I wanted a regular cupcake but with something reminiscent of Angry Birds on top. No, I didn't want anything complicated, but I did want something that looked better than a flat face of a bird on top of a cupcake, and so far that's all I'd found online. Even on Pinterest! Can you believe it!? (Besides, of course, the really amazing fondant ones. But, heck, there's always next year.)</div>
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I am luckily in the time of year for candy corn and carmel candy corn with orange ends act as great beaks. And mini m&ms are perfect eyes, right? Or at least, yummy ones.</div>
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So, here's what I did:</div>
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1) First cut the brown ends off your candy corn. There's a few reasons I did this. You can try without, but I'm pretty sure it won't work if you leave them with the bigger/longer ends.</div>
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2) Bake some yummy cupcakes! I used a white cake recipe and added almond extract, which I also did to the icing just to give it a nice flavor. Simple!</div>
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3) Make some buttercream frosting and then add your colors!</div>
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4) At this point, you have all your materials ready, so get to decorating! Once you ice your birds, be sure to decorate them quickly before the buttercream gets harder. Buttercream will always stay "soft", but it *will* develop a nice top coat and you want to make sure you get your things stuck in before that happens. I would suggest working on one group at a time so you don't end up missing your window of opportunity. :-)</div>
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5) Though they are pretty simple Angry Birds, I would recommend at least putting some angry eyebrows on them. But, as my daughter pointed out, there are NO eyebrows on the blue birds. Which ended up working out for me since I didn't have much space for them. ;-P But if you play the game, you'll know why I had to make three of all the blue birds.... :-)</div>
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And then you're finished! They are super yummy, not tricky, and at least to some degree resemble Angry Birds. Or at least, I think so! The real test will be when the birthday boy sees them and if he a) responds in joyful glee that I made Angry Bird cupcakes! or if he b) says to me despairingly, "it looks like you tried to make Angry Bird cupcakes, but they don't really look like Angry Birds...."</div>
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PS--I tried making the yellow ones in a square formation at the bottom when I was piping. Didn't work out so well. But I am really not very good at piping icing, so maybe others of you will have better luck!! (Since the yellow one is more of a pyramid shape, not a circle/oval)</div>
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UPDATE!!</div>
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Upon seeing the cupcakes, my son told me that we could definitely give the blue ones to his friends, but not the red ones or the yellow ones. "If my friends saw them they would laugh and say, 'those aren't Angry Birds--they have no feathers!'" He instructed me to put brown feathers on the tops of their heads and on their backs. Of course, I had to oblige. Here's the updated picture:</div>
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libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-61624557064318476992013-04-13T18:49:00.000-07:002013-04-13T20:29:28.643-07:00Christians and Life: On the Topic of Abortion...My heart has been breaking lately, seeing articles like <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/04/why-dr-kermit-gosnells-trial-should-be-a-front-page-story/274944/">this one</a> about Kermit Gosnell's trial...the grotesque images of what happened in his clinic in Philadelphia... My mind has been on those tiny hands and feet of each of those lives he cut off from this world.<br />
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This won't be a long post, but I just wanted to share a question... Something my mind has been pondering for a long time, and perhaps something you should be asking too. Yes, those of us who are "pro-life", we are waging war, but I wonder if we haven't had something to do with how far this war has come.<br />
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This question is for Christians--those people claiming to follow Christ, to live as he lived and who are called to seek his will.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Has this war come to such a front because we have lost the value of life? </span></i></div>
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Oh yes, we quote our Scripture that talks about its holiness and uniqueness. I do not mean to say that we don't <i>know</i> what our faith teaches. We do know. And His Spirit in us reminds us of the preciousness of our own life and those of others...<br />
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But our lives are busy. Cluttered. We are consumed with bettering our selves and our children. Consumed with the newest fads and latest technology. We have more to think about and do than ever before. Our lives are like a whirlwind blowing from one locale to the next.<br />
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Is it right for us to live in America and preach our choice--our choice to live in what manner we want, and yet to point fingers at others and tell them that in this particular area, they <i>can't</i>? They can prioritize choice in anything they want, except this. In all other ways, god is self. But in this one, no, our God says "don't kill the babies."<br />
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Yes, I am pointing the finger at you. And me. All of us. We write, we talk, we live day to day going from one choice to the next. I'd wager a guess that more of our Facebook statuses are about the choices we've made, will make, or are <i>unsure</i> about making, than we do about how highly we value our lives.<br />
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We've done it. We, too, have accepted the lie that choice is King. We cannot fight the battle of abortion on choice. We do not choose when life starts. God already did. We cannot choose if it's important. God has already made it so. <br />
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Our battle is in the value. But it's no surprise the war has gotten as far as it has, because we have been confused... we have thought it was of choice.<br />
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What if we started to live like we really valued life? Ours. Theirs. Everyone's. What if I valued life itself, this gift--this amazing thing that God has given that enables me to live and move and have my being--higher than I value choice. I wonder how this war would change. I wonder if eyes that were blind would see. I wonder if <i>we</i> would change, and let go of our hold on choice as King, and let our Savior reign instead--breathing in joy and thankfulness for the simple things--of life and love, and of the true JOY it can bring when we savor it.<br />
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In essence: We won't show them God by telling them what the Bible says. We will show them how God values life when we value it. 1 John 3:18, "let us love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth."<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-44786181502276188102013-03-05T18:14:00.000-08:002013-03-05T18:14:29.060-08:00A snowy winter dayThis morning we went out and got our customary milk and bread before the snow. Well, we actually went out for a whole list of things, of which bread and milk were a part. But it seemed fitting to mention we had gotten those typical staples, as a storm was indeed on the horizon.<br />
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It started snowing after lunch and has been snowing since. I've tried to get outside as much as possible lately, but with the freezing weather, we never seem to be out more than half an hour tops. It's made for mighty cabin fever around here.<br />
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I noticed the other day that we've accumulated a large array of plastic containers for storing left overs. It seems that I've kept every useable container, and now my plastic drawer is overflowing. We do recycle, and I could very well simply recycle many of these containers. But, I thought--before we recycle them, maybe we can get a little crafting use out of them...<br />
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So, on this snowy day, we started with craft #1 using the plastic containers.<br />
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<b>Hats.</b><br />
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And, since I am a big fan of Amazon.com, I have lots of cardboard to spare. Making a hat didn't take any out-of-the-ordinary supplies at all.<br />
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Here's a preview of my first idea on how to use those left over containers :) (Well, maybe I should call it my second? Since I used one of them last year as the face of Thomas the Tank engine in my oldest son's Valentine box <a href="http://bubblyphysics.blogspot.com/2012/02/thomas-train-preschool-valentines-box.html">as shown here.</a>)<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-55808094025706738862013-02-24T19:42:00.000-08:002013-02-24T19:44:11.500-08:00Chaos All AroundI was told last week that I need to be writing in my blog more often. Seems to be that in hard times I hide away like a tortoise in his shell, but it's in the happy times that I sing out like a bird. Right now, these, are hard times, and the silence of my blog is testament to that fact.<br />
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I've been thinking a lot today about the "problem of evil" and of grace and of mercy... of God's plan and provision... of His sovereignty and love... Far too many thoughts to write here, and they would be anything but coherent, I'm sure... but, have you ever heard Sara Groves' song "Why it Matters"?<br />
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Sit with me and tell me once again<br />
Of the story that's been told us<br />
Of the power that will hold us<br />
Of the beauty, of the beauty<br />
Why it matters</div>
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Speak to me until I understand<br />
Why our thinking and creating<br />
Why our efforts of narrating<br />
About the beauty, of the beauty<br />
And why it matters</div>
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Like the statue in the park<br />
Of this war torn town<br />
And it's protest of the darkness<br />
And the chaos all around<br />
With its beauty, how it matters<br />
How it matters</div>
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Show me the love that never fails<br />
The compassion and attention<br />
Midst confusion and dissention<br />
Like small ramparts for the soul</div>
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How it matters</div>
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Like a single cup of water<br />
How it matters</div>
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(listen to it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Tj67zD41E">here</a>)<br />
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I was thinking of it tonight. How lovely it is, and how true. I am learning more about the beauty in the darkness, grace in the midst of chaos.<br />
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In the midst of pondering these hard things, a thought popped into my mind. Perhaps not so much a thought as a picture... a picture of chaos--of chaos, but of joy and grace as well.<br />
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Do you see it? My eldest there in the forefront acting as if there's nothing going on inches behind him, as he tries hard to show off his toy and snazzy looks to the camera? And then there's the two younger in the background, vying for space, wrestling, fighting with no concern being in the picture at all. Do you see it? The chaos? And the beauty? The hilarity of it all?<br />
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Okay, so my troubles (and yours) are not so light and funny as my children's antics in front of the camera. But, truly--do you see it? The connection of darkness to light? That there is no mercy without despair? No grace without challenge?libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-64221960813537871102013-02-01T08:00:00.002-08:002013-02-01T08:00:51.995-08:00Craft TherapyI will admit that I am prone to anxiety. And when there is a lot to be anxious about, I can easily slide into depression. Years ago, after birthing my first son, I realized that unless I stopped the cycle, real damage could be done that would effect my whole family. Now, I try to recognize the signs and do whatever I can to keep from sliding down that slope.<br />
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Lately, with all the hardships in my life, I have been tempted to hide away and wallow. I'm thankful for a Spirit that reminds me that this is not the way to healing. And while Bible reading and prayer is a wonderful tool for encouragement and right-thinking, I also find that I need a mission or focus when I find I have a lot of time on my hands.<br />
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Last night, as my husband sat working and my children were all in bed, I knew there was a lot of housework that could be done. Of course, on the list of priorities, wallowing is higher than housework on any day. And while Facebook can be a great way to catch up on other people's lives, it does nothing for my mood. If anything, it's just a tool for coveting and jealousy when I'm already in a foul frame of mind. I needed a focus. I needed a project. I needed some distraction.<br />
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So, to Pinterest I went.<br />
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I didn't have to scroll much to find a whole bunch of people were pinning this <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/11/beardoll-carriers.html">super cute baby carrier</a> for a toddler. I was like, "man, that's super cute. My daughter would <i>love</i> that!" I'm not so great at doing things well, but I am good at seeing something and making a basic copy. Mine is never as good as the original. But I know my intentions are this: to make what I want in as little time as I can and have it function for as long as I think the owner (of the thing) will use it. So, in less than an hour, I had come up with my own version of a baby carrier, based on that super cute one mentioned above.<br />
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Using old clothes that had stains and holes, I put together my daughter's new favorite toy. Of course, at this point in her life, she much prefers stuffed animals to dolls, and the animals don't quite fill out the carrier correctly. But that's okay. We made do. I actually put a child-sized scarf in the bottom pocket so her favorite stuffed turtle could poke it's head through instead of sitting way at the bottom with it's feet hanging out. :) And that pocket on the front? Actually a piece of a dress that had stains on it and was unraveling. The top with the ruffles was part of the bodice of the dress. Yep.<br />
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Well, I have to say I'm pretty excited about my project. Not only did it do the trick of distracting me from my foul mood, but (and even better), now my daughter is ALL SMILES! And what's better than seeing your two year old light up a room with her joy? Not much.<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-34608283534234610742013-01-17T14:40:00.000-08:002013-01-17T14:41:07.953-08:00Oh Dear What Can the Matter BeMy father recently started treatments for lung cancer, so I, along with my three small children, took the trek across three states to come help out. I may be a bit hindered with all my groupies, but I can still be of some help in the midst of all that needs to be done.<br />
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I've been here almost a week and it seems like a whirlwind. So much has been done. So many things still on the to-do list. Today, the exhaustion was catching up to me. I decided to "take a break" and just stay at my mom's house with my three kids...<br />
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I was busy making knots for my pumpkin knot rolls (<a href="http://bubblyphysics.blogspot.com/2010/10/pumpkin-rolls.html">recipe</a>), when I realized how very far removed the kitchen was from the various play-areas throughout the house. I decided that if I were ever in the market for a new home, I would assuredly *not* get a set-up like this. I mean, who knows what could happen while I'm in the kitchen and the children are elsewhere?<br />
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I am not lying when I tell you I had these thoughts. You will think that I am when I tell you what happened next...<br />
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After such thoughts of my potentially-trouble-making children, I realized that they were indeed silent at that moment. Silence, with kids the age of my children, is never a good sign. I went in search of them and found my two older ones (ages 5 and 2), playing downtairs...laughing. Hmph. Not normal. But, I was tired. And in the middle of something. At that very moment, it seemed like a fine idea to leave them be.<br />
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About ten minutes later, they came running up, still chuckling to each other, and started running around. Wow. Seems like this day of rest must have been good for them too. What a blessing.<br />
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Then my two year old daughter came up to my one year old son, grabbing his hair to a pair of scissors, and said, "I'm going to cut your hair!" I wheeled around in a heartbeat and said, "noooooooo way! We never cut our brother's hair!"<br />
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Shocked, my daughter looked at me, let go of her brother's hair, and quickly threw the scissors to the floor. But there was something wrong. Something very wrong. With HER hair. <br />
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Yesterday, my daughter looked like this:<br />
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Adorable, right? I know. Sometimes I just look at her and think about how absolutely adorable she is. Especially those eyes....and that hair...! Oh, what wonderful hair.</div>
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Yesterday her hair was beautiful. Today, her older brother took her to the salon. And I only wish I could glue this back on without anyone knowing any different....</div>
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I think I'm in mourning. My adorable daughter is no longer so adorable. I'm wondering if there's any way I can get her to wear a hat for the next four months until the hair at the top of her head grows back. This is going to take a considerable amount of creativity. And you can bet I won't be sleeping much tonight--I'll be too busy hoping when I wake up, this was all just a bad dream.</div>
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-17849982144598356922012-12-13T20:00:00.001-08:002012-12-13T20:00:40.930-08:00Sleep Eating<div style="text-align: center;">
It's about time for a funny post! </div>
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My youngest son went for his 15 month check up a few weeks ago. We were at the doctor's office for hours, and everyone came home exhausted. I knew my son was tired, but I figured he must be hungry too. I thought it'd probably be a good idea to feed him at least a little something before taking him up to his crib. I put a blueberry-banana muffin on his tray.<br />
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He grabbed the muffin.<br />
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Squished it in his face, double-handed.<br />
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And then.....<br />
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fell asleep. <br />
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With hands, and muffin, still pressed against his face.<br />
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But the best part? It's like he was dreaming of eating.... so he was still chomping down on his muffin while thoroughly asleep! You could even see his eyes moving as if he's in REM sleep!<br />
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It was hilarious. I stood there for a minute just laughing. And then I did the only thing a parent can do in these types of situations... I got out the camera.<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-19584099958340915542012-11-09T16:08:00.000-08:002012-11-09T16:08:50.817-08:00On LossIf you are squeamish or generally uninterested in reading about the personal and medical matters of another's life, you best stop here. I have plenty of other interesting, not-so-personal posts that will mostly likely suit you. But today, I'm getting a little deep....<br />
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This was a hard week for me. A week of confusion, uncertainty, disappointment, and ultimately loss. My husband and I have three beautiful, young children, and at this time last week, I was pregnant with number four. At least, I thought I was pregnant with number four. I could hardly believe that I had kept the secret so long, since I have such a *huge* mouth. Anyone who knows me well knows that I talk about anything with anyone. So the fact that I was 10+ weeks along and hadn't told more than a handful of people was quite an accomplishment. I couldn't wait to see my family in a few weeks and tell them the news--they'd be shocked that I was almost three months along and they hadn't even known!!<br />
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But then there was spotting.... and then a doctor's appointment without hearing any baby heartbeat... and then an ultrasound with only a six week sac... and then blood levels that showed my pregnancy hormones dropping... Days later the actual process of miscarrying begun, and the blood flow and pain was more than I ever anticipated. As if knowing you lost your precious baby wasn't bad enough, then you had to actually get all of that nonviable pregnancy out of your body--not an easy thing to do, especially at 11 weeks along. My heart breaks even more now to think of women who are even in their second and third trimester and lose their babies. I think I'd probably become a hermit for a *long* while until I could deal with all that pain and loss.<br />
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"Blighted Ovum"--first time I heard the phrase and it's certainly taken over my week. There was an afternoon and evening where there was still hope it wasn't a blighted ovum, just that I was much further behind in my pregnancy than expected. But blood tests the next day confirmed it. So many emotions. So much confusion. I thought I was going to be okay with it, but then the actual process started to happen. Back at the hospital, I decided this wasn't so easy after all.<br />
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I will always remember this week. And I am so thankful for my friends who have been there when I needed them--to listen to my heartache, to take my kids at a moments notice, and to bring me dinner when I could hardly stand up. In this time, I am finding hope in a God who is good, who has planned good for me since the beginning of time, and in whom I can always put my trust. May this Scripture give you encouragement in whatever trials you face, just as it has brought me encouragement in mine.<br />
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<span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">Isaiah 55</span></span></div>
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<span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">“Come, all you who are thirsty,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">come to the waters;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">and you who have no money,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">come, buy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and eat!</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">Come, buy wine and milk<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-1" style="position: relative;">without money and without cost.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18742E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-2" id="en-NIV-18743" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>Why spend money on what is not bread,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="position: relative;">and your labor on what does not satisfy?<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="position: relative;">Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-2" style="position: relative;">and you will delight in the richest<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18743H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> of fare.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-3" id="en-NIV-18744" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">3 </sup>Give ear and come to me;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-3" style="position: relative;">listen,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18744I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> that you may live.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18744J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-3" style="position: relative;">I will make an everlasting covenant<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18744K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> with you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-3" style="position: relative;">my faithful love<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18744L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> promised to David.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18744M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-4" id="en-NIV-18745" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">4 </sup>See, I have made him a witness<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18745N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> to the peoples,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-4" style="position: relative;">a ruler and commander<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18745O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> of the peoples.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-5" id="en-NIV-18746" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">5 </sup>Surely you will summon nations<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18746P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> you know not,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-5" style="position: relative;">and nations you do not know will come running to you,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18746Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-5" style="position: relative;">because of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-5" style="position: relative;">the Holy One<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18746R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup> of Israel,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-5" style="position: relative;">for he has endowed you with splendor.”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18746S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-55-6" id="en-NIV-18747" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">6 </sup>Seek<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18747T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> while he may be found;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18747U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-6" style="position: relative;">call<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18747V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> on him while he is near.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-7" id="en-NIV-18748" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">7 </sup>Let the wicked forsake<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18748W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> their ways</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-7" style="position: relative;">and the unrighteous their thoughts.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18748X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-7" style="position: relative;">Let them turn<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18748Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, and he will have mercy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18748Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> on them,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-7" style="position: relative;">and to our God, for he will freely pardon.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18748AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-55-8" id="en-NIV-18749" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">8 </sup>“For my thoughts<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18749AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup> are not your thoughts,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="position: relative;">neither are your ways my ways,”<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18749AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="right" style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="text Isa-55-8" style="position: relative;">declares the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-9" id="en-NIV-18750" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">9 </sup>“As the heavens are higher than the earth,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18750AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="position: relative;">so are my ways higher than your ways</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-9" style="position: relative;">and my thoughts than your thoughts.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18750AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-10" id="en-NIV-18751" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">10 </sup>As the rain<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> and the snow</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-10" style="position: relative;">come down from heaven,</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-10" style="position: relative;">and do not return to it</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-10" style="position: relative;">without watering the earth</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-10" style="position: relative;">and making it bud and flourish,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-10" style="position: relative;">so that it yields seed<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup> for the sower and bread for the eater,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18751AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-11" id="en-NIV-18752" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup>so is my word<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18752AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> that goes out from my mouth:</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-11" style="position: relative;">It will not return to me empty,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18752AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-11" style="position: relative;">but will accomplish what I desire</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-11" style="position: relative;">and achieve the purpose<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18752AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> for which I sent it.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-12" id="en-NIV-18753" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup>You will go out in joy<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18753AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-12" style="position: relative;">and be led forth in peace;<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18753AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-12" style="position: relative;">the mountains and hills</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-12" style="position: relative;">will burst into song<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18753AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> before you,</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-12" style="position: relative;">and all the trees<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18753AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup> of the field</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-12" style="position: relative;">will clap their hands.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18753AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-13" id="en-NIV-18754" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-13" style="position: relative;">and instead of briers<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18754AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup> the myrtle<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18754AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup> will grow.</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-55-13" style="position: relative;">This will be for the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s renown,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18754AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-13" style="position: relative;">for an everlasting sign,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-55-13" style="position: relative;">that will endure forever.”</span></span></div>
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libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-58888226667657015382012-09-08T19:47:00.000-07:002012-09-08T19:47:29.406-07:00MetamorphosisI know the word, metamorphosis. And of course, I knew, in theory, that a butterfly becomes such after first being a caterpillar, and then forming a chrysalis. <br />
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But watching the process happen in my own home was something entirely different. Watching our itsy bitsy caterpillar grow to two inches in the span of only two weeks was miraculous. And after hanging upside-down in a J shape for half a day, suddenly our caterpillar started disappearing all together. I was amazed. <br />
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(And here's an interesting video catching part of this process....)<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/y7H4Asva54U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I had jumped at the chance to "raise" a baby monarch because I thought my kids would enjoy it. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the process as well. I think in the end, it was I who was mourning when the butterfly took flight, not my children. I felt somehow connected to its life, and then I had to watch it fly away. The only remedy to my disappointment that I can think of is to mark it on the calendar...next year, I'm going to find another egg.libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-24334566805446558662012-08-30T18:07:00.002-07:002012-08-31T06:29:38.620-07:00Etsy 100 GIVEAWAY!! :)Hello out there friends and fans! I'm hijacking the blog for business-related items for the next week or so in order to celebrate getting up to 100 items on my Etsy page! It took a whole lot more time and effort than I expected, but now I'm enjoying being in the triple digits! To celebrate this achievement, I'm hosting my first giveaway. :-D<br />
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There will be two items that you can try to win, and I'm going to let an awesome website called Rafflecopter do all the work for me! There are a few ways to get "points", and each point will gain you added advantage in the winners pot. At the end of the giveaway, Rafflecopter will choose two entries at random. And the best part? I'll even ship you the item for FREE! :) A gen-u-ine giveaway! Can you tell I'm excited?<br />
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So, here are your options. Do note that some of the options for getting points you can do multiple days in a row. Might want to keep that in mind if you really want to win! :) (Reversible bow ties are a $12 value and the Satin Flowers with Ostrich feathers are a $15 value.)<br />
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Good Luck! :)</div>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/v9g21ccga/" id="rc-v9g21ccga" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Didn't know I had an Etsy page? Go check it out!! :) <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lbratt?ref=si_shop">Crafts By Libby</a></div>
<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-91892375236481712012-08-29T18:11:00.004-07:002012-08-29T18:11:46.601-07:00Out on a Limb (Or stem, as it were)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In recent weeks our family acquired two baby monarch butterfly eggs. At this moment, they are both in chrysalis form--it's been an exciting process to watch!! One particular part of the process keeps hanging on my mind, as it seems it could be a metaphor for so many of life's adventures.<br />
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I suppose it wasn't a part of the process, exactly. It was more a simple moment in the process. Every couple of days I had to change the milkweed leaves out so that the caterpillars had enough food for their exponential growth. On this day, one of the caterpillars had eaten itself onto just the stem of the leaf. For a solid three inches of stem, it had consumed all of the leaf substance previously surrounding that area. All that remained was stem and caterpillar.<br />
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I keep thinking about life on a limb.... pondering how my life might be compared to this caterpillars... bent on nothing but consumption? Risking injury to get what I want? Pushing until there's nothing left? Needing new direction? Thinking about the present, without too much thought to the future? Focusing on one area without seeing the big picture?<br />
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I'm not sure that all of these would apply to me. I <i>am</i> sure that one could probably derive many more "wonderings" about life based on this simple picture. It's just such an interesting image....plentiful milkweed, and there hangs the caterpillar, alone, on the end of the stem....<br />
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Just pondering. Guess it's been one of those weeks, just to wonder about life and what we're all <i>really</i> doing. (And what are we <i>supposed</i> to be doing....?)<br />
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<br />libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-978640532346393103.post-70643357128496290802012-08-14T18:29:00.002-07:002012-08-14T18:29:21.780-07:00A Fun Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My four year old begs almost daily to do a new craft--a new craft that's "different" and more "exciting" than we've ever done before. This is not only a difficult request, but truthfully becoming an increasingly annoying one. While my head is swimming with all the things I have to get done, the pressure from a four year old to come up with an amazingly creative craft, is simply irksome. As much as I try to dissuade him from crafting, he will not have it.<br />
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Thankfully, we recently read this book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Mouse-Elisa-Kleven/dp/1582462771/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344993482&sr=1-2&keywords=a+home+for+mouse">http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Home-Mouse-Elisa-Kleven/dp/1582462771/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344993482&sr=1-2&keywords=a+home+for+mouse</a><br />
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It's an adorable book--both in content and artistry. My children had me read it again and again until finally it was due back to the library. In the book, the clumsy elephant creates a beautiful replacement home (since he accidentally ruins the first) for his new friend mouse. The house in the story was what we might think of as a diorama, made with a box and other small random objects. Thankfully, this book gave me an easy idea for craft time....<br />
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I was so appreciative of the hour or more I got to spend doing the dishes in quiet...while my son tirelessly worked on making this house a home. We had even made popsicle stick people the day before (another days craft that I had to come up with...), so the house even had inhabitants upon its completion.<br />
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So, there it is, a nice new house.... would you want to live there?libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07438163725557859679noreply@blogger.com2