tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14948253404348727252024-03-07T04:04:36.346-05:00Encouragement for MomsMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-704930750003976222013-03-17T11:23:00.001-04:002013-03-17T11:23:45.511-04:00Happy St Patty's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9Npr2ZBBIHhIeX0vqEq8CqmxeQ-42aTnioPS2QwIzV4WJAQJvtHebsu3erebWBRIpt7gM635NNkO22Y5MtzZ5-P8Zr1JbDK0u-ZuOgij5fdtcazW0kintSCiWBtvCk-Lktql6oFKrKbl/s1600/stpatsday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9Npr2ZBBIHhIeX0vqEq8CqmxeQ-42aTnioPS2QwIzV4WJAQJvtHebsu3erebWBRIpt7gM635NNkO22Y5MtzZ5-P8Zr1JbDK0u-ZuOgij5fdtcazW0kintSCiWBtvCk-Lktql6oFKrKbl/s320/stpatsday.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy St Patty's Day! (I cannot over look that today is also Sunday, so more importantly... Happy Lord's Day!)<br />
<br />
As a half Irish lass who attended a Catholic school in Philadelphia as a girl, I recall these yummy treats being brought into school around this time of year. Thankfully, I have found<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Irish-Potato-Candy/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_NextRecipe" target="_blank"> the recipe</a> which I have now made a part of our family tradition.<br />
<br />
I made these the proper way with cream cheese and butter. As <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2013/03/copycat-chick-fil-gluten-and-dairy-free.html" target="_blank">I mentioned yesterday</a>, I'm eating dairy free right now, so I can't actually enjoy this batch. :( <br />
<br />
Of course, after I was done making them I found <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Irish-Peanut-Butter-Potato-Candy/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_NextRecipe" target="_blank">a different similar recipe </a>which doesn't use any dairy products. Oh well, maybe next year (or next week!).<br />
<br />
Have a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Irish-Potato-Candy/Detail.aspx?prop24=RD_NextRecipe" target="_blank">sweet</a> St Patty's Day!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-35405716590665054722013-03-16T21:58:00.000-04:002013-03-16T21:58:22.210-04:00Copycat Chick-Fil-A (gluten and dairy free)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0DMC-RDOsb6l9NfqPQO-ZFbhQbrg3ic3SiS6xDb0tp148MEfU1XCT6ewUv-ECDl5d7ZhXL8UvmF8FlXtvTA18JlPQWzO2OoG1FqZzttSrYzuIuz6Ahzf-I4AZqD5HqAwoHPxIMinlIsH/s1600/chickfila.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0DMC-RDOsb6l9NfqPQO-ZFbhQbrg3ic3SiS6xDb0tp148MEfU1XCT6ewUv-ECDl5d7ZhXL8UvmF8FlXtvTA18JlPQWzO2OoG1FqZzttSrYzuIuz6Ahzf-I4AZqD5HqAwoHPxIMinlIsH/s320/chickfila.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since our son, Zachary was a couple of months old, I've been gluten and dairy free. He has become <i>much</i> less fussy, his bowel movements were more "normal" and his spit up became manageable.<br />
<br />
I've missed Chick-Fil-A sandwiches since then. I haven't eaten them much, considering my one son is on a gluten free diet, but on occasion, I just missed them.<br />
<br />
I do love the taste of their original chicken sandwich, but I don't like the fact that they have MSG as an ingredient. Boo!<br />
<br />
So, I was elated when I googled "copycat Chick-Fil-A sandwich" and <a href="http://pocketchangegourmet.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-recipe/" target="_blank">I found one</a>! I put it on the menu to serve on my son's 4th birthday.<br />
<br />
I had to adjust a few things in order for the whole family to be able to eat it. Everyone <i>loved</i> it. <br />
<br />
<b>The tricky parts:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Make sure the chicken is thin enough, so it can be deep fried in a short time.</li>
<li>Try to keep your oil at the right temp (I had a difficult time with this one!)</li>
</ul>
Please enjoy this recipe which is adapted from <a href="http://pocketchangegourmet.com/copycat-chick-fil-a-recipe/" target="_blank">Pocket Change Gourmet</a>. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Gluten and Dairy Free Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich</span></u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">4 boneless skinless chicken breasts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup of pickle juice (key ingredient)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">2 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup soy milk (or milk of choice)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup rice flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 cup cornstarch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 t<span style="font-size: small;">bs powdered sugar</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp ea<span style="font-size: small;">ch:</span> pap<span style="font-size: small;">rika and salt</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1<span style="font-size: small;">/2 tsp each: black pepper, garlic powder, celery seed and </span></span></span></span>parsley</li>
<li>oil for frying</li>
</ul>
Slice each chicken breast into two (or more) thin slices. To do this, imagine laying the chicken flat as though it were a circle cake layer. Slice it in half as though you were making the cake into two thin cake layers (<i>not</i> two half circles).<br />
<br />
Place the chicken in a 9x13" dish and cover with pickle juice. Refrigerate for 45 minutes, then let sit on countertop for 15 minutes.<br />
<br />
Beat the eggs with soy milk in bowl. In a separate bowl combine flours, sugar and seasonings.<br />
<br />
Blot the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Dip in egg mixture then flour mixture.<br />
<br />
Heat enough oil to just about cover chicken in pan to 345-350 degrees F. Fry each piece for around 2 minutes on each side. Don't be afraid to cut into the chicken to check for doneness... its better than serving raw chicken! The outside can look done, while the inside is still pink.<br />
<br />
Serves 8<br />
<br />
Enjoy! <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-6148558592437840902013-03-10T23:11:00.000-04:002013-03-10T23:42:19.411-04:006 activities for your 6-month-old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwxJO0IPglRJ3Rv7v3Nv9GzIFQY8FCLpu2FPrvkIZb-HH9ngZMYoL6cINQQd5hHO9ZX33O9qPZ7wBu_SyMtac9a9KuOYEFDd0jqWL5YG-_3xZDCnll9N_VaxICPMmbQoTlE8qWC5BSCIC/s1600/6months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwxJO0IPglRJ3Rv7v3Nv9GzIFQY8FCLpu2FPrvkIZb-HH9ngZMYoL6cINQQd5hHO9ZX33O9qPZ7wBu_SyMtac9a9KuOYEFDd0jqWL5YG-_3xZDCnll9N_VaxICPMmbQoTlE8qWC5BSCIC/s400/6months.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When Zachary turned 6 months (about a month ago!), I noticed that he didn't sleep as much during the day. He gets bored if you don't do <i>anything</i> with him and I want to keep him occupied.<br />
<br />
Here is a list of things that have kept him happy.<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Most of these<span style="font-size: small;"> need parent involvement, so, unfortunately, I haven't come up with a way for you to get stuff done. I'm still trying to figure that one out myself!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b35d4UWv2OGITp24Zcanag-p8KLCtOM5I-JyC2bSLAkxSnSD3chSrHzKSFzVk3iWpqVrJXkl-ACZHND2tnGaR52CPnW4qjkS0c5axMZKewohG853MMCj2yxIJW6bgfq3dWOA9MP21tf9/s1600/6months1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6b35d4UWv2OGITp24Zcanag-p8KLCtOM5I-JyC2bSLAkxSnSD3chSrHzKSFzVk3iWpqVrJXkl-ACZHND2tnGaR52CPnW4qjkS0c5axMZKewohG853MMCj2yxIJW6bgfq3dWOA9MP21tf9/s320/6months1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Play ball</span></b> Big brother, Ian likes to roll a ball to Zachary. Mostly the baby just chews on it once he's got it, but he does like this game. If your baby isn't sitting that well yet, he can still play while you hold him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Shadows</span></b> When the bright sun comes streaming through the windows, it leaves lots of fun shadows for the baby. He likes watching his own hand or mine. He even likes watching the reflection that my computer makes on the ceiling!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ui_DaLrFXKqhd-v8h8StLsAeE-fYpMuxH9IoZ1DihafRMJILMHclYaX4k5CQQa1TiLtxxXeNA5cT3Hb7h22U4RNU6E0Fflq8jRJ0lUY8zgdmCw3yD7_Vc1kM5C1Vf2eXwDZYeczS-A1_/s1600/6months3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ui_DaLrFXKqhd-v8h8StLsAeE-fYpMuxH9IoZ1DihafRMJILMHclYaX4k5CQQa1TiLtxxXeNA5cT3Hb7h22U4RNU6E0Fflq8jRJ0lUY8zgdmCw3yD7_Vc1kM5C1Vf2eXwDZYeczS-A1_/s320/6months3.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. <span style="font-size: large;">Small <span style="font-size: large;">Bangs</span></span></span> </b><span style="font-size: small;">I like<span style="font-size: small;"> to give </span></span>Zachary a Duplo in each hand. He has fun chewing on them and more importantly banging them together to make a fun sound. It can be two of anything safe and he's content. Such a simple joy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK0Ku_3rpL4Vgh_dZx_UA6ylWAnZrNySs07ZT-xrqI4M0LztKa641SeUyqJQyROeqt-zVF6E8W1wWu3sQZM0pa5Tu7qlLNbLkfeFFCB2M62lgTi4WhcCqV7ve4rT-T8rMaWcd2UZECv9d/s1600/6months4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAK0Ku_3rpL4Vgh_dZx_UA6ylWAnZrNySs07ZT-xrqI4M0LztKa641SeUyqJQyROeqt-zVF6E8W1wWu3sQZM0pa5Tu7qlLNbLkfeFFCB2M62lgTi4WhcCqV7ve4rT-T8rMaWcd2UZECv9d/s320/6months4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Exersaucer</span></b> I'm not really into buying things that won't be used for long and things that are technically unnecessary, but this toy center is <i>wonderful</i>. Zachary loves to spin himself and play with the different things all around him. Sometimes I'll put Duplos or balls around the edge for him to play with. This also helps his legs get stronger. <i>(This is the one activity that allows mom to get a thing or two done!)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZEi9nFcOATgzRSPcCpmmdIudeY5VZ4CY4DYqMVoooOotvR7okhzLHMEYCOiDtQJhAu7ZYDALg5FmIonOMpHuIE2vHK8JYD3x0lwdMLprJ1iiUED66hDPgGwWT0pTNzJRth3ojET1yNoE/s1600/6months5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZEi9nFcOATgzRSPcCpmmdIudeY5VZ4CY4DYqMVoooOotvR7okhzLHMEYCOiDtQJhAu7ZYDALg5FmIonOMpHuIE2vHK8JYD3x0lwdMLprJ1iiUED66hDPgGwWT0pTNzJRth3ojET1yNoE/s320/6months5.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>5. Turned off Kindle</b> </span> <span style="font-size: small;">This is probably Zachary's favorite activity. He loves to look a<span style="font-size: small;">t himself and me from my <span style="font-size: small;">Kindle when its turned off. Of course a mirror would be just as fun, but we don't have a handhe<span style="font-size: small;">ld one<span style="font-size: small;"> (I don't see it as a necessity, so I don't eve<span style="font-size: small;">r buy one!).</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROoEWSmPijn0u56BRlTbQ3vGRCXP4aT5Nu8lOomdhoPuWZz_WGCZxGyNfpA-QpkG_-U9CuQhNS2em_RZUqUga-TAV-tnuNIUVmahLWtPObviYz-kJGOgJ2OZChbfU7TWyS1QHtixmzsBX/s1600/6months2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROoEWSmPijn0u56BRlTbQ3vGRCXP4aT5Nu8lOomdhoPuWZz_WGCZxGyNfpA-QpkG_-U9CuQhNS2em_RZUqUga-TAV-tnuNIUVmahLWtPObviYz-kJGOgJ2OZChbfU7TWyS1QHtixmzsBX/s320/6months2.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">6. Thomas</span></b> When all else fails bring out Thomas. I bought this that from GoodWill that same fateful day I bought <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2013/01/eye-trauma-and-goodwill.html" target="_blank">the eye popping toy</a>. It was $3.71 and in perfect condition. How could I pass that up?! (I know he is sitting by himself in this picture, but whenever he's on it I am always holding him.) He likes to hit the buttons, which make sounds. He also likes to have me hold him while he stands and holds the back. Or he'll sit next to it and play with the wheels. So, even if you don't have a Thomas, I'm sure there are things you can find that your baby can bang buttons on, or hold on to while standing up or spin wheels on!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">What kind of activities does your 6 month old enjoy? </span></b>I could also add music, chewing Pappa's watches and eating to this list. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-15912497822673734412013-03-01T20:56:00.000-05:002013-03-01T20:56:00.780-05:00Seeded PlaydoughWe've been taking things super easy around here since over half of us have been recovering from the flu.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bmRwGbRDlfjhbJSwNs8BFacKVpe2em_zLra48s6o2XBN9TP0fhm8qIk7UyTt55HMfLPQT87GMWVOoqKrhtJqflLZ6rAQ07ZHoQzh1DB9cmjXU0mIAl_W_z9PGzYbsiyLfU-cFuQyMeFU/s1600/seededpd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bmRwGbRDlfjhbJSwNs8BFacKVpe2em_zLra48s6o2XBN9TP0fhm8qIk7UyTt55HMfLPQT87GMWVOoqKrhtJqflLZ6rAQ07ZHoQzh1DB9cmjXU0mIAl_W_z9PGzYbsiyLfU-cFuQyMeFU/s320/seededpd.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ian has not been sick, so I wanted to have something fun for him to play with. I came across an easy <b>no cook playdough </b>from <a href="http://www.teachpreschool.org/2012/03/seeded-playdough-sensory-play/" target="_blank">Teach Preschool</a>. <b>I halved the recipe and left it uncolored.</b>... I kind of like the looks of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBfPfD62h10-Ql7w7YzytzALCsjl1hLGDtIRRpoEpjvo699eDboB0fRdinLzcKmkiuQua01r_grvhNoDcWcYDA3VPQ__lSjL16mVnwtjOaFdaelYnlQn1ODACJUUtdnFlr8ZLAU3ZZvL0/s1600/seededpd1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBfPfD62h10-Ql7w7YzytzALCsjl1hLGDtIRRpoEpjvo699eDboB0fRdinLzcKmkiuQua01r_grvhNoDcWcYDA3VPQ__lSjL16mVnwtjOaFdaelYnlQn1ODACJUUtdnFlr8ZLAU3ZZvL0/s320/seededpd1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For "add-ins" I provided mustard seeds, coriander seeds, fennel, white rice and cloves. These are all things that we keep in our house. (They do indeed have an Indian father!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqHoFAmrOhLhYS0OmSkF7lcsyDuLODiZc0p98eyciI67wPURAddz0JmE5dVI63esFFfWWMLhNjvQ4Jk5xZbuDwlwQBrcXZbfHqLlE7XT6hP6rWfKdgb15aETo-mosLTrDd1VHnW2DYbk2/s1600/seededpd2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqHoFAmrOhLhYS0OmSkF7lcsyDuLODiZc0p98eyciI67wPURAddz0JmE5dVI63esFFfWWMLhNjvQ4Jk5xZbuDwlwQBrcXZbfHqLlE7XT6hP6rWfKdgb15aETo-mosLTrDd1VHnW2DYbk2/s320/seededpd2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
"Mommy, what's this?"<br />
"A clove."<br />
<br />
I didn't expect this to turn into a learning activity, but he did learn a few things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUOHHIkgDasX7-yO6XwZECOKl688cj7C8NpaSvJPwyQi22n1tUU3tlvPjaa82QH5k8n0yLMMdYkQkHrIUbJIWBo0Y7bi_qZZGFnuc-jMRGQ2gZ1FD5ghyphenhyphenNW4gOQXQhEx9zqsNeKjDFav-/s1600/seededpd3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUOHHIkgDasX7-yO6XwZECOKl688cj7C8NpaSvJPwyQi22n1tUU3tlvPjaa82QH5k8n0yLMMdYkQkHrIUbJIWBo0Y7bi_qZZGFnuc-jMRGQ2gZ1FD5ghyphenhyphenNW4gOQXQhEx9zqsNeKjDFav-/s320/seededpd3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I taught him how to knead dough.<br />
<br />
I must say that the seeds don't really stick into the dough all that well, but we still had fun playing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPFCtjl087C_OdVA0z-u3DruFh7rYwiUXO7O9_FCUGMrF25PiyWP0msw7ApmH84cTIfdMdPlxwLsRFu0zbTXQoK-cl6NzhxooV18mdyJCFKZ3Y1roP5wjD_eUTMV9RjvkhwjE-bKWowfP/s1600/seededpd4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPFCtjl087C_OdVA0z-u3DruFh7rYwiUXO7O9_FCUGMrF25PiyWP0msw7ApmH84cTIfdMdPlxwLsRFu0zbTXQoK-cl6NzhxooV18mdyJCFKZ3Y1roP5wjD_eUTMV9RjvkhwjE-bKWowfP/s320/seededpd4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It didn't take long for the cookie cutters to come out and the rolling pin and some plastic knives and even his sisters came out of hiding and played. :)<br />
<br />
The recipe:<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup salt</li>
<li>1 cup flour</li>
<li>1 tbs cream of tartar</li>
<li>3/4 cup boiling water</li>
<li>1 tbs oil</li>
</ul>
Mix together and knead until dough forms. <br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-11891309759267812322013-02-25T12:27:00.000-05:002013-02-25T12:27:03.996-05:00Breastfeeding and Medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlhQ5zkje_G_mEybzn-oWVkJLtcS9Z-8LrTlq4mDu68SxQRL7bkxdiIoZbqVyN3-LNjtpFlSU8T6As9v__5ygd3YWA2Ic1IGYP7vyk2qp5CCrBD30AVp5jD8YjPPDV8xN1jwKuO8pXFQr/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlhQ5zkje_G_mEybzn-oWVkJLtcS9Z-8LrTlq4mDu68SxQRL7bkxdiIoZbqVyN3-LNjtpFlSU8T6As9v__5ygd3YWA2Ic1IGYP7vyk2qp5CCrBD30AVp5jD8YjPPDV8xN1jwKuO8pXFQr/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Does that look like the face of a happy, healthy boy to you? <b>Poor guy has a fever... and so does mommy!</b><br />
<br />
In our house, when fevers strike, the first reaction is to treat it with tylenol or motrin. Easy enough, right?<br />
<br />
In order to make the correct decision <b>I had to call the doctor</b>. <i>Can I give motrin to Zachary and take motrin myself? Would the baby get too much medicine from his dose, plus what he gets from my milk?</i><br />
<br />
Her answer: <b>Its fine for both of us to take the same medicine, just don't give him more than he should have.</b><br />
<br />
Hopefully this will be useful to you one day or even more hopefully, you'll never be in this situation.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you'll want to double check with your doctor if you ever find yourself in this scenario. :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-90969467674869460582013-02-18T21:55:00.000-05:002013-02-18T21:55:31.454-05:00February updateI'm not sure why life doesn't stop for a while on occasion, in order for me to catch up with everything, but it doesn't. Here is a peek into the last few weeks of our lives.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBLJcSnd5kkLJMksvwM53nR8fmfNGVUGK6TdWCcV_6uL2xBdR5i4qBHD-7KBiWSQEZIj027dkrhyCkbUBBGU1irGcfLEtoYCbFQ8WjWTQiT8UGJRReGqwL8CIDEnBPo2Vt1aVvcEh6aTT/s1600/update2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBLJcSnd5kkLJMksvwM53nR8fmfNGVUGK6TdWCcV_6uL2xBdR5i4qBHD-7KBiWSQEZIj027dkrhyCkbUBBGU1irGcfLEtoYCbFQ8WjWTQiT8UGJRReGqwL8CIDEnBPo2Vt1aVvcEh6aTT/s320/update2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seth and his friend with their boat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of the big highlights of 2nd grade at our kids' school is the <b>boat regatta</b>! They learn about boats. Then, using fake money, they buy supplies to build their own. Parents come in for the race to see which team build the fastest boat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Seth and his friend did great with their boat "Skylander".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>(don't mind Seth's hair, that day also happened to be crazy hair/hat day!) </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P5gOyAi_ToCOGbL_dpCtau75gKSIbICBQvsHYjfyDKJLUtDB1T4iVMrdfjqrbiSUA24JosoSM0ppgQaJCxKNfTmD0bXa_L_92pL4N6VAdnhpbyfh7-elvPDOSCiPRgRA5GMClpJc3-nm/s1600/update1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5P5gOyAi_ToCOGbL_dpCtau75gKSIbICBQvsHYjfyDKJLUtDB1T4iVMrdfjqrbiSUA24JosoSM0ppgQaJCxKNfTmD0bXa_L_92pL4N6VAdnhpbyfh7-elvPDOSCiPRgRA5GMClpJc3-nm/s320/update1.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<b> Patricia turned six!</b> We went to a restaurant to celebrate, then came home for cake.<br />
<br />
I will not show you a close up picture of my cookie monster cupcakes, because it is already an established fact that I cannot decorate food. But here is <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/1970393558061330/" target="_blank">the original picture</a> if you want to give it a go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvZoqKawxi0LmgJftOMCd58USRmutD75yDisW_wvU_hHVGH0OJeZXbdkUfuT49-CClz9ugs-PwrcR-82uM-pGRtPe-ZKXTZXQ1osTxknWJrX6qPU1qDia5AEkfVqfvvBJ4Sa8QLc7YCNk/s1600/update3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvZoqKawxi0LmgJftOMCd58USRmutD75yDisW_wvU_hHVGH0OJeZXbdkUfuT49-CClz9ugs-PwrcR-82uM-pGRtPe-ZKXTZXQ1osTxknWJrX6qPU1qDia5AEkfVqfvvBJ4Sa8QLc7YCNk/s320/update3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We took a trip to <a href="http://www.aqua.org/" target="_blank"><b>the Baltimore Aquarium</b></a> in order to study coral.<br />
<br />
Science projects are quickly coming up and coral is the topic that Tabitha picked. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNLK0Nd4FDTXwqFAl77JF0hwpb_oQhyphenhyphenFPyd2GIN-Fd2JcP8msIY3HI2R_5D_r6QBiFnKxLjGh-dpehk-7oRtXEt5q0LSrdgNX-ABRaER3oICRPJYBYuT7zYXVlDlRTBVBlum4JFovhYVT/s1600/update5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTNLK0Nd4FDTXwqFAl77JF0hwpb_oQhyphenhyphenFPyd2GIN-Fd2JcP8msIY3HI2R_5D_r6QBiFnKxLjGh-dpehk-7oRtXEt5q0LSrdgNX-ABRaER3oICRPJYBYuT7zYXVlDlRTBVBlum4JFovhYVT/s320/update5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Multicultural day is also coming up at school. The kids had to decorate paper dolls showing one of their nationalities.<br />
<br />
Patricia and Tabitha chose <b>India</b> and Seth, <b>Ireland</b>. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLj9707G7nIW1_eEtBliRMpFaxolTwNg44XUVD9MUusF7p821vZ13YiWii65MqtxXd3G8Si-Cb9I6IguNC_h7KrZq5KTgTIVs_mt-iSuC_I6DXDUImPRG0ENUdHsxOu_P4GmsnK6g1uy2/s1600/update4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLj9707G7nIW1_eEtBliRMpFaxolTwNg44XUVD9MUusF7p821vZ13YiWii65MqtxXd3G8Si-Cb9I6IguNC_h7KrZq5KTgTIVs_mt-iSuC_I6DXDUImPRG0ENUdHsxOu_P4GmsnK6g1uy2/s320/update4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The school Valentine's parties came and went. I had big plans of the kids making homemade Valentines, but that never happened. So, they went in with <b>store bought cards</b>... they also received a lot of store bought cards and candy! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>This is Tabitha's monster</b>. This was also an idea from Pinterest, but alas, it falls far short of its model.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOeR1rpqZtBBrD_V6GKmMCF9tG1x9nSlf2gthKo2T7oiFt4RicCI82ZVdgNN0zgXVfydZ3Lb8n2p3k5xb7KLN0SE-UUQ_kd4tj2q-arIYP4HwkClGZcpkpCsMvIANOm69LpCYYAE7kxUU/s1600/update7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOeR1rpqZtBBrD_V6GKmMCF9tG1x9nSlf2gthKo2T7oiFt4RicCI82ZVdgNN0zgXVfydZ3Lb8n2p3k5xb7KLN0SE-UUQ_kd4tj2q-arIYP4HwkClGZcpkpCsMvIANOm69LpCYYAE7kxUU/s320/update7.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For Valentine's supper, I made <b>heart shaped hamburgers.</b> Sorry I don't have an after cooked picture, but you'll have to trust me that they still looked like hearts. :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also made heart shaped carrots like from <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/238690848972544239/" target="_blank">this Pinterest idea</a>, but would you believe they didn't come out as pretty as the picture??!! Yeah, I don't believe it either. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrG4ZNDvp3J10UxXk3LAdW3sVe-mnI3wy3WK3vpp8_hfp_DC4w3uhpPna88vTDlKOJ91yjhrISgtsn2PV0nsabJkW-b8SscTRoNTvaEwKWuouHtali3mjr1as1PT3OZD2QnF_ZC_CFUA-/s1600/update6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrG4ZNDvp3J10UxXk3LAdW3sVe-mnI3wy3WK3vpp8_hfp_DC4w3uhpPna88vTDlKOJ91yjhrISgtsn2PV0nsabJkW-b8SscTRoNTvaEwKWuouHtali3mjr1as1PT3OZD2QnF_ZC_CFUA-/s320/update6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Patricia had her <b>100th day of school!</b> Yippee! The teacher gave each child <b><i>a visor to decorate</i></b> with 100 items. I picked up some spiral confetti for Patricia. I liked one of her classmate's, which had 100 random things attached including part of a broken necklace, a key and a used stamp.<br />
<br />
This was a nice easy activity for the kids. When Tabitha was in kindergarten she was able to do anything she wanted. So for that <b>she tried on 100 outfits.</b>.. you can read about it <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2009/02/do-not-try-this-at-home.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
So, that's what's been going on in our household. How about you?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-85959156069864584732013-02-14T22:54:00.002-05:002013-02-14T22:54:44.310-05:00A Mother's Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jocjEmW9_t6tirEcjteXiCultVPOua2wTeVP-748QVAIAtD6_zkg0gmn_Uc3dYINmMAHCsc5clyCNa7amm4O6akxGVfIERL-MwzsKb7NdsmsjKoPXmN4b58Zrk4A7PzRDnZX2Lyo5g2Y/s1600/amotherslove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jocjEmW9_t6tirEcjteXiCultVPOua2wTeVP-748QVAIAtD6_zkg0gmn_Uc3dYINmMAHCsc5clyCNa7amm4O6akxGVfIERL-MwzsKb7NdsmsjKoPXmN4b58Zrk4A7PzRDnZX2Lyo5g2Y/s320/amotherslove.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You know that strong <i>feeling of love</i> that you experience when you first have a baby? Sometimes its hard to remember that feeling, especially when that baby grows older and always seems to get in trouble.<br />
<br />
Sometimes you go to bed <i>feeling guilty</i> that you weren't able to express your love as much as you would've liked to.<br />
<br />
Sometimes you wonder if maybe you don't love your child(ren) enough. Well, at least that's how I feel on occasion.<br />
<br />
The other night I was asleep when I woke up to these words, "<b>Mommy can you turn that off?</b>" I heard every single word Ian said, even though he was still lying in his bed.<br />
<br />
What struck me as so odd, was the alarm clock. He was asking me to turn it off and I realized it had been buzzing for over a half an hour.<br />
<br />
Why didn't I wake up to the sound of the alarm? Why did Ian's voice rouse me from my sleep so easily?<br />
<br />
It immediately made me think of that bond I experienced with my newborns. The sense that I knew I would be willing to die for this child.<br />
<br /><b>The feelings aren't always as strong, but the love is.</b><br />
<br />
Its the close of Valentine's day right now. A day when everyone celebrates their love for each other. A day of sharing feelings. Loving feelings are nice, but I'm so thankful that they are <i>not</i> what love consists of.<br />
<br />
Love is an action word. <b>It is a daily giving of yourself for another</b>. <br />
<br />
Thinking of it in this light helps me appreciate the love of the Lord Jesus Christ for me. He loved me unto death. And He did that for me despite all my sin!<br />
<br />
These thoughts encourage me on in giving and receiving of love.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-63816926663751379632013-02-13T23:50:00.002-05:002013-02-13T23:50:40.964-05:00Snack Time - Banana treatsFor an afternoon snack one day I served this to the kids:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX3Vh1o80lAYANPHRyOVKUja952CXwbWXcpD6FB1EzBs1EeM5ii7Bj-Blyhay3_YSw0XceyP369QK3If16mdb7bas1op4SN7ElGRNL1JhAuboE7VqqO3KNxON7KCVjAbbBo_2qYRH_npL/s1600/banana+snack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkX3Vh1o80lAYANPHRyOVKUja952CXwbWXcpD6FB1EzBs1EeM5ii7Bj-Blyhay3_YSw0XceyP369QK3If16mdb7bas1op4SN7ElGRNL1JhAuboE7VqqO3KNxON7KCVjAbbBo_2qYRH_npL/s320/banana+snack.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was based on <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/238690848972756543/" target="_blank">this pin</a> I saw on Pinterest. Of course, mine doesn't look as good as the original, but the kids still enjoyed it (and so did I!).<br />
<br />
I didn't have mandarin oranges for the sand, so instead I used more slices of bananas. Then, a yummy idea hit me. I sprinkled the bottom bananas with<b> <i>graham cracker crumbs</i></b>!<br />
<br />
Bananas will never be the same again! Its now a sweet indulgence at our house. Just this morning I brought bananas and graham cracker crumbs to a Bible study. (I totally forgot I was supposed to bring fruit, so I'm glad I had this on hand).<br />
<br />
A few last thoughts:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>This treat <i>does not</i> travel well. Its better to cut the banana on premises and sprinkle the crumbs afterwards.</li>
<li>I have lots of post ideas running through my head, I simply haven't had the time to type them up.</li>
<li>Don't forget to tell your loved ones that you love them!</li>
</ul>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-50915413493898598862013-02-06T23:12:00.002-05:002013-02-06T23:12:42.011-05:00Snack Time - Halved eggs with mayo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaCjiNmNXDjNJ9xS56rrQ0s2bZhUl0J3CoyxIql0oS54aKgpq6pV46DxqtL1rOcXw8aKCDK0yzUJcL5Qbstohyphenhyphen666ToFHpBIGcsjUS8mScMCQk14ZLDBhY_PXSAF7HCPsAhpw4YVvHhDX/s1600/eggs1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaCjiNmNXDjNJ9xS56rrQ0s2bZhUl0J3CoyxIql0oS54aKgpq6pV46DxqtL1rOcXw8aKCDK0yzUJcL5Qbstohyphenhyphen666ToFHpBIGcsjUS8mScMCQk14ZLDBhY_PXSAF7HCPsAhpw4YVvHhDX/s320/eggs1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I love this simple and delicious snack. I hear egg yolks have some vitamin D in them. Since I've been lacking that vitamin, I have been trying to get it in any way I can (besides the sun, which has been hiding!).<br />
<br />
<b>Here's the "recipe"</b> if you will... Cut a hard boiled egg in half lengthwise. Slather that baby with mayo. Top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and some optional dill. (The tomatoes are also optional if you're kiddos don't care for them.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTR1vaWXv6lopX0-5JPW_vlVbgL-81R_u0jOMI9nER5krsLO6y6WOsC978NknWFMaml-QykmUDjtDHD-U1Nnd3WWGoU1ElDHF1nG5UetG0ya-a9vlxDYwH6CAsn3debJDbw4S6GJENCLIm/s1600/eggs2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTR1vaWXv6lopX0-5JPW_vlVbgL-81R_u0jOMI9nER5krsLO6y6WOsC978NknWFMaml-QykmUDjtDHD-U1Nnd3WWGoU1ElDHF1nG5UetG0ya-a9vlxDYwH6CAsn3debJDbw4S6GJENCLIm/s320/eggs2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It looks elegant and tastes fantastic. A hearty little snack or a nice addition to a main meal.<br />
<br />
Bon apetit.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-57811850986184693152013-02-03T22:49:00.001-05:002013-02-03T22:49:22.202-05:00Sunday Italian Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today we had a family over for lunch/dinner. Its been a long time since we've hosted a family. It really was nice to have the chance to do so again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing that made me nervous was <i>the dietary needs</i> of everyone. Seth and I are <b>gluten free</b>, I'm also <b>dairy/lactose free</b> and one of our guests is a <b>vegetarian</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really didn't want a rice dish, but I couldn't think of anything else. Then while I was reading, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009ESXKUG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009ESXKUG&linkCode=as2&tag=motheronewoma-20" target="_blank">"Back to School with Healthy Food"</a>, the author spoke about all the courses in an Italian meal. I started researching and picking recipes. Here's what I served...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Antipasto Platter </span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb2R4R9e98CoONDePf5RqvSHpODyXtkNCIVOicbOqa2ThFU0fS953X2raVaeJsi_uMZ5FahUJwukqEf-oWddlbbxrMXYh_K7WZ5E_69IwkcG9G4PxMucXWpKYHczXZj4GU6A7Hq-bp2j6/s1600/italian1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb2R4R9e98CoONDePf5RqvSHpODyXtkNCIVOicbOqa2ThFU0fS953X2raVaeJsi_uMZ5FahUJwukqEf-oWddlbbxrMXYh_K7WZ5E_69IwkcG9G4PxMucXWpKYHczXZj4GU6A7Hq-bp2j6/s400/italian1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We started off with lots of choices for everyone. <br />
<ul>
<li>Olives</li>
<li>Pickled peppers - so yummy (those are the orange/red cherry tomato looking things to the right of the cheese)</li>
<li>2 salami tube thingies</li>
<li>provolone and mozzarella chunks</li>
<li>mini bella mushrooms</li>
<li>black grapes</li>
<li>pickles</li>
<li>artichoke hearts</li>
<li>avocado slices topped with red wine vinegar, salt and pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">First Course (Primo) </span></b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCn9hVUMgr7Iz8rgrhUCr5pGLyTyRJyjcv8O2BdArTy0pyhyphenhyphenme-28q9T315MQ49OzjgDra53INDBl0X2RPYrFoIqhl7pT6cYqJT_rpO_UwwTGdS1eubb-p15AVvpyrGwXepKIcwgZXM6e/s1600/italian2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCn9hVUMgr7Iz8rgrhUCr5pGLyTyRJyjcv8O2BdArTy0pyhyphenhyphenme-28q9T315MQ49OzjgDra53INDBl0X2RPYrFoIqhl7pT6cYqJT_rpO_UwwTGdS1eubb-p15AVvpyrGwXepKIcwgZXM6e/s320/italian2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next up was an<b> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dads-escarole-and-bean-soup/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=dads%20escarole%20and%20bean%20soup&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e13=A%3aSearch%20Results-List%28control%29&e7=Home%20Page" target="_blank">Escarole and Bean soup</a></b>.<br />
<br />
I couldn't find escarole, so I used collard greens. Also instead of the bullion cubes I used vegetable broth.<br />
<br />
This is the one thing that everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Second Course (Secondo)</span></b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwobfvdEreXYQAkjiqc0oNyerwheDM8AlU6Nakq_c9PN4FeQ4Q8mCmSixtTzZZoHRY-zyewC_GtUqy-wGYP8SwymLzWU2mzyQKIJL80ta1vn0FGu2if20CU4qvIYUklP3uGOJ6yBNFhhLF/s1600/italian3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwobfvdEreXYQAkjiqc0oNyerwheDM8AlU6Nakq_c9PN4FeQ4Q8mCmSixtTzZZoHRY-zyewC_GtUqy-wGYP8SwymLzWU2mzyQKIJL80ta1vn0FGu2if20CU4qvIYUklP3uGOJ6yBNFhhLF/s320/italian3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the main dish I went with a <b><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pasta-primavera-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">pasta primavera</a></b> and a <b>caesar salad</b>.<br />
<br />
By now the kids were all getting full, so they had a hard time getting this down the chute. I'm pretty sure they don't like squash or zucchini, so that didn't help either.<br />
<br />
I <i>loved</i> the taste of the roasted veggies in this dish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dessert Round (Dolce)</span></b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8LlHOX_v6Uiac80XPgsToglnQpu9rPozrHbnBJDHlUpfV5oJiMzKwyzfLkTItry8Qh9fjJr-KbtsdnxF8RjznbKEzKaOpVbXFJZcK7i-usd6oVZzxgMElYH3j2kZUFl2uiDrEmEyckE/s1600/italian4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8LlHOX_v6Uiac80XPgsToglnQpu9rPozrHbnBJDHlUpfV5oJiMzKwyzfLkTItry8Qh9fjJr-KbtsdnxF8RjznbKEzKaOpVbXFJZcK7i-usd6oVZzxgMElYH3j2kZUFl2uiDrEmEyckE/s320/italian4.JPG" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
Is there any choice when doing an Italian dessert? My kids love <b><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tiramisu-ii/detail.aspx" target="_blank">Tiramisu</a></b>, so tiramisu it was.<br />
<br />
I used gluten free lady fingers. As a liquid I used coffee only (no rum).<br />
<br />
I really wish I could've had some, but I can't imagine this tasting good if it was dairy free. <br />
<br />
Thankfully, I was still able to eat....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvXFE4hMSIH_S9kPALKXfSo2O6g-5nwQnEshyphenhyphenS8cVH7bwAsGijkCLSBs4u7OaOeaSlDDBQjkmktIFzLtrujRxaTnDRMH3xIQflUY5huDrFWSsGqgLHd2XWj0MkWT0T8ueDC-92IfTuM4e/s1600/italian5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvXFE4hMSIH_S9kPALKXfSo2O6g-5nwQnEshyphenhyphenS8cVH7bwAsGijkCLSBs4u7OaOeaSlDDBQjkmktIFzLtrujRxaTnDRMH3xIQflUY5huDrFWSsGqgLHd2XWj0MkWT0T8ueDC-92IfTuM4e/s320/italian5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
the <b>football strawberries</b>! I am NOT good at food presentation, but I did want to have <i>something </i>there to represent the Superbowl.<br />
<br />
I used Enjoy Life chocolate chips, just so that I could enjoy life. :)<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-88518596649720356922013-02-01T11:58:00.001-05:002013-02-01T11:58:29.728-05:00Snowman Letters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM6vL1RXIiXalldVKpG7dGmkdt3cbUxwNNvYondI6-9ggDuRZ4qIrfv3AzwwuJtl1gTy4tqeJw8k_RDMyjHrre-GUjHQ7WbmsSu6C-pAaG3rMgsymDsbcQdx7iA5Jk4HHmzs4c6rYulBM/s1600/SNOWMAN3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheM6vL1RXIiXalldVKpG7dGmkdt3cbUxwNNvYondI6-9ggDuRZ4qIrfv3AzwwuJtl1gTy4tqeJw8k_RDMyjHrre-GUjHQ7WbmsSu6C-pAaG3rMgsymDsbcQdx7iA5Jk4HHmzs4c6rYulBM/s320/SNOWMAN3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last year Patricia was having some trouble with her letters. After doing some research I found some cute snowmen that I could print off and create a matching game.<br />
<br />
The only problem is, we don't have a printer (yet we still survive!). So, instead, I made snowman and hat templates... not the best ones, but sufficient. Then I set to cutting and writing and drawing cute faces. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTuU8-MSuI7PtemmTQobgNYfj_CHH3_wlhfE3xbVAv5f9ENnR_r14PHTn4X28O7xsx20zIww4j8xqzrxn6-siAhz9QZjHQTn4xCWW0b9cmSyPGSgCY8RfmjuL2qhuugSTQ3HA2dVZOM2b/s1600/snowman1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTuU8-MSuI7PtemmTQobgNYfj_CHH3_wlhfE3xbVAv5f9ENnR_r14PHTn4X28O7xsx20zIww4j8xqzrxn6-siAhz9QZjHQTn4xCWW0b9cmSyPGSgCY8RfmjuL2qhuugSTQ3HA2dVZOM2b/s320/snowman1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This game isn't used very often any more, but every once in a while it gives someone something to do.<br />
<br />
The body of the snowman has CAPITAL letters and the hats have <i>lowercase</i>. For the hats, I put the letters on both sides of the hat to make things a little easier during the searching phase.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAFJdsqNW7LIwWTi9FQsYXYTBcvlAo8zG26DvawY8xZl9M8GP6Ggy7_jsoOYfkqOIphLNdf6cYmW3GDcuOp5fNGLDhy88eq8cOo5ePi1NUK_tVdzYprYHwFU7_-TjpSdAIopNnfQ4yCXq/s1600/snowman2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAFJdsqNW7LIwWTi9FQsYXYTBcvlAo8zG26DvawY8xZl9M8GP6Ggy7_jsoOYfkqOIphLNdf6cYmW3GDcuOp5fNGLDhy88eq8cOo5ePi1NUK_tVdzYprYHwFU7_-TjpSdAIopNnfQ4yCXq/s320/snowman2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Patricia loved that I made this just for her. I had her say the letters she was matching up to make sure she remembered them. A few times of playing and they get really good at them.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-63238759602022655852013-01-30T07:35:00.001-05:002013-01-30T07:35:37.122-05:00Funny FacesYesterday the kids and I were playing with the Mac camera. We couldn't stop laughing, which was good for me! I've been <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2013/01/i-let-myself-laugh.html" target="_blank">working on laughing more</a> and this was super helpful. Maybe these pictures will bring a smile to your face. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz-E-MDKhJyCmKXJ-IhMc0SqNcN5gDrAu75jsSowf5yQ5FKecU-oWVg045keHC7aQ7p0qWze8u5xafEbU7-_8ElURiGbFvVbjhWIDCMfii_UKRMCCbvpF07q3EECpsAczDUIsWFe7Ov6s/s1600/funnyface1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz-E-MDKhJyCmKXJ-IhMc0SqNcN5gDrAu75jsSowf5yQ5FKecU-oWVg045keHC7aQ7p0qWze8u5xafEbU7-_8ElURiGbFvVbjhWIDCMfii_UKRMCCbvpF07q3EECpsAczDUIsWFe7Ov6s/s320/funnyface1.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ian as Frankenstein</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWVdmLyV3KthraQVu1STI5QqX_QZe_k_X_aFYxCdGk5r6WDVXkmM4hmXRTBF-nsPOsGbiB1ghtbfWbwsU5eqjNOpJ87FWtqCOrrSNnaqh4JZ38s8uluzhnbjk1DXTM9AXNud-6OcuEM-p/s1600/funnyface3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWVdmLyV3KthraQVu1STI5QqX_QZe_k_X_aFYxCdGk5r6WDVXkmM4hmXRTBF-nsPOsGbiB1ghtbfWbwsU5eqjNOpJ87FWtqCOrrSNnaqh4JZ38s8uluzhnbjk1DXTM9AXNud-6OcuEM-p/s320/funnyface3.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seth Megamind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92jO3kAR4Zl0miFDL-rQHixmOEPJ_vJwAF16zJ2sEC-CLulxPJ6Q7lyp6ha13-4fhyphenhyphenNmLqPBro3fvsu5A0HBR-j24LNrT3CDCT7qKEHtFqakg1tnpr7Ql2Yu8-82OHBP-XxkH0EukR7hm/s1600/funnyface2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92jO3kAR4Zl0miFDL-rQHixmOEPJ_vJwAF16zJ2sEC-CLulxPJ6Q7lyp6ha13-4fhyphenhyphenNmLqPBro3fvsu5A0HBR-j24LNrT3CDCT7qKEHtFqakg1tnpr7Ql2Yu8-82OHBP-XxkH0EukR7hm/s320/funnyface2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Patricia as Leno???</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLLKNnwVHcH0Gzr1AM31ukCLEH2nG9YllbIMjVihGiOntOZ1_gceedy_1efPfGYEmrm2KPK_qYqpcie-bK5ELwOF7tXBXBp3vmy-_uM_UZRNMAqAaD0W20KNNyrdqgF0Saizbh5qGezZ7/s1600/funnyface4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLLKNnwVHcH0Gzr1AM31ukCLEH2nG9YllbIMjVihGiOntOZ1_gceedy_1efPfGYEmrm2KPK_qYqpcie-bK5ELwOF7tXBXBp3vmy-_uM_UZRNMAqAaD0W20KNNyrdqgF0Saizbh5qGezZ7/s320/funnyface4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tunneled Tabitha</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY0xdr9iQ4mkS0byE40D5ODgABRkt1rfupLeHV1kZB3gYJHkf16EgFKLMqorQ8pq-Cgi78NOkHTCj0JYIqKGGMKK-dXIx-j0LBQYaGB9Q54DMax9RGvg6KELLRRFG2awgqj07mgulpxTq/s1600/funnyface5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY0xdr9iQ4mkS0byE40D5ODgABRkt1rfupLeHV1kZB3gYJHkf16EgFKLMqorQ8pq-Cgi78NOkHTCj0JYIqKGGMKK-dXIx-j0LBQYaGB9Q54DMax9RGvg6KELLRRFG2awgqj07mgulpxTq/s320/funnyface5.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDW-nv-BNrNZ55jL5HZMLK9xNxtuun0ZyBHqFt9ukBGRx-O0aU4uSqTtu_CHdsGA7lG_vlIDxSTPpYHrIwZa50wbDoggkvEXGSQHGzRNibFpw9KUuPdHTMv50D1PaIFS5LtABTv3tGZX2/s1600/funnyface6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDW-nv-BNrNZ55jL5HZMLK9xNxtuun0ZyBHqFt9ukBGRx-O0aU4uSqTtu_CHdsGA7lG_vlIDxSTPpYHrIwZa50wbDoggkvEXGSQHGzRNibFpw9KUuPdHTMv50D1PaIFS5LtABTv3tGZX2/s320/funnyface6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The kids got the biggest kick out of my pictures.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And, lest you go away thinking this is how we really look, here is a "normal" picture:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR4rhcVoAta6p46Ql0fwgFwuvt-iSk44EONKP60KRs1Bvxv0Jl6fMvnmLU1ePIYcofGgYe-75AyU1HYnxYh7IPZvIn1nr1Lbehs709rXY46cow26lz2-SQ1i5S3NUlUAiQDgO3CqC271k/s1600/funnyface7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR4rhcVoAta6p46Ql0fwgFwuvt-iSk44EONKP60KRs1Bvxv0Jl6fMvnmLU1ePIYcofGgYe-75AyU1HYnxYh7IPZvIn1nr1Lbehs709rXY46cow26lz2-SQ1i5S3NUlUAiQDgO3CqC271k/s320/funnyface7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-29767004776952597742013-01-27T18:34:00.000-05:002013-01-27T18:34:15.086-05:00Roe Vs Wade/Abortion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_YSdSJepa9vWfs32csWDcseT2T6eVl58ps5pfnxGg7oVULGXl-RE1JDjzUcv1gccTOxI8koxTyzAmLDQv5XUzQLbV45-Yiwpu_lFnfCgmZwaNmatT6Cv9spsR8LLsGhaoTADx8HD1RGm/s1600/roewade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_YSdSJepa9vWfs32csWDcseT2T6eVl58ps5pfnxGg7oVULGXl-RE1JDjzUcv1gccTOxI8koxTyzAmLDQv5XUzQLbV45-Yiwpu_lFnfCgmZwaNmatT6Cv9spsR8LLsGhaoTADx8HD1RGm/s320/roewade.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Forty years.</b><br />
<br />
That's how long its been since the famous court case of Roe vs Wade.<br />
<br />
Since then <b>over 50 million</b> babies have been killed. That's more than one million a year. (It takes 12 days to have one million seconds.... that's a large number).<br />
<br />
I have a little message for varying groups of people out there:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Those who think abortion is wrong:</u></span><br />
<br />When they were deciding whether to make abortion legal, the argument that was used, was women's health. Not their rights, but their health. What if the mother's life was in jeopardy?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
That is a legitimate argument. However, we know that health issues are not the reason for most abortions. So, as enticing as some moral arguments are, don't fall for them. Think it through and make the right choice about future decisions.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Those who have had an abortion: </span></u><br />
<br />
The guilt you feel (or the guilt you have denied) is normal. You cannot bring your baby back, but you can receive peace and forgiveness.<br />
<br />
God formed <i>you</i> when you were in your mother's womb and He loves <i>you</i>. <br />
<br />
He loves you so much that He was willing to take the punishment for your sins (you're not the only sinner, everyone has sinned). The Lord Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead for you. So that you may live eternally.<br />
<br />
All you have to do is believe in faith that God did this for you. Receive His free gift of eternal life.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Those who are thinking about having an abortion:</span></u><br />
<br />
<b>Don't do it.</b><br />
<br />
Maybe you're scared or lonely. Maybe you've been raped. Maybe you're afraid of being abused.<br />
<br />
If you really cannot take care of the baby, give her up for adoption. There are plenty of people who would <i>love</i> to care for your child.<br />
<br />
If you are in an abusive relationship and fear your safety due to pregnancy, please get help. Here's a phone number: 1-800-799-7233. There is no need to lose a child because of an abuser.<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-60108793654756778742013-01-24T16:33:00.004-05:002013-01-24T16:33:55.254-05:00Eye trauma and Goodwill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieBEv13RJSL_Xi4gMhGL94kUS0_mUOxDobgprU_Kn4lAqA89ZyOCI6lZrOuca1_6nr3lLPvENfIZHCYAxFUdkMjDB5qr5FvuSFwTyDrReFKs2eDM6XVzGMQXfEH2rvEJwyMSfBT29af4i/s1600/ianseye1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieBEv13RJSL_Xi4gMhGL94kUS0_mUOxDobgprU_Kn4lAqA89ZyOCI6lZrOuca1_6nr3lLPvENfIZHCYAxFUdkMjDB5qr5FvuSFwTyDrReFKs2eDM6XVzGMQXfEH2rvEJwyMSfBT29af4i/s400/ianseye1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
What do you think of Ian's <span style="font-size: small;"><b>eye injury</b></span>? <br />
<br />
I'll tell you he wasn't smiling when it happened... neither was I nor my mom nor Enoch. No, we were all holding our hearts in the pits of our stomachs.<br />
<br />
"How many fingers am I holding up?" Thankfully he got the answer right!<br />
<br />
So, what happened?<br />
<br />
<b>GoodWill.</b><br />
<br />
I've been visiting the second hand store since my pregnancy with Zachary. I couldn't bear to buy new clothes that would only be used for a couple of months. It took 5 kids for me to break down and start going there!<br />
<br />
So, Tuesday night I was wandering around, after finding a few outfits for Zachary, when I spotted these toys <b><span style="font-size: small;">brand new in packaging</span></b>: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlNCuSJvar1whgdTIflFDwerUfAZGZ_CnBGbPiEUHVPtYmFN5Iq7kvcD754slx0xWzAmKgc0muSY1Yze5DL7cY6D-BK25EEL-N36snjepvEDMzLJ6gXCWvWWr4tvEH3RYoym1i6ws7SYS/s1600/ianseye2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlNCuSJvar1whgdTIflFDwerUfAZGZ_CnBGbPiEUHVPtYmFN5Iq7kvcD754slx0xWzAmKgc0muSY1Yze5DL7cY6D-BK25EEL-N36snjepvEDMzLJ6gXCWvWWr4tvEH3RYoym1i6ws7SYS/s320/ianseye2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a popping up toy. The "great" thing about it is the hard center which helps it pop up really high. <i>What a deal and all for $.71!</i> Not only one, but TWO comes in the package!<br />
<br />
<b>You live and learn.</b><br />
<br />
I brought this fantastic toy home. We couldn't really get them to work (imagine that!). By the end of 20 minutes, Ian successfully inverted the toy himself. He dropped it on the floor and <b>WHAM</b>, it popped up and smacked his eye!<br />
<br />
He screamed, I panicked, but held it together enough to assess the situation.<br />
<br />
He took a trip to the ER and a follow-up today with an opthamologist. Thankfully his eye is still good and life can carry on as normal.<br />
<br />
<b>Lesson learned</b>: there may be a good reason that packaged toys are in GoodWill... think safety.<br />
<br />
I <i>love</i> the card Tabitha made for Ian, though Ian barely looked at it. <i>(Party pooper)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4-A5A740lpIGjV3Jd3e92VHnZHwQBqZSdhHc2AEBXUkKjFRecHK79af5qiHgpHxx70ePJppeDmQsL6wIDOFdJtbX3BTUgjCL7M2B4h2D46MD52-NMYc3qJB9KUZEYxK_4sqPQOpBQFE6/s1600/ianseye3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4-A5A740lpIGjV3Jd3e92VHnZHwQBqZSdhHc2AEBXUkKjFRecHK79af5qiHgpHxx70ePJppeDmQsL6wIDOFdJtbX3BTUgjCL7M2B4h2D46MD52-NMYc3qJB9KUZEYxK_4sqPQOpBQFE6/s320/ianseye3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-25003604775881400972013-01-20T22:34:00.002-05:002013-01-20T22:34:41.453-05:00Goal Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubr3JwWODKgFYUyc5kRQkIvuiqgI4fIgsGpbZmYFibIaEXoWe9A7ocA4NZrPJbIl1vVX6U9xIPZLYVaQLkzNVcHBrSNKrEJT6wKfx3W2VQTwyDYx9TI2z_44VRa0UxCAVKhBp7bvujoMy/s1600/goals1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubr3JwWODKgFYUyc5kRQkIvuiqgI4fIgsGpbZmYFibIaEXoWe9A7ocA4NZrPJbIl1vVX6U9xIPZLYVaQLkzNVcHBrSNKrEJT6wKfx3W2VQTwyDYx9TI2z_44VRa0UxCAVKhBp7bvujoMy/s320/goals1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This year I made a list of goals that I am working on. Tabitha, not wanting to be left out of the action, followed suit.<br />
<br />
Her list basically consists of 3 things per month. Something with <b>knitting</b> (this month she learned to cast on), a specific <b>book</b> and <b>cook one meal</b> for the family. <br />
<br />
Considering she has a whole month to complete 3 things, its totally do-able. Yet, its a large enough task that she actually feels like she's accomplished something.<br />
<br />
<b>She's already completed her January list! </b><br />
<br />
Last week, she made us spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were tasty! She was so very proud of herself and<i> I was proud of her, too!</i><br />
<br />
I should add, that cooking is a new endeavor for her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNIhms2Bcmi0y3ljrpU-V1dcWIarwFj_Bp6UrexJRDIjC1MfW9uhwvusufklJ_v69pgeCeojHAJGgXW6UaMTxOlh5v8sFLu1-i4x5nU0fsDE9kdV2a3tVHRWwAxV9QmK7tXeI0oMw1N2c/s1600/goals2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNIhms2Bcmi0y3ljrpU-V1dcWIarwFj_Bp6UrexJRDIjC1MfW9uhwvusufklJ_v69pgeCeojHAJGgXW6UaMTxOlh5v8sFLu1-i4x5nU0fsDE9kdV2a3tVHRWwAxV9QmK7tXeI0oMw1N2c/s320/goals2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Meatballs</b></u></span><br />
<ul>
<li>1/4 cup bread crumbs (We used gluten free)</li>
<li>one egg</li>
<li>1/4 tsp oregano</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp onion powder</li>
</ul>
Mix all ingredients together. Form into uniform balls. Bake at 350° F (175° C) for 20-25 minutes. Serve with favorite pasta sauce. <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-44433546569463868152013-01-18T20:27:00.000-05:002013-01-18T20:27:16.640-05:00This Week in Snacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqwgrg5Npdxgp5O6FhG3td3hxCZ-uPUbs5qD8lSBCdSdu0F7wPhyphenhyphenptNz4eFAG7vOBp7hUA7RBiWTlNl2IyRd2RbXVMxlbJvp5pPWQmJ7vXchzpj-kqODf2Yqv-8083F7h8pfjmLG7sWs/s1600/snacks3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizqwgrg5Npdxgp5O6FhG3td3hxCZ-uPUbs5qD8lSBCdSdu0F7wPhyphenhyphenptNz4eFAG7vOBp7hUA7RBiWTlNl2IyRd2RbXVMxlbJvp5pPWQmJ7vXchzpj-kqODf2Yqv-8083F7h8pfjmLG7sWs/s320/snacks3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
About a year ago I read Pamela Druckerman's book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005I4JG80/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005I4JG80" target="_blank">"Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting"</a>. One of the many things I learned in that book, was the general pattern of eating that most French people tend to follow, which is:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breakfast, Lunch, 4 o'clock snack, supper</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's it. Not 10 snacks a day.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since reading, I've tried to implement this in our home. The hardest time for me to keep up with this was when I had a newborn. Not so much during pregnancy, but <i>after</i>! (I blame it on nursing.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Anyway, what it boils down to, is one after school snack. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The kids' favorite snack this week is pictured above. Its not as beautiful as <a href="http://mysanfranciscokitchen.com/chocolate-dipped-peanut-butter-apples/" target="_blank">the original</a> by <a href="http://mysanfranciscokitchen.com/" target="_blank">My San Franciso Kitchen</a> which <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrsmoses/recipes-tried-and-loved/" target="_blank">I pinned</a>, but it was just as yummy.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Apple and Banana slices layered with peanut butter, melted chocolate and crushed peanuts.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGsQPeQiWybNfBYnG-lXeiyK56LAP_GzVGeWicV4TNAa60u5BaIUga-JzLiXhfVqPQknUaTdx50Pg6tFQMnfHWtGQ6AgLXP1XsLBNXn7LruGxst5ZoMhYPL7UOOAflad2RwBNKb-4MoNi/s1600/snacks2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGsQPeQiWybNfBYnG-lXeiyK56LAP_GzVGeWicV4TNAa60u5BaIUga-JzLiXhfVqPQknUaTdx50Pg6tFQMnfHWtGQ6AgLXP1XsLBNXn7LruGxst5ZoMhYPL7UOOAflad2RwBNKb-4MoNi/s320/snacks2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I wanted to get the kids' reaction, when they found out what treat it was. <i>Tabitha was too over the top and Seth wanted to pretend he didn't care</i>. :) (Do you see Zachary in the background?) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is a list of the other snacks we had this week:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>Mint chocolate chip yogurt (the kids' fave- plain yogurt with sugar, chocolate chips and less than a drop of peppermint extract)</li>
<li>Popcorn (not microwave! Light snack due to an early supper)</li>
<li><a href="http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2010/01/roasted-garbanzo-beans-with-cajun-spice.html" target="_blank">Roasted Garbanzo Beans with Cajun Spice</a> (this went over so-so, my husband really liked them, though)</li>
<li>Pepper jack cheese sliced and leftover wings from my lunch date with Enoch</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-66307452519056961042013-01-17T20:14:00.000-05:002013-01-17T20:14:45.748-05:00Brocolli Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o0e60bRrecmYGygJuY7nLCcszZYzGZ2SuIXpcjHZ-9HC8sRpH9y6_aJkw4oOYz_ILIU8G6XcfVKNOhDeT0ukMlrbLInefk8e1QzQtqDJ0lG0KJdbJ71T65KnCGayPCVkzxcE85k92EgV/s1600/broc1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o0e60bRrecmYGygJuY7nLCcszZYzGZ2SuIXpcjHZ-9HC8sRpH9y6_aJkw4oOYz_ILIU8G6XcfVKNOhDeT0ukMlrbLInefk8e1QzQtqDJ0lG0KJdbJ71T65KnCGayPCVkzxcE85k92EgV/s320/broc1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't you love recipes that don't have instructions? My broccoli salad recipe just has a list of ingredients. That means <b>its easy</b>.<br />
<br />
You know what else? <b>Its good</b>! And its even <b>dairy and gluten free</b>. But there's bacon in it, so its not for vegetarians, although you can omit it. :)<br />
<br />
This recipe makes a nice big bowl, but that doesn't deter our family from devouring it within 2 days. If you don't have 8 people living under your roof, you can easily half the recipe.<br />
<br />
This is <b>perfect</b> for potlucks. Give it a try, have it as a side for dinner sometime.<br />
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBBXsakY4GeiT9S_2U51CtUMYjpZVc7wK5M9zbvwZJSu-J2LrK_ZvcV3xMVlL80tDSSZ1GS0F5WjJb2mtE7e_p_LECEq1eHt36wCDAG1nhVE1v23X5E2-u8t-sHw8hosk5mxh1CnWPcps/s1600/broc2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBBXsakY4GeiT9S_2U51CtUMYjpZVc7wK5M9zbvwZJSu-J2LrK_ZvcV3xMVlL80tDSSZ1GS0F5WjJb2mtE7e_p_LECEq1eHt36wCDAG1nhVE1v23X5E2-u8t-sHw8hosk5mxh1CnWPcps/s320/broc2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Broccoli Salad</span></b></u><br />
<b>Makes 16 side servings</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 heads of broccoli, chopped</li>
<li>1/2 red onion, finely chopped</li>
<li>1/2 pound bacon, chopped and browned</li>
<li>3/4 cup raisins (or craisins or golden raisins)</li>
<li>3/4 cup nuts (I use peanuts due to daughter's tree nut allergy)</li>
<li>1 cup mayonnaise</li>
<li>1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li>2 tbs red wine vinegar</li>
</ul>
In large bowl mix broccoli, red onion, bacon, raisins and nuts.<br />
<br />
In separate medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sugar and red wine vinegar. Pour over top of broccoli mixture. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve.<br />
<br />
Not sure how long this would last, maybe 3-5 days.<br />
<br />
Thanks Laura C. for sharing this recipe with me! <div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-82904221917254726822013-01-14T21:46:00.001-05:002013-01-14T21:46:17.238-05:00I let myself laugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1OeXPQz_Zij5Moqu6EP7zBc7-4g4bz3L9cpTrsXnfUakCcIDtFm3MDSi1X8HHIsa3W49vW2uYu3W0qyo08-4jr_TwtWgEZ1mRhHs46XwkSwrpoR-O1AZQjy_hVVYhsQ07FQS_ZitDpJf/s1600/ian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1OeXPQz_Zij5Moqu6EP7zBc7-4g4bz3L9cpTrsXnfUakCcIDtFm3MDSi1X8HHIsa3W49vW2uYu3W0qyo08-4jr_TwtWgEZ1mRhHs46XwkSwrpoR-O1AZQjy_hVVYhsQ07FQS_ZitDpJf/s320/ian.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Bedtime never goes smoothly at our house. I think it has something to do with this equation: 7 people + 2 bedrooms = non-stop shushing.<br />
<br />
Last night Ian stayed up way too late with me. He was keeping the school aged children awake, so I let him come downstairs and watch "The Incredibles" in Spanish (my kind of fun!).<br />
<br />
This morning he was crying before breakfast. I knew he needed sleep, but I also knew he would refuse his nap as usual.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 8:30 tonight. He had been awake all day, had himself a few crying fits, which are uncharacteristic of him, even walked into walls a few times out of fatigue.<br />
<br />
I finally got him to lie down. He was lying in his toddler bed, which is right next to my bed. I was lying down with the baby, so we were all in very close proximity.<br />
<br />
Suddenly a harmonica starts playing.<br />
<br />
"SETH!" I yelled to shush him. His answer was distant, it wasn't him, but he came running up anyway.<br />
<br />
"PATRICIA!" No, it wasn't her, she was just about as far away as Seth was.<br />
<br />
I peeked over my bed and noticed it was Ian playing the harmonica!<br />
<br />
Normally, under these circumstances I would stifle my laughter and reprimand Ian for playing when really I wanted him to sleep.<br />
<br />
But today, <b><i>I let myself laugh</i></b>! I must say it felt good, too. AND it made Ian, Seth and even 5 month old, Zachary laugh.<br />
<br />
I've been going through the "Complete" devotional with <a href="http://arabahjoy.com/" target="_blank">Arabah Joy</a>. My goal is to laugh more with the kids. By so doing, I'm hoping to not be such an angry mom. Today was a victory day for me!<br />
<br />
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil. 4:13<br />
<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-18080477315416363152013-01-12T21:25:00.000-05:002013-01-12T21:26:34.538-05:00My 2013 Reading List (24 books)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I contemplated posting my list of books earlier, but I was afraid of giving up on yet another venture of mine. But, since we're not quite halfway through the first month and I'm already well into my 2nd book, I feel like I just may make it through this year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Besides these books I'm also reading small e-books and a one year Bible plan. I'll be updating my <a href="http://pinterest.com/mrsmoses/books-and-ebooks-read-in-2013/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> regularly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One thing I've been learning so far, is not to jump ahead. Even if I finish January's two books, I'm not going to get started on February's before their time. I hope to avoid burnout and practice self control. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Let me know what you think of my list! I know I have some strange taste and I'm not sure I'll be able to get through some of them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OT9W6/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041OT9W6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0041OT9W6&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="136" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OT9W6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041OT9W6" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0041OT9W6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OT9W6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041OT9W6" target="_blank"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082HEFWC/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0082HEFWC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B0082HEFWC&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="143" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0082HEFWC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0082HEFWC" target="_blank">The Well Lived Laugh </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TS1MGK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004TS1MGK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B004TS1MGK&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="128" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TS1MGK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004TS1MGK" target="_blank"> The Hiding Place</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743269519/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0743269519" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0743269519&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="121" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743269519/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0743269519" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0743269519" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060956658/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060956658" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0060956658&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="127" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060956658/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0060956658" target="_blank">Only Yesterday: An Informal History of the 1920s </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576754227/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1576754227" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1576754227&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="132" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576754227/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1576754227" target="_blank"> Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039333306X/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039333306X" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=039333306X&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="132" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/039333306X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=039333306X" target="_blank">The Zookeeper's Wife </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F0H7BK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005F0H7BK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B005F0H7BK&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="132" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005F0H7BK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005F0H7BK" target="_blank">Tell Your Time: How to Manage Your Schedule So You Can Live Free </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576580172/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1576580172" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1576580172&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1576580172/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1576580172" target="_blank"> Nate Saint On a Wing and a Prayer</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K3E2YK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007K3E2YK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B007K3E2YK&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="178" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007K3E2YK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007K3E2YK" target="_blank">What the Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310219140/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310219140" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0310219140&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="127" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310219140/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310219140" target="_blank">Loving God </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310335671/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310335671" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0310335671&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="134" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310335671/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310335671" target="_blank"> Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619493918/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1619493918"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1619493918&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="132" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1619493918" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1619493918/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1619493918" target="_blank">Walden </a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PO66AI/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PO66AI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=B001PO66AI&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="129" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PO66AI/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001PO66AI" target="_blank">Becoming A Person of Influence </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486440281/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0486440281" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0486440281&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="125" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486440281/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0486440281" target="_blank">Uncle Tom's Cabin </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0066620996/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0066620996" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0066620996&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="130" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0066620996/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0066620996" target="_blank">Good to Great </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310332796/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310332796" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0310332796&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="134" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310332796/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310332796" target="_blank">Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1929619081/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1929619081" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1929619081&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="125" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1929619081/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1929619081" target="_blank"> Eat Mor Chikin: Inspire More People</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307730670/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307730670" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0307730670&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="130" /> </a> </div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307730670" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307730670/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307730670">Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0307730670" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316017930/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316017930" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0316017930&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="130" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316017930/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0316017930" target="_blank">Outliers: The Story of Success </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0310321913&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="138" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913" target="_blank">One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591843170/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591843170" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=1591843170&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="141" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591843170/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591843170" target="_blank">Purple Cow </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830737847/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0830737847" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0830737847&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="129" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0830737847/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0830737847" target="_blank">Peace Child </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739477331/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0739477331" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL110_&ASIN=0739477331&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" width="200" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739477331/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0739477331" target="_blank">Becoming A Woman of Influence </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Please note: This post contains affiliate links</i></span></div>
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316017930" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310321913" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1591843170" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0830737847" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0739477331" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-79980792410752517492013-01-11T22:38:00.001-05:002013-01-11T22:38:10.650-05:00Parenting Tips from Anne Frank<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041OT9W6/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=motheronewoma-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0041OT9W6" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0041OT9W6&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=motheronewoma-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=motheronewoma-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0041OT9W6" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />As I <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-new-year.html" target="_blank">mentioned in an earlier post</a>, I made a list of 24 books I wanted to read this year. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank was number 1 on that list.<br />
<br />
I read it once when I was young, but I've been wanting to re-read it for quite a few years now. I'm so glad I finally made the time!<br />
<br />
When I read it the first time, I was a kid and I was reading what another kid wrote. This time I read it as a parent, thus I noticed this child's relationship with her mother.<br />
<br />
According to her diary, Anne did <i>not</i> like her mother very much at all. Yet, at the same time, it appears that she put on a facade so her mom wasn't always aware of how deep Anne's resentment toward her was.<br />
<br />
As the mother of an almost 2 digit daughter, I tried to analyze how I can do things differently, so as not to have a strained relationship with my own children.<br />
<br />
I'm no psychologist, but here are some things I learned:<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Do not trick then laugh at your child</span></b></u><br />
<br />
Pretty common sense, right?<br />
<br />
While in hiding, Anne relates an incident that had happened over a year prior. Her mom and sister took her to the dentist and they encouraged Anne to take her bike. After they left the dentist, the mom said she and her sister were going shopping downtown and Anne couldn't come because she brought her bike.<br />
<br />
Anne got angry and when she did, her mom and sister laughed at her. In her diary, Anne says she could <i>never</i> forgive her mother for that incident.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't be your child's friend</span></b></u><br />
<br />
Anne stated quite often that she wanted a mother who was like a mother. She couldn't quite spell out what that meant, but she knew she didn't have it.<br />
<br />
At one point she says that her mom tries to treat her like a friend, but that isn't what she wanted.<br />
<br />
She didn't even feel like her mother was worthy of the title mom, so she called her momsy. :(<br />
<br />
Not sure how I could prevent this, because Anne wasn't quite sure how things could be different either.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">No nitpicking</span></b></u><br />
<br />
From what I can gather, Anne was quite the chatterbox. Always talking and apparently always getting scolded for everything she did.<br />
<br />
There were several entries that Anne complained of how much she was reprimanded. She felt like she couldn't do anything without being told that she was being too loud or too clumsy or what have you.<br />
<br />
I know I'm guilty of this one, but its something I'm trying to work on. Praise the Lord for His grace!<br />
<br />
If you've read Anne Frank's diary and have learned a thing or two, I'd love to hear about it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-73367125817428941992013-01-08T21:38:00.001-05:002013-01-08T21:38:13.430-05:005 tips for stress free sicknessesHow are you holding up this fine cold and flu season? I know wintertime can be a doozy to get through, but with some planning it can at least be less stressful.<br />
<br />
Let me know if these tips are helpful at all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMdaIqdpMBG3r1tw84yZHDV8v7CPulqMoAv6D-ilkTdqsKQnGPybPIbaFZOKbsDzoAaKzD8ejfWDJogzmpiItTYy5QqsD9oCUakefXW02EK4xSDPlkg0RkzAkeaIUamfnaiojjPJbaIep/s1600/sickness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMdaIqdpMBG3r1tw84yZHDV8v7CPulqMoAv6D-ilkTdqsKQnGPybPIbaFZOKbsDzoAaKzD8ejfWDJogzmpiItTYy5QqsD9oCUakefXW02EK4xSDPlkg0RkzAkeaIUamfnaiojjPJbaIep/s320/sickness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>1. Stock up</b></u></span><br />
<br />
This is a no brainer, but its easy to forget. Make sure you have your sickness staples on hand <i>before</i> your children are sick. <br />
<br />
At our house the list of needs includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>Acetaminophen</li>
<li>Ibuprofen</li>
<li>Vicks vapor rub</li>
<li>Nebulizer treatments</li>
<li>A working thermometer! </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>2. Keep everything in its place</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27FUt1ykE3qxM1dwcm5JeyIfIiV8i1mOCOTgZhMx0McWI5jRpgChXqXvqhnX6kKDZXMpc35p9_8-z4DQLApvUrvxhgYINB5_ZbI6bw2h-wquKIE2TcQN6fov-ZeRf7lqXawRpfG5js86T/s1600/sickness2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27FUt1ykE3qxM1dwcm5JeyIfIiV8i1mOCOTgZhMx0McWI5jRpgChXqXvqhnX6kKDZXMpc35p9_8-z4DQLApvUrvxhgYINB5_ZbI6bw2h-wquKIE2TcQN6fov-ZeRf7lqXawRpfG5js86T/s320/sickness2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This year we had to buy a new thermometer. We had gone through three forehead thermometers over the past several years. They're not cheap either! $50 not cheap to be exact. I'm not really sure what happens to them. I think they get mishandled way too much.<br />
<br />
So, when we bought one this time around I wanted to keep it safe for a little longer. I decided to make a "sickness" box. I put all of our necessities in one box. When no one is sick, the box is put away, when sickness strikes, I know exactly where everything is and its all intact.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Take notes</span></b></u><br />
<br />
Did you notice the memo pads in both pictures? That's something new I started this year. I really like record keeping, so this is a fun thing for me (if I can use that word when talking about kids being sick!)<br />
<br />
Basically, every time we've had fevers in the past I would write down the time-temperature-medicine given. Without these notes I would forget the times or type of fever reducer. So now each kid has their own little memo pad.<br />
<br />
Other info I add to these memo pads are wellness check up info (<a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2010/09/why-i-love-my-student-planner.html" target="_blank">this also goes in my calendar/planner</a>), prescription info and other random symptoms.<br />
<br />
I like having everything in one place so I don't look clueless when the doctor starts asking me when my child got sick! "Um, I <i>think</i> it was Monday night!"<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Don't lose track!</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xBOKjsE7OPJCazz3un51yWeq-Zm3BbLrkmKb7c7oJKFAMUfpWN2z0L8C6lzTUKrX5lJt_cmx-WiO8PSIpXyOLMhgB1kr2CWyIgK2A6j-SsLnhY7Dyq0q0BHjPhklBRp5K-X0WDsaxWuv/s1600/sickness3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-xBOKjsE7OPJCazz3un51yWeq-Zm3BbLrkmKb7c7oJKFAMUfpWN2z0L8C6lzTUKrX5lJt_cmx-WiO8PSIpXyOLMhgB1kr2CWyIgK2A6j-SsLnhY7Dyq0q0BHjPhklBRp5K-X0WDsaxWuv/s320/sickness3.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Sorry about the horrible quality of these pics, but this is all I have right now!<br />
<br />
Anyway, throughout the years there have been times when we've had two or three kids on different antibiotics. I do not trust my memory during these times (or anytime for that matter!).<br />
<br />
This is a picture of my kitchen wall calendar. As you can see, we're at the beginning of the year and I have "A's" all over! When I picked up the Augmentin (antibiotic) I immediately marked 20 "A's" on the calendar. Two doses a day for ten days. Each time the medicine is taken I mark it off. I cannot stress how helpful this is.<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">5. Long term file</span></b></u><br />
<br />
Do you have a home management binder? If not how about a file folder or a notebook? Whatever you have, one sheet of paper per family member should be sufficient for medical records (unless there is a chronic illness). Keeping each person's medical history in an accessible place is very useful during unforeseen times.<br />
<br />
Good things to include would be birth information, major illnesses, surgeries and any allergies (food, seasonal and medical).<br />
<br />
Please stay well this winter!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-69724838444573990822013-01-06T18:08:00.001-05:002013-01-06T18:08:46.429-05:00Christmas Clean Up (pictures and cards)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNg5pOOH6ks8OBQiGdQUPFvMMtJWVJSAJXJTVimUcDa0nP7add7xY95_RT3QuWV1rIEB5TDOEaz2TLwHLyvZmOVLpVt7qOtsoxs6Y2DX4lsiaE46XtmH8r39PMSaBW2Iydtv0QO5B71z6/s1600/christmascleanup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNg5pOOH6ks8OBQiGdQUPFvMMtJWVJSAJXJTVimUcDa0nP7add7xY95_RT3QuWV1rIEB5TDOEaz2TLwHLyvZmOVLpVt7qOtsoxs6Y2DX4lsiaE46XtmH8r39PMSaBW2Iydtv0QO5B71z6/s320/christmascleanup.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
Now that we're well into the new year, its time we put away our Christmas stuff. Make sure you put all your decorations in one place, so you know where to find them next year!<br />
<br />
Today I want to talk about all those wonderful <b>cards and pictures</b> you receive in the mail.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Pictures</b></u></span><br />
<br />
I'm currently working on my third album (seen above).<br />
<br />
Instead of clogging my fridge or having pictures scattered throughout the house, I found an album is the easiest way to organize holiday pictures. I love looking through as my collection grows. Its also fun to see how some families change from year to year.<br />
<br />
This is also the place where I keep other pictures obtained throughout the year. I have pics that come with birthday invitations, save the date cards, prayer cards, etc. Here is a picture of a zebra that my sister-in-law took. She sent it to me as a card front:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndGkiWTXzoCCm-QS3YG_QjtC-_S5IjBb66cB_zLwVH5QRi6itrvw_-H2oaIKLC_Y2VCy6aNuBGnRTU8CgB9omPNCmJyTbSaVHoCirE54e92TvNBKpGR6UXi-vhubX67OIt_vVKANhz1xN/s1600/christmascleanup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndGkiWTXzoCCm-QS3YG_QjtC-_S5IjBb66cB_zLwVH5QRi6itrvw_-H2oaIKLC_Y2VCy6aNuBGnRTU8CgB9omPNCmJyTbSaVHoCirE54e92TvNBKpGR6UXi-vhubX67OIt_vVKANhz1xN/s320/christmascleanup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These albums are very special to me. If you haven't come up with a solution to all the pictures you receive from loved ones, I suggest giving this oh so easy idea a try.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Cards</b></u></span><br />
<br />
The Christmas card dilemma. <br />
<br />
Instead of throwing them out, I simply set mine aside in a dedicated place for next year. It seems at least one teacher asks for old cards so the kids can work on a craft. I don't mind hanging on to them for that purpose.<br />
<br />
What do you do with your old cards?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-41408541540009266252013-01-04T11:41:00.000-05:002013-01-04T12:20:34.488-05:0035 Snowflake projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrlDRRzYoPtzIgztql14wCm3YErM6gUq8K-zomSrrkEP7rnhNWU8lRFUjczyFUnjeT5e_0jgcwK5lG-_gxjQ-sRmIBwHvJNFSneHCFQHSAQTlAkgX1uYV3z9knru-wYkgAahSuDqKSS3d/s1600/snowy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrlDRRzYoPtzIgztql14wCm3YErM6gUq8K-zomSrrkEP7rnhNWU8lRFUjczyFUnjeT5e_0jgcwK5lG-_gxjQ-sRmIBwHvJNFSneHCFQHSAQTlAkgX1uYV3z9knru-wYkgAahSuDqKSS3d/s320/snowy.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ironically enough, I bought this snowflake in Florida, so there is no tutorial for it!</span></div>
<br />
If you are interested in making snowflakes and want something a little more beautiful then <a href="http://encouragementformoms.blogspot.com/2013/01/snowflakes-for-sandy-hook.html" target="_blank">the ones I showed you yesterday</a>, check out this list. I tried to include only links that give actual tutorials.<br />
<br />
<b>Paper snowflakes:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.1dogwoof.com/2013/01/medallion-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">1. Medallion snowflakes </a>- Just one sheet of white paper to make these not-so-flat beauties.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/270606/tinsel-snowflake?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/tree-and-ornaments&center=307034&gallery=274467&slide=175069" target="_blank">2. Tinsel Snowflakes</a> - Glue, glitter and cardboard (and a printer wouldn't hurt).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Wrapping-Paper-Snowflakes/1229" target="_blank">3. Wrapping paper snowflakes</a> - good craft for preschoolers by <a href="http://handsonaswegrow.com/" target="_blank">Hands on as we grow</a><br />
<br />
4. Reminds me of origmai only there's cutting <a href="http://www.digu.com/pin/tqydajxu5eya" target="_blank">snowflake.</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://krokotak.com/2012/11/snezhinki-v-balerinki-lesni-za-izryazvane-ot-detsa/" target="_blank">5. Paper ballerina snowflake</a>. So VERY beautiful.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://scrumdillydo.blogspot.com/2008/12/spool-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">6. Spool print snowflakes</a>. Can you say "kid friendly"?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://happyhooligans.ca/2012/01/10/stamped-snowflakes/" target="_blank">7. Foam stamped snowflakes</a>. Made from the inside of an old bicycle helmet. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://scrumdillydo.blogspot.com/2010/12/cupcake-liner-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">8. Cupcake liner snowflakes</a>. Easy and pretty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2010/12/winter-craft-for-kids-make-snowflakes-from-recycled-cardboard-and-yarn.html" target="_blank">9. Cardboard snowflakes</a>. Supplies: cereal box, glue and colored yarn!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://innerchildfun.com/2010/01/easy-snowflake-suncatchers.html" target="_blank">10. Snowflake Suncatcher</a>. Contact paper, cardstock, tissue paper and snowflake cookie cutter or template. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2010/09/snowflake-resist-watercolor-grid.html" target="_blank">11. Snowflake resist watercolor grid</a>. Need to use up some white crayons? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://michellesjournalcorner.blogspot.com/2009/04/craft-coardboard-stars-from-toilet.html" target="_blank">12. Toilet paper roll snowflake</a>. It looks quite elegant.<br />
<a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-advents-snowflake-christmas_10.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/christmas-advents-snowflake-christmas_10.html" target="_blank">13. Snowflake advent activity calendar</a>. Looks sophisticated.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.allstudentscanshine.blogspot.ca/2012/12/snowflake-craft-tutorial.html" target="_blank">14. Snowflake craft</a>. Made with six sheets of paper and a few cuts. I see this in classrooms a lot.<br />
<br />
<b>Other materials:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lisas-craft-blog.com/2011/12/tutorial-puzzle-piece-ornaments.html" target="_blank">15. Snowflake ornament</a> made out of puzzle pieces by <a href="http://www.lisas-craft-blog.com/" target="_blank">Lisa's craft blog</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://suzyssitcom.com/2013/01/fridays-craft-idea-snowflake-stones-with-bling.html" target="_blank">16. Snowflake stones</a> with bling. I love rocks! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/12/snowflake-ornament-tutorial/" target="_blank">17. Snowflake ornament</a> made out of twigs and white yarn. Simple and elegant looking.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.littlethingsbringsmiles.com/2010/12/rustic-snowflake-tutorial.html" target="_blank">18. Rustic snowflake</a>. Another one made with twigs. I love the look of this one. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2010/12/ornament-advent-day-1-wood-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">19. Wooden snowflakes</a>. Made out of various shaped wood pieces about the thickness of popsicle sticks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thelongthread.com/?p=6931" target="_blank">20. Shrinking snowflake necklace</a> made out of frosted shrinking plastic. <br />
<a href="http://scrumdillydo.blogspot.com/2008/12/last-minute-snowflakes.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://scrumdillydo.blogspot.com/2008/12/last-minute-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">21. Last minute snowflakes</a>. All you need is glue, wax paper and glitter or salt!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2010/12/ornament-advent-day-5-borax-crystals.html" target="_blank">22.Borax crystals</a>. Make a snowflake shape out of a chenille stem and grow crystals on top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/crafts/pasta-snowflakes/?socsrc=pmmpin112812wwfPastaSnowflakes" target="_blank">23. Pasta snowflakes</a>. Made with wagon wheel pasta, glue and glitter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://blog.craft-e-corner.com/2012/12/diy-silhouette-silver-foil-snowflake.html" target="_blank">24. Upgraded ball ornament</a>. Use Cricut machine to cut metallic snowflakes. <br />
<a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/12/make-iced-snowflake-coasters/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/12/make-iced-snowflake-coasters/" target="_blank">25. Snowflake coasters</a> from Dollar Store Crafts.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dillydaliart.com/2011/12/melted-wax-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">26. Melted crayon snowflakes</a>. Make lots to decorate a window.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sophieshope08.blogspot.com/2011/12/welcome-december.html" target="_blank">27. Popsicle Stick snowflakes</a>. Scroll to the end of the post for the how to and pics.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thecsiproject.com/2012/11/26/diy-snowflake-platethe-csi-girl/" target="_blank">28. Snowflake Plate.</a> Great for giving a plate of goodies.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.michaels.com/Snowflake-Motif-Candleholders/27367,default,pd.html" target="_blank">29. Snowflake Motif Candleholders</a>. Nice and colorful.<br />
<a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html" target="_blank">30. Crochet snowflakes</a>. I'm sure I could make a long list of crocheted snowflakes alone!<br />
<a href="http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/2012/11/snowflake-wreath.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://fitcraftystylishandhappy.blogspot.com/2012/11/snowflake-wreath.html" target="_blank">31. Snowflake Wreath</a>. Made with snowflakes from the dollar store.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/01/cinnamon-snowflakes.html" target="_blank">32. Cinnamon snowflakes</a>. Food item- kids cut their tortillas into snowflake shapes then they are sweetened.<br />
<a href="http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/FreeWinterSundaySchoolLesson.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/FreeWinterSundaySchoolLesson.html" target="_blank">33. Snowflake sunday school lesson</a> complete with a snowflake picture frame.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftynest.com/2009/12/giant-craft-stick-snowflakes/" target="_blank">34. Giant popsicle stick ornaments</a>. Fun and easy to make. They range from 12 to 24 inches wide.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2012/11/snowflake-pillow.html" target="_blank">35. Painted snowflake pillows</a>. What a nice addition to your home.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-20144868184896196542013-01-03T22:03:00.001-05:002013-01-03T22:03:12.867-05:00Snowflakes for Sandy Hook"A day late and a dollar short!" That about sums it up for me.<br />
<br />
If I want to put a positive twist on it, I guess I can say, "Its never too late".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5XBtuxV0UA4dWvlkX6YSJ2bXczjpQj01ff7aELArscQ2adMLClp1DW4D0O4Sby8f1q6JeDoc8yggC7i-3FXVTpCXoms5pCC4c0HQpSWLgGmqVKxrWYPCYxXEYymT_9uRgZnHhDaQuN-0/s1600/sandy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT5XBtuxV0UA4dWvlkX6YSJ2bXczjpQj01ff7aELArscQ2adMLClp1DW4D0O4Sby8f1q6JeDoc8yggC7i-3FXVTpCXoms5pCC4c0HQpSWLgGmqVKxrWYPCYxXEYymT_9uRgZnHhDaQuN-0/s320/sandy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the Christmas break I wanted to make snowflakes with my kids, so we could send them to the students in Newtown. The Connecticut PTA wanted the kids to return to a winter wonderland at their new school.<br />
<br />
We did make the snowflakes and eventually get them glued onto heavier paper, but I'm just not quick enough. The rest of the country flooded the Sandy Hook Elementary students with snowflakes.<br />
<br />
So now, we can display ours in our home to remind us to pray for those still suffering. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey-Yeletq7jY81o7h0If4iu_EJ_NwcJmlUoLjmVUCFbinvDJGJDec_N2zzNQMG7hTeXEEcmxMgPoBDuRFWsqkrRtuKLJw1gdAI8dSmEEkUlKZjJrUtt7Yjjl6PSKLsyXaWXiNfWF2Bmxr/s1600/sandy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgey-Yeletq7jY81o7h0If4iu_EJ_NwcJmlUoLjmVUCFbinvDJGJDec_N2zzNQMG7hTeXEEcmxMgPoBDuRFWsqkrRtuKLJw1gdAI8dSmEEkUlKZjJrUtt7Yjjl6PSKLsyXaWXiNfWF2Bmxr/s320/sandy3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can easily see, I'm not an artist. Not even close. But that's ok, my kids still love me.<br />
<br />
For our snowflakes, I chose to use tissue paper (its much easier to cut through).<br />
<br />
I cut out a square piece of cardstock to use as a template.<br />
<br />
These are the two websites the kids and I used for patterns and folding instructions:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.highhopes.com/snowflakes.html" target="_blank">Triangle folding instructions and some patterns</a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/dec7.shtml" target="_blank">Fun square and circle designs</a></li>
</ul>
Since tissue paper is oh so flimsy we glued two snowflakes onto each piece of cardstock.<br />
<br />
I saw other much more creative snowflakes floating around the web, but we'll just have to stick with ours!<br />
<br />
Come back tomorrow for a fairly comprehensive list of snowflake tutorials that may be more appealing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494825340434872725.post-63914494351657557282013-01-02T10:58:00.003-05:002013-01-02T10:58:47.652-05:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FSnueV4w6IRdk0iPwV_3I_Qja1cmpg2ePiXuF0EEuQnQObedeyNI-48nAALbSwyyzF2u_mJDREMqn5dxJfIosMu_yXH8OICHkYzwIscdSXeW7iccLr_YOb7A8hNm0JkSJDnjvPy2sB7q/s1600/trapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9FSnueV4w6IRdk0iPwV_3I_Qja1cmpg2ePiXuF0EEuQnQObedeyNI-48nAALbSwyyzF2u_mJDREMqn5dxJfIosMu_yXH8OICHkYzwIscdSXeW7iccLr_YOb7A8hNm0JkSJDnjvPy2sB7q/s320/trapped.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Are you ready to burst into the new year? I know I'm looking forward to it!<br />
<br />
Here are a few tips to help make a smooth transition.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Don't Make Resolutions... Set Goals</span></b><br />
<br />
I gave up making resolutions several years ago. I never kept them and I felt like I was setting myself up for failure. This year, I decided to spend an hour or so setting up some goals I'd like to accomplish.<br />
<br />
Some of my goals include:<br />
<ul>
<li>read 24 books that I've already chosen (that's 2 a month - definitely doable)</li>
<li>knit 1 washcloth a month</li>
<li>watch 1 Spanish movie a month</li>
<li>complete the couch to 5k program with Tabitha and Seth</li>
<li>run a 5k</li>
</ul>
I have a few others, but you get the idea. Nothing I chose is too hard, but it does take some effort on my part. I have them all in a google doc. When I complete each one I can highlight them. Nothing like a little color to motivate!<br />
<br />
Even if I don't do <i>everything</i>, I know that I'll accomplish some and that is more than if I didn't plan anything! <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2. Think Positive</span></b><br />
<br />
Notice in my list above that I only have things I'm going to do. There's nothing I said I'm going to STOP doing.<br />
<br />
Resolutions are almost never kept, because they usually are something you're trying to give up and that just goes against our nature.<br />
<br />
Try and put a positive spin on something you want to accomplish. For example, you may be tempted to say, "I'm going to cut down on sweets" or "I'm going to stop eating junk food". Both are vague and discouraging. Why don't you try something like "I will eat fruits or veggies as a snack at least four times a week." Now its measurable. If you follow through you actually fulfilled a goal and you can rejoice!<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">3. Instead of Daily, Aim for Weekly or Monthly</span></b><br />
<br />
Some resolutions seem fun. Here are some tempting ones:<br />
<ul>
<li>Take a picture a day</li>
<li>blog every day :)</li>
<li>try something new each day</li>
<li>make a daily craft/piece of art</li>
</ul>
Where ever your interests lie, there are some commitments beckoning. Its really hard to do something every single day for a full year. After all, there will be sicknesses, travel days, or just plain old busy and tiring days.<br />
<br />
Its more attainable if you give yourself a week or month to take a step on your goal ladder.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">4. Don't Faint</span></b><br />
<br />
Sometimes the beginning of a new year can seem daunting. There's a lot new things you want to accomplish. You want to be a better you by the end of the year! You want to start fresh and not mess it up.<br />
<br />
That's not always possible. Please read this verse carefully and make a commitment to remember it.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the Lord's mercies, the prophet Jeremiah tells us that, "They are new every morning."Lam. 3:23<br />
<br />
Some days we will fail, but take heart, His mercies are new every morning.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript">
</script>
<script type="text/javascript">
_uacct = "UA-1545760-1";
urchinTracker();
</script></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13661984853379427448noreply@blogger.com0