tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81039525770329762272024-02-07T14:34:30.445-08:00Coffee With Mama LeighAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-8975280614299123072013-11-18T05:30:00.000-08:002013-11-18T05:30:00.813-08:00Family Room Inspiration <br />
I love the calming effect of neutrals, but I don't like beige or tan. They make me feel like I am in a dungeon for some reason. For the family room, I have decided that the color scheme will be cream, white, brown and blue. Currently in our family room we have brown leather hand me down couches, coffee table and end table via my parents. We also have a cheapo TV stand, 3 cream picture frames and a blue mirror I painted. We certainly are on a budget, but I have had a fun time on Pintrest coming up with inspiration for the room!<br />
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The Space I am Working With<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfhuDYWCCv55tpuKQ-LG8lKN7SJ7iS7TuoBBniLa7LLck1pIJiOshPeHs2C4j_cPvS51-XWlxVG90NQwKD9lOejVtCORmk5XCWarab67oHzl1OV6FgwYPBrtJavrb81IopfCFWCF8F67E/s1600/familyroom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfhuDYWCCv55tpuKQ-LG8lKN7SJ7iS7TuoBBniLa7LLck1pIJiOshPeHs2C4j_cPvS51-XWlxVG90NQwKD9lOejVtCORmk5XCWarab67oHzl1OV6FgwYPBrtJavrb81IopfCFWCF8F67E/s1600/familyroom2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Room Inspiration<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-fdU012D_hyphenhyphenmWSvJNw5dPKzcVNU63VtL6y7tDVArEEn1kNYLTKvJjcPsCvGJNYJSFJaQoSdQuE7ARfjSh_TeTvnEaztMt5yuF1PPBvZAPl-WCm2g2KNDk713LV-eqH9mR_w5qQ8dpzJc/s1600/decorpad.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=96649=96645=0" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYB9zrnGXnS3NMnOA-RGxTTqf454GehbbCdQsTtFGdrv4MDjrGnCVvgoNgDfqpQgh7fXLWIVWMtkbCcFuDDc_ogNcIUxeZI00EHXCfkWSJibpiZg2PX4wWz8PSgSSULH1FxHKo3mcBFPL/s1600/57660-timeless-appeal-xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYB9zrnGXnS3NMnOA-RGxTTqf454GehbbCdQsTtFGdrv4MDjrGnCVvgoNgDfqpQgh7fXLWIVWMtkbCcFuDDc_ogNcIUxeZI00EHXCfkWSJibpiZg2PX4wWz8PSgSSULH1FxHKo3mcBFPL/s1600/57660-timeless-appeal-xl.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/50-living-room-ideas-00400000061600/50-favorite-living-rooms-00400000061604/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Shutters on the windows, but in white.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxj7_SEnfgjx3KmNg6V2eXC4qwJyXSwYtyAgB9cwhvEEjRFB4xE06Z1iill6dpVr5FjtrCdFnzDiy5ZodiMAefP_c2i3hD2VotGuoNVWEBusYeHOhnSZVqW8mTA9RIhI1GZKkDnUgr5Rz/s1600/blueandbrown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxj7_SEnfgjx3KmNg6V2eXC4qwJyXSwYtyAgB9cwhvEEjRFB4xE06Z1iill6dpVr5FjtrCdFnzDiy5ZodiMAefP_c2i3hD2VotGuoNVWEBusYeHOhnSZVqW8mTA9RIhI1GZKkDnUgr5Rz/s1600/blueandbrown.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/0f/fc/9c/0ffc9c6afb13123e7e8b3f09f891994b.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtjTrWYMKrGLgVy1GR_IJkv81t39qxbk-nTZeupJ3m8DOG-M90V9_LXT4Z8YR_TpiuqH9HNTRqjMZ-ri7TpYFdEOdHDA0aKEy5buDjMFNIieuBQi31AKbdeT8CxZNKV2mMYmVRuxGVPIZ/s1600/newengland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtjTrWYMKrGLgVy1GR_IJkv81t39qxbk-nTZeupJ3m8DOG-M90V9_LXT4Z8YR_TpiuqH9HNTRqjMZ-ri7TpYFdEOdHDA0aKEy5buDjMFNIieuBQi31AKbdeT8CxZNKV2mMYmVRuxGVPIZ/s1600/newengland.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/originals/cb/90/49/cb90493401cc19350b96976af7de0b0a.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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The color of the walls: <b>Sherwin Williams- Rain.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dk7Is4iOCDfZCHJ953mezVAT1CW2aeYxVVnuTM2xdJNHz6Q96XIea4SfOoY2Mk5OyLpLMol9D0GEAAYqZoxmp7que9NODDY01W2UmnULrRQliCO8EfVJqeDqeub-OaR10KUmmwXZ4Lat/s1600/rug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dk7Is4iOCDfZCHJ953mezVAT1CW2aeYxVVnuTM2xdJNHz6Q96XIea4SfOoY2Mk5OyLpLMol9D0GEAAYqZoxmp7que9NODDY01W2UmnULrRQliCO8EfVJqeDqeub-OaR10KUmmwXZ4Lat/s1600/rug2.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/tile-border-rug-blue/?cm_src=AutoRel" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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Love these window treatments</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaazDfdFESqM6c-dljIr3-kxLvbDqu1yaA9AwwiclsbuXN_GW56hkybmFpPA_GpUdZxlTZpFDLw54opjBQatMIrKhasYxWdO3xjr1dorG1D2AyCfUEBwBM0CESJlo2U72qgOm02sKH3_S8/s1600/windowwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaazDfdFESqM6c-dljIr3-kxLvbDqu1yaA9AwwiclsbuXN_GW56hkybmFpPA_GpUdZxlTZpFDLw54opjBQatMIrKhasYxWdO3xjr1dorG1D2AyCfUEBwBM0CESJlo2U72qgOm02sKH3_S8/s1600/windowwhite.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/textured-cotton-drape-tie-top/?pkey=call-windows&cm_src=all-windows%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwk8KCwrS85Jkkzwl2hxyJbi0aHMG7J-Util8_hXfh212rJlFOv2Tg_LXB3hq6g6A8NSKCWzNnVmWp1f-tCX4Q_4CipK-hj8OASOqscAMSqiYxc2ghS_RhmjUZ573nb_2nlT4PChSAk1-/s1600/pillows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwk8KCwrS85Jkkzwl2hxyJbi0aHMG7J-Util8_hXfh212rJlFOv2Tg_LXB3hq6g6A8NSKCWzNnVmWp1f-tCX4Q_4CipK-hj8OASOqscAMSqiYxc2ghS_RhmjUZ573nb_2nlT4PChSAk1-/s1600/pillows.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98615482/fall-sale-throw-pillow-powder-blue-ikat?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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For the TV</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv0ULTzkRfqKd6z4s45yEfdP5DIVnICWAsYR2YK2Uk07SGxCrvHA7D64RluvygKv7tkYGC_Iga1eeAET0qbeRbf4C1UYbv9w_q4JZLAn9kChxT0h4pjUKrvjQm3uKq9WrKggbfSm8fOoQ/s1600/armoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv0ULTzkRfqKd6z4s45yEfdP5DIVnICWAsYR2YK2Uk07SGxCrvHA7D64RluvygKv7tkYGC_Iga1eeAET0qbeRbf4C1UYbv9w_q4JZLAn9kChxT0h4pjUKrvjQm3uKq9WrKggbfSm8fOoQ/s1600/armoire.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/159667631/white-french-mediaclothing-armoire-with?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=white+armoire&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto4&ga_search_type=all" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<b>I am debating between curtains and shutters. I want white curtains because I love the clean, but carefree feeling white curtains give a room. I am not sure if they would be a disaster with little kid hands. Maybe white shutters would do the trick, however they are more expensive. I love this <a href="http://aimeeweaverblog.com/my-home/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">lady's home</span></a>. She seems to make white work. What do you think?</b></div>
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<u><b>Read more about our Home Owner Adventures:</b></u></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-owner-adventures-part-1-deciding.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Part 1: Deciding What we Want</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/11/home-owner-adventures-part-2-contract.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Part 2: A Contract on a House</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-7493028813472946862013-11-15T05:30:00.000-08:002013-11-15T05:40:34.168-08:00Twitterature: Books for the Newborn Stage<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QyaTpzAzzjOMSY_ANyqW1Uzh4LfXvHPrMIGrXdTLzjQJ1Abz16rgpVjolvPc66yHI1w9FZzz1fou8dF6RWB69GN2ockjZiAJWupow5FIvgM3awpPwZZBJ-GxH76bv39xWVwhfFVNg8qu/s1600/twitterature-graphic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QyaTpzAzzjOMSY_ANyqW1Uzh4LfXvHPrMIGrXdTLzjQJ1Abz16rgpVjolvPc66yHI1w9FZzz1fou8dF6RWB69GN2ockjZiAJWupow5FIvgM3awpPwZZBJ-GxH76bv39xWVwhfFVNg8qu/s1600/twitterature-graphic1.jpg" height="145" width="320" /></a></div>
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I went on a quest to find good books to read while I was nursing my sweet baby for countless hours day and night. The books needed to fit certain criteria. I wanted them to be easy reads. The books couldn't be too sad for my emotional post baby days. I needed to be able to put them down easily in the middle of the night. But I wanted to look forward to reading them. My kindle made these books even more accessible because I didn't need to worry about having two hands free (one the hold the book and one to flip the page).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Susan Cain</span><br />
Discussed the differences between introverts and extroverts and how our world is created for extroverts. A fun read for me, especially since I fall right in the middle of the spectrum. #LivedUpToExpectations<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mQO0Nk6zuOPqDu3eRcey0bTELm1MJOeaLO0sS7aeokbnPOKDtwd8FRCTtPrGE6rcGuG4zY_125ShMYxzzmIjKlLtshuhTUlpAk2Z0gz3tSJDTt8Ca2_0ST8tw-arBH8sJkFYwP7Cylq3/s1600/quiet_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mQO0Nk6zuOPqDu3eRcey0bTELm1MJOeaLO0sS7aeokbnPOKDtwd8FRCTtPrGE6rcGuG4zY_125ShMYxzzmIjKlLtshuhTUlpAk2Z0gz3tSJDTt8Ca2_0ST8tw-arBH8sJkFYwP7Cylq3/s1600/quiet_final.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Left Neglected</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Lisa Genova</span><br />
Story of a stressed out, workaholic mother who learns to appreciate the simple things in life after she suffers tramatic brain injury post car accident. Perfect for the OT in me. #ALittleTooEmotionalPostBaby #awesomeread<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47PGv8xrZvH81B8DcHJ99cCxWAb-sEEnZMekw0BnQXNsnhmjRZ3EU1uSujsnn8TMz4RMsq7rMVCU2co_2nY5l8t24p3kJFdI77iiSdUqd1_zQbSL__B9siJtWLA0xGBiJQZlq22N1MvnM/s1600/left+neglected.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47PGv8xrZvH81B8DcHJ99cCxWAb-sEEnZMekw0BnQXNsnhmjRZ3EU1uSujsnn8TMz4RMsq7rMVCU2co_2nY5l8t24p3kJFdI77iiSdUqd1_zQbSL__B9siJtWLA0xGBiJQZlq22N1MvnM/s1600/left+neglected.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Why is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Mindy Kaling</span><br />
Filled with hilarious stories from the writer of <i>The Office's</i> childhood. Perfect light hearted read for after having a baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PDKGHIOAsihntJosH4hkHjNJdiUrbr6p8iuxKRSJJWp94iXxlv1fzeCAYJQT7MtMbg42wGu_E89YKmZuqI3OiAEGKfUMXJHkeXTxQZ6Q2Ez5QsH-BVlvN_mxquT6dsx-zN4PraRtV6Kf/s1600/whyis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PDKGHIOAsihntJosH4hkHjNJdiUrbr6p8iuxKRSJJWp94iXxlv1fzeCAYJQT7MtMbg42wGu_E89YKmZuqI3OiAEGKfUMXJHkeXTxQZ6Q2Ez5QsH-BVlvN_mxquT6dsx-zN4PraRtV6Kf/s1600/whyis.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">God I Have Issues: 50 Ways to Pray No Matter How You Feel</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Mark Thibodeaux S. J.</span><br />
This book gives you concrete ways to pray based on your emotions. Perfect for the emotional postpartum days. #GreatReference<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOHTJMFKbWtnguwPN_1v_L7zCfnmvp2vJDYfEAvk5vhmJnikZFzPqiW7XXK7DsaeX9sBy5-m5ECx_s96dDr_Er7j3_XVUaXekafjmg1sB-r9aDUq_H5Kav4flcHpWzvb-uPLqwweOpQ-K/s1600/GodI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwOHTJMFKbWtnguwPN_1v_L7zCfnmvp2vJDYfEAvk5vhmJnikZFzPqiW7XXK7DsaeX9sBy5-m5ECx_s96dDr_Er7j3_XVUaXekafjmg1sB-r9aDUq_H5Kav4flcHpWzvb-uPLqwweOpQ-K/s1600/GodI.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">How Do You Tuck in a Superhero?</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Rachel Balducci</span><br />
Filled with the humor that comes from raising 5 boys. It reads like a blog and is very easy to put down and pick right back up in spurts.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">Alexader McCall Smith</span><br />
The tale of a lady detective who lives in Africa. The book is broken up into snippets of cases, which make it easy to read when you have just small chunks of time.<br />
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Click back over to <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2013/11/twitterature-november-2013-edition-with-a-sad-library-story-and-a-kids-cookbook-review/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Modern Mrs. Darcy</span></a> for more Twitterature!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-89582482309018296862013-11-13T05:30:00.000-08:002013-11-13T05:30:01.650-08:00Peach and Mango Green SmoothieMy sweet little son was born on October 1st and is now 6 weeks old. It is no surprise that I have found myself low on energy these days. Right after my baby was born my mom brought over "Green Machine" Naked Juice. I loved it! It is filled with greens and veggies. Best of all I couldn't taste them because of all the fruits and fruit juices.<br />
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I have been so lethargic that I found myself trying to find something to naturally give me more energy, especially since my body doesn't do well with caffeine. After doing a little "research" I stumbled on the idea of green smoothies. Essentially they are the homemade version of "Green Machine" Naked Juice. They are filled with greens, fruit and juice. I have made a few of them and even my 4 year old doesn't notice the handful of spinach she is eating! Only time will tell if they help my energy levels. Maybe my baby will start sleeping by then!<br />
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Here is a recipe that I came up with that is pretty tasty:<br />
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It makes about 34 oz.<br />
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup of grape juice</li>
<li>2 peaches with natural juices (I used 4 halves that were canned)</li>
<li>2 bananas</li>
<li>a large handful of spinach leaves chopped</li>
<li>1 mango cut into small pieces </li>
<li>4 ice cubes</li>
<li>2 large spoonfuls of vanilla yogurt </li>
</ul>
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First blend the spinach with the juice. Then add the other ingredients in a little at a time. It turns out to be a brownish color and kind of gross looking (reason I didn't take a picture!). But it tastes yummy! </div>
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<b>I hope you give it a try! Let me know what you think. </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-52280541710617257542013-11-11T18:49:00.000-08:002013-11-11T18:49:54.669-08:00Home Owner Adventures Part 2: A Contract on a House<br />
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We finally have a contract on a house and it is exactly what we were looking for! The process was so much more tedious than I anticipated. WE. SAW. A. LOT. OF. HOUSES. I mean, a lot! We visited houses that had floors peeling up, mold in the utility room, 3 bedrooms when the house was advertised at 4 and houses that had backyards that were non existent. Homes around here also were flying off the market! We toured a home that had been on the market for 2 days. As we were leaving the house the listing agent arrived declared that the house had just been sold!<br />
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We made an offer on 2 houses.<br />
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<u>House #1</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>It was about $8,000 over budget</li>
<li>2400 square feet</li>
<li>2 story, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a large playroom (basements don't exist around here)</li>
<li>Large backyard</li>
<li>Real wood floors along with some stained carpet</li>
<li>It also had an air conditioned bonus room attached to the garage </li>
<li>It was located right off of a busy road</li>
<li>Zoned to good schools</li>
</ul>
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<u>House # 2</u>:</div>
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<ul>
<li>The listed price was the top of our budget (but still within budget)</li>
<li>2100 square feet</li>
<li>1 story, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths with a decent sized room to use as a playroom</li>
<li>Nice laminate wood, tile and carpet floors throughout the house</li>
<li>Acceptable sized backyard, but large grassy space in front of the house and park nearby</li>
<li>Good neighborhood with kids playing everywhere on the day we went to tour it</li>
<li>Zoned to good schools</li>
<li>The seller is an older lady who kept the house in perfect condition (it seriously looks like a model home)</li>
</ul>
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The offer on the first house didn't go through. They wanted more money, which would have made it close to $10,000 over budget. We just couldn't do it, so we didn't. The appraisal on the 2nd house came in $10,000 lower then we offered. I was afraid we were going to lose the house, but the seller agreed to lower the price by $10,000. So now we are $10,000 under our budget! Much nicer payments. If all goes well, it seems we will be closing on house #2 on December 9th! </div>
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Without further ado: </div>
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The Family Room</div>
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The Kitchen and Breakfast Area</div>
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Formal Living Area (we will turn it into a playroom)</div>
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Formal Dining Area (we will turn it into a study)</div>
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Master Bedroom</div>
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The Backyard Patio</div>
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I love the layout, the size and the crown molding. I don't mind the cream colored walls. Cannot stand the counter tops! I am so excited to put our furniture in this house and make it our own. Stay tuned for my decorating inspiration.</div>
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Read More Home Owner Adventures: </div>
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<div>
<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-owner-adventures-part-1-deciding.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Part 1: Deciding What We Want</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-40619692463905764552013-08-14T11:17:00.002-07:002013-08-14T11:17:10.429-07:00Blessings While Playing the Waiting Game<br />
A time for change has officially arrived! I graduated, the baby is only 2 months away from making his debut, I found a job and our lease ends soon so we are <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/08/home-owner-adventures-part-1-deciding.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">officially on the house hunt</span></a>!<br />
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I am <strike>patiently</strike> waiting for the testing company to process my graduation information so I can take my national board exam. In the meantime.. I am studying. ALOT. TOO MUCH.<br />
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Right about the time we started looking for a home to purchase, all the houses we were interested in magically went off the market. So we are waiting. Waiting for a house to come up, that we like, in our price range and in the area we want.<br />
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Did I mention I am also waiting for this baby!?!?! Not to say that I don't truly adore getting winded when reading bedtime stories. Or when my biggest accomplishment of the day seems to be staying awake for more than 2 hours at a time.<br />
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So I don't make myself crazy... I will share the SO MANY good things that have been happening lately!<br />
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A few days ago it was our anniversary! We celebrated with a little sparkling grape juice (and wine for him!).<br />
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My husband also got me this cute card to keep me motivated.<br />
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Did I mention that someone is really pumped up about being a big sister?<br />
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Speaking of the baby, we have been <b>so blessed</b> with all that we have been given. A lovely fellow blogger sent us hand-me-down baby boy clothes (That are in awesome shape!). My sister-in-law put together some more hand-me-downs and everyone at my husband's work chipped in to put together some money to give us a mini baby shower. We now are so set for this baby!<br />
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My parents let us use their timeshare for a weekend. We were able to spend some much time in the pool and exploring nearby trails.<br />
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So many good changes to come (because every sane person graduates, starts a new job, buys a house and has a baby all within the span of 3 months right?!). I thought so!<br />
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<b>Keep me from going a little crazy and feel free to share the good things happening in your life!!!</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-82398729174730959562013-08-12T11:55:00.001-07:002013-08-14T10:59:24.883-07:00Home Owner Adventures Part 1: Deciding What We Want<br />
We have started the process of buying our first house! We decided to go with a smaller mortgage firm; as we were advised that larger banks can take up to 90 days to complete the process. There are a million things to consider like credit scores, job history, income level and the amount of money saved up for a down payment and closing costs when getting pre-approved for a loan. It is enough to give anyone a major headache!<br />
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However the much more fun part has been deciding what we want in a house based on our budget! Everywhere I have read suggests that wants and needs should be separated. So that is exactly what we did. Needs should be based on structural elements and location. Wants are things that can eventually be changed. Here is our list:<br />
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<u><b>Needs</b></u>:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>4 bedrooms</b> (or an area that can easily be changed into a 4th bedroom such as a study)- We love the idea of having a bigger family and don't want to have to move out of our house, just because there is not enough room for everyone to sleep. While we are definitely not opposed to kids sharing bedrooms, we would rather not be in a situation where we have a 12 year old daughter sharing a bedroom with her 1 year old sister. The 4th bedroom would give us much more flexibility in that area!</li>
<li><b>Between 1800 and 2400 square feet</b>- This seems to be the right size for us and our growing family, given the right layout. I don't want a huge house because I cannot stand cleaning, but I want there to be adequate space. I am imagining we will have at least 4 children. Although that can never really be planned...</li>
<li><b>Largish yard</b>- As a child I spent hours everyday in the yard. I want my children to have that too. I also want room for a small backyard garden, a hammock and some fruit trees. I am in heaven just thinking about all of this!</li>
<li><b>The right location</b>- This is probably our top priority! Being zoned to good schools is extremely important to us, as our children will most likely be attending the public schools. We also want to live in an area where the neighbors appear friendly. </li>
</ul>
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<b><u>Wants</u></b>: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>1-story house</b>- One story houses seem to encourage more family time and they make adjustments to new babies easier! (Although this is a structural element, it made it to our want list because we would be open to buying a 2-story home)</li>
<li><b>Brick outside</b>- This one is important to my husband...I cannot tell you the exact reason why. I will say that I don't mind either way. So since it is important to him it can go on our wants list!</li>
<li><b>Wood floors</b>- Wood is easier to clean and looks so much nicer. I hate carpet and all the ground up playdoh that gets into it. I also hate how laminate flooring peels up on the edges after it gets a little old. YUCK!</li>
<li><b>Kitchen/living room entertaining space</b>- I would love to be able to cook and talk to guests at the same time!</li>
<li><b>Gas range stove</b>- It cooks food more evenly. Need I say more?</li>
</ul>
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I am sure I forgot something on our list, but that is the gist of it. I am extremely excited to begin the process of going to look at homes!</div>
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<b>For those of you who own homes, what were your make or break items? What do you wish you would have considered? For those of you who are dreaming of home ownership, what do you want in a home?</b></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/08/wfmw-our-favorite-summer-dessert/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Works for Me Wednesdays</span></a>!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-28221688073401072692013-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:002013-07-08T11:01:04.815-07:00Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies<br />
I love these lemon poppy seed cookies! My cousin gave me this recipe in a recipe scrap book for my wedding. I am not sure where she got the original recipe from. They are perfect for a brunch or shower... or just to munch on! This recipe makes 1-2 dozen depending on cookie size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOSULDhH3xPXCMUtuA98yD_144in-mf3zh06WTedxUqqifKNt4InlQELahI-L6ETDghabm2as8yCnGSu8x8AhAO-p13QTcOKR3nD7eUEtNydWslX5BT8iMKFipJ3FcbhiFRnJolmuN9A-/s1600/Lemoncookieswriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOSULDhH3xPXCMUtuA98yD_144in-mf3zh06WTedxUqqifKNt4InlQELahI-L6ETDghabm2as8yCnGSu8x8AhAO-p13QTcOKR3nD7eUEtNydWslX5BT8iMKFipJ3FcbhiFRnJolmuN9A-/s1600/Lemoncookieswriting.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Cookie Ingredients</u></b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>2/3 cup sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup (1 stick) butter</li>
<li>1 egg</li>
<li>2 tsp. lemon peel </li>
<li>1 1/4 cups flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1 tbsp poppy seeds</li>
</ul>
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<b><u>Glaze Ingredients</u></b>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 cup powdered sugar</li>
<li>2 tbsp lemon juice</li>
<li>2 tbsp melted butter</li>
</ul>
</div>
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<u><b>Directions</b></u>: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Cookies</i></b>: Beat sugar & butter in a large bowl until creamy. Beat in egg & lemon peel. Combine flour, baking soda & salt; add to butter mixture. Beat in poppy seeds. Plot desired size of dough onto cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 11-12 minutes. Cool for about 20 minutes.</li>
<li><i><b>Glaze</b></i>: Combine powdered sugar, lemon juice & melted butter. pour over cooled cookies and let set. </li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidthIbwUn10cTl-hQkEicDTFEHUzI4YmAFd2hFTag4NRN2T-IahlrtiZTPqqF0qT7vHs6QwjZk8rKiOUy6KQ6h3A7QsHi7c6gH2H1Y6c4ZBbdgVsmnV2grEbQm7NZ7FDGN-YmFUy83BJs9/s1600/DSC02392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidthIbwUn10cTl-hQkEicDTFEHUzI4YmAFd2hFTag4NRN2T-IahlrtiZTPqqF0qT7vHs6QwjZk8rKiOUy6KQ6h3A7QsHi7c6gH2H1Y6c4ZBbdgVsmnV2grEbQm7NZ7FDGN-YmFUy83BJs9/s1600/DSC02392.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What is your go-to cookie recipe when planning a brunch? I'd love to gather up more ideas!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-48625491140615811962013-07-02T21:14:00.001-07:002013-07-02T21:14:09.079-07:004th of July Hair BowThis 4th of July we will be spending time with my husband's entire family. That means my little one will get to see all 10 of her cousins (all under the age of 8!) There are 8 girls. I decided they all needed matching hair bows to mark the occasion.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc50Jio1Zl2XLWWvx5MezQQ-Vg4MmHyk8LhVYSUgDnT2StjGGy2G4EG7WDtZpWKysE_fVJZ3TIxIc3gpzr-gk8p3hyphenhyphentwB28dd_Ok4xpO50Rfqcu_FgmwERXiOuz93rbFrVUurDFRSJiUcM/s960/4th+of+julywriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc50Jio1Zl2XLWWvx5MezQQ-Vg4MmHyk8LhVYSUgDnT2StjGGy2G4EG7WDtZpWKysE_fVJZ3TIxIc3gpzr-gk8p3hyphenhyphentwB28dd_Ok4xpO50Rfqcu_FgmwERXiOuz93rbFrVUurDFRSJiUcM/s960/4th+of+julywriting.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What you need to make the hair bow: </div>
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<ul>
<li>plain barrette </li>
<li>wooden 1/2-inch dowel rod (I used 3 wooden skewers)</li>
<li>clothes pins</li>
<li>3 colors of ribbon (1/2-inch thick)</li>
<li>3 inch long (not curled ribbon)</li>
<li>needle and thread</li>
<li>hot glue gun</li>
<li>oven</li>
</ul>
<div>
First get out your ribbon and secure it to one end of the dowel rod with clothes pin and wrap it around. Secure the bottom end with one more clothes pin. (repeat for all ribbons you plan to use)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRruNb84Y0bBzlTHbwBpQQWTz4HjR8-RaJmh9MwkHCnRj3JI3QtVjxFEJTI8ewUO-c8opKjkRua66Hc_JkbnOOjJQEXgwzwmHiYPcQa2s1rmV0wLXSCPBY_Ax7oDtnV4n62lclzzP4vGZ/s1600/DSC02397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRruNb84Y0bBzlTHbwBpQQWTz4HjR8-RaJmh9MwkHCnRj3JI3QtVjxFEJTI8ewUO-c8opKjkRua66Hc_JkbnOOjJQEXgwzwmHiYPcQa2s1rmV0wLXSCPBY_Ax7oDtnV4n62lclzzP4vGZ/s1600/DSC02397.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Place in the oven at 220 degrees F for 15 minutes.</div>
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Once cooled down, unwrap ribbon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNstxNHVzvk1DImHqEXMDj5cpsqU4sc40-TopWRsXgThyThJBdbzFq2kgLfGtBsc_ZsAylGGwYI2v9jqlvgn7pUepqtArIcmiJJuLgA4AG_qhpeJF30QoIlBf1bOUr21BKriZqgRiIEACl/s1600/DSC02400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNstxNHVzvk1DImHqEXMDj5cpsqU4sc40-TopWRsXgThyThJBdbzFq2kgLfGtBsc_ZsAylGGwYI2v9jqlvgn7pUepqtArIcmiJJuLgA4AG_qhpeJF30QoIlBf1bOUr21BKriZqgRiIEACl/s1600/DSC02400.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cut it into 3-4 inch pieces.</div>
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Collect 3 of each color, curled ribbon and stack them, so they are flared. </div>
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Use needle and thread to sew the center, so all the pieces stick together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYNWANHGYUr1XL0rAk4c8xPCKsH6sDGd_hqK_b1UmE0DIKV5cFzJajMW_ztu818X4IrRTtAno-SeyM1CVCDCgsFLqOkyrXrD32_5mYQdFKsvXGLK7IyCy3psEy8VSpHQLuqQxxbSW8PhD/s1600/DSC02401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYNWANHGYUr1XL0rAk4c8xPCKsH6sDGd_hqK_b1UmE0DIKV5cFzJajMW_ztu818X4IrRTtAno-SeyM1CVCDCgsFLqOkyrXrD32_5mYQdFKsvXGLK7IyCy3psEy8VSpHQLuqQxxbSW8PhD/s1600/DSC02401.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Use the 3 inch long ribbon and hot glue one end where you just stitched.</div>
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Wrap it around and secure with more hot glue.</div>
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Place a drop of hot glue on the center of the barrette and attach the center of the bow. </div>
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Wrap the straight ribbon one more time, this time including the barrette. </div>
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Secure with hot glue. </div>
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Let cool!<br />
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Here are all 8 of them:<br />
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Have a happy 4th of July and enjoy the fireworks!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-71551413228169569382013-06-25T19:06:00.001-07:002013-06-25T19:06:06.651-07:00Good Things to ComeI don't have anything specific to write about currently, but thought I'd update. However I am eagerly awaiting the end of my full time, unpaid rotation. I have enjoyed it so very much... but 40-60 hour weeks when you don't get paid and have a family can be rough!<br />
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I have so many exciting plans for this blog and thousands of unwritten post ideas that I have jotted down. How I am looking forward to getting back into the groove of things and working ALOT less :)<br />
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Only 2.5 more weeks until I am finished! Hooray!
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-69057743377136151192013-06-11T19:53:00.000-07:002013-06-11T19:53:29.960-07:00Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream: 5th Time's the Charm<br />
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My husband and I got an ice cream maker as a wedding present some years ago. Since then I have tried to make ice cream a total of 5 times. I failed miserably every time. My ice cream was too icy (most common problem) or tasted horrible... or worst of all HAD COOKED EGG WHITES IN IT! A few days ago I dared to try again. I (of course) modified a recipe. It turned out fabulous!! Here it is. It makes about 4-6 servings. Or maybe I could sit down and eat the whole tub all in one sitting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2voL1EMe7xjSSQYmPHwbwk99KUlDz2uhk33rXFPujsPbefs5fZR_C_7d7acDf5o-_uLK9nTT84TUmQk_aeVfjmsORMEJtaYBZRQi5f6arsZkKw72TX5AGDJ4AS63JBsdj3cXRjAiZnkl-/s1600/IMG_4585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2voL1EMe7xjSSQYmPHwbwk99KUlDz2uhk33rXFPujsPbefs5fZR_C_7d7acDf5o-_uLK9nTT84TUmQk_aeVfjmsORMEJtaYBZRQi5f6arsZkKw72TX5AGDJ4AS63JBsdj3cXRjAiZnkl-/s1600/IMG_4585.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>2 cups heavy whipping cream</li>
<li>1 cup milk</li>
<li>3 tbsp cocoa powder</li>
<li>5 oz semi sweet chocolate chips</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla</li>
<li>3 egg whites</li>
<li>3/4 cup white sugar</li>
</ul>
<div>
Combine cream, milk, cocoa, chocolate chips, sugar and vanilla in sauce pan and bring to simmer. Stir constantly until all chocolate is melted and mixed. Let it cool partially, then add the egg whites (you don't want it to be too hot or it will cook the eggs- GROSS). Stir to combine all ingredients. Cool in fridge for 5-6 hours. Put in your ice cream maker for ~ 20 minutes. It turns out like soft serve. If you want it to have more or an ice cream texture, then pop it in the freezer! Then of course... ENJOY!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-8160501448724757762013-05-28T19:02:00.000-07:002013-05-28T19:02:45.601-07:00Financial Blows and a Baby On the Way<br />
In the past few weeks we have had some serious financial set backs...that we weren't really anticipating. My car broke down, our garage door broke and the doctors office just gave us our bill for the OB visits and ultrasound (it needs to be paid in full by month #7 before the baby comes). The combo of these delightful surprises was enough to make us cut into our "house" savings account. Then we were quoted (by about a million childcare centers) ~$400 a week for part time child care for both my children. Go ahead... you can faint at that amount. I just about did. Obviously we are looking into alternative solutions.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All this money..that seems to be distributed to everyone else but me... had me thinking about the upcoming costs of the new baby. Any online search will tell you that having a baby is ridiculously expensive. However I am convinced that it doesn't have to be that way (minus child care if your not planning to stay home and actual birth medical costs...I don't see any way around those two). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With my daughter, we spent almost nothing on her. Both my husband and I come from huge extended families, and everyone was oh so generous. We also got our fair share of hand-me-downs and gifts from friends. Other items were purchased from 2nd hand shops. But diapers and some formula to supplement my nursing were major budget busters. We also lived with my parents... which saved us a ton of money!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time around, I hope to spend very, very little. We saved almost everything from our daughter's baby days, so we aren't anticipating any major upfront costs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>What we already have</u>: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Crib/ mattress</li>
<li>Bassinet (purchased before we got the pack and play...and I hated it!)</li>
<li>Pack and play</li>
<li>High chair</li>
<li>Broken swing</li>
<li>Umbrella stroller</li>
<li>Car seat</li>
<li>Lots of pink blankets</li>
<li>Lots of girl clothes</li>
<li>Pump</li>
<li>Bottles </li>
<li>Toys</li>
</ul>
<div>
So here I am making a list of what we need/want for this baby and anticipated costs.</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Diaper bag- $0 (I plan to use a tote I already have that will function sufficiently) </li>
<li>Baby carrier- $5 (This seems like a must have item, when I have a preschooler to chase after- we got a Baby Bjorn in good shape at a garage sale!)</li>
<li>Baby clothes -$30-$40 (<b>Because we are having a BOY!</b>- We are hoping for some hand-me-downs and then we will hit up garage sales and thrift stores for most of the rest)</li>
<li>Not-broken baby swing- Up to $65 (We are hoping to fix our broken one, but the outcome isn't looking great right now. I searched out the 2nd hand stores and found that it will cost about $65. This seems like a frivolous purchase, but was such a life saver with my daughter- I can't imagine not having one)</li>
<li>Pacifiers-$8</li>
<li>Cloth diapers- Up to $80 (This is based on if I can convince my husband it's a good idea. He is currently rather resistant to the idea. Right now I am checking out options like Sunbaby and Assunta brands as well as sites like: <a href="http://www.re-diaper.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Re-Diaper</span></a>, for the more expensive brands. )</li>
</ul>
<div>
I am also hoping to nurse as long as possible and food process baby food (which I did some of with #1). </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My most likely very low estimate of upfront baby costs comes out to be: <b>$198</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>How do you save money on baby costs? What are things that you think are essential and what do you think are frivolous purchases?</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-7693646614736005642013-04-15T12:02:00.000-07:002013-04-15T12:02:32.781-07:0015 Things I Wish I learned in School<br />
Recently I have found myself questioning some things my daughter is learning in preschool. Then I found myself thinking back on my own schooling. What I learned in school was purely academic for the most part, and I learned very little at home... although I was encouraged to read a lot and participate in a million extra curricular activities. So here is the list I came up with of what I wish I learned while growing up:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>How to sew</li>
<li>How to create a budget friendly list to go grocery shopping</li>
<li>How to find a whole bunch of healthy recipes</li>
<li>How to cook those recipes</li>
<li>How to cook without a recipe</li>
<li>How to bake</li>
<li>How to plan a party</li>
<li>How to plan for guests visiting</li>
<li>How to choose which plants/flowers//trees/vegetables grow the best in my area</li>
<li>How to not kill plants (aka garden)</li>
<li>How to clean a bathroom</li>
<li>How to actually clean anything for that matter</li>
<li>How to organize clutter</li>
<li>How to put together a household budget</li>
<li>How to create a closet full of clothes/accessories that mostly coordinate and don't require too much attention </li>
</ol>
<div>
I certainly learned to think critically. I can read and write. These are all good things...don't get me wrong. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But now that I am trying to get a household to run and thrive, I find myself inadequate in so many skills. I google "how to" do about a billion simple tasks a day; it's embarrassing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think about my grandmother. She didn't have google. She knew how to do these things. She either learned them at school in home economics or they were passed down from her mother. I find it hard to believe that I went my whole life up until a few years ago without these skills.<br />
<br />
I am slowly learning. Most days it feels like I am way behind where I should be (aka my house is a mess). Now I have to think about what I need to do to make sure my children don't find themselves in this same dilemma.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What do you wish you learned in school or at home? How are you ensuring your children grow up with adequate skills for adulthood?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-78640051779289723602013-04-07T05:00:00.000-07:002013-04-07T05:00:08.068-07:00Kitchen Sink Pumpkin BreadI love everything about pumpkin. Pumpkin season is over, but I haven't given it up just yet considering I had one can left over in my pantry. I threw it together with a variety of other ingredients I came up with. Basically I was out of necessary ingredients (such as flour) but I wasn't ready to give up the bread I was craving. I'm so happy with how this bread turned out! It makes 2 loafs.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtQSQfGy-xjhP8J9osasWgkw-CknV9UluWAaubWthQz50Meb3aoevblQ9GZ-RIbM3u75JluadkTi5gKTykAsK-2AiCxWYifv0XGU9zX7dC5i0aMgZezBkdNiufnNeTzMKZflcWYWbwQAW/s1600/DSC02335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtQSQfGy-xjhP8J9osasWgkw-CknV9UluWAaubWthQz50Meb3aoevblQ9GZ-RIbM3u75JluadkTi5gKTykAsK-2AiCxWYifv0XGU9zX7dC5i0aMgZezBkdNiufnNeTzMKZflcWYWbwQAW/s1600/DSC02335.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Recipe</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>2 cups of all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 cup of oats</li>
<li>1/2 cup of vegetable oil</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 can of pumpkin</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups of sugar </li>
<li>1 tsp of vanilla </li>
<li>1 tsp nutmeg </li>
<li>1 tsp cinnamon </li>
<li>A pinch of salt</li>
<li>1 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 cup walnuts</li>
<li>1/2 cup of chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
<div>
I just kind of threw it all together into my kitchen aid mixer, poured it into 2 greased bread pans and baked it at 350 degrees F for about 45-60 minutes. Let cool and enjoy!</div>
<div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-72075069915108349602013-04-05T06:41:00.002-07:002013-04-05T06:41:16.911-07:007 Quick Takes Friday (14)One:<br />
<br />
I made an announcement last week that<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/03/excuses-and-news.html" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I am pregnant with #2</span></a>! Check out my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/04/when-you-give-3-year-old-sibling.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">3 year-old's reactio</span></a>n :)</span><br />
<br />
Two:<br />
<br />
Over the past month or two I have spent some time planting some vegetables/flowers. So far I haven't killed anything yet. I am holding my breath to see if my black thumb can keep these plants alive for the rest of the growing season.<br />
<br />
Tomatoes Starting to grow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhT4rs9k1e5OjlELKIgsgWSeqK-E2NX7cZXogiKiVLLM_E93HtfwsMwfYwIWJ_iKw1abTIagB-H96RD11HofzgozZQQyz19aJ2xG1WqbA0nZL9nUnSp0HQeurEjqJxgrBnII-JzrMPMCL/s1600/DSC02368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhT4rs9k1e5OjlELKIgsgWSeqK-E2NX7cZXogiKiVLLM_E93HtfwsMwfYwIWJ_iKw1abTIagB-H96RD11HofzgozZQQyz19aJ2xG1WqbA0nZL9nUnSp0HQeurEjqJxgrBnII-JzrMPMCL/s1600/DSC02368.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jalapeno plant starting to grow:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSpSU_rqlVRlmKkjQplTnX5G8ePwVLASZiDUBLg3HbPfWY61hTDOFcLgcyaXo-ZReTB5sw759oSWiOAb9KpDgKnppS-H3qotky-IR1uIEDBrUPIjJ-5MqV5K7-tOIgsLRtcxEmdonpux/s1600/DSC02369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqSpSU_rqlVRlmKkjQplTnX5G8ePwVLASZiDUBLg3HbPfWY61hTDOFcLgcyaXo-ZReTB5sw759oSWiOAb9KpDgKnppS-H3qotky-IR1uIEDBrUPIjJ-5MqV5K7-tOIgsLRtcxEmdonpux/s1600/DSC02369.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sunflowers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlpf2wVb2VDve0VJxDNLDW4rXWY2wKsw-P6wtMdlW_dp725vfPH7o9MWbF9AQYW3iI8G1zznB8Mj3toaSlxPmez2wmKmqTFoAjBMVQIFEbVwIUi4g85Hr8mqIGtwPXOxybLRNiPXb-QOK/s1600/DSC02370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlpf2wVb2VDve0VJxDNLDW4rXWY2wKsw-P6wtMdlW_dp725vfPH7o9MWbF9AQYW3iI8G1zznB8Mj3toaSlxPmez2wmKmqTFoAjBMVQIFEbVwIUi4g85Hr8mqIGtwPXOxybLRNiPXb-QOK/s1600/DSC02370.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Three:<br />
<br />
I have had the entire week off of school/my rotation. It has been wonderful being home. I have gotten so much spring cleaning done and spent some good quality time with my daughter, who will be staying home from preschool today. I think I also may have possibly caught up on sleep.<br />
<br />
Four:<br />
<br />
I start my final 12 weeks of my rotation next week. Then graduation! I am in disbelief that this is finally almost over! YAY!<br />
<br />
Five:<br />
<br />
My husband got me a sewing machine for valentines day. I made a fishing game for the hospital I had been working at over the past 12 weeks. I however am having a bit of trouble with the thread bunching on the bottom end. Any thoughts? Advice?<br />
<br />
Six:<br />
<br />
Speaking of sewing... Aren't <a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2013/04/diy-princess-peasant-dressesand-funny.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">these</span></a> the cutest thing you have ever seen. Maybe I will take on this project for my daughter's halloween costume..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVQSZ3bE5I6ipR67ZEblDt0oBdIuZldTijNB8O-3Wjk1_JHIKNAuP43Us1l5P6ee3Cc4Ys1QnRQYaO8zrnBYRop2azQxhcN3pT3TkSgt6t57V9nfHdj1sSWmnllfpqZ4DycIm3hMnaJX5/s1600/Princess-Peasant-Dresses-UCreate_thu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVQSZ3bE5I6ipR67ZEblDt0oBdIuZldTijNB8O-3Wjk1_JHIKNAuP43Us1l5P6ee3Cc4Ys1QnRQYaO8zrnBYRop2azQxhcN3pT3TkSgt6t57V9nfHdj1sSWmnllfpqZ4DycIm3hMnaJX5/s320/Princess-Peasant-Dresses-UCreate_thu.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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Seven:<br />
<br />
The Google Reader button has officially disappeared from my gmail account. Has this happened to anyone else yet? I encourage you to follow me with Blog Lovin on the right side bar. I think I love it just as much as google reader!<br />
<br />
Head back over to <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2013/04/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-213.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Jen's</span></a> for more quick takes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-61634660147246608672013-04-03T10:30:00.001-07:002013-04-03T10:30:15.972-07:00When You Give a 3 Year-Old a Sibling<br />
When you give a 3 year-old a sibling.....<br />
<br />
She will periodically stop what she is doing, cover her mouth, run straight for the bathroom and then spit into the toilet for at least 5 minutes<br />
<br />
You will tell her that you are so sorry she is feeling sick, but that <b>she should probably refrain from doing this when grandma watches her tomorrow</b> (as you have not told grandma that your pregnant yet)<br />
<br />
She will do it while grandma is watching her anyway.<br />
<br />
After you spend an hour cooking dinner......<br />
<br />
She will loudly state, "I cannot eat this! The smell makes me feel sick". Then she will run into the bathroom to spit into the toilet <b>again</b>.<br />
<br />
Then you will decide that the time has come to tell your 3 year-old that there is a "baby in mommy's tummy".<br />
<br />
She will smile and immediately lift up your shirt to check for "that baby in there".<br />
<br />
Then she will ask you every question she can think of, including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What does "that baby" do when you go to work? Does it work too?</li>
<li>But how does "that baby" eat food?</li>
<li>But how do toys get into your tummy for "that baby" to play with?</li>
<li>Does "that baby" fall out of your tummy when you change into your jammies?</li>
</ul>
<div>
Then she will ask you who put the baby in your tummy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You will tell her that you and daddy asked God to put a baby in your tummy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That will remind her that she needs to call daddy right away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She will take your cell phone, click onto favorites and hit the number to call your husband.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She will practically shout to your husband that she knows that Jesus put "that baby" into mommy's tummy!</div>
<div>
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<div>
When your husband comes home, you both will ask your 3 year-old if she thinks "that baby" will be a boy or a girl. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
She will tell you matter-of-factly that, "that baby will be a boy of course, because there is only 1 boy in our family".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then you will decided that it's time to tell your daughter that at some point "that baby" will have a name. So you ask her what names she would like for the baby. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are the names she offers:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Dada</li>
<li>Skittles</li>
</ul>
<div>
You decide she may not be the best candidate for choosing the baby's name. </div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
All this talk about "that baby" will remind her that she wants to ask you if the baby can sleep in her room once it comes out. </div>
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You tell her, that maybe eventually the baby can, but at first it will cry a lot.... so it will need to sleep in mama and dada's room. </div>
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She will put her hands on her hips and say "Thats okay, I will just rock the baby back to sleep".<br />
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Then you will go to your husband's soccer game, where your daughter has a friend her age to play with.<br />
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You will over hear her telling her friend, "My mommy is so special because she has a baby in her tummy <b>right now</b>!"<br />
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You will cringe and hope that none of the other mom's/wives around have heard your daughter make this announcement, as you are still 1 week away from this news being public knowledge. </div>
<div>
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<div>
Then you will smile because your 3 year-old is so darn excited to get a sibling!<br />
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<b>How did you prepare your children for a new baby in the house? I'd love to hear all of your ideas!</b><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-73007438922334364752013-03-27T18:22:00.003-07:002013-03-27T18:22:49.612-07:00Excuses and News!I have been MIA the past few weeks. I very much have missed blogging, but didn't feel up to, well anything! I think my excuse in not too shabby...<br />
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So here is my news: I am about 13 weeks pregnant with baby #2! We couldn't be more excited.<br />
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I have been pretty sick and completing my full time rotation for school, so the combo of the two has left me feeling pretty drained. The good news is that my first rotation is just about over and I think (fingers crossed) that I am done throwing up. My energy level is definitely beginning to improve.<br />
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I should officially be back to blogging on a regular basis starting next week. By some miracle I will have Friday mornings to myself for 12 whole weeks. I may have to jump on the Blog lovin band wagon, as apparently google reader will no longer be in service :(.<br />
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I'm excited to be back and excited to share my news with any of you who may still be reading this!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-37282868032579417912013-02-24T09:04:00.000-08:002013-02-24T09:19:55.160-08:00Lessons from 100 YearsThere is a woman I worked with that is near 100 years old. She in fact is the oldest person I have ever been around. I have been fortunate enough to spend time with her every day for two entire work weeks.<br />
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I am in awe of her spirit. Every morning when I come in to help her get dressed, she greats me with enthusiasm and her daughter has maintained by her side for her entire hospital stay.<br />
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I sit there and wonder what kind of life she must have lived. Her spirit is infectious. She has me singing "Love and Marriage" in the shower when I get home from work. I adore spending time with this woman because I want to hear more about her life. Every single staff member craves spending time with this woman.<br />
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I think about this lady and I only hope that when I am older, my spirit will radiate from me like hers does. She has strong faith in God and appreciates all the small things in life. Most importantly she is so grateful for everyone around her. She states her opinion when necessary, and most definitely is not a push over.<br />
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Now I am left to think about what I can learn from this woman. How can I make myself better and more enjoyable to be around?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-75451274362873653002013-02-01T14:01:00.001-08:002013-02-01T14:01:21.476-08:007 Quick Takes (13)One:<br />
This deal old blog has been a little neglected the past few weeks. First there was Christmas, then New Year, there was moving and starting my rotations, then getting used to my rotations.. The list could go on. Perhaps my life has finally gotten into some kind of rhythm, so back to blogging I am! This week I talked about <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/01/breakfast-made-easy.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">some easy breakfast ideas</span></a>.<br />
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Two:<br />
Last week I spent some time pondering a <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2013/01/lower-your-standards.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">new cleaning schedule</span></a>. I haven't completely settled on one yet. I am however, inspired to make and/or buy a fun chalkboard to go in the kitchen to display my new schedule and weekly dinner menu. I know your on pins and needles to see how it turns out.<br />
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Three:<br />
I have been reading <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Forgotten-Garden-A-Novel/dp/1416550550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359755989&sr=8-1&keywords=the+forgotten+garden" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Forgotten Garden</span></a> </span>by Kate Morton. Although I haven't finished the book yet, I'm convinced it is already worth recommending.<br />
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Four:<br />
Have you gotten a chance to decided on what you will do for Lent this year? I'm debating so many things in my head. My thoughts now lean towards adding good things to my life rather than giving something up. What are your thoughts?<br />
<br />
Five:<br />
My daughter got Candy Land for Christmas from Santa. My parents bought her Dora Candy Land. I was irritated to say the least, unjustly so however. I even thought about giving one of them away. The plastic was ripped off almost immediately, so that idea was shot down. Despite their similarities (as in almost identical) they are treated as entirely different games in our house.<br />
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Six:<br />
Sometimes I find it a challenge to right about seven different things, as if my life is actually that interesting :) I'm going to send you over to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://catholiccookiejar.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-we-dont-use-contraception-natural.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Caitlin's awesome post</span></a> </span>instead!<br />
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Seven:<br />
Have a lovely weekend! Maybe we'll get our house completely unpacked this weekend!<br />
<br />
Head back over to<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/2013/02/7-quick-takes-friday-vol-205.html" target="_blank"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Jen's</span></a> for more quick takes<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-570632156700370072013-01-29T19:14:00.000-08:002013-01-29T19:14:04.750-08:00Breakfast Made EasyMy husband grew up eating cereal for breakfast. He still loves it to this day. I cannot stand the stuff. It's too sugary and hurts my teeth. I also don't like the way the stuff tastes, but it is easy on busy mornings.<br />
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My mornings are busy and early these days. If I get out the door without breakfast, I feel dizzy and lethargic until I put some food into my body. I have been on a mission to find well balanced breakfasts that are simple and fast. I don't mind precooking some food, I just don't want to do it in the morning.<br />
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<u><b>Here are some ideas I have come up with</b></u>:<br />
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1. Hard boiled eggs, 1/2 a bagel with a piece of fruit- I can boil a few eggs Sunday night to last a few days through the week.<br />
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2. Bacon, toast and a piece of fruit- I can cook the bacon ahead of time and just heat it up in the microwave for a few seconds in the morning.<br />
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3. Fruit, plain yogurt and granola with nuts- This is an easy breakfast that requires very little prep time. I have found that walnut pieces are the least expensive type of nut. They're a good source of protein and fat ( great for starting the day!)<br />
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4. English muffin, slice of cheese and a piece of fruit- just pop in the toaster and you are ready to go!<br />
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5. A bagel and cream cheese with a handful of nuts- It can't get any easier than this!<br />
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<b><i>What simple and easy breakfasts work for your families?</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-19100372440195241342013-01-21T18:44:00.001-08:002013-01-21T18:45:41.331-08:00Lower Your StandardsI started my rotations at the hospital just over 2 weeks ago. The work is so enjoyable, but I am still overwhelmed. I chatted with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.messywife.com/p/cathsorority.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">CathSorority</span></a> </span>girls about helpful ideas to keep my house clean. So many of them offered such helpful advice like:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Set a timer for 10 minutes each day to clean</li>
<li>Turn cleaning into play time, so my daughter can participate </li>
<li>Hire help (a girl can dream)</li>
<li>Break up all the cleaning duties so it seems less intense through out the week</li>
</ul>
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Then I had a realization, <b>maybe my problem isn't that my house is too messy, maybe its that my expectations are too high.</b> Perhaps now, is as good a time as any, to give myself and my family a break. </div>
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I have been such a grouch lately. My poor husband got the brunt of it, when he didn't jump at doing the dishes, when I asked him at 10 p.m. one night. I was unreasonable.</div>
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On Sunday the parish priest used his homily to make such a profound statement. He said that some of the parishioners have come up to him and said that while they really enjoy his homilies, sometimes they wish he would use the homilies to convince the congregation to repent. </div>
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<b>The priest said that while repenting is important, he would rather his parish be a place of refuge</b>. He said that the world is brutal and is always telling people what they are doing wrong. He wants the truth of the love of God to be spoken from the walls of his Church. The love of God will make people feel like they are home and cared for---and that will keep people coming back. </div>
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I will say his philosophy certainly has worked on me. </div>
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Given my recent overwhelmed state of mind, I realized that the statement the priest made can also be applied to each families' home. My worry and frustration causes my family to not want to be home or to not feel welcomed. </div>
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<b>Accepting imperfection, while trying to become better can make a home so much more welcoming. </b><br />
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<b>I'd rather a messy house, then a frustrated family.</b></div>
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<b><i>When you are in a challenging season in your life, what expectations do you let go?</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-29495613879464687072013-01-14T05:00:00.000-08:002013-01-14T05:00:02.480-08:00Mom's Best Guacamole This is my mom's recipe for guacamole that she created from a few different recipes. It is a little heavy on the onions, because we are onion lovers! Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhTApAvQzeyW6QpzYu9KAAa5P0FkHFAKkZhFIGNsR34CM6aIRc29MQKoRSc92W7SpZrDn1HJJ_XftqwOJy3VQjylC_ykTsM6Pq6qyqeL5sEMDzWz8Gz5l2SKqUfoLLqlmEF40XJGVaIi/s1600/DSC02109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSrhTApAvQzeyW6QpzYu9KAAa5P0FkHFAKkZhFIGNsR34CM6aIRc29MQKoRSc92W7SpZrDn1HJJ_XftqwOJy3VQjylC_ykTsM6Pq6qyqeL5sEMDzWz8Gz5l2SKqUfoLLqlmEF40XJGVaIi/s1600/DSC02109.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<u>Recipe</u>:<br />
<ul>
<li>3 ripe avocados </li>
<li>1/2 cup chopped tomato</li>
<li>1/4 cup chopped onion</li>
<li>1 tbsp lime juice</li>
<li>salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li>1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro</li>
<li>1/4 tbsp garlic minced or 1/4 tsp garlic powder</li>
</ul>
<div>
Just mash the avocado and stir in remaining ingredients! This would go great with <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/09/chicken-fajitas.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">fajitas</span></a>, rice & beans!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-49702607126219684322013-01-12T21:45:00.003-08:002013-01-12T21:45:58.962-08:00Year of Faith Series: Days in the Chapel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6nK3aM_DRe-6DcEu2zZI09B5b7BUxmp9w4nWJOFoTvWf8FlXVa1oOe-Z19a0_5D4UMEDyhIbDErbZ10JSuW7KLj50_3SfGOhdjv2_kcdJoGPAahwR33xfhDCApLmT_lGY90tlM5VCktf/s1600/yearoffaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6nK3aM_DRe-6DcEu2zZI09B5b7BUxmp9w4nWJOFoTvWf8FlXVa1oOe-Z19a0_5D4UMEDyhIbDErbZ10JSuW7KLj50_3SfGOhdjv2_kcdJoGPAahwR33xfhDCApLmT_lGY90tlM5VCktf/s1600/yearoffaith.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Cousine; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px;">I started the Year of Faith Series as an attempt to further explore my faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Through this series I will dive deeper into specific faith filled moments in my life, teachings of the Church, and new ways to strengthen my faith. I'd love for you to join me in this journey throughout the Year of Faith, declared by Pope Benedict XVI. If you are interested in doing a guest post in the series about your faith journey please email me @</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Cousine; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px;"><b>coffeewithmamaleigh@gmail.com</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Cousine; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Cousine; font-size: 20px; line-height: 31px;"><br /></span>
Shortly before we moved about a month ago, strangely, I found myself with some time to myself before I needed to pick my daughter up from preschool. I decided to head across the street to our Church. After circling the Church, trying every door, I realized that only one door to the entire building was open.<br />
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I made my way inside and just sat there for a while. I love going into Churches or chapels when they are empty, I always have.<br />
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Back in high school, when I coached volleyball for the local Catholic middle school I used to spend time in the chapel every day after practice. I did it out of habit, not because I was this devout Catholic. In fact at the time I was really struggling with my faith. I spent about 30 minutes every day in the chapel with a note pad writing out plays and line ups for the girls. I'm sure that isn't exactly what God had in mind...<br />
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There is something about just showing up that God honors though. He knew I was coming to him for help, even though I never asked. He's smart like that.<br />
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It reminds me of when my mom would ask me to clean my room when I was younger. Reluctantly I always agreed to do it. I would tell her, "Ok, I'll do it. I won't like it though". Despite my attitude, just by going through the motions, my room eventually became clean.<br />
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I think God works the same way. I went to the chapel. I went through the motions. I told God, "I'll show up, but I'm not going to like it". But my heart became clean anyway. He worked in me, and made me believe. God dissipated my doubts. He made me trust in him and his timing. In the tiny chapel, alone, He gave me a sense of peace I didn't have before.<br />
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As I sat in the Church, kneeling before the Tabernacle, I remembered those days and thought about all the people in this world who could find a sense of peace and trust in God like I did, if only they'd show up.<br />
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As I left the chapel that day I felt myself wondering, <b>"How do you convince people to just show up so God can work in them"?</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-51166101257435867642013-01-07T19:25:00.004-08:002013-01-07T19:25:35.065-08:00Hopes for 2013<br />
<div>
I am officially back to blogging after a whirlwind of holidays, trips and stomach flu. All of it was wonderful, minus the stomach flu of course. Watching your 3 year old vomit all night is, well, heart wrenching and exhausting!<br />
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Now back to the point of this post---I'm not big on resolutions, because I tend not to stick to them. However I have decided to make a list of things that I would like to do this year. This list has been written with the expectation that not everything on the list will be accomplished. It is a guideline I have made for myself to keep my goal on track. Here it is: </div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b><u>Learn to sew</u></b>- I have watched friends and family make these beautiful creations and mend clothes like it's nothing; it's time I learned how to do the same!</li>
<li><b><u>Plant a garden</u></b>- At least plant some flowers in 3 big planters outside, and not kill them right away.</li>
<li><b><u>Get my master's in occupational therapy and pass the national boards</u></b>- Only 6 more months until I am cleared for graduation. YAY!</li>
<li><b><u>Have a part-time job</u></b></li>
<li><b><u>Run a 10K</u></b>- Running is something I am not crazy about. I'm convinced that once I start doing it for real, I won't mind it though.</li>
<li><b><u>Learn to knit</u></b>- This goes with sewing, it's one of things that I should be able to do.</li>
<li><b><u>Read more books</u></b>- I am currently working on a list of books that I'd like to read that apply to many different areas of my life.</li>
<li><b><u>Make clay ornaments for Jesse tree in time for next year</u></b>- This was a project I got started on this year, and only got about half way though. I love the tradition of the Jesse tree and think it would help my family to grow in our understanding of the lineage of Christ. </li>
<li><b><u>Blog more</u></b>- I love blogging! My goal is between 3-4 times per week. </li>
<li><b><u>Intentionally pray once a day</u></b></li>
<li><b><u>Save money for a down payment for a house</u></b>- A decent house around us cost at least $160,000, but more likely around $200,000-$215,000. My dream home has at least 4 bedrooms (for lots of kids eventually) and an enormous backyard. I'd like to save close to half the amount for a down payment. My husband, I'm sure, would tell you that it is an impossible goal. My hopes are still high!</li>
</ol>
<div>
<b>What are your resolutions or hopes for 2013? </b></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-74709869455347381302012-12-31T12:27:00.000-08:002012-12-31T12:27:16.298-08:00Favorites from 2012I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a happy new year! I cannot believe the year 2012 has just about come to an end. August 2012 I entered the blogging world, and I'm so glad I did!<br />
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This year I also finished up my classes for OT grad school, my husband started a new job, my daughter turned 3, and we moved into our first house (that we're renting).<br />
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<u>Your Top Picks from 2012</u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/09/when-to-buy-cheap-and-when-not-to.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">When to Buy Cheap and When Not To</span></a>:</span> Here I write about mistakes that I have made and lessons I have learned when furnishing a home and decorating on a budget.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd-X5m8R7M3AHG7GJcA-FbRMYO6qIhx85p-7l5G8jYRXO6PGMn5prYbRtD5Qz7a2vWVoLyDSRQNvaE7jw-0qLH4nKIAFnJYRXtcMo5C7kpoHvhcWn7v75LeqknIka-RsWaplEH8R02HKr/s1600/DSC01879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRd-X5m8R7M3AHG7GJcA-FbRMYO6qIhx85p-7l5G8jYRXO6PGMn5prYbRtD5Qz7a2vWVoLyDSRQNvaE7jw-0qLH4nKIAFnJYRXtcMo5C7kpoHvhcWn7v75LeqknIka-RsWaplEH8R02HKr/s1600/DSC01879.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/09/budget-grocery-shopping.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Budget Grocery Shopping</span></a>:</span> I break down my weekly grocery shopping list and budget.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/11/dinner-time-without-losing-your-sanity.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Dinner Time Without Losing Your Sanity</span></a>: </span>These are the dinner and grocery guidelines I follow to handle meals as stress free as possible. </div>
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<u>My Top Picks from 2012</u></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/10/one-of-lucky-ones.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">One of the Lucky Ones</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">: </span>I explore the busyness of life when you are in your 20's and 30's.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/10/whats-mama-to-do.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">What's a Mama to Do?</span></a>: </span>Life got real the time my daughter told me she didn't want me to be gone at school during the day.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-day-i-found-joy_12.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Day I Found Joy</span></a>: </span>The difference between happiness and joy and how most of us aren't really looking for happiness.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/09/biblical-wisdom-for-personal-finance_18.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Biblical Wisdom for Personal Finance</span></a> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMhL7gYl90vNQmGsajo4JB0vVaiigYHRfUoeJdvesgli9zD4E5WZtZRNy11VdOMw6ixBNB9bgfgrUNODGjUhUF1dt5MstomR1YNsaDwMcpoRFf00mApqL5LK6rqjKy_2KkUK8TG8_1poH/s1600/BiblicalWisdomCoins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMhL7gYl90vNQmGsajo4JB0vVaiigYHRfUoeJdvesgli9zD4E5WZtZRNy11VdOMw6ixBNB9bgfgrUNODGjUhUF1dt5MstomR1YNsaDwMcpoRFf00mApqL5LK6rqjKy_2KkUK8TG8_1poH/s1600/BiblicalWisdomCoins.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>My Favorite Recipes and Crafts from 2012</u></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/09/garlic-and-tomato-pasta.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Garlic and Tomato Pasta</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS1MJsL-5XFwWQk1wkn5dkQ9lJ16R1TGpGO1IcxFZ41uVjLCoIVxby68ixCM-JwzXtGq2N_CXfG-f_u9shEa3uR_7ZaO9Y8LcgeP7pQVIcJQFX3TR26CJI6TSp8jhLApcgDd3SOR-mskA/s1600/Garlic+Tomato+pasta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS1MJsL-5XFwWQk1wkn5dkQ9lJ16R1TGpGO1IcxFZ41uVjLCoIVxby68ixCM-JwzXtGq2N_CXfG-f_u9shEa3uR_7ZaO9Y8LcgeP7pQVIcJQFX3TR26CJI6TSp8jhLApcgDd3SOR-mskA/s1600/Garlic+Tomato+pasta.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/08/roasted-red-pepper-hummus.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Roasted Red Pepper Hummus</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyFPKzB3IIBiL9np-u3QLP3QlyWYpVtuKwnHh60e97Rwj0Be4Yx9v3MvhcBLsBOfpHdWyW2Opp80rOSE35WSqy6QfHWa5kvgy6uO_3scfc8adyCuFhmEr1oEkFkaX2RfgPHwBBnQqbDW2/s1600/Roasted+Red+Pepper+Hummus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyFPKzB3IIBiL9np-u3QLP3QlyWYpVtuKwnHh60e97Rwj0Be4Yx9v3MvhcBLsBOfpHdWyW2Opp80rOSE35WSqy6QfHWa5kvgy6uO_3scfc8adyCuFhmEr1oEkFkaX2RfgPHwBBnQqbDW2/s1600/Roasted+Red+Pepper+Hummus.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/12/clay-angel-ornament.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Angel Christmas Ornament </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKT1xwGNd8TcC3TPldvfijK1qvsR_TjzBBVsCtbjqNXtNHX7giTdc9lZmxR9nEFmJAX_yPoZBNP6rgvc5-JWIhYXA6qljzafZ5Fy2LUhVqYJ5QRA06Z9KuZ_vfbk64B0LZAknaDYBA-h8/s1600/Angel+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKT1xwGNd8TcC3TPldvfijK1qvsR_TjzBBVsCtbjqNXtNHX7giTdc9lZmxR9nEFmJAX_yPoZBNP6rgvc5-JWIhYXA6qljzafZ5Fy2LUhVqYJ5QRA06Z9KuZ_vfbk64B0LZAknaDYBA-h8/s1600/Angel+final.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-cinderella-pumpkin-carriage.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtCvuPbcMCVwufE3g33i6joGuQGwCdmsrlEbJZZ-cA0nmyvF9c1bT2T-xGM-6aNroy0yM4Pz1EeMaTI2c6NwIV2biOqYBJEdnr2gg_dMSmw6LSSDaBPdxw9MbmKa1-XzZZA1rh2wTKr1H/s1600/DSC02074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtCvuPbcMCVwufE3g33i6joGuQGwCdmsrlEbJZZ-cA0nmyvF9c1bT2T-xGM-6aNroy0yM4Pz1EeMaTI2c6NwIV2biOqYBJEdnr2gg_dMSmw6LSSDaBPdxw9MbmKa1-XzZZA1rh2wTKr1H/s1600/DSC02074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/08/wedding-rehearsal-ribbon-bouquet.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Wedding Rehearsal Ribbon Bouquet </span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpAYxVboDKru6r1l88h8bqOJHEO4uApGZwhTFxkiwvixxGNvHU6PozVMTzipr_NvpNNyguuKBirfFPiO2fB9pdaEpUa8wNZ1DRhZP1eE7bqRdBgZUJxTWN36T8dyGzHOnM6yUb1ymmG6N/s1600/bouquet+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpAYxVboDKru6r1l88h8bqOJHEO4uApGZwhTFxkiwvixxGNvHU6PozVMTzipr_NvpNNyguuKBirfFPiO2fB9pdaEpUa8wNZ1DRhZP1eE7bqRdBgZUJxTWN36T8dyGzHOnM6yUb1ymmG6N/s1600/bouquet+flowers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>Guest Posts for 2012</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.messywife.com/2012/10/on-marrying-young-guest-post-grad.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Marrying Young: Grad School and Mommy Style</span></a> for Messy Wife Blessed Life</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXJdNX2cGFq617O9xBivwoczAku69C1_Bb7Sy0X1gr_oMdvsl0wN2revaHvnepvk1kHUYZo92iS_NCvQUyarFgQWGY_44q0WdqQuSKKByHh4vl5pUs5h465NHC0IuzsANZqISdogIs-cb/s1600/weddinguse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXJdNX2cGFq617O9xBivwoczAku69C1_Bb7Sy0X1gr_oMdvsl0wN2revaHvnepvk1kHUYZo92iS_NCvQUyarFgQWGY_44q0WdqQuSKKByHh4vl5pUs5h465NHC0IuzsANZqISdogIs-cb/s1600/weddinguse.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.lifehappenswhen.com/2012/12/holiday-traditions-life-happens-when-guest-series/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Holiday Traditions</span></a> for Life Happens When</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW-s8WOwzbvkU2UdyzrrYXS3-R8hqjm8MjNW8xM6Bde6SlGYUdYjweDPuykDCQe6dNXr2aPFM_A5cF5T6la32qRkKAX-pqYp12LsB8mxOnkaCFccruiwTJmx6yACWdy_s1trhaDcABs0C/s1600/JoeCuttingTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW-s8WOwzbvkU2UdyzrrYXS3-R8hqjm8MjNW8xM6Bde6SlGYUdYjweDPuykDCQe6dNXr2aPFM_A5cF5T6la32qRkKAX-pqYp12LsB8mxOnkaCFccruiwTJmx6yACWdy_s1trhaDcABs0C/s1600/JoeCuttingTree.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I also started my Year of Faith Series with my first post <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/11/year-of-faith-series-angels-among-us.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Angels Among Us</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6nK3aM_DRe-6DcEu2zZI09B5b7BUxmp9w4nWJOFoTvWf8FlXVa1oOe-Z19a0_5D4UMEDyhIbDErbZ10JSuW7KLj50_3SfGOhdjv2_kcdJoGPAahwR33xfhDCApLmT_lGY90tlM5VCktf/s1600/yearoffaith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6nK3aM_DRe-6DcEu2zZI09B5b7BUxmp9w4nWJOFoTvWf8FlXVa1oOe-Z19a0_5D4UMEDyhIbDErbZ10JSuW7KLj50_3SfGOhdjv2_kcdJoGPAahwR33xfhDCApLmT_lGY90tlM5VCktf/s1600/yearoffaith.jpg" /></a></div>
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<u>Looking Forward to 2013</u></div>
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I am so very excited to share the new year with all of you. I have more recipes and crafts to share. We are decorating our new house and are on a serious budget. I'll share plenty of info on budget decorating in the coming year, as I am sure I'll have to get to creative to stay in our budget!<br />
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I plan to continue my Year of Faith Series with posts about the works of mercy, the saints and adoration. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">I also want to invite you to consider guest posting for the Year of Faith series! If you are interested, please contact me at <u>coffeewithmamaleigh@gmail.com</u></span><u>.</u></div>
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There is so much planned for the year 2013! You can follow me via email on the left sidebar or through google reader on the right sidebar to make sure you don't miss any of it! </div>
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Happy New Years!</div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8103952577032976227.post-56929284114315825892012-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:002012-12-21T05:00:12.564-08:007 Quick Takes Friday (13)<u>One</u>:<br />
My husband, daughter and I exchanged presents this afternoon. I got my husband the game Anno 1503. He really likes board games (a lot) and has been wanting a new one for a while. When I say board games... I don't mean Monopoly. He enjoys intense, village building, goods transporting European games that last a minimum of 1 1/5 hours. The slightly dorky games (don't tell him I said that). Since meeting him, I have discovered that I enjoy them on occasion as well. On a whim I decided to get my daughter a doctor set. She enjoyed giving my shots and listening to my heart beat all afternoon!<br />
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<u>Two</u>:<br />
We are finally starting to settle into our new house. We even <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-homemade-christmas.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">decorated for Christmas</span></a>. I love all the space and the lighting is so much better than our last apartment. Did I mention that I have my own washer and dryer?!?! It is like a miracle! In the past 2 weeks I have officially done laundry almost every day, and I am still enjoying every minute of it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1z7EkywHs4SaxsaO6h3FkJLw07sh0y_0EBgo_k_zpvb5rgxqEUTPoODvJwWIiZyw-wHYMd13dBgTLrqZ6uA0DOB2DDoX3OICSvrj1jGsstFqM7keL2Z1aZqF1HhHwTRTeQlBj0Lnvxv8/s1600/DSC02202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1z7EkywHs4SaxsaO6h3FkJLw07sh0y_0EBgo_k_zpvb5rgxqEUTPoODvJwWIiZyw-wHYMd13dBgTLrqZ6uA0DOB2DDoX3OICSvrj1jGsstFqM7keL2Z1aZqF1HhHwTRTeQlBj0Lnvxv8/s1600/DSC02202.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u>Three</u>:<br />
<a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/12/god-was-there.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">My heart breaks</span></a> for the families who lost loved ones in the Newtown shooting. I keep praying and praying. You can <a href="http://newtown.patch.com/announcements/help-our-sandy-hook-pta-family" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">send in snowflakes</span></a> to Newtown Elementary to help decorate the school for the kids when they return after the holidays.<br />
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<u>Four</u>:<br />
If you need to do any last minute baking for Christmas, you may want to check out my <a href="http://coffeewithmamaleigh.blogspot.com/2012/12/butter-christmas-cookies.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">grandma's butter cookie recipe</span></a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJLZs7zp3nHRPXIpiWGPsbX0ooyh7YZP1u0HA7DkX7eP6fafSrM0-LDEn3ADEcHLA7J-vjAWu3u8cCczv2tvJAbIhsxk58OuxNUuixTX0x2hCVCqeAcwPPxUEctmztJ1g0wJCoJ72zc4a/s1600/Grandma%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJLZs7zp3nHRPXIpiWGPsbX0ooyh7YZP1u0HA7DkX7eP6fafSrM0-LDEn3ADEcHLA7J-vjAWu3u8cCczv2tvJAbIhsxk58OuxNUuixTX0x2hCVCqeAcwPPxUEctmztJ1g0wJCoJ72zc4a/s1600/Grandma%2527s.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
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<u>Five</u>:<br />
Somehow I managed to miss the second episode of Jennifer's Minor Revisions! I am so bummed. I missed the first one, but was able to watch it later on YouTube. I hope this one ends up on YouTube too.<br />
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<u>Six</u>:<br />
Being home from school has been a dream over the past 2 weeks. Hanging out with my daughter all day, library time, actually getting chores done around the house, and crafts/decorating getting completed. It has been a wonderful and much needed break!<br />
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<u>Seven</u>:<br />
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas! My posting may be a little less frequent over the next week because I will be having some family time!<br />
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Head over to <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Jen's blog</span></a> for more quick takes!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/249/AFC56A003513A9D2997B1BB88E13CBE4.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01858039489422734407noreply@blogger.com2