tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78373348821069144692024-03-05T09:38:40.506-08:00Crunchy Crafty Crazyessential oils, family, faith, interior design, graphic design, parties & funCatherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-12977619602476217962016-08-21T20:07:00.001-07:002016-08-21T20:07:59.677-07:00Where to find me now!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Head over to </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.everythingoilsyl.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">www.everythingoilsYL.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">to find me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Or stop by:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/everythingoilsYL/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.facebook.com/everythingoilsYL/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks so much!</span></div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-19722515010151016452014-11-19T19:10:00.001-08:002014-11-19T19:10:14.447-08:00I Love Birchbox!<p></p> <p> </p> <p>Does anyone else love Birchbox? </p> <p>It’s so fun! Here’s the deal. Every month you get a box of beauty products delivered for $10. Most are sample sized but a generous sample size and sometimes you will get a full size. You set up a beauty profile so you can decided what kind of products you want to get. Like I said “no perfume”.</p> <p>I have lots of beauty products now and there’s some stuff I don’t have to buy anymore because I get them enough. Plus- it’s way more fun to try before you buy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U1OKCt9AGbQ/VG1bc1mEwcI/AAAAAAAAGRI/Qc68jR5LHDQ/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520345%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 345" border="0" alt="phone 1 345" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wtJL9lbW04w/VG1bdpucv-I/AAAAAAAAGRQ/7NLIabEDgQA/phone%2525201%252520345_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="578" height="398"></a> </p> <p>They also send a card that tells what everything is, how to use it, and how much it costs for a full size.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4xIULcUtFzY/VG1beE7cC1I/AAAAAAAAGRY/7nSHUAF2c9A/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520354%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 354" border="0" alt="phone 1 354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0M4X412oQPA/VG1be7QF_QI/AAAAAAAAGRc/DTVt_DRLgQQ/phone%2525201%252520354_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="506"></a></p> <p>Here’s what I got this month:</p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qRillqMDmRo/VG1bfV5QEUI/AAAAAAAAGRo/LvRhShFkCy0/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520351%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 351" border="0" alt="phone 1 351" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RRFARG5xhik/VG1bgYDYdOI/AAAAAAAAGRw/4ZCJdctsnKE/phone%2525201%252520351_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="515" height="626"></a> </p> <p>1st up- a lip balm- great for this season of cold and dryness. I’ve used it and I really like it!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gdaa7D1iy5o/VG1bgwqG6UI/AAAAAAAAGR0/U-CD9Gp9SZQ/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520349%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 349" border="0" alt="phone 1 349" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5Qi_e8rY0cw/VG1bhbxC6LI/AAAAAAAAGSA/A4S1pgX4v7w/phone%2525201%252520349_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="529" height="683"></a></p> <p>A mascara- it’s works well, don’t know how much curling it does but I really like it so far!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ICrxwO0Uc34/VG1biGn2bpI/AAAAAAAAGSE/RjBW8d7b36Q/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520348%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 348" border="0" alt="phone 1 348" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kT6FbXkTXX4/VG1bi8ojupI/AAAAAAAAGSQ/a89twn0_plQ/phone%2525201%252520348_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="533" height="897"></a></p> <p>Dry shampoo. I was soooo excited about this one because I love me some dry shampoo. I’ve only used suave so it was great to have a fancy brand to try.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Oi_gnkXVjI/VG1bjRAhONI/AAAAAAAAGSU/R9ePKeAEXZo/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520347%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 347" border="0" alt="phone 1 347" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K1K7qTNnodw/VG1bkFHUv2I/AAAAAAAAGSg/ZE6vHfKEu7k/phone%2525201%252520347_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="677" height="528"></a></p> <p>Sometimes they will throw “lifestyle” products in. I love it when it’s chocolate or tea. This is my least favorite product in the box but it smells really good… like Christmas even.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--NiLbbMM5rQ/VG1bkm312-I/AAAAAAAAGSk/Pa26AFgNgAE/s1600-h/phone%2525201%252520346%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="phone 1 346" border="0" alt="phone 1 346" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OcLlBX7RH0w/VG1blOyGZcI/AAAAAAAAGSw/dj0fy4Ihht8/phone%2525201%252520346_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="713"></a></p> <p>I haven’t tried this face mask yet. You look absolutely ridiculous when you put it on so I have to wait for everyone to be gone. </p> <p> </p> <p>So then when you get your products you can write a review on them on the birchbox web site and earn points, then with 100 points you get $10 towards your next purchase. It adds up quickly and it’s fun to pick out free stuff!</p> <p>Here’s the link to check them out. <a href="https://www.birchbox.com/invite/qp3ms">Birchbox Web Site.</a> There might be a waiting list to get boxes but put your email on it and they will let you know when there’s a spot. </p> <p> </p> <p>I didn’t get any bonuses to write this. I wish I had but I just wrote it because I really like getting beauty stuff every month! Do you love birchbox too?</p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-17125323012442763752014-09-10T11:47:00.001-07:002014-09-10T11:58:21.194-07:00Adoption Party<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I waited 15 months to have this party! I even skipped having a 1st birthday party for her so I could focus on this. I wanted to celebrate her adoption! As with most parties- I had this planned in my head for a long time. And I bought her shirt and her bow before she was officially Zoe. Some things you just know!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9rGmc_jT-sc/VBCb7lOvVnI/AAAAAAAAGGM/aheIHahS9Uc/s1600-h/zoe%252520cate%252520adoption%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="zoe cate adoption" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wnv-1kKElcY/VBCb9vaQmOI/AAAAAAAAGGU/gYv4GWPvtWc/zoe%252520cate%252520adoption_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="522" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="zoe cate adoption" width="522" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our church has a great patio where we could have the party. It really took a village to pull this off. I’ll try to thank everyone who helped because we really couldn’t have done it alone!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bY4QLL-uRYU/VBCb-_wG86I/AAAAAAAAGGc/Jat2p4TrVBI/s1600-h/ZZ02%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ02" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HW7P0j_AKAU/VBCcAN3BJqI/AAAAAAAAGGk/lUdspFV5eQM/ZZ02_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="665" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ02" width="463" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here’s the party girl!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yTBkCdJO8S8/VBCcB7djTXI/AAAAAAAAGGs/2zitQep6D1I/s1600-h/ZZ25%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ25" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hq82-Dy-zbQ/VBCcDlT9OJI/AAAAAAAAGG0/s78t-p0T0-c/ZZ25_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="514" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ25" width="740" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I think this picture was after the party was over- June in Texas- I was super sweaty! But don’t mind that. My friend Julie wrote this chalkboard for us. Zoe’s bow… it looks like a dinner plate on her head. I love it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uyFQXV-erNc/VBCcFqOdUQI/AAAAAAAAGG8/5s1-5mMuSlE/s1600-h/ZZ22%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ22" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3eNwOg2zxcw/VBCcHkFMmOI/AAAAAAAAGHE/Jm_4ugLE4gg/ZZ22_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="489" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ22" width="711" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friends make adorable children!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5aH1yRIg9Mo/VBCcIi5XksI/AAAAAAAAGHM/kc1R3BD_CgI/s1600-h/ZZ23%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ23" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c_r2NDUOkG0/VBCcJlwdH5I/AAAAAAAAGHU/OSEp4FVj76s/ZZ23_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="635" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ23" width="442" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hired some models to stand at the entrance of the party. Every good party needs models.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-83ZCMVEJ-L8/VBCcK-bdP4I/AAAAAAAAGHc/yIm-vm8z6vQ/s1600-h/ZZ04%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ04" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yhuJ1kg3b9g/VBCcMFOoskI/AAAAAAAAGHk/9lHF56Deb6k/ZZ04_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="459" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ04" width="667" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bella and Zoe enjoying the AC! Bella is Rene’s beautiful daughter and Rene is the photographer who took all these photos. check out her company </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roots-Photography/125730134112148"><span style="font-size: large;">Roots Photography</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and hire her immediately for your family photos! She also takes our family photos AND we are going to Portugal together. Rene has the biggest heart ever!!! She didn’t think it was enough to take pictures so she and her husband also smoked all of the meat for lunch! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BR7h4cbNqRA/VBCcNAJN2eI/AAAAAAAAGHs/5U_6_5u-WoM/s1600-h/ZZ05%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ05" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uyLuL4vDyu4/VBCcOvAxNMI/AAAAAAAAGH0/bP8OMpzsqh8/ZZ05_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="473" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ05" width="680" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My salsa is NOT world famous- but a couple of weeks before this event we had VBS. I made the salsa for the VBS workers and they were practically drinking it with a spoon. It’s as if they had not eaten in days. So I made it again the next day and declared it famous.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4MGFTdXS7Jg/VBCcPtKw-eI/AAAAAAAAGH8/ViIHz_Nu6DE/s1600-h/ZZ06%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ06" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-08oRG4tkgvY/VBCcQ8CMSeI/AAAAAAAAGIE/lmnLmh-WbXg/ZZ06_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="474" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ06" width="689" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Good signage at a party is important! </span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gD71F4hTudQ/VBCcSPlo9JI/AAAAAAAAGIM/KzoEpoLOE4g/s1600-h/ZZ07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ07" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1LMqDKNczgw/VBCcUWnYx-I/AAAAAAAAGIU/rKRawEIwoLU/ZZ07_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="470" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ07" width="684" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend Anna did the flower arrangements. I had collected the tea tins they are in for about a year but at the last minute doing flower arrangements made me want to cry. I can do lots of things but flower arranging is not one of them! </span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-umNZH58K8FQ/VBCcVkEf66I/AAAAAAAAGIc/HHNAiYWe284/s1600-h/ZZ08%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ08" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IPYfE3e2esY/VBCcXUo2HrI/AAAAAAAAGIk/XY2OMSa-vvI/ZZ08_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="723" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ08" width="497" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made the little straw flags for the arrangements. Well, originally I was going to make them for all the drinks but I didn’t have time for that!</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e6uvzSOT8kQ/VBCcYkG-fdI/AAAAAAAAGIs/gld1vC7hLPg/s1600-h/ZZ09%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ09" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GN956rudpBU/VBCcaXDsKxI/AAAAAAAAGI0/vNILPlLjRd8/ZZ09_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="538" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ09" width="783" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fans and lanterns were left over from my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/designcat/everything-design-pink-orange-gray-wedding/"><span style="font-size: large;">sisters wedding</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. The paper was some wrapping paper I found in my stash- I had picked it up from the dollar spot at Target years ago. The tea tins are from my favorite kind of tea. If you are a tea lover, check Harney & Sons brand out.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZuuoezhEBbA/VBCccGMh2II/AAAAAAAAGI8/dWIcOfoGCJQ/s1600-h/ZZ10%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ10" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ykCSqANLKcc/VBCceBoHhfI/AAAAAAAAGJE/4sCstqDR7pw/ZZ10_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="503" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ10" width="725" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend of ours came and fried things with his giant fryer. This stuff is delicious and I even had him fry some apples so it would be healthy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k1Mzi3ZN7ME/VBCcfg3CbnI/AAAAAAAAGJM/PiAqizo8Hfk/s1600-h/ZZ11%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ11" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_DYjE7SpNNo/VBCchJSP9vI/AAAAAAAAGJU/-SxFN7gKJX8/ZZ11_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="481" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ11" width="689" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JMTJNJa7a9E/VBCciWgvHNI/AAAAAAAAGJc/-SOTEF5QnbI/s1600-h/ZZ13%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ13" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XE4xcLe4bzs/VBCcj62EG_I/AAAAAAAAGJk/H7X8wPT0REk/ZZ13_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="788" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ13" width="549" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mom had this fabulous cake made. It tasted as delicious as it looked! </span></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mVoxmNJrPc8/VBCck6jVN6I/AAAAAAAAGJs/725JnE0PUZY/s1600-h/ZZ15%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-size: large;"><img alt="ZZ15" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YF106B9n7x8/VBCcm_PQEdI/AAAAAAAAGJ0/xILnK4DcBe0/ZZ15_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="806" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="ZZ15" width="561" /></span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got her shirt from </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CantaloupeCorner"><span style="font-size: large;">THIS SHOP</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on etsy. I had purchased a “5” shirt for Cason’s birthday and asked if she could do a custom one for Zoe. She did and it’s wonderful! You can’t really tell but it says Zoe Cate on the side and a big Z on the front. They are the softest, best shirts everrrrr. I highly recommend them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I got her bow from </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleSparrowBows?page=1"><span style="font-size: large;">THIS SHOP.</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I’m pretty sure I need to buy all of these bows. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The kids had a great time! My friend Michelle brought the washer pit for an activity and the sand volleyball courts served as a great way to keep the kids occupied while the adults sat in the shade. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had so much fun planning and hosting this party! I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were so many people that came to help decorate and organize. Sabrina, Paige, Lauren, Anna... my mom and sister are always a huge help for these crazy parties I want to throw. Thank you, thank you. </span></div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-28036580027412143032014-09-04T20:17:00.001-07:002014-09-04T20:17:40.314-07:00Mid-Century Side Table Makeover<p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">About a year ago a friend found a dresser and a side table at a garage sale and it was exactly the kind of dresser I had been looking for to use as our entertainment center. Of course, I didn’t document the before picture but if you look to the left of this adorable boy, you can tell how it turned out. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gZur_ks_Uio/VAkq_LmZDWI/AAAAAAAAGDI/NgcUGLmVqGY/s1600-h/179%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#ffffff" size="5"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="179" border="0" alt="179" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AKAvYfEYS-Y/VAkrB_cdw9I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/_fxBdhRramw/179_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="710"></font></a><font size="5"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">So after the dresser was done the side table sat in the garage for a year because we didn’t have time to get to it. I had a vision though…</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font size="5">A friend sanded it for me to save some time. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-R6h2ieYDYSE/VAkrE5oO6II/AAAAAAAAGDY/BwkzYDkI-vs/s1600-h/camera%252520september%252520078%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><font color="#ffffff" size="5"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="camera september 078" border="0" alt="camera september 078" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3BraNIHaNjI/VAkrGsvBhGI/AAAAAAAAGDg/usb5Pa7GIec/camera%252520september%252520078_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="772" height="603"></font></a></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">I painted the doors and drawer white and stained the wood all the way around and the legs. Staining furniture was apparently new to me because I did it wrong a few times and had to re-do it. Even with the unprofessional stain- I really like how it turned out! </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T8-Jvex7QkY/VAkrIt2gv1I/AAAAAAAAGDo/3U2jKQE78XI/s1600-h/camera%252520september%252520147%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#ffffff" size="5"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="camera september 147" border="0" alt="camera september 147" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PERoAmJCXlo/VAkrLDnHW4I/AAAAAAAAGDw/AqUBbpXFdoM/camera%252520september%252520147_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="753" height="577"></font></a><font size="5"> </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zn6H9DRziR8/VAkrMxVyF9I/AAAAAAAAGD4/ZQceCc8RC2k/s1600-h/camera%252520september%252520146%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#ffffff" size="5"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="camera september 146" border="0" alt="camera september 146" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Pd62Vtrj5Zc/VAkrPp8KReI/AAAAAAAAGEA/Yf2e2GuQzzw/camera%252520september%252520146_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="610" height="791"></font></a><font size="5"> </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="5">Here’s a picture of the bedroom that it goes in. This is before I had finished the side table but you can imagine how great it looks :-) </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hPa1-UPD3bk/VAkrRrC7WlI/AAAAAAAAGEI/soBaIQctkgs/s1600-h/camera%252520september%252520084%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#ffffff" size="5"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="camera september 084" border="0" alt="camera september 084" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZBT3im8nepI/VAkrUAlyKrI/AAAAAAAAGEQ/Ila1nAkspWk/camera%252520september%252520084_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="733" height="561"></font></a><font size="5"> </font></p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-76930871573790617052014-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:002014-08-19T08:29:00.621-07:00Mission Trip to Portugal<p> </p> <p align="center">So, I don’t remember if I ever posted about this trip last November so I’m going to post about it now. I also want to announce that I am going back on another trip to Portugal in October. This crazy summer and kindergarten prep hasn’t given me much time to even think about the fact that the trip is coming closely and also that I haven’t thought about how I am going to pay for it. </p> <p align="center"> I am hope to write this and show you a little more about why I love Portugal and why I’m going back. I hope you will feel led to pray for the people of Portugal and the trip. If you also feel led, you can help fund my trip by sending a donation to the church. Every little bit will help!</p> <p align="left">First Baptist Colleyville</p> <p>Att: Susan Evans</p> <p>5405 Pleasant Run</p> <p>Colleyville, TX 76034</p> <p align="center">Please put Portugal Missions in the memo line and my name somewhere in the envelope but not on the check. </p> <p align="center">Thank you from the bottom of my heart.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">And now, a little about sweet Portugal!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mz3eJ3mr8H8/U_LEm4UlqjI/AAAAAAAAFvg/lV1Etm0ReNQ/s1600-h/542%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="542" border="0" alt="542" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hdAKv_9R47I/U_LEpI5XmtI/AAAAAAAAFvo/bpjpiMHbXyY/542_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="539" height="697"></a></p> <p align="center">As usual. The pictures are out of order so let me tell you a little about this trip and then you can see the sights.</p> <p align="center">5 people from First Colleyville went to Coimbra Portugal last November to bring Thanksgiving to Portugal. We were working with missionaries there MG and Cristi. They think of great ideas to engage people and create community. So we went to cook Thanksgiving dinners and invite people over to the house to feast and fellowship. We cooked 5 American dinners for 5 different groups of people and they came over, visited, we prayed together and they built stronger relationships with the missionaries there. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sqFhMk9evSI/U_LErdZw7QI/AAAAAAAAFvw/VLK1QQzgWUI/s1600-h/546%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="546" border="0" alt="546" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Me7hOnzD6w/U_LEuycu59I/AAAAAAAAFv4/OevKyldFdy0/546_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="543" height="709"></a></p> <p align="center">I saw this bag on the train. It made me laugh. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Zp3JFouQCPU/U_LEwpURb9I/AAAAAAAAFwA/SRERZeWUET0/s1600-h/527%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="527" border="0" alt="527" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0IlHAvIB92s/U_LEyxFG5VI/AAAAAAAAFwI/BCG5h3537l8/527_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="520" height="679"></a></p> <p align="center">I love Europe so much. The history, the architecture, the food. It’s wonderful. We were in the city of Coimbra for the majority of the trip but the last day we went to Lisbon and toured there. I have pictures from both cities.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oDAxmXoi0hI/U_LE0hcbCZI/AAAAAAAAFwQ/W3g5df62ca4/s1600-h/514%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="514" border="0" alt="514" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mEhD9KhMJrg/U_LE2P1vsnI/AAAAAAAAFwY/GfqrulJcqiE/514_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="651"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kZXH70Spw94/U_LE30A-7LI/AAAAAAAAFwg/LW-yNO5gzrs/s1600-h/503%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="503" border="0" alt="503" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CE98vNsOBFA/U_LE6NRsoTI/AAAAAAAAFwo/KrXVNmDIY5E/503_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="519" height="678"></a></p> <p align="center">Here we were touring a castle.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j8eCjUU-tnI/U_LE8kuEWyI/AAAAAAAAFww/JQ6fcLfa9tA/s1600-h/494%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="494" border="0" alt="494" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pco2JY43_NU/U_LE_rcohVI/AAAAAAAAFw4/_R9FaKsMPu8/494_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="549" height="717"></a></p> <p align="center">A little “restroom”. I’m assuming this is a men's room.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cEaEj7sosuA/U_LFBE4MBlI/AAAAAAAAFxA/nFpxINdFdOE/s1600-h/462%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="462" border="0" alt="462" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PY_7uap_KeU/U_LFDuPzzlI/AAAAAAAAFxI/e77WoRP57nk/462_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="599" height="782"></a></p> <p align="center">Lots of hills to climb!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xUMfMgyCs4w/U_LFGMKgicI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/hzd0cmhP5tU/s1600-h/455%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="455" border="0" alt="455" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UA85OAKagX4/U_LFIqM28gI/AAAAAAAAFxY/kc5wgKoOf1E/455_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="715" height="547"></a></p> <p align="center">A beautiful church with no roof.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4nLJAhbiB_E/U_LFKDSUaJI/AAAAAAAAFxg/gGaEfP7pb1k/s1600-h/441%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="441" border="0" alt="441" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gs5oWLvNGYo/U_LFLwX-08I/AAAAAAAAFxo/SLoIfaRoE_k/441_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="551" height="720"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x7_gsVS4Vz8/U_LFNehZarI/AAAAAAAAFxw/zcM_4JzDzrA/s1600-h/433%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="433" border="0" alt="433" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1dkhCowlDBw/U_LFQBnUxHI/AAAAAAAAFx4/KqiXn5zYfTA/433_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="537" height="701"></a></p> <p align="center">The churches in Europe…. amazing. Most of the early history of architecture revolves around churches- but that’s another post!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OeyRcfV0uTQ/U_LFRmeOAHI/AAAAAAAAFyA/ovswN_5HgQc/s1600-h/430%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="430" border="0" alt="430" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-feN_pQbNAzM/U_LFUF50jOI/AAAAAAAAFyI/nMgAmzYASSI/430_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="544" height="710"></a></p> <p align="center">This elevator was designed by the guy who designed the eiffel tower. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4-Hsli67lXw/U_LFWF6aeLI/AAAAAAAAFyQ/tVlq6GeNpT8/s1600-h/426%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="426" border="0" alt="426" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jgK-84HEj08/U_LFYIVYvpI/AAAAAAAAFyY/nXW5FKvz0yg/426_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="713"></a></p> <p align="center">There is no starbucks in Coimbra but there was in Lisbon- so I went a long week with no soy vanilla chai. Long. Week. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ei38DFHwhQ8/U_LFag6KZMI/AAAAAAAAFyg/jgLTmktef4E/s1600-h/IMG_4541%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4541" border="0" alt="IMG_4541" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Tws5EUC0Eok/U_LFc50E2oI/AAAAAAAAFyo/ng3TgkuGIng/IMG_4541_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="704"></a></p> <p align="center">This is actually the Madrid airport. It’s architecture is fantastic! I love the use of color. The seats are horribly uncomfortable.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jM047fLTMWQ/U_LFeuS-5xI/AAAAAAAAFyw/zHVfOgZbc-I/s1600-h/401%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="401" border="0" alt="401" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vE221OurDmU/U_LFhuntUOI/AAAAAAAAFy4/icrGQU8eZkQ/401_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="664"></a></p> <p align="center">A little game after dinner.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x3BSVjKIr9Y/U_LFi7rZb_I/AAAAAAAAFzA/-qSGu41otqo/s1600-h/394%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="394" border="0" alt="394" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-slcgi_uz-_w/U_LFk_kdOjI/AAAAAAAAFzI/6Si68uD_60s/394_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="655"></a></p> <p align="center">I don’t make pies normally but I did here- it was thanksgiving after all! I was very pleased with how it turned out.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pl7MJQrhnew/U_LFmj7dKFI/AAAAAAAAFzQ/C4MQ4tX0024/s1600-h/IMG_4531%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4531" border="0" alt="IMG_4531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVCb-fORBZMkxsZILm38jtn-ATWjHy9_EHBwDWJ5XHZ6rGnppSqZpNu4LBTlbfLLsUnkZUOrCF8eOFBjTnRcHFc8ItD3zrrmQKEHdqaq5GWkzffpXv2_xvDVtNCMpwD78QfetMy4_KOkM/?imgmax=800" width="493" height="717"></a></p> <p align="center">This was a beautiful bridge in Coimbra.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XYFxJhw1K1k/U_LFqxL2s9I/AAAAAAAAFzg/897_AyhyzcM/s1600-h/IMG_4519%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4519" border="0" alt="IMG_4519" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dupIRFtrrj8/U_LFtJDW5yI/AAAAAAAAFzo/GlpnymizZvI/IMG_4519_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="787" height="541"></a></p> <p align="center">The whole group!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ozFycpXC3x0/U_LFu9Wbf2I/AAAAAAAAFzw/q7XX5qRKk84/s1600-h/IMG_4509%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4509" border="0" alt="IMG_4509" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TqpypV9Xoa4/U_LFxpU4urI/AAAAAAAAFz4/dk6dbbEuApg/IMG_4509_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="777" height="599"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-giigdl5zNSU/U_LFzroUPxI/AAAAAAAAF0A/JQ13zdA7b8s/s1600-h/IMG_4502%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4502" border="0" alt="IMG_4502" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rEO3KwsZ9Fk/U_LF1hn9mXI/AAAAAAAAF0I/942xHYJGb8w/IMG_4502_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="749" height="579"></a></p> <p align="center">So many beautiful doors in portugal. I could make a whole blog post about doors.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4GL10ZYlM44/U_LF2o8yHZI/AAAAAAAAF0Q/MdBq_cWy__0/s1600-h/IMG_4497%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4497" border="0" alt="IMG_4497" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5NCjUHmzGAg/U_LF4SFv3uI/AAAAAAAAF0Y/NEcahRoZxwI/IMG_4497_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="536" height="700"></a></p> <p align="center">This is what so much of the city looked like- beautiful buildings, mosaic tiled streets that were full of pedestrians. LOTS of walkinghere.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lAIqMBzP9ME/U_LF5hib8mI/AAAAAAAAF0g/KlJC6GedrDQ/s1600-h/391%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="391" border="0" alt="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_7tCGMNuiF5nGbOgvSxPUN-oIriRlRtm38WKOW3d_co0pmit4axcVRljJ_Mv8cREkU1FXmoh6k6aLVTn9dVGuPR8Tu_zl4D-ceTVvsoIAYhwmN_d8jrEoIOw14vRy2AZMiw6prH_qfLj/?imgmax=800" width="535" height="692"></a></p> <p align="center">I think Michelle was too tired to move.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oo1N7iHRG3A/U_LF859XPyI/AAAAAAAAF0w/TveJ_SePPfQ/s1600-h/IMG_4464%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4464" border="0" alt="IMG_4464" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r7MlFFCfkEE/U_LF-zq4WiI/AAAAAAAAF04/f1ZaXHQ_VUU/IMG_4464_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" height="751"></a></p> <p align="center">We got to tour a really cool underground city… or former city.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3K7f_XueZHk/U_LGAIcwZaI/AAAAAAAAF1A/ajq9760D9ec/s1600-h/IMG_4457%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4457" border="0" alt="IMG_4457" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-czBylHxxGv4/U_LGBhl7sPI/AAAAAAAAF1I/mjkeQjwbR90/IMG_4457_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="691"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CVjLzP-9Pp4/U_LGCqsX1oI/AAAAAAAAF1Q/ttZUkUoqFyY/s1600-h/IMG_4455%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4455" border="0" alt="IMG_4455" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NJ_uX5Nkga0/U_LGEtPXMQI/AAAAAAAAF1Y/JSQZ8cK2vmw/IMG_4455_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="425"></a></p> <p align="center">This was one of my favorite cafes- or at least my favorite decorated cafe.</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PDVPsCUBFxQ/U_LGGA1lUjI/AAAAAAAAF1g/ajppXvwYJbg/s1600-h/380%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="380" border="0" alt="380" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wtJqMBZZWZU/U_LGIdShHQI/AAAAAAAAF1o/OSp2am2YWEU/380_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="472"></a></p> <p align="center">Another one of my incredible pies :-)</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5vhaan2nRj8/U_LGJyRsO7I/AAAAAAAAF1w/XYpPt04MDFE/s1600-h/369%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="369" border="0" alt="369" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TvWNLLOAnIU/U_LGLrLJ35I/AAAAAAAAF14/6uklxuFLtd4/369_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="615"></a></p> <p align="center">Sometimes we were so hungry yet so busy, we had to multitask.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MUtwOLjAT0c/U_LGNFUzqVI/AAAAAAAAF2A/A_8405OPN1U/s1600-h/IMG_4453%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4453" border="0" alt="IMG_4453" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jkozw1ZhFss/U_LGPBQWk_I/AAAAAAAAF2I/pjiVMohyVew/IMG_4453_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="561" height="386"></a></p> <p align="center">Pumpkin cake balls. So American.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXt1JAKD6wSlYN1ujFU41w_U1mhwFHPkUkDiwjfIQ0OjJkdwYaUmnfxbT19cUsw5bsechrlu6zwZlITWSYUkAL6b1BI0gO4etGJ7X7iNnxwR9wS4qSuSxX5Y-IAFpxmqOTBbnhYMmlo1t/s1600-h/IMG_4451%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4451" border="0" alt="IMG_4451" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qZ4moNxeIp8/U_LGTMygt6I/AAAAAAAAF2Y/_9Q9CAYFPBg/IMG_4451_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="413"></a></p> <p align="center">My friends always look cute in selfies and I look ridiculous. Not sure why.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FMbRiFfI1rM/U_LGU2ktnHI/AAAAAAAAF2g/WbE5Jj8nIJ0/s1600-h/367%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="367" border="0" alt="367" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EzaZYUnn1q8/U_LGWyWKD6I/AAAAAAAAF2o/s6zOvqx7kJY/367_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="583" height="583"></a></p> <p align="center">Lots of stairs.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fmCP5GvuWPY/U_LGZfnSXqI/AAAAAAAAF2w/QYVfK66_fEc/s1600-h/361%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="361" border="0" alt="361" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XMSuJF8LS5I/U_LGbqtUYdI/AAAAAAAAF24/0Lgk71whZ1E/361_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="601" height="601"></a></p> <p align="center">Where’s Michelle?</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vTYCtZRNN6Q/U_LGd0yMEaI/AAAAAAAAF3A/ZMOsKqpjWrk/s1600-h/334%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="334" border="0" alt="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0YTYoUH9zT2AdDrE0k5h2-uwov9Q0XfrB5imEflMnCrvv1ckJMEtf3IK8rFsC3tRoqrzcGoos1kGq6zitaRZglhYsVlcZihsYDAUPKnrxr9xp7LtDw1ggPEAlUX-EmqmiTWrzY2BQK9n/?imgmax=800" width="503" height="650"></a></p> <p align="center">More stairs.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iRlvzDAg0kY/U_LGhrpA3cI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/ex_HOxgZrF4/s1600-h/326%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="326" border="0" alt="326" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7Qf9gII1zk/U_LGjcZ0WPI/AAAAAAAAF3Y/RNh8_xZDIcs/326_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="469"></a></p> <p align="center">Dance contest!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nlfdaKHMtlM/U_LGmGiej2I/AAAAAAAAF3g/JhLxr-HoOoY/s1600-h/324%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="324" border="0" alt="324" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EJz6SyGTrx0/U_LGoMs88NI/AAAAAAAAF3o/QxOPqPo7xZQ/324_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="462"></a></p> <p align="center">Not all the pies turned out perfectly. I’m sure I didn’t make this one. I’m also sure we covered it in whipped cream and called it delicious!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yYtX8SQpYBs/U_LGps7NEiI/AAAAAAAAF3w/SULeWJ3UYRA/s1600-h/318%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="318" border="0" alt="318" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DWvRsD01hps/U_LGrVg_juI/AAAAAAAAF34/1McUHn9kig8/318_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="459" height="599"></a></p> <p align="center">The Thanksgiving Buffet!</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0AdGots__qU/U_LGs6DbN0I/AAAAAAAAF4A/cutLoyX2L5k/s1600-h/315%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="315" border="0" alt="315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7CmZiMZPwQg/U_LGulTTY9I/AAAAAAAAF4I/_0_MTtQnjjI/315_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="502" height="651"></a></p> <p align="center">Y’all, this city is so beautiful! Everywhere you go it looks like this. </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q_0N-Jrg4OM/U_LGwjrF9wI/AAAAAAAAF4Q/GBrJm9EtBrU/s1600-h/314%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="314" border="0" alt="314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hB8Rmyufpr8/U_LGye06-pI/AAAAAAAAF4Y/GWZ8DyNmIEA/314_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="568" height="435"></a></p> <p align="center">This was the little hotel room that Mike and I stayed in. It had an upstairs and downstairs. Super cute and every corner of space was used. There was even a miniature kitchen.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VcD43vL9ntY/U_LG0jtqv7I/AAAAAAAAF4g/2t1qdnp0qpY/s1600-h/IMG_4445%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4445" border="0" alt="IMG_4445" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5lQPADXPsVw/U_LG25jOrNI/AAAAAAAAF4o/N4JMt64HVsk/IMG_4445_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="637" height="438"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ADufWX8Seds/U_LG5PTwWQI/AAAAAAAAF4w/i3Q4pY7ax68/s1600-h/IMG_4443%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4443" border="0" alt="IMG_4443" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qQV4xncusGw/U_LG7Fg9qZI/AAAAAAAAF44/U4VGFHTIweA/IMG_4443_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="640"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vHfTtP_kdyc/U_LG9P3_cYI/AAAAAAAAF5A/tq3uVcP8eRM/s1600-h/IMG_4437%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4437" border="0" alt="IMG_4437" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d6-efJzsK60/U_LG_X-xe2I/AAAAAAAAF5I/hypKeyphdPM/IMG_4437_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="688" height="473"></a> </p> <p align="center">And this- there were cafes everywhere stocked with delicious pastries. Like seriously, there were more delicious cafes on every corner than there are Starbucks around here.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ad2jqPPi4xA/U_LHAg48xBI/AAAAAAAAF5Q/lJCkx_FZBlM/s1600-h/IMG_4441%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4441" border="0" alt="IMG_4441" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-21Jp-pm7xM0/U_LHC5CNRSI/AAAAAAAAF5Y/2bQxE9MxIp8/IMG_4441_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="694"></a></p> <p align="center">And I’ll end with a beautiful church. </p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">The October trip is a little bit different than the Thanksgiving trip. I am going with 4 photographers who are taking family photographs for lots of different families. The last day we will have a party and give them photographs as a gift. It’s a great way to minister to families and create community.</p> <p align="center">I know you are wondering why I am going- since you can tell my photography skills are nothing to celebrate. </p> <p align="center">I’m going to assist- to cook or clean or visit with families as they wait for their turn… anything and everything that I can do to help, I will. Maybe I’ll learn some photography tricks too!</p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Please let me know if you have any questions about the trip and please be in prayer for us as we prepare and especially for our friends who are already in Portugal- most of the prep work falls on them.</p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-16526809480485526632014-08-11T21:04:00.001-07:002014-08-11T21:04:02.259-07:00Adoption Day!<p> </p> <p>This post is super late- but that’s pretty typical around here! </p> <p>Back on May 16th we adopted our Zoe. You will have to scroll back a year and I believe I talk a little about when we got the call to pick her up from the hospital as a foster baby. We didn’t know much of anything when we took her home at 14 days old but we didn’t care- she was our baby for as long as the Lord wanted her to be!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7SOFfnyPMKo/U-mRmCTMoZI/AAAAAAAAFrw/bQZcmG-XgaA/s1600-h/adoption%252520announcement%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="adoption announcement" border="0" alt="adoption announcement" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wKpS1LY2kS8/U-mRn_qUdjI/AAAAAAAAFr4/CbJjC6PeSUY/adoption%252520announcement_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="619"></a> </p> <p>So, after fostering her for a year, her parents rights were officially terminated and we became a number in a stack of paperwork waiting for the adoption. There were a few things we had to have inspected at the house but mostly, we were waiting for someone to make a copy. </p> <p> </p> <p>Then, once we got “approved” for adoption we went to the CPS office and signed paperwork that basically got rid of CPS but we still had to wait for a court date. Then a month later, we got court scheduled.</p> <p> </p> <p>On your court day, you all go to the courthouse and stand in front of a judge and it’s official! </p> <p>We didn’t know what to expect at the courthouse or how long it would take. I had asked for a lunch appointment because I really wanted to go to a fancy restaurant in fort worth to celebrate after (typically the adoption cases are first thing in the morning). They had graciously accommodated my request and I think I made lunch reservations for 1.5 hours after we were schedule to be in court. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L0D4eK8Z4k8/U-mRp-yT0AI/AAAAAAAAFsA/f8OVMLE8TLM/s1600-h/IMG_4718%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4718" border="0" alt="IMG_4718" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rkgyYEzSNKE/U-mRrkQ9RBI/AAAAAAAAFsI/g9Wr_FIC1Ys/IMG_4718_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="461"></a> </p> <p>So everyone goes into the court room and stands in front of the judges desk and he asked us a couple of questions about how we felt about Z and asked C a question about being a big brother and that was it! We had already signed all the paperwork and so the judge just asked if we wanted pictures. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1KWVJV5Syvg/U-mRtQYPGsI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/dHz1c_Bu_Tg/s1600-h/IMG_4723%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4723" border="0" alt="IMG_4723" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z-n-P-E9pxI/U-mRwDLYcAI/AAAAAAAAFsY/KIrt8myxESA/IMG_4723_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="692" height="476"></a></p> <p> He was so kind to take as many pictures as we wanted and never made us feel rushed (I believe it was his lunch hour) and stayed and visited with us.</p> <p>The bailiff brought out a present for C- the piggy bank- and that just made his day! </p> <p> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rBqLTvxLFE4/U-mRzNDoiEI/AAAAAAAAFsg/egsrDbstvZY/s1600-h/IMG_4727%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4727" border="0" alt="IMG_4727" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WaB7k9A4vFY/U-mR1kiIwII/AAAAAAAAFso/rCz49N3KccU/IMG_4727_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="675" height="464"></a></p> <p>Visiting with the judge.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TEFquSoJEOs/U-mR3VvnUoI/AAAAAAAAFsw/ArwrWXOYd48/s1600-h/IMG_4717%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4717" border="0" alt="IMG_4717" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZgxUCKjF01c/U-mR6PV-v_I/AAAAAAAAFs4/3_mPSPvasr0/IMG_4717_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="677" height="470"></a> </p> <p>Our attorney presented the information to the judge. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gCRG8VNAA_o/U-mR8FL56RI/AAAAAAAAFtA/W8CEAmtRBd0/s1600-h/IMG_4716%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4716" border="0" alt="IMG_4716" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-igLFGzDSGo0/U-mR-R8rcMI/AAAAAAAAFtI/G8wgsDWvO-c/IMG_4716_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="675" height="464"></a></p> <p>We loved our attorney! If you need a name of a great family attorney then let me know! </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hlPbFrC7z7s/U-mSAzxMB9I/AAAAAAAAFtQ/Orr193JhNMY/s1600-h/IMG_4730%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4730" border="0" alt="IMG_4730" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IgEY7kawbTo/U-mSDc9ir4I/AAAAAAAAFtY/5L7jpUvwUuE/IMG_4730_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="412" height="599"></a></p> <p>Here’s our first official family picture!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I2ol1iCZhlo/U-mSFYMiDbI/AAAAAAAAFtg/d7EPf_BX1Sw/s1600-h/IMG_4728%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4728" border="0" alt="IMG_4728" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HxpVMb8pbfQ/U-mSIKfFrrI/AAAAAAAAFto/d3Unx9ud7ig/IMG_4728_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="630" height="433"></a></p> <p>Here we are with our amazing CASA worker and attorney. Y’all, look into being a CASA volunteer. It’s a great way to work with kids who need help.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GXJkqREZj9I/U-mSJQVpLpI/AAAAAAAAFtw/QPmB6dGOhnc/s1600-h/IMG_4731%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4731" border="0" alt="IMG_4731" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FeI5aCA4WKg/U-mSLP7LZ4I/AAAAAAAAFt4/zOVGIn32ctk/IMG_4731_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="633" height="435"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And our caseworker for our foster agency, Mark with Arrow. We highly recommend <a href="http://www.arrow.org/">Arrow</a> for a foster/adoption agency. </p> <p> </p> <p>So from start to finish- our journey from foster to adoption was 14 months. It was a rollercoaster but I’m so glad we had that experience and I’m so glad we have Z. She’s pretty much the coolest baby ever and I can’t believe we get to raise her. </p> <p> </p> <p>If you think you are not cut out to be foster parents or adoptive parents, think again. It’s not about YOU. You don’t have to have your whole life together. You just have to be willing to let your world be shaken up a little bit. So, pray about how the Lord wants you to help orphans. There are so many different ways you can help!</p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-18162706231190922342014-07-21T19:58:00.001-07:002014-07-21T19:58:14.557-07:00Fun, Easy, Affordable Art... That doesn't look like it<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This story is pretty typical for the way things go around here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not necessarily how i WANT them to go but it's just how it works. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I start a project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's super cool in my head.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I get mostly finished.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Life happens.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1-7 years later I finish the project.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This particular project is special because when I was painting the bathroom that this art is in, I got a phone call about a baby girl that needed a foster home. I was literally holding a paintbrush talking to my foster agency and thinking "We aren't ready for a baby, when would I ever finish this bathroom?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, baby Z came to live with us a few days later and she's never leaving. Which means I may never finish the bathroom, but she's worth it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So here's the project. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had this canvas that I believe my sister painted for her college apartment. it's super cute but I needed it hanging the other direction and I was hanging it on a dark wall so I always imagined that it would be light in color. I had this idea for a project in my head when I was working on the bathroom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yLZDHyr3rQllLIirMlziCmMxApCbhTqqYXMBQC7f_X7wSSpjNilf7HX3FSP7rq3r4ZxutE0THyZWIcN5Y0BWE-8MARZ5cjsKJqVdb4zvXXNskbEdKVQFJkWONrigERLU59iwL9NTmnci/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_yLZDHyr3rQllLIirMlziCmMxApCbhTqqYXMBQC7f_X7wSSpjNilf7HX3FSP7rq3r4ZxutE0THyZWIcN5Y0BWE-8MARZ5cjsKJqVdb4zvXXNskbEdKVQFJkWONrigERLU59iwL9NTmnci/s1600/image.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In March.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />March 2013.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To start I pulled some colorful pages out of magazines and cut them into strips- about 1/4" in width.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cut approx. 1,459 more than I needed- but I didn't know that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkqM1kKUdmI6Jqi1i_xfbreu8YZ-LvAFiNNllwFirZ8WYQzEODtz6ir7-S9gso_hZDe9KYheQYF_OVdnunSxWBYQGiblsGjb50V7kJz0C03fzPNtkmL9dPVc-vTLOKNEE-OHN4Za10tU4/s1600/image(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixkqM1kKUdmI6Jqi1i_xfbreu8YZ-LvAFiNNllwFirZ8WYQzEODtz6ir7-S9gso_hZDe9KYheQYF_OVdnunSxWBYQGiblsGjb50V7kJz0C03fzPNtkmL9dPVc-vTLOKNEE-OHN4Za10tU4/s1600/image(1).jpeg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had printed a pattern that I wanted on 11x17 paper so I knew the size that I needed to create.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My plan was to use mod podge to take the strips and glue them to the canvas then cover the mod podge over it for a thick clear coat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was out of mod podge and instead of waiting to buy more I just used some glitter glue I had laying around. But it was lumpy. So that wasn't a great idea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL24M6pe00yctrEeFMlVKKgz5Lj6OidqEgesQZLJkbYgjD9MJcyqJoUAE5ir5ma3hq9gXYVptkcHKynKWteOGRhEnuGzYdeDTA1XSef-exG7J0QHQ2CTIU9WuUeJWBYWDUBc5IKwd9n21/s1600/image(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL24M6pe00yctrEeFMlVKKgz5Lj6OidqEgesQZLJkbYgjD9MJcyqJoUAE5ir5ma3hq9gXYVptkcHKynKWteOGRhEnuGzYdeDTA1XSef-exG7J0QHQ2CTIU9WuUeJWBYWDUBc5IKwd9n21/s1600/image(2).jpeg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I traced the pattern I printed onto contact paper and cut it out- then I applied the contact paper on top of the magazine strips. The glue over them kept the stickey from ripping the magazine paper when I pulled it off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YNhCZ4m5rge2jvxrf88GeLFVg1fUCninqxm3iIHgrdPWFNWjfWtwlUD08L5ImLJ1vX_18cPILwoYgdyCXf2CXkzcCWWu5-zNCgoVCIwbns9Z4mtnYxXW08G31fzbpKuyPE04c2w18j0d/s1600/photo(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YNhCZ4m5rge2jvxrf88GeLFVg1fUCninqxm3iIHgrdPWFNWjfWtwlUD08L5ImLJ1vX_18cPILwoYgdyCXf2CXkzcCWWu5-zNCgoVCIwbns9Z4mtnYxXW08G31fzbpKuyPE04c2w18j0d/s1600/photo(9).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can kind of see the clear contact paper on top. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgececeGE3qDwnVDajSyg9kba-LnJVsdW1jdjZj4MBsvVC9eRjs6eWVFBcvm_osKc-WLj-yR_-ZdLiYNl2t0bO8EDsPNV3zxXmpnUbnjirUDg1FEkVln4lHqZUdUpD5__gJuA_-k187D9xD/s1600/image(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgececeGE3qDwnVDajSyg9kba-LnJVsdW1jdjZj4MBsvVC9eRjs6eWVFBcvm_osKc-WLj-yR_-ZdLiYNl2t0bO8EDsPNV3zxXmpnUbnjirUDg1FEkVln4lHqZUdUpD5__gJuA_-k187D9xD/s1600/image(5).jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then I took it outside and sprayed the entire thing white. I used the whole can of spray paint. I wanted it really white!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">See how it's rough where the design is... well, I didn't count on that... and I'm not sure how to fix it yet. But I will work on fixing that sometime. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When it was all dry I pulled off the contact paper to reveal the beautiful design below!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcs2py5Ad0NSHe7vDqAqwznpsNR6d5Q3Xh1QifGrp6juVpOmkZIF0V3LYSplXyk4piZjjln4Fe7g8dAxQqNumoNmyKX1wFO2BgbIp6gbjqswEx0O6yczHESs1ym5SlAu1eZi9J1fKvku8/s1600/image(4).jpeg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcs2py5Ad0NSHe7vDqAqwznpsNR6d5Q3Xh1QifGrp6juVpOmkZIF0V3LYSplXyk4piZjjln4Fe7g8dAxQqNumoNmyKX1wFO2BgbIp6gbjqswEx0O6yczHESs1ym5SlAu1eZi9J1fKvku8/s1600/image(4).jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here it is hanging in the bathroom. You can't really tell from here but some of the edges are not as crisp as I would like so I'm going to try and touch them up somehow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But, given my history, I went ahead and hung it in the bathroom and I'll get to finishing it in the next 2-5 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have 37 other projects to work on!</span></div>
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I love doing graduation announcements. It's like Christmas cards in May. </div>
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It's easy to make nice cards when you have seniors that look like these. So great! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh67naPJqyvJ-LXCqWH9DGutGjzyu62nbQfflsjceuQ0IVD9OoX_kX6ip6yw7o-yf0Ms1-R1bSk5tfgIRijv9MM5BRG55I3P8xPgknW2Zlg0s14QP9c1Iz1XHn6qDswIyP2Mx6aJ0aUzU3/s1600/hicks+card+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh67naPJqyvJ-LXCqWH9DGutGjzyu62nbQfflsjceuQ0IVD9OoX_kX6ip6yw7o-yf0Ms1-R1bSk5tfgIRijv9MM5BRG55I3P8xPgknW2Zlg0s14QP9c1Iz1XHn6qDswIyP2Mx6aJ0aUzU3/s1600/hicks+card+1a.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GqselQhfLuNJWDTJhyIxGz-MSIOHsz_vvdzAvxaw0fHhyrgWUB0rbfTBzZizA_AZPcwyNnwjRt9IBZotgwU36ybVjb0UdIPxiDScFwbV46ykvVHlTWy8pcp0VebmGRYnsnH87gPkZtfz/s1600/hicks+card+back+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GqselQhfLuNJWDTJhyIxGz-MSIOHsz_vvdzAvxaw0fHhyrgWUB0rbfTBzZizA_AZPcwyNnwjRt9IBZotgwU36ybVjb0UdIPxiDScFwbV46ykvVHlTWy8pcp0VebmGRYnsnH87gPkZtfz/s1600/hicks+card+back+1.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-58667348877674837852014-07-05T11:21:00.001-07:002014-07-07T09:04:02.843-07:00Spy School Birthday Party<div align="center">
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I would love to say it was super easy to put together C’s 5th Birthday party because I do this sort of thing all the time. BUT when it came time to plan, I was buried in life and work and I had a hard time getting all the details in order. To be honest, the only reason I did a big party was because it’s my business- and it’s good for my portfolio. :-)</div>
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Here we go. C is into spies and I decided on a “Spy School” theme. The kids came and went through some basic training and earned their certificate at the end. It turned out to be a lot of fun!</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TLygJ1ijzdU/U7hA2qT__7I/AAAAAAAAFas/qOxEW2GmoXc/s1600-h/welcomeposter%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="welcome poster" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-URhdNjBn1Gk/U7hA4Y0OCjI/AAAAAAAAFa0/uvLWcBXmZIw/welcomeposter_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="497" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="welcome poster" width="333" /></a></div>
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We had the party at the church so I had one sign downstairs to lead everyone up.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-u_WUSHUCA4U/U7hA5ZAvXII/AAAAAAAAFa8/7b7DMRqBmTg/s1600-h/welcome%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="welcome" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5uuh-2ldio/U7hA7CxcZiI/AAAAAAAAFbE/PLoHB3Ph7BQ/welcome_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="451" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="welcome" width="303" /></a> </div>
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And this was the welcome sign for the door. I had just gotten a new printer so I can now print 11”x17” signs! </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-clz6Xj8qUYA/U7hA8wC0qiI/AAAAAAAAFbM/LWglM1MLp-Q/s1600-h/invitation%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="invitation" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D-b1cQwx9Jw/U7hA-etpvsI/AAAAAAAAFbU/SzjwpXARs-s/invitation_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="424" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="invitation" width="517" /></a></div>
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For the invitation- I made a little “folder” and had these pages cut apart and paper clipped in the folder. I ran the envelopes through the printer and printed “top secret” on the outside. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--7OOBZ3ep6Y/U7hA_5MS9YI/AAAAAAAAFbc/dnhesC71TnQ/s1600-h/IMG_4616%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4616" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gRkL5GGyOnQ/U7hBA89tEMI/AAAAAAAAFbk/N5dmS-Td5AU/IMG_4616_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="326" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4616" width="474" /></a></div>
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Banner above the present table at the entry</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lv1-ZuCDqWw/U7hBCITY6XI/AAAAAAAAFbs/ESJKI0M6Qa8/s1600-h/nametagfront4.jpg"><img alt="nametag front" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pC5fV-dXoNM/U7hBCx3IilI/AAAAAAAAFb0/cfrn85VbPqw/nametagfront_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" height="238" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="nametag front" width="359" /></a></div>
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We had nametags for everyone to work on when they got there. On the back, they got a sticker for every training mission they completed.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4S6qmkUFTYo/U7hBEK9NjkI/AAAAAAAAFb8/EOUEpf2_VEk/s1600-h/IMG_4608%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4608" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aRzXKsHF03c/U7hBFod7RoI/AAAAAAAAFcE/s0Ivp0MmLOk/IMG_4608_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="559" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_4608" width="384" /></a></div>
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Here’s our nametag table setup.</div>
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We are about to get a bit out of order- because these pictures are seriously hard to re-arrange. </div>
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I’m not type A so it doesn’t bother me…. hopefully it won’t bother you. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rR_eWzD3Lgk/U7hBGnsw6eI/AAAAAAAAFcM/tP5hF30KK74/s1600-h/languageschool%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="language school" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pSKCtxbjv9U/U7hBHvdLJvI/AAAAAAAAFcU/aMfHfkH_4BQ/languageschool_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="481" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="language school" width="323" /></a> </div>
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So we had a series of missions they had to complete. One of them was Language school (okay, so I needed another mission, I stretched it a bit)</div>
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We taught the kids how to say hello in a few languages and count and some other things. I’ve watched Dora a few times so I know some Spanish and I almost failed French in college and I’ve been to Portugal twice so I’m pretty sure they learned a lot. </div>
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Actually all they did was ask when dinner was. #fail</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dlGusxWNFQA/U7hBIx-mwFI/AAAAAAAAFcc/4ZczeUUWTsA/s1600-h/IMG_4613%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4613" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B5GnZ9s1RwQ/U7hBJ7CNmGI/AAAAAAAAFck/0PwCCk90NgY/IMG_4613_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="372" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4613" width="541" /></a></div>
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Speaking of dinner, the spies in training came to the cafeteria at spy school for dinner. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z95HQsefajE/U7hBK4FG_hI/AAAAAAAAFcs/Rd_O_9KE8UU/s1600-h/IMG_4648%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4648" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6y411G1qM0w/U7hBL14bQII/AAAAAAAAFc0/j5SsNnANbmQ/IMG_4648_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="495" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4648" width="340" /></a></div>
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I found these adorable paper cafeteria trays online and HAD to have them so that actually determined the theme of the whole dinner. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lkmhLNXcMKU/U7hBNX8w7cI/AAAAAAAAFc8/_fZVEUr7NYg/s1600-h/IMG_4646%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4646" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o7oXbL2uW5k/U7hBOWQ_70I/AAAAAAAAFdE/KF6u2NhRWJE/IMG_4646_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="366" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_4646" width="532" /></a></div>
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Here’s all the kids eating with their cute cafeteria trays. </div>
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The kids are cute too.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M9SCjBVrRuo/U7hBPkIBcZI/AAAAAAAAFdM/INYEzDfckdg/s1600-h/IMG_4614%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4614" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ubkkwpvrICU/U7hBRzX_R9I/AAAAAAAAFdU/TfDRANiDJ2w/IMG_4614_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="372" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4614" width="541" /></a></div>
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Here’s some of the very simple food. I usually like to do homemade food with new recipes and lots of ingredients… but I just didn’t have it in me this year.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oq14IeVIphI/U7hBTbMtcNI/AAAAAAAAFdc/WUQljTwS4oU/s1600-h/IMG_4612%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4612" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c6T8NQfsyOw/U7hBVdsp6KI/AAAAAAAAFdk/JmJOb8s09oI/IMG_4612_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="539" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4612" width="498" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-inByjs0lu4c/U7hBWen2YsI/AAAAAAAAFds/fcXOamuiTuQ/s1600-h/IMG_4611%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4611" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aN1UskFapUg/U7hBX1SFn5I/AAAAAAAAFd0/O2P8_8O7tZw/IMG_4611_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="636" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4611" width="437" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--an8t48Q9Cs/U7hBY-z-BPI/AAAAAAAAFd8/zQt21s7ThoI/s1600-h/IMG_4610%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4610" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KQJJt5D--Pg/U7hBaoLPwNI/AAAAAAAAFeE/TG1uKHx4Cq4/IMG_4610_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="637" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4610" width="444" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UQT3ZZ2aInU/U7hBcGGrELI/AAAAAAAAFeM/B-60_033e1Q/s1600-h/260%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="260" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rcpk2NTiD6I/U7hBduCfDQI/AAAAAAAAFeU/FJXxHnEcQsA/260_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="450" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="260" width="505" /></a></div>
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The Cake! I just got a simple cake at target with sprinkles on the edge and added the rest of the decorations myself. </div>
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You should have heard the Target baker when she was taking my order- “is that all?” “would you like anything else on the cake?” “anything at all…” </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qkdi3V9WPKw/U7hBetoy3xI/AAAAAAAAFec/qhIxkCE3DPE/s1600-h/IMG_4609%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4609" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f-wY8qUu0DE/U7hBftC--GI/AAAAAAAAFek/3abbO7nmGw8/IMG_4609_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="506" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4609" width="408" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GVae80E42ms/U7hBggDjtuI/AAAAAAAAFes/DWVjUopMaoc/s1600-h/IMG_4606%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4606" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MPJqQfmJdrc/U7hBhrO8bGI/AAAAAAAAFe0/uEzhGodLTDc/IMG_4606_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="568" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4606" width="390" /></a></div>
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One of their missions was to dress up in disguises and we took some fun pictures. </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--EjQlYcMkc8/U7hBjFV7_CI/AAAAAAAAFe8/WnBWTGO1n6Q/s1600-h/IMG_4605%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4605" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qlIOGFq0uLE/U7hBkkzTh1I/AAAAAAAAFfE/Oiu7a6E5zEg/IMG_4605_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="384" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4605" width="593" /></a></div>
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Disguise table.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uukIMZIWo6Q/U7hBmUgwHuI/AAAAAAAAFfM/EpooNJzUOAw/s1600-h/IMG_4635%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4635" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O3YgQooYLb0/U7hBnm056eI/AAAAAAAAFfU/6zPzCun1Jp0/IMG_4635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="415" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4635" width="604" /></a></div>
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The kiddos had fun!</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7HcUSZPFr6Q/U7hBpD5qVTI/AAAAAAAAFfc/PM9CQwLKMyU/s1600-h/IMG_4619%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4619" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DNS5bYbxOng/U7hBrjfrE0I/AAAAAAAAFfk/sKuMyPoSwBQ/IMG_4619_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="545" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4619" width="472" /></a></div>
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C with his sweet aunt Caylin who came all the way from Houston for the party. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-72tj8t7Oyxc/U7hBsfHZ8kI/AAAAAAAAFfo/Lvzg8Y8_FoA/s1600-h/drivingschool%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="driving school" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V8f62OAVNqo/U7hBtdnxGzI/AAAAAAAAFf0/Y9e_irLiI88/drivingschool_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="496" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="driving school" width="331" /></a></div>
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Another mission- driving school!</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tdq4uUtV1SQ/U7hBu825siI/AAAAAAAAFf8/sJzocUkKrsw/s1600-h/IMG_4630%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4630" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tFaSVh6Faow/U7hBwb12rtI/AAAAAAAAFgE/gBA4pKbNCNs/IMG_4630_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="387" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4630" width="563" /></a></div>
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I didn’t get any good pictures of this one. They were moving too fast!</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zdoSCq4ltaA/U7hBxoUanFI/AAAAAAAAFgM/7hdgATcVc90/s1600-h/IMG_4607%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4607" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-08XSyisxkgA/U7hByuD12pI/AAAAAAAAFgU/DIPz_Y_cNWw/IMG_4607_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="480" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4607" width="335" /></a></div>
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Everyone’s favorite mission- Laser training. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-L0KzHSI1dkc/U7hBzan0wRI/AAAAAAAAFgc/4oMOYGw99FI/s1600-h/IMG_4604%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4604" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GuewIfGXPHU/U7hB0dBrT2I/AAAAAAAAFgk/Itl6BveU4Bc/IMG_4604_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="495" style="display: inline;" title="IMG_4604" width="340" /></a></div>
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I was hoping it would be everyone’s favorite activity because it looks just like an awesome spy movie and it took Mike an hour to put it together. But it turns out it was their favorite because there was candy at the back and they just loved to go through the maze and grab candy. </div>
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Over and over and over.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CBhYhYZPAeg/U7hB08LVFWI/AAAAAAAAFgs/56jhKY5blRI/s1600-h/IMG_4603.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4603" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AQ3fBZt3w1U/U7hB17Cv1AI/AAAAAAAAFg0/1z7shyn8rPg/IMG_4603_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="534" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4603" width="367" /></a></div>
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I even had a spot for the grown ups to relax since they work so hard. </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-blVKKEbtsy8/U7hB3OI3ajI/AAAAAAAAFg8/m5hep0uT3eE/s1600-h/IMG_4641%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4641" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jm8dKB6wv8Y/U7hB5Cg5RLI/AAAAAAAAFhE/WO-odvT5XWM/IMG_4641_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="398" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4641" width="579" /></a></div>
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My family sure did enjoy it. </div>
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It’s a good thing I didn’t PAY them to help. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjoYXPGXy6IrNaeSVEbRuJ4p2JTnJJg5-mN6grtvHnXiqXLMHiLe14gh2UTQefFY3kSxKc8czEc4KLKYOrSKngZItfcur4votGgBXFZvsMaOqO78-fl2rmJPAiqLfdJjiRyxLtyiVDMnO/s1600-h/IMG_4602%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4602" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r0VXMVvmK8Q/U7hB7Lg6GsI/AAAAAAAAFhU/9g-gTqTHjSI/IMG_4602_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="520" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4602" width="366" /></a> </div>
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For the last mission of the day they had to pop balloons and find the secret message and it took them downstairs and look for the next clue and the next clue.</div>
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I just thought these pictures were funny.</div>
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Then they had to stay on the sidewalk and shoot out the dynamite before it exploded. </div>
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And then they got goodie bags.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jad8qefVl2c/U7hCMkgEIjI/AAAAAAAAFic/1M4-8CaIG3U/s1600-h/IMG_4678%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_4678" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IaVJuV-XYaQ/U7hCOANkMuI/AAAAAAAAFik/KvzTXvFLGwU/IMG_4678_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="389" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_4678" width="566" /></a></div>
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At the end everyone got a diploma in a very official ceremony. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7pRiEVeJWHOh0XIuiFcACMnz1XvRySIumDJINevVfqrGhYsPme6OgADicOFfdCcl0S0MGQMNYIrvqEHUeFsrmEfIwWPCH5EN5BVkdA5xOuZYOTK9dNRKEHn9i0JYNR8UwH7IhYqSXKSz/s1600-h/diploma%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diploma" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fyTwf2g7iUY/U7hCQ5iRaUI/AAAAAAAAFi0/FYiBAWH5cZc/diploma_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="449" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="diploma" width="574" /></a></div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-56266920348706520292014-02-03T06:22:00.001-08:002014-02-03T21:01:35.308-08:00Happy 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy 2014! </div>
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Only a month late. </div>
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I like to have a brunch on New Years Day. Once we had kids it became really hard to get out on New Year's eve. Finding a babysitter, affording a place, staying out late. It's just too hard. However, I don't like to miss an opportunity to have a party, so I do a party on New Years Day. </div>
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It turned out so fun!</div>
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I found this punch recipe on pinterest. It's something like sprite, pina coloda frozen mix (no alcohol), banana orange pineapple juice, and maybe some other stuff. (You can see all my oils in the background- love them!)</div>
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These were pears with bacon on top sprinkled with paprika and cinnamon. Delicious!</div>
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Salad served in martini glasses = super fun salad.</div>
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The chalkboard in the kitchen. </div>
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I love these snowflakes so I had to take a picture. I got them a few years ago 1/2 off at pier one. </div>
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Super easy cardboard numbers sprayed with silver spraypaint!</div>
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Yummy coffee cake made with those rolls that are frozen then rise when you set them out. </div>
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I made some photo props because I thought it would be fun! </div>
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-83891037307175230102013-11-05T09:30:00.001-08:002013-11-05T09:30:45.722-08:00Quick Pre-Portugal UpdateThank you so much to everyone who has helped with our trip- sending money, bringing food, praying... it wouldn't be possible without you!<br />
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Just wanted to give you a quick update before we leave... this afternoon!!!<br />
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We collected a bunch of food to take then divided it into 5 piles so we could each take some food. If we put it all together it would have been too heavy for the 50 lb weight limit per bag. <br />
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Here's the bottom of my bag. Lots of sweet potatoes and some marshmallows!<br />
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Just in case you are curious- here's some of the things we are cooking:<br />
Turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls, sweet potatoes, stuffing, creamed corn, mashed potatoes, ambrosia, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, salad, brownies, cookies, apple pie, carrots, green beans... i can't even remember the rest!<br />
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Here's how you can pray when we are gone- copied from Cristi's facebook post this morning:<br />
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the team as they take off today and leave children and jobs and worries
for a week. Pray that it will be a wonderful week for them here in
Portugal.<br /> 2. Our friends here that we are passing out invitations to...pray that they'd be able to attend the meal.<br /> 3. Relationships to be deepened and/or formed and for opportunities to share the gospel with them over this long weekend...<br /> <span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> Thurs. Night-dinner with our café inglês group<br /> Fri. Night-dinner with our Bible study peeps and a few other random families we're inviting<br /> Sat.-6 families from Calvin's class<br /> Sun.-5 families from Lily's class<br /> Mon. night-dinner with neighbors<br /> <br /> Pray that by Monday night we'll still be able to force Turkey and Cranberry sauce down our throats </span></span></span></h5>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> I will try and post updates along the way. Hopefully we will have time to stop for a minute- I may be too tired at the end of the day!</span></span></span></h5>
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<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> Thank you for your prayers! </span></span></span></h5>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-21808044709232230622013-10-20T20:11:00.001-07:002013-10-21T10:50:54.642-07:00Mission Trip to Portugal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm excited to be going back to Portugal this year on a mission trip. I went two years ago on a similar trip but this time Mike is going too as well as 3 cother people from our church. We are leaving in just two weeks and staying a week and a half! For some reason I feel much more behind this time. We will be cooking 5 thanksgiving dinners for about 20 people each night! At the dinners we get to visit with the guests and learn more about their culture and talk to them about ours. Since it's Thanksgiving... we pray together and talk about what we are thankful for. </div>
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We have to take some of the food with us because they don't have all the American Thanksgiving food there. Pumpkin, cranberry sauce, chocolate chip cookies- these are things they don't have. </div>
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This is one of the suitcases we were trying to pack two years ago. Suitcases have to be 50 lbs are less and that can be hard when you have a bunch of canned food. </div>
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Here's some of the wonderful food we prepared. </div>
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We got to tour the city a little bit. It was incredible. </div>
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More beautiful food. Does it look like a traditional Thanksgiving?</div>
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And here's one view of the beautiful city. </div>
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We still need some help. Help covering trip expenses and also help with the groceries we are taking and craft supplies for the kids. If you want to help- we could use money for the trip as well as grocery gift cards or cash to purchase some of our groceries before we go. We also purchase lots of groceries when we get there and money would help with that as well. If you feel like shopping for a particular item- contact me and I can give you a list of what we still need to get. </div>
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Here are some of the fun people we do this for. There are lots of different areas of ministry going on in Coimbra right now with the Gereckes. One is a college ministry where they get together with college students and help them practice speaking English. They also have a small bible study they are getting started, they invite families into their home weekly from the kids schools and their neighborhood. They are constantly looking for people to minister to and create community. <br />
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If I could I would go on mission trips all the time. I love learning about different cultures and sharing The Lord with others. If you feel led to help out financially it would be a huge blessing. This trip would not be possible without help from others and </div>
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Please send checks or gift cards made out to First Colleyville to:</div>
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5405 Pleasant Run<br />
Colleyville, TX 76034</div>
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Please indicate "Portugal missions" in the memo line of the check and specify in a note if you would like the money to be used for grocery purchases or my personal trip expenses. </div>
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We would also love your prayers! Pray for the people of Portugal, that it will be easy to get the word out about the dinners and that everyone will be able to come, for trip safety and safety of our kids that we are leaving here, that there will be opportunities to talk about God and what He has done in our lives, for our energy and cooking skills... just about anything!<br />Our team is Michelle, Josh, Tracy, Mike & Catherine and we are meeting missionaries Michael and Cristi when we get there. We will be traveling Nov. 5-13th. Thank you for your prayers!</div>
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Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-84942639307690653242013-10-10T08:14:00.001-07:002013-10-10T08:14:35.712-07:00Life of a Foster ParentI thought I would take this moment to put off cleaning a bit longer, and give you a glimpse into our life as foster parents. This is just a part about our monthly visitors.<br />
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So every month- we have approx 5 different people coming over to the house to visit baby J. Therapist (times 2), CASA worker, CPS caseworker and foster agency caseworker. Oh, and someone comes by twice a month to pick her up for a visit with bio parents.<br />
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Mostly everyone comes in to play with J and stays in one room or a couple of rooms. Once a quarter we get to have someone come over and inspect all the rooms for safety and to make sure our kitchen soap is not sitting out. Wouldn't want someone to drink it and then poop bubbles or something :-)<br />
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So I've kind of gotten over having my house clean for every visitor- I mean- who has time to clean their house 5 times a month? Not going to happen. But I do feel like I should have it clean for our quarterly inspection. And that's today. So I officially have 5 hours to clean. For a normal person that would probably be perfectly acceptable. However, I am very bad at cleaning. <br />
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Maybe I will take a before an after picture. And if I'm not too embarrassed I will post it. Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-42985481081672201022013-09-24T20:44:00.003-07:002013-09-24T20:44:44.760-07:00Painting Tips for Painting Your Own Artwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Don't get your hopes up. If you have ever taken art before, even if it was in jr. high, you probably know more about painting than me. I do a lot of creative things but I'm not a great artist. However, I believe anyone can make their own artwork and can paint beautiful things if they want to. So here are a few easy tips to help.</div>
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1) Pick your paints. They don't have to be expensive or even from a special art store. I usually use the apple barrel paints from Hobby Lobby that are like .50 a jar. Today, I'm using some paint from Target that I got for Cason but I love it so much (because it shimmers) that I wanted to use it for this project. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCMxWEVTiLsIq18JaSHF3drEJ9a8S2FO76hr6kAszHsUd1AsS0PkSnnwJBPxhihxhqCMyrJDHBrosWAYVw1Xfprcd4Sc3pqcyGzze03K3NaZ1nHpZBxahZWJkCKtb9wfvNsmJqcBLD0Wf/s1600/photo+2+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCMxWEVTiLsIq18JaSHF3drEJ9a8S2FO76hr6kAszHsUd1AsS0PkSnnwJBPxhihxhqCMyrJDHBrosWAYVw1Xfprcd4Sc3pqcyGzze03K3NaZ1nHpZBxahZWJkCKtb9wfvNsmJqcBLD0Wf/s400/photo+2+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2) Pick your colors. Paint your whole background. </div>
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Don't try and paint detail and background at the same time. </div>
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I choose 2 colors of blue for the background with a hint of green.</div>
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So that's part of tip 2. Pick up more than one color of paint with your brush and use big strokes. Solid even color- not good... at least not for this!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAbGhQjowB9psV9210vP5iCr00uBOc693g3GeZ8G1TqIJNZvnBB-p6XfOvZ3rLjdogb8ULRfeZgtuTzHwas8h1qeg3iAu3wa4dqd13H6LIUnZvFZCuuu8v7Dxxiz9EeBeEKCtPbwyHysG/s1600/photo+1+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAbGhQjowB9psV9210vP5iCr00uBOc693g3GeZ8G1TqIJNZvnBB-p6XfOvZ3rLjdogb8ULRfeZgtuTzHwas8h1qeg3iAu3wa4dqd13H6LIUnZvFZCuuu8v7Dxxiz9EeBeEKCtPbwyHysG/s400/photo+1+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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3) Once that dries. Use chalk to draw your main image. It doesn't have to be this simple but simple is easy! Also, off center is better. It is easier because you don't have to be perfect- plus it looks like you put extra thought into it. You thought so much about it that you made it off center to make other people think more. Awesome. </div>
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4) Paint your main image- again using 2 different colors on your paintbrush at a time. It really helps make the art look dimensional. When it's dry you can wipe the chalk off as if it never existed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeBP2wSdkQwfXMU23UFcqx7eJWAm-rRIYj4wKJY8-xaExq_wQi-sV4vvvpaylquB_D-65F9Xy8k5krFc_y1vZ_slDkQ-Hnv9nuD7ZzRbeI7fFLpHyskAsPAhOdr6fqFWENZ__aW99yCiK/s1600/photo+4+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeBP2wSdkQwfXMU23UFcqx7eJWAm-rRIYj4wKJY8-xaExq_wQi-sV4vvvpaylquB_D-65F9Xy8k5krFc_y1vZ_slDkQ-Hnv9nuD7ZzRbeI7fFLpHyskAsPAhOdr6fqFWENZ__aW99yCiK/s400/photo+4+(2).JPG" width="300" /> </a></div>
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5) I wanted to add another layer to the painting- text. Text is hard because it's hard to get a smooth line with paint. I wrote the words in chalk and used a tiny paintbrush and carefully wrote everything in. It's not perfect but it's real. </div>
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And here's the finished piece. It's personal and it's homemade and you can do it too! </div>
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So if you make awesome things please pass on this tutorial. Hopefully, it will inspire you just a little to start making your own artwork and saving a little $$ in the process.</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-56060539844588204092013-08-29T18:32:00.001-07:002013-08-29T18:32:27.773-07:00First Day of Pre-K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's our first day of school picture. I think I'm the only person in America that didn't use a chalkboard or a cute printable to mark the occasion- which is kind of funny because that's the sort of thing I would make with my business but we barely made it to school on time- plus I don't make a lot of graphics for myself- I guess I have enough working on them for others.</div>
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This boy was in a silly mood because he looks like a goober in all of these but it's a good display of his personality!</div>
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I have back to school pictures for my other baby but I can't show them online :-( hopefully soon. You will just have to imagine how adorable she is!</div>
Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-16585848151890035712013-08-26T21:09:00.001-07:002013-08-29T18:19:16.496-07:00What A Year!I can't believe it's been over a year since I last blogged! A lot has happened- though that's not really an excuse.<br />
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So lets rewind a year and I will give you a quick overview and then we can move on.<br />
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My sister got married at the beginning of September, two days later, we got our first foster kids! We took in a 2 year old boy and a 9 month old girl bringing my total to a 3, 2, and almost one year old. It was chaos almost instantly! Having kids that close together is hard for almost anyone- at least I'm assuming- and having kids that have been raised in another home for a few years and then moved to ours made it extra challenging. A challenge that comes with foster care and one of the reasons they need good foster homes!<br />
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These kids stayed with us for 4 months and then ended up going back home. It was a hard 4 months. Being foster parents can be fun and rewarding and challenging and frustrating and exhausting. Sometimes all at the same time.<br />
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A few months later- we got a call for a little girl! She came to us in March and we still have her. She's a doll and a great addition to the family.<br />
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Unfortunately with foster care I can't give many details and can't show any pictures. Trust me, she's cute!<br />
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Meanwhile I've been working hard building a business of <a href="http://www.everythingdesign-cat.com/">Everything Design</a>. It's been a fun journey and I have seen so much growth this year- growth that I can't take much credit for because I haven't had time to advertise. The Lord has helped me grow.<br />
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I really want to start writing about some changes we have been making in the family to our food and cleaning and just trying to live healthier overall. So my goal is to add some tips and tricks to help you if you are looking to baby step your home to natural living! <br />
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-70092889134764147692012-06-07T20:16:00.001-07:002012-06-07T20:16:15.207-07:00Patiently Waiting<p><font size="4">Many of you have asked for an update on our foster care and I really don't have much.  We have finished all our training and our paperwork and are officially on the list for our home study.</font>  <font size="3">There really hasn't been an indication of how long that will take.  I was told we would get a call last week or this week and it's almost Friday and still nothing.  So I'm guessing that it will be next week or the next.</font>  </p> <p>I think because for so long we were trying to cram in classes around our usually busy schedule and now that we have nothing to do but wait it's really hard.  </p> <p>We have prayed that the home study would happen in Gods timing and so I am assuming that this waiting period is for a reason.</p> <p>My understanding is, once we have our home study and once it is approved (assuming it will be) we will just need to get TB tests and then we will be on the list to get a child at any time.  Exciting!</p> <p>Meanwhile I work on this. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VfM-UIaX-4E/T9FudfIdxZI/AAAAAAAADNw/TxGbclercSs/s1600-h/IMG_3425%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3425" border="0" alt="IMG_3425" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qXKhn40WbBM/T9FufRyDQrI/AAAAAAAADN4/CuWWqh1eP5w/IMG_3425_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="378" height="489" /></a> </p> <p>My garden!  We are getting a little tired of eating zucchini so if you want some, let me know.</p> <p>Also I'm looking forward to our super awesome family vacation at the end of the month.  We are going to the beach in Alabama.  It should be a great time of family bonding.  I mean, we are not staying in the same room, or even in the same building... and we are taking 100 other people with us... and Mike is riding on a bus with half of them all the way there.  </p> <p>Yes, our big vacation is youth camp.  It probably won't be much of a vacation for Mike but Cason and I are looking forward to it :-)</p> <p>I'll keep you posed on everything!  Thanks for wanting to stay in the loop and keeping us in your prayers.</p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-60268874757330059562012-04-28T13:32:00.003-07:002012-04-28T13:39:53.166-07:00Semi-Final Home Inspection<span style="font-size: large;">We had our final home inspection today... well final inspection from Arrow- we still have another one. Everything went great and I think there's only one more thing we need to do in the house. Just wanted to show another picture of the girls room because I really like how it turned out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPUEAr8Z-jOBgLQIfXWtioWwoheq2EMwtHRu-zxHuQfdMXCfGLsFJV5ip-vc47NL5jAj8StnLkG46rjBF51ianiwrlTMM88XSqLEQxxKO6cMTALErY72EKDfyiSjnd_U60BKgO8fA9soJ/s1600/girls+room+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPUEAr8Z-jOBgLQIfXWtioWwoheq2EMwtHRu-zxHuQfdMXCfGLsFJV5ip-vc47NL5jAj8StnLkG46rjBF51ianiwrlTMM88XSqLEQxxKO6cMTALErY72EKDfyiSjnd_U60BKgO8fA9soJ/s640/girls+room+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yea! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do want to ask for prayer though- we were supposed to have our last class (aside from CPR) last Thursday and it was cancelled at the last minute. That means that we will have to find another time that works. After scheduling a babysitter and getting excited to be finished, it's discouraging to have to wait longer. Also, there's a waiting list to get your home study done. We really want to be done with everything by June 1st because summer is crazy around here. Pray that we can get the last class in and get on the home study wait list asap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much! </span><br />
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<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-20622103825179305112012-04-21T20:18:00.003-07:002012-04-21T21:08:58.206-07:00Fire Extinguishers, Smoke Detectors and other reasons why my house is a safe place to be<blockquote></blockquote><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to be honest, I’m watching MI3… or is it 4 with my husband right now and I desperately want to zone out and do nothing but if I have a blog I need to actually write something on it every once in awhile. Since I am watching a movie, you will have to excuse spelling, grammar and any run on sentences, like the first sentence I wrote. Whew, now that that’s out of the way let me give you an update.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Honey Script; font-size: x-large;">James 1:27 …take care of widows and orphans…</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This verse came up in BSF this week and it reminded me again what the Lord has told us to do. And not just “us” either, you too. I know it is not possible for everyone to take children into their house but the Lord calls you to take care of widows and orphans- that’s going to look different for every person so I encourage you to seek the Lord in what that looks like for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Okay, so here’s what’s been going on with us. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">We have one more class on Thursday to finish up all our training. We have CPR the next Monday. We have 2 online classes we need to complete, FBI fingerprinting we need to have done, some paperwork we need to sign and a home study to complete. As I type all that it sounds like a lot but we are actually at the end. Crazy, right?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">A couple of weeks ago the Hurst fire inspector came by and toured the house. We had some things right… like the fire extinguisher pictured below, and some things wrong.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j3MPRvo2ZTY/T5N4g5s4QVI/AAAAAAAAC1g/rv7fTJzMiqc/s1600-h/IMG_3304%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: medium;"><img alt="IMG_3304" border="0" height="447px" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9NYOfljPIB4/T5N4h-P-aTI/AAAAAAAAC1o/zuI5AAGEwww/IMG_3304_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_3304" width="339px" /></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I wish fire extinguishers came in cooler colors that matched my kitchen.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">So after our preparation, we still have to put a smoke detector in every sleeping room. We had only put one in the hallway because that’s what I had read somewhere. We need a safety gas can for our lawn mower gas too. Apparently the plastic ones allow fumes out which can spontaneously combust at any moment causing a fire hazard. We can either buy a safety can or build a shed in the back. Which is the most safe. It is also the most expensive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s see. I had to get a box that locks to put every last bit of our medication in. Safety First!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">After all of the above steps have been completed we can get on the waiting list to get our first child. I’m still expecting us to be finished around June 1st- at least that’s my goal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">As we get closer to the end of the process I wonder why anyone that isn’t truly committed to taking care of children would want to become a foster parent. It’s hard work! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I hope to have another update soon!</span>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-26562352893002973052012-03-29T08:27:00.001-07:002012-03-29T08:27:49.273-07:00Catching Up<p><font size="4">Whew, It’s been a whirlwind of a few weeks.  It’s Thursday and the adrenaline that’s kept me going is wearing off and I’m trying to piece my home back together.  Here’s some of the highlights.</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Cason turned 3!  I’m still amazed that we made it this far.  I’m working on putting together all the party pics over on the Everything Design blog  but here’s a preview.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-otEg7rS5Jvc/T3R_F_VeiLI/AAAAAAAACxI/Pc1_4H9d4lE/s1600-h/party%252520for%252520blog%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#cccccc" size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="party for blog" border="0" alt="party for blog" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IdsHz7siSNM/T3R_JwrrQZI/AAAAAAAACxQ/TvqCjEwOjAc/party%252520for%252520blog_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="522" height="512" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">It was a carnival theme and we had so much fun!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-P7cagVSqBtg/T3R_MW2ksuI/AAAAAAAACxY/n77mQzFY1C4/s1600-h/cason%252520edit%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font color="#cccccc" size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="cason edit" border="0" alt="cason edit" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o1uYkA5gYqo/T3R_QGeHauI/AAAAAAAACxg/yDNDgQP4pNs/cason%252520edit_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="516" height="783" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">He’s getting to be quite the basketball star!</font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">Also I’ve been helping out with the new student building at our church.  It opened last weekend and it was a sprint to the finish.  Here’s the lobby-</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-J4IA2wjybA8/T3R_SYINuzI/AAAAAAAACxo/St3xVvJET4E/s1600-h/lobby%252520for%252520blog%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#cccccc" size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="lobby for blog" border="0" alt="lobby for blog" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cf9oaHIGJPw/T3R_UiCK3zI/AAAAAAAACxw/SVCXGjskX9E/lobby%252520for%252520blog_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="546" height="416" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Again, I’m working on a post on Everything Design to tell you all the details.  There’s a great story and theme that runs through the whole building including colors and materials.  There’s also a great story about how we got clearance to move into the building at 2:30 Friday afternoon and moved all the furniture before our 5:30 event start.  It was awesome to see everyone pull together to make it happen.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jUQUGwSdJ24/T3R_WVnZ6uI/AAAAAAAACx4/epXUJVtPLuM/s1600-h/IMG_3081%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font color="#cccccc" size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3081" border="0" alt="IMG_3081" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CZUyFOdOgqc/T3R_Y07Yb8I/AAAAAAAACyA/rxESQTLGWrI/IMG_3081_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="427" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">This is our pastor and executive pastor helping arrange chairs… on a Friday… their day off.  </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">And on the foster front, we are down to our last 2 classes + we need CPR.  We had a fire inspection last week and had a few extra things to do at the house but for the most part that went well.  I feel like it’s taking forever to get through this process although it hasn’t been going on that long.  </font></p> <p><font size="4">I’m still trying to finish the nursery- in fact, I’m about to start working on it some more.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rNdwLDrU9tM/T3R_bPDQHQI/AAAAAAAACyI/lkaNN9prCXE/s1600-h/IMG_2872%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font color="#cccccc" size="4"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2872" border="0" alt="IMG_2872" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gj6BvfFm7oo/T3R_ckPeS6I/AAAAAAAACyQ/ZF5QNdw_rz0/IMG_2872_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="605" height="415" /></font></a><font size="4"> </font></p> <p><font size="4">Hmmm, I have a better picture than this but I’ll have to go find it… Or better yet, take a picture after I work on it today.  </font></p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> <p><font size="4">I’ll try and keep up with this blog better now that a few projects are finished up.  </font></p> Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-6854048597471935122012-02-28T18:19:00.001-08:002012-02-28T18:19:23.960-08:00Progress in the NurseryI don't know what to call the room for our future foster child because if we get a 3 yr old I suppose it won't be called a nursery- but for now we are going to go with nursery. It's easier than "future girl child room/nursery for foster or adopt child".<br /><br />2 days ago I posted a picture of the room. Today I'm happy to report it looks much better. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/603354ef-edbf-48b2-b155-81daa9206ed72.jpg'><img src='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/603354ef-edbf-48b2-b155-81daa9206ed72.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I have had help. Lindsey came and helped move all the stuff into the office and my mom has been helping clean and organize. <br /><br />And look...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/c6abc61e-5fd4-4c2c-9936-4071db27d7ca3.jpg'><img src='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/c6abc61e-5fd4-4c2c-9936-4071db27d7ca3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />A crib! <br />Yes, it's the same color of the wall right now but just wait!<br /><br />We are in medication training right now so I better get back to listening. Here's a snapshot of one of the slides:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/94e75f49-11ae-445a-b115-4b9633ca41144.jpg'><img src='http://watchchrisgo.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/94e75f49-11ae-445a-b115-4b9633ca41144.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />There's a test (no seriously, there is) so I need to listen.<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-76747708792575219072012-02-27T09:13:00.000-08:002012-02-27T09:13:07.907-08:00Our Girl Nursery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The design for our girl nursery is coming along nicely. More details </span><a href="http://everythingdesign-cat.blogspot.com/2012/02/girl-nursery-idea.html"><span style="font-size: large;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> but I thought I would give you a sneak peak since I talked about it in my previous post. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zvFD7bmzOUUHPl9em-eguuKLX5XbTQ53jvcvxyUyJUwOHSOQ84O49xkHWHeEbQgyWt-sob4F4Owd5R-gQTHna6JPLFAusWujHwhrC4I6sXGzMjWFzZA6Gg5IWgSfr0iakBA4-glYgHR5/s1600/nursery+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zvFD7bmzOUUHPl9em-eguuKLX5XbTQ53jvcvxyUyJUwOHSOQ84O49xkHWHeEbQgyWt-sob4F4Owd5R-gQTHna6JPLFAusWujHwhrC4I6sXGzMjWFzZA6Gg5IWgSfr0iakBA4-glYgHR5/s640/nursery+board.jpg" width="640px" /></a></div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-5001298817403343552012-02-26T20:46:00.000-08:002012-02-26T20:46:55.133-08:00Is your house ready for inspection?That's kind of the call I got last week. Arrow want's to come back out to the house and see if we have made the changes talked out in November and if we finished construction and have a safe and appropriate room ready for our future foster child. <br />
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Does this count?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPloJW56EjqZDBaZXGQr4RuoL0rghlkbVyJVZ3Yw-OWJ35-G7jWGI0_NegId_SD7yARTIN1bdT8_kyUR0dlkro8bp3U-i3okZSf-D-VIg7GZKZSJizJoabEJRy6POmSVvMZXjTI7n2X4t_/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" lda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPloJW56EjqZDBaZXGQr4RuoL0rghlkbVyJVZ3Yw-OWJ35-G7jWGI0_NegId_SD7yARTIN1bdT8_kyUR0dlkro8bp3U-i3okZSf-D-VIg7GZKZSJizJoabEJRy6POmSVvMZXjTI7n2X4t_/s640/IMG_2806.JPG" width="426px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And that's when I had a mini panic attack. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You see, they came over in November and looked at the house and mentioned a few things we needed to correct. We need a fire extinguisher, some smoke detectors, a bedroom ready for a child, a locked medicine cabinet, and the tools in the garage put away. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">From the November visit to last week we had accomplished one of those things... the tools in the garage are all put away... and I really didn't help with that. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>So they called and want to come take a look because 3 months is a logical amount of time to finish those tasks. Isn't it? <br />
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I went home to take a look around and snapped the picture above so I could prove to you my panic attack was reasonable. <br />
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Then we got to work. Finishing the bedroom is the first priority. Sticking smoke detectors to the ceiling and putting in a fire extinguisher shouldn't be that hard so I wanted to focus on the biggest mess. It was and is a long process of moving piles of stuff from one side of the room to another and from one room to another. My mom came to help and moved more piles around. Then I got tired and moved a bunch of stuff to the garage and told Mike to shove it in the attic. I don't know what's up there, and I don't care.<br />
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The room doesn't only have to be cleaned out, it has to be appropriate for a child to live in. A child who could be anywhere from 0-3. That's a big age range when we are talking development. <br />
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Planning this room should be easy for me, designing is what I do, after all. But it has brought up a range of emotions I did not expect. I feel rediculous buying furniture and decorations for this room. It's silly really but I'm not pregnant and we are totally operating on faith that God will place a child in our home and it's hard to move forward on faith. It just is. I hate to say that because this whole journey has been on faith and it is so exciting because I want to see what God will do and I want to learn to depend on him and trust that he will provide everything we need. I still DO trust that but it's still easy to let our human emotions take over. I feel like people must think I am rediculous for picking out a bed and bedding and decorations but hello, I shouldn't care what others think. Could I put a pack and play in a guest bedroom and call it a kids room? Sure. But I don't want to. I want each of my children to have a room to call their own even if they are only "mine" for a temporary period of time. <br />
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So the crib is here, the bedding is on the way and the room is almost ready to become a real nursery. Hopefully I can post details of that soon. Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-8550949148822057532012-02-04T20:06:00.000-08:002012-02-04T20:06:59.992-08:00Check This Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are not following </span><a href="http://everythingdesign-cat.blogspot.com/2012/02/girl-nursery-color-scheme-idea.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THIS BLOG</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> you are missing out on good stuff... like custom valentines and the colors scheme for our future daughters room.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGNRsDwdFFVlmHI8-EfxfxQnRCmQKGLzNmnO9Wy_Mavjy0J6UUMdkHdI2sT0fMVnvXLXPRD7aDprr5cITGe264e4eDP25Q7B7uF80S_OdlMr1I06qzIE0ra_keceQ65bVvr2j-o3eSIYF/s1600/Business+Card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="182px" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGNRsDwdFFVlmHI8-EfxfxQnRCmQKGLzNmnO9Wy_Mavjy0J6UUMdkHdI2sT0fMVnvXLXPRD7aDprr5cITGe264e4eDP25Q7B7uF80S_OdlMr1I06qzIE0ra_keceQ65bVvr2j-o3eSIYF/s320/Business+Card.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Good. Stuff.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">While we are at it- you should probably follow my </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Everything-Design/203884809643379"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Facebook Page</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> too.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks. Glad we are friends!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7837334882106914469.post-65001680625630916452012-02-03T11:46:00.001-08:002012-02-03T14:00:12.103-08:00Half Way Done- Foster/Adopt ProcessI’ve been saying we are half way done but that’s truly just an estimate on my part. I don’t get a 1/2 way certificate or a high five or anything like that. Some checkmarks on our list is all I have to go by. We have done about 26 hours of the 50 hours of training and done about half the paperwork. <br />
There’s a lot of paperwork but it’s really nothing difficult. I saved the difficult stuff for last. Like now we need to create a floor plan of our house with all the emergency exit routes and location of the fire extinguisher. Oh wait, I do that for a living so that shouldn’t be too hard! <br />
We also have the fire inspection left. The city of Hurst fire inspector will come to the house and make sure everything is safe. We are waiting to make that call until the new office is finished (long story) and we have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and a smoke detector in every room. All minor changes but all cost money and we need a little more time on that. <br />
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The trainings have been good. They are mostly trying to get us ready to work with children who are abused and neglected and how to make sure WE don’t get in trouble with CPS. It’s heartbreaking to sit and hear about the level of abuse these children are coming to foster care with. It reminds me of how broken our world is. I don’t understand how someone could hurt a child so badly they may never recover. It reminds me that we live in a sinful world, a broken world. Thank goodness it’s only temporary!<br />
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It also reminds me why we are doing this. Not in a “we are so great for taking care of children” way but a “who do we think we are that we can make a difference? I can’t even keep my house clean, how can I make a difference?” It’s hard and it’s heavy and it’s discouraging. I guess we have to stay focused on what God has called us to do. It seems so small and insignificant but that’s not the point. We want to show the love of Christ to whatever child(ren) are placed in our home, our caseworker, CPS worker, bio parents, etc. We want them to know that they are loved, valued and cherished and no matter what happened in their past, it does not define them. It doesn’t take a super hero to tell a child that. Just regular people like you and me… and thank goodness, cause I’m so far from a superhero!<br />
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Meanwhile we have started telling Cason he is getting a sister sometime soon. He’s thrilled. Okay not really. He doesn’t know what to say about it. I don’t think he really understands. Right now he would really rather have a real racecar or a scooter or a trip to the beach than a sister. Oh well, he has to learn the world doesn’t revolve around him at some point!<br />
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I’ll show you more of our progress around the house to get ready soon. If you are on pinterest I have a pinterest board with the things I love for a girl nursery if you are interested. More of that coming later….Catherinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04963620492566008525noreply@blogger.com1