tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55743614164405849102024-03-05T19:22:12.303-07:00Imperfect LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-17117848345969490792013-06-14T10:57:00.000-07:002013-06-17T12:04:00.451-07:00What Is Happiness?<div align="center">
"It is inevitable when one has a great need of something, one finds it. What you need you attract like a lover"</div>
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~Gertrude Stein<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving for our son's Make A Wish trip, Summer 2010. </td></tr>
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Have you ever asked yourself what you truly need to be happy? </div>
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Is it a bigger house? </div>
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More money?</div>
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A second vehicle?</div>
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I used to think it was those things... <br />
Until my son was diagnosed with cancer just before Thanksgiving in 2009. <br />
That really makes you stop and evaluate what makes you happy...<br />
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If we just had more money to meet the bills and have some "mad money"...</div>
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If we had a couple hundred more square feet on house then everyone will have room to pursue their passions...</div>
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If we had a second vehicle then I could go to run errands and visit with people and volunteer more and....</div>
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The truth is: those things don't really matter. <br />
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The bigger house? More to clean and less time spent together as a family.</div>
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More money? The bills just get bigger or the hobbies more expensive.</div>
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A second vehicle? More time spent away from the family. And that extra money? There it goes.</div>
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I challenge you to ask yourself... What do I truly need to be happy?</div>
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Not happy the way society and the media portray happiness... But happy in your soul? </div>
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To be fully content.</div>
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You might surprise yourself.</div>
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This is my list.</div>
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TIME:</div>
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With my Savior, learning to be the servant of my world.</div>
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With myself, to check in and make sure that I am nurtured and balanced in my pursuits.</div>
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With my family, developing deep, loving relationships that will ground my children in the security of a family identity.</div>
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FREEDOM: </div>
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From the doubt that I have listened to that still small voice and am walking the path already laid for me... no matter how rocky it is.</div>
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SPACE: </div>
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To garden, not acres and acres but enough to spend a little time each day nurturing beautiful and growing things.</div>
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To sew, beautiful and practical items that make my home more inviting</div>
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To cook, and nurture food as not just necessary for living but also as a time to savor the small things; like red velvet cupcakes in colorful wrappers with the perfect cream cheese frosting swirled just so.</div>
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To heal, and practice the art of holistic healing and leading those that come to me in their own healing journey.</div>
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To live, life as I see it.</div>
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"It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth - and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up - that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had."</div>
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~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-36583661329640880512013-06-11T09:15:00.000-07:002013-06-11T09:15:19.346-07:00The Stage<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lNKtWLua2EqT_kUo3unujms3xZkhBitksMWpevbxW39Y3onn3K7fUZpnggTFPTOEVBCittqzRX_Qq0kpFUaIjJUPPX8qSFFoWa9ddCQ0Pis6m6aadiMk8L0UDoyo6MEr5AnPUHMfGhtr/s1600/562958_4300536283081_492320234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lNKtWLua2EqT_kUo3unujms3xZkhBitksMWpevbxW39Y3onn3K7fUZpnggTFPTOEVBCittqzRX_Qq0kpFUaIjJUPPX8qSFFoWa9ddCQ0Pis6m6aadiMk8L0UDoyo6MEr5AnPUHMfGhtr/s1600/562958_4300536283081_492320234_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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"When you perform...you are out of yourself - larger and more potent, more beautiful. You are for minutes heroic. This is power. This is glory on earth. And it is yours, nightly." </div>
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~Agnes DeMille</div>
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My first identity... from the time I stepped into my first class at the age of three... a dancer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">No matter where else life has taken me; wife... mother... student...<br />
Dance has been an undercurrent of it all. It is rare that I hear a song on the radio and am not choreographing it in my mind.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLms1jC33xgLYKtnM14z5EqBchhN-j4OSPsjEZ_tn-j-zDI4oPKZ02GaBLO9_mxx4sRju19EkEcuhrdvwukl7YZ6jf8jli8-sOBxUmgdG-ZlEmgbECPfg-lyuGL95tUMn9ag2WZfRS1tHt/s1600/426574_431173146970592_1371795822_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLms1jC33xgLYKtnM14z5EqBchhN-j4OSPsjEZ_tn-j-zDI4oPKZ02GaBLO9_mxx4sRju19EkEcuhrdvwukl7YZ6jf8jli8-sOBxUmgdG-ZlEmgbECPfg-lyuGL95tUMn9ag2WZfRS1tHt/s1600/426574_431173146970592_1371795822_n.jpg" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have been privileged to meet some truly amazing people... I have formed friendships that span the distance of life paths and reconnect when I least expect them to. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczHOv1AQ4u2HmnVfXRffY5seH8opBeHrTlLIEC_eazuEey2cNRCTNq1E3-Ps23HH7Pp0eM7cFaZlsBNZ2EdLLAE2yIyFQgTm8VV0YsEYxKrQj3xu0tDFfl_dlLPJwk8SwMbVM6y-n91Kw/s1600/6368_1081460568200_1318723_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczHOv1AQ4u2HmnVfXRffY5seH8opBeHrTlLIEC_eazuEey2cNRCTNq1E3-Ps23HH7Pp0eM7cFaZlsBNZ2EdLLAE2yIyFQgTm8VV0YsEYxKrQj3xu0tDFfl_dlLPJwk8SwMbVM6y-n91Kw/s1600/6368_1081460568200_1318723_n.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dance has taken me on amazing journeys... places I never thought I would go.</div>
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No matter what comes in life I am thankful that God has allowed me to have the experiences that dance has given me.</div>
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Even though right now I can't fill my life with dance... it is still there. It infuses everything I do.</div>
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This morning I set aside some time to get back to the basics. I gave myself permission to follow my heart and spent some quality time with music and ballet...in my kitchen</div>
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Yes, I said my kitchen...</div>
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See, I have been telling myself that I can't dance because I don't have the space... I can't afford to take class...basically I was having a pity party.</div>
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But then I realized that I have the space I need! All I need is something to hold on to...about 4 feet of space on three sides...and some inspiring music... I did a simple ballet barre routine standing at the counter in my kitchen.</div>
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I broke a sweat.. I was out of breath... my muscles burned and my legs turned to jello...</div>
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It was glorious! </div>
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The quote at the beginning of this post does not just apply to those who are performers in the classic sense.</div>
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We are all performers in our own lives. The question is... What kind of performance are you putting on? Are you just going through the motions or are you taking every moment to give all you have? Are you holding back or are you leaving it all on the stage?</div>
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I know I intend to embrace all of my passions. By doing so I am better equipped to be the best wife and mother I can be. </div>
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By making sure my soul is fed I can be open to allow God to work through me as I learn to aid in the healing of those I will encounter at school and eventually in my own practice.</div>
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This phrase is so often taken to the extreme:</div>
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Life is short, this is the only one there is. So let's do something stupid and crazy because who really wants to grow old anyway?</div>
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Really?</div>
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Since I have started looking inward and getting in deeper connection with my Creator I have a different view. </div>
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The heartache of the last month has made me aware...</div>
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We only have one life... </div>
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Enjoy that cup of tea.</div>
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Read a book with your daughter.</div>
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Star gaze with your son.</div>
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Wake up early and watch the sun rise.</div>
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Hold the hand of your love.</div>
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Read or maybe even write that novel.</div>
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Grab a canvas and a paintbrush and see what happens.</div>
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Listen to a cat purr.</div>
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Throw a ball for your dog.</div>
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Take that walk.</div>
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Really listen to that music...take it in.</div>
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Smell that rose.</div>
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Color...in a coloring book...with crayons. Preferably with a 3 year old at your side.</div>
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Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them because you never know when it will be for the last time.</div>
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Yes, we only have one life, shouldn't that be enough? </div>
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I intend to enjoy every minute of it...even the small things.</div>
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Because if you are fully enjoying life.. the small things aren't really small at all...they may just be some of the most profound moments of your life.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-2254981910251386082013-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:002013-06-17T12:08:39.180-07:00A Beginning<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"There are years the ask questions and years that answer."</i></div>
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<i>~ Zora Neale Hurston</i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking beside Central Park</td></tr>
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I have this book. I have had it for almost exactly two years. It is a book that I had heard about many years before.</div>
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I remember the day I discovered it in a second-hand store while shopping with my mom and the children...</div>
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My life was turbulent to say the least.</div>
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I felt lost and disconnected with myself and those who are most precious to me. </div>
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Then I found the book. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446563595/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0446563595&linkCode=as2&tag=myjou0e2-20"> Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=myjou0e2-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0446563595" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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I was ecstatic! It was only $2... a blessing for me at the time.</div>
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I brought it home and dove in, determining to start at January 1 and catch up to the current date...</div>
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But this book isn't meant to be powered through... as I quickly discovered. My heart and soul didn't want to be quickly changed. As much as I wanted to find my "authentic self" as the author describes, It can't be done in a couple days. </div>
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Or a couple weeks. </div>
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So I set it reluctantly aside and determined to start it on January 1... which is how the book is written.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since then I have made several attempts to start the book "right". I will read for a couple days and then miss some so then I have to read a couple extra passages to catch up... Or, like this year, it got packed up because of circumstances beyond my control and I only recently unearthed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I have decided that I am not going to stress about catching up, I am not going to just jump in to the middle either and ignore all the lessons that came before...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to start right now, with January 1. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who says my new year has to be with the calendar? All sorts of celebrations mark their beginning at different times of the year. Birthdays, anniversaries, quitting a destructive addiction... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They all mark a new year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So this is my new year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am starting with January 1.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't wait to see where it takes me....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"And now let us welcome the New Year</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Full of things that have never been."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>~Rainer Maria Rilke</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-50179931496740713732013-06-06T13:17:00.000-07:002013-06-06T13:17:11.511-07:00Why I Started My Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/msvside-WY0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am passionate about my family. I want only what is best for them. I started my Melaleuca journey because I am concerned about the products that I use to clean my home. I cannot use many commercial cleaners and do not feel they are safe for my family or the environment.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is what first caught my attention. Then I heard about the business... I can share these wonderful products, and in sharing I can build something that will improve the lives of those I contact. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I do not share Melaleuca t make money, that is not my goal. I share Melaleuca because I care about people and their health. I am in school for holistic healthcare because I care about people and their health.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melaleuca also offers a way for me to provide for my family and remove some of the stress of financial responsibility from my hard working husband. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am willing to share Melaleuca with whoever will listen. I do not believe in a "sales pitch". I am never any good with them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch the video.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wellnesswarriorsaz.tellmethestory.com/" target="_blank">Check out this link.</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(username/password:story)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Make an informed decision, just because it is right for me doesn't mean it is right for you. But you owe it to yourself to at least check it out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-31599933014575685752013-06-05T10:16:00.000-07:002013-06-05T10:16:30.563-07:00What Is On My Radar Today?<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes life is crazy... Anyone else feel that way?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started a new 8 week block of classes this week, it is VBS at our church, I started a business, my husband and I are taking the first steps to clean up our finances...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CRAZY!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But, I am holding tight, doing what i must to keep the plates spinning for the good of my family and our future. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The school will eventually end and I can start a career guiding people through their healing path.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vacation Bible School is 4 days. My children will make friends and receive valuable tools that will carry them through the rest of their lives. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With hard work and diligence I will build a lasting financial foundation that will carry my future generations to impact the world for good and hopefully improve the lives of those they touch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isn't that what we all really want? To make an impact on our world... leave our mark? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On my radar today? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
First and formost I am staying in touch with my Creator and listening for His direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laundry...and lots of it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading with and generally enjoying the blessings that are my three children. Each one is unique and a delight!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Being the support and help that my husband needs by "holding down the fort". I keep his castle running smoothly so he doesn't have to worry while he is out conquering the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Build relationships in my business that will be lasting, not only financially but relationally as well. I am not looking to get rich... I am looking to help people achieve their goals in their health and the health of their families in whatever form that is for them. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buy doing so, I know that in my small way I will leave a mark on the world. Even something as humble as laundry and clean dishes makes a mark. If you leave a lasting and comforting impression on those closest to you, your family, how much stronger are they to go out and leave their mark on the world? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just some thoughts as I get ready to go forth and conquer my day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-69790891236433000802013-06-04T13:10:00.000-07:002013-06-17T12:13:00.518-07:00The Vitamins I Use And Why<div style="text-align: center;">
This video was posted on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/Melaleuca?feature=watch" target="_blank">Melaleuca's YouTube Page</a> almost 4 years ago. It is a news clip about the launch of the patented Oligo delivery system that Melaleuca uses in their vitamins.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/q8qsmcJ1HrY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have an issue absorbing the necessary nutrients I need from the foods I eat. In order to supplement with vitamins from the drug store or even the health food store I typically have to take 2-3x what the bottle says I need! The only supplement brand I have ever used successfully was during my teen years and was supplied through the holistic doctor I was seeing at the time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since then I have "made do" with whatever I could afford, knowing that they really weren't doing me any good but hoping anyway.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I discovered Melaleuca's Vitality Pack with the patented Oligo delivery system! These vitamins have made all the difference for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Why are vitamins and minerals called "essential"? </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because they:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
! Build the skeleton and all soft tissue!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
!Regulate the body including heartbeats, blood clotting, nerve response and more!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
!Are critical links for thousands of functions in your body!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
!They are the components of antioxidant enzymes that neutralize the damage of free redicals!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Some my ask...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Can't I just get my vitamins from my food? I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the truth:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most produce you buy in the store has been picked while still green, before it can finish developing all the vitamins it should contain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been stored and transported... sometimes thousands of miles to get to the store.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If it is processed, most of the nutrients have been destroyed before it even gets to you! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But I take vitamins already...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The minerals in traditional multivitamins are isolated, which makes them difficult for your body to absorb. Not only that, but isolated minerals cause an increase in free radicals. Those free radicals use up the vitamins in your supplement before you even have a chance to absorb it!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Oligo delivery system that Melaleuca uses keeps the mineral bound in a protective coating of proteins and fiber, just like it in nature. This system keeps the minerals soluble so your body can absorb them, which in turn makes it easier to absorb the vitamins because they aren't getting destroyed by free radicals from the minerals.<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi88-eta2OF1cA63BQSalQS9yq1oLYeEZglMJTEeKQOb_-Qekox5tbrCZ1wlymGRDiOBYaMUh0FWsUjpxzOEy3YEfnUMprqFakb_zI5jlLHly80yGEDQBjlM5izIYmyjNmlfkPC761OhJ/s1600/imagesCAZRN2JI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYi88-eta2OF1cA63BQSalQS9yq1oLYeEZglMJTEeKQOb_-Qekox5tbrCZ1wlymGRDiOBYaMUh0FWsUjpxzOEy3YEfnUMprqFakb_zI5jlLHly80yGEDQBjlM5izIYmyjNmlfkPC761OhJ/s1600/imagesCAZRN2JI.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Oligo Technology Protects Antioxidant Vitamins up to 5 times better than Store Brands!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vitamins and minerals are essential for a vibrant life, better health and more energy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know for me, when I take just the basic Vitality Pack, which is the multivitamin and calcium supplements, I have the energy and focus to get done all that is demanded of me in a day. When I miss a day... I can feel it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am a mom to three high energy children, I am a wife, I have a home to run. That alone is a full time job... but I am also a student in school 3 nights a week and most weekends working on a degree in holistic healthcare. And I am a budding business owner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My days are full! My nights are even fuller!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taking the vitamins and other supplements that Melaleuca offers makes all the difference for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are curious click <a href="http://wellnesswarriorsaz.tellmethestory.com/" target="_blank">here</a> and explore. If you have any questions you can either click on the contact tab at the top of the site or e-mail me directly at theashlandmanor@gmail.com.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope I have sparked your interest and gotten you thinking about your health.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blessings</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-90792803508364649482013-05-20T12:46:00.001-07:002013-05-20T12:46:05.622-07:00Business OpportunityI posted this to my <a href="http://theashlandmanor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">other blog.</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Let me start by saying this: I am not a "get rich quick" kind of gal.
Nothing can or should can be achieved without hard work. I do not
promote a product or a business unless I 100% believe in the company.<br />
<br />
That being said, I was told yesterday of a wonderful opportunity with a company that I have had previous experience with...<br />
<br />
For the month of May, Melaleuca is offering a special promotion:<br />
<br />
Sign up 8 customers and receive a bonus of $1000... yep!<br />
<br />
This
is a company that I was introduced to more than 2 years ago and was a
faithful customer for about 18 months. I LOVE the products and how the
company is run and their focus on helping families achieve their goals.<br />
<br />
I
am going to be honest here... As much as I love the products, I did not
promote the business side for one simple reason... because I didn't
believe I could.<br />
<br />
Since then I have renewed a friendship
with someone who proves that what you set your mind to you can
achieve... and don't take no for an answer!<br />
<br />
This person is crazy, faces life head on, and acknowledges no obstacles... only ways to overcome them.<br />
<br />
She
is good at pulling me out of the comfort zone of my mind and helping me
to realize that life doesn't have to stay where it is at. If you don't
like where you are at or something isn't working for you, change it!<br />
<br />
So,
with this renewed sense of direction I am going to jump out on a limb
here... Come this Saturday, May 25, I would like to rejoin Melaleuca
with at least 8 people who want to change their way of looking at life.<br />
<br />
The
beauty of this company is that it is internet based. You don't have to
have an inventory, you don't have to do parties(unless you want to), you
don't even have to talk to anyone face to face(unless you want)!<br />
<br />
I
have heard of at least one mom who makes a living from her family, has
customers and team members all over the country, and has never left her
home! She markets on-line and on the phone.<br />
<br />
Check out this page <a href="http://www.melaleuca.info/?culture=en-us" target="_blank">Melaleuca On A Mission</a><br />
<br />
Watch the videos, do some research. This is a solid company with a solid financial history and a mission to help families.<br />
<br />
I
have tried many different products for cleaning my house and taking
care of my families health needs. I can honestly say that Melaleuca,
hands down, gets my seal of approval.<br />
<br />
Their cleaning
products are concentrated so you use less. The spray cleaners are
refillable with each refill making anywhere from 2-6 bottles of spray so
you are not being charged for the water in your product! Their vitamins
are the most effective ones I have taken besides the line a doctor
prescribed to me when I was a teen. All of their products are nontoxic,
safe for your home and the environment. They have a line of sports
nutrition that is the best I have ever used. Weight-loss aids, first-aid
supplies, makeup, snacks... you name it they have it!<br />
<br />
This
coming Sunday celebrates 13 years of marriage to my wonderful husband. I
would love to celebrate that milestone by securing the financial future
for us and our children.<br />
<br />
Do you know 8 people who are
concerned about the health of their families, the safety of their
cleaning supplies, and the quality of their nutrition and vitamins?
Would they like to make extra money knowing that the products they are
sharing are safe, effective and checking account friendly? <br />
<br />
If you are interested you can e-mail me at theashlandmanor@gmail.com <br />
I will answer your questions to the best of my ability.<br />
<br />
We have until May 31 to get everyone in on this promotion. Will you join me?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-26612713636504790072013-04-02T13:48:00.001-07:002013-04-02T14:41:01.165-07:00The Imperfect Way To: Build a Pallet Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just about every morning, before I get
out of bed, I check in with my self. I ask me what I need to do to
nurture me today... I always answer with something different... A
pedicure... an aromatherapy bath... yoga... chocolate...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today... I answered with gardening... some time spent grounding myself by burying my hands in the ground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have had this old pallet sitting in my back yard for almost a year now. I knew I wanted to make a pallet garden I just wasn't sure how... Then it got to hot... then it got to cold... then it rained...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now it is the first week in April and I have almost missed the Spring planting time for my arid climate! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even though there are about 75 other things I could be doing... I took myself out the back door to soak up some vitamin D and set up my garden!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mavis over at <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/" target="_blank">One Hundred Dollars a Month</a> has a wonderful pallet garden tutorial <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/2013/03/pallet-gardening-101-creating-a-pallet-garden/" target="_blank">here</a> and a vertical pallet garden tutorial <a href="http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/2012/03/how-to-make-a-recycled-pallet-vertical-garden/" target="_blank">here</a>... she is my hero...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway... I have this old pallet...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Materials you will need:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A pallet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Something to back your pallet with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scissors</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Staple gun</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Staples</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Garden soil</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seeds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Water </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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I don't have any garden fabric... Which is recommended... and getting some is not in the budget... so I am improvising! I am using a double layer of plastic sheeting that we bought to mask off areas during our construction. </div>
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Take your backing of choice and staple it really good to the back of your pallet... I meant to take pictures of it all stapled but was to excited... forgive me?</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUwgJKe4cDVvr4VQbBOopIcAVQZ1hHp99tEiXg1bJ0t40IifGhVgh3xvvXhqYSbF2PUfBBVUDQJBMt9HJr_y4aUKxHM_8cZaMzkBdNLcf3RAq8WXQuULC4grZbV-sf6FrSJYBdXj_hU60/s1600/100_2293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUwgJKe4cDVvr4VQbBOopIcAVQZ1hHp99tEiXg1bJ0t40IifGhVgh3xvvXhqYSbF2PUfBBVUDQJBMt9HJr_y4aUKxHM_8cZaMzkBdNLcf3RAq8WXQuULC4grZbV-sf6FrSJYBdXj_hU60/s1600/100_2293.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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I bought this bag of organic soil at my local Home Depot. It is a 3 cubic feet bag and cost under $8.00 </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP42_A18tfN520J6M-7-fKAn5Su4QhRUi4tL8KLW83E-IXfvk99JKBKu8aszhWSKrhelNP6wlmqCmeHTWXso3VoiH__JTeZBzXdZF06hYSF5N5nNZt-9X1OZcVK8c1I90hJtOCf7rA8QN/s1600/100_2294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglP42_A18tfN520J6M-7-fKAn5Su4QhRUi4tL8KLW83E-IXfvk99JKBKu8aszhWSKrhelNP6wlmqCmeHTWXso3VoiH__JTeZBzXdZF06hYSF5N5nNZt-9X1OZcVK8c1I90hJtOCf7rA8QN/s1600/100_2294.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Cut a hole in the top of the bag and dump it in! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(You can plant right in the bag... a topic for future gardening fun..)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXPKtI0kJCpMxhzTXCaG2rKPb0t0aTu8InfRZ580x9vwGLFWN7F1vlMGOhe7d2d1R0OlI7fGoEV0wkNRj_te6bbKCLuRaOQDBbeArrXDPoYMSHUg1wHZlnUZTZSkeZj7ZyGtxUij6BlqD/s1600/100_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXPKtI0kJCpMxhzTXCaG2rKPb0t0aTu8InfRZ580x9vwGLFWN7F1vlMGOhe7d2d1R0OlI7fGoEV0wkNRj_te6bbKCLuRaOQDBbeArrXDPoYMSHUg1wHZlnUZTZSkeZj7ZyGtxUij6BlqD/s1600/100_2295.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Here it is with all the soil smoothed out. You have to be sure and push the dirt under the rungs of your pallet... The roots of your plants will need to spread more sideways than normal so you want to be sure to have the soil even. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLJtdskd1a8-oDKcXzEsTxqTZmJjKyWIq92yU3zKfw0AW2daGABdhU3dfnQNKsYko1FX0cQLQILBbWOJTMIs-ByzKJDFsaOsYtS_LDbPZPgcGIuKzRwr0V_EuWAie1w1l8eOwUuYTVHzr/s1600/100_2296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLJtdskd1a8-oDKcXzEsTxqTZmJjKyWIq92yU3zKfw0AW2daGABdhU3dfnQNKsYko1FX0cQLQILBbWOJTMIs-ByzKJDFsaOsYtS_LDbPZPgcGIuKzRwr0V_EuWAie1w1l8eOwUuYTVHzr/s1600/100_2296.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Here is what I planted:</div>
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In the very back section:</div>
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Snap peas</div>
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Tomatoes</div>
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The first narrow row:</div>
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Bell peppers</div>
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The next narrow row:</div>
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Celery</div>
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The front wide section:</div>
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Onion sets</div>
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Spinach</div>
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Calendula </div>
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I am taking a chance with the celery and spinach... I am late in planting them... But gardening should be a fun case of trial and error! </div>
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My plan is for the peas to grow up the side of the chicken coup and the calendula will act as a shade for the spinach. </div>
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I will need to water this probably twice a day. It is shallow and the sun just sucks the moisture out of everything around here! </div>
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Now... we wait and see what develops...</div>
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Money is tight. You hear that everywhere you go. People are losing their jobs, having to get creative or just plain cut back on not only luxuries but also on the everyday necessities. We have had to tighten our belts and our purse strings a lot recently. We are not wealthy by ANY stretch of the imagination. Our children qualify fro free lunch but we do not qualify for government assistance... which is fine... We have had enough to meet the bills, buy the gas and groceries, and have a little "fun" money. </div>
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Now things are very tight. I am not sure where the funds are going to come from to meet our needs... but I do know that God is faithful and has always provided what we NEED.</div>
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In the meantime, the bills still need to be paid and we still need to put gas in the car... so that leaves the groceries and the "fun" that is feeling the squeeze. I am focusing on the groceries for now. Later on I will share frugal fun... once I get that figured out! </div>
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Here are the groceries I purchased this week. Keep in mind there are 5 of us. Hubby, myself, and 3 growing and active children. As well as a turtle, a cat, one remaining chicken(thanks to one of the dogs), and 5 dogs. I haven't figured out the animal needs yet... trusting that they will be provided for when the time comes.</div>
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I purchased all of my groceries at Walmart. I will do this for the first month or so as a baseline cost. Then I will start bargain shopping elsewhere.</div>
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I try to cook as much as I can with whole, natural foods. While I do prefer to use organic, that really doesn't fit into my budget at the moment. But I do have a few tips I will be sharing along the way... So stay tuned! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Xj6qIgFI3GKrXpdlJDZ7yuQScxsSZdGZnpvj-jyS8YZ7M4NJKEphVmqKLRdXESYkje0GvqyY9ZM4RDgDa6VyTxU2ZncuWrcpjutloKRoZQSPQsPFVB_D6CoVrIc_5chE-dkMWf0jKgCN/s1600/20130327_184728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Xj6qIgFI3GKrXpdlJDZ7yuQScxsSZdGZnpvj-jyS8YZ7M4NJKEphVmqKLRdXESYkje0GvqyY9ZM4RDgDa6VyTxU2ZncuWrcpjutloKRoZQSPQsPFVB_D6CoVrIc_5chE-dkMWf0jKgCN/s1600/20130327_184728.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4-pack of Charmin $3.36</div>
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1 roll paper towel $.97</div>
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1 box Kleenex $.97</div>
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2 bars Fels Naptha soap $1.94</div>
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1 can shave cream(store brand) $1.67</div>
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2 boxes mac and cheese(store brand) $1.36</div>
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2 Cup-o-Noodles $.50</div>
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1 lb thin spaghetti $.82</div>
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2 lb white beans $1.88</div>
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1 bag egg noodles $1.00</div>
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1 pkg corn tortillas(24ct) $1.68</div>
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1 loaf clearance Italian bread $.96</div>
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2 bags romaine hearts $5.96</div>
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3 pack bell peppers $3.88</div>
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1 bag green onions $1.15</div>
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1 pkg hot dogs $1.00</div>
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1 lb lean ground beef(clearance price) $3.35</div>
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1 doz cage free eggs $2.68</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORp4K0e_ztnJL22OnjW7d-MV02Lax2ZiImUgX_Gp5Mj16FLx-Cx43ijwd6QLM8wsZW8GNiZk2GEW9FvflIp1RhT0Hf9bVGKYJmFdxZjXXXUFnmG0H4toX5rGVCU3RxdAR_En-Bfrhpjq/s1600/20130327_184648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdORp4K0e_ztnJL22OnjW7d-MV02Lax2ZiImUgX_Gp5Mj16FLx-Cx43ijwd6QLM8wsZW8GNiZk2GEW9FvflIp1RhT0Hf9bVGKYJmFdxZjXXXUFnmG0H4toX5rGVCU3RxdAR_En-Bfrhpjq/s1600/20130327_184648.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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3 lb frozen chicken breast $7.98</div>
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1 bag frozen mixed veggies $1.67</div>
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What is not in the picture is a card I bought for my secret sister and 2 boxes of soda that hubby gave me money for.</div>
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My total, after tax, came to $49.57... Just barely inside my $50 per week budget.</div>
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Now, I know I could have saved even more money by cutting back on the quality of my meat, eggs and toilet paper... but I need to keep a few luxuries!</div>
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I will be making videos throughout the week detailing how I am using these ingredients. </div>
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I hope this helps someone with struggling to provide for their families in these times. Just remember you are not alone!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-21406212479215448792013-03-19T10:50:00.004-07:002013-03-19T10:50:44.620-07:00My HairI, like most women have had a life-long, on and off, love-hate, relationship with my hair. It has been a multitude of lengths from my waist when I was in my teens, shoulder length when I started having children, above chin my chin after a frightening bout of alopecia, and currently bra strap length. It has been layered, permed and highlighted.... but, the one thing I have never done is change the color... I love my deep copper/ginger hair color!<br />
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I have tried various hair care theories and "miracle" products. Here is my conclusion....<br />
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I LOVE long hair. I come from a traditionalist family where a woman's hair is her crowning glory and is kept long. I also have a love for historic fashion.... which included LONG hair, always pinned up in beautiful up-dos.<br />
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One of the recent changes in my life is that I have started going to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts to pursue a degree in massage therapy with certificates in aromatherapy and cranial unwinding... and that is only the beginning. Going to a holistic healing school has made me take a hard look at how I live my life and what products I am using to care for myself, my family, my pets and my home.<br />
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So, here are the goals for my hair:<br />
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1. Length- currently bra strap length (BSL) with layers. I would like it to be waist length, not sure if I will keep the layers or not yet.<br />
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2. Health- I have naturally wavy/curly hair, fine but a lot of it. It tends to be dry , especially the ends.<br />
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I am working up a hair care plan and home formulated care products using essential oils and other natural products. No chemical/mainstream products. as an incentive I am getting rid of all my styling products.... GHA!! very scary....<br />
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Another thing I know I need to do is wear my hair up most of the time to help maintain moisture and prevent breakage.<br />
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Each week I will post pictures of my styles for the week and what my routine has been and any fabulous experiments I have discovered.<br />
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Ready.... Set.... Go! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-75015866805512058832013-01-03T16:52:00.000-07:002013-01-03T16:52:00.982-07:00My Newest Hobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I say I have a new hobby my wonderful husband just laughs.... You see, I have many, many, MANY hobbies. So for me to say I have a new one... isn't really anything new!<br />
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But I think this one might just make that man of mine smile... as long as I stick to it. What is my new hobby you are wondering? Well... it is organizing...(shhh, don't tell anyone)<br />
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Organizing is not something I have EVER though I would enjoy doing, or be able to do for that matter. I love the look of organized spaces. I love organizing supplies. I went into one of those organizing super stores once... had to almost be dragged out I was so overwhelmed... And there in lies the problem.<br />
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I never know where to begin!<br />
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So, when I stumbled across this wonderful banner..... <br />
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<a href="http://www.organizinghomelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/OrganizingRevolution250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5103" height="250" src="http://www.organizinghomelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/OrganizingRevolution250.jpg" title="OrganizingRevolution250" width="250" /></a></div>
I thought..AHA! Here is where I start!! (go ahead and picture me doing a happy dance now)<br />
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Here it is... my first totally-ish organized space. It is calm, it is beautiful... and I am totally excited to do more!<br />
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I must mention.... The Man and I are starting to work out a financial plan. That is code for "no more spending". That means that whatever I organize wither has to be done for free or come out of the grocery budget... Which means it has to be done for free. The people around here get pretty cranky if I mess with their food...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENRVSBABJUdOpWnH2zT1qnvbMwkpj6EvuVekjr4KU1xDzXedEuf1QhO8ivTidYNWNRdvzwlX47N826cT5wEXVoUax7BRxoaMsdAIJI7OWTyCGuMfqbE0p7m7ywwjX_nEUPz3KXpwK1but/s1600/100_1702%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENRVSBABJUdOpWnH2zT1qnvbMwkpj6EvuVekjr4KU1xDzXedEuf1QhO8ivTidYNWNRdvzwlX47N826cT5wEXVoUax7BRxoaMsdAIJI7OWTyCGuMfqbE0p7m7ywwjX_nEUPz3KXpwK1but/s320/100_1702%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The total office space. It is actually a corner of my living/dining room.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> I just <span style="font-size: xx-small;">updated the bulletin board that is hanging abo<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ve the desk. The M<span style="font-size: xx-small;">an brought it home from work a couple years ago<span style="font-size: xx-small;">. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now it will be ou<span style="font-size: xx-small;">r planning<span style="font-size: xx-small;">/dream board for our new financial journey :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10YA0pJY-u9RHg6FTXZo88mjDrekjGm2Ff5t0yWeRN_PK8e6el-tQHTNuDizAoT_J-pq2Rpq1vHOKF1UmqQSWRCBfj3iwd6PMLyGYyCm1F0ZVdh0g9QVnUUvE3Z4-KPyY_S93h95za8qw/s1600/100_1703%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi10YA0pJY-u9RHg6FTXZo88mjDrekjGm2Ff5t0yWeRN_PK8e6el-tQHTNuDizAoT_J-pq2Rpq1vHOKF1UmqQSWRCBfj3iwd6PMLyGYyCm1F0ZVdh0g9QVnUUvE3Z4-KPyY_S93h95za8qw/s320/100_1703%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is the left side of my desk. On the top is two of our new binders. I am not sure if I will use <span style="font-size: xx-small;">separate</span> binders for meal planning and emergency preps or try to fit it in my Home Management binder. In the wicker organizer is extra printer paper, the current grocery ads and receipts, envelopes(that I use more for organizing than actually mailing anything), scissors, hole punch, extra printer ink, and all my pens. In the first cubby is my <span style="font-size: xx-small;">label-er</span>, my pin cushion for the <span style="font-size: xx-small;">bulletin</span> board, a crystal dish that was my grandmothers containing hand sanitizer, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">chap stick</span> and a <span style="font-size: xx-small;">sharpener</span> and the three whole punch. On the bottom are some clip art books, a zipper pouch with my permanent markers and a note pad.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaAfHai4xXDbalQbG_ig9TNoByDYa_3OzudusZ02ZKDEFM2JlV3agkC1FsErexJbdN8fK_gu2NDGeXXDwLPr87kgNbfZyJgJO9vSMK1vK_eUhMLcotI0vQlw71sZGDmWha162Dt8eAMLM/s1600/100_1707%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaAfHai4xXDbalQbG_ig9TNoByDYa_3OzudusZ02ZKDEFM2JlV3agkC1FsErexJbdN8fK_gu2NDGeXXDwLPr87kgNbfZyJgJO9vSMK1vK_eUhMLcotI0vQlw71sZGDmWha162Dt8eAMLM/s320/100_1707%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Close up of the verse at the top of my plan/dream board.... seemed appropriate :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXXfzMR1OhfBmXRIXhqiIHBSTdMdBF8NqdyEWNUYIoNvPyGxRdC7rQm9N8-0wXud1tBldDfjqP5gOUAwx-YvSo3UpFOrFUTEi86OvQB712-f0cUSrWxlQM8au5cvjMtSJiKdf3UMb0CpP/s1600/100_1708%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXXfzMR1OhfBmXRIXhqiIHBSTdMdBF8NqdyEWNUYIoNvPyGxRdC7rQm9N8-0wXud1tBldDfjqP5gOUAwx-YvSo3UpFOrFUTEi86OvQB712-f0cUSrWxlQM8au5cvjMtSJiKdf3UMb0CpP/s320/100_1708%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">My note card holder made from scrapbook paper. I stuck it up using some of the ticky-tack stuff. I <span style="font-size: xx-small;">copied</span> the note cards out of my clip art books. We will use these to write our financial goals and other plans on. We can also use them for our blessings jar I will show in a moment.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJpjxBGrKSWU5FvY34ywK68FDXuxW7JqCWDVMxJaozI-HD_u8dbfbOTJqNIf7u6g_jSbY3jwMgQG9LtBTagzKORNZVuIGFU4HH4Gq9XYQhFpaX2OwvigLCOPZiqhWpognUKn01Da1oIRa/s1600/100_1713%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJpjxBGrKSWU5FvY34ywK68FDXuxW7JqCWDVMxJaozI-HD_u8dbfbOTJqNIf7u6g_jSbY3jwMgQG9LtBTagzKORNZVuIGFU4HH4Gq9XYQhFpaX2OwvigLCOPZiqhWpognUKn01Da1oIRa/s320/100_1713%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> The right side of the desk. The mail sorter has some pictures and the ticket for a spaghetti dinner at church that I don't want to lose, the envelopes for the UPC codes on the dog food(we buy 12 and get a free bag), and my action folders-To Do, To File, To Shred.. they still need labels. In the pretty box is all sorts of cords... most I have no idea but we can't lose them!... or so I'm told. The bottom is my financial planning books. The printer sits on a small filing cabinet the has all the homework supplies in it(pencils, sharpener, crayons...)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKfVP1wi96rPp2PgSL1NAgFvR_kbUQGzXroN8ZHMSY2J47L-ifKaamDALJJB_9GxEs5Ai671cgHOx8Jj07_gOcMVaKl0mxdnbSWHPeekS_OBOPDSSulJeikeg4olAp4D5ZeKVxcP2XQ35/s1600/100_1717%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKfVP1wi96rPp2PgSL1NAgFvR_kbUQGzXroN8ZHMSY2J47L-ifKaamDALJJB_9GxEs5Ai671cgHOx8Jj07_gOcMVaKl0mxdnbSWHPeekS_OBOPDSSulJeikeg4olAp4D5ZeKVxcP2XQ35/s320/100_1717%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And finally our blessings jar. This is new for us this year. I saw the idea on Pinterest and had to join in! If you don't know<span style="font-size: xx-small;">, you write down all the <span style="font-size: xx-small;">good things that happens to your family <span style="font-size: xx-small;">during the year and <span style="font-size: xx-small;">place them in the jar. On New Y<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ears of the following year you sit down as a family and review all the blessings you have rec<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ei</span>ved.</span></span></span></span></span> </span><br />
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There is my beautiful "new" office space. I love it! It inspires me to continue and make the rest of my home this beautiful.<br />
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I hope you have enjoyed your visit. Please come back for the kitchen!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-18913582018232469352010-09-16T22:26:00.001-07:002010-09-16T22:32:35.901-07:00<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Wedded Life</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://cache2.allpostersimages.com//p/MED/13/1347/9NES000Z/auguste-de-la-brely-victorien-sardou-1831-1908-and-his-family-in-their-drawing-room-at-marly-le-roi_-circa-1875.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 120px;" src="http://cache2.allpostersimages.com//p/MED/13/1347/9NES000Z/auguste-de-la-brely-victorien-sardou-1831-1908-and-his-family-in-their-drawing-room-at-marly-le-roi_-circa-1875.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; ">The benediction that falls upon the homes of a country is like the gentle rain that descends among the hills. A thousand springs are fuller afterward, and along the banks of a thousand streamlets flowing through the valleys the grass is greener and the flowers pour out richer fragrance.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; ">Homes are the springs among the hills, whose many streamlets, uniting, form, like great rivers, society, the community, the nation, the Church. If the springs run low the rivers waste; if they pour out bounteous currents the rivers are full. If the springs are pure the rivers are clear like crystal; if they are foul the rivers are defiled. A curse upon the homes sends a poisoning blight everywhere; a blessing sends healing and new life into every channel.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; ">Homes are the divinely ordained fountains of life. It is not by accident that men live in families rather than solitarily. The human race began in a family, and Eden was a home. The divine blessing has ever rested upon nations and communities just in the measure in which they have adhered to these original institutions and have kept marriage and the home pure and holy; and blight and curse have come just in the measure in which they have departed from these divine models, dishonoring marriage and tearing down the sacred walls of home.</p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; "> </p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; "><br /></p><p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium; ">From Home Making by Dr. J.R. Miller</p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5574361416440584910.post-5013367096621900112010-03-19T13:47:00.013-07:002010-03-19T23:23:47.121-07:00Welcome to the homestead!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynPyBWfgifX3xP8Hd7fK9ecxI3dvV4gsZhHFOcs7gJ2WDz08X4254om9o5He4whYWkLi-pd7aIRPJ4HBJeF8i6eDPdY9CfWuL8F7A8Sqd72nPANhm3lOcpQX9BYmRA3WXdgFgIU4WwJ1H/s1600-h/100_1961.JPG"></a><div><div>A while ago, Candy at <a href="http://myblessedhome.blogspot.com/">http://myblessedhome.blogspot.com/</a> asked her readers to post tours of their home. Well, here is mine! </div><div><br /></div><div> We bought this home last summer, such a God thing! We should not have been able to purchase anything, much less a house... but it happened. It was the first house we looked at.... 20 houses later and 3 rejected offers on other "dream" homes, we got this one! Turns out it couldn't be more perfect than if we built it ourselves, funny how God knows these things ;-)</div><div><br /></div><div>It is just shy of 1400 square feet and was built in 1948, all block construction except for the addition. I love that when the monsoon comes I don't feel like my house is going to blow away!</div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4PMxkLnACAyIPT4R-glhXEzsQQjSlQcQy_-Q4IB3WJ9fVqmXV-UuvaWid__aMlOeyODn-D3ZYQpOlBkq1gMxD74-N9LR1d3r-UET8zqSuF3oHLhyer2EAoW6z3yVRVt5lv3ZYPk_UlCu/s1600-h/100_1981.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4PMxkLnACAyIPT4R-glhXEzsQQjSlQcQy_-Q4IB3WJ9fVqmXV-UuvaWid__aMlOeyODn-D3ZYQpOlBkq1gMxD74-N9LR1d3r-UET8zqSuF3oHLhyer2EAoW6z3yVRVt5lv3ZYPk_UlCu/s320/100_1981.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469724948092818" /></a>Front of the house. My son posing with the chihuahua and his little soccer ball. That is a jar of sun tea busy working on the side of the driveway....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC6R6bsjoEBVjzt_9ry0eebmxOGu6K-5ca9-Fh1en6WT7EnHDDw88out-oS-rwgOGiAsVrhj8pttiE1IhUbb0K9tUYkdqDIi1Yl5MUJbgHy57BiCsC1hluDJt5-fDPS0kR1jSsNiyFw9U/s1600-h/100_1982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC6R6bsjoEBVjzt_9ry0eebmxOGu6K-5ca9-Fh1en6WT7EnHDDw88out-oS-rwgOGiAsVrhj8pttiE1IhUbb0K9tUYkdqDIi1Yl5MUJbgHy57BiCsC1hluDJt5-fDPS0kR1jSsNiyFw9U/s320/100_1982.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469718790350450" /></a>Our gigantic grapefruit tree right outside the front door. It is starting to bloom, the fragrance greets you when you open the door:-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hUhyK0ww6kiYvbDMqq9xOK0j627iwy-MknGKbuwrGXfB2tNTIB8bIPFO3S8HCHP8XZM_5bYGqHYVTH0oMw_UFX_SXzHxvaj1-oeBgL0WYAqqxpjj1lSaOsJHDM1JAjDcOwEynymcqmc0/s1600-h/100_1984.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hUhyK0ww6kiYvbDMqq9xOK0j627iwy-MknGKbuwrGXfB2tNTIB8bIPFO3S8HCHP8XZM_5bYGqHYVTH0oMw_UFX_SXzHxvaj1-oeBgL0WYAqqxpjj1lSaOsJHDM1JAjDcOwEynymcqmc0/s320/100_1984.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469707777838818" /></a>The last of this years crop. That basket is huge! Hubby pulled all the fruit off so the tree could put more energy into flower production. This years crop is only really good for juicing... The tree did not get enough water last year because the house sat empty for 8 months before we moved in. The fruit has good flavor, just a little tough.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eskzbI-aWBnmdv_5tUhyphenhyphenV1IIUJmyniyMq4wsDRV9wXbAAYIdAm7bU7y22fuV1piBwq_f2fn7zYisvEwugxoHJUOJWHOJtFJvlhIOuVWqad9phksLAblmS9ugHiir3N_N2N1BcRgwZZdJ/s1600-h/100_1983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eskzbI-aWBnmdv_5tUhyphenhyphenV1IIUJmyniyMq4wsDRV9wXbAAYIdAm7bU7y22fuV1piBwq_f2fn7zYisvEwugxoHJUOJWHOJtFJvlhIOuVWqad9phksLAblmS9ugHiir3N_N2N1BcRgwZZdJ/s320/100_1983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469126044786322" /></a>The welcoming committee!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13MP_XozVpfhEgJCJ76tq9Nqre-dUrXs1414-2Wh8_zfprQTWMK_ZNTv0lrFv9Yy7AGBJTZDTFDvi-bjTn6tsBkUMG61iLnzIerEaB8pjqhvglCm5mJC4kaLjWu7D65gzUv4JF8aJp9T9/s1600-h/100_1976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13MP_XozVpfhEgJCJ76tq9Nqre-dUrXs1414-2Wh8_zfprQTWMK_ZNTv0lrFv9Yy7AGBJTZDTFDvi-bjTn6tsBkUMG61iLnzIerEaB8pjqhvglCm5mJC4kaLjWu7D65gzUv4JF8aJp9T9/s320/100_1976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469116189795186" /></a>My little starter garden. Hubby and I are still in negotiation as to yard space :-S I currently have, in the back row: pumpkins, peas and apple mint. In the front row: nasturtium, bell peppers and thyme.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp6ge6iDz-kL2_nb14MNUNByYvs4IuWcJxqDF5yuFbRqq7JCD2E4w5heobaOdhST-lhVYepH5IeEpSWDtD4tPWodXDidr1wQWz4uhLbK4ZJlqHf8lxSbVLuS93e_1Bmaa0Jt532L8aVZY/s1600-h/100_1975.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWp6ge6iDz-kL2_nb14MNUNByYvs4IuWcJxqDF5yuFbRqq7JCD2E4w5heobaOdhST-lhVYepH5IeEpSWDtD4tPWodXDidr1wQWz4uhLbK4ZJlqHf8lxSbVLuS93e_1Bmaa0Jt532L8aVZY/s320/100_1975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469106221663010" /></a>Our cat wondering what I am doing...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71BBwFpn-DyoRgW5LrLCPVeYlJY00X12ra8y3pI34KPAp1sobojpE70pi-_-0Vx7MqntY3KRB8KaAIVEU3lwo0dIZt5GAMyqg6TvbIpJfQHjvP5sPXH7CHqrBx9aAptPjcH6HLUynCgPS/s1600-h/100_1974.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71BBwFpn-DyoRgW5LrLCPVeYlJY00X12ra8y3pI34KPAp1sobojpE70pi-_-0Vx7MqntY3KRB8KaAIVEU3lwo0dIZt5GAMyqg6TvbIpJfQHjvP5sPXH7CHqrBx9aAptPjcH6HLUynCgPS/s320/100_1974.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469102369300850" /></a>Grapefruit blossoms :-D<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfYAH4TamfqM-6WhneIP4RJZgIksU3vAJV9Ax7K82n-Qktjo_4rzjdB3uCbSs8mHO3PivS_dKoQvbM1MHVRJNKV1HriMzIk5G6-wroH-8j4lZ8xknBEP0MU_rg2K1aAocXY0ingr4mKo9/s1600-h/100_1971.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfYAH4TamfqM-6WhneIP4RJZgIksU3vAJV9Ax7K82n-Qktjo_4rzjdB3uCbSs8mHO3PivS_dKoQvbM1MHVRJNKV1HriMzIk5G6-wroH-8j4lZ8xknBEP0MU_rg2K1aAocXY0ingr4mKo9/s320/100_1971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450469092620016226" /></a>The two books I constantly refer to as I figure out how to homestead on a largish lot in the middle of a sprawling metropolis!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9-VDERAF1-62DM6ciJmHRG1oejbI0KgwpjCeXMVcrZW7SL6FDrj0NcLoneV1easCaaOi0m3fhK_RgWkIzpqi-5iXfGUKvR3IqmFrNMZHLKbFUaxWm1oEas-UiMP7F92WtkXwK6K2TYUQ/s1600-h/100_1966.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9-VDERAF1-62DM6ciJmHRG1oejbI0KgwpjCeXMVcrZW7SL6FDrj0NcLoneV1easCaaOi0m3fhK_RgWkIzpqi-5iXfGUKvR3IqmFrNMZHLKbFUaxWm1oEas-UiMP7F92WtkXwK6K2TYUQ/s320/100_1966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468339882047666" /></a>This is the wall that will house the piano in a couple weeks, it is currently next door at my mom's house. The pile on the floor is bound for Goodwill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjugEhe4r9arHUbaQfWQ16HgREWIcu0hAwt8ziwZn76tWs0-Q028yqO22fkNv9Xe0LKIqjNOWiQijpbv-Il4Q7NW9GHpg6QfJkjMe-_-k8YGq8IU8vCPyWWglL5swn4NbbwwYkoFDWG0eH/s1600-h/100_1967.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjugEhe4r9arHUbaQfWQ16HgREWIcu0hAwt8ziwZn76tWs0-Q028yqO22fkNv9Xe0LKIqjNOWiQijpbv-Il4Q7NW9GHpg6QfJkjMe-_-k8YGq8IU8vCPyWWglL5swn4NbbwwYkoFDWG0eH/s320/100_1967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468329353820274" /></a>My antique sewing table. The lamp belonged to my grandmother. It has little vines painted around it. The books are form our recent trip to the library. There is not usually a license plate there.... long story....<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9JEPirVAMmIPZ7dYVH6vujXxm6aTgIr0Q_50TXKPBE-6zugm2-FGQMxEiIBqHTVIwtfqgDgj_kI_xXV200jRem2ihs9Y-Uc-I9RRQyFBm7c9WDjkZk_3NFBdFhxEASs95g2G1sXDw9m2/s1600-h/100_1968.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9JEPirVAMmIPZ7dYVH6vujXxm6aTgIr0Q_50TXKPBE-6zugm2-FGQMxEiIBqHTVIwtfqgDgj_kI_xXV200jRem2ihs9Y-Uc-I9RRQyFBm7c9WDjkZk_3NFBdFhxEASs95g2G1sXDw9m2/s320/100_1968.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468322698785234" /></a>The family table. It is made of alder and was custom finished. All of the chairs will eventually be white...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPddVAz3clOc1p_mWiev1R7F5caq-JYyNbzsbRVBMcwV8dgMk89Ts7v6sAhdYpdf8zkjdhFyqfx_Jfc_lA9ORjgIbmezWJIohguQWW8gkRMLvIfrNR5_EqS4el1usoD7glrGWvru4DsyXS/s1600-h/100_1969.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPddVAz3clOc1p_mWiev1R7F5caq-JYyNbzsbRVBMcwV8dgMk89Ts7v6sAhdYpdf8zkjdhFyqfx_Jfc_lA9ORjgIbmezWJIohguQWW8gkRMLvIfrNR5_EqS4el1usoD7glrGWvru4DsyXS/s320/100_1969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468313656466098" /></a>The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">home school</span> corner. I home school my two younger children. The oldest has currently decided he wants to attend a school in our neighborhood. The laptop is here because the desk is in the "project room". We just sit at the table right now when we use it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3IPiANNSHn2ncVzPNV6zFq2bdvsvM79TCPUDX392d861YpOJFSfiDTyn2KEHbENDIRiL0M6ZlD80FuyWhjKw0QFE2KnQhCyqQIZuSOQYJWapP1n645qn3haWgwSa2rR7CfBr4aUpAodT/s1600-h/100_1970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3IPiANNSHn2ncVzPNV6zFq2bdvsvM79TCPUDX392d861YpOJFSfiDTyn2KEHbENDIRiL0M6ZlD80FuyWhjKw0QFE2KnQhCyqQIZuSOQYJWapP1n645qn3haWgwSa2rR7CfBr4aUpAodT/s320/100_1970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450468304220458850" /></a>My center piece. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">handkerchief</span> belonged to hubby's great-grandmother. The rose quartz is a candle holder we bought at a local museum. In the pink vase is a plant clipping from my son's first grade teacher and the other jar is a lemon balm clipping I am hoping will grow roots.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuHLDEm0A0vF8Yk6BDR2dbljHHmBehvk1HKDVZbNY9E2phktY9A1rkJ7tXBcTeJX7XpyAkaSlr2dLbFjq5fqDfsFyqntN6VgQLl0D14YcqUFBdWnXuMYUg5muD_vN9ZAiTXBnbd-O2k-9/s1600-h/100_1963.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuHLDEm0A0vF8Yk6BDR2dbljHHmBehvk1HKDVZbNY9E2phktY9A1rkJ7tXBcTeJX7XpyAkaSlr2dLbFjq5fqDfsFyqntN6VgQLl0D14YcqUFBdWnXuMYUg5muD_vN9ZAiTXBnbd-O2k-9/s320/100_1963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467599312278850" /></a>One of our many book cases. The bottom two shelves are the kids books. The rest are novels and story books. The room to the right is the "project room" aka the family room. I will add pictures when we are done with the remodel... it is a mess!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSHLIH0uHq5CJ4ZCZhuwxt7YkYbktmullTnAGCYDSC0eLg6W2Q_1zZcVH-mKJxy_zxnKakSemvvmpqRvYvzFlzRpKcJGAFSvPkhad-5eVtBVhGmwq_Zc-PtrH6yfst3IQlMU8T52Je8XH/s1600-h/100_1964.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSHLIH0uHq5CJ4ZCZhuwxt7YkYbktmullTnAGCYDSC0eLg6W2Q_1zZcVH-mKJxy_zxnKakSemvvmpqRvYvzFlzRpKcJGAFSvPkhad-5eVtBVhGmwq_Zc-PtrH6yfst3IQlMU8T52Je8XH/s320/100_1964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467592266659618" /></a>The bar and window looking into the kitchen<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAAnTOzB-7k3TSfb70H6gj9yS80J15loUQJNMVyp5uYBTE8qV54zjefGXhX2xbrur-36p7c_rveGudOOOD0aFEuYanqV628GnBCSvyaIBd4jS3Nn_g1iR3_Bka1JKDFpZXvjzElm5jMK/s1600-h/100_1965.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJAAnTOzB-7k3TSfb70H6gj9yS80J15loUQJNMVyp5uYBTE8qV54zjefGXhX2xbrur-36p7c_rveGudOOOD0aFEuYanqV628GnBCSvyaIBd4jS3Nn_g1iR3_Bka1JKDFpZXvjzElm5jMK/s320/100_1965.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467584728926450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcyJn0_XAhJLQ6dlldqHyU0Ou6X9G_5pJ81bWsl5nAIXkvfPdspP8nYem3-gJOvT-sM27lSq6KmVn836uZbVdGsdevGEapc5Cvk23aphKKMsf-pA4d4JUK1gTGfur7H0Nt-hmSZZ4F1cu/s1600-h/100_1962.JPG"></a><div>This is the rocking chair my dad bought me when I was pregnant with our oldest. I made the sunflower pillow and hubby's grandmother made the throw. The eagle picture is a piece of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">artwork</span> my parents bought after they were married.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcyJn0_XAhJLQ6dlldqHyU0Ou6X9G_5pJ81bWsl5nAIXkvfPdspP8nYem3-gJOvT-sM27lSq6KmVn836uZbVdGsdevGEapc5Cvk23aphKKMsf-pA4d4JUK1gTGfur7H0Nt-hmSZZ4F1cu/s1600-h/100_1962.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcyJn0_XAhJLQ6dlldqHyU0Ou6X9G_5pJ81bWsl5nAIXkvfPdspP8nYem3-gJOvT-sM27lSq6KmVn836uZbVdGsdevGEapc5Cvk23aphKKMsf-pA4d4JUK1gTGfur7H0Nt-hmSZZ4F1cu/s320/100_1962.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467609113530898" style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is the first counter you see when you walk <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">into</span> the kitchen. The cabinets above hold our everyday pantry items. In the corner is my sugar and oatmeal, two bowls of pecans from the back yard <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">waiting</span> to be shelled and an egg carton that I use to hold everyday items like scissors, my cell phone, pencils...etc.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynPyBWfgifX3xP8Hd7fK9ecxI3dvV4gsZhHFOcs7gJ2WDz08X4254om9o5He4whYWkLi-pd7aIRPJ4HBJeF8i6eDPdY9CfWuL8F7A8Sqd72nPANhm3lOcpQX9BYmRA3WXdgFgIU4WwJ1H/s320/100_1961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450477663097692242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; ">A continuation of the same counter. On top of the microwave is the butter bowl, some napkins, and yes, another license plate... don't ask. the shelving unit was built by my hubby and holds my massive collection of cookbooks. The containers on the bottom shelf are for brown rice and whole wheat flour. Next to that is a basket of onions. The coffee cups used to be my parents and are older <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">that</span> I am! I don't use them but think they are pretty...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHBsSr4uzt-ZUE012fnLEwbDFvpG4by25dXumo_m-TFmquv9gfW66QfqEJHla2tGmE00ZqDEwlm1dKlJA16hLjPpFYhGhIzvYfe4rKU-Dy9_vVwPKqg81FFdJ_Zelya5zkk9R0s4FQ0mPO/s320/100_1959.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467020681872194" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></div><div>Here is my beautiful stove! I was nervous about cooking with gas when we first moved in... now I don't think I could ever go back! The pot on the stove has some navy beans that are in the works for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tonight's</span> dinner. The stool next to the stove is a favorite hangout for the kids when I am cooking.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI_ikarlaqTGsS-oMxveitpBAFP67umK1U1P2vDGq58530xYTMYVxPtDN44-M01JkYJFr8z4E_81yKCQigxYxr-yeecuQl-RlQ6UVbhcynwliqQdzieIQP67Et2kdUzBhebQe0wyYCt1w/s320/100_1958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467031586289026" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div>The kitchen sink. The upper cabinets are original to the house! I have my collection of canning jars in the little nook waiting for peach season to come around! On the counter to the right is my notebook for shopping lists and my daily planner. Behind that is my knife block, coffee canister, cutting board and Home Management Binder. I keep my master schedule, meal plans and such in there and transfer it to my daily planner. My kitchen is to small to leave the big binder out all the time. The blue bowl to the left is some broth waiting to go into the beans.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5D1dRKhdjdU5Zi0MjDI4y1cbRakgtn9wk1BG-LH9h5B7qeL_iEpBauneztjAQ_iqkPOjbtSfvKdfj31uHrE3JbU7Dt2_01THOIr4Lwaa8rVgt9ol3UBjbt9gECXN-8l899jH4JURJjYd/s320/100_1957.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467046008491522" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">My beautiful fridge that my in-laws bought us. I was thinking of fashioning an ice-less fridge.... but this works! Yes, that is Jack in his kitchen! Hubby works for him so we thought it appropriate ;-) When hubby's store was being remodeled he snagged this picture for me!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsyny3sIcA-rEfaxejV_19cTYScYVrEkgfrdUJTOwjiPzFQK7bUAswl6vGV4Er4tWgrvvA7IuY7PS9y4j_8hmsixcwE14jllq9QdnV8QuNgOMvQpVj0wXmqGkFxCj7HYYHZryIvObCFwM/s320/100_1954.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467055048129378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">This is an adorable little laundry basket hubby bought me at a discount store. It holds my kitchen towels that I try to wash a couple of times a week.</span></span></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcyJn0_XAhJLQ6dlldqHyU0Ou6X9G_5pJ81bWsl5nAIXkvfPdspP8nYem3-gJOvT-sM27lSq6KmVn836uZbVdGsdevGEapc5Cvk23aphKKMsf-pA4d4JUK1gTGfur7H0Nt-hmSZZ4F1cu/s1600-h/100_1962.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya2hyphenhyphenjFG27ZRxO1Nhp44NomPjtW8DsAesHaI_9VzcZH9CgBqGLCxi6Jv0dNuX_GyGbnPgPu2t8E86Fh18sSzhXypwwSinuL1_Bmoy3jjx29ZsNX3K5XViQQArladDsSp0Hft66v3QsagY/s1600-h/100_1952.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgya2hyphenhyphenjFG27ZRxO1Nhp44NomPjtW8DsAesHaI_9VzcZH9CgBqGLCxi6Jv0dNuX_GyGbnPgPu2t8E86Fh18sSzhXypwwSinuL1_Bmoy3jjx29ZsNX3K5XViQQArladDsSp0Hft66v3QsagY/s320/100_1952.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450467062182215874" /></a>This is the little landing on the way out the back door. Behind my ironing board is my future studio. It is small and there is nothing in it right now... a project in the making.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsyny3sIcA-rEfaxejV_19cTYScYVrEkgfrdUJTOwjiPzFQK7bUAswl6vGV4Er4tWgrvvA7IuY7PS9y4j_8hmsixcwE14jllq9QdnV8QuNgOMvQpVj0wXmqGkFxCj7HYYHZryIvObCFwM/s1600-h/100_1954.JPG"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tqwgj6U19LgKgjCK83x8k0GBHg4dNyhTvR6-8iUDezjqO_KhWSD83b1ORRpT6QzbQbl2s-uKxT2Hu_c8ZfA0PbzzN-blqY9QykoJc5qyJ4L6jjVGrXs0yF-WYS9EaaXNbzzXBRCk4FlR/s1600-h/100_1951.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tqwgj6U19LgKgjCK83x8k0GBHg4dNyhTvR6-8iUDezjqO_KhWSD83b1ORRpT6QzbQbl2s-uKxT2Hu_c8ZfA0PbzzN-blqY9QykoJc5qyJ4L6jjVGrXs0yF-WYS9EaaXNbzzXBRCk4FlR/s320/100_1951.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450450556596391154" /></a></div><br /><div>Looking out the back door... Here is our tree that turned out beautifully after hubby trimmed it. We are going to put a little sitting area out there :-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEebnJhgfklgVq-n7Xaf9mTmND5Ch_IENSzbSviS7dZQqFJf_WIH43uZaTiMPpc6V_fOmQGw9ZvKWQAtG2DDCAGDFwUfa5QYJdwGA_TrRUBctdnkHht-x4NmnJHCbCW31_gOBMHjt1CE3G/s1600-h/100_1950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEebnJhgfklgVq-n7Xaf9mTmND5Ch_IENSzbSviS7dZQqFJf_WIH43uZaTiMPpc6V_fOmQGw9ZvKWQAtG2DDCAGDFwUfa5QYJdwGA_TrRUBctdnkHht-x4NmnJHCbCW31_gOBMHjt1CE3G/s320/100_1950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450450546826672210" /></a>Here is the shed that one of the previous owners put in. He built it himself so it is solid! already wired for electricity and it has a loft... lots of storage! The area to the left of it has been reserved for a special project (details to come ;-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDXkpI6gfZl7C2r9-CNgTKXG36uHoWgLtLgwctPPHZ7KaRWYBqSF_G7FKc7XoCiWrplt-UIuqOv2U5rpCRSS0zqGMUGzR1XHA5xa2C3J0U6eDVeg9nVn-38k7ujOLTDRE9D2pCBj32hol/s1600-h/100_1947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDXkpI6gfZl7C2r9-CNgTKXG36uHoWgLtLgwctPPHZ7KaRWYBqSF_G7FKc7XoCiWrplt-UIuqOv2U5rpCRSS0zqGMUGzR1XHA5xa2C3J0U6eDVeg9nVn-38k7ujOLTDRE9D2pCBj32hol/s320/100_1947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450450536375456194" /></a>This is our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">looong</span> patio. The kids love riding their scooters up and down it. The far end will eventually have raised concrete planters for my garden.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56qDrah4P2yJjiJmzu83ZSpLWLFx40mezedzHn_rTcGvDjUzjfve5SWDl0vvAUJ0CMtdF1CBb4eRlLdDDDKTSJA1o5nRk4Y2cCIqyX2GEvoMXhhA-umOQXFyVoDW3RR4FeivaEduzrEZL/s1600-h/100_1949.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56qDrah4P2yJjiJmzu83ZSpLWLFx40mezedzHn_rTcGvDjUzjfve5SWDl0vvAUJ0CMtdF1CBb4eRlLdDDDKTSJA1o5nRk4Y2cCIqyX2GEvoMXhhA-umOQXFyVoDW3RR4FeivaEduzrEZL/s320/100_1949.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450450527364148226" /></a>A picture of our faithful watch dog! She is avidly guarding the dog food kept in the metal bin ;-) There is also the kids collection scooters and bicycle and a pot that will eventually hold the grape vine I found growing wild under the tree! (that is mom's house:-)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfM9tWwPEBEi3oJJ0iszB3lp25ZKVU7ObWqKRlNK014q-entakjNEnJdPR92TZ9NPxk9uhDVjocgN-nKqkzKM-6PXZxBJ3wUUknb3b4cUtdKbXzSH3km-6Vf56aGRcD6Nc4k7HiV_LH7W/s1600-h/100_1948.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfM9tWwPEBEi3oJJ0iszB3lp25ZKVU7ObWqKRlNK014q-entakjNEnJdPR92TZ9NPxk9uhDVjocgN-nKqkzKM-6PXZxBJ3wUUknb3b4cUtdKbXzSH3km-6Vf56aGRcD6Nc4k7HiV_LH7W/s320/100_1948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450450518265097106" /></a>This is my beautiful washer and dryer that hubby bought me last spring! Unfortunatly we have to keep them on the back porch for now. This whole area will be closed in as a screened in porch sometime in the future.....</div><div> </div><div>I kept the tour to only the public rooms. Some of the angels were sleeping and some really needed to clean their rooms! Maybe I will do a separate post later on...</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you enjoy!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06303669598515126663noreply@blogger.com2