tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35694495391368450462024-03-16T00:09:00.170-07:00Managing MarblesInsights from the life of stay-at-home mom of three boys, Kelly C'de BacaKellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-11762361269834838482013-03-13T15:12:00.002-07:002013-03-13T15:15:24.534-07:00Scribble Linens{no, i am not getting paid to write this... i just have a really talented friend that i want to tell you about.}<br />
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I met Sarah in college 16 years ago. Wait, what? Yes, I had to count again.<br />
Am I really that old?<br />
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Anyway...<br />
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I met Sarah through my sweet sister, Kristi. They were roommates at Baylor for a year. We lost touch once I graduated, but, of course, found each other via Facebook a couple years ago. We would "like" each others pictures, comment here and there, and then....<br />
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In December 2012, she announced that she had launched a new product. WHAT?!?! So, I had to check it out. Well... it happened to be so cool that I couldn't not tell you about it.<br />
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Check it out <a href="http://www.scribblelinens.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to see for yourself how cool it is!<br />
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Here is how we use Scribble Linens at my house...<br />
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First, I about died at how cute the place mats looked on my table!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q1OYxszI8orsDl87F4ffSF64OzDcW_pAlx3ISayZ0M1-yGHw2JtSRBvFdbw4VhUHc6XNQyBoXX1X1iC_kvCLRgNpB2RJCKuSC-Ejpu8c-EHrmSBnjEY1Xn3KS1gWn-LAZmMcD_vnRuk/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q1OYxszI8orsDl87F4ffSF64OzDcW_pAlx3ISayZ0M1-yGHw2JtSRBvFdbw4VhUHc6XNQyBoXX1X1iC_kvCLRgNpB2RJCKuSC-Ejpu8c-EHrmSBnjEY1Xn3KS1gWn-LAZmMcD_vnRuk/s400/PicMonkey+Collage13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, I had Archer play a money game while he waited for his food to be served.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdROyCKrZJtkXMOpX3Ir45ACbG4sfpj9wv4GJcaLKhPXIx9innN1Thzm7DVGYJsVdi1dpMnT3zfOfFMMUcQlVmFRQBJglmYehsuKWYjG6cVYVQzh7PYFutOzIdxf5ebPt7y2T0XG80L4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdROyCKrZJtkXMOpX3Ir45ACbG4sfpj9wv4GJcaLKhPXIx9innN1Thzm7DVGYJsVdi1dpMnT3zfOfFMMUcQlVmFRQBJglmYehsuKWYjG6cVYVQzh7PYFutOzIdxf5ebPt7y2T0XG80L4/s400/PicMonkey+Collage14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last, we checked his answers, erased the place mat, and turned it back over just in time for the food to be served!<br />
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Next item on my wish list... a Scribble Linens runner. I love what Sarah did for the wine and cheese party. Look at her cover picture on their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScribbleLinens" target="_blank">here</a> to see it.<br />
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What would you do with a Scribble Linen?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com64tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-88629033400189247432013-03-05T14:48:00.001-08:002013-03-05T14:48:47.288-08:00Has it really been 6 years!?!Dear Sweet Archer,<br />
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Where has the time gone? It seems that each year the time goes faster and faster. That scares me. So often your Daddy and I try to stop and soak it all in... we don't want to look back on this time and forget it! We love that you are growing up, but, like I always say... You'll always be my baby!<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nZAs9b5e6ZOK1_gqv2Lg2VcrePqRIyH3eibIoEmpYvod0R3b11UiqDP2ub99L-3gnOacDWqHKiEO51JRM6S0Yzis7M3G1YT0hqZtdyJwxxvVE8Hi3_5zQCSP4Sw2qIZkHZHHlwzbtiE/s1600-h/100_2164.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445126247174713378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nZAs9b5e6ZOK1_gqv2Lg2VcrePqRIyH3eibIoEmpYvod0R3b11UiqDP2ub99L-3gnOacDWqHKiEO51JRM6S0Yzis7M3G1YT0hqZtdyJwxxvVE8Hi3_5zQCSP4Sw2qIZkHZHHlwzbtiE/s400/100_2164.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
I can't believe that you are turning 6 today. Now you can have to use BOTH hands to tell people how old you are. I can't imagine how I will feel when you are DOUBLE DIGITS... I won't think about it because then I just might cry.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi168OrnRLq97eI7ckkKlaSbCXgPc69R1M56buoNKnTpaM1dhwGlIMgPrpL45xj9Di7wriiGdJo6UPWhBdjX3hxiHeYHEwkm5xfrA5reOWIu7D3oJbWNsjQEcSUj-JJ5AvoKb10NVmGw/s1600-h/IMG_4464.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445126666503418274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFi168OrnRLq97eI7ckkKlaSbCXgPc69R1M56buoNKnTpaM1dhwGlIMgPrpL45xj9Di7wriiGdJo6UPWhBdjX3hxiHeYHEwkm5xfrA5reOWIu7D3oJbWNsjQEcSUj-JJ5AvoKb10NVmGw/s400/IMG_4464.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Six years ago you changed my life completely and now I couldn't imagine life without you. You bring such joy...and craziness... to my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-qO5rKSHztOKXnPjt0ymKnPyeINvNL4nucrFqscf1gHx0w41ng6QuV8XbYjujb5WJX3e0u9KbgUaf3kPhexJiEfpFLLtrtIN1Fqbfk4Ug40ENwJOq2NuSwJ3IHyfhl3lfpbt9p2sLCA/s1600-h/100_1238.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445127017611930066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-qO5rKSHztOKXnPjt0ymKnPyeINvNL4nucrFqscf1gHx0w41ng6QuV8XbYjujb5WJX3e0u9KbgUaf3kPhexJiEfpFLLtrtIN1Fqbfk4Ug40ENwJOq2NuSwJ3IHyfhl3lfpbt9p2sLCA/s400/100_1238.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I love you from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVDG30Q-DWqHof3afLMnpuUm-0x2T_wxGt4O27dqKFDhv88Pqcj3a_gYkZZsX3Voulw8kll6Jilt3Td1JFeLTktfdfy-UP1iMUofqdFdPZWRgAvZljlHHxWoj3k-9u3hLmRFWhnW92d0/s1600-h/100_1455.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445122168861298242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVDG30Q-DWqHof3afLMnpuUm-0x2T_wxGt4O27dqKFDhv88Pqcj3a_gYkZZsX3Voulw8kll6Jilt3Td1JFeLTktfdfy-UP1iMUofqdFdPZWRgAvZljlHHxWoj3k-9u3hLmRFWhnW92d0/s400/100_1455.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
I love your brain. I love how you think and how much you think...even though sometimes it drives me crazy. It sure keeps me on my toes. I pray that for your whole life you will use your "smartness" for the Lord. That you will always feed your brain with things "not of this world."<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsubhyF3l4ra66vdPqU5u42Baw8RE1_Zlfs2lhPDguO78ehx81WlI7L7i9qB2GqLwsAP6_M1C1obfum8Gngv5y_g9xSfw1izS2NFcWcgLBy4bT_URARn3JcA-l-Ox0z_bBBACtgtUF5DQ/s1600-h/100_8353.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445124205012799346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsubhyF3l4ra66vdPqU5u42Baw8RE1_Zlfs2lhPDguO78ehx81WlI7L7i9qB2GqLwsAP6_M1C1obfum8Gngv5y_g9xSfw1izS2NFcWcgLBy4bT_URARn3JcA-l-Ox0z_bBBACtgtUF5DQ/s400/100_8353.JPG" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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I love your big brown eyes. They tell so much about how you are feeling. Never lose that sparkle!<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gaW1Y6cqgPh9LBAQLuaj9Ih6RpJm5dtKYx4Jq9e0FnLQhxlugJaTygaMXZl0YmpGrpAIS3lDyPFM7u5cGn1QJ1tphgH8OxzTXpaapiWx3t3QP1JDeL-UT9ilHk-haIjwSFnIpBAK13A/s1600-h/DSC_0985.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445123611195057506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gaW1Y6cqgPh9LBAQLuaj9Ih6RpJm5dtKYx4Jq9e0FnLQhxlugJaTygaMXZl0YmpGrpAIS3lDyPFM7u5cGn1QJ1tphgH8OxzTXpaapiWx3t3QP1JDeL-UT9ilHk-haIjwSFnIpBAK13A/s400/DSC_0985.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
I love your little button nose...I especially love giving you eskimo kisses. I love that you STILL will give me eskimo kisses.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrxh8MqOAMZIh0TLKoX7Z87O-j0vfR8FjSC8HRYivde6yZnq2eVmWkaih_4nIC1XWzp7ztembw0R_LvfBc25S88Z0fgOJPlmZeIJ7FibPc6SvP3Ffm207w5137T3mJwSA3G8nuJBalmU/s1600-h/DSC_1165_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445125601152783922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrxh8MqOAMZIh0TLKoX7Z87O-j0vfR8FjSC8HRYivde6yZnq2eVmWkaih_4nIC1XWzp7ztembw0R_LvfBc25S88Z0fgOJPlmZeIJ7FibPc6SvP3Ffm207w5137T3mJwSA3G8nuJBalmU/s400/DSC_1165_2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I love your voice. I love all of the things that you have to say. You are so articulate, observant... and funny! I love hearing you sing, tell stories, and play with your little brothers.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCc-RZlgX-3maFCSYjPOl8bVw9scf8BKgTI7GvSOlrs97zmy2su-1LZ8LOr4_oxdyFvnrxwh7tE0e2PruH70FEMQqoGZZSryCoW2Xs8iw8P0QBJ3mKeT56odn0gmwytzw2UKZ2Qb_es/s1600-h/IMG_2127.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445122768391953218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwCc-RZlgX-3maFCSYjPOl8bVw9scf8BKgTI7GvSOlrs97zmy2su-1LZ8LOr4_oxdyFvnrxwh7tE0e2PruH70FEMQqoGZZSryCoW2Xs8iw8P0QBJ3mKeT56odn0gmwytzw2UKZ2Qb_es/s400/IMG_2127.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I love the way you give bear hugs and are always willing to cuddle with me on the couch. I pray that you always want to give me hugs because I sure will never stop giving them to you. I asked you the other day if you would still cuddle with me when you were a teenager. Wanna know what you said? "Yea, I'll still cuddle with you. I cuddle with you until you die." That couldn't have meant more to me.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavXbZtnlwLVxnvT7u7NqImfDwYLF-p45nkWO8PRcwVg2YHU93J_Lra1yVpbijYFX9VDemepVZmRvupsyikQ5nuC1uP-yGV5waSS-83yAA-ivlDq6Dygs2vWVQQnlTudJUP1I1Qj9VxxY/s1600-h/IMG_4060.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445121300792215090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavXbZtnlwLVxnvT7u7NqImfDwYLF-p45nkWO8PRcwVg2YHU93J_Lra1yVpbijYFX9VDemepVZmRvupsyikQ5nuC1uP-yGV5waSS-83yAA-ivlDq6Dygs2vWVQQnlTudJUP1I1Qj9VxxY/s400/IMG_4060.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I love your not-so-little hands.. when they're dirty from playing outside, when you hold mine while walking across the street, or when you unknowingly lay them on me while we are watching TV. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tzk_zzpmpf8lfGYOJHMJU5ND5GiQqnB3aEM2FFOgUEVS4G-gTk-3uoRE-wbVCrsa2Y-rGfNFgCefo2gfcaqoIXlH-F5LtH4fZMhzcR3M7D2v3Qd89TwLatQCgtPnrs_kIDMWx3kucf0/s1600-h/100_5718.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445119831239865298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tzk_zzpmpf8lfGYOJHMJU5ND5GiQqnB3aEM2FFOgUEVS4G-gTk-3uoRE-wbVCrsa2Y-rGfNFgCefo2gfcaqoIXlH-F5LtH4fZMhzcR3M7D2v3Qd89TwLatQCgtPnrs_kIDMWx3kucf0/s400/100_5718.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
I love your heart; it is so big! You feel so much...for other people who are hurting and when you are in trouble. I pray that as you gave your heart to Jesus earlier this year... that you would always let Him have your heart COMPLETELY. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvAtzZdM3Pzv-lXlS85P3erw5QtW1tsi9Tu7qX4dz5RxzL9CmT2c702MrksJwvImB_pd5eMQynHGTL92Yv4dWqEpRO98hAphN0ToKek_FVV3XrJKAyCDuUqcn9UoyVdBOU64GrO4ViEM/s1600-h/DSC_1250.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445117938980540978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCvAtzZdM3Pzv-lXlS85P3erw5QtW1tsi9Tu7qX4dz5RxzL9CmT2c702MrksJwvImB_pd5eMQynHGTL92Yv4dWqEpRO98hAphN0ToKek_FVV3XrJKAyCDuUqcn9UoyVdBOU64GrO4ViEM/s400/DSC_1250.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
I love your tummy. I love when I hear you belly laugh from the other room.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG0m2h8r8jd7gD_kAfCnFuu5zWXuMqXmN2M7wy54gRci2lM08KWjze8aRayLR_UMmbryhtcIm7NFQd9WyaHoTRfwrrwb4FuFYoJ7PoX3sB2A2k1pA6i21gkPS9K1-0MCEZG6XxfufIg8/s1600-h/DSC_1262_2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445128127547944002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG0m2h8r8jd7gD_kAfCnFuu5zWXuMqXmN2M7wy54gRci2lM08KWjze8aRayLR_UMmbryhtcIm7NFQd9WyaHoTRfwrrwb4FuFYoJ7PoX3sB2A2k1pA6i21gkPS9K1-0MCEZG6XxfufIg8/s400/DSC_1262_2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
Speaking of laughter, you are so full of it. It started with a silly chuckle when you were a small baby and has turned into a wonderful sound. You take after your Daddy. Never lose your desire to laugh.<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMPoWWjf9IjLQaYTuC0OU-3xVBKA6nBleEEaD__uCwwlcvlHXW8p2omkT5zBXQo3YLULfXAiptKQc9qGiDerEzQ2Cg0Qa8rGX9sSfQP3Np1dg1aTDmmdGQy_xWhH6HIiA1r86d9-8NI/s1600-h/100_6761.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445117226262886130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRMPoWWjf9IjLQaYTuC0OU-3xVBKA6nBleEEaD__uCwwlcvlHXW8p2omkT5zBXQo3YLULfXAiptKQc9qGiDerEzQ2Cg0Qa8rGX9sSfQP3Np1dg1aTDmmdGQy_xWhH6HIiA1r86d9-8NI/s400/100_6761.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
I love your legs. How fast you are! It has been so fun starting to watch you play and explore new sports. You are growing so much!<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqGcC4bLhdcFzAw2PvVQ8ivbd9oPzR9-X8w9LEye579WczVtrbhqKj9fMRxkvsCF3C73EHhdUCrkuudvK-fa-Jj9uxwtRXy5U9cCCvyWf_i03AtmmSa-r40XPIp9WWA3YvpsWEtkIcyg/s1600-h/IMG_3752.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445116196180778658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqGcC4bLhdcFzAw2PvVQ8ivbd9oPzR9-X8w9LEye579WczVtrbhqKj9fMRxkvsCF3C73EHhdUCrkuudvK-fa-Jj9uxwtRXy5U9cCCvyWf_i03AtmmSa-r40XPIp9WWA3YvpsWEtkIcyg/s400/IMG_3752.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><br />
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I will love you FOREVER!<br />
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<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday, sweet boy! <br />
<br />
Love, <br />
Mommy<br />
<br />
***Letter adapted from my post when Archer turned 3!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-24276553507947867862013-02-26T15:23:00.001-08:002013-02-26T15:27:22.983-08:00Miracle Revisited. Last night at the dinner table, Beau started talking about <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/05/miracle.html" target="_blank">it</a>.<br />
Click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/05/miracle.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read my past post.<br />
<br />
{It being a day that could've turned into the worst of my life, but it didn't!}<br />
A miracle happened.<br />
Praise God.<br />
<br />
We were talking about swim lessons. He was telling Cooper all that he had done that morning.<br />
"I went under the water. I got rings. Miss Allie helped me..." Then he changed directions. "I fell in the lake, underwater. "<br />
<br />
We knew exactly what he was talking about. We don't ever bring it up. He does. When he does, we try to ask questions to help us figure out what actually happened. This is how the rest of our conversation went...<br />
<br />
"Beau, how did you get out of the water when you fell in?"<br />
<br />
"With my wings. My magical wings."<br />
<br />
"Your wings?"<br />
<br />
"Yep. My magical wings." (as tried to touch his back)<br />
<br />
"Well, where did the wings go when you got out of the water?"<br />
<br />
"They just broke off."<br />
<br />
... I couldn't help but get teary-eyed. What really happened when he fell in? How long was he under? How did he get out? Did an angel help him? Did he actually see an angel? Will he remember this for the rest of his life?<br />
<br />
I don't know much about what happened in his little life for those few minutes. But, I do know, that it was something big. Something I will never forget. Something that will always remind me how God REALLY is in control.<br />
<br />
So, as I sit here thinking about my rambunctious, loud, tender, strong-willed, loves-to-cuddle 3 year old. I am so grateful that his sweet life was spared. That we get more time with him. That even though he drives me crazy... I wouldn't change it for a second. <br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-69225284111826212592013-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:002013-02-01T11:09:34.515-08:00Boys.I love them.<br />
<br />
I have 3 of them.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
But...<br />
<br />
Sometimes I don't feel equipped to be their mom. Am I too impatient? How active is okay? How loud is okay? What is a normal number of times to ask them to do something? What is the line that needs to be drawn in order to tame their "wild hearts?<br />
<br />
Before I had Archer, my 6 year old, I was recommended to read the book <u>Bringing Up Boys</u> by Dr. James Dobson. It was great! I read it start to finish. I was encouraged.<br />
<br />
Then I had Archer. Then Beau. Then Cole.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I went digging. I needed a little guidance, encouragement, and advice on "bringing up my boys." I opened the book and these were the first few treasures I found. I thought I'd share them with you, in case you needed a little reminder that you're not alone!<br />
<br />
{Boys are bent on making messes, teasing the other siblings, racing through the house, and challenging every decision and order that comes their way.} ...Amen to that!<br />
<br />
{Although individual temperaments vary, boys are designed to be more assertive, audacious, and excitable than girls are.} ...Yessssss!<br />
<br />
{Boys need structure, they need supervision, and they need to be civilized.} ...Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
{...need requests clearly outlined... are slower to learn from their calamities...} ... Amen!<br />
<br />
{I urge you as parents not to resent or try to eliminate the aggressive and excitable nature that can be so irritating. That temperament is part of a divine plan. Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Thank God for it. But also understand that it needs to be shaped, molded, and "civilized". } ...Oh.my.goodness!<br />
<br />
Thanks, Dr. Dobson, I needed that. Bad.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-83174222483962496512013-01-23T13:43:00.001-08:002013-01-23T13:52:19.556-08:00These days.I've been busy... (aren't we all?)<br />
<br />
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Changing diapers <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(yes, my 3 year old should be in underwear 24/7...he's not)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~</span></div>
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doing kindergarten drop off and pick up</div>
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swim lessons<br />
~</div>
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picking up the shredded plastic bags our dog loves leaving me every day<br />
~</div>
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music at the library</div>
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fighting with my laundry <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(it's still winning)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
keeping 3 tummies full <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I swore I'd never be a short-order cook...I am.)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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trying to be consistent at running <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(keyword: trying)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
managing <a href="http://www.onceuponacupcake.com/" target="_blank">Cupcake Friday</a></div>
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planning birthday parties<br />
~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
planning Sunday School lessons<br />
~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
picking up the never ending stream of toys <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I know one day I will miss them...just not now.) </span>... </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I guess, just trying to be a good mommy, a good wife, and a good business owner.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, I feel good at these things, and more times than I want to... I don't!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Something had to give... I didn't choose the blog...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's just what happened. </div>
<br />
I didn't notice it so much since I am IN LOVE with Instagram. I almost feel like it's a mini blog. It's what we're doing, how we're living, and it's making me stay up on taking pictures. At least I haven't let that one go. In case you're wondering, my Instagram name is @managingmarbles <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(surprise, surprise)</span>.<br />
<br />
So...here's to adding another thing back on my plate... the blog! I really do miss it!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-34575659425413778832013-01-05T09:03:00.002-08:002013-01-05T09:03:23.466-08:00Choose Joy<i>I haven't blogged in way too long... AGAIN!!! But, today, I wanted to let my friend, Emmy, share her story. She is amazing. She's patient. She's faithful. She chose joy... and did I mention...she's funny! </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Here's Emmy...</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I'm Emmy, I'm 35, and I'm infertile.<br />
<br />
Wait, let me back up. I'm Emmy. Kelly has been so sweet to allow me to invade her space for the day. I own <a href="http://www.muchadoaboutyou.com/" target="_blank">Much Ado About You</a> {where I used to sell printed day planners, and now I just sell printables}, I occasionally blog {<a href="http://www.confessionsofapaperfreak.com/" target="_blank">Confesstions of a Paper Freak</a>}, and I incessantly Instagram {<a href="http://instagram.com/itsjustemmy" target="_blank">@itsjustemmy</a>}. I am also Kelly's stalker. Well at least that's what my husband says. You could say that I am a little bit obsessed with her cupcakes. I am married to my high school sweetheart and as of this year we have been together for more than half our lives.<br />
<br />
Almost 11 years ago I got pregnant for the first time. Nathan and I were so excited, and immediately started planning that child's future. We were thinking of names... wondering if it would be a boy or a girl... hoping its due date of December 26th would not mean we were going to have a Christmas baby.<br />
<br />
But just a few days later I started bleeding heavily, and knew in an instant that that baby was gone.<br />
<br />
We had only just begun trying to get pregnant, but I had so many friends experiencing infertility and I begged God to spare us from that roller coaster.<br />
<br />
Our doctor told us that since we were so early in the pregnancy I would not need a D & C, and that technically I could get pregnant as soon as my next cycle.<br />
<br />
Which I did.<br />
<br />
That pregnancy was such a relief, and I vividly remember thanking God that I was never going to have to walk that long and painful road of infertility.<br />
<br />
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<br />
A year after Beau was born we decided to start trying for a second baby. We wanted four, so we thought we'd better get going!<br />
<br />
God had different plans for our family. <br />
<br />
The next six years were spent going from one doctor's appointment to the next... from one surgery to the next... all in an effort to figure out why my young and seemingly healthy body was not working. <br />
<br />
I have Endometriosis, a condition that basically destroys your body from the inside out. During my final surgery my doctor made the painful decision to remove both of my non-functioning fallopian tubes, hoping it would increase the chance of my third and final IVF {invitro-fertilization} treatment being successful.<br />
<br />
The next month we had our final IVF procedure. It failed. We were done.<br />
<br />
We were physically {well mostly me on that one}, emotionally, and financially spent. The chance of a natural pregnancy was eliminated with the removal of my tubes. I was officially STERILE. It is still strange to say those words. I am a woman that cannot do what I was created to do... bear children. That is a very strange reality to be faced with.<br />
<br />
I spent seven dark years in the thick of my infertility {I say "my" infertility because the issues were mine... with another woman my husband could have had more children... more salt in the wounds}. For some of those years Nathan and I were not on the same page. He didn't understand my desperation for a child when I already <i>was</i> a mom. Those years I struggled with a deep loneliness that I had never known. It is so hard to explain what infertility feels like to someone that has never experienced it, but the bottom line is... IT SUCKS.<br />
<br />
However, God also used those seven years to challenge my character and bring me to a place of total trust and reliance on His plan for my life. I came to a point where I had to say, "God, I love you and I trust you, and I know that {while very different from mine} Your plan is the best plan for my life. So even if I never have another baby I will praise you and be thankful for whatever it is that you call me to do."<br />
<br />
And I really was at peace. Without tubes I no longer had to live in two week cycles, wondering if each late period was the one. I had an incredible eight year old that was the joy of my life, a loving, supportive husband, a thriving business... life was good.<br />
<br />
Now since I have already babbled on for quite some time {and probably lost most of you} I will leave this next part of the story short and sweet {if you would like to read the whole story, you can find it <a href="http://confessionsofapaperfreak.blogspot.com/p/our-adoption-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>}. Through <span style="font-size: large;"><b>miraculous circumstances</b></span>, in March of 2011 we brought home the most beautiful baby girl that looks nothing like us.<br />
<br />
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<br />
And in the instant that I met her I understood every no that God had placed in my path. <br />
<br />
If you are in a season of not understanding the circumstances of your life, please be encouraged that someday you may understand and even appreciate the painful path that you are walking. <br />
<br />
Since experiencing infertility and adoption I have a heart for encouraging hurting women. Several months ago I felt a calling on my life to do something to help other women that are experiencing similar trials, and the <a href="http://www.choosejoyevent.com/" target="_blank">Choose Joy</a> event was born.<br />
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Choose Joy is a one-day conference in Southern California for women and couples that are experiencing infertility and/or desire to grow their families through adoption. I have somehow convinced several other women from all over the country to come and be a part of this event. We have speakers on topics such as "God's Heart for the Hurting; Waiting Hurts, Waiting Perfects", "Having a Heart of Hope: Overcoming the Hurt of Infertility", "The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly of International Adoption", and much, much more. My desire is for this to be a day of connection and community, and for women to open their minds to the plan that God has for their family. <br />
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The event will include a luncheon and a dessert, and at the end we will be raffling off a cash prize to help someone grow their family. <br />
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Tickets are on sale for $30 through the 25th of January. {After that the price goes up to $40, so don't delay!} Please visit the <a href="http://www.choosejoyevent.com/" target="_blank">website</a> for all the details on the location and schedule, bios on each speaker, and to register for the event. <br />
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If you aren't experiencing infertility, statistics say that someone you know is. Please pass this website on to your friends or family that could use some support. <br />
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Thanks for reading my story.<br />
XOXO,<br />
Emmy<br />
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<i>Thanks for sharing your heart with us, Emmy!!!</i><br />
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<i>So... if you are struggling with infertility or know someone who is... please share Emmy's story with them. I know that if this can encourage one person, it will all be worth it!</i>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-61987795960922933602012-11-21T06:09:00.000-08:002012-11-21T06:09:52.186-08:00A Year Ago Today...I met my third born son for the first time...<br />
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My husband became a proud daddy for the third time...<br />
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Archer became a big brother for the second time...<br />
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He took his role very seriously this time...<br />
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Beau felt an instant desire to hold his baby brother for the first time...<br />
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We became a family of five for the first time!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy 1st Birthday, Cole Cooper!</span></div>
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You have added so much joy to each of our lives. </div>
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Our family wouldn't be complete without YOU!</div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com87tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-45264012366013230082012-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:002012-09-12T06:48:19.584-07:00Mom is...Today was a typical day around here...maybe just a little crazier. {that means it was VERY CRAZY}.<br />
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Archer was definitely "testing" how far he could go, how many times I would warn him, would I follow through, and on and on.<br />
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So, after a {very annoying} trip to Target, I told him that when he got home, he was to go into his room and not say anything to me until I came in and talked to him.<br />
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He got on his computer. {No, it's not a real computer. It's a V-tech one.}<br />
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From his room I hear him yell, "Moooooom, how do you spell 'mom is'?" I tell him {hesitantly}.<br />
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This simple question led to a lot of thinking for me...What was he writing? Am I mean? Am I in a bad mood? Am I unfair? Am I a "no fun" mommy?<br />
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After a few minutes, I went to go check on what he was typing.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"mom is 35 mom loves archer." </span></div>
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I have to admit I was relieved when I saw this; however, I was still thinking {about 2 things}...</div>
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{1} What kind of mommy am I? Do my kids feel valued? Do they feel like they're walking on egg shells around me? Am I too strict? Am I fair? ...on and on. </div>
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I AM {what} in his eyes? </div>
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but then also got to thinking...</div>
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{2} How resilient kids are. How structure makes them feel safe. How when they know their expectations...they also know their consequences. How smart they are. ...on and on. </div>
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So, I am going into another crazy day here {because those are the only days we have}. They are good crazy, though, because I wouldn't change it for a thing. I want to go into today with the thought of...</div>
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Who am I to my kids? I don't need to be their best friend, but I do want to be a good mommy. </div>
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A mommy who is kind. </div>
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A mommy who is fair.</div>
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A mommy who is loving.</div>
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A mommy who is not reactive.</div>
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A mommy who is patient.</div>
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...and, yes, I am a mommy who is 35 and a mommy who loves Archer. </div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-12106214515374322032012-09-11T07:04:00.001-07:002012-09-11T07:04:06.553-07:00Snapshot of a Statement. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A little bit about this little (big) boy...</span></div>
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What are you looking forward to? Recess and meeting new friends. </div>
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What do you want to be when you grow up? A scuba diver.</div>
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Favorite toy? All of them in my room and Wii.</div>
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Favorite color? All of them, except green. I like green; it's just not one of my favorite colors. </div>
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Favorite food? Ground turkey.</div>
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Favorite movie? Up and G-Force.</div>
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Favorite sport? Basketball.</div>
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Favorite place to go? Disneyland.</div>
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Favorite animal? Turtle and dog. </div>
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Favorite thing to do with Daddy? Fishing and going on "cave hikes." </div>
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Favorite Bible Verse? John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubles. Trust in God." </div>
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Favorite Restaurant? Ruby's </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are your kiddos saying? </span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-57757956391374977032012-09-06T00:30:00.000-07:002012-09-06T00:30:00.807-07:00Pursue. {part 4}I am so excited this week to introduce you to my friend, Alissa. We actually met almost 6 years ago when I was teaching middle school and very pregnant. She was the one who took over my position. Because of this meeting, we became friends. We have kept in touch... 6 years and 5 babies later. She is an awesome mommy, blogger, crafter, entrepreneur...really, she's great at whatever she puts her mind to.<br />
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Please meet my friend, Alissa....<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-4629" height="419" src="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_6483-700x466.jpg" title="IMG_6483" width="630" /></div>
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It's funny because if you had asked me a year ago if I thought my life would be where it's at, I would have looked at you sideways and said, "are you crazy?! No way!" But that's just how God works. He takes people who are willing to be molded and opens doors in front of them just to see if they will walk though.
This is the story of my life. Unexpected randawesomeness. Although with God, nothing is random... it's all just plain awesomeness.
My name is Alissa and I have a lifestyle blog called, <a href="http://www.ragstostitchesblog.com/">Rags to Stitches</a>. I began blogging in 2007 as a way to document our journey... to leave legacy for our children. When it began it was a space where I shared pictures of my belly bump, talked about all the things mommies to be talk about, minus nipple shields because someone held out on me on that secret gem! Those babies transformed nursing for me.<br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-4628" height="600" src="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pregancy-400x600.jpg" title="pregancy" width="400" /><br />
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Then in 2009 I started my the <a href="http://www.ragstostitchesshop.com/">Rags to Stitches Shop</a>, where I created and sold iPad, laptop and clutches for the modern mom on the go, who wanted to look and feel trendy. It was during that time that I learned a lot about how to market myself, customer service, creating a great product that stands out against others in the same space and ways to stay ahead of the trend. Knowing when to move on and adapt or change your product style can be a difficult thing to navigate without losing your original branding.
Over time I began blogging more, putting myself out there to meet other bloggers, first in my area, then from other areas of the nation. I started attending conferences, which led to opening up and sharing more about myself on my blog. While I was still running the shop and loving it, my passion for blogging and sharing began to outweigh my love for my shop. I found myself developing my own little niche on my blog. While I call myself a lifestyle blogger and that can mean a lot of things, I consider myself a niche lifestyle blogger, meaning that I try to write posts that stay within 3-4 categories: faith, family, fashion and community building.
Then in 2011 I began working with blogging agencies to share amazing brands and products with my readers. I was writing about products and brands I already shared with my readers, but I was able to being monetizing my blog in a way that I hadn't been able to before. It was fun, allowed me to still be creative on my blog, but also make a little bit of extra play money. Then about 6 months ago, God opened a door for me that I never expected. A good friend of my husbands came to me with brands who were looking to use bloggers for marketing and he asked me if I wanted to start a blogging agency with him. He actually spoke with my husband first, who quickly jumped on board and said I'd be all about it.... Well I was, but it was still scary!
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-4631" height="360" src="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pollinate-logo-square-in-gray-600x600.jpg" title="pollinate logo square in gray" width="360" /></div>
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So 6 months ago, <a href="http://www.whoispollinate.com/">Pollinate Media Group</a>, was born. In the last 6 months I've seen God open more doors that I could've ever expected. We have built an amazing executive team, we're working with awesome brands like Cost Plus World Market, Child to Cherish, Fox/Universal, Dr. Pepper, Minute Maid and just landed a deal with People Magazine. Trust me when I say I'm still pinching myself somedays, but the glory is all God's.
Now looking back I realized that He used my little shop to help me learn about branding, marking, creative strategy and customer service and my blog to teach me how to be transparent, build community and share passionately for <strong><em>this moment</em></strong>. I'm still in awe. Each day I'm reminded of His goodness in my life.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that God has a plan for each one of our lives and He creates moments and learning opportunities to train us up to do what He has planned. Don't every underestimate what God has in store for you or what He might call you to do. And when He does call... be sure to answer. It may not always be an easy ride, but I promise with Him on board, it'll be a great one.<br />
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I just want to say thank you to Kelly for asking me to share. When she emailed me I was floored and honored to be able to share alongside the other amazing women who have also shared. I'd love for you to pop by the blog and say hi, I love meeting new people.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4591" height="100" src="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Post-Signature1.png" title="Post Signature" width="550" />
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<a href="http://www.ragstostitchesblog.com/">BLOG</a> // <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ragstostitches">TWITTER</a> // <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ragstostitchesblog">FACEBOOK</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">If you've missed any of the last weeks, you can click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-3-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-18324573615864051952012-09-04T07:34:00.003-07:002012-09-04T07:34:22.171-07:00Snapshot of a Statement and A WINNER!!!Meet Jumper... He is {was} a praying mantis from Palm Desert.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLST0blugFdHNiHne3BHMHqjC2he7BSbAeto9feJOb1_dRDDtkINmpJYGb5Tr9lQpEmArcRFqtsrF-FeFvYbkUOZ07dQKyg9-KcBZjZUhq8kLWvKbe08R5R7zuKLd4pP0qyRLGAJzWN8/s1600/jumper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLST0blugFdHNiHne3BHMHqjC2he7BSbAeto9feJOb1_dRDDtkINmpJYGb5Tr9lQpEmArcRFqtsrF-FeFvYbkUOZ07dQKyg9-KcBZjZUhq8kLWvKbe08R5R7zuKLd4pP0qyRLGAJzWN8/s400/jumper1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Archer absolutely fell in love with him. He pet it. He talked to it...</div>
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He even took him on rides to "Texas" and "New York City."<br />
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Here's what he said about the Jumper the morning we were leaving...<br />
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~I love Jumper sooooo much. I am so sad I won't be able to see him again.<br />
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Me: Arch, what's wrong?<br />
Him: I am so sad I have to leave Jumper today. I will miss him so much and I'm sure he'll miss me too.<br />
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~I can't believe that I won't be able to hold him ever again.<br />
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**Yes, that is a gravesite on the right... :(<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And, we have a winner...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ambre Sautter... it's you! </span></div>
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You won the 3-pack of Sew Sweet Patterns. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lucky Duck!!!</span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-13593896328681874902012-09-03T00:30:00.000-07:002012-09-05T23:44:43.993-07:00Real World Reality. Archer. My 5 year old. Working. 14 hour days. 7 days a week.<br />
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I couldn't imagine it.<br />
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The sad reality is that there are moms who have no control over this nightmare. Roughly 7,000 of them. There are that many CHILDREN that have been trafficked into the fishing industry in Ghana.<br />
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These parents have a hard choice to make. They want their children taken care of. They know they won't be able to provide for them well. So, they sell them to people who promise to take care of them and provide a better life for them. Those promises aren't kept.<br />
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Many of these children, often 5 and 6 year olds, are taken to Lake Volta to begin a life of child slavery... hard physical labor, one meal a day, sleeping on dirt floors, and the saddest of all... no family.<br />
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Thankfully, a group called Mercy Project is working to break the cycles of trafficking around Lake Volta by providing alternate, more efficient, sustainable, fishing methods for villagers – ultimately eliminating the need for child slaves. Because of the work Mercy Project is doing in Ghana, the first group of children will be freed this month from Lake Volta!!!<br />
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A friend of mine sent me information about the Mercy Project and asked that I write a post about it. I couldn't say no. After reading about the horrible reality in Ghana and the promising future of the Mercy Project, I just had to write.<br />
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I don't know what I am supposed to do now that I know about this problem. I don't know what you are supposed to do. But let's pray about it and ask.<br />
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Take a few minutes to watch this video...<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b4Dwv5KbMYI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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If you'd like more information about Mercy Project, click on the links below.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">{<a href="http://mercyproject.net/" target="_blank">website</a>} {<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mercyproject" target="_blank">facebook</a>} {<a href="https://twitter.com/mercyproject" target="_blank">twitter</a>}</span><br />
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Thanks for taking the time to read this. I know, so often, I pass by posts like this. Ignorance seems like bliss. But, I don't think it really is... it's hurting someone.<br />
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On a lighter note...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-3-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a> for this week's giveaway from <a href="http://www.sewsweetpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Sew Sweet Patterns</a>. Hurry... it ends today!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-58899106944566959792012-08-31T07:02:00.001-07:002012-08-31T07:02:29.435-07:00Insta-Friday. Paper airplanes at the eye doctor. Best appointment we've had so far.<br />
(Not just because of the airplanes.)<br />
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No words.<br />
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Hugs turned wrestle match.<br />
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We've found a motivator for him. Money. Mommy finally has a helper.<br />
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Practicing for Kindergarten.<br />
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Late nights with this guy. I secretly love them.<br />
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Vacations with friends. The best.<br />
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Early morning scootering.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-3-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a> for this week's giveaway from <a href="http://www.sewsweetpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Sew Sweet Patterns</a>. </span><br />
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Want to follow me on Instagram: managingmarbles<br />
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What have you been up to lately?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-43877677802503125512012-08-30T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-30T00:30:04.609-07:00Pursue. {part 3}... and a GIVEAWAY!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I sure am loving reading about all these women who have pursued a dream, a </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">hobby, or an opportunity that was laid in their lap. I hope you are too. If you've missed any of the last weeks, you can click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-1.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">They chose not to let their visions sit. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">They made something happen. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I want to introduce you to another awesome mommy, friend, party planner, crafter {I could go on}... I have known Angi since I was a little girl. Our families have spent many holidays together, family vacations, and day-to-day dinners. She is now a wife and mommy of two ridiculously cute kids...and in all her spare time {yeah right} she and her mom are the brains and creative genius behind <a href="http://sewsweetpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Sew Sweet Patterns</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">I'd like you to meet Angi...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49ipCI23v8tusIgff5aAsqIZgofnYJ6-b8VW30b4jXRAHQJAQlnAl03aR574ZRtQv-mOsKGiKwhoK9pqvNjgRYD4-wiRLEIBihdepkxkH2NPLI9BYCTaOEeKXNhjsDFsSooD5B8AuTrs/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49ipCI23v8tusIgff5aAsqIZgofnYJ6-b8VW30b4jXRAHQJAQlnAl03aR574ZRtQv-mOsKGiKwhoK9pqvNjgRYD4-wiRLEIBihdepkxkH2NPLI9BYCTaOEeKXNhjsDFsSooD5B8AuTrs/s400/blog8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>- Tell us a little about yourself. What dream did you pursue?</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We are a mother/ daughter team that specializes in sewing patterns for kids and dolls. We started about 2 and a half years ago with a dream to provide simple sewing patterns for beginner sewers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>- How your dream started.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">This started after my daughter was born and I decided I wanted to sew clothes for her. I picked up a store bought pattern and a few minutes into sewing it, I called my mom in tears! It was so confusing and hard to work with! She showed me a few things that made it clearer and easier. Then she put together a few patterns herself and I was able to follow those easily! So we thought maybe we could help others who were just beginning or as frustrated with store bought patterns as I was! So we started with 5 patterns in our Etsy shop and today we have 87!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxjE75x2kQyg3CaghYAKtsVraTc7ResV5IWd7ks1NxfxoGzKa3yfvYn5RR2u1EIQRu24qJY9fupdHa06y_M9UlDufYssDJjL-jZ-n_xaNOz5_LcqvJszjJjz8DiS-gb1CXkKC804v8hY/s1600/blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxjE75x2kQyg3CaghYAKtsVraTc7ResV5IWd7ks1NxfxoGzKa3yfvYn5RR2u1EIQRu24qJY9fupdHa06y_M9UlDufYssDJjL-jZ-n_xaNOz5_LcqvJszjJjz8DiS-gb1CXkKC804v8hY/s400/blog9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>- Encouragement when hit with setbacks.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We haven't had to deal with too many setbacks yet! Thank goodness!! We of course have the occasional unhappy customer and it is hard not to take that too personally. We do our best and there is always going to be someone isn't satisfied, but we choose to use that to help make us better instead of getting too discouraged.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">- What you've learned.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We have definitely learned that you need to be doing something that you enjoy (which is cliche but so true). We love the whole process of developing new patterns and giving customers the means to create something for their children themselves! And to not get to frustrated if your first attempts just don't work. I think this is my third or fourth attempt at turning a "hobby" into an actual business. We just finally found our niche and it worked!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYGI9n4YUnqWu3oeJeQ4uvwn6V8a50n-oYvbkgAkvnNkRruvT6iamRVG6yoBoTdZJT6Ko9AkrvSonzeEvz0WhdNNFybF3lHBv9zqMGhrPmZ9fNTiIpP0owA4cNkxmBeXoqzWUtdB4Hbo/s1600/blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYGI9n4YUnqWu3oeJeQ4uvwn6V8a50n-oYvbkgAkvnNkRruvT6iamRVG6yoBoTdZJT6Ko9AkrvSonzeEvz0WhdNNFybF3lHBv9zqMGhrPmZ9fNTiIpP0owA4cNkxmBeXoqzWUtdB4Hbo/s320/blog10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><b>- Where you are now.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">We are currently working on 5 new patterns. That will get us up over 90 listings in our shop. Our goal is 100 by the end of the year! We have our own <a href="http://www.sewsweetpatterns.com/" target="_blank">website</a> now and a wonderful following on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sew-Sweet-Patterns/120926174598529" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Thanks so much for sharing with us, Angi!!!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">And, that's not all... Angi and her mom, Patti want to give away a 3-pack of patterns to one of my readers. Winner's choice!!!</span></span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e529466/" id="rc-e529466" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-9054547589876452542012-08-29T07:57:00.001-07:002012-08-29T07:57:31.337-07:00Six Kids and Two Mamas. How two mamas are staying sane while on vacation with six kids...<br />
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Let them eat cheez-its for breakfast.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xdf8zTG9OIf7VvbWDZ5LBB0gZ1p7JupHR8VAlzRbdrUVwifH2CDkEvh4sq0TP03cxH-bL1ANWnUhPqDD6JJWJF_9QuL22bTxoZlyvifaYzAmr8lYjUCgaX3UipvX030wWG0dCh_pejU/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Xdf8zTG9OIf7VvbWDZ5LBB0gZ1p7JupHR8VAlzRbdrUVwifH2CDkEvh4sq0TP03cxH-bL1ANWnUhPqDD6JJWJF_9QuL22bTxoZlyvifaYzAmr8lYjUCgaX3UipvX030wWG0dCh_pejU/s320/blog6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Buy them the .50 ghetto jewelry from the grocery store.<br />
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Let them eat popsicles...and run in the sprinklers at the same time.<br />
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Give group baths. Add bubbles for the big kids. LOTS of bubbles!<br />
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Take them on 3 mile scooter rides in the blazing heat {to tire them out}. Make our destination be a place that has beading, toys, and Wii...<br />
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Let babies eat on the floor. And... before bedtime bathroom games.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT3805RjqbATVkvHD0Qs6rRyxAxqJxDxm95_l9hyphenhyphenwOsKKXvsoRPVvDf7BP3N7tRlVUjnZ2gI7LVJP2IkJuo2QYtbl11FrH91W21gWbNw-KLVHgZ8kytF0jPRFo2ZQAoExq1BVh3vGtqk/s1600/blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT3805RjqbATVkvHD0Qs6rRyxAxqJxDxm95_l9hyphenhyphenwOsKKXvsoRPVvDf7BP3N7tRlVUjnZ2gI7LVJP2IkJuo2QYtbl11FrH91W21gWbNw-KLVHgZ8kytF0jPRFo2ZQAoExq1BVh3vGtqk/s400/blog5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And to top it off... Boxed Wine for the Mamas after the kids are down.<br />
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Now, for the Daddies to get here...Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-21364733817832495842012-08-28T07:17:00.001-07:002012-08-28T07:17:09.909-07:00Snapshot of a Statement. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Putting Archer to bed the other night...</span><br />
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Me: Hey, Arch, I love you soooo much. You'll never know how much I really love you. I love you more than the stars in the sky.<br />
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Arch: I love you more than the leaves on the trees.<br />
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Me: I love you more than the fish in the sea.<br />
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Arch: Mom, what else can we say? You know I love you more than anything in the world, except Lucy and Claire.<br />
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Me: Oh, really...<br />
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Arch: Well, I love you the same as them. But...do you know who I love the most?<br />
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Me: God?<br />
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Arch: YEP!Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-66468212373745131012012-08-24T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-24T00:30:03.158-07:00Kindergarten. Kindergarten has been on my mind lately a lot. A lot.<br />
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First, I can't believe that my sweet baby is already headed to Kindergarten exactly two weeks from yesterday. I could cry thinking of this. It could even quickly go into the ugly cry, but I'll save that for when I drive home from dropping him off the first day.<br />
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I grew up in private school. Elementary. Junior High. High School. And College. It is all I know. I have NOTHING against public school, but the unknown can be scary. Whenever I pictured my own children in school, they were in small, private schools. They were somewhere that a biblical worldview was taught, where teachers could pray with you anytime, where Bible stories were read. It's easy to picture that when you aren't looking at the price tag that goes along with it. A price tag that we can't afford right now. So... public school it is.<br />
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I have taught in public schools. I know amazing people who teach in public schools (including my husband). I know amazing people who grew up in public schools. I know amazing kids in public schools now. Why don't I feel amazing about sending my boy...<br />
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To be honest, I have more peace about the journey we are about to go on. I have prayed about it. Peace, please! Within the next couple weeks, I ran into FOUR different people that were connected to the school he will be attending. All four had nothing but GREAT things to say about it.<br />
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Just three days ago, I took Archer to his Kindergarten Assessment at his soon-to-be-school. The classroom was clean, colorful, ready for little kids to fill it with learning. I got to meet a few of the K teachers. They were so nice too. I felt like Archer was on...so excited about being there, learning, meeting new friends, his teacher... He clearly doesn't have a problem, just his mommy does. I know that all this is natural, especially when it's the first one...<br />
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Another sweet sign that everything WILL BE OKAY... When we got back in the car after the assessment, a new song on our VBS CD was starting. Nice and loud...<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You You You You can trust God.</span></i></div>
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I smiled. Because I know it. And I'm thankful I can. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm linking up with Alissa from <a href="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/" target="_blank">Rags to Stitches</a> today for a Coffee Date. </span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-38158820505279257032012-08-23T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-23T15:14:43.251-07:00Pursue {part 2}<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">I am so excited to introduce you to my friend Sarah. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">We met at a home Christmas boutique five years ago. I had just finished walking (waddling - I was pregnant) around looking at all the cute stuff. It all was cute, but I had no problem walking by without making a purchase. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Until I was walking out the door. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"> She was set up right by the front door. I looked to the left - inside her "booth" - and couldn't help myself. I just had to peek...especially at the prices. I picked out an adorable Bohemian style dress figuring it would be WAAAAAAY out of my price range. I was wrong. I bought it. I saw another adorable dress that I had to have. Checked the price tag and bought it. You get the idea. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Rad stuff and affordable. Win- win. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Please read how Sarah "went for it." She went from home parties to an amazing <a href="http://www.deerlovely.com/" target="_blank">store</a> of her very own. If you live in or around Orange County, you've got to check it out. While you're there, get a coffee. <a href="http://www.portolacoffeelab.com/" target="_blank">Portola Coffee Lab</a>, who I <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue-part-1.html" target="_blank">featured </a>last week, is located in the SAME SPOT. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Please meet Sarah: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Tell us a little about yourself. What dream did you pursue</span>? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Name: Sarah K. Dowdell</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Dream: Owning my own clothing boutique</span></span></div>
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- How your dream started.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">My dream was born from 18 years of working in fashion and retail at South Coast Plaza.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">In 2007 a friend was doing home parties and church/school boutiques with her kids line and she approached me about doing women's clothing. I took my small savings bought 2 rolling racks and some clothes and did my first home party. It quickly became apparent that people loved my style, selection and prices. That was the start of my first company Bird Street. The name later changed to Deer Lovely. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">- Encouragement when hit with setbacks.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">In the fall of 2010, Mike and I decided to liquidate our stock and get out of the traveling boutique business. A new pregnancy, dwindling sales and an over-saturation of home parties and church/school boutiques made it very difficult to justify all the manual labor that went into setting up each week. I was really sad, but agreed at the time that it was the best thing for us as a family. I did my last event at the start of November 2010. Two weeks later, I read an article about The OC Mart Mix and convinced Mike to go with me to "just take a look". A few weeks later we signed a 6 month lease for a 175 square foot space at The OC Mart Mix and few weeks after that I lost my job. Setbacks are just part of life, you have to let doors close so that new ones can open. We opened the Deer Lovely store on January 26th, 2011. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">- What you've learned. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">You will always have competition and if you are doing something successful someone is going to copy you. Believe in what you are doing, stay motivated, be inspired and GROW your vision. My favorite quote and my next tattoo is "dreaming instead of doing is foolishness". </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">- Where you are now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Deer Lovely is now over 650 square feet. We have expanded our women's collection, brought in local artists and introduced our men's concept Whiskey Tango 1977. Next on the horizon is the launch of our online store<a href="http://www.deerlovely.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.deerlovely.com</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">About Deer Lovely: </span></span><span style="line-height: 1.5; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura; font-size: medium;">Deer Lovely was born from a desire to provide feminine, colorful, bohemian styles at exceptional prices. A love for combining the old with the new, mixing patterns and layering has led to Deer Lovely's signature style. </span></span></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura; font-size: medium;">The Deer Lovely Boutique is an independent retailer that offers a uniquely curated selection of clothing and accessories. Inspired by our favorite items, Deer Lovely believes in the beauty and excitment of finding those special pieces that you have in your closet for years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura; font-size: 13px;">Location: 3313 Hyland Ave</span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Costa Mesa, Ca. 92626</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #002e7a; font-family: Futura;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="tel:949-705-7878" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+19497057878">949-705-7878</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Futura;">Thanks for sharing with us, Sarah! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Futura;">Now, if you're local, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">get up and go</span>. She is offering 20% this weekend to my friends and followers if you mention this blog post. I promise...You won't be disappointed! And if you aren't local, click <a href="http://www.deerlovely.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Futura;">P.S. She is the mom to an adorable 15-month old named Lenox. Can you get a cuter name...and face?!?! I didn't think so, either!</span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-89732555226489941412012-08-22T00:00:00.000-07:002012-08-22T00:00:02.714-07:00WIWW. {getting rid}So... I have this constant struggle EVERY TIME I look in my closet. I have too many clothes in there for the amount of outfits I wear.<br />
<br />
My pants section is full.<br />
My skirts section is full.<br />
My shirts section is full.<br />
My dress section is full.<br />
Even my shoe section has no spare room.<br />
<br />
But if you saw what I wore.<br />
A few pairs of pants.<br />
A few skirts.<br />
Some more shirts.<br />
A handful of dress.<br />
And only a few pairs of shoes.<br />
<br />
I want to get rid of clothes. Simplify.<br />
But I'm scared.<br />
Will it come back in style? Will I fit into them again? What if they'd go perfect with an outfit I haven't put together yet? What if...What if...What if...<br />
<br />
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Dress/Pants: Target</div>
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Shoes: TOMS</div>
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Shirt/Pants: Hand-me-down from <a href="http://doranfamily3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">sister</a></div>
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Whole Outfit: Target</div>
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O'Neill Shirt: Surf Store</div>
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Skirt: Anthropologie</div>
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Shoes: Rainbow Sandals</div>
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How do you make decisions on <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what to keep</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">what to get rid of?</span><br />
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Linking up with Lindsey from <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>.Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-60500550331485574312012-08-21T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-21T06:59:21.472-07:00Snapshot of a Statement.As soon as we pull into a parking spot at the <a href="http://www.theocmartmix.com/" target="_blank">OC Mart Mix</a>, Beau (2.5) looks out the window and says,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Mommy, I pick red flower for you!"</span></div>
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Me: Oh, Beau, that is so nice, but we can't pick those flowers.</div>
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Beau: I pick blue flower? Are they baby flowers?</div>
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Me: Thanks, Beausie, but we have to leave the flowers there.</div>
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What are your kiddos saying?Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-46408150985407093342012-08-17T07:49:00.000-07:002012-08-21T07:01:43.688-07:00Insta-Friday and A WINNER!!!Couldn't find him anywhere. Looked inside. Looked outside. This is where I found him.<br />
On the stage. On the drums.<br />
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Best flowers in the world. Picked by a 2 year old.<br />
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Date night. Much needed. Much fun.<br />
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Date night ended with a date with the tow truck driver.<br />
Mommy waited too long to fill up.<br />
Oops!<br />
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Hurt his finger in Trader Joe's.<br />
"Can't put it down."<br />
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Sad, sick baby.<br />
Roseola. Boo.<br />
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My alarm clock. Goes off too early!<br />
At least he's cute.<br />
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Potty Training. Enough said.<br />
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Scaring Mommy with bugs is funny. Thanks, guys!<br />
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First baseball game.<br />
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Got to join the YMCA! Yes.<br />
Thank you, Kid Zone, for letting me run by MYSELF.<br />
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Juice boxing it with one of his best buds.<br />
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I can't get enough of this one.<br />
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Breast feeding is done. Mexican food, I'm back!<br />
Bean and Cheese burrito with sauce and cheese on top. Boom.<br />
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Want to follow me on Instagram: managingmarbles<br />
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What have you been up to lately?<br />
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<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" border="0" height="120" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><br />
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Congratulations to Jess Ferini! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You won a School Memory Book.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Lucky duck!</span></div>
Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-33209710488521454562012-08-16T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-21T23:33:25.671-07:00Pursue. {part 1}<br />
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Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I have met so many incredible women who have also had dreams and pursued them. They are so incredible that I want you to be able to meet them.</div>
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Incredible Woman #1: Christa and her dream... Portola Coffee Lab!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">I had the privilege of meeting Christa and her son, Gabe, 3 years ago. My son, Archer, and Gabe were in a "feeding class" together. I was baking <a href="http://www.onceuponacupcake.com/" target="_blank">cupcakes</a> on the side and she was making <a href="http://www.portolacoffeelab.com/" target="_blank">coffee</a>. We'd talk about it. They were dreams that we both had...at that point, still small... </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">Well, things have changed for Christa and her family because they decided to "go for it" and pursue their dream ALL THE WAY.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">Meet my friend and her amazing business...</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">My name is Christa and I am a mother of 3 kids..ages 5, 3, and 3 months. My 5 year old has special needs and was born with a heart defect. Because he was in and out of the hospital pretty much for the first year, I was not able to keep my job. Our family had to figure out how to supplement my income and also allow for me to be at home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">My husband was always roasting coffee at home and we loved to visit coffeehouses. We first started off small...we opened a wholesale coffee roasting company by sharing space in a bakery. Our bigger dream was to open a coffeehouse that was unlike anything we could find in Orange County. All of the coffeehouses that we loved were either in San Francisco or the Pacific Northwest. So...we started working on our next goal...opening a retail coffeehouse. We were able to do it with the help and support of our family.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCQoj2C0FVPdYkr9B3PywDZGVZnwPxpec_5pPIYksgM3E8yT9D1HRErnCW9OFPqMpTSy0rfzuf1Jy0vfABgYWchaIVY8YPUipzPsOBjhWT96grNrZjZgbLy1pj_GppZSJB59cPag1mBo/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCQoj2C0FVPdYkr9B3PywDZGVZnwPxpec_5pPIYksgM3E8yT9D1HRErnCW9OFPqMpTSy0rfzuf1Jy0vfABgYWchaIVY8YPUipzPsOBjhWT96grNrZjZgbLy1pj_GppZSJB59cPag1mBo/s400/PicMonkey+Collage40.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">We have been open for about a year and it has been quite a ride. It is our dream but it has been a lot of hard work. My husband is not home as often as I like and the first 6 months of opening I was not with my kids as much as I would have liked. But, in the end, we know that our hard work has paid off and we hope Portola Coffee is something we can pass down to our children as well as using our business as a platform to teach them many life lessons.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuTDlwkPvInn86zgTUh-2WaYW34MfRX9zinxeLF-YCnMfD_GHhwOcHh33c7pnGnUgBGq0LrrIG3r-2UwoLpTX6v8z39dqvhQtbTwnml2u6JslgJAztbwcUmLcBu8ujbRITqH08vqWj6M/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuTDlwkPvInn86zgTUh-2WaYW34MfRX9zinxeLF-YCnMfD_GHhwOcHh33c7pnGnUgBGq0LrrIG3r-2UwoLpTX6v8z39dqvhQtbTwnml2u6JslgJAztbwcUmLcBu8ujbRITqH08vqWj6M/s400/PicMonkey+Collage39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;">Life these days are hectic, crazy, and busy but on the flip side our life is rewarding, happy, and most of all I am so proud of what we have accomplished by following our dream!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Thanks, Christa!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">So...if you live in South Orange County and love coffee or coffee-inspired drinks, Portola Coffee Lab is a must.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">It is located in the OC Mart Mix which is just past South Coast Plaza on the right if you are headed north on the 405. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3313+Hyland+Ave+Costa+Mesa,+CA+92626&hl=en&ll=33.693727,-117.926002&spn=0.010301,0.021136&view=map&cid=9025860396107900723&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A" style="color: #8cc63f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"></a></span><br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3313+Hyland+Ave+Costa+Mesa,+CA+92626&hl=en&ll=33.693727,-117.926002&spn=0.010301,0.021136&view=map&cid=9025860396107900723&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A" style="color: #8cc63f; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><strong>3313 Hyland Ave</strong></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; text-decoration: underline;">Open Daily</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">6am - 9pm Weekdays</span><br style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">7am - 9pm Saturday</span><br style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">7am - 8pm Sunday</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Stay tuned for more introductions. A sneak peek into the <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/pursue.html" target="_blank">line-up</a>...</span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 14px;">**If you'd like to be a part of this series, please email me at kcdebaca@gmail.com with PURSUE in the subject line. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 14px;">Click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/spunk-love-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a> to enter this week's giveaway!!!</span></span><br />
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<br />Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-68782716360481437502012-08-14T20:40:00.000-07:002012-08-14T20:40:09.359-07:00WIWW. {accessories}Accessories.<br />
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I've never been a huge accessory person. Until now.<br />
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Problem is... I don't have any. Or at least I don't have that many at all.
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So... the fact that I had this orange bracelet to wear was a big deal... just sayin.'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEupg-f0DURlsXCvDXYza_qUo68nD8c0Zq7og9hdpDKeuwsbM17FUKdp1zn66OuxAsvYLX6AmbH-EFu5KgH6L0zz6wSmapzBAk1Yf8Tgsu-Dud988LxWQLSqNHv5BTdzok2ME0Fk8nV9Q/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEupg-f0DURlsXCvDXYza_qUo68nD8c0Zq7og9hdpDKeuwsbM17FUKdp1zn66OuxAsvYLX6AmbH-EFu5KgH6L0zz6wSmapzBAk1Yf8Tgsu-Dud988LxWQLSqNHv5BTdzok2ME0Fk8nV9Q/s400/PicMonkey+Collage36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tank & Jeans: Target</div>
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Shoes: Old Navy</div>
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Bracelet: Gift from my sister-in-law (Thanks, T)</div>
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Thank goodness for this shirt. It's like it has it's own accessory built in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TNpUFsvunWCNT7nbGg_a_NDjc8KRCkmSTTp1UBRvBDdUJgQKrUXJ8bzjgmAU6Yu-Q7PteLDCJiyJWCt4jC5XjskAJ2Rtcd9cvXG2kMW8hmsqg3NTLd5Lk0yeqwWczKQ5-OxKZfio9eU/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TNpUFsvunWCNT7nbGg_a_NDjc8KRCkmSTTp1UBRvBDdUJgQKrUXJ8bzjgmAU6Yu-Q7PteLDCJiyJWCt4jC5XjskAJ2Rtcd9cvXG2kMW8hmsqg3NTLd5Lk0yeqwWczKQ5-OxKZfio9eU/s400/PicMonkey+Collage37.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Shirt: Antropologie</div>
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Jean Shorts: Target</div>
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Shoes: Rainbow Sandals</div>
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Linking up with Lindsey from <a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/blog/" target="_blank">The Pleated Poppy</a>.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Click <a href="http://www.managingmarbles.com/2012/08/spunk-love-giveaway.html" target="_blank">here</a> to enter this week's giveaway. You know you want to...</span></div>
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Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-38680958167057420812012-08-13T21:00:00.000-07:002012-08-13T21:00:03.709-07:00Spunk & Love Giveaway!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">For those of you that don't know... I am a mommy to 3 boys. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">5.4</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">2.8</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">8 months</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">When my first was born, I had a dream of scrapbooking his WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE. When my second was born, my goal was to fill out his baby book as best as I could. And...when my third was born...well, let's just say I haven't even bought his baby book yet (or mailed away for his birth certificate)! Oops!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Problem Solved... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/spunkandlove" target="_blank">Spunk & Love</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Spunk & Love specializes in making Pregnancy Journals and Baby Books. They are absolutely adorable. But...just THIS WEEK she came out with something new. Something I want. SOMETHING I NEED!!! School Memory Books. They are perfect!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EtCbOpfadn9aXE1J-viQ7mcSWHKdFSGrBjjQOhXrhmAUCgQkoSfUKYvNbiEgeLpXYOBp-kIg7ArwRFhxM_kxq30RPBpE4UmwmZezc7FaaW1vao6OP3MReofDSQJ_JVxV7exnGW41208/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EtCbOpfadn9aXE1J-viQ7mcSWHKdFSGrBjjQOhXrhmAUCgQkoSfUKYvNbiEgeLpXYOBp-kIg7ArwRFhxM_kxq30RPBpE4UmwmZezc7FaaW1vao6OP3MReofDSQJ_JVxV7exnGW41208/s400/PicMonkey+Collage32.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Archer is going into Kindergarten this year... more on that later <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(my fears & my tears)</span>. I WILL get my hands on one of these for ALL 3 BOYS! They may not get a completed, well filled-out baby book, but my new goal for them is to get a School Memory Book. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Well.. I've got good news for <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">YOU</span>...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> Spunk & Love wants to give one of you LUCKY readers a chance to win one. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AND... </span>she is also including a coupon code for those of you that want to purchase one. The coupon code will be good for as long as the giveaway is active. If you purchase one and end up winning the giveaway, you can have your money refunded for the purchase or choose an additional item from her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/spunkandlove" target="_blank">shop</a>. The coupon code is MARBLES20. This will get you 20% off your School Memory Book!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Take a look at some of the insides...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOGa2s7GW6cZyDBnzlw6xSty_luUGttwt87bVgsOgPwmrd0HItEyOgtYS3nY9XU9ZCqg9apt1P5R4IONrKuh7LQf99mlCdMs6cfMe4XxfLCRVM6wCXSsgNtXWxtUqLqWOz7FpCc3129I/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOGa2s7GW6cZyDBnzlw6xSty_luUGttwt87bVgsOgPwmrd0HItEyOgtYS3nY9XU9ZCqg9apt1P5R4IONrKuh7LQf99mlCdMs6cfMe4XxfLCRVM6wCXSsgNtXWxtUqLqWOz7FpCc3129I/s320/PicMonkey+Collage33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqqG4gk3ejeCqQbZ24sT29G-pjA1l-nP0o4NPmM_xxYcaK8BXqf6dDj8smY6Z3Y57wfmBVu3hICX_HcoH2YdKWSCG5l-aY2sq_Um1jgiSatt-uC0ERzW7ZehzrRLBWT9h8O4DlMGhWZ4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqqG4gk3ejeCqQbZ24sT29G-pjA1l-nP0o4NPmM_xxYcaK8BXqf6dDj8smY6Z3Y57wfmBVu3hICX_HcoH2YdKWSCG5l-aY2sq_Um1jgiSatt-uC0ERzW7ZehzrRLBWT9h8O4DlMGhWZ4/s320/PicMonkey+Collage35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Some of the details...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Each personalized book (see personalization info below) measures 9.5"x9.5", has tabbed sections for Kindergarten through 5th grade and each section includes the following pages:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*a first day of school photo page with room for a sweet 4x6 photo and a few lines to write down how the big day went.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*a page for your child to write his or her name (how fun to watch their writing change over the years!) or draw a self-portrait or both.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*an "interview" page with 10 questions to ask your child before school starts (again, fun to read through how their answers will change through the years).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*2 pages for a 4x6 photo and journaling lines - use these for photos with friends, a picture with the teacher, or from special events throughout the year (i.e. field day, last day of school, etc.).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*a page for that adorable class photo that you have no idea what to do with!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">*2-sided blank page for artwork, additional pictures, or to write down additional memories from the year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">***each section also has a 9.5"x9.5" envelope to hold report cards, certificates, notes from friends, etc.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Awesome, right?!?!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Let's get on with it... Now is your chance to win!!! Spread the word...</span></span>
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e529465/" id="rc-e529465" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3569449539136845046.post-53279368557043621332012-08-13T00:30:00.000-07:002012-08-13T00:30:02.865-07:00Hello Monday {creepy crawly edition}<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello creepy crawlies. </div>
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Hello little frog. </div>
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Hello unlucky fish. </div>
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Hello dirty worm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPsFlSRvi-nW9jGd2ncw_Gi4jeX3gEKf2IFwQkSN6vJVaOHSevMqDOqQZ6IHRDgM31tIwFvy8TgexVF5g8C2sYOR5xLxIBRsuJyIHyYGfxPO4tyJ_eCAarceYaR4uC2kGYO0uUuyKN6c/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPsFlSRvi-nW9jGd2ncw_Gi4jeX3gEKf2IFwQkSN6vJVaOHSevMqDOqQZ6IHRDgM31tIwFvy8TgexVF5g8C2sYOR5xLxIBRsuJyIHyYGfxPO4tyJ_eCAarceYaR4uC2kGYO0uUuyKN6c/s400/PicMonkey+Collage29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello scared sand crab. </div>
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What else will I get to say hello to this week?<br />
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It's always a surprise.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I am linking up with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/inspirtatoin/hello-monday-flea-market-inspiration" target="_blank">Lisa Leonard</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> for Hello Monday.</span></div>Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13299143179444145372noreply@blogger.com3