tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80060310357877733442024-01-23T00:57:18.693-06:00Faith, Grace & GigglesA look at life through Kim's eyes: a woman trying to lose weight through weight loss surgery, a woman suffering from fertility problems, a woman going through the process of adopting a baby, and a woman on an amazing spiritual journey. Some posts may contain affiliate links. Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.comBlogger1685125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-80602676132892752272020-03-20T21:02:00.003-05:002020-03-20T21:02:36.073-05:00Where have I been?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're all social distancing now, but I've slowly been noticing that I've been distancing myself from the world since last July. It's no big secret that life has been challenging at times for our little sweet man. But let me go back to the beginning of last year, and we got notice at our neurologist appointment that her practice was changing over to a membership-based practice. The fee for staying there wasn't extremely high, but when I learned that they were still billing insurance and charging copays... it just seemed like I was being punished for an issue with the insurance side of the coin.<br />
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So we went back and forth a bit, and I started making calls to a few other clinics to see where we would land. Most of those clinics couldn't see him until October of 2019, but I finally found a great spot with the T.H.I.N.K. Clinic in Houston -- they have several locations, and we see the one in our area. Anyway, they were able to get us in around the end of July for our initial visit.<br />
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To say that it was an eye-opening experience would be an understatement. I guess I just had completely miss judged what our previous neurologist had been doing for the 5 years we were her patient. We went every 6 months, and even though she had asked me a billion questions about how school was going -- nothing ever came from that part of the discussion. Honestly, I thought it was weird that I was telling her all that information, and she took notes on it... but that was the end of it.<br />
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I'd been having concerns that there was more to the picture than I was being told, so I mentioned that when making the appointment with the new clinic. They ran with it and did an autism screening. It came back that my precious boy has autism, but that's just the tip of the iceberg of things that I learned that day. This new doctor spent an hour with us, and I walked away with referrals for 8 other specialists and therapists that they wanted us to see. Y'all, I was completely blown away.<br />
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You see, we've known that James has Neurofibromatosis since fairly early on - when we were living in Memphis it was confirmed and they did his first MRI... but really since then other than some testing when he was around 4, no one has really tried to get in there and help us get any sort of REAL help for us.<br />
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We left that appointment and a few weeks later had a 72 hour EEG to test him for any seizures, that came out completely clear -- but man, this kid did NOT enjoy that testing. We were able to get into the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Texas Children's Hospital, which was another very educational visit. I've got some follow up to do with them, but they want to do some genetic testing on him that they say can help predict what problems he might have going forward, and help us know what to expect. They also said that he doesn't have any issues on his optic nerves and by his age, it's unlikely that they would develop. We've got an appointment in mid-April for a neuro-eye exam, but I'm not sure if we will be rescheduled at this point. We've also got an endocrinology appointment in May... again if we can get to them.<br />
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We waited and fought a hundred rounds trying to get him into a clinic for a neuro-psych test which we just got completed at the end of February... y'all, there is so much to process from that visit. I'll have to dive into it in another post, but while it wasn't completely unexpected... there were tears from this pile of emotions over here.<br />
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This is a long post already though, and there is just SO much more to say... and that I've learned. Not to mention since there isn't much else to do these days... I'll be back very soon with more.Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-14535750517493027942019-10-16T08:46:00.001-05:002019-10-16T08:46:20.133-05:002020 Powersheets are HERE!!! <center>
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<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1435217&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">2020 PowerSheets Collection</a></center>
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I want to talk to any of you out there that are thinking that $60 is a lot of money for something like this. Trust me, I get it... but if you break it down... that's an investment of $5 a month... can you skip one trip to Starbucks or 2 trips to Sonic in a month to afford yourself this amazing product that will change your life? If you break it down even further... it's $0.16 a day... and I'm telling you the 80 pages of prep work is work that alone! </center>
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So to sweeten the deal a little bit more -- if you use my link to make a purchase between now and Saturday at midnight... I will do a drawing for 2 people to win a gift card to Starbucks or Sonic -- their choice! </center>
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Don't forget about the two bundles that are well worth a look at - remember if you spend $100 you'll get free shipping as well. So the Best Year Bundle will get you close to that - add on the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1435234&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Magnetic Page Markers </a> and you're there! You could also go ALL IN and get the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1435875&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">I Want It All Bundle</a> (if you opt in for that one -- let me know and you'll automatically get a gift card for a drink on me!)</center>
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Those that shop tomorrow will get the best deals (because the bundles will sell out) AND you'll be entered to win the amazing prize of your order being delivered by the Cultivate What Matters Team! I would LOVE to be a winner because I just want to hug these ladies! </center>
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One more product that you might consider is the adorable <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1435233&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">New Day Pullover </a> it is a super soft sweatshirt that would be amazing to wear on those cold days! <br />
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Beginning on December 9th - Lara will begin posting Powersheets Prep Week videos - where they walk you through doing the prep work together as a community. There are some amazing groups on FB that are super supportive... but in addition to that - I'd love to help you with them as well -- just let me know in the comments and we might be able to pair up as accountability partners for our Powersheet goals.<br />
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There aren't many products I believe in quite like Cultivate What Matters... they've changed my life. Other things that they have are some great <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1412226&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Write the Word</a> journals, and <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1390044&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">The Kids Bundle</a> which has some Write the Word journals designed specifically for kids!<br />
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REMEMBER to let me know in the comments if you use my link so that I can add your entry into my giveaway for 2 winners to get a Starbuck or Sonic gift card -- your choice!
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<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1435217&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">2020 PowerSheets Collection</a>
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-67024523161547741882019-10-13T21:10:00.000-05:002019-10-13T21:10:34.549-05:002020 Powersheets Collection Guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz2JP88SSH8/XaPJ_ACxDRI/AAAAAAAALN8/A3egMMb5ibg7ONK2Sbfue4s83TZ3gB0IACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/_0040_2020PS_Teal_Flatlay_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tz2JP88SSH8/XaPJ_ACxDRI/AAAAAAAALN8/A3egMMb5ibg7ONK2Sbfue4s83TZ3gB0IACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/_0040_2020PS_Teal_Flatlay_Square.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxmhbwTWQSQ/XaPJ_dgCjiI/AAAAAAAALOA/YeEm-7gLeRMYS7iOlC5WroVZJyJa1VdlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/_0041_2020PS_Pink_Flatlay_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxmhbwTWQSQ/XaPJ_dgCjiI/AAAAAAAALOA/YeEm-7gLeRMYS7iOlC5WroVZJyJa1VdlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/_0041_2020PS_Pink_Flatlay_Square.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsmcTDIb3Rc/XaPJ_xVB2OI/AAAAAAAALOE/5krudvXW3tUTXYDGTlLu00njClkOHb50wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/_0042_2020PS_Confetti_Flatlay_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsmcTDIb3Rc/XaPJ_xVB2OI/AAAAAAAALOE/5krudvXW3tUTXYDGTlLu00njClkOHb50wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/_0042_2020PS_Confetti_Flatlay_Square.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRYkZovDHw/XaPKAf_hcTI/AAAAAAAALOI/jqOmvdHi_aEccFMqfwLcxHm0KgRkgkdhACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/_0043_2020PS_Blooms_Flatlay_Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiRYkZovDHw/XaPKAf_hcTI/AAAAAAAALOI/jqOmvdHi_aEccFMqfwLcxHm0KgRkgkdhACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/_0043_2020PS_Blooms_Flatlay_Square.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The 2020 Powersheets ($60) are coming on the 16th a 10AM EST!! This is going to be the best year yet with the new hardcovers, gold coil, and gold corners that will help protect the inside pages as well as add a little pop! These are such a blessing as Lara and her team walks you through every step of the prep work - in early December they have an entire week devoted to sharing videos of how to work through the process, and continue to encourage you to make progress every step of the way. From the top left - we have Teal Linen, Pink Linen, Confetti, and Blooms. Each one has a pocket on the inside that can hold all sorts of things. New for this year is the 2-page calendar spread for each month that can serve as a planner inside of the powersheets... especially if you use their Weekly Sticky Notepad that I'll show you a bit later in the post.<br />
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In addition to the Powersheets themselves - they're giving us 15 new accessories to be added on to your order, and a couple of bundles that I'll walk you through a little bit later.<br />
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Let's meet your 2020 accessory lineup! </div>
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Accessory Pouch ($18) - add in all your accessories and then the elastic band fits around your Powersheets!</div>
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Wild Card Page Pack ($10) - these additional pages can be taped inside your Powersheets for more customization. Topics include meal planning, self-care, personal finance, reading lists, seasonal bucket lists, and more!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSt-TlbofQ/XaPJ6IK4_ZI/AAAAAAAALOg/-VulsHhGTLEW13w_zsNKV_jWjqfT9sYZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Sticker-Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzSt-TlbofQ/XaPJ6IK4_ZI/AAAAAAAALOg/-VulsHhGTLEW13w_zsNKV_jWjqfT9sYZgCEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Sticker-Book.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BuUozZMU1c/XaPJ1Z5m7yI/AAAAAAAALOY/8y3usQWFT3MpRk5NIxD8_zJleiy9r6bSwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Faith-Sticker-Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BuUozZMU1c/XaPJ1Z5m7yI/AAAAAAAALOY/8y3usQWFT3MpRk5NIxD8_zJleiy9r6bSwCEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Faith-Sticker-Book.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Goal Setting Sticker Book & Faith Sticker Book ($15)</div>
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Add some more color and fun to your planning!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLNKcauOXhA/XaPJ6TcQ45I/AAAAAAAALOc/nmiwx8IDieYPBLouuazkWlYgho5kC2H3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Tending-Tape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLNKcauOXhA/XaPJ6TcQ45I/AAAAAAAALOc/nmiwx8IDieYPBLouuazkWlYgho5kC2H3ACEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Tending-Tape.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Tending Tape ($12) Cultivate branded washi tape.</div>
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Legacy Journals ($18) Hard covered lined journals for sharing. </div>
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They have a linen finish and come in Peach, Pool, or Chambray.</div>
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2020 Best Year Wall Calendar ($22)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7BnFwXJIVI/XaPJ4GZmT8I/AAAAAAAALOY/KGUXIbOGRKYjQEP8KBBttTfSJm_BsQXtACEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Magnetic-Bookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u7BnFwXJIVI/XaPJ4GZmT8I/AAAAAAAALOY/KGUXIbOGRKYjQEP8KBBttTfSJm_BsQXtACEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Magnetic-Bookmark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Magnetic Page Markers ($8)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxpY9fYbdpE/XaPJ2yWRU5I/AAAAAAAALOU/B4PwII2Gwh4Iyiz6Cg9hhdHAmjI2173nACEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Joyful-Greeting-Card-Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KxpY9fYbdpE/XaPJ2yWRU5I/AAAAAAAALOU/B4PwII2Gwh4Iyiz6Cg9hhdHAmjI2173nACEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Joyful-Greeting-Card-Cards.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmmulHBNGc8/XaPJ2ncARpI/AAAAAAAALOU/jRG8zfrZ8CQznuqKcGHf-eJ6nWXm3_KQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Joyful-Greeting-Card-Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pmmulHBNGc8/XaPJ2ncARpI/AAAAAAAALOU/jRG8zfrZ8CQznuqKcGHf-eJ6nWXm3_KQgCEwYBhgL/s200/2020PS_Joyful-Greeting-Card-Box.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Joyful Greeting Card Set ($24)</div>
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Gift Wrap Book ($24)</div>
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Everyday Lined Notebook Set ($18) - Set of 3</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28aO7YSNeFc/XaPJ1QCwGvI/AAAAAAAALOM/TXVjkEM5wyceiYlKS5MCH14ybXChk2b0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_Encouragement-Postcards-All.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28aO7YSNeFc/XaPJ1QCwGvI/AAAAAAAALOM/TXVjkEM5wyceiYlKS5MCH14ybXChk2b0wCEwYBhgL/s320/2020PS_Encouragement-Postcards-All.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pep Talk Post Cards ($12)</div>
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Weekly Sticky Pad ($12)</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2dWiL88xTo/XaPJ-w6PV9I/AAAAAAAALOY/HFSyOpeb0GwQxU9foWbrRs22qJZJYVgjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Cropped_0003_Pullover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2dWiL88xTo/XaPJ-w6PV9I/AAAAAAAALOY/HFSyOpeb0GwQxU9foWbrRs22qJZJYVgjgCEwYBhgL/s320/Cropped_0003_Pullover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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New Day Pullover ($40) - soft sweatshirt in sizes XS-2XL</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2fHoHzvxPs/XaPUs0qxl-I/AAAAAAAALPE/RBINbYbmhB8pOSee-gjP1kBe6Oe5GezZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020%2BGoal%2BSheet.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="458" height="177" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2fHoHzvxPs/XaPUs0qxl-I/AAAAAAAALPE/RBINbYbmhB8pOSee-gjP1kBe6Oe5GezZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/2020%2BGoal%2BSheet.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>
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12 white gold foil cards to write goal reminders on ($10)</div>
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Now... how about some BUNDLES!! </div>
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The BEST YEAR BUNDLE - valued at $115 but sells for $95! Includes Powersheets of your choice, Goal Setting Sicker Book, Accessory Pouch of your choice, Tending Tape, and a Wild Card Page Pack. A great deal! </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqO7TdXWpLM/XaPJ2dVIObI/AAAAAAAALOc/s4te1kzFAoIUhHgdI2wcF2eWl0RfSbh5QCEwYBhgL/s1600/2020PS_I-Want-it-All-Bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QqO7TdXWpLM/XaPJ2dVIObI/AAAAAAAALOc/s4te1kzFAoIUhHgdI2wcF2eWl0RfSbh5QCEwYBhgL/s320/2020PS_I-Want-it-All-Bundle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For those that want EVERYTHING... check out the "I Want It All Bundle" -- valued at $261 but sells for $221! It includes Powersheets of your choice, Gift Wrap Book, 2020 Wall Calendar, Accessory Pouch of your choice, Tending Tape, Legacy Journal of your choice, Magnetic Page Markers, Joyful Greeting Card Set, Everyday Lined Journal Set, Goal Setting Sticker Book, Weekly Sticky Notepad, Wildcard Page Pack, Peptalk Post Cards, Goal Card Display Set.</div>
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<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1433440&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">2020 PowerSheets Collection Guide</a>
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<b>Some other fun things you can expect on Launch Day... the best deals, free shipping on orders of $100 or more, a free sticker with each purchase, AND an entry into a drawing to have your order personally delivered anywhere in the US by the Cultivate What Matters Team!</b></div>
Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-65731470002116054362019-09-24T15:28:00.000-05:002019-09-24T15:30:08.856-05:002020 Powersheets are coming!! <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://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1426277&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/62537/Cropped_0031_2020FlatLays___GZ0156_edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click the image above for more information!</td></tr>
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One of my most favorite products over the last several years - I found these in 2016 and haven't ever looked back... but each year they evolve a little bit and just keep getting better. Last year was the first time they've offered different cover options, and this year they've gone above and beyond with that!! They are now HARD COVERED! They've got amazing gold binding on the corners to keep the pages extra protected... they've got a lovely gold coil binding this year, and the extra bonus is the pocket on the inside -- let me tell you about those pockets after I tell you the cover names.<br />
Starting in the top left, we've got Confetti (or Powerfetti) as we'd like to call it - the interior pocket is in a lovely teal color. Lara herself says that it's party on the front and business on the inside. HAHAHA! <br />
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Top right -- is my personal favorite (and my choice for the coming year. Teal Linen, it's simple, elegant and bright. The inside pocket on this cover is business on the front and party on the inside because it has the floral blooms on the pocket. This is the tidbit of information that pushed me into choosing this cover... because blooms is my second favorite.<br />
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Bottom left is the Pink Linen cover the inside pocket on this one is the Confetti - it would likely be my third choice if I were putting them in order... but I'm going to include a fun little color chart to help you decide which design would suit you best.<br />
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Finally. last but not least is the bottom right - Blooms! I was torn between this and the Teal Linen for a couple hours leading up to the full cover reveal video - this cover is beautiful and fresh. Lara described it as if the sprouts of the Confetti design grew up and bloomed -- which is perfect. The pocket on the inside of this design is a lovely periwinkle color.<br />
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Need help choosing your own cover?<br />
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These will be on sale beginning on October 16th, and the full-year design is going to be $60 this year. Which is an AMAZING value considering all of the improvements that have been made to the design and durability this year - the team decided to not raise the prices so that the community can continue to benefit from this amazing goal-setting system.<br />
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They have 15 new accessories coming out this year that will be revealed on October 9th. But, wait... there's more - coming soon! Be sure to come back here for all the details and my choices for what I'm going to be getting for the year of clear vision... get it? 2020! 😂<br />
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<br />Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-49736733147069116722019-01-22T09:00:00.000-06:002019-01-22T09:00:08.519-06:00Neato Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've decided that my intentional journey this year will be in doing the Keto plan - I refuse to use the <i>D</i> word. I feel sure that most know what it is by now, but I'm keeping my net carb amount to 5% of my calories daily. My protein around 25% and my fats around 70%...<br />
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I'm no stranger to the low carb life - as I've done Atkins numerous times in the past - and I can't explain why this time is different... but it's not quite as restrictive as Atkins' first two weeks -- being that within my macros - I can have up to 25 grams of carbohydrates a day. Now, that also needs to take into account that you subtract out the fiber content from the total carbs and get the net number... so my NET carbs are under 25 grams a day.<br />
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With the many times, I've done this before - I suffered excruciating withdrawal symptoms for up to a week. I did my research on the keto flu before getting started and I was ready for it - I never knew in all the Atkins stops and starts that what my body was struggling with was the loss of sodium. So this time, I armed myself with electrolyte water and added a little more salt to things the first few days. I never really got those dreaded migraines like I have in the past. My biggest struggle has been fatigue - I go in spurts. One minute I'm feeling incredible and knocking out all. the. things. Then a bit later, I'll find myself completely worn out - so I feel like my body is still adjusting to burning fat for fuel instead of sugar.<br />
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I'm in it to win it though - so I'm just taking it one day at a time. Like I said before - I'm not looking at this as an all or nothing thing. It's my new lifestyle. So if I'm at a party or something and there are carbs, and I want some -- I'll keep it to a small amount and go on living my life. Just because I have one small thing doesn't have to derail me entirely from my whole plan.<br />
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In the past that has been my thought process, I would cave and have one thing -- and next thing you know 6 months have gone by and I've been off the wagon the whole time. Not this time... I've got a friend that I'm super comfortable sharing the slips with and we've vowed to help each other through that "failure" mentality.<br />
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I'm two weeks in on the plan so far and I'm still loving it -- I've got just enough variety that I'm happy and I'm trying out all sorts of new recipes and sharing them over on my <a href="http://www.cookwithmommahawk.com/">recipe blog</a>. If you scroll down there is a label that will pull up all of our keto-friendly recipes.<br />
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My plan is to keep to the semi-basics for the most part as much as I can and add whatever we're craving. If I need to bake something -- I'm happy to do it. I'd rather do that than buy something packaged as low carb because that way I know and can control the ingredients. This week - I made John some mini cheesecakes that are low carb and have a pecan crust. I made myself some chocolate mousse -- but I'm looking for a different recipe on that one.<br />
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In addition to my keto plan, I've added in intermittent fasting. I'm going most days from about 10 PM to 12 or 1 PM the next day to eat. I seem to be doing just fine on that and even though my doctor was strongly against it - things are going fine. One thing I can tell you that has been eye-opening is that the night before starting the plan - my sugars were 358 and since beginning the plan they haven't been over 130 even once! I'm excited to go back next month to show her by sugar readings -- maybe I'll even begin my goal of backing off of some of my medications. </div>
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I saw the doctor the day before we started and she put me on a new shot that is helping curb my hunger as well - I'm virtually NEVER hungry anymore... and I used to be a huge snacker. It's so strange... between the shot and the added fat in my diet -- I'm losing weight and never hungry. </div>
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I haven't added this in just yet -- but it's coming. I've been seeing some ads for the Body Groove workouts and I'm thinking about getting them. It looks much for free form and I'm looking for something to completely change the way I think and feel about working out. Has anyone seen the ads or heard of this program? I'm curious how it works -- it looks like it would be fun and maybe something that James and Tyler can do with me at least whenever he wants to join in.Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-12385066311155719892019-01-21T16:27:00.000-06:002019-01-21T16:27:53.213-06:00Well, I'm a bit late... but it's 2019!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've learned a few things in the short time that it's been 2019, and I thought I'd start off a series of upcoming posts with that. What I've learned is that in years past - I've set goals and I've given resolutions of things like I'm going to lose 25 pounds... only to quickly fail. That gave way to me only setting resolutions of things like lose weight... with no set amount, because in my mind... even one pound gone in the year would be a success, right?<br />
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Well, none of it has been successful, and I found myself at the end of 2018 feeling pretty defeated. I thought that I was just destined to be heavy and on tons of diabetes meds for the rest of my life. Nothing could or would ever change for the better... Then I heard one of the most profound podcast episodes I've ever heard.<br />
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It was a couple of days in the new year and I was catching up on getting my Powersheets set up for the year, and determining what my goals would be and I heard something that I will never EVER forget... Two things actually: 1) There is nothing magical about January 1st. There is nothing special about January 1st other than the fact that for the next month or two you'll be writing the wrong year on everything... or maybe it's just me? 2) The reason that resolutions fail by and large is that there is no heart reason behind them. They are just shots in the dark at things that we feel like we need to improve.<br />
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That's when it clicked for me. Will I be perfect in this pursuit? Of course not, but what I can do is embrace the progress that is being made and know that things are better than not trying at all. How does that look different in real life?<br />
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It looks like choosing goals that are tied to reasons, real tangible reasons... for instance - with my weight loss goal - why do I want to do it in the first place? There are a few reasons there actually:<br />
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<li>to feel better and not have creaky joints</li>
<li>to get off of all of my medications</li>
<li>to have more energy for my family</li>
<li>to be ALIVE longer for my family</li>
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Let's be real honest here - since few people read this anyway -- there is safety in putting it out there, but I was on a path to certain earlier death until I changed things. Granted I have only changed things in the last two weeks... but I'm headed in a better direction than the alternative. With my weight and my diabetes working together - it was almost a guaranteed certainty that I wouldn't make it until a natural old age. How can I look into the eyes of my family and not know to the depths of my soul that I need to do better for THEM? Take me out of the picture... but how can I not get control over this issue so that I can be there for many more years to come? </div>
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I know that there will be struggles, but one thing I also know is that I love these people in my life fiercely -- both those that live within my home and those family and friends that I interact with on a regular basis... I happen to be someone that loves BIG often at the detriment of my own health because I also tend to be a people pleaser. Maybe of my goals, this year are all wrapped in on this topic. </div>
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I'm one of those people that comes up with a word for the year, and each of my 7 goals for 2019 is tied to this word. My word for this year is Intentional. (I'd love to have a ring with that word stamped on it or even a bracelet -- I'll have to look for one)</div>
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Here are my 7 goals... </div>
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<li>Spend <b>intentional</b> time with God either through devotionals or Write the Word Journals</li>
<li><b>Intentional </b>time with people that matter - John, the boys, friends, family</li>
<li><b>Intentionally</b> improve health through diet, increased water, intermittent fasting, and exercise</li>
<li>Focus <b>intentionally</b> on our budget and debt snowball</li>
<li>Be <b>intentional </b>with my daily reading for enjoyment both nonfiction and fiction</li>
<li><b>Intentionally </b>create a second book for publishing</li>
<li><b>Intentionally </b>spend time on homemaking through decluttering and cleaning routines</li>
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Will these all happen perfectly - probably not, and some of them will take a backseat at times for the others -- but what I do know is that 2 weeks in -- I'm feeling better than I ever have and I'm showing no signs of stopping. Something has snapped in me this year and I feel so much more grounded in knowing that there will be bad days and there will be good days -- but showing up for myself will never EVER be a disappointment to those that matter. </div>
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-48282763220265596842018-12-08T10:25:00.002-06:002018-12-08T10:25:09.730-06:00Heart of a Mother: A Gift and A Miracle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of writing a book. I never really knew what it would be about, until much later when my life became so much more than what I would have ever imagined. Through all the tough times, we just keep pushing forward... all while God was weaving the most incredible tapestry within our story. </div>
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The book is based on our story from our meeting through our struggle to become parents, but there is so much more woven into this story. There is something for everyone to hopefully glean from these pages. In addition, I've added discussion questions so that you could use it as a part of a book study with a book club or a group of friends. My hope is that by reading our story, you'd learn the power of leaning into God and never EVER giving up. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nswSF4okeyo/XAvuwP3B8SI/AAAAAAAALCA/dJTg5jlDoOQUhl1QAiKjngBCPzc2NOyLgCLcBGAs/s1600/315654_HeartofMotherBookCover2_111418.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1030" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nswSF4okeyo/XAvuwP3B8SI/AAAAAAAALCA/dJTg5jlDoOQUhl1QAiKjngBCPzc2NOyLgCLcBGAs/s320/315654_HeartofMotherBookCover2_111418.png" width="205" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Mother-Miracle-Kim-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B07KPLC648/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1544285348&sr=1-1&keywords=memoir+christian+motherhood+adoption+pregnancy+faith+family+pregnancy+heart+of+a+mother+Kim+Hawkins" style="background-color: white; color: #c02292; font-family: "Covered By Your Grace"; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">To purchase on Amazon</span></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Covered By Your Grace"; font-size: 17.6px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">About the book:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"> <span style="color: #333333; font-size: 14px;">How often can you look back on the most difficult times of your life, only to catch a glimpse that they were already preordained by an amazing God? In this powerful journey through their many challenges, you will experience one family’s incredible story of struggle and triumph to parenthood. Be encouraged as you read how they found humor, faith, and an abundance of Grace along the path that was carefully laid out for them before the foundations of the world. From infertility to a pregnancy that was foretold to be impossible, you will be inspired as you watch God unfold their story that ends in unimaginable greatness.</span></span><br />
Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-77851067237068541712018-10-24T08:55:00.000-05:002018-10-24T08:55:02.725-05:00Get Your Powersheets TODAY! <div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1261361&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/62537/LaunchAffiliates-300x600_Collection.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1261361&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">The 2019 Powersheets Collection is now available!!</a></div>
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There are so many incredible products this year from <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259762&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Powersheets in 4 different cover colors</a>... </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwc4QYhdNj4/W8-dVTOY5mI/AAAAAAAAK4E/ckXft6IX1J49_x4tiqbGw6hRYOWe1qviACLcBGAs/s1600/ColorWheelCovers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1246" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwc4QYhdNj4/W8-dVTOY5mI/AAAAAAAAK4E/ckXft6IX1J49_x4tiqbGw6hRYOWe1qviACLcBGAs/s320/ColorWheelCovers.png" width="248" /></a></div>
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They've also got a lovely <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259759&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">neutral 6-month updated set</a> </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5blv9gZ4hA/W8-dlXWjTgI/AAAAAAAAK44/E0AHYEKZhkgGq-hPDY4UfmqqurWA0uQwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019PSLaunch_Accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5blv9gZ4hA/W8-dlXWjTgI/AAAAAAAAK44/E0AHYEKZhkgGq-hPDY4UfmqqurWA0uQwwCEwYBhgL/s320/2019PSLaunch_Accessories.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They've got the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259456&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Goal Setting Sticker Book</a>, <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259534&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Weekly Sticky Notepad</a>, <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259530&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Tending Tape</a>, <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259475&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Sticky Notes</a>, <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259476&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Wildcard Pages</a>, and <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259458&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Zipper Pouches</a> that are ALL amazing!! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C60ud1BM1zg/W8-dlckmurI/AAAAAAAAK5E/_eYwHtXfyGgqonYDmcOxzSl1nPOUo0hlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019PSLaunch_80Bundle_Wildcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C60ud1BM1zg/W8-dlckmurI/AAAAAAAAK5E/_eYwHtXfyGgqonYDmcOxzSl1nPOUo0hlwCEwYBhgL/s320/2019PSLaunch_80Bundle_Wildcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259988&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Best Year Yet Bundle</a> is a great option - it includes a set of Powersheets in your choice of color, a zipper pouch in your choice of color, tending tape, wildcard pages, and a goal setting sticker book! This option alone would qualify you for the free shipping that they are offering until midnight on Thursday the 25th. </div>
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In addition to the Powersheets this year, they've added a couple of new products as well. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjgEXYhZgo0/W8-dln--0yI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/cfvN7YdYehsgwsetQFTnItXEYhqpScTnACEwYBhgL/s1600/2019PSLaunch_Cards%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bjgEXYhZgo0/W8-dln--0yI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/cfvN7YdYehsgwsetQFTnItXEYhqpScTnACEwYBhgL/s320/2019PSLaunch_Cards%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They've got a set of <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259462&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Joyful Greeting Cards</a> in an adorable box that will help you cultivate the relationships in your life. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Buaa9Z0utbs/W8-doj0LEGI/AAAAAAAAK5I/bzsNy-F566cPLffSStQ2U0gxOCpKlqcgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2019PSLaunch_WallCalStyled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Buaa9Z0utbs/W8-doj0LEGI/AAAAAAAAK5I/bzsNy-F566cPLffSStQ2U0gxOCpKlqcgwCEwYBhgL/s320/2019PSLaunch_WallCalStyled2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They've also got this amazing <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1259460&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Cultivated Wall Calendar</a> that is new this year -- which is a great addition to their collection. </div>
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Lastly, they also have the amazing <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1101966&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">Write the Word Journals</a> in several different versions -- these are another product that I dearly love! </div>
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In addition to all of these great items -- any purchase between 10/24 and 10/25 (at midnight) that is over $100 will receive free shipping! </div>
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Happy Launch Day Everyone!!! Head over right now with any of these links and shop to your heart's content! </div>
Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-39135544297886061272018-10-16T13:25:00.000-05:002018-10-16T13:25:48.419-05:00Lego Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This past weekend we celebrated our youngest's birthday with a Lego themed party. He chose this theme fairly close to his party date so we didn't have a whole lot of time for planning, and our budget was tighter than normal this year. I think we managed to pull off a super cute party even with those constraints. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYfYx2wL7lk/W8Yc0lzkGHI/AAAAAAAAK3M/i3w4I0YdnzoP4FHoElOGMjlCLaoWnyJUwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYfYx2wL7lk/W8Yc0lzkGHI/AAAAAAAAK3M/i3w4I0YdnzoP4FHoElOGMjlCLaoWnyJUwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_8467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found some cute patterns online to build the birthday boy's name out of Legos, but we couldn't exactly decide which size Legos the pattern was for... so we ended up doing our own thing to build his name out of Duplo sized blocks. We also built two 8s to make the mantel look symmetrical. I also got some plate and cup sets that came with the banner and tablecloth. I ended up with two of <a href="https://amzn.to/2NKIv3u" target="_blank">these sets</a>. I also got this <a class="" href="https://amzn.to/2CMXjNZ" target="_blank">favor bag set</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2CljuKe" target="_blank">these add-ins</a> for the guests. If I had it to do over again, the add-ins were too small for the kids to even really make, so I'd opt for <a href="https://amzn.to/2CMW0Pc" target="_blank">these</a> instead.<br />
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If our budget had been larger - I would have looked into <a href="https://amzn.to/2CKJL5X" target="_blank">this</a> photo prop, <a href="https://amzn.to/2CkMDVY" target="_blank">these</a> photo props, <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ep4Ynt" target="_blank">this</a> pinata, <a href="https://amzn.to/2NP2mPm" target="_blank">these</a> balloons, or <a href="https://amzn.to/2pTUsdM" target="_blank">this</a> additional decoration set. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY4l1lW3Rpg/W8Yc0Roa9yI/AAAAAAAAK3I/AfVcyE3ycWYZRlhqlIlRA_pVhACJVAY5wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PY4l1lW3Rpg/W8Yc0Roa9yI/AAAAAAAAK3I/AfVcyE3ycWYZRlhqlIlRA_pVhACJVAY5wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_8468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was able to find <a href="https://www.deliacreates.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Lego-bumps.pdf" target="_blank">this free resource</a> to print Lego paper -- so I printed them on a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NKRjqd" target="_blank">pack of 5</a> different shades of paper that I found here. I took the paper and cut it into pieces and put this pattern on the wall, under a large Minecraft village that Tyler had made. I also put some of these blocks around our TV, because the party was mainly held in our living room/kitchen area. Given more time, I might have put them in some other areas around the house too.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hbbU3EMuk/W8Yc0uB-hvI/AAAAAAAAK3o/IOHGf5uQNfMK0hNHeptXNrEu4uFVZeLYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_8466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d6hbbU3EMuk/W8Yc0uB-hvI/AAAAAAAAK3o/IOHGf5uQNfMK0hNHeptXNrEu4uFVZeLYgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_8466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was Tyler's cake this year, we did not make it like we did last year. He really liked it though. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZtkKlIl2w4/W8Yc22k-h6I/AAAAAAAAK3U/2ga97wGxFhoYY1Gc0P-0sOxWD64eco-oACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OZtkKlIl2w4/W8Yc22k-h6I/AAAAAAAAK3U/2ga97wGxFhoYY1Gc0P-0sOxWD64eco-oACLcBGAs/s320/DSC_8471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple of our friends that were coming are doing the Keto diet, so I wanted to make sure that there was plenty of food for them to eat as well as keep it simpler this year for our budget. In parties past, we've always served a full meal for the most part... but this year it was more finger foods. Tyler made fruit sticks with grapes, cantaloupe, and strawberries. I thought about adding pineapple as well, but you could do any sort of fruit that you like.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ui80vOmW28/W8Yc3O7pm8I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/fLKwNzxfO8wTDDiHSnYfcQiitb0rIh-HQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ui80vOmW28/W8Yc3O7pm8I/AAAAAAAAK3Y/fLKwNzxfO8wTDDiHSnYfcQiitb0rIh-HQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_8473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also made a meat & cheese tray with turkey chunks, summer sausage, salami, cheddar cheese squares, and colby jack squares. We had some extra space, so we served olives with it. For those not eating low carb, we served some Ritz crackers on the side of our meat tray. Our next item, is a Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dip -- we included: carrots, cucumber, mushrooms, broccoli, and celery in the tray. Tyler requested <a href="http://www.cookwithmommahawk.com/2017/02/charleston-cheese-dip.html" target="_blank">Charleston Cheese Dip</a> because it's his absolute favorite. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cv7Cxktqq4I/W8Yc34QFpoI/AAAAAAAAK3c/kjuYQSS2fnQIyOYfn7QMDpMQVKj1GzYYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_8474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cv7Cxktqq4I/W8Yc34QFpoI/AAAAAAAAK3c/kjuYQSS2fnQIyOYfn7QMDpMQVKj1GzYYQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_8474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We serve the Cheese Dip with pita chips. Then we made two forms of Greek Salad --<a href="http://www.cookwithmommahawk.com/2008/10/pappadeaux-greek-salad.html" target="_blank"> a green salad</a> version, and a <a href="http://www.cookwithmommahawk.com/2018/10/greek-pasta-salad.html" target="_blank">pasta salad</a> version.<br />
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Here is our sweet birthday boy who had a wonderful day surrounded by people he loves the most. Eight is Great, and he is SO happy to finally be the same age as his brother for the next 6 months!Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-42877410466084641542018-10-05T14:19:00.001-05:002018-10-05T14:19:14.824-05:00Made by August Lane<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">At Made By August Lane, we make custom t-shirts and custom promotional/gift items! Let Debi and our team help you make your special item dreams come true... if you see it, we can make it! </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Covered By Your Grace"; font-size: 17.6px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Covered By Your Grace"; font-size: 17.6px;"></span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: "Covered By Your Grace"; font-size: 17.6px;" />These are some of our designs -- several of them I own personally, but we can make anything your heart desires. Debi is the mastermind and the most amazing designer -- and she can make all sorts of shirts, tanks, jackets... mugs, doormats, water bottles, and we are now breaking into the market of welcome home gifts for realtors. The welcome home baskets are going to be awesome with a door mat, mugs, kitchen towels, and potholders all stored in an amazing large bucket -- each item personalized for the family.<br />
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-4704621520581492202018-10-05T13:00:00.000-05:002018-10-05T13:54:10.861-05:0040 Things About MeA couple months ago, I turned 40 -- and I thought it might be fun to share 40 things about me... some you might know and some you might not.<br />
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<ol>
<li>Growing up, I was the youngest sibling - and cousin on both sides of my family. </li>
<li>At age 25, I became the middle child of 5 when my parents adopted my younger siblings. </li>
<li>John and I met online - before it was a real thing... three different times before it stuck. </li>
<li>The first time we met, I scared him off by sending a photo that made me look too young. </li>
<li>We were married when I was 23.</li>
<li>I cried through our entire wedding ceremony because I was so nervous about facing the congregation. </li>
<li>My first semester of college, I attended the University of Alabama, and remember it fondly even though at the time I thought I was miserable.</li>
<li>I had a 12-year long career in non-profit fundraising and data management before having the boys. </li>
<li>In college, I interned for Children's Miracle Network and fell in love with helping people through charities. </li>
<li>While working with Children's Miracle Network, I worked on their annual telethon... it was amazing and exhausting.</li>
<li>I was the only Ring Dance coordinator (think, 7 proms with different themes & entertainment all happening at the same time) my senior year at Texas A&M, it was a huge undertaking, but I learned a LOT about myself that year. </li>
<li>My senior year at A&M was the year of the Bonfire Collapse, and I've never been more proud and humbled of my Aggie Family than I was during those excruciatingly painful days. </li>
<li>I began a new job on September 11, 2001 -- and watched the events of that day unfold on a television in their lobby before being sent home for the day. </li>
<li>I was supposed to fly to Chicago on September 12, 2001, for a trip with my sisters and stepmom, but that trip never happened due to the closure of all the air travel at that time. (I've still never been to Chicago.)</li>
<li>Two of my favorite places that I've ever been are - New York City and Washington, D.C. </li>
<li>In the summer between 7th & 8th grade, I went on a 3-week long bus tour of the West Coast with my school. </li>
<li>When I was very young, my grandfather had his own airplane so if I wanted to visit... I'd call him and ask him to send the plane to get me. </li>
<li>I couldn't be more grateful that I was able to grow up without social media... I can't imagine if the antics we lived back then were on social media. 🙅</li>
<li>I won my first computer at my after-prom party... I actually won a stereo but traded it with a friend for the computer & that's the computer I had when I met John. </li>
<li>I am allergic to saltwater -- and apparently my own sweat if it stays on my skin for too long.</li>
<li>As a small child, I wanted to be a marine biologist, which would have been problematic with my saltwater allergy. </li>
<li>After an 8 year battle through infertility, James was born.</li>
<li>Tyler was born 6 months later after an intense pregnancy.</li>
<li>I was 32 years old when they were born.</li>
<li>We moved to Memphis for a couple of years when the boys were 9 & 15 months old. </li>
<li>I've suffered from migraines since high school.</li>
<li>My first mini-stroke was in January 2013, and I spent several days in the hospital because of it. </li>
<li>We moved home in October 2013, and I had a second mini-stroke in my Dad's driveway. </li>
<li>In March 2014, I finally was diagnosed with MoyaMoya Disease.</li>
<li>I had two brain surgeries in the summer of 2014, and the first one mostly cured me of daily migraine headaches and periods of not being able to control my muscles.</li>
<li>We chose to homeschool because of some learning challenges that James deals with. </li>
<li>I used to make beaded jewelry as a side business.</li>
<li>I've tried several MLM companies, and while I love the products... I am just NOT cut out for that work. </li>
<li>I've always dreamed of writing a book, and I'm now making it happen! </li>
<li>I'm a self-proclaimed planner junkie... I need a 12-step program.</li>
<li>Baking and cooking relax me, but meal planning stresses me out. </li>
<li>Reading is one of my favorite past-times, and I try to read between 35-50 books every year. </li>
<li>I love giving gifts, but birthdays and Christmas stress me out because I want to get the perfect gift for each person. I'm never confident that they will like the gift. </li>
<li>In 6th grade, I won a solo singing competition... but I quickly retired afterward. </li>
<li>Last but not least... and I take a lot of heat for this one... but I'm not a fan of bacon or seafood. I will tolerate bacon in recipes, but I'd never crave it. </li>
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-4327492876422304262018-10-03T14:39:00.000-05:002018-10-17T13:49:35.326-05:002019 Powersheets are COMING!If you've been around this little piece of the web for any of the last couple of years, you'll know that I am a serious fan-girl of Lara Casey and the Cultivate What Matters Team. They make the most amazing intentional products from their Write the Word Journals to motivational postcards you can send to your loved ones. It is this time of year that I love the most for so many reasons... one of them being the NEW Powersheet Collection release!<br />
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I seriously love my powersheets for so many reasons, but one of them is that they allow me to work through a series of worksheets designed to help me figure out what goals matter most to me. Now, I've fallen victim of overloading on the goals in the past, but I'm learning how to edit myself over time. One main issue here is that it is okay to not fill in every single line on your tending list each month... I'm a work in progress, Y'all.<br />
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I'm going to take you on a short tour of my goal refresh for the fall season...<br />
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To start your refresh, you're given these boxes to examine different areas of your life. Starting at the top of the left page going clockwise on the page - Health, Friends, Spouse/Significant Other, and Family are given a rank from 1 to 10. You're then allowed to explain why you chose the rank you did, then a space to write what you're saying YES to in the coming season, and what you're saying NO to in the coming season as well. On the second page, you work through - Finances, Spiritual + Personal Growth, Work, and Recreation. After this two page spread, you're given space to choose up to 10 new goals for the season. </div>
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You're allowed to do this within the 1 year dated workbook each season - Spring, Summer, and Fall - in addition to your initial goal prep work that is a 60-page journey toward uncovering the things that matter most to you. (at least it was 60 pages in 2018 -- they likely have added things for the new year.)</div>
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After you've finished your refresh -- or each month -- you'll find a blank tending list page that you can tear out and place somewhere meaningful for you. Maybe it's in your day planner or taped to the fridge or bathroom mirror... where ever you need to place it to keep you chipping away at your goals. I personally leave them inside the Powersheets and set it next to my day planner so that at the end of the year, I can pack them away and have a record of all the goals I set and progress made in the previous years.<br />
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Here is my list for October 2018... I left several lines on the weekly and daily goals blank because I'm focused in on some bigger monthly projects this season. I've got some checking off to do, but still LOTS of progress to be made!<br />
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Now, let's talk about the 2019 collection... there are SO many new products coming out on October 24th at 10AM Eastern -- you will absolutely want to make a note in your planner to shop that day! I'll make sure to come back and drop some links and share some more products for you to look at in the days until Launch Day. For now... let's talk covers.<br />
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In past years, there has only been one cover for the 1-year version -- and they've had a few choices for the 6-month versions... this year, however, there is only 1 version for the 6-month sets (a neutral cover) and FOUR covers for the 1-year versions!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5PvXQCLBG0/W7UVuXWONfI/AAAAAAAAK0M/lNiPv3bOtr80rv09jXT3rszJMSa54h3rACLcBGAs/s1600/Powersheets%2B-%2BMulti.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="406" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5PvXQCLBG0/W7UVuXWONfI/AAAAAAAAK0M/lNiPv3bOtr80rv09jXT3rszJMSa54h3rACLcBGAs/s320/Powersheets%2B-%2BMulti.PNG" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multi-colored (Funfetti)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teal</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow</td></tr>
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I am torn personally between Multi-colored and Teal... which one would you love to have in your hot little hands on October 24th? In addition to this, Lara has designed a <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zi0k6amyvyx2yz7/AABrcAXWCIHFq1gkGLvh4l7za?dl=0" target="_blank">Cultivated Homeschool Planner</a> that I plan to print and take to Office Depot to be bound. It's completely free and customizable for how you need to plan your homeschool, but what a blessing for no cost at all! I do hope you'll join in the movement and Cultivate What Matters in your own life!Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-15204066880794863932018-10-01T17:44:00.002-05:002018-10-01T17:44:59.953-05:00FreezEasy ProgramsY'all, I want to tell you about one of the BEST freezer cooking sites out there, <a href="https://www.myfreezeasy.com/?orid=45249&opid=22" target="_blank">FreezEasy</a>! This site has some amazing monthly meal plans available, or you can also build your own plan based on your family's preferences. The greatest part is that she has something on the site for everyone's dietary needs - from Paleo to Whole Thirty - From Gluten-Free to Dairy Free... she has them all covered. Each recipe will also tell you how to swap out things where it's needed to make them fit your allergy or diet guidelines. You can also go, <a href="http://successguide.pages.ontraport.net/?orid=45249&opid=138" target="_blank">here</a>, for a FREE Freezer Meal Success Guide.<br />
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The greatest part is that once you build your plan, you can immediately print out the shopping list, prep list, and get everything into your freezer within a couple hours of returning from the store! The genuis part of this site is that you can also adjust the size of the recipes to the number of portions you want - so it works great for small or larger families. </div>
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I highly recommend <a href="https://www.myfreezeasy.com/join?orid=45249&opid=23" target="_blank">joining this site</a>, and taking advantage of all that freezer cooking can save you on those busy school nights... you can be prepped and ready as sports practices pick up and things get busier as the fall moves on. </div>
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I've used this site for a long time, and have some recipes that have become tried and true family favorites -- the Pollo Asado -- is a GREAT addition to our recipe list. Another couple that we have loved has been the Lasagna Bake, and the Greek Chicken Bake. I'm working through some more of the freezer to Instant Pot meals right now because that is such a convenient way to prep meals rather than having to thaw it out in advance. If you're new to the Instant Pot style of cooking - there are also an <a href="https://www.electricpressurecooking101.com/?orid=45249&opid=74" target="_blank">Electric Pressure Cooking 101</a> class and the <a href="https://www.myefficientkitchen.com/?orid=45249&opid=92" target="_blank">My Efficient Kitchen</a> class offered as well. </div>
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In addition to the regular freezer plans -- she also has a great resource in the <a href="https://www.shopfreezeasy.com/collections/stork-the-freezer?orid=45249&opid=109" target="_blank">Stork Your Freezer</a> programs for new Moms. I would have LOVED to have been given a shower where people could have filled my freezer full of all sorts of meals for when my babies were born. There are so many ways to work this style of shower, but if I could have left meals for the new mommy while also coming home with some of my own... how GREAT would that be!? My vision for that would be to have people double up on a meal in their plan for the mom-to-be, and then take the rest home... and if every couple of guests chose a different meal plan... even better!<br />
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Here are the different meal plans to choose from for Stork Your Freezer Showers:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfJLrpFwbbo/W7KgPwq_hsI/AAAAAAAAKzA/XTDMPYtuvmEXaFwLXhU_OWE2GfM7ZebMwCLcBGAs/s1600/veggies-only-600x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfJLrpFwbbo/W7KgPwq_hsI/AAAAAAAAKzA/XTDMPYtuvmEXaFwLXhU_OWE2GfM7ZebMwCLcBGAs/s320/veggies-only-600x1000.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SaErA4QkVA/W7KgPu3cy9I/AAAAAAAAKy8/ERKyrawJScUKvvqYOTU7W3GAE865fvTKQCLcBGAs/s1600/slow-cooker-600x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SaErA4QkVA/W7KgPu3cy9I/AAAAAAAAKy8/ERKyrawJScUKvvqYOTU7W3GAE865fvTKQCLcBGAs/s320/slow-cooker-600x1000.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
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Last, but not least, Erin also has a <a href="https://www.grocerybudgetmakeover.com/?orid=45249&opid=128" target="_blank">Grocery Budget Makeover program</a> that will rock your world. I've taken the course, and LOVED it. I'm still whittling down our budget, but I can't recommend this program enough to those that need it.<br />
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<br />Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-45368363199502908152018-09-11T10:20:00.000-05:002018-09-11T10:20:28.394-05:00What Are We Doing?I'm going to start by saying that I realize that people won't agree with me and, that's okay. Just please be respectful of all points of view.<br />
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Here I sit on the 17th anniversary of September 11th, and I wonder often... how did we get here? In so many ways we've gone backward on the unity of that time. I remember the incredible resilience and pride that you could visibly see for days, weeks, and months after that horrible day. So how is it that we got to this place in 2018?<br />
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What place, you might ask? The place where we are so divided on EVERYTHING. Is it the social media factor? I don't know... is it the keyboard warrior mentality? Maybe. Is it the complete lack of even attempting to see things from the other side? More on point.<br />
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I remember the days when we could freely be different - and that was okay. I mean, some of my dearest friends spend a lot of their time doing things that I don't agree with politically, but I respect their right to do that. We're even so aware of it that it's a joke now... she will call me out and say... I know you won't agree with this, Kim, but... You know what? It doesn't hurt me.<br />
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For me, I'm a firm believer in the "You Do You" way of life. If you want to do something, go all in. Many of my friends look completely different from me, and I think that is really cool... at least until my 8-year-olds ask them what a tattoo is... they were just curious why my friend drew on herself every day. HAHA Oh, kids. But, I digress.<br />
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More to the point - there are two things that I'm seeing lately and they just blow my mind.<br />
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One -- this whole Nike thing. Look, I stand for the anthem and for the flag. Last I checked, it's legal to burn that same flag... the fundamental difference for me is that you're not allowed to burn said flag at work... but that isn't the point either for this argument. Nike chose their spokesperson, and you don't agree with them. No problem. Burning shoes and clothing is a bit too far though. Donate them! There are plenty of people in your own backyard in need of those items and, they don't care what logo is on the item. If you want to boycott, fine... if you don't, fine. See, You Do You. It's okay to choose another brand to spend your dollars on, but it's also okay to continue wearing the items you already purchased. It's a commercial, and honestly... when was the last time you watched a commercial? I spend all of my time DVRing things or streaming them so that I DON'T have to watch them anymore.<br />
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Now for point 2 -- I've seen several articles, and I even believe there is a whole Facebook group devoted to this cause... but there is an uprising over the book Girl, Wash Your Face... such an uprise that when I posted about hosting a book club on the book - I got a message from a friend who I love and respect asking me to reconsider hosting or reading the book.<br />
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Her concern was that Rachel's theology wasn't sound, and she didn't want me to be swayed. Here is where I'm at with this. I love and respect this friend, but on this point and others, we don't agree. This can happen between people sitting next to you at church too. Fundamentally, those within the walls of your church will agree on salvation and that it comes from Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. From there, most of the rest is up to your interpretation... and how you read the Bible scriptures that day. Haven't you noticed that you can read a verse and it means one thing to you today... and if you read it again a couple years later - you might take something completely different way from the words.<br />
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This book is written by a woman that believes in Jesus. That's where her need for sound theology stops for this book because that isn't what the book is about. She is an imperfect Christian writing a book about things that she has believed in her life. I'm a Christian woman who has faced some of those same things in my life. So it resonates with me. It won't with everyone, I've seen some posts from people that just don't see what the hype is for... and that's okay too. It's not going to be for everyone, but that doesn't make her wrong.<br />
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I think the danger here comes when we put these expectations on Christians that everything they write, say, or do has to be theologically sound. We are sinners. We are broken people. There is only ONE perfect person, no one else will ever measure up to Him. Christians can write books that are not spiritually based... or at least I hope so.<br />
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I'm currently writing a book, and I would hope that people aren't looking for me to teach them anything beyond my words. My book is about our journey to parenthood, and it's about finding hope in God to endure the journey. I'm not trying to teach anyone how to apply it in their own lives, but sharing our story of hope and redemption for them to apply however they see fit. Not every book written by a Christian is meant to teach theology... there are plenty of them that are meant for that... Rachel's is not.<br />
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I pray for a day when life isn't this US or THEM mentality that we've got going right now because it's only serving to break us farther apart. If you don't agree with my points on these issues, that's perfectly okay because you haven't lived in my shoes... you've lived in yours, and you've got different filters. The fundamental difference is how you approach this information - do you attack first, or do you attempt to see it the way that I do - then disagree respectfully. That respectful disagreement and mutual respect is able to live and breathe again.Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-7097581913056132522018-09-10T17:54:00.001-05:002018-09-10T17:55:29.090-05:00Simplified Planner 2019<center>
<a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1006929&u=1365665&m=61134&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="Academic Agenda, Daily or Weekly by Emily Ley" border="0" src="https://static.shareasale.com/image/61134/250x250.png" /></a></center>
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Hi, my name is Kim. I am a planner junkie. You name a planner and I've likely tried it. There are two daily planners out there that I currently love. Ok, maybe three... but that's neither here nor there. I need a 12-step program seriously... but anywho... </center>
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I'm here today to tell you about the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1006929&u=1365665&m=61134&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Simplified Planner</a>. I am in LOVE with the Blue Tile pattern, as well as the Watercolor Floral... and the Mint Pineapple too! These planners come in both a daily planner and a weekly planner version. </center>
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They've got 6 GORGEOUS covers for both the weekly and the daily versions... although a few of the daily versions are sold out. </center>
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The Daily Planner is 7"x 9" and is made with high-quality materials, it is for you if you need to plan out your days by the hour. If you just need more space for notes and long to-do lists... this is your girl. I've used the daily before, but I just found it to be more space than I needed - so I've chosen a weekly, and I think it'll suit me a bit better going forward. </div>
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This is the weekly is 6" x 8" and a good bit thinner. It lays completely flat as you see below, and is more for the high lights and a few other to-do list items.<br />
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In both versions, there is a prefilled section on your Sunday layouts with your Sunday-Prep work. These are things that are designed to help set you up ahead of the game for the week ahead... easy things that just make you feel ready to tackle the coming week. </center>
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If you're looking for a high-quality planner that is simple enough that you can customize it to fit the needs to whatever you're tracking -- look no further than the <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=766633&u=1365665&m=61134&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Simplified Planner</a> by Emily Ley. </center>
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In addition to the planner - if you're a reader -- <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1096083&u=1365665&m=61134&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Emily has penned two books</a>, Grace Not Perfection was her first book, but I can't recommend her second book Simplified Life anymore - it is a tactical guide to simplifying your life... check it out! </center>
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-56807825576985219942018-09-08T15:21:00.002-05:002018-09-08T15:23:20.013-05:00Intentional Bites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I want to tell you about an amazing new planner that is hitting the market very soon! I've got an advanced copy so that I can help get the word out about it. The <a href="http://www.intentionalbitesplanner.com/waitlist/?orid=45249&opid=203" target="_blank">Intentional Bites Planner</a> is going to be a game changer!<br />
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The idea behind this planner is that no two bodies respond to the same things, and we all have our own challenges that we are trying to combat. Erin, the creator of the planner has a great video on the waiting list page that explains her inspiration. With this product, you can work through some planning pages to discover your goals, and then you can track your daily food intake as well as how you are feeling as you make necessary changes to your meals. In addition, you can track your grocery lists and meal plan both weekly and monthly!<br />
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I'm filling out my planner this weekend as I begin to uncover my new food goals in relation to my health journey. I am tired of trying every diet out there, no longer am I going to try to live my life around my diet... I'm going to change my eating plan to fit my life. I won't be cutting out entire food groups anymore -- I'll just learn how to work in the things that I want while continuing to work toward my goals.<br />
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I've done every diet in the book -- from the cabbage soup diet, Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Atkins, and 21 Day Fix containers -- you name it... I've tried it. Some I was set up to fail from the very beginning with the ultra-restrictive nature and burn out... others just weren't good at preparing you for a life after their plan. I once begged for a plan for Christmas and failed it before the end of the first day because I was STARVING... so I ended that day gorging on pizza. I've felt every sort of sting of disappointment. Now it's time to try something completely different.<br />
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Does this sound like something you'd like to do too? Get yourself on the waiting list for the <a href="http://www.intentionalbitesplanner.com/waitlist/?orid=45249&opid=203" target="_blank">Intentional Bites Planner</a> today! Then follow along on our journey to health here... in addition to using the planner - I'm reading the book Intuitive Eating so I'll be working through my overall food demons with that as well. I'll be posting pictures and more about our weekly intentional eating prep-work too!Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-88142373227905364962018-01-22T17:10:00.000-06:002018-01-22T17:19:11.701-06:00Neurologist Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, we had our follow-up appointment with our Pediatric Neurologist. We love Dr. Jones, and it's always fun getting to spend a few minutes with her. We talked about all of the issues that have been going on - especially the day that James nabbed my phone. We talked about how in some ways it seems like we are reverting back to those crazy toddler days before we even knew what was going on with James.<br />
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We started off with her letting me know that his MRI looks exactly the same as it did the last time it was done... which is a GOOD thing. Don't get me wrong - I love that result, but I was wondering if these behavioral issues were the result of a change there. That isn't the case - so we're back to the drawing board of finding the balance for James.<br />
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She gave us the all-clear on the MRI for 18-24 months -- so we don't have to worry about that again for a good while... which is nice.<br />
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We also talked about a test that a friend of mine mentioned -- it's a cheek swab test that brings back a list of what medications work well for the patient and what won't work at all. The website for the test paints it a bit differently - as in the test is a miracle that will magically tell you the exact medications that will work best... sadly, that isn't reality. Dr. Jones explained that it basically brings back the patient's detailed liver reaction to each medication -- which can be helpful, but it doesn't directly point you to specific meds. She did say that one benefit to the test is that it can stay with him for life -- so if anyone ever needs to put him on medications later in life for whatever chronic illness may or may not come... it'll have information on what drugs might work best for him.<br />
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I feel good about that given that I can't help guide him on what he might be allergic to - where I can with Tyler to a certain degree. At least as far as my medical background goes - so the only mystery for Tyler would be John's medical background... but even there - we know that John isn't allergic to anything.<br />
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After talking through that test - we looked at what tweaks we can make to his medicines - so for the next couple of weeks, we are going to try a new patch that gradually doses his medicine over 9 hours. I don't know how the patch will work, but it's the same medication that he has been on and we've had success with it -- so as long as he will keep the patch on, it might work well. Additionally, we are going to give him one of his other pills a couple hours earlier to see if that'll help slow him down in the witching hour when he just seems to be like a tornado.<br />
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Lastly, we talked about how he is doing academically - which is hard for me to answer. I'm of the mindset that they are always behind, but I know that is partially me being hard on myself. I feel like in some areas they are doing well, and others we are a bit behind... but I think overall we are doing as well as we can. Everyone keeps up for the most part - so we will just keep plugging away. I hope everyone is having a great start to their week... and I'm hoping to get back to this blogging thing more often -- since we're 95% over this flu now.Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-63053123403745815082018-01-20T15:41:00.001-06:002018-01-20T15:41:11.718-06:00Catching UpSince my last post -- we've had a doozy of a week and a half...<br />
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James got his MRI taken care of, but that was an ordeal. My poor buddy got stuck several times before the nurses decided that they should give him some gas to knock him out so they could get it. We decided that we won't ever try that again without giving him the gas, to begin with... I'm not sure who had more trauma from that experience - John or James. While James was getting his test done; Tyler, John, and I went downstairs for some breakfast. I wasn't feeling that well so I didn't eat, but we learned that Tyler has no problem with hospital food. HAHAHA.<br />
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John woke up that morning feeling under the weather, and he was set to travel to Belguim on Sunday - so I made him a doctor's appointment that he could go to once we got everyone home from the hospital. We went back upstairs, and after a few minutes, they called me back to see James. He woke up talking and has not stopped since... unless he is sleeping. They told us that he might be groggy for the rest of the day from the anesthesia... they lied.<br />
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He was back full speed from the moment we got home. Ready to go, but we tried our best to keep him at a slower pace for the rest of the day. John made it to the doctor, and they told him he had bronchitis.<br />
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By Saturday, he had a 102 fever - so he called and talked with his team leader, and they decided to cancel his trip. Thank goodness they did that... by Monday, I was diagnosed with the Flu A. I made it to the doctor on Monday evening, and then the ice storm hit - so the city was shut down on Tuesday and Wednesday. Well, by Tuesday evening - we knew Tyler had the flu as well... but with everything closed, we couldn't get them to the doctor until Thursday morning.<br />
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Thursday morning, both boys were diagnosed with Flu B - so we've been quarantined ever since. John was able to work his meetings in Belgium from home so he has been with us the whole week. While we were at the pediatrician's office - we discussed with him the possibility of John having been misdiagnosed with bronchitis earlier in the week - and he thought it sounded plausible. He told us that the Flu test can be falsely negative, however, it normally is accurate for most -- but at that point, there wasn't any need to go back for another flu test because Tamiflu couldn't help him at that stage of the illness.<br />
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We are hoping that we can get completely over this Flu and get back to normal again -- with a good LONG break from being sick. I mean, I haven't sneezed or coughed that much in my LIFE. My shoulder blades hurt. My lungs hurt. My nose hurts. We are all exhausted. Back to bed for me...<br />
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Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-3346868116662839332018-01-10T12:39:00.000-06:002018-01-22T17:10:43.051-06:00At a Loss I've never felt more alone and isolated in my life. Before you think this a plea for attention, please know that it is not. I know most will never read these words, and I'm okay with that... I won't even share this on my personal social media accounts because really the only reason for writing it is therapy for myself.<br />
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I haven't shared too much about James or his issues with the world -- because I didn't want him to be labeled or thought of differently than any other kid, but the truth is... he is very different from any other child.<br />
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At a very early age, he was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 - which if you google it is incredibly frightening. It is a condition that can cause tumors to develop in his body during his growing years, but it also has a strong effect on how his brain functions. We are closely monitored by a pediatric neurologist, and he has annual MRIs to check his brain for tumors. As of last MRI, he had no tumors. The condition is also the reason he is so small... which is a blessing and a curse. NF1 is at it's biggest threat level during the growing years - so it's a battle between is he growing enough or pushing the envelope and potentially causing the fibroids to develop.<br />
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What he does have is <b><u>SEVERE</u></b> ADHD. It's been explained to us that in his brain, it's like all of his nerves are inside of drinking straws, so information is not processed or even received in the same way as all of the rest of us. He struggles with everything in ways that are hard to describe, but at the same time, he is brilliant. He just can't recall information when asked like others can, for instance, if you ask him questions -- he can't answer them, but sometimes he will spout off information that is incredibly smart.<br />
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He hyper-focuses on things, usually one or two things at a time. Those items have been; vacuums, washing machines, cars, dogs, shots/IVs, and more. That means that over the years - we've listened to thousands of hours of vacuum cleaner noise, and had more help with laundry than is actually helpful.. clothes rewashed hundreds of time just so he can watch them spin around. There is so much more than I just can't even type.<br />
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Three years ago we started down the path of trying to get him medicated help because he can't function without it. We've gone through so many medicines with so many different reactions. We've been through hallucinations (which with a child is unnerving) and several other issues, but for a while, we were regulated and doing REALLY well. He was able to function, learn, and be on a decent schedule.<br />
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When his medications are working - he is the sweetest child. So loving that you wouldn't even believe the defiant whirlwind of untamed energy that his unmedicated self-brings to the party. It's like two totally different kids. Night and Day, if you will.<br />
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About a month or two ago, he started having some paranoia issues so we started down the path of changing his medications to see if we could get into another good place. This has been the longest and worst months of our lives. If you can imagine at 7 years old... he is reverting back to things that he did as a toddler... he chews on his clothes, and runs wild in the mornings before his medication getting into everything he can. Trust me, we have put things up high and the whole nine yards -- we fix it and he finds something else to get into or to do.<br />
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Which brings me to this morning -- he stole my phone and called no less than 200 different numbers before John and I were awake. This list includes cousins, grandparents, multiple friends, and even 911 (at least twice)! Those that did talk to him, told him to bring the phone to one of his parents... to which they were told we were sleeping. Some find this stuff funny, but as a weary mom who deals with this stuff daily... it's just not. I don't find it funny - it's mortifying.<br />
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I am literally at my witts end with this kid. I've changed my code to my phone, but tomorrow it'll be something else entirely that he does. Like the time he made snow angels in the bathroom with powder, or the time he ate blue food coloring, or the time he sprayed essential oils all over his dresser -- its never anything he has ever paid attention to before. There just isn't any planning for it - unless we clear the house of any items at all.<br />
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Yesterday, he was great - we had a lovely time at a birthday party. He ran around, played and wore himself out with his friends. I thought we were doing better, but I was wrong. A false sense of things getting back to normal.<br />
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Most will never understand what is happening with James, 98% of the time... I don't even understand what is happening with him. We know that he can't help it, but when he is bouncing off the walls at midnight or making phone calls at 6AM... the knowledge that he can't help it just doesn't relieve the frustration. I know he is struggling, and God knows I'm trying everything I can think of to help him... but I just don't see a light at the end of this tunnel, and that right there is the most frightening and helpless feeling of them all.<br />
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If I can plead with everyone for a minute -- I know that we've all seen kids out in the world that we immediately think, "oh if he were mine..." -- please the next time you see that happening... don't go there. Inside of that situation, none of us have any idea what is going on behind the scenes... maybe they are bad parents, maybe they are lazy, but maybe... just maybe they are dealing with so much more than you can ever imagine. For moms everywhere that are struggling - I get it and I pray that you and your child come to a place of peace.<br />
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<br />Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-68100202950031222692018-01-03T20:03:00.001-06:002018-01-03T20:03:19.547-06:00Christmas RecapWhew, we've been so crazy lately -- it's funny how every year I forget that Christmas is basically a two and a half week long sprint. I'd say marathon, but it's really not... it's just GO GO GO for about 18 days!<br />
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We started off this year with my mom visiting, and the boys had a ball with her. We celebrated with gifts, and dinner at Benihana. The next day we went to see the movie Coco, and then both kids got super sick... which wasn't fun, but clearly it's going around heavily this season -- and no one has come down with the flu in my house, so I'll take it! We visited Santa the day before Mom came too - so I'm including that with her celebration.<br />
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Next up was Christmas Eve; which we made the most of - cooking, baking, making reindeer food, putting out reindeer food, reading our traditional "Twas the Night Before Christmas", and a few pictures under the tree before bed. </div>
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Christmas Day was split into two parts -- but we had our morning at home where Santa came, we opened gifts from each other, and we had a nice breakfast. We then got cleaned up and went to the Hawkins Family Christmas... where we ate again... and again... and again... so.much.food. We opened more gifts, another round of stockings, played with cousins, and had our Christmas Dinner of prime rib. </div>
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Our last official Christmas Celebration was on December 30th, which is when we celebrated with my Dad's side of our family. All 17 of us in one house... it's always a good time. We had a great lunch, enjoyed more stocking fun, opened gifts, and played games. It's always such a fun day for everyone -- and my niece brought her puppy which was great fun for the 3 little boys... they wore Duke out for the day! </div>
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For New Years, we took a slower approach... with LOTS of resting time. I'll update you on that tomorrow!Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-6199648025661758172017-10-27T16:09:00.000-05:002017-10-27T16:09:40.485-05:00Minecraft Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We decided to brave the world of making our own birthday cake for Tyler's birthday party <strike>because we are gluttons for punishment.</strike> It truly became one of those "let's make the cake, they said. how hard can bit be, they said..." </div>
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In the end, the birthday boy was thrilled... and it wasn't a Pinterest Fail of epic proportions. </div>
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We started off researching what we needed to make and collecting supplies. We made a 4 layer cake that started with a <a href="http://amzn.to/2zKEQMs" target="_blank">12x12x2 inch cake pan</a>... in reality, we cut about 2 inches off of it so it was 10 inches on each side and 8 inches high when it was all said and done.</div>
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To make cakes of this size, each layer required a double batch of cake... so for ours, each layer represents 2 cake mixes. We chose to do 2 layers of white and 2 layers of chocolate cake. </div>
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We started making our cake on the Tuesday before the party (Saturday) -- on that day we only made the cakes. We let the cakes rest the night in our cube-shaped cooler that John layered delicately with cooling racks and cake pans.<br />
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On Wednesday, we made our butter-cream icing and built the main structure of the cake. We used the <a href="http://www.wilton.com/buttercream-frosting/WLRECIP-41.html" target="_blank">Wilton recipe</a> made with shorting (we did the variation for stiff white butter-cream) because we wanted to make sure that the structure of the cake wouldn't be susceptible to falling over if it got to be room temperature while sitting at the party. It took about 3 double batches of icing to cover the entire cake. I used a pastry bag and a <a class="" href="http://amzn.to/2iaK7pp" target="_blank">cake</a><a href="http://amzn.to/2iaK7pp" target="_blank"> frosting tip</a> to make this easier on myself. We also chose to dye the frosting brown so that you wouldn't see white if there were any gaps in our fondant pixels. From here, the cake was placed in our outside refrigerator.<br />
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On Thursday, we dyed all of our fondants - we ended up with 3 shades, 3 shades of brown, and gray. To cover this entire cake, we used one 5 pound box of <a href="http://amzn.to/2zKaolW" target="_blank">Wilton White Decorator Preferred Fondant</a>. John made a template (yes, we would share if asked) in Excel that told us the total number of squares we would need and then we were able to break it down by how many of each shade we would need.<br />
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On Friday, we cut out a billion and one fondant pixels. We used a <a href="http://amzn.to/2iFqSIs" target="_blank">cookie cutter</a> of sorts that allowed us to cut nine 1 inch squares of fondant each time you cut. We had to use some powdered sugar in place of flour while rolling out our pixels. We placed them on sheet trays and then into the fridge for the night. We were a bit worried about the fondant falling off the cake before the party - so we opted to put them on the cake that morning. By the end of the night Friday:<br />
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<ol>
<li>We printed our templates and put them on our cookie sheets </li>
<li>We put a layer of wax paper on top (starting with the top layer of the cake)</li>
<li>We filled in our pixels and made sure to stick the fondant squares together - start with the top of the cake as that is the last layer you adhere to the cake</li>
<li>Repeat with a template for the sides and wax paper</li>
<li>As each layer was finished we took the wax paper and layered them all on to one cookie sheet</li>
<li>We let the 5 walls chill overnight in our refrigerator</li>
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Saturday morning (at like 10:30 -- the party was at 12), we did the final adhering to the sides of the cake. We put our layers of pixels (one side at a time) on the back of a cookie sheet. We gently brushed it with water, and positioned them onto the cake - then we took a <a href="http://amzn.to/2i8Piqb" target="_blank">fondant smoother</a> to press the sides into the butter-cream on the cake. When you adhere the top, you don't need to brush it with water - and we used an extra cake board so that we could just flip it over onto the top of the cake.<br />
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It didn't end up perfectly, but for our very first attempt at cake decorating -- it went pretty well!<br />
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Tyler's Aunt, Susan, made the Creeper, Steve, and pig for the top of the cake... he was thrilled with how it turned out. </div>
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If you decide to make one of these on your own, please let us know and we'd be happy to pay our lessons learned forward and help you as much as we can! </div>
<br />Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-38840393649588695552017-10-24T16:31:00.000-05:002017-10-25T18:27:30.538-05:00Power Sheets 2018!<center>
<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1083368&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="2018 PowerSheets Collection" border="0" src="http://static.shareasale.com/image/62537/2018PowerSheetsDated-09.png" /></a></center>
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I've always loved planners, y'all. It's a sickness really because I love them so much -- and the process of setting them up and adding things like birthdays just turns me into a special kind of nerd.<br />
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Last fall, I was going through a transition of sorts in my life, and I stumbled upon Lara Casey's page on Facebook - she was doing a really vulnerable post about having to start over on her book - which became <a href="http://amzn.to/2yKiQ5n" target="_blank">Cultivate</a>. It is an amazing book about living life intentionally, and I believe everyone should read it... but that's not why I am sharing today.<br />
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Lara also created an amazing product called Powersheets, which is an intentional goal setting planner - which walks you through the process of setting goals and then tending to them each month. She has a whole section that is about 60 pages of what we call Prep Work. You fill that out during December - I did it the week between Christmas and New Years last year. For each goal you set, you will create an action plan... which I LOVE!<br />
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Then each month you have a small couple of pages to fill out about what you got done the previous month and your goals for the next month. You keep this page open, or you can tear it out of the book (it's perforated to make this easy on you) to tape it into your planner or where ever helps you stay on top of your monthly, weekly, and daily goals. There is also a refresher section for each season (Spring, Summer, and Fall) where you can work through if your goals need and adjustment.<br />
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Something new for 2018 is that they have added places for you to add wildcard sheets - which is a sheet you'll print out and tape into your Powersheets. The topics you can choose from are:<br />
<ul>
<li>Monthly Calendar</li>
<li>Perpetual Calendar</li>
<li>Financial Check-In</li>
<li>Monthly Budget</li>
<li>Meal Plan</li>
<li>Fitness Plan</li>
<li>Content Planning</li>
<li>Relationship Tending</li>
<li>Reading List</li>
<li>Cultivating a Life-Giving Home</li>
<li>Organization and Decluttering</li>
<li>Self Care</li>
<li>Goal Progress</li>
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For me, this has been a GAME CHANGER! I have never stuck with a planner, EVER... and here I am in October still working through it. Some months, I've been late to the game... but I'm still working with it. Lara is all about imperfect progress, and how every step you take adds up over time toward your bigger goals.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/239865378" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
<a href="https://vimeo.com/239865378">The 2018 PowerSheets Intentional Goal Planner</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/laracasey">Lara Casey</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</center>
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Today, I'm here to tell you that as of 10AM Eastern (9AM Central) tomorrow morning -- the <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=927881&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=">2018 PowerSheets Collection</a> will be available for order!!! SET YOURSELF AN ALARM! This year they have Tending Tape (Washi Tape), pens (only in the accessories bundle, and my personal favorite goal setting stickers! There are 900 or more stickers set and ready to be used in your Powersheets -- if you love stickers and color -- grab 2! You can see some of them on my tending list for this year -- but the 2018 stickers are smaller so they fit on the lines more easily.<br />
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They've got the 1 Year Dated set (which is only dated in that it has the months preprinted on the tabs), and 3 different 6 month sets - so you'd need two of them to get through 2018 - they do tend to sell out so you might want to get 2 now if you choose to do that. A great feature is that for 3 days - they will offer free shipping on orders of $100... so get whatever you need and get the free shipping!<br />
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<a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1083353&u=1365665&m=62537&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank"><img alt="2018 PowerSheets Collection" border="0" src="http://static.shareasale.com/image/62537/2018PowerSheetsDated-16.png" /></a></center>
The multi-colored cover is the 1 Year Book, the other 3 (Teal, Gold, and Poppy Pink) are the 6-month versions.<br />
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Please hear me say that you don't have to be afraid of using this planner -- make a mess of it -- let it work in your life! Want to learn more? <a href="https://www.crowdcast.io/e/2018-powersheets-and-accessories-reveal/register" target="_blank">Check out this webinar TODAY</a> about how they work and a look inside!Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-39779153327219510082017-10-19T14:58:00.000-05:002017-10-19T15:02:59.903-05:00Church of the Small Things StudyI finished the most amazing book last night y'all! I laughed and I cried. Just a beautiful message with some amazing stories woven in.<br />
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<a href="http://amzn.to/2yACi6c" target="_blank">Church of the Small Things</a> by Melanie Shankle... who, let's face it... I couldn't love anymore if I tried. She makes me laugh harder than most other authors, and I've read all 4 of her books now... and can't wait for another to come out in March of 2018.<br /><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310348870/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310348870&linkCode=as2&tag=mommahawk-20&linkId=4256b33c63c3079e4a10e8389adc0b11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0310348870&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=mommahawk-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mommahawk-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0310348870" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center>
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Her other 3 books: <a href="http://amzn.to/2zDlvxI" target="_blank">Sparkly Green Earrings</a> (parenting), <a href="http://amzn.to/2xRrCw7" target="_blank">Antelope in the Living Room</a> (marriage), and <a href="http://amzn.to/2x8Ea2E" target="_blank">Nobody's Cuter Than You</a> (friendship) are also amazing! She also has another book <a href="http://amzn.to/2xRrUTJ" target="_blank">Everyday Holy</a> coming out in March 2018 that you could pre-order now if you want to. </center>
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Now, the reason I wanted to post again today -- I mean 2 in one day, y'all -- who am I? Faith Gateway is hosting a <a href="https://www.studygateway.com/online-bible-studies/church-of-small-things-registration/" target="_blank">Bible Study based on the Church of the Small Things</a> - for 6 weeks, and it begins on October 23 -- so sign up before then! </center>
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You DO NOT have to read the book to work through the <a href="http://amzn.to/2zmH5p8" target="_blank">Bible Study Guide</a> -- you can buy it from the Faith Gateway site, but Amazon has a slightly better price... and possibly faster shipping.<br /></center>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310081343/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0310081343&linkCode=as2&tag=mommahawk-20&linkId=94f162c1e0d566d6a909ec825358284c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&MarketPlace=US&ASIN=0310081343&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL250_&tag=mommahawk-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mommahawk-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0310081343" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></center>
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Either way, I'd love to have you join me in this study -- so drop me a note and let me know if you decide to sign up for it too! I know you won't regret going through these lessons! </center>
Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-85024940250673453992017-10-19T13:53:00.001-05:002017-10-27T16:10:00.577-05:00Minecraft Ghast Pinata<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNArFlBMDIw/WeiwB2IFW7I/AAAAAAAAKV8/BWMnNCIvo1IxaPYcso2NdJ5m2UouVgZegCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NNArFlBMDIw/WeiwB2IFW7I/AAAAAAAAKV8/BWMnNCIvo1IxaPYcso2NdJ5m2UouVgZegCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_6592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We chose this time to make a Ghast pinata, but you could easily make this as a TNT, Creeper, Enderman, or really anything Minecraft your child's heart desires. We got the idea from another blogger, but there are some design changes we would make when we do it again... which apparently will happen in April because James is determined to have everything Tyler did. (Don't worry friends that attended... there will be changes and some different ideas.)<br />
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<u>Supplies Needed:</u><br />
print out of the face of your pinata<br />
1 (24pk) Pepsi or any other soft drink that has a square box<br />
Candy and/or toys to fill the pinata<br />
masking tape<br />
scotch tape<br />
glue stick<br />
bottle of glue<br />
wrapping paper in the color that matches your pinata (explained below)<br />
crepe paper matching your pinata (explained below)<br />
2 zip ties<br />
rope<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DH8u_5xXmY/Weivpz-Yg_I/AAAAAAAAKVo/d33wglsp1O0bdu4fLHtXjAYO6IbsYnbGACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DH8u_5xXmY/Weivpz-Yg_I/AAAAAAAAKVo/d33wglsp1O0bdu4fLHtXjAYO6IbsYnbGACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We started by letting Tyler fill the pinata with candy and little toys for all the kids. He was so funny making sure to fill it precisely in a specific pattern... even though when you move it, the candy and toys will shift and mix together.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NjjvFsr40o/WeivqlI-2yI/AAAAAAAAKVs/ek6PRwWr7GENLfbA7FY6Po5Pgd4cTHJfwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_NjjvFsr40o/WeivqlI-2yI/AAAAAAAAKVs/ek6PRwWr7GENLfbA7FY6Po5Pgd4cTHJfwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6555.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Use masking tape and seal all the edges. We used a butter knife to split all of the seams gently so that we didn't disturb the cube shape. This is a 24 pack of Pepsi box that we used, but you could do this with any 24 pack that you can get. (I don't know if they make these shape packs for Coke.)<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJoToFIIIPY/WeivpGhRlnI/AAAAAAAAKVk/SaDeZQaoACsvUSRNJFUAl_Vy8wshU3HCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TJoToFIIIPY/WeivpGhRlnI/AAAAAAAAKVk/SaDeZQaoACsvUSRNJFUAl_Vy8wshU3HCwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wrap the box after you seal all of the seams with white wrapping paper, or use whatever you have that you can wrap the box with the design on the inside. You'll want the white on the outside so that it doesn't interfere with your design. If you do a different design - consider using the base color of your design for your wrapping paper... for instance, if you do a Creeper -- I'd do green paper; Enderman -- black paper; TNT -- red paper; and so on.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPC-iMf-kR8/Weiv2WvQdZI/AAAAAAAAKVw/Gc2wKKzrzfUgUte1yNnCJf3HzXSX0Nc3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UPC-iMf-kR8/Weiv2WvQdZI/AAAAAAAAKVw/Gc2wKKzrzfUgUte1yNnCJf3HzXSX0Nc3wCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We made an excel template that had the face designs for all of our craft projects... (spoiler alert, I can email this to anyone that might be interested in making one of your own.) this template was very helpful. Glue the design onto the box with a glue stick. We put the extra gray pieces on the box but ended up covering most of them with the crepe paper.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28P76EMJ6bY/Weiv3j5JUkI/AAAAAAAAKV0/W9bRNPuSl0QcI_pyU2i_XyTgUofC_tVYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28P76EMJ6bY/Weiv3j5JUkI/AAAAAAAAKV0/W9bRNPuSl0QcI_pyU2i_XyTgUofC_tVYgCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We took the crepe paper and cut little frays into one side of the strips... for the texture. (if you look at the very bottom of the box you can see how it was cut so that you see the little fringe effect) We used a bottle of school glue and a brush to glue the top edge of each piece of crepe paper to the box. This takes a while, and we set it on another smaller box to be able to let it dry and get finished. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBRbNmhfcww/Weiv5CFgdzI/AAAAAAAAKV4/3SXMzQwCNkArhL2xxqj-d3oAsbXdX2ijACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBRbNmhfcww/Weiv5CFgdzI/AAAAAAAAKV4/3SXMzQwCNkArhL2xxqj-d3oAsbXdX2ijACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6564.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here it is all finished and drying for a bit -- we added the crepe paper to the sides and a sign to the back so that we didn't have quite as much to glue there. We found a Minecraft font and downloaded it to use for our sign, and we downloaded images from Google to use on the sign.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e06z-T_0KU/WeiwBxRiKjI/AAAAAAAAKWA/PfNZCgaVHkoC7C907PBP6cNmmE6LVS4oACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_6670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0e06z-T_0KU/WeiwBxRiKjI/AAAAAAAAKWA/PfNZCgaVHkoC7C907PBP6cNmmE6LVS4oACEwYBhgL/s320/DSC_6670.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Here it is in action -- next time we make one of these -- we will cut some cardboard from an Amazon box or something to help strengthen the top where you attach the rope - so our plan is that we'd add a piece or two across the top inside of the Pepsi box just below the handle, secure it to the sides, and then attach the rope there because once you fill it with candy it's just a bit too heavy for the original handle to hold it up. We had 12 kids hit this thing, but with the first initial swing the handle gave way -- we were lucky it lasted through everyone getting one turn to hit it.Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8006031035787773344.post-83024096325892569032017-10-18T17:16:00.001-05:002017-10-19T15:04:49.682-05:00Back At It... Hi, Everyone that is still around... all like maybe 3 of you.<br />
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Life is crazy, and I've been such a crazy perfection driven goal setter in my life... if you don't know what I'm talking about... do yourself a favor and order Jon Acuff's newest book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2zz3tg4" target="_blank">Finish</a>, it'll explain everything. The basic idea though is that we all set goals, and have this vision of getting them done perfectly. When perfect doesn't happen, we quit. If this isn't me... I don't know what is! If you haven't read any of Jon's books - be prepared to get inspired, and laugh a LOT.<br />
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I have planned so many times to pick this whole blogging thing back up... and it hasn't gone perfectly, so I gave up on it. It's really sad too because I dearly love writing and the process of putting your thoughts down on "paper." </div>
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The closer I get to 40, the more I'm thinking about the intentional things I do with my time. There are a LOT of things coming up in the next few months that I want to share with anyone that wants to read my words. </div>
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I hope that you've had a great few months since my last round of posting, and I promise to be better. I am not going to commit to any specific timelines on posting, but I'm going to do my very best to be around as much or as often as I have something to share.<br />
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This past week, we've had my younger son, Tyler's, 7th birthday party. As with most kids in that age group right now - it was a Minecraft themed party... so I plan to share some of the DIY items that we put together for the celebration. We made a pinata, the cake, and some fun balloon decorations. We felt okay in taking them on because "how hard can a bunch of pixelated things be?" Oh my friends... famous last words.<br />
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We did manage to get it all done and a good time was had by all! I'll share about the party and a couple of the items we made tomorrow -- then more throughout this week. Next week, I want to tell you about a couple other things that are coming up quickly.<br />
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One other quick thing, <a href="http://ourpact.com/" target="_blank">OurPact</a>, one of the apps that we use on a daily basis with our kids is increasing their prices very soon for their premium package - which is what we have. This app is good for both Apple Devices and Android... but their monthly cost will soon go from $4.99 to 6.99 for the premium service. If you sign up - you get locked in at the $4.99 price rather than the higher one. They also have free versions and lower plans as well that you can choose from.<br />
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**I am not getting any affiliate rewards or kickbacks for telling you about this - I just wanted to help save you some money if you're looking for a service like this. I've tried a few different ones, and this seems to be doing the trick for us.<br />
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We use it to have certain hours that our kids are allowed to use their iPads (they don't come on until 7AM, for instance), I can block certain apps, and you can give screen time allowances -- which we love. Here is a list of all the premium features:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">•</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Individual App Control</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Screen Time Allowances</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Child App Installs Display</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• iMessage/SMS Management</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Family Locator</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• iOS Safe Browser</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• iOS App Scrambling Solution</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Management of up to 20 child devices</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Unlimited Manual blocks</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">• Unlimited Automated Schedules</span><br />
Kim H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03611545652342361679noreply@blogger.com0