tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45910605828806280882024-02-18T23:21:36.951-05:00Gladiator in HeelsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-10548197961647514992015-07-06T13:40:00.004-04:002015-07-06T13:40:58.510-04:00GLADIATOR IN HEELS HAS A NEW FOCUS AND HOME, CHECK ME OUT OVER AT unRehearsed, see post below!Fellow bloggers, you know how sometimes you get caught up in the Pinterest-y world of doing things? You know, like trying be all things to all people? Sometimes you just gotta re-focus and try again. What I am trying to say is that Gladiator in Heels is no more. My new focus is more in tune with who I really am, what my life is really about and how I want to help others like me.<br />
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So, check me out over at <a href="http://un-rehearsed.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">unRehearsed</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-67738559488525918032014-01-06T00:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T00:00:04.677-05:00It's a New Year...Now What?!?!New Year resolutions are like a double edged sword, they can be good or bad.<br />
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Drive by any gym, look at the full parking lot.<br />
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Take a look around, people will be out walking, running, doing all sorts of things.<br />
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No you're not in the Twilight zone. It's just the beginning of the new year.<br />
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Last year, I decided to ditch new year resolutions. My husband encouraged me to join him on something called a One Word challenge.<br />
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The One Word challenge is where you pick one word that serves as your focal point, this word provides clarity on all the issues you may need to improve upon in your life. When you think about it, that long list of new year resolutions has several things in common. The One Word challenge sums all of that up, providing a more spread out outline for improvement in your life. You may want to lose weight, you may want to increase your prayer life, you may want to spend more time with your kids, the list goes on and on. It's no wonder, that by March, most people have fallen off the resolution wagon. That list is too demanding! If you're like me, you probably beat yourself up because you can't keep up with such a demanding list.<br />
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I was relieved when my husband told me about the challenge. So, I was off and running, running to pick my one word. I was excited. I was ready. I picked my word, SURRENDER.<br />
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**Disclaimer** Life gets busy. Things happen, things need to happen, time flies by. Months went by and sometimes I forgot about my One Word.<br />
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Honestly, I forgot about any type of resolutions. I simply concentrated on living, on being present.<br />
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Everyone should have some type of life plan, something that directs you in the direction you want to go. It's up to each individual to decide the method in which they want to reach their goals. Will that be a list of new year resolutions? Finding your One Word?<br />
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<b>Find a method that works for you.</b><br />
Once you find that method, keep going. I know, life moves at an astounding pace but keep at it.<br />
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Sure, you may stray from your goals. Stop, catch your breath and keep going.<br />
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You see, no matter what challenge we participate in or whatever we put on our long list of resolutions, <b>we must decide if we want change</b>. Once we've decided that, we can do the action that is required to accomplish whatever is in the challenge or on the long list of resolutions.<br />
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Over the past few months, life has thrown some serious curve balls my way. I was so ready for 2014 to start just so I could officially close the books on things that happened during the last two months of 2013!<br />
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2014 is officially open for business, so now what?<br />
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I don't want to overwhelm myself so, I am starting off with writing everything out. In order for me to blog the way I want to blog, I finally created an editorial calendar. I've got my eating plan in order, my workout schedule has been resumed. I am being actively present with my husband and children. I am engaged at work. This workin' mama has got it going on...for now at least. But that's ok.<br />
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It's ok because as the year goes on, I will stumble a few times, probably hit my head a few more times. But, the key to my success will be that I keep pushing forward. I'm human, mistakes are bound to happen, as long as I don't camp out in my mistakes. Let's learn the lesson and keep it moving.<br />
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What about you? 2014 is here, whatcha gonna do with it?<br />
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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Hope you're not scrambling like Santa! Last minute craft project? Squeezing just one more awesome blog post in before the in-laws head in? Already cooked up some holiday goodies? This is your spot to showcase your work!<br />
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Welcome to Week 16 and to the only virtual tailgate party around!</div>
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Our team is here to welcome you, be sure to stop by, say hello and follow them:<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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Need more proof of just how versatile our hop is? Take a look our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs):<br />
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What adorable lil Sock Snow People, courtesy of our own Betty from <a href="http://agutandabutt.com/2013/12/making-adorable-snow-people-from-socks.html#comment-4269" target="_blank">A Gut & A Butt</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://newmamadiaries.com/pregnancy-belly-red-velvet-white-chocolate-chip-cookies/#comment-3077" target="_blank">New Mama Diaries</a> shared a yummy recipe for Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies.<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://bouncingaroundwithbaby.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-christmas-box.html" target="_blank">Bouncing Baby</a> for sharing your Dada, we thank him for being a protector over in Afghanistan.<br />
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Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz </a>Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.</div>
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Welcome to Week #15!</div>
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Nope, you don't have to sit out in the cold to tailgate. Your opportunity is right here! Think of our hop as a one big virtual tailgate party! Link up your tailgate recipes, DIY decor projects or your best post of the week. </div>
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Our team is here to welcome you, be sure to stop by, say hello and follow them:<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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Warm meets cold, ahhhh. Thanks <a href="http://icetrail.blogspot.com/2012/08/warm-apple-ice-cream-recipe-vanilla-pie.html" target="_blank">Heavens Garden</a> for sharing a delectable Warm Apply Crisp with Cinnamon ice cream.<br />
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<a href="http://www.laughingandlosingit.net/seasonal-saturday-easy-diy-sunday-school-nativity-craft/#comment-419" target="_blank">Laughing and Losing It</a> shared a creative, kid friendly nativity craft.<br />
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Oh wow, <a href="http://foodyschmoody.blogspot.com/2013/12/chocolatecreampiemartini.html" target="_blank">Foody Schmoody's</a> Chocolate Cream Pie Martini looks like the perfect way to cap off Christmas night or any night for that matter!<br />
<br />
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz</a> Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.</div>
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Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
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<br />
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FINALLY!<br />
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That's about how long my parents waited in line to get me my Cabbage Patch Kids doll.<br />
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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;"><img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/t/1985-Vintage-cabbage-patch-kid-4-brown-hair-and-brown-eyes-OK-factory-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqZHJCIF!crGzc-3BQZQfS5kWg~~60_35.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might be her, not sure, my sister eventually destroyed her!</td></tr>
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The year was 1983, or somewhere around then...<br />
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I can still hear my mom telling the story of now long they stood in line, the fights that were erupting around them. But lo and behold, they walked out with my doll.<br />
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Really, that's all I cared about. My dad was tough, he could take down any other parent that got in the way of getting my doll.<br />
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That's my story.<br />
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What's yours?<br />
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I enlisted the help of some blog buddies to share their stories of getting that must have toy for Christmas. Here are their stories.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ann from <a href="http://suchamama.com/" target="_blank">Such a Mama</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
sooooooooooooo wanted the Barbie Dream House! My parents NEVER got it for
me! While my daughter is only 18 months, it is taking all my will power
not to start buying Barbi stuff. However, I am still very
conflicted. Since growing out of my Barbie phase, I became a pretty
liberal feminist and even went to a very liberal all women's college. I
am pretty sure I am going to cave and get her that giant pink sparkly house of
plastic as soon as she is old enough!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tenns from <a href="http://newmamadiaries.com/" target="_blank">New MamaDiaries</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My favorite childhood
toys were Barbies, my pink Barbie corvette powerwheels, and my Fisher Price
kitchen. I literally think I played with all of those until they either broke
or grew out of them. I still have my Barbies tucked away somewhere at my mom's
house. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<img src="http://www.freewebs.com/powerwheelsjunky/CorvetteMain3.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Cathy from <a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/" target="_blank">A Peek Into MyParadise</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I had quite a few
favorites but the one that will always be special is my 6 foot Barbie house.
Here is the URL to the post I did earlier this year:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://apeekintomyparadise.com/2013/03/6-foot-barbie-house.html">http://apeekintomyparadise.com/2013/03/6-foot-barbie-house.html</a> </span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
can honestly say “no other child got what I got for Christmas that year! and
highly doubtful any other year!” LOL<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lydia from <a href="http://lydiasflexitariankitchen.com/" target="_blank">Lydia'sFlexitarian Kitchen</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I don't recall a
particular toy that was a "must have" item. Toys were marketed
differently in the 60s and 70s. I do remember going through the Sears
"Wish Book" and putting my initials on the things I liked. One
item that stands out for me was my Crissy doll. She had red hair that you
could pull out to make long or retract for shorter hair. I remember she
had a mod dress and go-go boots. My sister had a blond doll and my cousin
had a dark haired one. My mother had a grand time sewing clothes for
them. We played with them for several years until we outgrew them.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img src="http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens8547601_1261608368crissy-ebay.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sandy from <a href="http://motherofimperfection.com/" target="_blank">Mother of Imperfection</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In 1976, I was eight
years old and all I wanted that Christmas was a Bionic Woman doll. I was
thrilled when I got it; she had that lever on the back that made her swing her
arm that held a tennis racket. I played with that doll until it literally
fell apart!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wanda Ann from <a href="http://memoriesbythemile.com/" target="_blank">Memoriesby the Mile</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I remember the Christmas
when I was 10, I wanted a Chatty Cathy Doll. She talked, walked and was so
cute. I loved playing with her. It was a very special Christmas, most of
all because my Grandparents were there.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nicole from <a href="http://designitgirl.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Design It GirlBlog</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My favorite must have
item was a Cabbage Patch Doll, her name is Letty and I still have her. My mom
put her layaway because $75.00 was a lot of money for her! She was a single
parent. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Terri from<a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"> Easy Life Meal and Party Planning</a></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This is going to really date me - Nancy Drew
Mystery Books. I remember having to look high and low for the Cabbage Patch
Doll for my daughter though!</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><img height="308" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZA9NVA3HL.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maria from <a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I am a native of Bulgaria. As a child we had an exchange program
with a school Germany. We had a student assigned to be our pen pal. We would
write letters to each other. This was a great cultural exchange for me from a
very early age. I loved hearing about the different customs in a
different country and make a friend at the same time. I also spent some quality
time with my grandmother as she was a Language Arts teacher with German minor,
she was helping me write the letters. I became quite good friends with my pen
pal. We started exchanging gifts as well. One Christmas we had purchased and
sent a Bulgarian traditional folk doll to my German friend. In exchange she
sent me a Barbie doll. It was the time where Barbie dolls were actually hard to
get in my country... so I was beyond myself. I still remember this gift as well
as the wonderful friendship that brought it. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Karen from <a href="http://sourdoughnative.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sour Dough Native</a></span></div>
<u1:p></u1:p>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Believe it or not, my must have toy from
childhood was a Creepy Crawler Maker! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cBUvObzePKX0T96E7aC5nbCoqHMlZqc7Bxtt6_QLdyvOdG235-pFUP_zA4V386of7QLyohITyrrB3-wQdSRoabRi_I71dqcchrmN7OIJdahHGPbNNBXYV9w6V_3PG2yc2ezq_JjmQ9LK/s320/day140_creepycrawlers.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Think our kids will have the same memories my blog buddies and I have? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Let's hear your story, what toy did you just have to have when you were a kid?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<img alt="Set of 3 Motivating Sports Quotes PRINTABLE Signs. Football Soccer Baseball Children's Wall Art. Boy Bedroom Decor. 3 DIGITAL files. $12.00" height="400" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c0/86/19/c086197a273b4d11b2d99527bb84a45b.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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Keep this in mind as we enjoy the holiday season. </div>
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Welcome to Week 14!</div>
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Welcome to the most versatile hop around. This is your spot to showcase your latest DIY decor/projects, tailgate recipes or your best post of the week!</div>
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Our team is here to welcome you:</div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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Need more proof of just how versatile our hop is? Take a look our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs):</div>
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Kendra over at <a href="http://kenyagjohnson.com/blog/2013/11/25/24-stories-until-christmas" target="_blank">Here's The Thing</a> shared a creative spin on an Advent calendar. What an awesome way to showcase some oldie but goodie blog posts!</div>
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As always, <a href="http://msenplace.blogspot.com/2013/12/ugly-and-cajun-smothered-potatoes.html" target="_blank">Ms. enPlace</a> shares an awesome-ly delicious cajun recipe, this time it was Cajun Smothered Potatoes. </div>
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<a href="http://domainofthemadmommy.blogspot.com/2013/11/random-thoughts.html" target="_blank">Domain of the Mad Mommy</a> was in everybody's head with her Random Thoughts post!<br />
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Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz </a>Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.</div>
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Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-82608419566225787472013-12-05T21:28:00.000-05:002013-12-05T21:28:06.210-05:00Speaking of dysfunction...My top 7 Christmas movie picksGot the blankets.<br />
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Got the hot chocolate.<br />
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Time to get our Christmas movie viewing on.<br />
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<img alt=" photo favthings_movies_zps19143fff.png" border="0" height="339" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/favthings_movies_zps19143fff.png" width="640" /></div>
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<b>***Disclaimer***</b><br />
My picks may be a bit out of the norm, you won't find any Miracle on 34th Street here, I like that movie but it didn't make my list. I also went with my top 7 picks, I know, 7, not 5, not 10 but 7.<br />
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Go get your popcorn, relax, get ready for some holiday movie cheer clips!<br />
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In no particular order, first up is Scrooged with Bill Murray.<br />
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This movie is hilarious but has meaning behind it. It's a remake of the Dickens classic, with a twist. The movie showcases how a meanie turns good, with a little knocking upside the head. Family dysfunction is lurking here...<br />
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Speaking of dysfunction...<br />
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It's Christmas time with the Griswolds!</div>
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Gotta love Aunt Bethany! Her reciting the Pledge of Allegiance instead of saying grace is hilarious!<br />
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WARNING: I will be using the word HILARIOUS throughout this post.<br />
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So many <strike>funny</strike> hilarious scenes throughout this movie. The Griswolds show us the effects of having family around for the holidays. They show us that we all have a crazy Cousin Eddie that embarrasses the heck out of us, but in the end, means well.<br />
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Ok, my next pick is probably over-played but Christmas doesn't seem like Christmas without watching it.<br />
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Does "you'll shoot your eye out, kid" ring a bell? Yep, you guessed it, my next pick is...<br />
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A Christmas Story<br />
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The clip I've chosen for you is of the gift that keeps on giving, giving light that is, it's the leg lamp!<br />
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Ralphie and his folks show us, again, that all families have a tinge of dysfunction. I can relate to the cussing dad!<br />
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Again, the family has dysfunction but they mean well. Ralphie standing up for himself to the dad getting him the Red Ryder BB gun, they show us that family sticks together after all is said and done.<br />
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This next clip helps keep the true meaning of Christmas before our eyes.<br />
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Starting at scene 2:45, Linus breaks it down for us, explaining the arrival of our Saviour. Watching this clip takes me back to my childhood. Amazing, how I watched this as a kid and how my kids watch it. I never grow tired of watching it each year. This movie has a way of making things right in the world. You start to think about how screwed up our world is BUT then you think about what our Saviour did for us. A great movie to usher in Christmas.<br />
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But where is the dysfunction?<br />
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Did you see that tree? That was dysfunction enough! The group needed to hear the meaning of Christmas because there was dysfunction amongst the group of friends.<br />
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Alright, keeping with the cartoon theme, couldn't leave this one out:<br />
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Not the full action movie but the original 1966 cartoon. Sometimes originals should be left alone. So, you know the story, mean Mr. Grinch has this teeny tiny lil heart. Goes into Whoville, steals everything, gets bitten by the love bug in the form of Cindy Lou, turns over a new leaf. Something about the nostalgia this one brings up. Again, knowing that I watched this as a kid and hearing my daughter squeal as I play the clip.<br />
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WARNING: No laughter allowed at my next pick.<br />
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This is not well known, or should I say not known at all. Wasn't even sure I would find the clip on Youtube.<br />
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So, here's the story on how this one made my list. Just so happens one day, MonkeyMan and I were home, flipping channels, having a quiet moment where we had control over the TV. This movie caught our eye. The kid is the kid from the Disney channel, well, they're twins. His parents have started to argue a lot and looks like they are headed for divorce. The kid just so happens sees his mom kissing Santa (it's actually his dad), this starts his plot to get them to stop arguing.<br />
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Ok, so I'll admit it, this movie is not all that great but it makes me remember that Saturday afternoon with my husband. To me, this represents the season, being together with those you love.<br />
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So, I know I said that my picks aren't in any particular type of order but...<br />
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Gotta admit, this one has become one of my favs.<br />
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Will Ferrell is hilarious, sometimes so annoying that it's just hilarious!<br />
<br />
This one has become a classic that just gets us laughing. Buddy the Elf kinda grows on you, in the same way he had to grow on his own dad. The theme again is that even with dysfunction, family still loves. Buddy is different, his family couldn't accept him in the beginning but grew to understand him.<br />
<br />
The holiday season has a way of bringing out the dysfunction in every family, my movie picks tells us that.<br />
<br />
My family is no different, however, I know they mean well.<br />
<br />
How will you deal with the family dysfunction this year?<br />
<br />
If answering that question increases the headache pain, tell me your favorite Christmas movie!<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-30702691908040419832013-11-30T18:00:00.000-05:002013-11-30T18:00:00.624-05:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #13<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="http://photobucket.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo Thanksgiving-Football_zps31007d01.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/Thanksgiving-Football_zps31007d01.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">happinessplunge.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Welcome to football overload.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Welcome to Week #13!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hope your Thanksgiving was awesome! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Had a chance to get any crafting done? Cook up a new recipe? Write a new, rockin' blog post? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's your spot to showcase what you got! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Here's our team:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, on to the hoppin! Well, almost...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Take a look at our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) from last week's hop:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt=" photo week13collage_zps25ff1f64.png" border="0" height="212" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week13collage_zps25ff1f64.png" width="640" /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Positive thinking can change any situation, it's a great character trait for all. Readers have an opportunity to win a copy from <a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2013/11/chicken-soup-for-the-soul-think-positive-for-kids-review-giveaway.html#comment-64818" target="_blank">Create With Joy</a>.<br />
<br />
Delicious Kale Cranberry salad! Maria from <a href="http://www.musicteachingandparenting.com/2013/11/kale-cranberry-salad.html" target="_blank">Music Teaching and Parenting </a>shared a wonderful, light salad, perfect, especially after your Thanksgiving feast!<br />
<br />
Anne from <a href="http://wabyerley.blogspot.com/2013/11/cards-made-this-afternoon.html" target="_blank">Anne's Blog</a> is so creative and helped get us into the Christmas spirit with her whimsical cards.<br />
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz </a>Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-22856967200574027632013-11-23T18:00:00.000-05:002013-11-23T18:00:00.880-05:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #12Welcome to the most versatile blog hop around! This is the hop where fellow bloggers can post tailgate recipes, DIY decor projects or best posts of the week.<br />
<br />
Football love not necessary. Why? Because we're the spot you come to when your husband/boyfriend/significant other is overdosing in football. You get to step away, hang out with us for a bit, then go watch that game! Or if you prefer, just hang out with us!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to Week #12.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/shield-salutetoservice-wide_zpsf02c8554.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo shield-salutetoservice-wide_zpsf02c8554.png" border="0" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/shield-salutetoservice-wide_zpsf02c8554.png" /></a></div>
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Give a nice shout out to our team:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Told you our hop is versatile, better yet, let's have our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) tell ya:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<img alt=" photo week12collage_zpse8748f0f.jpg" border="0" height="214" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week12collage_zpse8748f0f.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://thriftfortoday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thrift for Today</a> showcased awesome DIY tips. Be sure to check her out Fridays when she gives us her Five on Friday .</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2013/11/05/what-really-happened-on-the-original-thanksgiving-day/" target="_blank">Vashti</a> gave us some Thanksgiving history, it's always good to know both sides of a story. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What a great list from <a href="http://www.beautiful-solutions.co.uk/" target="_blank">Beautiful Solutions</a>! Great items that can be picked up from eBay and put right into a Christmas stocking!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz</a> Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Want to join in on one of the most cleansing ways to enter your weekend? Check out the awesome <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker </a>for details.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My timer is ready, my fingers are ready...TYPE!<br />
<br />
Today's word is FLY.<br />
<br />
In the words of Lenny Kravitz:<br />
<br />
"I want to get away, I want to get away. I want to FLY away."<br />
<br />
Exactly the way I felt this week.<br />
<br />
We were the victims of a home invasion last week.<br />
<br />
Total violation.<br />
<br />
As I struggled to wrap my brain around what happened and how we move forward, I wanted to bolt up and jet away!<br />
<br />
No one was hurt, we were actually coming home from church.<br />
<br />
The thieves made off with all of the electronics. No problem.<br />
<br />
One other thing was in danger of being taken. Our peace.<br />
<br />
So, instead of physically flying away (yeah, like I am Superman!), I flew into prayer.<br />
<br />
I purposely aimed myself right into God, flew right into him.<br />
<br />
I thank Him that He is our Shield, our Buckler. We trust in Him.<br />
<br />
I will gladly fly into Him any day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-37307663861489591602013-11-19T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-19T21:09:36.538-05:00Lordy, lordy, glad to be 40 + Birthday Giveaway Lordy, lordy, I'm glad to be 40.<br />
<br />
Ok, well, I will be when it happens. At the time of this post, "it" happens in 10 days.<br />
<br />
I imagine an 18 year being happy about turning 18. It represents freedom.<br />
<br />
Or a 21 year old being happy about turning 21. It represents being of drinking age, if you're into that sort of thing.<br />
<br />
Why am I happy about turning 40? To me, it represents life leveling out. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
Sure, I could freak out about early signs of menopause, the sound my knees make after a strenuous workout, trying to read the teeny, tiny print on a bottle (who ever came up with teeny, tiny print?) mammograms, saying stuff like "back in my day", or this muffin top that I am busting my butt to shrink. Notice I didn't say get rid of completely.<br />
<br />
I am good with not having a perfect, Victoria's Secret model's body.<br />
<br />
See, that's just it.<br />
<br />
I am choosing to rock the fact that:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/rockin_40_womens_dark_tshirt_zps77bbe5f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo rockin_40_womens_dark_tshirt_zps77bbe5f0.jpg" border="0" height="200" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/rockin_40_womens_dark_tshirt_zps77bbe5f0.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>I am comfortable in my own skin</li>
<li>I made it to 40</li>
<li>I don't feel old</li>
<li>I am in great health </li>
<li>I have the best husband in the world</li>
<li>I have the best kids that many moms wish they had</li>
<li>I have a growing career</li>
<li>I no longer need the stamp of approval from people</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fact is, who says 40 is the age when you realize certain things? It could be at any age.<br />
<br />
We all grow at different rates. So, for you, your life may have leveled out at 25, or 32. You may still be waiting for it to calm down!<br />
<br />
Guess what, that's ok because there are some awesome lessons to be learned on the journey. I know it doesn't feel like it during the chaos but believe that it's shaping who you are and who you will become.<br />
<br />
<i>Yes, even at 40, you can transform yourself. </i><br />
<br />
Hope you're happy about whatever age you currently are or about to be.<br />
<br />
Let me help you boost that enthusiasm a lil bit more with a <b><span style="color: red;">G</span><span style="color: orange;">I</span><span style="color: yellow;">V</span><span style="color: lime;">E</span><span style="color: cyan;">A</span><span style="color: blue;">W</span><span style="color: purple;">A</span><span style="color: magenta;">Y</span></b>.<br />
<br />
So, it's my birthday (or it will be in 10 days) and I'll give away stuff if I want to!<br />
<br />
Enjoy my 40 for 40 birthday giveaway! Since I am turning 40, I am giving away 4 gift cards in increments of $10.<br />
<br />
<img alt=" photo 40for40_zps4b7a3d5a.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/40for40_zps4b7a3d5a.jpg" width="640" />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3e2da90/" id="rc-3e2da90" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><strong><u><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Giveaway
Policy</span></u></strong><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 13.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Periodically, this blog hosts giveaways intended for fun and an
incentive for the readers. These events may be self-sponsored by the blog owner
or may be sponsored by another individual, business or corporation. This may or
may not be plainly stated in the actual giveaway. If you need further
clarification, please ask.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">All giveaways, unless otherwise stated, will follow these
guidelines:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~hosted and winners chosen via Rafflecopter, Random.org or
PromoSimple.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">~are hosted with the intent of adding a bit of fun to this site
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</span></span><!--[endif]--></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Now, go have fun with this giveaway, all the best to you and
thank you for reading!</span><span style="font-size: 8.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-26998862550566728432013-11-16T18:00:00.000-05:002013-11-16T18:00:05.878-05:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #11<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>****Before I give you our weekly football blurb, we've altered the hop a bit****</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Now, you can link up your Twitter, Bloglovin, Pinterest, Facebook and Google + profiles! Giving us all the opportunities to connect with other bloggers and give some hits to our social media sites. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Now, on to business...</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you. Yes, the same question is being asked from last week. </b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b style="font-size: x-large;">What do these two teams have in common?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt=" photo tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" border="0" height="176" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" width="200" /></a><a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo 9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" border="0" height="157" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Yes, they're both in Florida!<br />
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But, what else do they have in common?<br />
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<b>Woo hoo, both of these teams have finally won a game!</b><br />
<br />
It's Week 11!<br />
<br />
Say hello to our team:<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Our hop is the most versatile hop around! Don't believe us, take a look at our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) from last week's hop:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo week11collage_zps7bcd63b3.jpg" border="0" height="214" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week11collage_zps7bcd63b3.jpg" width="640" /></div>
</div>
</div>
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<br />
Just in time for the holidays, <a href="http://bakewelljunction.wordpress.com/2013/11/10/chocolate-bourbon-pecan-pie-12wksxmastreats-chocolateparty/#comment-1848" target="_blank">Bakewell Junction</a> shared a delicious recipe for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.<br />
<br />
Nachos are awesome at anytime! <a href="http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/nachos-after-a-ramble-through-the-texas-hill-country/#comment-5632" target="_blank">Tumbleweed Contessa</a> knows this, it's what she shared last week.<br />
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Loving <a href="http://www.krystalskitsch.com/2013/11/thanksgiving-table-decor.html#.UoYrlMTryOY" target="_blank">Krystal's Kitsch's</a> Thanksgiving table decor! There's a freebie here, so get it for your Thanksgiving Day setting!<br />
<br />
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/boards/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz</a> Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
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<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
<pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://gladiator-in-heels.blogspot.com/" title="Blog Hop Blitz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" alt="Blog Hop Blitz" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
</textarea></pre>
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-7350564393444087332013-11-15T08:21:00.000-05:002013-11-15T08:21:00.968-05:005 Minute Friday - TREEIt's Friday, time to get our timers out and pound away at the keyboard for 5 Minute Friday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a><br />
<br />
Never heard of <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">5 Minute Friday</a>? No worries, it's all good! Take a look at the background story of how this awesome Friday event got started and the purpose of spending 5 minutes releasing, dumping, whatever you want to call it.<br />
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Today's word focus is TREE.<br />
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Timer set...GO!<br />
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Trees are amazingly strong, with roots spreading far and wide.<br />
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It takes years for a tree big and strong.<br />
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Reminds me of life.<br />
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How over the years, we learn so much. We somehow stand strong in the midst of any type of storm. The rain beats down on us, but yet we stand.<br />
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Now in that standing, we may waver and sway back and forth. We may even get a twig or branch snapped ever so often.<br />
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But yet we stand.<br />
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You know how when a tree is cut down, you can see the rings in the tree stump? Those rings are insight to how long that tree has been "alive". Think about everything that tree has seen or been through.<br />
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Ever wonder how the things we've seen or been through is displayed?<br />
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I know sometimes I don't display the things I've gone through in the best manner, but just like the biggest tree, I am still standing.<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-79957767413994827432013-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-12T00:00:09.550-05:00Smile! - 3 tips for fantastic fall family photos<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;"><img alt=" photo fallfamilyphotos_zps64771ecf.png" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/fallfamilyphotos_zps64771ecf.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo to the right, our 2012 fall photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The leaves have changed colors. Daylight savings time has ended. The air is a bit more crisp. Time for fall family photos.<br />
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My family and I just wrapped up our session. I let out a sigh of relief because I usually get worked up about this. If you can relate, here our 3 big tips that can ease your fall family photo anxiety:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Price:</b></span><br />
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Fall family photos aren't just about appearance. Price is important. But you don't have to spend big bucks to get a quality photographer.<br />
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Check out Craigslist. Yes, Craigslist. There are many freelance photographers looking for jobs. Type your photography wants/needs and post. You are sure to be flooded with photographers vying for you to say yes to them. Be sure to carefully screen your top picks, google them, ask them for references or view their portfolio.<br />
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Last year, we went with a photography student. She was experienced and her asking price was reasonable. Our price included all pictures on a CD. This way, we were not limited in the way we wanted to use our pictures.<br />
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This year, I found a great package deal on Groupon, for under $30. It's a professional photography company that contracts with photographers across the United States. The photographers meet the clients in outdoor locations with beautiful backdrops. I'm excited to see the finished product!<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Outfits:</b><br />
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Pick a color scheme already! Gone are the days when each person's shirt had to be the same color. Or everyone wore the same pattern.<br />
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Instead don't be afraid to have colors that pop. Fuchsia, mustard, royal blue colors give that extra pop to pictures.<br />
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Now, don't go having everybody dress in those colors! Have at least one person's outfit stand out, usually the mom or a small kid. Use the fuchsia, mustard, royal blue or whatever color you choose, as an accent color. Maybe mom's scarf has hints of fuchsia. Or baby girl's tights are a mustard color. Color accents are easily done with moms and girls, guys need a little convincing when adding color.<br />
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Take a look at how this beautiful family added accent colors and how they played the color game from one stand out outfit:<br />
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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;"><img alt=" photo familyphoto_zpsb6e16ba7.png" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/familyphoto_zpsb6e16ba7.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="224" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'open sans', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">giovannalou.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Bold colors not your thing? You can make neutral colors work as well.<br />
<br />
<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;"><img alt=" photo familyphoto1_zpsed9e0e41.png" border="0" height="313" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/familyphoto1_zpsed9e0e41.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/family_fall_what_to_wear/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=0&id=38037331">http://www.polyvore.com/family_fall_what_to_wear/set?.svc=copypaste&embedder=0&id=38037331</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This color scheme has some pop to it, look at baby girl's tights, leopard print! Mom's scarf choices are made of a great print as well.<br />
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I gathered ideas from <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/my-style/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, many photographers put together "what to wear" boards that are very helpful and help you think outside the box.<br />
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Be sure to use items you already own, no need going out to buy things you've seen on a Pinterest board! This way, not only are you saving money on the photographer session but on clothing expenses as well.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Relax?</b></span><br />
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Ok, alright, go ahead, relax.<br />
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It's only a picture, right? Yes, it's only a picture. Relax, you want your true personality to shine through. Up-tightness can show through a picture!<br />
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My A type personality causes me to be a drill sergeant around picture taking time. So, here are some of my do's and don'ts on picture taking day:<br />
<br />
<i>Do make sure that outfit color schemes are somewhat coordinated.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Don't annoy everyone with tips on how to smile or how to fold their hands. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Do make sure that everyone is ready on time. </i><br />
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<i>Don't get so annoyed with everybody not following your rules that you are now uptight. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Do what you can to get everybody in a good mood, even yourself!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
It's only a picture!<br />
<br />
Does your family take annual photos? Ever had any that would be akwardfamilyphotos.com worthy?<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-58508664117719602362013-11-09T18:00:00.000-05:002013-11-09T18:00:02.775-05:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #10<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What do these two teams have in common?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt=" photo tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" border="0" height="176" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/tampabay_zpsf4bb9141.gif" width="200" /></a><a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo 9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" border="0" height="157" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/9251_jacksonville_jaguars-primary-2013_zps136a28eb.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Duh, they're both in Florida!<br />
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Ok, so you're right. But, what else do they have in common?<br />
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What's that, yeah neither have won a game this season!<br />
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Welcome to Week #10.<br />
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This is the Blog Hop Blitz, where we are banishing football widows and instead linking up our best tailgate recipes, DIY decor, or our best posts of the week.<br />
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Here's our team:<br />
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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Our hop is the most versatile hop around! Don't believe us, take a look at our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) from last week's hop:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo collage_zpsb9166fb6.png" border="0" height="213" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/collage_zpsb9166fb6.png" width="640" /></div>
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The ladies over at <a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/2013/10/honey-pear-bruschetta.html" target="_blank">Easy Life and Party Planning</a> shared a tasty, quick appetizer, a great addition to any type of party!</div>
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If you have kids, you know exactly what <a href="http://oldnewmomtales.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tales of an Old Mom</a> is talking about! She gave us a quick glimpse into her life with a small child. </div>
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Work week lunch ideas were shared by <a href="http://www.dailydoseofdelsignore.com/2013/10/eat-healthy-lose-weight-save-money.html#.Un2wovnOnbN" target="_blank">Daily Dose of Del Signore</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz</a> Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
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<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://gladiator-in-heels.blogspot.com/" title="Blog Hop Blitz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" alt="Blog Hop Blitz" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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...and away we go!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-61856088208901293382013-11-02T18:00:00.000-04:002013-11-02T18:00:02.860-04:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If the former Secretary of State can find solace during the football season, so can we!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/womens-sports-apparel-its-my-team-condoleezza-rice-1024-85944_zps8b6e6d01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo womens-sports-apparel-its-my-team-condoleezza-rice-1024-85944_zps8b6e6d01.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/womens-sports-apparel-its-my-team-condoleezza-rice-1024-85944_zps8b6e6d01.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
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The NFL's "<a href="http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/the-n-f-l-markets-to-fashion-fans/?_r=0" target="_blank">It's My Team</a>" campaign from last season showcased women sporting some fashionable NFL gear. This allows us to kill 2 birds with 1 stone: shopping and scoring points with our guys!<br />
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Welcome to Week #9! My how time flies when you're posting your tailgate recipes, DIY decor and best posts of the week.<br />
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Here's our team:<br />
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="236" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="640" />
<br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Our hop is the most versatile hop around! Don't believe us, take a look at our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) from last week's hop:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt=" photo collage_zps3af48c17.png" border="0" height="212" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/collage_zps3af48c17.png" width="640" /></div>
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Bloggers unite! <a href="http://bouncingaroundwithbaby.blogspot.de/2013/10/how-to-add-instagram-tab-to-your.html" target="_blank">Bouncing Around With Baby</a> showed us how to add an Instagram to Facebook. Helpful tutorials are always a win win, bloggers are always looking for ways to enhance our blogs or our social media pages. </div>
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The fall season is perfect for chili. <a href="http://acts17verse28.blogspot.com/2013/10/painted-desert-chili-mix.html" target="_blank">In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being</a> shared a painted desert chili mix recipe.<br />
<br />
We can always count on <a href="http://coachdaddyblog.wordpress.com/2013/10/25/5-for-friday-go-ask-daddy-about-moves-east-oceanic-beasts-and-punting-feats/comment-page-1/#comment-5303" target="_blank">Coach Daddy</a> to bring some sporting wisdom to the hop! Each Friday, he enlightens us with his 5 for Friday: Ask Daddy segment, questions asked to him by his 3 little girls.<br />
<br />
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz </a>Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
<br />
Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
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Alright, let's do this!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-75076851355943453602013-11-01T09:29:00.001-04:002013-11-01T09:40:04.046-04:00Five Minute Friday: GraceOnly 5 minutes, seriously?<br />
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<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a>
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So, the awesome <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Jo Baker</a> does this <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">5 Minute Friday</a> post, where she gives us one word to write about for 5 whole minutes. Yes, only 5. Trust me, when you get going, it's hard to stop once the timer goes off!<br />
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Go ahead, go get your timer, cause here we go...<br />
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Today's word: GRACE<br />
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It's sufficient for me. Sometimes, though, I forget. Or is it just me get trying to operate in my own power. He said that His power is made perfect in weakness.<br />
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I get tired though.<br />
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Day in, day out. Hurdles to jump, walls to knock down. I am only so strong.<br />
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In my own power, that is.<br />
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He reminds me though. I thank Him for those reminders.<br />
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I am stubborn and a recovering control freak. I like things done my way, in my own timing.<br />
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But He nudges me. Sometimes, I feel Him nudge me hard. I know I can hear him, as if someone, flesh and bone, is physically in the room with me.<br />
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I still get tired though. Sometimes it's just too much.<br />
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That is, until He nudges me. Until He reminds me about His grace.<br />
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I gotta stop trying to do this stuff in my own power. The grace is there and it's up to me to accept it.<br />
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<b>****Timers off!*****</b></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-25151473911335486202013-10-26T18:00:00.000-04:002013-10-26T18:00:03.769-04:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #8It's week #8!<br />
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<img height="300" src="http://www.lessonsfromhappyhour.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fantasy_football_breakup_men_women.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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Welcome to the most versatile hop around town! This is the hop where you link up your best post of the week, tailgate recipes, DIY decor, whatever you want, then go and enjoy the games.<br />
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Give a welcome to our team:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" border="0" height="148" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week3hostcohost_zpsb99e205e.png" width="400" />
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<br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b><br />
<b><a href="http://agutandabutt.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/FamilyBetty" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b></div>
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<img alt=" photo week8_zps7a67a321.png" border="0" height="160" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/week8_zps7a67a321.png" width="640" /><br />
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Grilled tailgating food at it's finest! <a href="http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/sausage-pepper-sandwich-for-a-tailgate/" target="_blank">Tumbleweed Contessa</a> gets us ready for gameday with her grilled Sausage and Pepper sandwich.<br />
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<a href="http://taylormaderanch.com/blog/financial-security-with-less-effort/" target="_blank">Taylor Made Ranch</a> provided us with some sound financial sense. Just because we bring more money in, doesn't mean we have to increase our spending habits.<br />
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With Halloween right around the corner, <a href="http://scarlettexcellentadv.blogspot.com/2013/10/healthy-halloween-homemade-pizza-2-ways.html" target="_blank">Scarlett's Excellent Adventures</a> gave us some excellent pre-trick or treating meal ideas. </div>
</div>
<br />
Alright, so after the kiddies are all tired from trick or treating, the parents can relax with this awesome martini, courtesy of <a href="http://vashtiqvega.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/spooky-nights-in-october/" target="_blank">Vashti Quiroz Vega</a>.<br />
<br />
Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz </a>Pinterest board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
<br />
Be sure to share our button, letting everyone know where you're linking up this football season.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="Blog Hop Blitz" height="133" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" title="Blog Hop Blitz" width="200" /></div>
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<a href="http://gladiator-in-heels.blogspot.com/" title="Blog Hop Blitz" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/final_smallerversion3_zpsf46d0aef.png" alt="Blog Hop Blitz" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Time to get it started!<br />
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<br />
Huh?<br />
<br />
We recently embarked on Hummingbird's journey of having an innie navel from an outie navel. At her yearly exam this past summer, our pediatrician detected a teeny tiny hernia and recommended that she have umbilical hernia surgery. I was a bit apprehensive but upon researching the topic, the surgery would be a preventive measure, lessening future complications.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo surgeryprep_zps2e93c860.png" border="0" height="263" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/surgeryprep_zps2e93c860.png" width="320" /></div>
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Surgery, huh? Neither of my kids had ever had anything that was serious enough to have surgery. It was great that the surgery would be an outpatient procedure, so no overnight hospital stay. And she would be back to her normal self within a short time frame. I knew that I didn't want to freak her out with my anxiety, so to help us both, I decided to take a more calmer approach.<br />
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<i><b>My approach involved the following:</b></i><br />
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<b>Talking to her about the procedure:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Months before the surgery, I explained what would happen. I made sure that I pointed out that she is normal. A lot of kids may feel like something is wrong with them, so it's important to lay the foundation of them being normal. In Hummingbird's case, I explained that there would be a tiny incision/cut in order for the physician to help her belly button grow inward. You'd be amazed at what our kids actually understand! These discussions paid off in the long run, Hummingbird was soon telling everybody about her surgery. She even gave a 2 minute speech at Girl Scouts about growing up to be a "belly button doctor"! </li>
<li>Before the consultation appointment, we went online to see a picture of the physician who would be doing the surgery. This helped Hummingbird put a face on the person who would be touching her. </li>
<li>At the physician's recommendation, we took a before picture so that Hummingbird could compare it to the after picture. </li>
<li>We acknowledged all of the other kids at the physician's office who were having the same procedure done. This made her feel like she was part of a secret group, she felt included instead of isolated. </li>
<li>Discussed her missing a day of school. I am a stickler for my kids not missing days of school. So, when scheduling this procedure, I made sure to schedule during a school break. The surgery was on a Monday, school was out Monday and Tuesday. I gave her an extra day, Wednesday, just to be sure she was good. With her procedure, recovery time really depends on the kid, Now, trust me, she could have gone back on Monday evening if the school was open at that time!</li>
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<b>Talking to her about her fears:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>MonkeyMan and I made sure to acknowledge her feelings. Many parents mask things that a kid would otherwise understand if certain words and voice tones are used. The surgery was REAL and I didn't want to pretend that it wasn't. </li>
<li>Hummingbird was really worried about feeling the incision being made, that she would be sore afterwards. I confirmed with here that she would be sore but it would subside. I explained that she would be asleep during the actual surgery. Why did I say that?!?!? This, of course, led to an even more terrifying topic: ANESTHESIA! </li>
<li>Anesthesia was the hardest thing for her to accept. This kid had never had anything more terrifying other than her annual flu shot! I explained that I would be in the room with her while the doctor put a mask on her face, so that all she would have to do is breathe. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Here's what we talked about and what happened on the day of the surgery:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>We let her pick out what blanket or stuffed animals she wanted to bring. This is important because a kid's favorite blanket or stuffed animal can bring a sense of comfort in moments of unrest/confusion/anxiety. Even though this was an outpatient procedure, having those comfort things there in recovery made a difference. </li>
<li>We asked what Netflix movies she wanted to watch once we got home after the surgery. Somehow, I knew she would relish the idea of being waited on! But this gave her something to look forward to, a time when she would be the center of attention. </li>
<li>I reassured her that I would be there as she fell asleep. Now, I wish it went as sweatless as the preceding sentence sounds. Hummingbird was overtaken by anxiety as we walked into the procedure room. But I was there holding her hand. Didn't stop her from throwing a few punches at the anesthesiologist when he tried placing the mask over her face! My girl, not going down without a fight! And with one deep breath, she was O-U-T. </li>
<li>Her dad and his family were there as well. I kept him informed, this was my effort to forge a positive co-parenting opportunity. This helped Hummingbird as well, kids like it when big folks play nice! This surgery was about her well being, not any disagreements we may have had. </li>
</ul>
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<b>Now, here's some major parental to do's to ensure a positive experience:</b></div>
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<ul>
<li>Keep it together. Easier said than done. This is key because kids feed off of their parents. If I showed any anxiety or fear, Hummingbird would have picked up on that and reacted the same way. </li>
<li>Understand every part of the surgery. We have rights that the hospital staff must abide by. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you think it's dumb. </li>
<li>Admit our fears. I was nervous. No one wants to see their kid in pain or discomfort or anxiety ridden. I acknowledged my fears, prayed and felt peace afterwards. My prayers actually started on the day the physician first noticed the teeny tiny hernia. That day, the foundation for a successful surgery and recovery was laid. </li>
</ul>
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One week later, you would never know that Hummingbird had surgery. The innie is healing properly, follow up is in a few weeks. Funny how when she's feeling well, which means she is all over the place, I want peace and quiet. But when's she's not feeling well, I would love to hear the noise...well, maybe just a teeny tiny bit of the noise!</div>
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<i>Have you ever experienced any surgeries or sicknesses with your kids? For surgeries, how did you prepare them? For when they're sick, how do you keep their spirits up? How do you take care of yourself during that time?</i></div>
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Kinda sums up our hop! Just like this post from <a href="http://coachdaddyblog.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/guest-post-from-marcia-of-menopausal-mother-10-reasons-for-a-lovehate-relationship-with-football/" target="_blank">Menopausal Mother</a>, she makes a love/hate relationship with football list that I'm sure plenty of us are feeling as we enter week #7. </div>
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Oh, by the way, welcome to Week #7. </div>
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This is the hop where you link up your best post of the week, tailgate recipes, DIY decor, whatever you want, then go and enjoy the games. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b><br />
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Perfect for the fall season, yummy bread pudding nestled in a pumpkin! Courtesy of <a href="http://www.create-with-joy.com/2011/12/stuffed-pumpkin-with-apple-cinnamon-raisin-bread-pudding.html" target="_blank">Create with Joy</a>.<br />
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Awesome example of what it means to walk the talk! <a href="http://taylormaderanch.com/blog/in-sickness-in-health/" target="_blank">Taylor Made Ranch</a> gives us a living example of marriage vows.<br />
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<a href="http://foodyschmoody.blogspot.com/2013/10/lasagna-stuffed-with-pepperoni-freezer.html" target="_blank">Foody Schmoody</a> gave us a wonderful meal that could be prepared ahead of time and frozen, perfect for a weekday meal!<br />
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Each of our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz Pinterest</a> board. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-40903292137358165612013-10-15T19:15:00.000-04:002013-10-15T19:15:50.660-04:00What shirt color will your child wear?Ever heard of "redshirting"?<br />
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I had not until a few months ago.<br />
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A friend of mine has two little boys, both born in July, one four , the other two. This friend has always had concerns about the older boy, ranging from speech to immaturity.<br />
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Said four year old started Pre-K this year and this has brought up yet another issue:<br />
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Should they prolong his start of kindergarten next year?<br />
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<img alt=" photo red-shirt_zps6aba7e76.png" border="0" height="315" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/red-shirt_zps6aba7e76.png" width="320" />
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Wikipedia provides a clear definition of redshirting: the practice of postponing entrance into kindergarten of age eligible children in order to allow extra time for socioemotional, intellectual, or physical growth. This occurs frequently where children's birthdays are so close to the cut-off dates that they are very likely to be among the youngest in their kindergarten class.<br />
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This friend seeks my advice frequently, feeding from my mom knowledge of raising a 17 year old Yogli.<br />
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This time, though, my mom bank was empty and confused.<br />
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Yogli, too, is a July baby. Once in kindergarten, his teacher sent home a referral to the school psychologist. She insisted that Yogli had behavioral issues, I sensed that she was inferring that he had some form of ADD/ADHD. I concluded that he needed a bit more discipline from me at home. I knew that the extra discipline would require more work on my part but there was no way my kid was gonna be labeled, especially if I knew there were no real behavioral issues.<br />
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So, I got to work. This is probably how Yogli and I became so close. I would talk to him about what type of behavior I expected from him. This is when I started becoming a bit more involved in his school. These are just some of the things I did. Is Yogli perfect as a result? NO! Did I expect him to be? NO.<br />
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Exactly what am I implying?<br />
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In my opinion, redshirting seems lazy and selfish. Parents who don't want to do the work of parenting their kid, expecting the school to do it. Selfish because they want the kid to be a better athlete, fattening future sports aspirations.<br />
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So in other words, Mrs. Gladiator, you oppose redshirting?<br />
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Yes and no.<br />
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If redshirting helps the kid gain a better academic sense, then ok, get your reshirting on! I know that kids grow at different rates, both mentally and physically. Would this then give the redshirted kid an edge over his/her peers?<br />
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Speaking of his/her...in the articles I've read, redshirting seems to be done mostly with boys. As if boys need one more area where they're being told they lack...<br />
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If you redshirt, wouldn't the kid get bored, it would be a replay of the same material from last year. That boredom would need an outlet and you know how kids and boredom don't mix.<br />
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What happened to being challenged, digging your heels in and get er done?<br />
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Kids are mean and they say mean things. What if the redshirted kid is much bigger than his classmates? Can't you hear the taunting now?<br />
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There have been <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/the_kids/2013/09/academic_redshirting_what_does_the_research_say_about_delaying_kindergarten.html" target="_blank">studies</a> done, however, most of them are not recent.<br />
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I've had some conversations with others, and the opinions are split down the middle. No one can really prove whether or not redshirting pays off in the long run or not.<br />
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Ultimately, it is the parent that makes the decision. After all, we all have to do what is right for our families.<br />
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My friend still hasn't decided what to do about her four year old.<br />
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What would you do, redshirt or not redshirt, what sayest you?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-42887665003220451632013-10-12T18:00:00.000-04:002013-10-13T08:39:26.519-04:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Check out how the <a href="http://www.nfl.com/pink" target="_blank">NFL supports the cause</a>, and it's not just by wearing pink gear!<br />
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Your football blurb of the week: What has happened to the New York Giants?!?!?<br />
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As these games linger on (no, Jacksonville hasn't won a game yet!), here's your perfect opportunity to link up your recipes, crafting projects or your best post of the week.<br />
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Welcome our lovely team:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life and Party Planning</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></b><br />
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Our Most Valuable Bloggers have the right idea, showcasing their blogging skills and linking up with us. They, once again, prove the versatility of our hop!</div>
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Lovin' the fall centerpieces made by <a href="http://lamannafamilyadventures.blogspot.com/2013/09/project-5-diy-table-top-fall-decorations.html" target="_blank">Lamanna Family Adventures</a>! She used items, that would have otherwise been tossed away, and turned them into cute fall centerpieces. Very creative!</div>
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We all would probably throw a "hissy fit" over this dip shared by <a href="http://thepaintedapron.com/2013/10/04/tablescapes-ole-miss-table-hissy-fit-dip/" target="_blank">The Painted Apron</a>. This post is awesome, these folks know how to throw a gameday party!<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinkheartstring.com/2013/10/will-technology-make-teachers-jobless.html" target="_blank">Pink Heart String</a> hit a nerve with me (Tiffany) because my 2nd grader's homework is all online this year. Technology, a double edged sword!</div>
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Each of our MVBs have been pinned to our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz Pinterest board</a>. Football fan or not, check out our wide range of pins.<br />
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The biggest piece of all, having MonkeyMan standing at the other end of that altar, waiting for me.<br />
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This was the second time for both of us.<br />
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Here's the statistic:<br />
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The Marriage Foundation says that 45% of first time marriages will divorce, while only 31% of 2nd timers will end up in the same boat.<br />
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<b>That's the only doom and gloom I will speak of in this post.</b><br />
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<i>"Not like the first time, not like the first time, not like the first time, talking 'bout the second time". </i></div>
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There are a gazillion articles on marriage, first time, second time, probably even third time. And they all offer tips on how to make the marriage stronger, which I agree with a lot of what the articles say. For me though, there were only three things. Yes, three. I focused on three because, I believe, everything else springs forth from those three things.<br />
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Here are my three characteristics of someone in a 2nd marriage (we need a new name for 2nd marriage, it almost implies that there will be a 3rd, 4th, 5th, or we could pull an Elizabeth Taylor!)<br />
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<b>You're willing to grow</b><br />
You have <a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-5-stages-of-loss-and-grief/000617" target="_blank">grieved the divorce</a>, purposely going through each stage, facing it head on. You needed to because divorce feels like a piece of you, your flesh is being cut off. Yes, in a sense, it is like death. But you held on, because you grieved it, new life was able to spring forth! Weeping for your loss endured for the night but joy came in the morning.<br />
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You took the time to understand what went wrong and the part you played, you took responsibility for your part in the breakdown of that first marriage. You've learned from your mistakes, this breeds honesty, not only with yourself but with all of your close relationships.<br />
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<b>You're determined</b><br />
You don't want to be another statistic, so you want to get it right. None of us fully ever get it right, but we keep trying. That's the key: KEEP TRYING. Even with that, you know that it won't work unless both of you are trying. But, what other people do is none of your business. YOU keep trying. And in that trying, you may see that some things should be cut loose.<br />
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<b>You appreciate</b><br />
You respect marriage more now based on what has happened to you. You realize the importance of saying thank you, please, giving compliments, <a href="http://www.5lovelanguages.com/" target="_blank">doing nice things</a>. It has meaning for you now, you've seen the result of not doing these things.<br />
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<b>From these three things, all sorts of things can come forth:</b><br />
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<li>ability to share your dreams and goals, without feeling insecure</li>
<li>honesty</li>
<li>better self esteem</li>
<li>respect for one another</li>
<li>enjoying each other's similarities but secure in each other's differences</li>
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There are a ton of other things, but you get my point.<br />
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Marriage, regardless of it being the first, second or third time, can be sweet. Regardless of the number of times being married, the word WORK is the common denominator. I'm sure even Liz Taylor had to put some amount of work into the 8 unions she entered!<br />
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Any other 2nd timers out there? What would you add to my list of positive characteristics of second marriages?<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/328687ee-73c2-4397-9799-5f799ea34209_zps30e5310c.jpg" style="width: NaN%;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-20837393271809575862013-10-08T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-09T11:19:08.038-04:00Guest Post: The Art of Entertaining a Toddler: Doctor's Appointment/Tag Team Edition<br />
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<img alt=" photo button2_zpsf6dd92f6.png" border="0" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/button2_zpsf6dd92f6.png" />Need a spot to get re-energized? Or how about a place to meet other busy moms like yourself? Meet Kishea from <a href="http://bizzymommie.com/" target="_blank">Bizzy Mommie</a>, she's created that spot! Join her as she takes us on her journey of maneuvering through parenthood, all the while creating a community for others doing the same thing. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Over the past 18 months I have learned a thing or two about taking my daughter to doctor's appointments. She does really well at hers, but she acts like crazy person at mine. Why is that? Hmmm..... It may be because she doesn't like to see anyone "working" on me. She even cried when I got my eyebrows waxed a week ago. How funny is that? I would've videotaped it, but I didn't have a free hand. It was hilarious. </span></div>
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Don't get me started about my teeth cleaning appointment about six months ago. She was a lot smaller then, and not as strong so I could hold her in my lap and hold her hands while the dentist cleaned my teeth. She cried and cried, but I had to get this done. My husband and I live 4-5 hours away from our parents and we don't have babysitters, so I have to take her with me to every appointment since my husband works long hours. And hey, she's my responsibility anyways.</div>
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Well, fast forward to present day when I had to go to a doctor's appointment today. Thank God my doctor had a play area in the waiting room. She was greatly entertained by this. I would also like to thank God that my husband was able to come with me, because he helped in keeping her occupied as well. The waiting room was a breeze, but when the nurse called my name, my child actually let a scream loose when I picked her up. What?! (<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Confession:</span> I used to always look at people with screaming children like they were crazy until I had one little feisty one myself. Now I know that you have to do what you have to do. Life has to go on, screaming children or not). </div>
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My husband was a tremendous help. He let Bri run around him countless times, he held her arms while she dangled inches from the floor, he blew raspberries on her cheeks, etc. I sat her on my lap and dropped her upside down (she loves doing this). I repeated this over and over until she got tired of it. When we got into the room, we let her walk around and touch cabinets (as long as she wasn't being too rough... Don't want to get kicked out, LOL!) and slide down walls onto the floor (Man do kids have a lot of energy!). I thought about bringing toys but she wouldn't have played with them. She would have been too intrigued by her new surroundings to fumble with familiar toys. </div>
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Now for the big test! The doctor came in to examine me and my daughter did GREAT. I was so happy and relieved. If my husband had not come to tag team with me, she would have been crying when the doctor came in. Whew! Yay! Hooray! (Hey, don't judge me for being excited about a well-behaved toddler, LOL!). We made it and I can boldly say that we have a wonderful visit. I have another appointment next week and I will start preparing right now for it, ha ha.<br />
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<a href="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/bizzymommie_zpsbfb8785d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt=" photo bizzymommie_zpsbfb8785d.png" border="0" height="149" src="http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q795/ttkels/bizzymommie_zpsbfb8785d.png" width="200" /></a>Thanks to Tiffany for allowing me to guest post on her amazing blog today. Her content is entertaining and well organized, and it's an honor to post for her. I have a blog as well, <a href="http://bizzymommie.com/" target="_blank">Bizzy Mommie</a>. I write about everyday issues that I face as a busy mother. I would love to have you come and check me out as well. I'm always looking for other mothers to share their stories and advice. I look forward to seeing you there. Have a blessed week! P.S. Roll Tide and Go Steelers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591060582880628088.post-10022190035981623262013-10-05T18:00:00.000-04:002013-10-05T18:00:04.028-04:00Blog Hop Blitz Week #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Full speed ahead into Week #5!<br />
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How have you been spending the football season so far?<br />
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Made anything interesting?<br />
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Here's one of the things I've (Tiffany) been up to:<br />
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My husband is a HUGE fan of the Jacksonsville Jaguars (yeah, I know). In an effort to raise his spirits and send some mojo to Jacksonville, I am embarking on making a football wreath. I was inspired by <a href="http://www.mompaperscissors.com/2013/09/diy-fall-wreath.html" target="_blank">Mom Paper Scissors</a> who linked up with us on Week #3 of the Blog Hop Blitz.<br />
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My lovely co-hosts have been busy, teaming up to host/co-host the <a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/2013/10/four-seasons-blog-hop-20.html" target="_blank">Four Seasons Blog Hop</a>. Week after week, these ladies are showcasing awesome recipes and blog posts. </div>
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And speaking of co-hosts...</div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Terri & Shawna</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Easy Life Meal and Party Planning</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://easylifemealandpartyplanning.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/easylifemeals/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>...<a href="https://twitter.com/easylifemeals1" target="_blank">Twitter</a>...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/easylifemealandpartyplanning" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Betty</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">A Gut and a Butt</span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;"><a href="http://agutandabutt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a>...<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/bettytaylor234/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span><br />
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You think we've been busy, check out our Most Valuable Bloggers (MVBs) from Week #4:</div>
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<a href="http://adrivenwife.com/2013/09/make-family-night-game-night.html" target="_blank">A Purpose Driven Wife</a> gave us some ideas on how to create the family night atmosphere.<br />
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How about some Halloween Witch cupcakes? <a href="http://thisolemom.blogspot.com/2013/09/halloween-witch-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">This Ole Mom</a> provided a great tutorial on how to create these delightful, frightful treats!<br />
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Perseverance at it's finest! A <a href="http://www.dailydoseofdelsignore.com/2013/09/full-circle-part-three_23.html#.Uk9lZYbOnbN" target="_blank">Daily Dose of Del Signore</a> defines perseverance in her triumph over losing and maintaining weight. </div>
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Our own Betty @ <a href="http://agutandabutt.blogspot.com/2013/09/atlanta-new-earth-festival.html" target="_blank">A Gut and a Butt</a> found some awesome pieces at the Atlanta New Earth Festival.<br />
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Check out our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/ttkels/football-blog-hop-blitz/" target="_blank">Football Blog Hop Blitz Pinterest</a> board, where you'll see all four MVBs pinned.<br />
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This is exactly what this hop is about: doing/creating things we enjoy while the football season rolls on!<br />
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Remember to grab our button, showing everybody where you're linking up this football season!<br />
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