tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52723361007898826622024-03-14T08:01:44.392-04:00At the end of the drive...Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-75750080047575113582013-06-12T14:46:00.005-04:002013-06-12T14:50:26.851-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">A tree falls the way it leans. </span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i>Be careful which way you lean." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">~ Dr. Seuss, The Lorax</span></span><br />
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Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-28170011624424524352013-05-13T09:51:00.000-04:002013-05-13T09:51:22.563-04:00I love this.......<br />
..........<img height="640" src="http://mcdn.zulily.com/images/cache/product/350x1000/4549/VINYLCRAFTS_TWO_GIFTS_BROWN_CREAM_1368227238.jpg" width="532" />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-26121002878891015172013-02-03T08:24:00.001-05:002013-02-03T08:24:02.744-05:00Amazima Ministries International: The Need for Net<a href="http://amazimaministries.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-need-for-net.html?spref=bl">Amazima Ministries International: The Need for Net</a>: One of the most frequent health problems we face here in Uganda is carried through a mosquito. It causes chills, fever, and body ac...Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-85565365098233169182012-07-23T05:30:00.000-04:002012-07-23T05:30:03.596-04:00Make an indoor farm / city!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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It has still be hovering around 100 degrees here - whew!! I'm ready for winter I tell you! </div>
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Even the cats don't want to move........</div>
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Don't worry, when the sun goes down and it cools off a bit, they get frisky and run around and play!<br />
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Anyway, my oldest is still at camp and my little one wants a constant playmate. So we built an "indoor farm / city." <br />
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He got very creative with adding trees and fields full of different crops.<br />
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Big trucks loading hay bales - what excitement!!!</div>
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Spraying a field of soybeans......I think.......<br />
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At one point, he had LEGO guys helping out.<br />
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Fill 'er up! Yes, that is supposed to be a gas pump - I did not major in Art in college - can you tell???<br />
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"Bridge over troubled water"..........OK, so maybe that was Simon & Garfunkel :)<br />
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Apparently, this is me - driving an Audi and living in a blue house!! OK. </div>
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The city is getting larger and larger. Even has a tunnel under the bar stools.<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> I have a feeling we'll have this one around for several days!</span></div>
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-28991813921810711252012-07-21T11:55:00.000-04:002012-07-21T11:55:47.261-04:00One HOT day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For the past couple of weeks, we've had really hot weather. Staying around 100 degrees - too hot for me and the boys to go outside. I am not a hot weather person at all - give me snow any day! My sons are the same way. </div>
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My oldest has been at camp all week, so my youngest has been "bored" and wanting a playmate all of the time. </div>
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OK - think, think, think.....I have laundry, cleaning and a list of other stuff to do.......</div>
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Here! Let's play with bubbles in the sink........</div>
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First, he gave some of his tractors a bath!</div>
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Tupperware lids make GREAT Lilly pads.......<br />
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He was content for over an hour......and I got the majority of my "list" done.<br />
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We had just come back in from filling the "ever evaporating" bird baths - note the sweaty hair and red face!<br />
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This is his token "hot outside" attire - a really BIG Angry Bird shirt and undies! ALL DAY LONG<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What has your family been up to during these hot summer days??</span></div>
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-20730183235211676322012-07-12T17:11:00.000-04:002012-07-12T17:12:27.428-04:00Pantry and Spice Rack Organization<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Here are a couple of simple ways to help organize your spice area and your pantry:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Spice Organizing </span></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;">1.</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: left;"> PURGE your spices.</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> If you don't date them when you open them, start doing it from now on with a sharpie on the lid. Keep in mind that spices don't "go bad" - they just loose their potency and flavor. </span></div>
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I went through mine and found those few in the back that I needed for some random recipe that didn't work out and I've never chunked the bottle. If it is still good, see if a friend or neighbor uses it and pass it along to them. If not, trash can here we come! </div>
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<b>2</b>.<b> Take stock. </b> <span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">This is also a good time to take stock of what you have to avoid duplicate purchases and also to think ahead..."oh, I'm making pickles soon....I'll need Alum and Cinnamon Sticks, etc..." </span></div>
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<b>3. Make note on shopping list. </b>While you are taking stock, make a simple note on your shopping list of spices you are running low on, need to replace, or need to stock up on. </div>
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<b>4. Wipe it down. </b>While everything is out of the cabinet / area, clean it well. </div>
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I organize my spices two ways. First, I have my basic spices on a simple three tier spice rack (most used up front and less often used in back). For the ones I use <i>ALL</i> of the time (salts, peppers, minced onion, garlic powder, vanilla,) I have a turntable which I love. This system works the best for me. </div>
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<b>5. Cluster together mixes / boullions / odd shaped spices</b>. These little guys can get lost in between cans and in the back of cabinets. You can use a simple basket or plastic container to corral them for easy finding and also taking stock for recipes / shopping. For my McCormick / Lipton packets, Tastefully Simple mixes and boullion packets, I found a cute divided clear container at IKEA. I love the three divided sections to keep things separate and also that it is clear so I can easily see my stock. </div>
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I also love that it snaps shut and is closed because I'm weird like that!!!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It fits nicely on the same shelf with my spice rack and turntable - right by the stove for easy reach. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Pantry Organizing</span></div>
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<b>1. Pull EVERYTHING out. </b>Yes, everything! Clear your kitchen table and counters off so you have lots of room and have a trash can close by. </div>
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<b>2. Clean each shelf. </b>(OK, self-explanatory!)</div>
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<b>3. If you've never lined your shelves, now would be a good time to do that. </b>If you do have them lined and they have seen better days, consider replacing them. </div>
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<b>4. PURGE! </b> One of my favorite words! Again, be ruthless - do you still have items from a "trial and error" recipe? Did you buy a big box of a cereal that really tasted horrible, but it ended up back in the pantry? Are there items that are still good, but you don't use, that you can share with a friend? </div>
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<b>5. Check expiration dates. </b></div>
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<b>6. Donate to a food pantry. </b>If you have unopened non-perishable food items that you are not going to use, place them together in a bag. <i> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Second part......walk out to your car and put the bag in so you can drop them off on your next trip out!!! </span> </i> If second part is not followed, you will have a bag full of food sitting in a corner of your kitchen or on the counter for the next few months creating <u>clutter!</u>! (My other favorite word). </div>
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<b>7. Sort your food by category. </b>For instance, mine are:</div>
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Baking (flours, sugars, baking powders/soda, cake mixes, etc..)</div>
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Cereals</div>
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"Helpers" (Suddenly Salad, rice, instant potatoes, etc...)</div>
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Fruit (pears, applesauces, raisins, etc....)</div>
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Canned goods </div>
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Drink mixes</div>
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Pastas and pasta sauces</div>
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Snacks (cookies, crackers, etc...) </div>
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By separating all of your food items in groups, it will make it easier for you to find needed items and again, to see what you have in stock vs. what needs to be noted on the shopping list. </div>
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I also have started taking some food products out of their cardboard boxes and putting them in separate containers. (I know you've seen the magazines where it is all color coded and matchy - that is really not the reason I started doing this. Hubby and my oldest son ALWAYS take the last one out and leave the box!! This drives me crazy! I would look in the pantry, think we have something only to find out later, we don't. Taking it out of its package has saved me a lot of headaches!)</div>
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<b>8. Label your areas. </b> This will not only be a good reminder for you to keep it this way as you put away groceries or cook, but will be a "flag" for others to put stuff back where they found it. </div>
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You don't have to spend a lot of $$ on containers - I've used clear plastic boxes from the dollar store. I'm not doing it to impress - I'm doing it to make it easier on me!</div>
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<b>9. Oil the squeak! </b> If there is anything about how your kitchen is set up that annoys you and you can change it by rearranging, purchasing a product, fixing something - do it!! For me, it was the top two shelves above my pantry. When we were building our house, it didn't take into consideration being vertically challenged and those shelves are a bit out of reach. I basically use the top one for extra stock and sauces. However, when I needed something off the top shelf, or if I needed to see if I had any Ranch dressing left, if it wasn't in the very front I would have to go into the mudroom to get the step stool. Climb up on the step stool, get the jar, climb down, go put the stool away. <b>OK - I know - not life changing </b>- but it was <u>annoying me,</u> and has been for the last four years. Finally I did some research and found these:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-16-inch-Turntable/dp/B000QA2IJ0" target="_blank">OXO Good Grips Turntables</a></div>
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No, I'm not promoting them or making any $$ by recommending them. I just really find them to be exceptional. These turntables can be loaded with a lot of weight and still spin freely. I needed that for my situation (mayo, ketchup, dressings, salsa) - these things are not light! </div>
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So I purchased two. One for sauces and one for extra stock items. "Oil your squeak!" What little thing justs "urks" you?? Think of a solution / product to help / re-arrangement to make your life easier!</div>
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Now it is easy for me to "spin" and grab what I need. Or to "spin" and see if I need to note dressing on my shopping list when I take the last one. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I hope you can implement some of these ideas into your own kitchen. I would love to hear how they work!!</span></div>
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-18117888675465763792012-06-29T09:28:00.000-04:002012-06-29T09:28:22.445-04:00EASY Summer Garden Veggie RecipesWith all of the summer garden veggies coming off in large quantities, I wanted to share my two favorite "old tried and true standby's" that are very easy.<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">2 cups sugar</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 cup veg oil</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 cup raw shredded zucchini (don't peel or seed - just shred on your grater)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">2 cup flour</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon baking powder</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">3 teaspoons cinnamon</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">1 teaspoon salt</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">2 teaspoons vanilla</span></li>
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Cream eggs, sugar and oil. Add in zucchini and dry ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees in two greased loaf pans for 1 hour. Chopped nuts may be added. </div>
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I always freeze one loaf for later - always nice to bring to a friend's house when visiting. </div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Roasted Red Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese</span></div>
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<li>1/2 cup ranch dressing</li>
<li>1/2 cup shredded cheese (I've used cheddar, swiss, mozarella, parmesean - anything I have on hand)</li>
<li>1/4 cup bacon bits</li>
<li>2 lb small red potatoes, chopped into small bite sized chunks</li>
<li>1 tablespoon parsley</li>
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Preheat oven to 350. Mix dressing, cheese and bacon bits into a large bowl. Add potatoes and toss lightly. Spoon into greased 13 x 9 baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Sprinkle with parsley. </div>
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I hope you give these a try - honestly, out of all of the cookbooks I own, these are the two I give out the most to friends and family. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">I hope you have a wonderful happy summer day!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-59063213336214499252012-06-21T14:52:00.000-04:002012-06-21T14:57:54.371-04:00Blog Contest - would love your support!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Circle of Moms</span> is having a </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">contest on the top </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">homeschooling idea blogs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I would love your support and vote.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can go <a href="http://www.circleofmoms.com/blogger/drive?blogroll_id=64" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">HERE</a> to vote. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Also, support your local library - take the kids, a big basket and </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">load up for these long, hot summer days!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-16140050472783364542012-06-18T06:00:00.000-04:002012-06-18T06:00:07.390-04:00If you have boys - let them explore!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pa-Pa's Place</b></span></div>
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A part of our farm is fondly referred to as "Pa-Pa's place." It was I believe it was the home to the third generation of my husband's family to farm this land. Its a very old house on a beautiful piece of property. My mother-in-law always joke that if we had a million dollars, we would re-do the house because it has great "bones." Right now, I'm sure is has tons of asbestosis and is just used for storing random things. </div>
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Anyway, yesterday evening I took the boys over to play with the newly baled hay! They love this time of year. My oldest "judges" his growth against them each time we have them baled. </div>
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I love the smell of newly baled hay. Something about it. </div>
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I love this old barn - I have no idea how old it is, but the wood is gorgeous.</div>
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Again, primarily just used to store old stuff. </div>
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My oldest, the scientist, inspecting his latest find!!</div>
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I also love dirt roads.....never thought I would ever write those words</div>
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considering I grew up in a large city in a neighborhood,</div>
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but I'd never move back now. </div>
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Again, my oldest, pausing to soak it all in - </div>
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boy, did the two of them have tons of questions as we walked all around.</div>
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I love that - can almost hear their mind clicking away!!</div>
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Get them outside to get the imagination going. </div>
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You can play hide-and-seek with the bales - such fun. </div>
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Also, boys need TONS of room to run off all of their energy. </div>
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A season for me as a mother - brothers side by side. <i>Sniff, sniff......</i></div>
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A very old gas pump - really cool looking. </div>
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Hay throwing is mandatory!!</div>
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Hubby gathered this wheat field last week - such a gorgeous shade of golden still </div>
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there with the cut stalks. </div>
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I believe that soybeans will be the next crop to be planted in this </div>
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particular field. </div>
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A shelter with an old rusty roof - somehow very "classic and romantic". </div>
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Rain on a tin roof - now that is a good night's sleep!!</div>
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Rakes to gather the hay for baling. Really cool to watch if you ever get the chance. </div>
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We are so very blessed to live on such a beautiful farm. </div>
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For me, summer I especially try to <b>SLOW DOWN.</b> </div>
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<i>No big plans - no <u>binding schedule.</u></i></div>
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We do so much </div>
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driving during the school year. It's almost a game to see how many </div>
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days the truck can stay parked in the garage. </div>
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My favorite times are exploring with my kids. We pack a water bottle,</div>
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binoculars and a camera. </div>
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Try it - you won't be disappointed. </div>
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What activities are you doing with your kids this summer???</div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-5338687024792170882012-06-13T06:00:00.000-04:002012-06-13T06:00:09.579-04:00Small gift for end of school<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At the end of the school year, I try to do something special for my sons.</div>
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I am <u><b>definitely NOT</b></u> the type of parent who pays their kids for grades!</div>
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(But that is a whole other soapbox topic for a later date.)</div>
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It is usually something small, but meaningful.</div>
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Especially with boys - they need <i>a lot of encouragement</i></div>
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a lot of "I'm in your corner."</div>
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a lot of "I've got your back"</div>
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a lot of "you're going to face a lot of pressure during your school years, but I'm always here for you"</div>
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With all of the influences and challenges they face everyday,</div>
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they need to be guided and right now my husband and I</div>
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are trying very hard on making our relationships with our boys solid.</div>
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Now is the easy time to do that, so when they get older and the challenges</div>
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become more difficult, they'll feel safe and confident enough to talk honestly </div>
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with us about anything. </div>
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I found this bracelet in a Christian bookstore the week school got out and I gave it to my oldest as he finished second grade. </div>
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Just an "I'm really proud of you - you really did a wonderful job." </div>
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I see so many ways he's becoming a very insightful young man and is </div>
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aware of so many things. </div>
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He really loved it (especially since it was "boy-ish" and not girly.</div>
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He had a fun time showing his friends his new "bling" :)</div>
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A simple Cross pattern on the front:</div>
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On the back is written:</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">"They are not of the world, even as I'm not of it."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">John 17:16</span></div>
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Do you do anything "special" for your kids as they move up in grades???</div>
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Would love to hear. </div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-50268631019562710282012-06-11T06:00:00.000-04:002012-06-11T06:00:03.873-04:00Wheat Harvest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My love affair with my wheat has ended for the year.</div>
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I have watched it grow for months from my rocking chair on my front porch with coffee in hand.</div>
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Small and green at first - then, with time, it turned a beautiful golden yellow.</div>
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I always think of the movie "The Outsiders"...."Nothing stays golden forever Pony Boy!" </div>
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Anyway.........</div>
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here comes hubby with our youngest son - his "helper" / combine companion.</div>
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My older son and I sat on the front porch snapping photos and got a great surprise....</div>
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two HUGE jackrabbits sprinting out of the wheat when the combine was getting close. </div>
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"Oh, look at the cute bunnies" he exclaimed.</div>
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"Honey - they had no "bunny" about them - they were huge. Bigger than the cats!"</div>
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Unloading and off to the grain bin.</div>
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The sky was gorgeous that day. The clouds almost looked fake. </div>
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Good time to sit and be still - and know how blessed we are. </div>
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-46277165549911763472012-06-09T17:54:00.002-04:002012-06-09T17:54:50.473-04:00Marshmellows and Art bucket for summer<br />
If you have followed my blog for a time, you know that I'm not the biggest fan of TV / Wii / video games / computers....I know, I know.....I'm the one who buys them - <u style="font-weight: bold;">BUT </u> for me, it seems easier to limit the boys' time during the school year. <br />
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During the summer, the days seem longer and my patience seems less.......tell me a mother who doesn't feel the same way!!<br />
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We have the slip and slide / fun sprinklers / playhouse and random outside toys all ready for them in the backyard, but for those "really" hot and muggy days or even rainy days, its nice to have some other fun stuff ready at hand. <br />
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Here is some I came up with this week:<br />
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Marshmellows (large and small) a bag of each for each boy</div>
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box of 500 toothpicks</div>
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Dollar store total: $5.00</div>
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The projects started out simple, but as the time went on, the more complex they became. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Boredom = Great Imagination</span></div>
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Tower that eventually was seven stories high, until it came crashing down. </div>
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I don't know......but my four year old had a long explanation of what HE thought is was!</div>
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Yes, I'm frugal, and had them take it apart and put everything away into Ziplocs</div>
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so they can be used again (and they have several time). </div>
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A little sticky, but it did teach them patience and sorting as well. </div>
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Next up: <span style="color: #cc0000;">The Art Bucket </span>which now lives on the kitchen table during "non-meal" time.</div>
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I found this silver bucket in the dollar section of Target and pulled out some</div>
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favorites from our craft closet. </div>
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stickers</div>
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markers</div>
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crayons</div>
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tape</div>
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colored and regular pencils</div>
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scissors</div>
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ruler</div>
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gluesticks</div>
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I found several mason jars, cups and an old dog treat jar and filled it up. </div>
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Next, I found this HUGE stack of colored paper at a school supply store for cheap,</div>
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cheap, cheap! </div>
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I find the boys stopping by multiple times a day to "create" and display on the fridge. </div>
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Love to see what they come up with.</div>
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What projects have you set up for your kids this summer??</div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-88811458560350067672012-06-08T11:32:00.000-04:002012-06-08T11:32:52.685-04:00If you give a Mom a Muffin<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">If you have kids, I'm sure you've read the book "If you give a mouse a cookie...." and others in that series. I heard this poem at a MOPS meeting this year and wanted to share it. </span></span></h1>
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If You Give Mom a Muffin</h1>
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<i>Author: Beth Brubaker</i></div>
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If you give a mom a muffin,<br />She'll want a cup of coffee to go with it.<br />She'll pour herself some.<br />Her three-year-old will spill the coffee.<br />She'll wipe it up.<br />Wiping the floor, she'll find dirty socks.<br />She'll remember she has to do laundry.<br />When she puts the laundry in the washer,<br />She'll trip over boots and bump into the freezer.<br />Bumping into the freezer will remind her<br />she has to plan for supper.<br />She will get out a pound of hamburger.<br />She'll look for her cookbook<br />("101 Things To Do With a Pound of Hamburger").<br />The cookbook is setting under a pile of mail.<br />She will see the phone bill, which is due tomorrow.<br />She will look for her checkbook.<br />The checkbook is in her purse<br />that is being dumped out by her two-year-old.<br />She'll smell something funny.<br />She'll change the two-year-old's diaper.<br />While she is changing the diaper, the phone will ring.<br />Her five-year-old will answer and hang up.<br />She'll remember she wants to phone a friend for coffee.<br />Thinking of coffee will remind her<br />that she was going to have a cup.<br />And chances are...If she has a cup of coffee,<br />Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">We all have days like that!!! Hope your's is going well today! </span></div>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-64895959077174716042012-06-03T20:26:00.000-04:002012-06-06T07:08:47.272-04:00On the eight day, God made a farmer.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJCJlTk7UZ07VtPiWnlvWf1aRIXP6jxbAFe8WlbQXlEHnOU5aU4aPa-NYXaaMkv9YZazxUNu7Aw3hlebliiVXmq7s1O6QxZDCbMiB_8jWrbr1W5Wv40GOl-H0dK2Q2MfKnr0wR8bYjXK/s1600/072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtJCJlTk7UZ07VtPiWnlvWf1aRIXP6jxbAFe8WlbQXlEHnOU5aU4aPa-NYXaaMkv9YZazxUNu7Aw3hlebliiVXmq7s1O6QxZDCbMiB_8jWrbr1W5Wv40GOl-H0dK2Q2MfKnr0wR8bYjXK/s400/072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywpRMngJoPZv6GsKzuTKn0poqkWYZFSmIakhqswXhsUT737P-QYJOZMbL-8CpagPL-hyaknX0H65DVcI6ztl4qlBfN_y84V326EQ4zWj1wNTUqqtY2PclWRkBvXGCG_pPevdpq-c4zjlu/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgywpRMngJoPZv6GsKzuTKn0poqkWYZFSmIakhqswXhsUT737P-QYJOZMbL-8CpagPL-hyaknX0H65DVcI6ztl4qlBfN_y84V326EQ4zWj1wNTUqqtY2PclWRkBvXGCG_pPevdpq-c4zjlu/s400/053.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To all of the farming families out there, watch<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QuzhwkaNC40?rel=0" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">this.</span></a></span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHob7swF354gzE8MefJs6La2T2_cjeeqca2MMSKkLOGFEh-isrNTxnCf81vlcNZgh73ZejhxQRaOFVnOdT-dM1AcVOYxYJQcUGyLLthm3DWYz_yACHo_piL5JvxUrXTvEed73kHJrUtvua/s1600/094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHob7swF354gzE8MefJs6La2T2_cjeeqca2MMSKkLOGFEh-isrNTxnCf81vlcNZgh73ZejhxQRaOFVnOdT-dM1AcVOYxYJQcUGyLLthm3DWYz_yACHo_piL5JvxUrXTvEed73kHJrUtvua/s400/094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is <i>my</i> farmer - my true love and the hardest working man I've ever met. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41imjbdzNjofntC4RsFzrD5Sm8DqZfTHDFp61IqLIhlP5jOhnJJIBY3OrtJVzERtvQ47onIR7cntoQeBlL-C1DmUIphw4oleec2p_MSBgypI9TapK-QCBxcgPmUz49igSYHzt89Ds9MKz/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41imjbdzNjofntC4RsFzrD5Sm8DqZfTHDFp61IqLIhlP5jOhnJJIBY3OrtJVzERtvQ47onIR7cntoQeBlL-C1DmUIphw4oleec2p_MSBgypI9TapK-QCBxcgPmUz49igSYHzt89Ds9MKz/s320/122.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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<b>Got food? Thank a farmer!!!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-26156604289691070032012-05-31T09:01:00.000-04:002012-06-04T19:13:31.131-04:00Time to freshen up those bathroom cabinets!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Purge, purge, purge!!!</b></span></div>
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Check those expiration dates.</div>
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Combine half open boxes (of course of the same product)</div>
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Be ruthless.</div>
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Do I really need four of ...............?</div>
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Pass along or throw out! </div>
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OK - now, let's get started.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOHCQOEYJQVsgoU6tBl0NW_wVgVYMIkQQPZsJQb7Sb3kPanJZkZ-HdBYhjSxBoHU7Gh-CRs08VcxHTfKkW6jCiM0qaOqAE_zu4x4NNaB9GvcFed_EZNDquutryWQkj2DZ_IEQWW4_cmSa/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOHCQOEYJQVsgoU6tBl0NW_wVgVYMIkQQPZsJQb7Sb3kPanJZkZ-HdBYhjSxBoHU7Gh-CRs08VcxHTfKkW6jCiM0qaOqAE_zu4x4NNaB9GvcFed_EZNDquutryWQkj2DZ_IEQWW4_cmSa/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I found these cute baskets with liners at Target. I also found the black clips on their dollar racks, but unfortunately for my shelving, they were too large. I'll save those for another project. I finally used double sided tape which turned out great. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdPzgOqCaa_AK94O8aE74G9KJ07uINW7TrghmfgquqMFi54HrxjKiNa-L3Eo-nZfDWAZ7GiAmvZFbs3xl5Eg5LXcwr5cKxTDswfKZd1Hsdl09VltRo5z9xlg5LeS9pPfhY214lC4NWHcD/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdPzgOqCaa_AK94O8aE74G9KJ07uINW7TrghmfgquqMFi54HrxjKiNa-L3Eo-nZfDWAZ7GiAmvZFbs3xl5Eg5LXcwr5cKxTDswfKZd1Hsdl09VltRo5z9xlg5LeS9pPfhY214lC4NWHcD/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My all time favorite organizing helper - my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Thermal-Laminator-Inches-TL901/dp/B0010JEJPC" target="_blank">Scotch Thermal Laminator</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-zP7vtjm_ktGSqxlXILxlCaBgALwOzPBVmZw6qoGZnDdL6zjh-hClX5sWND-jTLCtBP9BrH3Xasge4vH-UIeotF1V_FDnIAoh_775I-ZEoshlAxS91C-EcjMGhZKnbrXvoQla1snCyXW/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-zP7vtjm_ktGSqxlXILxlCaBgALwOzPBVmZw6qoGZnDdL6zjh-hClX5sWND-jTLCtBP9BrH3Xasge4vH-UIeotF1V_FDnIAoh_775I-ZEoshlAxS91C-EcjMGhZKnbrXvoQla1snCyXW/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnMhwqdpYc1eGcVgcKlEAGjOkXwVA0pko1y0GnMx5W_SOui_BZxxjKFo79w8TvEn9t6dg9nKJk8Mye9sJRrh2N4w2W7TKW_yRWzb-6k3XO6IvrUmZpMO2y7ddhJ2O9rrw58WvZOJ1vH1i/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnMhwqdpYc1eGcVgcKlEAGjOkXwVA0pko1y0GnMx5W_SOui_BZxxjKFo79w8TvEn9t6dg9nKJk8Mye9sJRrh2N4w2W7TKW_yRWzb-6k3XO6IvrUmZpMO2y7ddhJ2O9rrw58WvZOJ1vH1i/s320/044.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>While purging, group your items into "like" groups.</u> <br />
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Mine were:<br />
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Q-tips & Dixie Cups<br />
Shaving Needs<br />
Deodorant, Contacts, Nail care<br />
NyQuil, Cough, Sore Throat<br />
Head cold, Tummy, Mouth pain, Muscles<br />
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By looking at this photo, you may think that we are sick all of the time! Actually, I just stock up when a good deal comes around and I have a coupon. <br />
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<i>Note: while you have everything pulled out and laying on the counter, give those shelves a good cleaning. I also have liners on my shelves to help if anything decides to leak.</i><br />
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I chose scrapbooking cardstock that would compliment my bathroom wall color then printed off the labels. I also used scrapbooking oval cutters and laminated them so they would hold up better.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMDy_dfS1XVJZp0Me_bUxfjyMVGhDD4G2s-THFnR7I_v0zUnkb8lGx36jClExbIbYwfKBq92G6vFMi_LlteJYJoXuXW9d8bGJsHVwM7IhutbA6pK1Q-c6X0SHcHmJ0bf2zRZrmk312FWk/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMDy_dfS1XVJZp0Me_bUxfjyMVGhDD4G2s-THFnR7I_v0zUnkb8lGx36jClExbIbYwfKBq92G6vFMi_LlteJYJoXuXW9d8bGJsHVwM7IhutbA6pK1Q-c6X0SHcHmJ0bf2zRZrmk312FWk/s400/045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are my cabinet on the right side of my vanity:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji-Aul4oxMvdTkTTwa_LLoFLdUW9ky74evf5y781GxqIQUBUY11PAiTZFTgpN5amkX8IXqctKOmFbnR9u4b3sYCPpPsTFTAd2wbliQUK9dE15iC6nGio_B5WckDiTQgIgNleuiLm2Z13C/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiji-Aul4oxMvdTkTTwa_LLoFLdUW9ky74evf5y781GxqIQUBUY11PAiTZFTgpN5amkX8IXqctKOmFbnR9u4b3sYCPpPsTFTAd2wbliQUK9dE15iC6nGio_B5WckDiTQgIgNleuiLm2Z13C/s400/040.JPG" width="185" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqITd-JI246Qy7kK0OsSood8vzROZhZ4AHo457Y8bqsEuIYE2BJhCEWKwCsr9XWwFBJ9vDKqHsxPxGqJqycw-IzQQTTgQ3LdaALa5EZ9eAaVrvtIkIWyEVUYl303ilmzH3_83h8Mt2_VrX/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqITd-JI246Qy7kK0OsSood8vzROZhZ4AHo457Y8bqsEuIYE2BJhCEWKwCsr9XWwFBJ9vDKqHsxPxGqJqycw-IzQQTTgQ3LdaALa5EZ9eAaVrvtIkIWyEVUYl303ilmzH3_83h8Mt2_VrX/s400/041.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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The bottom shelf I saved for my perfumes and cup holder. Smaller items that are frequently used. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-hXakuacdxYNNNp0zX8UxNWm-AQDRu7Gwx_D_AjYMYSx0FAw45UcCkMt5mzx2gUoAP3KoFXshpv-9T5w0u-zs3DajfaM_k8G9OIk0dKUwDziJ5qbxwwsid_78fvOppbVQuafrTgrSHbp/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-hXakuacdxYNNNp0zX8UxNWm-AQDRu7Gwx_D_AjYMYSx0FAw45UcCkMt5mzx2gUoAP3KoFXshpv-9T5w0u-zs3DajfaM_k8G9OIk0dKUwDziJ5qbxwwsid_78fvOppbVQuafrTgrSHbp/s400/050.JPG" width="267" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw0aVL30t593GltqzTuUjS7LaT-MNKGGEtQIdhbTTyLmRHq9FUA2gS8VIIlGH7azx0XshPkWLqzbWuOPQi1_cO_kYcw5WwdT0Fd9U01zP5xJXnsblk-Ww1Xw7ZkQRoQcbqrgjsZqw-vlQ/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitw0aVL30t593GltqzTuUjS7LaT-MNKGGEtQIdhbTTyLmRHq9FUA2gS8VIIlGH7azx0XshPkWLqzbWuOPQi1_cO_kYcw5WwdT0Fd9U01zP5xJXnsblk-Ww1Xw7ZkQRoQcbqrgjsZqw-vlQ/s400/049.JPG" width="218" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kx03BDoxkUHvo_4EDNhOGcKGxR8Aq5PGhXpzZ-cyu6114vhSgsakk78wC5qI5S6RKbLrh9vVJLaqEv8v3O5uXCQf-kPJxu7rXyegqY0jNOcw2DuvoGPjzKs7w7keApXb6jNTtJG4mQ21/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-kx03BDoxkUHvo_4EDNhOGcKGxR8Aq5PGhXpzZ-cyu6114vhSgsakk78wC5qI5S6RKbLrh9vVJLaqEv8v3O5uXCQf-kPJxu7rXyegqY0jNOcw2DuvoGPjzKs7w7keApXb6jNTtJG4mQ21/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My "hair" products still need improving. I think once I use them up, I will purchase a Lazy Susan and just keep my current stock there. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTvSXLiuQPdzMyLIvPB25IUVAz2_48C00-bUx66XN6mY5Aqg92SJNSeTFR9AXFyxJKxZmENOwbmA7ik78DKc0rW2SdiyW3S7BEkkBgDBG6wr7qn4PYvfpW27aaDRiDI_QOA4VwjoMA4ak/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTvSXLiuQPdzMyLIvPB25IUVAz2_48C00-bUx66XN6mY5Aqg92SJNSeTFR9AXFyxJKxZmENOwbmA7ik78DKc0rW2SdiyW3S7BEkkBgDBG6wr7qn4PYvfpW27aaDRiDI_QOA4VwjoMA4ak/s320/046.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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On the bottom shelf, we have an outlet built into the back to charge our hair clippers (extra guards are in that lime green container). My make-up is in the basket on the left. I'm keeping my eyes open for something first, large enough to hold my makeup and second, small enough to fit into the shelf and thirdly - of course, must be cute! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Would love to hear your freshening up projects you are doing at your house! </span></div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-69777658626637858172012-05-24T23:21:00.002-04:002012-05-24T23:21:43.895-04:00Teachers<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>I'm sure if you are a parent, you can count on one hand those "special" teachers that your child / children have had over the years. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>My oldest, who is wrapping up second grade, has one of those teachers this year. The kind of teacher that bring out the absolute best in your kids. You see excitement / love / desire to please / wanting to do their best..... oh, the character traits that a mother loves to see in her child. A true love of learning has captured his heart and has been cultivated and watered all year by this wonderful woman. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>Teachers - don't get enough credit. I still remember my second grade teacher and that was over thirty years ago. She was one of my "special" ones. The kind that will make a lasting impact on you for the rest of your life. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>I know it was meant to be for my son to have this teacher this year. They have a wonderful bond and honestly, he told me the other night that he wants to skip the last day of school..........so he doesn't have to tell her goodbye. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>Saw this poem and thought it was lovely.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Teachers change lives. Being the right person at the right time may be enough to change a person's life forever. Human beings are constantly changing. Whether for the good or for the bad, we do not stay the same. Having a positive influence in the form of a teacher can make or break a human being. Years after we are out of school, we remember the teachers that changed our lives. In most cases these may have been the first people that believed in us. That experience of having an authority figure believe that we could succeed carries us forever.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/life/teacher-poems.asp#ixzz1vqahtoOY" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Teacher Poems - Poems about Teachers</a> <a href="http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/life/teacher-poems.asp#ixzz1vqahtoOY" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/life/teacher-poems.asp#ixzz1vqahtoOY</a> </span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b>Thank you Mrs. Mason - you are very much loved!!!!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-57621672363000499902012-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-31T09:03:28.182-04:00I love birds, but those Swallows........<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"Oh, Mommy! Look! There are birds flying all through the front porch. I think they are building a nest. Yea.....we're going to have baby birds - we're going to have baby birds! Can we keep them???"</div>
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I peered out the window and there they were the busy little things. Flitting in and out. </div>
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<b>Day 1</b> - Cute. Good educational activity for the boys.</div>
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<b>Day 2</b> - Oh my gosh, where did all of this mud sliding down my pretty white column come from???</div>
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<b>Day 3</b> - Stepped in bird "you know what" while going out to water the ferns and there was even MORE mud!</div>
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<b>Day 3 1/2 </b> (afternoon in carpool coming home)</div>
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"Boys, we have a mission when we get home. Do you accept the mission??"</div>
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"Does it involve getting dirty?"</div>
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"Why actually it does. Here's the deal. I'm getting the ladder out and seeing if these little boogers have laid eggs yet. If they have, that's fine. I'll clean around them. <b>BUT</b> if no eggs - they are getting cleaned out!"</div>
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I think I heard an "Eyre Matey" from the backseat..............</div>
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Note: Looking back, I wish I had taken "before" photos of the lovely mess that this couple had made.</div>
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So, for over an hour, we scrubbed the entire front porch - ceiling to floor. They whole time the "cute couple" kept swooping us.......annoyed.........I think I heard a bad word or two........from them. </div>
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I thought to myself - they're just going to come right back and we'll have to do this all over again. </div>
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OH NO - we will not lose!!! Son! Go to the playroom and grab the dinosaurs...............</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapYUXczA2W2yoLUT0qz3SA02zYRt_KfyVHURAQcPhVwK8-8tTqgN8fvXxVMMLDDDtJyfu4N-Qx88-LAmRhyphenhyphenbOk0J6iZX1kU28v1Z-HK1Ujz8VsIVR40xmHo8RjgYN-LhhdHUTFNrVSFml/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapYUXczA2W2yoLUT0qz3SA02zYRt_KfyVHURAQcPhVwK8-8tTqgN8fvXxVMMLDDDtJyfu4N-Qx88-LAmRhyphenhyphenbOk0J6iZX1kU28v1Z-HK1Ujz8VsIVR40xmHo8RjgYN-LhhdHUTFNrVSFml/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dinosaurs? Really? Dinosaurs.........</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc6H5a42ZhUN6nwaBASJhWY7Bzb7A9ESX1uB7uLPTw4aioCkiUIAUsuNtc7jL5kWAarRhG7ySAkOlgK1bQaP75DN1YaYPm0YX3M_gDcj9o0Ph___Sq8R27PtNddBpj-xV6_Hj1ChetKzP/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSc6H5a42ZhUN6nwaBASJhWY7Bzb7A9ESX1uB7uLPTw4aioCkiUIAUsuNtc7jL5kWAarRhG7ySAkOlgK1bQaP75DN1YaYPm0YX3M_gDcj9o0Ph___Sq8R27PtNddBpj-xV6_Hj1ChetKzP/s320/019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxZPlmsbkuj3D_xQ-YymDdRsriLIfjkemQcYWdFr8jSfYSw7hVKkTzkqUPSxhTUqwrOOejfBov2cREBp41paHu-bsa7x2HdR4bWR_16uBKxSvIiJ-78kH6dAVdBJLwx9f9Lz3doPwJBkN/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxZPlmsbkuj3D_xQ-YymDdRsriLIfjkemQcYWdFr8jSfYSw7hVKkTzkqUPSxhTUqwrOOejfBov2cREBp41paHu-bsa7x2HdR4bWR_16uBKxSvIiJ-78kH6dAVdBJLwx9f9Lz3doPwJBkN/s320/022.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6xLlncxI0gaZhl_FlWiaWDb8ruHTnaCZZeEfRuUt1jlObeQtZ8ILxhyphenhypheneZ4EFOcDf9yLRpf6GHS31MLSlmNuR2msloXHaoSqwt2PQtbN78UUxTvVQ4lym7h9DlgTm_TxuZUqNIXbwlYJs/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA6xLlncxI0gaZhl_FlWiaWDb8ruHTnaCZZeEfRuUt1jlObeQtZ8ILxhyphenhypheneZ4EFOcDf9yLRpf6GHS31MLSlmNuR2msloXHaoSqwt2PQtbN78UUxTvVQ4lym7h9DlgTm_TxuZUqNIXbwlYJs/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The tired troops retreated after battle, changed clothes, grabbed a cool glass of water and pulled the blinds up in the dining room. <br />
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"Grab a chair kids!" The entertainment was funny. The swooped in and out, squawking at these plastic dinosaurs for the rest of the afternoon. They were MAD! <br />
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"Mommy, don't they know that they are not real and that their feet say "Made in China?"<br />
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"No, honey...........they're swallows.........."<br />
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Hope the UPS man doesn't look up the next time he delivers a package. Might think I'm weird!!<br />
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-67460410569779333072012-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-18T06:00:00.953-04:00Operation Bandana<div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Check out this wonderful ministry for our troops called </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><a href="http://operationbandanas.org/" target="_blank">Operation Bandanas</a></span></div>
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What started out with one military wife and mother of two military sons has turned from a local effort into a national wave of support for our troops. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa9J70oK3K6AcwM-8C_1FpTDAVuN2a8PBt8w87Mcv5tDnJEvGfxq7pMLAk7_QBzxGH75fR1iVG4lepYda7QrlrPs44mHZ0cuehb60uRpIyR2YUE42p06gfOU1ZyYU0-gCjy0HoXTXraUZ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipa9J70oK3K6AcwM-8C_1FpTDAVuN2a8PBt8w87Mcv5tDnJEvGfxq7pMLAk7_QBzxGH75fR1iVG4lepYda7QrlrPs44mHZ0cuehb60uRpIyR2YUE42p06gfOU1ZyYU0-gCjy0HoXTXraUZ/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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This is the bandana. (They have different patterns / shades for each branch of the military). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tUSmbfToDlRnCLQOllP1Dp9wtqlPLOJ9pMLunGM77oNzyZE4sMsWWp8aAQ_AtGq0INXEnIoNiK4-S9PpHgUMQlD933OIZNcILNz6hVemYNjeNWn2FfkQ0Cmjg5qAVT3wpxXTDbJHb-lA/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tUSmbfToDlRnCLQOllP1Dp9wtqlPLOJ9pMLunGM77oNzyZE4sMsWWp8aAQ_AtGq0INXEnIoNiK4-S9PpHgUMQlD933OIZNcILNz6hVemYNjeNWn2FfkQ0Cmjg5qAVT3wpxXTDbJHb-lA/s400/009.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
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Psalm 91 is written onto it. </div>
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This is the front of the card sent with it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX-_NNBrIexBTcAAlXaXR73no11-GvqOY0HXhyD6Q5EiqZ1k9Um95b0ZCEiTP_o6lhnQqkUMmtOGE0oKc040-0WL63wd7SIcyxeDgaAJ1LXLH-cflcKQ0RSjiO15fyKv9XZvSICaSFI5V/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX-_NNBrIexBTcAAlXaXR73no11-GvqOY0HXhyD6Q5EiqZ1k9Um95b0ZCEiTP_o6lhnQqkUMmtOGE0oKc040-0WL63wd7SIcyxeDgaAJ1LXLH-cflcKQ0RSjiO15fyKv9XZvSICaSFI5V/s400/013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE52YtJ29gV_jSmcYrtaUXNTPyIM4r6f0Jo9Z-GJAVc1itIQamfLKFpgcnE_3MCjk1kcTkNIXEqvOvJWgIX8UiUrRCN8kqo0UxqF0OC1oH8MYi2uYpif3rghJ7pmvv6g2nCJ-Pv_NvU5Lb/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE52YtJ29gV_jSmcYrtaUXNTPyIM4r6f0Jo9Z-GJAVc1itIQamfLKFpgcnE_3MCjk1kcTkNIXEqvOvJWgIX8UiUrRCN8kqo0UxqF0OC1oH8MYi2uYpif3rghJ7pmvv6g2nCJ-Pv_NvU5Lb/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3WdCH5G14Y353mNNv9_z4_w2Kg7512SmD0APCFTJRWjPTYpIN0J-ximDzk4dzXV_NCwxPglGsoVXSoG-v8mfwy-3TioiSm9P5Z-DJaGj6VwvW8k21eh5KjaMcXjIhwX2-G8VnCl3SSVp/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3WdCH5G14Y353mNNv9_z4_w2Kg7512SmD0APCFTJRWjPTYpIN0J-ximDzk4dzXV_NCwxPglGsoVXSoG-v8mfwy-3TioiSm9P5Z-DJaGj6VwvW8k21eh5KjaMcXjIhwX2-G8VnCl3SSVp/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sunday school classes, women's groups, classrooms, sports teams, scouts, preschoolers to seniors </div>
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have sat around tables since 2006 carefully folding these precious bandanas and packing them into sandwich sized baggies. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> 200,823 have been sent as of this writing. </span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBLCqzJG7cI24As4Hw8CFy0tTysB4qQpPhzN5awsTd_ixVCJVtDYllHPVMsNnCwa8ETEBF0rh-X-nA-KtKjAkytW6KmSQpHkSZ3lUhTpYDLjQVwX3wKf4AcrAANrUd0IoLm-JbSUp71Ed/s1600/troops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBLCqzJG7cI24As4Hw8CFy0tTysB4qQpPhzN5awsTd_ixVCJVtDYllHPVMsNnCwa8ETEBF0rh-X-nA-KtKjAkytW6KmSQpHkSZ3lUhTpYDLjQVwX3wKf4AcrAANrUd0IoLm-JbSUp71Ed/s320/troops.JPG" width="222" /></a></div>
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Mrs. Mary Bass Gray has now published her first book telling how this simple heartfelt passion of her's has turned into a nationwide fever! I read it in one night: I cried. I had goosebumps. I felt scared for the troops. I felt sorrow for their families. I felt elation as I read the letters from the troops that received a bandana.<br />
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I closed the book with wet cheeks feeling <b>so proud to be an American!!</b></div>
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I will forever be changed. </div>
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I urge you to check out the website - order the book. You WILL NOT be disappointed!!!</div>
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-82258762390137296982012-05-16T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-16T06:00:02.023-04:00Cloth Napkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been back and forth with paper vs. cloth napkins for a while now. Well, I just decided - that's it - I'm doing it. Something about cloth makes me feel happy - makes me feel grown up - makes me smile during a meal - so why not??</div>
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I found two "older" sets (ones that aren't fancy ones for company) and put them in a basket on my lazy Susan. (By the way - definitely one of my favorite things in my house - the lazy Susan on my kitchen table. I special ordered it with strange looks from hubby....shhh...he loves it now too. I think he purposely asks to be passed something just so he can spin it.)</div>
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ANYWAY, <b>I don't sew</b> - <u>not a stitch</u>. I can do buttons and maybe fix a short hem (that would not be in an obvious place on a garment. So, I found some CUTE flannel napkins on an Etsy store called <span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/cottagemom7?ref=seller_info">Cottage Mom</a>. </span>I have to say, I'm in love. Check them out...........</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">How cute are these???</span></div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rfnsyAEZzw4HcECc7XCWMM1sPrZ5tE5Smxvx0Xgdzc5tpDWbB5kVociRr_Ghf7_Mkygi2N17yiT7u047nNMhA9wNamLBVQfu-LzdM34ype7-dmOUoS5FeKQCcLfIhO9zLFHB0GDr0OGQ/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rfnsyAEZzw4HcECc7XCWMM1sPrZ5tE5Smxvx0Xgdzc5tpDWbB5kVociRr_Ghf7_Mkygi2N17yiT7u047nNMhA9wNamLBVQfu-LzdM34ype7-dmOUoS5FeKQCcLfIhO9zLFHB0GDr0OGQ/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Don't you just love the colors???</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I especially love the birds :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now I smile when I set the table. Very mix - matchy ! Love it. </span></div>
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Also, I am in <u>no way profiting </u>for any purchases from Cottage Mom. I did buy these napkins full price, however, I am so impressed with them that I wanted to share such a <b>wonderful "find."</b><br />
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<b>I would love to hear if you've had the battle in your house cloth vs. paper. Who won???</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-34727160161738081712012-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-14T06:00:07.886-04:00Bridal Shower Centerpieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are having a wedding in our family soon and I had to brag on </div>
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my Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law</div>
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and their creative talents for the table centerpieces.</div>
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I call them the "Mini Martha Stewart's!"</div>
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Check these out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGllPjMMVBZOGZsIYKrzUL2mnah92WqN4YxCOVk9cIchijUS-QxkYhBMuVl_bps7r_Ki-gRYr_m659I8R1zLBPta5VF0TJ9f2_C1TNl942ylTz1bmP9pJEyvNSza6iN-V49NmJC7MZE3aU/s1600/209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGllPjMMVBZOGZsIYKrzUL2mnah92WqN4YxCOVk9cIchijUS-QxkYhBMuVl_bps7r_Ki-gRYr_m659I8R1zLBPta5VF0TJ9f2_C1TNl942ylTz1bmP9pJEyvNSza6iN-V49NmJC7MZE3aU/s320/209.JPG" width="162" /></a></div>
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A kitchen theme.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03-kKa60Jipxe7ZlSyUJ1tD8L7caSia2KJ2O3QuySWbx4RIkq5IheUbi5A90E9JACDbVGMCKo96ZQ64VuVUe-oXsPXAOUxmOSpyEjmVTDGzJRtZXKF0gVuzZraZcidqs9ycKpuMrzfFol/s1600/211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03-kKa60Jipxe7ZlSyUJ1tD8L7caSia2KJ2O3QuySWbx4RIkq5IheUbi5A90E9JACDbVGMCKo96ZQ64VuVUe-oXsPXAOUxmOSpyEjmVTDGzJRtZXKF0gVuzZraZcidqs9ycKpuMrzfFol/s320/211.JPG" width="318" /></a><br />
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A bath theme. </div>
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I believe I heard that the toppers of these were of from several family members who had them on their own wedding cakes. </div>
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On the buffet table.</div>
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Yes - I have two very creative women in my family and am very thankful for that!!! </div>
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-58402143997258325322012-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-11T06:00:02.416-04:00We're going to have baby Canadian geese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Behind one of our buildings on the farm is a large pond. </div>
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This year a pair of Canadian geese decided to nest there.</div>
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How cool.</div>
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Grabbed the boys, my camera and some bread </div>
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and took off.</div>
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Five HUGE eggs. </div>
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They obviously were a little skeptical and stayed away during our short visit. We left some bread, took some photos and headed home. </div>
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Just a neat old tree on the way out on the dirt road. Can only imagine the woodpeckers that have a time with it :)</div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-224612024994591742012-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-09T06:00:13.098-04:00Slowing down to play farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Usually after my youngest rides in the tractor with hubby,</div>
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we come home to set up our own farm. </div>
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HOURS we are talking about here!!!</div>
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I keep reminding myself to soak it all in for its only a season</div>
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and soon he won't want to do this anymore.</div>
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Sometimes I ask, how was plowing? Fine. What did you and Daddy talk about? Stuff. What kind of stuff? Boy stuff. Like what? Never mind. </div>
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Wow - he's learning early! </div>
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I also love listening to him talk to his tractors or animals. So many things he copies from what he's heard Daddy say. "Tractor broke - going to cost a lot to fix." "Wish it would rain - too dry." etc..... too funny!<br />
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<b>Lay on the floor and play with your young ones today - soon they won't be so young!</b></div>
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<br /></div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-37917249196717113382012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-07T06:00:11.404-04:00Its planting corn time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year - planting field corn. </div>
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Good and bad.</div>
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Bad - hubby has really long hours and is purely exhausted when he finally comes home.</div>
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Good - my youngest goes riding with him to be his "helper" and loves every minute</div>
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of his Daddy time.</div>
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I know, I know. I have an obsession with wheat crops. Just wait until it starts to turn yellow - GORGEOUS! Then it'll be combine time and more time riding with Daddy :)</div>
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Just a canal in a ditch, but the water was running past go pretty!</div>
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I also love dirt roads.....don't know why - they are just so neat.</div>
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I remember braiding these <strike> flowers</strike> weeds into bracelets and necklaces with other girls in elementary school.<br />
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Making the pass - better get lunch out of the cooler. </div>
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Honestly, I try to remember my IPod and get some walking in while they are riding. Nothing like sunshine, fresh air and a little Jason Aldean :)<br />
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Sometimes though, this is my view as I balance my checkbook, read or catch up on some phone calls. A "Mommy" break :)<br />
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<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-27854310590418730712012-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-04T06:00:00.092-04:00Old Time Farmer's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, hubby, me and the kids and my father in law decided to take a road trip to see an "Old Time Farmer's Day" that had workhorses and donkeys. </div>
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I especially wanted the boys to see that their great-grandfathers didn't just gas up the New Holland tractor, put on the AC, turn on the GPS and go to plowing. They - as I was - were amazed!</div>
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I am not a "horse" person per say - I did spend some summers growing up riding on a dude ranch, but really have no idea the names / breeds of the following horses. Just wanted to share some really neat photos.</div>
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Look at these guys sitting on a plowing and <strike>hanging on </strike> steering the team. </div>
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I was told that this "rig" was called a "courting plow" where a gentleman would take his</div>
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best girl riding with him to spend time together. </div>
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How cute! How Little House On The Prairie!! </div>
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We did go for a ride through the woods in a huge wagon. My youngest sat up front and helped the driver "steer" with the reigns. The man was originally from Scotland - beautiful accent - could have listened to him talk all day. His father immigrated to Canada to farm wheat and since then, this gentleman has been all over the US. Very interesting man.<br />
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They ended the day with a wonderful lunch - we were starving! Great food. </div>
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I love taking the kids to "out of the ordinary" events like these - especially farm related.</div>
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Hopefully they'll appreciate all of the hard work that five generations of men before them</div>
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have put into our land. </div>
<br />Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5272336100789882662.post-17626954042397840332012-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-09T08:55:50.223-04:00Ordinary day on the farm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over Spring Break, we had the most beautiful weather. </div>
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I tried to keep the boys outside for every moment possible.</div>
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When we do go out, I usually wander around with my camera</div>
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trying to capture things that can get overlooked by busyness. </div>
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I slow down - breathe - relish.....</div>
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One of my favorite bushes - pyracantha. </div>
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Great red berries that the birds love in the fall and winter.</div>
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Gorgeous flowers in spring. </div>
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My azaleas are still hanging in there. </div>
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Yes, I know I have a thing with a wheat field - LOVE IT!</div>
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This one....Marley.....has been getting on my nerves - really annoying</div>
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a nest of baby Bluebirds. UGH. </div>
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Probably a weed, I know, but a pretty weed. </div>
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Garden is perking along. We have been blessed with a decent amount of rain. </div>
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Teamwork boys!!</div>
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Our other cat, Max, had such a large matted place on his hind quarter - </div>
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almost like cement - we had him shaved.</div>
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I think he feels self conscious of his "nakedness!"</div>
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Go out side and wander around your house / neighborhood and see what you find. </div>Alisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15280447841703872555noreply@blogger.com0