tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49335781553151245562024-03-04T23:45:00.871-08:00...and twins make four!Family, faith, food, and lifeSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-25181838808852798112015-04-19T22:20:00.001-07:002015-04-19T22:20:16.126-07:00SNAP Food Budget Challenge: Groceries for 4, $80/weekI've been rather fascinated by all the buzz surrounding the <a href="http://www.foodbanknyc.org/how-you-can-help/food-bank-nyc-challenge">#foodbankNYCchallenge</a> this week - one of my favorite topics, grocery budgeting, has gone mainstream! If you haven't heard, the challenge is to use $29 per person for food for a week. You can't use food you've already bought, and you aren't supposed to rely on food from others. The idea is to raise awareness about the realities of life for those who rely on SNAP benefits, as recent cuts to the program have left many struggling to put food on the table.<br />
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The numbers given are actually higher than what I budget for our family per week (I suspect that might have something to do with the higher cost of living in NYC), though I do buy in bulk and rotate types of food purchased throughout the month (one week I'll spend more for meat, another I'll buy several packages of frozen vegetables, etc). That means I use food already purchased in any given week, but for the month overall I budget for $320 for our family's food. That's $80/week for the family, which works out to $20/person. I don't generally use coupons for food, because I don't tend to buy name brand items, but occasionally I'll encounter a coupon or flier while I'm in the store and take advantage of a good deal. I'd love to be good at couponing, but we don't have a lot of storage available for packaged food, so it just doesn't work for us right now - and that's okay. It's frankly easier for me to just think week to week and month to month when I shop, and probably more realistic in the scope of the above challenge.<br />
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You're probably wondering what I buy and what we eat - so let's get to the good stuff. My grocery list usually has the following items:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>milk</li>
<li>half and half (for our coffee)</li>
<li>yogurt</li>
<li>sour cream</li>
<li>cheese</li>
<li>eggs</li>
<li>tub margarine</li>
<li>bananas</li>
<li>apples</li>
<li>whole carrots </li>
<li>celery</li>
<li>some other seasonal fruit (strawberries, oranges, etc)</li>
<li>potatoes/onions</li>
<li>tortilla chips</li>
<li>wheat crackers</li>
<li>chocolate chip cookies</li>
<li>peanut butter </li>
<li>cereal</li>
<li>ground coffee</li>
<li>baking supplies (flour, sugar, etc - I don't often get more than one per week)</li>
<li>beans (some canned, some dried)</li>
<li>rice (bagged, not instant)</li>
<li>pasta</li>
<li>boxed macaroni and cheese </li>
<li>chicken ramen </li>
<li>frozen vegetables</li>
<li>lunchmeat</li>
<li>one type of meat (ground turkey, chicken thighs, whole chicken)</li>
<li>casserole ingredients (canned soup, canned green chiles, salsa, canned tomatoes, etc)</li>
<li>bread/tortillas (I buy a large pack of tortillas every other week)</li>
</ul>
(**I also buy household goods like paper products, toiletries, diapers, and dish soap, but those go into a separate category in our budget - $30/month for everything but diapers, $30/month for diapers.)<br />
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What do we eat? Glad you asked. We eat a lot of casseroles for dinner, which work nicely for a few reasons. One, you can work with a few base ingredients and vary the seasonings to make several different meals. Two, they can be made ahead and frozen, which is very nice for a busy working mom of two young children. Three, they cook in the oven with little hands-on time required, which means I can be playing with the girls and getting them dinner while our dinner cooks. Four, they use smaller amounts of meat, which is great for stretching our budget - one pound of ground turkey can make two or three casseroles with about six servings each if you do it right. On the nights we don't have casseroles, I typically make something in the crockpot, we eat leftovers, or we have something very simple like quesadillas and beans or soup and bread or cereal. The girls aren't much for grown-up food yet, and I don't force the issue at the moment. I offer a small amount of what we're eating and give more if they like it. They often just have fruit, toast, and either cheese or yogurt for supper - a few times a week they'll have macaroni and cheese, which they love (I typically do that on nights my husband is working late and/or I know I'm making something they aren't going to like). <br />
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There was a time in our married life where I wasn't so sure about generic brands. I wondered if the food would taste the same. Once the girls were born, I started driving a bit further to WinCo, our local discount grocery store, and taking full advantage of their low-priced store brand foods to stretch our tight maternity-leave budget. Guess what? For the most part, there's no difference between generic and name-brand or off-brand products. The only disappointment was the lowest-priced fruit yogurt cups, which tasted strangely diluted to me. Luckily, the girls were willing to eat those that week, and I stuck to the next cheapest regional brand after that. There are some items that we've found we prefer, such as the house brand coffee, macaroni and cheese (Erin actually won't eat the name brand!) and canned goods. The store is very large, but the aisles are wide and it's always well-stocked so I don't worry that we'll have to go elsewhere for anything on our list. It's a small investment in extra time and effort that really pays off in the end. At this point, after 3 years of shopping there, I really struggle to find things at other area stores! It's a good thing I work close by so I can make a quick emergency stop as needed.<br />
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Emergency grocery runs brings me to my other main money-saving technique, which is only shopping once a week. I typically shop on the same day, and I start making a list a couple of days before I go. If we run out of something, I do my absolute best to substitute or make it from scratch. I am a bit of a fanatic about knowing exactly how much of any given food we'll use in a week, and trying to always have just a little bit more than we'll need. The only things that would drive me to the store during the week (barring an unforeseen illness or other minor catastrophe, like a toddler dropping all of the eggs as she helps put away groceries) are running out of coffee, half and half, milk, or bananas. We actually run out of bananas at least once during the week, but that's just a given - one of us gets them on the way home from work. What can I say? We all like them and go through at least 10 lbs a week - they just don't keep well enough to buy that many at a time. Thank goodness they're cheap! As for the other must-haves, I try to buy just a little more than I know we'll use and ration what we've got if we're close to running out. I'll put a little milk in the half and half to make it last, and I'll drink water or tea instead of milk. For all other packaged goods, I bought one extra at a time over a period of a couple months, so when I see we're close to empty on the ketchup and get a new bottle, there's actually already one in the cupboard and I'm replacing the extra bottle. That way, if things get really tight (and they do sometimes) I can wait a few weeks before I buy more than the bare necessities. Once a week shopping has made me very conscious of what we can do without on a regular basis, and I've gotten pretty creative when it comes to substitutions - most worked, some not so well.<br />
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Obviously I have a lot to say on this subject! I'll spare you any further rambling, but I'd like to end by reminding you that food banks are a very worthy cause. Stopping to consider the realities of such a tight budget, plus the numerous challenges of living in poverty, makes me even more grateful for the ways our family is blessed. If you can, please consider a donation to your local food bank, and don't waste food if you can help it - cutting down on waste will save you money.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm linking up with the lovely Julie at <a href="http://thecornerwithaview.blogspot.com/2015/04/the-29-week-snap-budget-challenge-could.html#.VTSKbV33-iw">The Corner With a View</a> for the SNAP Food Budget Challenge! Head on over to read how others make it work on a tight weekly food budget!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-67934240469557234082014-10-12T09:37:00.001-07:002014-10-13T18:41:58.945-07:00What I Wore Sunday<p dir="ltr">I braved the earliest Mass this morning with Miss Emily, after a week at home where all three of us girls were sick. Needless to say, I haven't been at my best energy-wise, and I am officially exhausted at 9:30 in the morning. Emily started by howling and yelling, but after several minutes in the cry room she calmed down somewhat. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Outfit details: <br>
Dress - thrifted, brand unknown<br>
Boots - Christmas gift from my husband a few years back (Ann Klein brand<br>
Leggings - Target kids' department<br>
Scarf - local Real Deals store, gift from Dan's mom<br>
Earrings - from my mom's jewelry box</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com">Head over to Fine Linen and Purple</a> for some more Mass attire (and possibly some less exhausted bloggers!)</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVJ_xHLLfG7uYVDSvOehu7RRfroaET7-hHAGPsjMkyAXWizKljYlwUfA4rXRdO1IodkOiIcUf66u5Z7lCF8H67e7lROpcUxAbjSTB5SnY-y3VaBe-sl4h8fM1vVQLsBe_f8sI978lis0/s1600/IMG_20141012_093215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVJ_xHLLfG7uYVDSvOehu7RRfroaET7-hHAGPsjMkyAXWizKljYlwUfA4rXRdO1IodkOiIcUf66u5Z7lCF8H67e7lROpcUxAbjSTB5SnY-y3VaBe-sl4h8fM1vVQLsBe_f8sI978lis0/s640/IMG_20141012_093215.jpg"> </a> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-35116364409664131002014-05-10T11:46:00.000-07:002014-05-10T11:46:09.813-07:00When Mother's Day is about what you can't do<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF6Fsx68C3ZCfSGo1U9T3fs_kEHQEJXHl9weQ8QuGRHpszDfXfUCocGKk8Ba06V3x8pigMp9yNgDqZr1y-wmZdrY0vNaZX0XUU8gpXc2Z5VrkJhyMe8DjKbmwvdq4XrsHOOpp4ALGIe4/s1600/Photo-0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF6Fsx68C3ZCfSGo1U9T3fs_kEHQEJXHl9weQ8QuGRHpszDfXfUCocGKk8Ba06V3x8pigMp9yNgDqZr1y-wmZdrY0vNaZX0XUU8gpXc2Z5VrkJhyMe8DjKbmwvdq4XrsHOOpp4ALGIe4/s1600/Photo-0079.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Mother's Day holding Erin (L) and Emily.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been sick for the past ten days. Other than the weeks I spent recovering from my C-section and the <a href="http://andtwinsmakefour.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-long-slow-recovery.html?m=1">concussion</a>, this is the sickest I've been since I became a mother. I've almost completely lost my voice at this point - ironic, since I'm actually starting to feel better! - and I've been at the mercy of all the help family and friends could offer this week. It's taken all my energy to go to work each morning, and chores have been pretty much out of the question. Thankfully, the girls have been sick too, so they have been just fine with lots of Netflix and minimal mess-making for the most part.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNoyR75g8mNl7d_060XBAggomnBVg8Q5ukL_kZFF-siHtIRtJ7KJORJ_zEMZfuZMD7eGRE1MXfKzRtqBiJ6ixfXVicv_IW4pPUBpXtvaTXIhg-1eDR7cIGWhkM7ykvv2SLUvFr91XOws/s1600/CAM00342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNoyR75g8mNl7d_060XBAggomnBVg8Q5ukL_kZFF-siHtIRtJ7KJORJ_zEMZfuZMD7eGRE1MXfKzRtqBiJ6ixfXVicv_IW4pPUBpXtvaTXIhg-1eDR7cIGWhkM7ykvv2SLUvFr91XOws/s1600/CAM00342.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Except for this mess - Emily and Erin delight in emptying this bookshelf several times a day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I got to thinking this morning about how Mother's Day seems to be about all that moms can do - all the sacrifices necessary for raising your children, all the meals cooked and laundry wash-dry-folded, the long nights, the stories read and tears wiped and squabbles refereed. But what about when moms can't? We get sick, too. Does that make us any less as mothers? Do we measure up solely by the number of things checked off a giant, universal to-do list of parenting?<br />
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I've gotten my answer to this question this week. Regardless of how active I am, how much I'm coughing, or the fact that my voice is a hoarse shadow of its former self - my girls still love me. They still snuggle with Mommy and want to show me what they're doing. They still want hugs and kisses. They don't seem to mind that they've eaten mini bagels, cheese, bananas and baby food for almost every meal this week.<br />
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The help I've had has been nothing short of miraculous, from my mother coming over and watching the girls on an hour's notice so I could go to the doctor one afternoon to my in-laws taking the girls for Friday evening so I could rest. Laundry and chores got done by people other than me. When my husband finally had a day off this week, he let me sleep all afternoon and rest on the couch in the evening while he made frozen pizza for dinner and gave Emily and Erin a bath. It was wonderful to know that things were being taken care of, and that my girls still loved me, just for being Mommy.<br />
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So to all you mothers out there, no matter what your state of motherhood - know that you measure up. Know that you are enough. Know that you matter, simply because you love your children. You may not have ever held them. You may not have birthed them. You may not ever get to do either of those things. You may never know the fearful, wonderful days of parenting a newborn. But whether you are a physical, spiritual, or adoptive mother doesn't matter. Loving the children in your life makes you a mother. Happy Mother's Day, and may God bless you and your children always.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3I4i6rcDR7lKuD3BRGien6jbOcmVt_cFd2SoscV0En-lDEn5REOGfABEiNTm2XVi3C4ymSHgjtQ-k9_4b-rmDri7-z66VGPtXNST10e0b90Koe8fdfuk4NwTt76NaBEEd3bIoUL6JC0/s1600/2013-08-19+07.45.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3I4i6rcDR7lKuD3BRGien6jbOcmVt_cFd2SoscV0En-lDEn5REOGfABEiNTm2XVi3C4ymSHgjtQ-k9_4b-rmDri7-z66VGPtXNST10e0b90Koe8fdfuk4NwTt76NaBEEd3bIoUL6JC0/s1600/2013-08-19+07.45.25.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at around 1 1/2, at the beach with my mom.</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-64311490771618500562014-05-04T14:59:00.001-07:002014-05-04T15:00:03.195-07:00What I Wore Sunday<p dir=ltr>I got the inspiration for this one from Jill Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting fame. She was wearing something similar in her recent engagement photos. I had some trouble getting the belt to stay put, as you can probably tell in the picture, but this was the only shot where I wasn't being photo bombed by a pajama clad toddler. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Poor sick Erin. She's miserable. She has a cold, I think, but she's been sick for 4 days and is developing kind of a nasty sounding cough so we'll probably be off to the pediatrician tomorrow if she doesn't sound better. It's so hard to tell when they're too little to describe their symptoms! </p>
<p dir=ltr>We all were home last Sunday, but Emily and I were able to go to Mass this morning. She was very well behaved-a bit chatty, but we stayed in the sanctuary and even the pew  the whole time!! Dan still has a pretty bad cough and thinks he might have a sinus infection, so he stayed home with Erin so they could both rest. Healing prayers would be greatly appreciated! Between the girls having Fifth Disease and Dan and I getting sick, it's been a long several weeks. I know others have it so much worse, and I'm doing my best to offer up our trials for those who must deal with chronic and more severe illness. </p>
<p dir=ltr>We had some glorious weather this week- it was actually 92 on Thursday- but it's back to the rain we need now. I love these boots for spring weather when you can always figure on rain or wet grass at least. I never imagined quite how useful cowboy boots would be, but there you go!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Have a blessed Sunday, all! </p>
<p dir=ltr>Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple! </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm_zE2P6leWTeW4psOdmf222FhbCMGAt5Ka4LDokZyk_MZlvYB-DcuPxqlcyuKRAsy0d2glTvs-fn1SzEApMJnr2_U3GNJx5vOG-VzRf4Dwlo7VkQ2-I5_HUpjel8YlQUp88lslXWa_Y/s1600/cid_247.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm_zE2P6leWTeW4psOdmf222FhbCMGAt5Ka4LDokZyk_MZlvYB-DcuPxqlcyuKRAsy0d2glTvs-fn1SzEApMJnr2_U3GNJx5vOG-VzRf4Dwlo7VkQ2-I5_HUpjel8YlQUp88lslXWa_Y/s640/cid_247.jpeg"> </a> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-75382264192781926122014-03-05T14:57:00.001-08:002014-03-05T14:57:38.356-08:00Please, come talk. Come visit. Come home.<span id="docs-internal-guid-79fba508-7e77-1bfb-513e-1a331528fa04"></span><br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">An open letter to women who have left the Catholic Church:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We want to invite you to come talk with us, and we are excited to meet you! Just like you, we are daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers; students, professionals, and stay-at-home moms. We are teenagers, 20-somethings, 30-somethings, and beyond. We are from many walks of life and from diverse backgrounds, but we share a common faith - one we want to invite you to revisit. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of us have been away from the Church, and by one way or another we've come back. Some of us never left - but that doesn't mean we’ve never questioned nor been confused. Some of us were raised outside of the Church, and made the decision to join as adults. In one way or another, each one of us has come to know and love Christ in the Catholic Church - and in keeping with Pope Francis’ request we want to share that love and joy with you.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-90f06454-8d8a-3cd6-ea62-bf7ef1c217c4"><img height="301" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/gW2xnLbosox6JLsvxY0H0GcZTkoKkFeARSa4nkaXeBDQ4cGh49AB-x8lxChUs6CGs6e_gKMCXou7uC22Hfm572cj3vOGX-PSc24c3k9VeyxwflsfsYHWYBk5fxTvnA" style="border: none;" width="400" /></span></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-90f06454-8d89-f1bd-e48c-69972622f03e" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being Catholic isn’t easy, and we’ll be the first to tell you that we aren’t perfect; we have many planks in our own eyes to worry about. Our faith embraces paradoxes, challenges our culture's values, and makes us feel uncomfortable when we are called to examine our actions and our motivations. But - as you already know - just because something is challenging does not mean it is not worthwhile.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We know that you are intelligent and capable. We believe that you deserve answers to your questions, and explanations for the teachings with which you're struggling. We’ve all struggled with various aspects of our faith, but we aren’t here to judge or condemn you. We simply want to listen to what you’re feeling. We want to understand what is making you uncertain about being part of our Catholic faith. We want to help you find the answers and explanations that helped bring us home. We want to meet you, we want to hear about your experience, and most importantly, we want to invite you back.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feel free to email any of us with questions or concerns you may have about the Church, her teachings, or what reversion means. If you’re not ready to bare your soul to complete strangers, </span><a href="http://www.catholicscomehome.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we’d love to direct you to sites that helped us</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (and still help us) as we discerned our calling in life. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wherever you are, whatever you believe, know that we are praying for you. You are our sister - another woman navigating a challenging world. We look forward to talking with you!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.3333333333333333; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In The Peace and Love of Christ,</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The members of #cathsorority</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-79fba508-7e77-1bfb-513e-1a331528fa04"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-78592857076989914252014-02-28T07:28:00.001-08:002014-02-28T09:28:48.678-08:00What not to say when they're expecting <p dir=ltr>You've probably seen or heard a pregnancy announcement. An ultrasound picture, a cute shot of the couple or family with a little pair of baby shoes. Maybe a phone call or a chat over a cup of tea. </p>
<p dir=ltr>If you're like me, your heart fairly bursts with happiness for the new life God has created. <i>How </i><i>wonderful!</i><i> </i>You rush to offer well wishes. </p>
<p dir=ltr>But what if the circumstances seem less than ideal? Should you offer condolences, admonitions, or ask them if they "know how that happens?" </p>
<p dir=ltr><i>No. </i>You shouldn't. It's not your decision. It never will be, and it never was. New life is cause for celebration and joy, no matter if the couple has zero, four, eight, or twelve children. It doesn't matter how many bedrooms their house has. What matters is the tiny miracle developing in the warm comfort of his or her mother. God chose them as parents. That's what matters.</p>
<p dir=ltr>What if it's their first child, and you already have children? Shouldn't you tell them how their lives will change forever? </p>
<p dir=ltr><i>No.</i> You shouldn't. It's an insult to their intelligence, for starters. In this age of information, they're probably overwhelmed with all sorts of facts and opinions about life as a parent. If they are curious about your experience, they'll probably ask. </p>
<p dir=ltr>What if the relationship (if one exists) is not a stable, happy, marriage? Shouldn't you tell them how terrible this is-or worse, say it to everyone you know behind the mother and father's backs? </p>
<p dir=ltr><i>No. </i><i>No. NO. </i>Absolutely not. "Congratulations!" is appropriate. Leave it at that. If you're close to the new mother, offer your support-"I'll help you in any way I can. I'm here for you." Maybe that means knowing she has a place to stay if things aren't going well at home. Maybe it just means accompanying her to a doctor's appointment to help her get the best care possible. Maybe it's something much more powerful, like offering emotional support if she chooses to give up her baby for adoption. Maybe, for a mother of several littles, it means offering to help her family through her crippling all day sickness in the first few months. Your support in these cases could be life changing. </p>
<p dir=ltr>What if they've got several other children already? It's our duty to make them aware of "how that happens" or the current state of the rest of the world, right?</p>
<p dir=ltr><i>Umm...no.</i> Your only duty is to congratulate them, and offer to help if you can. Bring a meal. Come over to their house and watch the other kids so the expectant mama can go to a doctor's appointment in peace, or just so she can put her feet up. Unload the dishwasher. Fold some laundry. Offer her a list of ways you'd like to help them out and support them, then let her choose and follow through. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Our/my life ended when we had children, and it's my mission in life to pass that on to every first time expecting couple I meet. Right? </p>
<p dir=ltr><i>Absolutely not</i>. First of all, if you actually feel this way, I'm sincerely sorry and I'll keep you in my prayers. Second, it's not your job to pass on your own regrets to other people. Yes, they will sleep again. Maybe not until noon on weekends, but sleep comes eventually. So do dates and regular clothes. And the fullness and richness of parenthood more than makes up for this, in my experience. So strike this from your lexicon. </p>
<p dir=ltr>Finally, if you flubbed your response to a pregnancy announcement, it's okay to apologize and admit you were wrong. I've done this. A close friend announced a new baby on the way, and I said (honestly) that it was a surprise. As soon as it left my mouth I knew it was wrong. So I apologized, and expressed my joy at the new life they'd been blessed with. Turned out it <i>had</i> been a surprise, but the apology was still appreciated, if not entirely necessary. So if you think you may have said the wrong thing, don't hesitate to go back and make amends. Chances are you will be glad you did!<br><br></p>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-65233924046030506382014-02-27T16:44:00.002-08:002014-02-27T16:44:17.304-08:00Incorporating scarves into your outfitsSo per reader/fellow blogger request (thanks for the great idea, <a href="http://www.messywife.com/">Mandi</a>!) yesterday, today I'm going to show you some ways you can incorporate scarves into your outfits. I don't remember exactly where I read it, but a while back I ran across something that talked about having three items to make an outfit. In cooler weather, it's easy to add a sweater or something that pulls your top and bottom together, but in warmer weather or while you're working and getting warm, it can be more difficult. It's the same rule of three you'll find in decorating manuals - three things pull together nicely. Breaking a design into thirds helps to balance it. You get the idea. So three things it is. Top, bottom, and scarf!<br />
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Scarves, to me, are the ultimate accessory, particularly for moms. You can wash them, use them in a pinch for a nursing cover or a pillow for a sleepy toddler, distract a baby or small child while you're waiting, <i>and</i> you look more put-together when you're wearing one. Plus they come in all sorts of fun patterns and colors, and you can even make your own if you can't find what you're looking for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfJyVAP1kP95sZYtsHxRqJuMP156Ei4phOKQKjM64RuK__q32-gvw1jQCXI2Yog7s6CCBMJem080YLyLDUOJ8dnQq7jphj9OUF90G7RP9dhKcKgI4Rw04vCMVM-XO-Tmk1fIgs9s9tCY/s1600/95.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfJyVAP1kP95sZYtsHxRqJuMP156Ei4phOKQKjM64RuK__q32-gvw1jQCXI2Yog7s6CCBMJem080YLyLDUOJ8dnQq7jphj9OUF90G7RP9dhKcKgI4Rw04vCMVM-XO-Tmk1fIgs9s9tCY/s1600/95.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a fairly simple way to tie a scarf. In this picture,<br />
the length is hiding my post-baby tummy nicely!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The simplest way to tie a scarf is to fold it in half so the ends are touching. Lay this over the back of your neck, then pull the ends through the loop you've created. Don't pull too tight! Adjust the ends and folds so the pattern shows nicely. This is the quickest way to put on a scarf, and one of the warmest as well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkVlaaS3pB-H9tROGp7bywVm6oKhNbSigmny9PLI7ax_La9F2CY6SkUvm_8jXTMNJ14-Q_BO2iavw90RwgzIW_v3onFe888-o-ZQK-EfiXKHwNN4G27G_MxHIp2hnq9qgiHQI3LQv8kY/s1600/20121118_190201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkVlaaS3pB-H9tROGp7bywVm6oKhNbSigmny9PLI7ax_La9F2CY6SkUvm_8jXTMNJ14-Q_BO2iavw90RwgzIW_v3onFe888-o-ZQK-EfiXKHwNN4G27G_MxHIp2hnq9qgiHQI3LQv8kY/s1600/20121118_190201.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This scarf is much thinner and shorter and can only be<br />
tied one way or worn as a headband. It<br />
pulls the outfit together, though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thinner or shorter scarves can't really be worn any other way. If you've already got a three piece outfit, that's okay - they'll still be a nice accent. It's best to make sure they blend in with both pieces as in the above picture. I love mixing patterns, but I think a thin scarf that doesn't match at all looks a little silly on me. If you disagree, by all means, mix away! One of the great things about clothes is making your own rules about what matches and what doesn't.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8StXBwlM5cD4yqWioHI26ZSzGLpFbJ498UKhwDz5En5Uox5CVoXusRsOYG7whJNCr1A3dZ_St8AiFgBAL7jvxG50wQLfPOcpvU7_YZr0S9fnolld_IuYNjgSL8yiRNWfo-VpDeQp3l9w/s1600/20130113_181118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8StXBwlM5cD4yqWioHI26ZSzGLpFbJ498UKhwDz5En5Uox5CVoXusRsOYG7whJNCr1A3dZ_St8AiFgBAL7jvxG50wQLfPOcpvU7_YZr0S9fnolld_IuYNjgSL8yiRNWfo-VpDeQp3l9w/s1600/20130113_181118.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another way to tie a scarf: wrapped around and around.<br />
The scarf doesn't have to "match" your top, either!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If your scarf is long and wide, you can bunch it up to make it thicker. This means you can tie it other ways, too! In this picture, I'm wearing a scarf that's actually a huge rectangle, all bunched up and wrapped around my neck. I tucked the ends in for some reason - you don't have to, but it looks a little neater. This scarf has fringe so I think that's why the ends are hiding.<br />
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You don't have to match your scarf to your outfit, either, particularly if you're wearing a neutral top and jeans. This is where you can introduce the bold, colorful patterns.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrHklfapmv6bxcahfBdFhp-mtrH0Y_qkhVYgXt9e4szlFnsByz5xk8CLAb0FFGCKAhKUKVRRtZYkZYu8ECqP6UR7MmdQQKA15a6O0GIOsi5Q69KyJZYr410ZM1p5Qfib_jBBNaCxVmxM/s1600/20130113_183048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrHklfapmv6bxcahfBdFhp-mtrH0Y_qkhVYgXt9e4szlFnsByz5xk8CLAb0FFGCKAhKUKVRRtZYkZYu8ECqP6UR7MmdQQKA15a6O0GIOsi5Q69KyJZYr410ZM1p5Qfib_jBBNaCxVmxM/s1600/20130113_183048.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of above scarf. See the owls?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmteNmWH48_pP1IU-egAKLBpPz8pgUxPlC5b3QK_RHI3_hzfxKyJ6bpdhm6uTZ2IWgKpizwY30Y59aKtOIyTxg-BytQv5BQ6m2Y8Yyoy6a6HsOwgoug822bqs92ESxU9IxiPBCb_tpoU/s1600/20130428_104745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmteNmWH48_pP1IU-egAKLBpPz8pgUxPlC5b3QK_RHI3_hzfxKyJ6bpdhm6uTZ2IWgKpizwY30Y59aKtOIyTxg-BytQv5BQ6m2Y8Yyoy6a6HsOwgoug822bqs92ESxU9IxiPBCb_tpoU/s1600/20130428_104745.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright patterned floral scarf with bright yellow sweater.<br />
Nice and dressy for Sunday Mass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the best things about scarves is how the same one can be worn with several outfits. The above outfit is a closeup of a Mass outfit - I'm wearing a dark gray skirt and heels with the floral scarf and sweater - and I felt very put together. Below, it was Mother's Day and we'd just gotten back from eating dinner out without the girls. I was wearing a tee and jeans, with the same scarf, and while I felt more "dressed" than if I hadn't worn the scarf, I certainly wasn't "dressed up." So one scarf, many outfits - and they take up so little space, they're a great addition to even a minimalist wardrobe!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF6Fsx68C3ZCfSGo1U9T3fs_kEHQEJXHl9weQ8QuGRHpszDfXfUCocGKk8Ba06V3x8pigMp9yNgDqZr1y-wmZdrY0vNaZX0XUU8gpXc2Z5VrkJhyMe8DjKbmwvdq4XrsHOOpp4ALGIe4/s1600/Photo-0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcF6Fsx68C3ZCfSGo1U9T3fs_kEHQEJXHl9weQ8QuGRHpszDfXfUCocGKk8Ba06V3x8pigMp9yNgDqZr1y-wmZdrY0vNaZX0XUU8gpXc2Z5VrkJhyMe8DjKbmwvdq4XrsHOOpp4ALGIe4/s1600/Photo-0079.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much more casual. Same bright floral scarf dressing up a tee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Zxiz6pR8nxwby_PWd9t3rGwsMatyi1Fayf3O_mY6Etzm_yhkWqi62f5h_B78BPsxYSQYdNwM2tXd_YM08g4CiVngLVScsz10SZabcP45pHDKMgC2kAdEPYYZRlgtzmRZH79mKnSdUc/s1600/cid_581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Zxiz6pR8nxwby_PWd9t3rGwsMatyi1Fayf3O_mY6Etzm_yhkWqi62f5h_B78BPsxYSQYdNwM2tXd_YM08g4CiVngLVScsz10SZabcP45pHDKMgC2kAdEPYYZRlgtzmRZH79mKnSdUc/s1600/cid_581.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very bright and fun scarf, tied neckerchief style.<br />
Subtle pattern on the skirt, but otherwise all solid colors.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sometimes, a small scarf can't even be looped around your neck. In that case, you can just knot it behind your neck, cowboy style. I've been known to turn them forwards sailor style as well! This particular scarf almost always gets worn as pictured, though. I love the bright, colorful pattern. The neckerchief style is great for making a low-necked shirt more modest, also - a huge plus when you're at work or out playing with your kids and have to bend over a lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhSDGVGL_6eO0GBJoo_AjYEnCdF_yIaV3Il8NDQs3QpsNwCNmT5quo1Sz3SiQ91E-wdgeC6xs-E2YGxgTff6zE8Ds7PxggGDbVguRpSg4KZZwuYJL-dSiojhUb5_mO4nPwvPDcAnZwqI/s1600/CAM00071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhSDGVGL_6eO0GBJoo_AjYEnCdF_yIaV3Il8NDQs3QpsNwCNmT5quo1Sz3SiQ91E-wdgeC6xs-E2YGxgTff6zE8Ds7PxggGDbVguRpSg4KZZwuYJL-dSiojhUb5_mO4nPwvPDcAnZwqI/s1600/CAM00071.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the pattern on the scarf in above shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Immediately postpartum, I was very interested in hiding my belly. As soon as it cooled off that fall, I wore scarves to distract from my remaining pudginess. My stomach will probably never be flat again, and I don't mind that (the gift of new life is worth it!) but if you're in the new-baby stage and wanting to distract from your midsection, I recommend wearing a long scarf. Not only is it great camouflage, you can use it to cover a nursing baby while they latch on or let them play with it to distract them. In the below picture, I'm just wearing the scarf to stay warm (this was taken just a few weeks ago) but since most of my shirts are on the tighter side, I still appreciate the extra coverage!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1RdFIBzKhB96zIJ1Dob2RG-F4w8KzQd-CbTh3uqX1QRQjsVnmH4HroOcP_jLD3stI2GDaOer3hNrFMPJdIL_8uhMykwKUB46pmqcZPVeahMxT0Sf446Ffs59JfXBBRC-5UIQUZb3aDg/s1600/cid_160.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1RdFIBzKhB96zIJ1Dob2RG-F4w8KzQd-CbTh3uqX1QRQjsVnmH4HroOcP_jLD3stI2GDaOer3hNrFMPJdIL_8uhMykwKUB46pmqcZPVeahMxT0Sf446Ffs59JfXBBRC-5UIQUZb3aDg/s1600/cid_160.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same scarf as in the first picture, but I'm not using it to hide<br />
anymore - just to stay warm on this day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How do you wear scarves? What's your favorite way to tie a scarf? I'd love to hear - leave a comment and share!<br />
<br /></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-17861350390814629582014-02-26T16:37:00.005-08:002014-02-26T16:37:50.287-08:00Five Favorites: A few things I'm loving right nowOkay, so I already failed at getting one post up each day for seven days straight. But the challenge from <a href="http://conversiondiary.com/">Jen</a> did say to do 7 posts in 7 days, so if I get two up today it still counts, right?<br />
<br />
Yesterday was just a seriously exhausting day. I came home from work, coaxed the girls down for a nap, and slept for an hour and a half myself. I was still tired. This mom-recovering-from-a-concussion-while-working-full-time is exhausting, I've decided. So I nap when I can.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, enough with the tired. Here's five things I'm loving right now:<br />
<b>1.</b> <b>Scarves</b>. I have one in almost every color, a motley crew sourced from clearance racks, thrift stores, and some of my favorite value stores. These particular two are from Old Navy a couple of years ago, and I still absolutely love them. I wear a scarf every day right now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5wA5aUVT25qAUN09YBMqp5Hy9VHSN0d0BkjuWJfwSJKXv2Uer4R0f1EJu10u8mH0II3yK0riIOA-WkM0dve5afnUpt51uneJ3ASMg5kBw4iFz9qgM-S9dFhPOy3t5PnyrOs36gBRPXk/s1600/20130106_155224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5wA5aUVT25qAUN09YBMqp5Hy9VHSN0d0BkjuWJfwSJKXv2Uer4R0f1EJu10u8mH0II3yK0riIOA-WkM0dve5afnUpt51uneJ3ASMg5kBw4iFz9qgM-S9dFhPOy3t5PnyrOs36gBRPXk/s1600/20130106_155224.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>2.</b> <b>This book</b>. Haven't heard of Tsh Oxenreider or her awesome blog, <a href="http://www.theartofsimple.net/">The Art of Simple</a>? Well, it's high time you checked it out. Her latest book is a collective memoir, written in short vignettes that capture defining moments in her journey to simple living. I haven't quite finished it yet, but so far I've been struck by her family's realization that it was impossible to capture everything they liked best about a particular time or place in their life and translate it into their current situation. I hadn't ever thought about how I tend to want to do that, and how ultimately it's a failure to appreciate the gifts of both the past and the present. </div>
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<b>3. Avocados.</b> I really love avocados and they are great right now - and cheaper because it's their season. I stocked up yesterday and remembered to eat one for my afternoon snack today. They're a healthy, satisfying choice when you need something more substantial. So. Here's to avocados! How do you like yours? I peel, slice, and sprinkle with salt and devour the entire thing in about 45 seconds. With a fork, of course. ;-)</div>
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<b>4. This beautiful Gerbera daisy</b> my husband bought me for Valentine's Day. It's still alive, with much thanks to everyone who has remembered to give it a drink. That is, not me, because every time I think "poor daisy, it looks thirsty" someone tells me soon afterward that they watered it for me. Here's to community plant care. It seems to be an effective model. </div>
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<b>5. Park weather!</b> Okay, so this is an old picture (about a year old, I think, based on the trees in the background) but I haven't had a chance to take any pictures while we've been playing so far this week. It's been sunny and relatively warm a couple of days, and we've taken advantage of the nice weather and gone outside to play. I'm so glad that spring will be here soon. It's typically a pretty rainy season here, but it's still a lot warmer than this winter has been, and there are lots of sunny days to enjoy before it gets very hot.</div>
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I have to say, keeping track of two running toddlers at the park is so much harder than two crawling ones. I thought things would be so much simpler when I didn't have to worry about anyone crawling in the sand or on the sawdust and getting into something yucky. It's, well, a walk in the park compared to keeping an eye on someone who wants to walk up the slide and someone else who walks right into her sister just as she swings forward in the toddler swing. I much prefer the park in this picture for its <i>two</i> toddler swings.</div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.moxiewife.com/">Hallie</a>! You should, too!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-87161249784382805302014-02-24T15:45:00.001-08:002014-02-24T15:45:30.827-08:00No-yucky-away!We're entering a new stage of toddler declarations. Yep, you guessed it: "no", "yucky", and "away!" have entered the rotation. To be perfectly honest, "no" has been around for a while - mainly because I say it a lot - and while it's not my favorite word, I do respect the girls' right to assert their preferences. It doesn't mean we're going to give in, necessarily, but they are entitled to their opinions. I am trying to refrain from laughing as I type this, and believe me, it's even harder not to laugh when cute little voices reject something with a resounding "yuck!" Even if I just cooked it myself.<br />
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The other night, I got out a box of macaroni and cheese and asked Erin if she'd like that for dinner. In hindsight, I probably should have explained that I was going to cook the contents of the box. She pursed her lips and shook her head. "No. Uh-uh. Yuck."<br />
I sighed and asked her what she did want for dinner. Or perhaps she didn't want dinner tonight?<br />
Erin: "No. Yes. Food."<br />
Sarah: "Okay, then this is what we're having. Macaroni and cheese."<br />
Erin (takes box and shakes it, is delighted with rattling from inside): "MMMM! Nummy! 'Heez! Food!"<br />
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I suppose even if she can say the words, she doesn't necessarily know what they mean. Nor can she understand that we cook boxed food before we eat it. Do I actually want her to understand that? Well, as a working mom, I probably don't really have a choice. At any rate, she and her sister consumed vast quantities of macaroni and cheese mixed with frozen vegetables, with no mentions of "yucky", or her new favorite when something undesirable is pressed on her, "away!" (not to be confused with another favorite word, "hoo-way!"Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-52916768753572484262014-02-19T18:32:00.000-08:002014-02-19T18:42:47.140-08:00The long, slow recoveryI just woke up from a nap. I feel pretty normal right now. When my alarm went off at 4:45 this morning, I felt groggy and sluggish, which is pretty normal for that hour of the day. I felt better once I'd had some coffee. But as soon as I started moving around, I felt dizzy, a little unsteady, and that faint, yet familiar <a href="http://andtwinsmakefour.blogspot.com/2014/02/7-quick-takes-headaches-heartaches.html">ache in the top of my head. </a> Yep. Not quite there yet. I have to be extra careful not to trip over things and really focus on doing only one thing at a time when I feel like that.<br />
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Yesterday was much worse. I had to go home early from work because my head felt like it was going to split in two. The pain isn't necessarily what bothers me - it's not knowing exactly what's causing it that I don't like. My doctor doesn't really like that either, so he's having me get an MRI Thursday to see what's going on in my head. (Cue ALL the bad jokes!) Rest usually helps the most with the headaches. Conveniently, I am home during my girls' naptime every day, so as long as I can convince them to go down, I can sleep for a while too. That's mostly how I make it through the day right now.<br />
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But then there are the other days - the ones with doctor's appointments, errands, etc, in the afternoon. Those are much harder. I still try to sneak in a quick catnap when I get home, but it doesn't always work out. By the end of those days, my poor brain is exhausted. I feel like I have the flu - in my head only. My doctor phrased it yesterday as feeling like I was getting over meningitis. <i>Well, that explains a lot.</i><br />
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This recovery process is so slow. I've never been good at patience - in fact, I've given up impatience twice for Lent. That there should tell you something. I want a list of things to do and not to do, and a prescribed timeline to feel better. Instead, there are nebulous phrases - weeks, maybe months - of time that I won't quite feel like myself. Sometimes that means me with a headache. Sometimes that means tired like I haven't slept in days. Sometimes that means I can't peel myself out of the chair and we are watching "Super Why" on repeat.<br />
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Perhaps God is trying to teach me a solid lesson in patience. (<i>If that's the case, I know I still have a ways to go!)</i> Perhaps I'll just wake up one day feeling great. He will have completely healed me. Perhaps the MRI results will give my doctor (who has really been wonderful the last few weeks) a path to better treat me. I have faith in God and His plan, but it's hard when it doesn't seem to line up with my plans. <i>(Perhaps I'm supposed to be learning that I will sleep through all of my best laid plans? Hmmm...)</i><br />
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I am grateful for my relative health, and the good health I've enjoyed throughout the majority of my life. I know this pain and dizziness is trivial in the grand scheme of things. I am grateful to live where health care is available and accessible, and to have insurance so we are able to afford it for the most part. Headache and all, I am truly blessed.<br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-3480112349681919272014-02-14T18:08:00.000-08:002014-02-14T18:08:24.045-08:007 Quick Takes: Headaches, heartaches, and alarm clock problems<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" height="195" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt1"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 1 ---</a></strong></div>
Once again, it's naptime on Friday. Darn. I'm getting predictable, and I don't know if I like that or not. Yawn. (<i>Maybe I'm just tired...it's a distinct possibility</i>.) I'm struggling with getting up early these days. How do you discipline yourself to get out of bed when the alarm goes off - the first time? What's your morning routine? I can get up after about 15 minutes, but it's harder every day. <i>Maybe this is normal...</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpralsfn1qpA3djXta89fFKlTnUVPCX1L0df2TjFzzDqWHDWBXP3oaylsdOy7dkIeubFcGmCna1-x-zQ6AQFflXKB2Py7RSOpBBWzy07mo_ClhoiakfvbWLNU8tVgIbj93grMOfruw1w4/s1600/IMG_20140211_134455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpralsfn1qpA3djXta89fFKlTnUVPCX1L0df2TjFzzDqWHDWBXP3oaylsdOy7dkIeubFcGmCna1-x-zQ6AQFflXKB2Py7RSOpBBWzy07mo_ClhoiakfvbWLNU8tVgIbj93grMOfruw1w4/s1600/IMG_20140211_134455.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This trick is making getting ready easier, though. I shower the night before and pile my wet hair on my head in a towel. When I wake up the next morning, it's curly and ready to shake over my shoulders with no styling. I love it, and it's totally natural, and so easy! </div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt2"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt2" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 2 ---</a></strong></div>
The snow is gone. For the most part. People are getting their power back finally. Trees are starting to look normal and their branches aren't covering the roads anymore. It's good to have our rainy weather back!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how we spend our rainy afternoons...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt3"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt3" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 3 ---</a></strong></div>
My heart is breaking for <a href="http://www.messywife.com/2014/02/not-so-quick-takes-on-loss-and-snow-and.html">Mandi</a> and her family. Please keep them in your prayers as they weather their second loss in the past three months.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt4"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt4" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 4 ---</a></strong></div>
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My head still hurts from my concussion nearly three weeks ago. I went back for another checkup yesterday and finally heard a coherent explanation about what's going on. Evidently, there's still swelling in my brain which is causing pressure and dizziness when I bend forward. So most of the time, I'm ok. When I have to bend over, I almost pass out. He also mentioned superficial brain bleeding might have contributed to my misery over the past few weeks. How...pleasant? We're holding off on further testing unless my headaches and confusion continue to get worse, and trying to give as much time for rest as possible to speed healing. Naps help. Long nights folding laundry don't. I'll learn eventually.</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt5"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt5" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 5 ---</a></strong></div>
Erin had her first swim lesson yesterday! It was really fun. Emily enjoyed watching us (I could only swim with one baby at a time). We had a great time singing with her friends in the water. I loved how excited both girls got when the teacher sang her name!<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt6"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt6" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 6 ---</a></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was what I came out to at 5 am. He got home at 12:30 am. I'm lucky.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556" name="qt7"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 7 ---</a></strong></div>
Erin and Emily's current favorite show is "Super Why". Erin calls it "Powa to Weed!" because it's all about using the "power to read" to solve "super big problems". I think the kids like it because everything to them is a super big problem. When I paused it on Netflix the other day, Erin wailed "Mama! Powa to weed stuck! Stuck! Stuck! Da!" She was traumatized until I turned off the TV and she couldn't see the frozen characters any more.<br />
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-79859219179343935752014-02-09T14:09:00.001-08:002014-02-09T20:46:43.530-08:00What I Wore Sunday: Pre-Valentine's EditionHi there! We're getting all dressed up in Valentine's colors today. It's really icy and snowy here, so "dressed up" is kind of on the casual side today. I felt inspired to mix my favorite pale pink shirt (from Old Navy) with a red and pink scarf (Old Navy) and a new-to-me denim jacket (Gap via Ebay). I rounded it out with navy pants from American Eagle (clearance!) and my black Danskos (thrifted).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sneak peek at my outfit - I'll get a better picture up soon!</td></tr>
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Though they typically wear a lot of pink, I chose extra Valentines-y outfits for Emily and Erin too. Dan declined to participate in the wearing of the pink - not that he actually has anything pink or even plain red, come to think of it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-N5iPLQyousotRYzhMnwsxnv8fggB3HYJUV8wgq8tzUf6Q3VaC82ENwfdDwZG7n6i6AcfgxHvA518oz2ejHjwi2-_XQcyYlgjqRbkmusoXeahoLtBJMO4tEvjoMHMlQ9ZdeDZrG-9oQ/s1600/CAM00176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-N5iPLQyousotRYzhMnwsxnv8fggB3HYJUV8wgq8tzUf6Q3VaC82ENwfdDwZG7n6i6AcfgxHvA518oz2ejHjwi2-_XQcyYlgjqRbkmusoXeahoLtBJMO4tEvjoMHMlQ9ZdeDZrG-9oQ/s1600/CAM00176.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin's outfit, minus her boots (they match Emily's)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggporAfkaVMYKr5JmaDVJMXpu-4fEQcEZBsRTxeFTuzy8g1O78GRhjwAeNlPM1tR8r9QAtQed1tXqLX3RJAcwn6Jc2xFqk63ntUY1X3X7lUz9SDgABMihyPYJ_dFWHkMjz0nJ7mtdokAM/s1600/CAM00174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggporAfkaVMYKr5JmaDVJMXpu-4fEQcEZBsRTxeFTuzy8g1O78GRhjwAeNlPM1tR8r9QAtQed1tXqLX3RJAcwn6Jc2xFqk63ntUY1X3X7lUz9SDgABMihyPYJ_dFWHkMjz0nJ7mtdokAM/s1600/CAM00174.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily's outfit, complete with boots</td></tr>
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The ice has been really picturesque, although a little scary at the same time. After at least 9 inches of snow Thursday and Friday, we got 15 hours straight of freezing rain. While it warmed up enough yesterday that the ice stopped accumulating, it wasn't warm enough to really melt much. The afternoon was punctuated by the gunshot-like sound of snapping branches. So far, we've still got power, but many of our friends haven't been so lucky. Our drive to Mass was just fine once we made it out of our neighborhood. Our street is a mess - ruts of packed snow and ice, and people walking straight down the middle of the road because obviously the sidewalks are to be strictly avoided in a snowstorm. The main roads are mostly clear of snow, though there are downed trees and limbs everywhere and drifts of snow against the parked cars on the curbs so it's pretty narrow, slow going.<br />
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Once we got to the church, it was clear most people hadn't attempted the drive, which was something of a relief as the parking lot was just as bad as our street had been. Fewer cars meant it was easy to find a parking place and easy to get out of our spot afterwards. The girls were reasonably well behaved - Dan's working on a whisper voice for Erin - and Emily actually let me wear her in the Ergo for all of Mass, though she's gotten so tall it's hard to sit with her in it. At almost 20 months of nearly constant use, I think it's the most essential thing for any parent to have besides diapers, crib, and carseat!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTac3uBmtUrga25jwxOOS7dIas9fc0DmlSRizJYxdpXdJb05nvxBfREl13D8xJuCa9JcAJGhOMLByXVJzc4rV8rIKQI22f3Yp5NJgW_nprh-qfJsNl-3ZC6SA4GuZX7dkLOBqYFp0GJo/s1600/IMG_20140208_140826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTac3uBmtUrga25jwxOOS7dIas9fc0DmlSRizJYxdpXdJb05nvxBfREl13D8xJuCa9JcAJGhOMLByXVJzc4rV8rIKQI22f3Yp5NJgW_nprh-qfJsNl-3ZC6SA4GuZX7dkLOBqYFp0GJo/s1600/IMG_20140208_140826.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ice-covered branch in front of our house yesterday.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSb0zbXvxoUs261biQLFkFtSaUAFncnlnOWFAMeEwA_4Fm_YFBkGyxQxYku2Pq-wWxguyRHWrrepMTciUO2l5cOml9OzJ8yjq8PPFOPCjKnqKy3ZfFAaJYx20pFhCj62NXhG3hC31kQI/s1600/IMG_20140208_152128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSb0zbXvxoUs261biQLFkFtSaUAFncnlnOWFAMeEwA_4Fm_YFBkGyxQxYku2Pq-wWxguyRHWrrepMTciUO2l5cOml9OzJ8yjq8PPFOPCjKnqKy3ZfFAaJYx20pFhCj62NXhG3hC31kQI/s1600/IMG_20140208_152128.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Midday yesterday. At least ten more branches fell overnight.</td></tr>
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As a kid, I always wished we got more winter weather, but now I think we're so blessed to live in an area where this is out of the ordinary. Snow and ice are gorgeous, but so treacherous at the same time. While Emily and Erin were pretty enthusiastic about playing in the snow, the freezing rain meant we really couldn't go outside yesterday, so hopefully we'll get a chance to play before it all melts. <div>
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I hope all of you local folks are warm and safe, and that your power comes back soon if it's out! How many of you out there are enjoying the effects of this whopper snowstorm?<br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXThe2rbECSJbLdXeOgEeq1ASyp6dCicuydxP-5WX9wTa65kdggYlr-1CPKe04f_k4P84MQaPrYBpkPoQzPgOQIC1F8GcqPNUEFeIR8bDElRsF4yngvYjTgDBWw2x88jIrdJDihzZ9CeQ/s1600/cid_160.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXThe2rbECSJbLdXeOgEeq1ASyp6dCicuydxP-5WX9wTa65kdggYlr-1CPKe04f_k4P84MQaPrYBpkPoQzPgOQIC1F8GcqPNUEFeIR8bDElRsF4yngvYjTgDBWw2x88jIrdJDihzZ9CeQ/s640/cid_160.jpeg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvfA6AKfQpAaSxgh52gU-KiqNeJTin0r3Y5zPwJ2Tv1VOlagaDy9BqVRQNObaiHzhyphenhyphensHXJjj8TcAva46eGkqkVtldCWjyb4QPT3OjAhJ46bFagbLaxD5JUxLdeTwfVxs5mcgGY3e_NWk/s1600/IMG_20140209_151702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvfA6AKfQpAaSxgh52gU-KiqNeJTin0r3Y5zPwJ2Tv1VOlagaDy9BqVRQNObaiHzhyphenhyphensHXJjj8TcAva46eGkqkVtldCWjyb4QPT3OjAhJ46bFagbLaxD5JUxLdeTwfVxs5mcgGY3e_NWk/s640/IMG_20140209_151702.jpg"> </a> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-19566543770617597082014-02-07T18:09:00.004-08:002014-02-07T18:09:55.250-08:007 Quick Takes: Concussions, snow, and corneal abrasions<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" src="http://www.conversiondiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/7_quick_takes_sm1.jpg" height="195" title="7_quick_takes_sm" width="290" /></a>
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<a href="" name="qt1"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 1 ---</a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjBp1vnCU9MmpqzV22PCZ1VyC0b9C2YIa_ZLb_ILslLBhNSNMQIQIK-g8ZSEYeXXexYXFnzpvLg7bm_P4F-hHBITxJMXjKmoNE33A-YUszg6EGNNst6YuvqhWpg3-M8FFvT-DqczicMI/s1600/IMG_20140207_163809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjBp1vnCU9MmpqzV22PCZ1VyC0b9C2YIa_ZLb_ILslLBhNSNMQIQIK-g8ZSEYeXXexYXFnzpvLg7bm_P4F-hHBITxJMXjKmoNE33A-YUszg6EGNNst6YuvqhWpg3-M8FFvT-DqczicMI/s1600/IMG_20140207_163809.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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So yeah, it's been a while since I wrote some quick takes. Why is that, you ask? Well, it's probably because by the time I remember it's usually Saturday. But today is a little different. Because of that scene up there, I've had to leave work early the last two days, and the girls' 18 month well check got rescheduled for next week, and I actually remembered it was Friday during nap time. So here we go!</div>
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<a href="" name="qt2"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt2" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 2 ---</a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBk3tuIEfsMA9kiIdfy-UYfX6b4hlSO0zmk99HBefM-44AgG9ADfCxBhlv_Vmtt4pHAbJIjzI6YvySzCihXeRZNMDiGKQeuC1-UrPY6R3hIP3soLlUR2fJiZ9Baf1j5ptZXTE1G9FUDpE/s1600/IMG_20140204_210352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBk3tuIEfsMA9kiIdfy-UYfX6b4hlSO0zmk99HBefM-44AgG9ADfCxBhlv_Vmtt4pHAbJIjzI6YvySzCihXeRZNMDiGKQeuC1-UrPY6R3hIP3soLlUR2fJiZ9Baf1j5ptZXTE1G9FUDpE/s1600/IMG_20140204_210352.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm really enjoying <i>Notes from a Blue Bike</i>. <a href="http://theartofsimple.net/">Tsh Oxenreider</a>'s first book, <i>Organized Simplicity</i>, was actually the one that led me into the blogging world. She's really passionate about simple living, and her books are guides to get you there too. I'm glad that I ran across her work before we got too far into our married life or parenting, because I've often come back to the simplicity theme as we figure things out. I am really hoping to get up to her book launch party in Portland this spring!</div>
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<a href="" name="qt3"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt3" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 3 ---</a></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsfsu3kdHpwZm2hY_xNCwIzSRySdZMJi8qBf2-6QUOvuUdnlRHAGT9danExfCLeQOGQrf3a-g0OQn9Nd3a_aC2bR2YBKYmBO8pFwvMxM1dnm6xlh_Dc2i9QlKll0ojzpocrjx3-mdkrk/s1600/IMG_20140129_135532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsfsu3kdHpwZm2hY_xNCwIzSRySdZMJi8qBf2-6QUOvuUdnlRHAGT9danExfCLeQOGQrf3a-g0OQn9Nd3a_aC2bR2YBKYmBO8pFwvMxM1dnm6xlh_Dc2i9QlKll0ojzpocrjx3-mdkrk/s1600/IMG_20140129_135532.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying on the couch once I could open my eyes again - I think this was last Wednesday or Thursday</td></tr>
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I spent most of last week recovering from a concussion I got Sunday before last. It was one of those freak accidents - I was laying on the couch and Erin was romping behind me and fell forward onto my head. She must have hit me right in the exact spot, because I was out of sorts for over a week. I got to go back to work this week, but it's only been the last few days that I've really felt better. Moral of the story: take head injuries seriously, because I certainly didn't at first, and I've been regretting that for the last two weeks!</div>
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<a href="" name="qt4"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt4" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 4 ---</a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk0d2rsUR6u4TqNey4KD850GJ7oS-fKuuVSUQ7DUGXDfW_cObyuIKe_-dJ-YN_l8X1teCv0__gJh7-y8N1kaZdQD6XJZ7XHpKqVmr5hbqyyaQNiBknNU32t1AjIXcLC9rM76x0jBozAU/s1600/IMG_20140204_181616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbk0d2rsUR6u4TqNey4KD850GJ7oS-fKuuVSUQ7DUGXDfW_cObyuIKe_-dJ-YN_l8X1teCv0__gJh7-y8N1kaZdQD6XJZ7XHpKqVmr5hbqyyaQNiBknNU32t1AjIXcLC9rM76x0jBozAU/s1600/IMG_20140204_181616.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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So after my head started feeling better, I got poked in the eye by an errant toddler finger (this time it was Emily) and ended up with a corneal abrasion. The eye doctor recommended using a pressure patch to keep my eyelid closed and help my eye heal. This is what the patch looks like - Emily and Erin were totally unimpressed. Actually, they were so terrified that I could only wear the patch at night in bed! As ridiculous as I felt, it certainly worked well. My eye feels much better already.</div>
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<a href="" name="qt5"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt5" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 5 ---</a></strong></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaE9WlEczgT7JRHBGhv0j08G9v6OoTmwCKv74HKKZdlG26gHqNuSlwRBjcsIKV430sNzs1YvtgwMKGDOBEUVqJsu76QGbjACtyjFtNn8-EBvJ1sr9a9KTEH5Z3besJEhX1rh9S2jjdQU/s1600/IMG_20140131_103032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZaE9WlEczgT7JRHBGhv0j08G9v6OoTmwCKv74HKKZdlG26gHqNuSlwRBjcsIKV430sNzs1YvtgwMKGDOBEUVqJsu76QGbjACtyjFtNn8-EBvJ1sr9a9KTEH5Z3besJEhX1rh9S2jjdQU/s1600/IMG_20140131_103032.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigtails for Erin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EJI2ilYeuj0z6qE_KjISI-PhEfkkWrfERUtNfD2BeoeJ4fMTWalhSiEE0tuv_CI1jFGGdUE4BsaU2uuMDqHzZDVdkOYEEvAZse-bNCpHqTrWFvb_bQVdIKFM9pi-BoEiKzeVolHwLeI/s1600/IMG_20140131_100644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5EJI2ilYeuj0z6qE_KjISI-PhEfkkWrfERUtNfD2BeoeJ4fMTWalhSiEE0tuv_CI1jFGGdUE4BsaU2uuMDqHzZDVdkOYEEvAZse-bNCpHqTrWFvb_bQVdIKFM9pi-BoEiKzeVolHwLeI/s1600/IMG_20140131_100644.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigtails for Emily</td></tr>
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We graduated to big girl hair this week! Emily and Erin both have long enough hair for pigtails. I am all over this adorableness. It doesn't go very well with hats and coats for the snow, though. Unfortunately. Both girls have bangs now though, so there's still some cuteness even when it's cold!<br /><br />
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<a href="" name="qt6"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt6" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 6 ---</a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGvYve_4fcBMoeBffxBO8KS1wSTzMdXiAhIS03X0xuZeQk5NpQNZ7e_6c4iaO09bOfrZyJyUkFPY7S4yrXflUGehMhGgGgifboX6WDlKxT9KmA-2CwbSCWydVp3dHQKPllSsX-y4z7C0/s1600/IMG_20140206_173647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGvYve_4fcBMoeBffxBO8KS1wSTzMdXiAhIS03X0xuZeQk5NpQNZ7e_6c4iaO09bOfrZyJyUkFPY7S4yrXflUGehMhGgGgifboX6WDlKxT9KmA-2CwbSCWydVp3dHQKPllSsX-y4z7C0/s1600/IMG_20140206_173647.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Erin spontaneously got out the broom and dustpan and announced "I play sweep" last night. I'm certainly not going to argue with that! She wanted to sweep up her toys, though, so maybe we need to work on exactly what to sweep....<br />
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<a href="" name="qt7"></a><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4933578155315124556#qt7" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">--- 7 ---</a></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEeG2L6GfPFkitb21AClmW4p05xdAHVMVxJR38AiPQd_M6CsL0WHj9nmBSORthgzb5mC-j4c-kT268gdjhyphenhyphenN-PyALVPkZ-ifUfxapUCYuYLG_o_-JaIZHiqVruaREYme5k88mBQNAPzM/s1600/IMG_20140203_190432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEeG2L6GfPFkitb21AClmW4p05xdAHVMVxJR38AiPQd_M6CsL0WHj9nmBSORthgzb5mC-j4c-kT268gdjhyphenhyphenN-PyALVPkZ-ifUfxapUCYuYLG_o_-JaIZHiqVruaREYme5k88mBQNAPzM/s1600/IMG_20140203_190432.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Most of our meals would provide ample sweeping practice. There's something about toddler food that just always ends up on the floor. Right now the girls always want to have both plates, no matter who's got what on their plate or what color the plates are. It makes for a big mess, mostly. But it's still fun. Especially when it's breakfast for dinner. They liked it so much it's repeating again tonight!</div>
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Have a blessed weekend, y'all!</div>
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For more Quick Takes, visit <a href="http://www.conversiondiary.com/">Conversion Diary!</a></div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-71963638011048791392014-02-06T14:19:00.002-08:002014-02-06T14:19:41.635-08:00Snow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're supposed to get several inches of snow here today! This was the view out our window just a few hours ago.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's more snow on the street than in the yard - I'm not sure why that is but it's usually the other way around!</td></tr>
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Below is just a few minutes ago. We've gotten at least three inches of snow over the last few hours and we're supposed to get several more still. I'd like to make the most of it - what's a must-do snow activity at your house? What's your kids' favorite snow activity?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDLNzFeSGrg-7qzieOf9-054TlsTxsIlv_3JHFSliHI8qio1nSKMk5MuPreKTsV69NoKGnige4dLRbo4QdsY9fq6s2qOV9vVGeYU6Y8g2qQZGNp3gcNLChOwJCQ9e5U4VrnTLnR7wvJE/s1600/CAM00109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-29577154237951354302014-01-19T16:36:00.001-08:002014-01-19T16:36:07.635-08:00What I Wore Sunday: My First Taste of Weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Happy Sunday, everyone! As you may have guessed from the title, this is my first official weekend since I started working. I began my new position last Monday, and I'm really enjoying it. I am still with the same company, but I'm doing a completely different job now. I couldn't be more thankful. God really answered my prayers - which had gone something like "please give me peace with this part of Your will for me" by making it so I am home to see my babies every afternoon just in time for Dan to leave for work. Of course, he has two days off too (usually during the week) so we do have some time together as a family, and on the weekends, he's home in the mornings. All in all, we've been truly blessed. God is good!</div>
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Now, on to Sunday and Mass and the outfit. I even have some pictures of Emily and Erin's outfits for you this week. And, of course, an actual post, instead of just an Instagram shot like the last few months. (I'm a huge Instagram fan, so if you're not already <a href="http://instagram.com/sarahelizabethjeanne">following along</a>, come check it out!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Zxiz6pR8nxwby_PWd9t3rGwsMatyi1Fayf3O_mY6Etzm_yhkWqi62f5h_B78BPsxYSQYdNwM2tXd_YM08g4CiVngLVScsz10SZabcP45pHDKMgC2kAdEPYYZRlgtzmRZH79mKnSdUc/s1600/cid_581.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5Zxiz6pR8nxwby_PWd9t3rGwsMatyi1Fayf3O_mY6Etzm_yhkWqi62f5h_B78BPsxYSQYdNwM2tXd_YM08g4CiVngLVScsz10SZabcP45pHDKMgC2kAdEPYYZRlgtzmRZH79mKnSdUc/s1600/cid_581.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Scarf - thrifted; sweater and skirt - Target clearance; fleece-lined leggings - Fred Meyer (on sale!); boots - gift from my husband (I think they're also from Target); tee - Old Navy; glasses - Walmart (birthday gift from my parents)<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrKYK3WaD61PkuDprja4XtjhxKgdpqHYTDJcnLUt6_BnBgyP66YM6hGR72FtR4Hs0YaLMnO1H54UKqj8MZ0cERyT2-lRIl0okVAztqzJFbjuEZZVHIxv4hIqtyFES7tlSIciC3UNxrLM/s1600/CAM00069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrKYK3WaD61PkuDprja4XtjhxKgdpqHYTDJcnLUt6_BnBgyP66YM6hGR72FtR4Hs0YaLMnO1H54UKqj8MZ0cERyT2-lRIl0okVAztqzJFbjuEZZVHIxv4hIqtyFES7tlSIciC3UNxrLM/s1600/CAM00069.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boots. These get worn to church so often it's not even funny. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the pattern on my skirt - I love that it's textured and HAS POCKETS. I love patterns, if you can't tell by looking at my socks...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the scarf. It really is beautiful. $2!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I am really loving my new glasses. I just picked them up last weekend, so this is my first non-blurry picture with them. I had to get some non-slip nose pads to really love them - apparently I have a skinny nose - but that did it. They're great. My parents got them for me as a birthday present, and let me pick the frames I wanted. As a bonus, they also have glare protection, and since I now drive to work at 5:30 am 5 days a week, this is essential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Other than the leggings and sweater, which are new to my wardrobe courtesy of Christmas and necessity, I've worn all of these before in a WIWS outfit. I love having clothes that can mix and match for different outfits. The scarf was even part of my Halloween costume (I was a librarian). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Did you catch my <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2014/01/13/on-getting-dressed-in-the-morning-a-challenge/">getting dressed challenge</a> this last week on Fine Linen and Purple? If not, go check it out. I have to be honest - I didn't know about my new job when I wrote that post. This really all happened within just a few days. But I do get up every day before 5 am now, so my part of the challenge is to make sure I'm actually getting dressed, not just putting on clothes. Some of my job can be messy, so I don't dress up, per se, but I do make a point of making an outfit. Programming the coffee maker and picking clothes out the night before is a big help here! If you want to participate, it's not too late! I'll be following up with another post over there later this week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">On to Mass behavior - sigh. This is a rough age, I've decided. Emily and Erin are so curious and excited every time we're out somewhere. It's just beyond their capacity to sit still and pay attention - not to mention that they have no idea what they're paying attention to. Emily made everyone who came in later than we did feel welcome today, though, by standing on the pew and smiling and saying "Hi!" as they walked in. At least, that is, until Dan and Erin found a parking place and came in to sit with us. Dan's brother joined us as well, and was a huge help in keeping the girls from escaping. Erin did make one break for the altar, and got about fifteen feet up the main aisle before Michael caught up with her. Michael, if you're reading this, I owe you a Pepsi. Thanks for being such a good sport. I feel sort of bad grading them, but since both girls yanked my glasses off and threw them (onto the similarly colored carpet - bad news) I don't think we can say it was an A. Really, I guess it's about a B- every week, since they're learning and we're learning and this is a rough age. I'll say it again. I wouldn't trade it for anything, though, because I'm loving their personalities and all they can do and how much they've grown and changed in the past 19 months. I'm so thankful to be their mama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have a blessed Sunday, all!</span></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-23156081432126053252013-12-20T09:31:00.001-08:002013-12-20T09:31:21.985-08:00From the hospital<p>This is just a quick update to say that Emily is in the hospital for testing and observation. Won't you keep us in your prayers? She's been running a fever all week and has been very lethargic, with no other symptoms that we can determine. So we're here to find out what's wrong. We've been here since yesterday morning. They are taking good care of her and doing their best to keep her comfortable. We know we're in the best hands. </p>
<p>Thanks to all of you who've prayed for us over the past days already, and blessings in these last few days of Advent!</p>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-65355545617535817362013-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:002013-11-18T06:00:08.098-08:00Life lately<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEHr-a6XwursnZTDcIGL_AxKNerPHrV3RDkGY8Ej24nQok38Zmbj9V8Y-FvreB10iqzGKh47SPrzIlLeX3VMYptsX4ajak3PhakYwePhoU3rElLE1d1WyJPetLdKOu0FbCdau5s-ByfM/s1600/20131005_150744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEHr-a6XwursnZTDcIGL_AxKNerPHrV3RDkGY8Ej24nQok38Zmbj9V8Y-FvreB10iqzGKh47SPrzIlLeX3VMYptsX4ajak3PhakYwePhoU3rElLE1d1WyJPetLdKOu0FbCdau5s-ByfM/s1600/20131005_150744.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily in her flower-girl dress for Dan's sister's wedding. Isn't she just adorable? (Erin was asleep by this point - I promise to add a picture of her from the wedding when I get one!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our adorable jack-o-lanterns, complete with tutus, rainboots, and cute pink hats. You'll notice they're not standing next to each other - apparently they were so excited every time they saw each other they shrieked and ran around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have Dan's grandma's rocker in the girls' room now. Erin has claimed it as her own. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me in my bridesmaids' dress for Dan's sister's wedding - lovely wedding for a lovely couple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily and Erin sharing lunch one afternoon. The eating of apple slices is a big deal 'round these parts. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That day that we smelled burning insulation around the dryer, and when I went to unplug it, something was wrong...scary stuff! Thank the Lord for guardian angels who are on the job!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What? You don't get exhausted while you're eating your lunch?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz5xXvDIgutPyPLkOpUqtZSIB5Uc6q0mmz-yL-DBaBbBtaJpvaUFuccUCWsWt5mqgbpzQMJl8Z-x6YHAgAlMiscSHY0bSPPen22wENJ27vB8VnkcXPROlbJmy4Fb_XZ637ulThOJ5JO0/s1600/20131025_192632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxz5xXvDIgutPyPLkOpUqtZSIB5Uc6q0mmz-yL-DBaBbBtaJpvaUFuccUCWsWt5mqgbpzQMJl8Z-x6YHAgAlMiscSHY0bSPPen22wENJ27vB8VnkcXPROlbJmy4Fb_XZ637ulThOJ5JO0/s320/20131025_192632.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boots are a big hit with this one. Also Mommy's headbands (see Erin's "necklace").</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs6O-IXOG66HW5Zl7xk5S1qsJ-paKrmzJUGS8FDjtPAhVDv808z-ItveYFTwgk4nCMoYNuYEeS9dk4xBfbcz27e2hcTLUiXxt-o9N8ICA_-rPNu9iWCwceQIrgIEBRHjD25GUZPGzrZw/s1600/20131026_231330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs6O-IXOG66HW5Zl7xk5S1qsJ-paKrmzJUGS8FDjtPAhVDv808z-ItveYFTwgk4nCMoYNuYEeS9dk4xBfbcz27e2hcTLUiXxt-o9N8ICA_-rPNu9iWCwceQIrgIEBRHjD25GUZPGzrZw/s320/20131026_231330.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One evening where I had the energy to clean before Dan got home from work. A rarity, I can assure you.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbKPG4BChKNElWLmfX8eTjXB1aO6bh69XAb4fHDBc9gKjvf7golcRNf6Gg3oIQvy_VODui_nWnfLkfGrz2raerRGKbcwie9fekN_JTOWwwlCnmjmIhsBor4bCTmxztaQ0LF1zZ72nUGU/s1600/20131027_131115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbKPG4BChKNElWLmfX8eTjXB1aO6bh69XAb4fHDBc9gKjvf7golcRNf6Gg3oIQvy_VODui_nWnfLkfGrz2raerRGKbcwie9fekN_JTOWwwlCnmjmIhsBor4bCTmxztaQ0LF1zZ72nUGU/s320/20131027_131115.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Emily, all dressed up after Mass a few weeks ago.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGd6Qv6Bplez8ubRVKDxndMUzmY3PZkVdEHu414cMgD-wo99AH4-3fx1iMBC8IATOENkGIVmxgVLvObzIud9RfAGFhK5tGFV8eVywqlOrLo4mEH63n_8QrURbFYXc_TwuBnBVniqkvME/s1600/20131031_145256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGd6Qv6Bplez8ubRVKDxndMUzmY3PZkVdEHu414cMgD-wo99AH4-3fx1iMBC8IATOENkGIVmxgVLvObzIud9RfAGFhK5tGFV8eVywqlOrLo4mEH63n_8QrURbFYXc_TwuBnBVniqkvME/s320/20131031_145256.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad picked out these adorable overalls. He has fantastic taste in clothes, don't you think?!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqUkeXG1Hg2FncFzNWwPxwrGez7qS6sm2NZnoxJyfPXlPGCfNNwMS24TUA3DA89aPm99kNlVfWBFpHkRZ3TFLC3hPlkUDxscFE40Kh30mKQlxj6CGCTGDHX4x9ySWQ8_kq_THYnpmHNE/s1600/20131031_154337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqUkeXG1Hg2FncFzNWwPxwrGez7qS6sm2NZnoxJyfPXlPGCfNNwMS24TUA3DA89aPm99kNlVfWBFpHkRZ3TFLC3hPlkUDxscFE40Kh30mKQlxj6CGCTGDHX4x9ySWQ8_kq_THYnpmHNE/s320/20131031_154337.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Elmo-the-jack-o-lantern. Emily and Erin were beyond thrilled when he lit up.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLG3qJ_CPuSWoetwNc1UzJdS1U7Slw5OQFljhYV3bx3o-9RxV9nWVa2G_FODjqXX64PDjrcQKLEw4R1GetSfRRwMWOqtaFEWExkeov77rmAplKhlU7VKic-xl1cEfBR0tEuP0hcLaVo0/s1600/20131102_181537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLG3qJ_CPuSWoetwNc1UzJdS1U7Slw5OQFljhYV3bx3o-9RxV9nWVa2G_FODjqXX64PDjrcQKLEw4R1GetSfRRwMWOqtaFEWExkeov77rmAplKhlU7VKic-xl1cEfBR0tEuP0hcLaVo0/s320/20131102_181537.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Erin is actually just obsessed with shoes at the moment, particularly mine. She struggles a bit with the Birks though.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2tRQlfIS1XhXLxEFL8mfH-jfgZhaLRW_KtyjkN46cmu6Ik3x5nU4SzahOQnqoEsR8v2nef7iEBhFbpRgX9Fu6lPWisLSrkIcJAzVmsRVCC7t4NKwZMR_t5jFzi3mW0bZ044_X0ncDUk/s1600/20131104_203453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2tRQlfIS1XhXLxEFL8mfH-jfgZhaLRW_KtyjkN46cmu6Ik3x5nU4SzahOQnqoEsR8v2nef7iEBhFbpRgX9Fu6lPWisLSrkIcJAzVmsRVCC7t4NKwZMR_t5jFzi3mW0bZ044_X0ncDUk/s320/20131104_203453.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One night, Emily went to bed at 5 and Erin fell asleep at 6:20. I suddenly had no excuse to put off painting our new bathroom cabinet any longer. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1yzTxRXoTH6_HvPlNbeIZkRPk87EJ7Bn6qQh72AMau4TVEi2xVgUo9vCEM4_XVJicnX5W7B7BmvUlpAoi1nNj-_Qep4bdDUfCq3NnlpPnonHTU4AhupZcoxoJtBSzgz_BAk_9DHvUJE/s1600/20131104_203533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1yzTxRXoTH6_HvPlNbeIZkRPk87EJ7Bn6qQh72AMau4TVEi2xVgUo9vCEM4_XVJicnX5W7B7BmvUlpAoi1nNj-_Qep4bdDUfCq3NnlpPnonHTU4AhupZcoxoJtBSzgz_BAk_9DHvUJE/s320/20131104_203533.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...lesson learned from above painting project? Paint will always drip beyond the best-laid newspapers.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5wfLy6ye3rNVwR67csApmt-9cjHyprd6BT_CCJg6xSePpJ_08wuBRZBZi60DytvjBboXaOVOeCCvwcwHNhnatTI8DbqXglPvDBI6XjJgDN6PnQDzY4ScYyveRyZtXX8zq28c0gAKFqI/s1600/20131109_185306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5wfLy6ye3rNVwR67csApmt-9cjHyprd6BT_CCJg6xSePpJ_08wuBRZBZi60DytvjBboXaOVOeCCvwcwHNhnatTI8DbqXglPvDBI6XjJgDN6PnQDzY4ScYyveRyZtXX8zq28c0gAKFqI/s320/20131109_185306.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I succumbed to the boots and tall socks trend for Saturday night Mass last week. <i>Love</i>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilabzL3wmnRBbnCu74SXFti4xeHBSADznjCaLntA0bkjZDxBpq9yiT9xwvgRKrl75aUAY8CSifE6i6F5yCwUah8xzZ5eFr7aLDtuFUmbK8bIbr03hdn_z6EkIt8WxNiMi7CNkUSfQTGdQ/s1600/20131112_142217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilabzL3wmnRBbnCu74SXFti4xeHBSADznjCaLntA0bkjZDxBpq9yiT9xwvgRKrl75aUAY8CSifE6i6F5yCwUah8xzZ5eFr7aLDtuFUmbK8bIbr03hdn_z6EkIt8WxNiMi7CNkUSfQTGdQ/s320/20131112_142217.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I chased Erin around long enough to get her hair into pigtails. She was greatly distressed, so we haven't tried it again despite - <i>despite - </i>all that cuteness.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamf5M8cDp2ylu3EQ59eXrkonDUKxP-SSZwCT5ZihlVVZem9Yen_Ihzbgvw275cI0_cw4RAosFwD0YB0NUzi4HNmZORK27sJ2Rp49xoMsKMQnW4M0Q5ThIi6JODRXZlqecBgmiTOERcIw/s1600/20131112_202701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamf5M8cDp2ylu3EQ59eXrkonDUKxP-SSZwCT5ZihlVVZem9Yen_Ihzbgvw275cI0_cw4RAosFwD0YB0NUzi4HNmZORK27sJ2Rp49xoMsKMQnW4M0Q5ThIi6JODRXZlqecBgmiTOERcIw/s320/20131112_202701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day, I wanted granola with yogurt and we were all out of granola. So I made my own. I am officially a "crunchy" mama now, I suppose. Coconut oil makes excellent vanilla granola, just in case you were wondering.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNvyQAdigRHP785d4XtSB91CsegzBJiaPPoItW4y4SdAIav_j30Q3ESFokO19lvP_FXzt8iKDbRR16O7oovQmfF5MKxUM3arg_qGzRiVff6XzkAHH-t5OKbNc4_ofsGRyB6pcZbG-AF0/s1600/20131114_151235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixNvyQAdigRHP785d4XtSB91CsegzBJiaPPoItW4y4SdAIav_j30Q3ESFokO19lvP_FXzt8iKDbRR16O7oovQmfF5MKxUM3arg_qGzRiVff6XzkAHH-t5OKbNc4_ofsGRyB6pcZbG-AF0/s320/20131114_151235.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emily's favorite new game is to put toys up on the windowsill and play with them. It's quite adorable. (Her second favorite is to walk around the house with a toy in each hand, waving them and singing. I don't have a good picture of this, for somewhat obvious reasons, but I'm working on it.)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ny3S-ZBEXxI5WkxGrgM79-PlXoNT3rXScwnEZRyf7ipHLE8g4l7jNwfRI81WwknLkLamCwnmxKE-Qg84xQJ5U4wtpa00SpMQ7NAA-KovKv4umx-HbmncB13-JdaF-dJyL6P2P9Qybpw/s1600/20131116_083938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Ny3S-ZBEXxI5WkxGrgM79-PlXoNT3rXScwnEZRyf7ipHLE8g4l7jNwfRI81WwknLkLamCwnmxKE-Qg84xQJ5U4wtpa00SpMQ7NAA-KovKv4umx-HbmncB13-JdaF-dJyL6P2P9Qybpw/s320/20131116_083938.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy whisked me off to the coast for our first date since July - he arranged for the girls to stay with his parents and everything! He's pretty awesome. And, like all awesome husbands (right, <a href="http://www.camppatton.com/search/label/Simon%20Says#.Uom5JSizKph">Grace</a>?) he likes to read plaques.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbmJYSnqB70w_itzXKziu7Cj_4Ko14SJ3y9X3RXozSxPJF-_U8D44WUmoPaTk7Gd9GUijMwiJ9ziFBmBOnYE6fDwH8lS85iQAMU8Q12Hz7gZB-b68mRKzX3VVN6kPvuUXX-G1WolVky8/s1600/20131116_231109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbmJYSnqB70w_itzXKziu7Cj_4Ko14SJ3y9X3RXozSxPJF-_U8D44WUmoPaTk7Gd9GUijMwiJ9ziFBmBOnYE6fDwH8lS85iQAMU8Q12Hz7gZB-b68mRKzX3VVN6kPvuUXX-G1WolVky8/s320/20131116_231109.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I probably shouldn't be bragging about the fact that it's taken me a solid 2 months to get this completed, but all (<i>all</i>!) of our clothes are put away. (Did I mention that we share a 2' deep, 4' wide closet? Vertical space usage was a necessity. There's a step-stool hidden at the bottom.)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawUi2jQ9uKZhWIwUzbfc3zFPEIOgHhZCMgrWU7nDsd_z7n052h1VCrg1xItrueafmel4KG9saexWR1-mmuU6FeKXyLuOeXY6fYME29taujcm4TTyecWJXb9WlxztYtqEcSyeYxYcscPQ/s1600/20131117_194439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawUi2jQ9uKZhWIwUzbfc3zFPEIOgHhZCMgrWU7nDsd_z7n052h1VCrg1xItrueafmel4KG9saexWR1-mmuU6FeKXyLuOeXY6fYME29taujcm4TTyecWJXb9WlxztYtqEcSyeYxYcscPQ/s320/20131117_194439.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the one where I attempted to get their attention. I cannot compete with Elmo board books or IKEA cars. It's just not possible. They're just a day shy of 17 months, though, so this could be one of those cute milestone photos - except I don't have a "17" sticker for their fronts. You can imagine it, right? Right.</td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-35335950021041157292013-11-14T06:00:00.000-08:002013-11-14T06:00:11.874-08:00So. I haven't been around in a while. I feel sort of silly admitting it, but I guess it's kind of obvious since I haven't posted in about 6 weeks. Suffice it to say that a new job for Dan, coupled with a solid month of sickness (all of us) and a whole lot of extra hours at work (me), have pretty much made it impossible to spend much time writing.<br /><br />Things have calmed down a bit, so here I am! I'd love to hear what you've all been up to - any fun and exciting news to share, fall happenings, Christmas plans? Tomorrow, I'll let you in on our fall so far (I've been taking pictures, even if I haven't had the chance to go beyond the 'gram with them).Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-88674635869921949702013-10-02T23:09:00.004-07:002013-10-02T23:09:40.337-07:00LIving Well On Less: Zero-based budgeting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgYkR2lgTVgGwTyOMB_KBBtw3cZLY70TnONXSgSDDjep2aQGoC0cx9o-aOfy4W8_zvI00-5nkzYL7caSufY8SC_R1yobL0WwbmFDzfhwt_wczEn_Zayh_YsdDOQl-uZgUu5d4oWpG7f4/s1600/31days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgYkR2lgTVgGwTyOMB_KBBtw3cZLY70TnONXSgSDDjep2aQGoC0cx9o-aOfy4W8_zvI00-5nkzYL7caSufY8SC_R1yobL0WwbmFDzfhwt_wczEn_Zayh_YsdDOQl-uZgUu5d4oWpG7f4/s320/31days.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome back! Today we're going to talk about zero-based budgeting. If you've never heard of this concept (and you think like me), you probably are wondering if this is some kind of cruel joke based on bank balances, or wondering how on earth you are supposed to survive without spending money.<br />
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Luckily, it's a lot simpler than it sounds. It's also really practical, because when you write a zero-based budget, you're taking all of your income and directing it somewhere. You're either spending it, saving it, or paying off debt with it, but you know where it's going. When you're done with your budget, you have zero - a zero-based budget.<br />
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That's it. Pretty simple. Until it comes to the execution, that is - the part where you're spending the money and sticking to your lists and resisting ALL the impulse spending. Yeah, that part. That's the hard part. For today, we're going to take the first step and talk about writing a budget that works for you and your family.<br />
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So how do you budget for your family? This depends on a few things - your income, your family's needs, and the way money is spent. First, let me say that I'm no financial expert. I do have a family and a budget, however, and I'm happy to share my experience in hopes that it might help someone else on the path to frugal family life.<br />
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In terms of income, it's helpful to know precisely how much you will make in a given time period. If your paycheck comes monthly, a monthly budget might be easiest to start. If your paycheck comes every other week or twice monthly, this gets a little trickier. In our family, we have two sources of income, one paycheck which comes every other week and one paycheck which comes twice a month. To make things less complicated, we have a monthly budget. For some things, like groceries, we break down the amount by week and adjust the budget as needed (and as possible). If you're not sure which will work best for your family, try monthly for one month and biweekly for the next two weeks, or vice versa.<br />
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If your income is unpredictable, it can be even more difficult to budget. One recommendation I've heard (though haven't used) is to create a savings account and build it up over time so that monthly expenses can come out of there, rather than from each month's check. In this way, you can work up towards living off the previous month's check and putting the current one into the account for next month.<br />
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Once you've figured out your budgeting interval or decided which one you'd like to try, start by outlining your basic expenses. These will probably look something like rent, utilities, food, insurance, giving, and transportation. You'll have other expenses too, though they may be irregular; such as insurance and taxes. Try adding up the total amount spent in a year on these things and dividing by your budgeting interval to figure the amount you should set aside. Don't forget to set some money aside for savings each month.<br />
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The biggest key to making a zero-based budget is accounting for all of your income. You can add amounts for eating out, fun spending money, or travel. If something is important to your family, try to find money for it. This might mean cutting expenses in another area (we'll talk more about that tomorrow) but it will ultimately help budgeting work better for you and your family. A budget should make your money work for you!<br />
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This is a great article about zero-based budgeting: <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/zero-based-budget-what-why">http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/zero-based-budget-what-why</a><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-49779528903551289562013-10-02T20:38:00.001-07:002013-10-02T20:58:37.879-07:00Living Well On Less: 31 Days of Frugal Family Living<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m pretty excited about this. If you’ve never heard of the #31days challenge before, bloggers take a topic and write about it every day for the month of October. Ok, so it’s enough of a challenge to write about anything every day - but infinitely trickier to write about the </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">same</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> thing every day - for a whole month. </span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-13681203876414231322013-09-05T00:13:00.002-07:002013-09-05T00:19:48.879-07:00Five Favorites: Elmo and some things that make me smile1. <a href="http://menuplanner.gerber.com/Menus/MenuDetail?menuId=1868723&nutritionProfileId=1466006">Toddler menus</a><br />
I really struggle with planning balanced meals for my girls, so I was excited to find this menu planner for kiddos at various stages. I like that you can customize the nutrition to match your child's development, preferences, and beverage - my girls drink whole milk, but there are breast milk and formula based menus available too. We waste a lot less food with these meals!<br />
2. This furry red monster<br />
My daughters are obsessed with everything Elmo. It's like a reverse "I Spy" game whenever we go shopping - they have to find Elmo and then I have to find where they found him. Hearing them sing his song and say "Hi Elmo!" is one of the sweetest parts of our life right now. So I love him, too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img class="" height="563" id="irc_mi" src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110917000616/muppet/images/5/5a/Elmo-elmo-elmo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px;" width="460" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via Google</td></tr>
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3. This hand soap<br />
I wash my hands a lot, and this soap smells great and leaves my hands really soft. Love it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" src="http://www.dialsoap.com/sites/default/files/styles/product_large/public/Dial_HandSoap_cherseed_lg.jpg?itok=y-ZuNQm7" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via dialsoap.com</td></tr>
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4. This great-smelling dish soap<br />
I wash a lot of dishes, but this soap smells so great I don't really mind. It makes my kitchen smell fantastic, too, and it's a lingering reminder that I washed the dishes already :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Original Dishwashing Liquid" class="" src="http://www.ilovegain.com/LocaleData/en-US/Desktop/images/products/main/original_dishwashing_liquid_main.jpg" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Original Dishwashing Liquid" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image via ilovegain.com</td></tr>
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5. This song, which not only makes me smile but makes me want to go out and live for Him.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kAqulVwr3vw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Thanks for hosting, <a href="http://moxiewife.com/2013/09/five-favorites-vol-27/.html">Hallie</a>!</div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-26122428097350014182013-08-19T07:47:00.001-07:002013-08-19T07:47:32.443-07:00To be a grownup<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3I4i6rcDR7lKuD3BRGien6jbOcmVt_cFd2SoscV0En-lDEn5REOGfABEiNTm2XVi3C4ymSHgjtQ-k9_4b-rmDri7-z66VGPtXNST10e0b90Koe8fdfuk4NwTt76NaBEEd3bIoUL6JC0/s1600/2013-08-19+07.45.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3I4i6rcDR7lKuD3BRGien6jbOcmVt_cFd2SoscV0En-lDEn5REOGfABEiNTm2XVi3C4ymSHgjtQ-k9_4b-rmDri7-z66VGPtXNST10e0b90Koe8fdfuk4NwTt76NaBEEd3bIoUL6JC0/s320/2013-08-19+07.45.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me as a toddler, with my mom on the beach.</td></tr>
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I remember sitting at the dinner table, watching my dad crush a cracker into his soup with one hand. <i>"If only I could do that, just like a grownup!"</i> I thought to myself. I wanted to whistle, to snap my fingers. I wanted to write beautifully and read grownups' books and sign checks. I wanted to cook and use everything in the kitchen by myself. I wanted mail to come with my name on it. I wanted to get married and be a mother.<br />
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There were plenty of grownup things I shied away from - I hated answering the phone (I've gotten over that) and I didn't relish the thought of being in the dark by myself. I didn't want to make phone calls either. Nor did I want to navigate the spooky outhouses at the beach on my own, where surely dwelled the most dangerous of...well, whatever lives at the bottom of an outhouse.<br />
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Life has changed quite a bit since I formed my grownup aspirations. People don't write letters much anymore, and checks are fast becoming a thing of the past. I never envisioned reading grownup books on a tablet - but I do, and I love it - and I couldn't have imagined a day where cooking would be seen as optional. I learned to whistle and snap my fingers, and while my kids find both very amusing, I don't feel like a big shot every time I do one or the other. I could probably crush a cracker one-handed into my soup - except that I don't like crackers in my soup, as it turns out. Sorry, Shirley Temple.<br />
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On the other hand, my husband commented yesterday on my remarkable knack for using <i>everything</i> in the kitchen when I cook. I love being married, and I love being a mother. I like writing checks more than the average twenty-something (hello, Dave Ramsey budgeting!) and I pride myself on my handwriting. I find lots of mail with my name on it.<br />
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I suppose, crushed crackers in my soup or not, I've arrived as a grownup.<br />
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...I think I like it.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-17564294767856517352013-07-28T21:14:00.002-07:002013-07-29T12:14:30.098-07:00What I Wore Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sweater: Target clearance rack</div>
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Tee: St. Vincent de Paul</div>
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Skirt: Target clearance rack</div>
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Shoes: Toms </div>
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Glasses: Essential Eyewear (Lenscrafters)</div>
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Earrings & necklace: gifted</div>
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Mass is getting to be a little more challenging now that Erin is walking. She thinks that she should be running around the whole time, which isn't going to happen. I'm really going to have to get going on something to quietly entertain her. I'm thinking something with buttons, maybe - any suggestions are welcome! We also should have brought her a little snack, since she didn't eat much breakfast and her bottle isn't enough to fill her up anymore. I'm not big on feeding kids to keep them quiet, but I think hunger was one of the culprits this morning. Overall, I'll give Erin a B+ and Emily an A, since she snuggled in the Ergo and fell asleep eventually. </div>
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Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple - <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2013/07/28/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-41/">head on over</a> for more Mass attire!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better picture of the outfit - pattern mixing FTW!</td></tr>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-84534258273588685452013-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-25T06:00:03.569-07:00Why you shouldn't steal a blogger's laptopAs you may have guessed from the title of this post, I haven't been blogging for a few weeks because my laptop was stolen. This happened while we were all away from the house, thanks be to God, but it still involved a smashed window, blood and broken glass all over our little house, and a sense of security that vanished with one phone call. I'll never forget the panic that gripped me when my husband called me at work and told me I needed to come home, someone had broken into our house. I spent the ride home on the phone with the insurance company while a police officer searched our house. He gravely informed us that this is a frequent occurrence in our city, and reassured us that they'd do what they could to help.<br />
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It took a few days for the reality to sink in. The burglar stole my laptop and my jewelry box, which I'd carefully filled with all of my holy cards, a scapular that was given to me by an order of Carmelite nuns during my pregnancy (unfortunately not the most practical thing to wear with small children), various saint medals, a saint bracelet, and nearly three decades' worth of jewelry. My grandmother's engagement ring, the string of pearls my mother gave me to wear for my wedding day - I'll most likely never see them again.<br />
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I felt a deep, wrenching sense of loss when I stumbled upon a Buzzfeed article about "things Catholic girls like." As I read through the list and recognized things I, too, loved, I pictured the drawer in my jewelry box where I'd find each of them.<br />
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And then I remembered it was gone. Smashed in some Dumpster somewhere, or crushed unceremoniously by the side of the bike path that runs through our neighborhood.<br />
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I was overwhelmed by sadness from the first moments I spent inside our house after the police investigated. I found a medicine bottle that had held one or two Percocet, left over from my C-section over a year ago, stained with bloody fingerprints inside my sock drawer. The bottle lay empty, separated from its lid. I pictured the desperation of a thief who would smash double-paned glass, squeeze through an opening too narrow for even my petite frame, and splatter blood from his wounds everywhere as he searched frantically for valuables. I was overcome with pity for this man and his miserable existence. I wished I'd had the chance to offer him food, drink, a pair of clean socks. A part of me wished he could come into his right mind and realize the sentimental value of the things he'd stolen - the pictures we can't replace, the emptiness I feel each time I remember the blank spot on my dresser.<br />
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I've tried to pray for this man when I think about the break-in. I pray that another family will never have to go through this, that perhaps he looked at the holy cards and saw the beauty of God's love for all his people. I pray that he will get treatment for the addictions that undoubtedly plague him. I pray that even when we who are so blessed must endure such things, we realize the magnitude of our suffering in comparison with the rest of the world, and act accordingly. Please keep him in your prayers as well.<br />
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I did get a new laptop (more on that soon) so I'll be back to blogging more regularly now. I can't wait to share some great posts with you in the upcoming weeks! It's great to be back.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4933578155315124556.post-52452591253977425592013-06-30T17:43:00.002-07:002013-06-30T17:43:45.837-07:00What I Wore Sunday: Throwback outfit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOloPNuB3rXRU1_yn3bV_fmVUJnhAMH903Up5pIwavaACxGVSicd7-KybEHOpjh-hsV2h6_Dkg94KlrrgoceJzJUNV3invz50Pm8wTKJGZ16rIg2dnmhy3BE-YzXznOKrMb16_dALYfLI/s320/DSCN0344.JPG" width="240" /></div>
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<b>Outfit</b>:</div>
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Top - American Eagle (2008)</div>
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Skirt - American Eagle (2004)</div>
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Sandals - Target</div>
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Earrings and necklace - gifts</div>
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I realize the title of this post may be a tad misleading. I've never worn this exact outfit before here on WIWS, but I've owned both of these long enough to make this a throwback outfit. I got the shirt before we got married, after eying it for months on the table at American Eagle. I got the skirt years before that, while I was still in high school. I really didn't think they'd ever fit again. But they do! I'm so excited. I love that there are actually things in my closet that are classic enough to be worn for nearly a decade and still feel stylish. </div>
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I tried something different today, and actually took time to read the readings and a reflection before Mass. I've done it before, but it's been a few months. It helped me refocus quickly once I could actually hear what was being said. Emily was relatively quiet during Mass today, but Erin was not. The heat didn't help our cause - it's been in the mid-90s here for three days now, after beginning the week with highs in the mid-60s. Poor Emily hit her head on the pew and snuggled up to sleep on my chest in the Ergo after crying and screaming in Dan's arms. Erin fussed and talked and finally found happiness sitting in a grownup chair, looking like she owned the place. I still give her a B, since she could have been much noisier and crankier, and she's only 1. I'll give Emily an A, since she had a valid reason to be screaming at the beginning, and was sleeping until the very end when we left. </div>
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Hope you all have a great Sunday and a wonderful week - try to stay cool! Linking up with <a href="http://www.finelinenandpurple.com/2013/06/30/what-i-wore-sunday-volume-37/">Fine Linen and Purple</a>, as always!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14901039640927938545noreply@blogger.com4