tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-823282398642850142024-03-05T08:21:11.201-05:00Clay In His HandsSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-60198158544707804922013-11-14T21:00:00.000-05:002013-11-14T21:00:27.175-05:00Soaps By Deni - Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">I just want to take a moment to recommend some great natural soaps and other products. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Because of having sensitive skin and being health conscious, I've used a variety of natural soaps and body products over the years. When I started having children, I knew that I couldn't put anything but pure and natural products on their skin, and Johnson & Johnson or Aveeno "natural" lines just weren't good enough for me. I also have a daughter who struggled for several years with eczema and psoriasis. Enter "Soaps by Deni". :-) About a year ago, a friend, Denine, started making natural goat milk and oatmeal soaps, and our whole family loves them! Her soaps are pure and natural and are wonderful for those with allergies, ezcema, psoriasis, or anyone who loves to use natural products. They lather well, smell amazing, and most importantly, are very gentle on the skin. The "Soaps by Deni" product line has now expanded to include body wash, lotion, body scrubs, bath salts, and linen & room sprays.</span><div style="font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
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There is a great Pre-Holiday Sale going on right now, along with some new holiday fragrances, so head over to the Facebook page (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/SoapsbyDeni" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>SoapsbyDeni</a>) and check it out!</div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-72380310082535927932013-04-30T12:00:00.000-04:002013-04-30T12:00:00.700-04:00Books to Read in 2013 - April Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I'm not doing to well keeping the blog posts coming...sorry! But, I have been keeping up with reading, so at least I'm making progress somewhere, right? :-)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Here's my updated reading list!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581346107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581346107&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><strike>Don't Waste Your Life</strike></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">2} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><strike>One Thousand Gifts</strike></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">3} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557421803/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557421803&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><strike>The Duties of Parents</strike></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1557421803" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">4} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1885904673/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1885904673&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">A Gospel Primer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1885904673" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(currently reading this one as a devotional)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">5} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781408237/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0781408237&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0781408237" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">6} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433531119/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433531119&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">This Momentary Marriage</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433531119" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">7} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581349130&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Shopping for T</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581349130&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">ime</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581349130" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">8} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433502801/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433502801&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Worldliness</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433502801" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">9} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892754002/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1892754002&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Equipped to Love</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1892754002" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">10} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889032204/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="color: #25bfce; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Teach Them Diligently</a> </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">11} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591281288/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=clinhiha-20" target="_blank">Fit To Burst</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (switched this parenting book that I borrowed from a friend for my previous #11 - this is my current read)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">12} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875520162/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0875520162&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Christian Living in the Home</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">13} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400205387/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400205387&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><strike>Real Marriage</strike></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">14} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600063055/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1600063055&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><strike>Trusting God</strike></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">15} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440302634/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1440302634&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Organized Simplicity</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1440302634" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-63191800741383080872013-03-13T10:32:00.000-04:002013-03-13T10:36:53.380-04:00Books to Read in 2013 - March Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Sooo...want to know how my reading is coming along? I thought it would be good to post an updated list since I have read several of the books now. It's kind of funny I seem to read in spurts. I'll read a lot for one or two weeks, and then for a week or two I can't seem to get anywhere in my book. But, I'm making good progress so I'm happy with that.<br />
<br />
Here's my updated list!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">1} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581346107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581346107&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"><strike>Don't Waste Your Life</strike></a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">2} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><strike>One Thousand Gifts</strike></a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">3} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557421803/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557421803&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><strike>The Duties of Parents</strike></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1557421803" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">4} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1885904673/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1885904673&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">A Gospel Primer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1885904673" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(currently reading this one as a devotional)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">5} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781408237/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0781408237&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0781408237" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">6} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433531119/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433531119&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">This Momentary Marriage</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433531119" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">7} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581349130&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Shopping for T</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581349130&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">ime</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581349130" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">8} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433502801/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433502801&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Worldliness</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433502801" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">9} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892754002/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1892754002&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Equipped to Love</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1892754002" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">10} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889032204/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&tag=clinhiha-20" target="_blank">Teach Them Diligently</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0805444602" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> (My sweet hubby got me this book, so I'm switching it with my previous #10)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">11} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875524982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0875524982&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Family Practice</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0875524982" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">12} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875520162/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0875520162&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Christian Living in the Home</a><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">13} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400205387/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400205387&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Real Marriage</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400205387" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(currently reading this one)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">14} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600063055/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1600063055&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Trusting God</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1600063055" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> (still reading through this for our Small Group study)</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">15} </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440302634/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1440302634&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20" style="background-color: white; color: #25bfce; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Organized Simplicity</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1440302634" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 5px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #4f4f4f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-74473501833736303612013-02-21T22:43:00.000-05:002013-02-21T22:44:08.470-05:00Kale Pizza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0XpaNrXfRqiinRViQmi0p8MBM3kowC1-kAVwnXQxBwakuOfRqXfkqT7Dazfzg4C2afEmCWp8Ejmpk6UK06TA19MC2XOXhFFLGp_yBgAiruc-Tlb4rS-D8xvWiIsuC7H8F3Bx4J5uoos/s1600/IMG_5537-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0XpaNrXfRqiinRViQmi0p8MBM3kowC1-kAVwnXQxBwakuOfRqXfkqT7Dazfzg4C2afEmCWp8Ejmpk6UK06TA19MC2XOXhFFLGp_yBgAiruc-Tlb4rS-D8xvWiIsuC7H8F3Bx4J5uoos/s1600/IMG_5537-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>I've been learning new ways to use kale, besides just putting it into green smoothies and lasagna. This is one of our absolute favorites. Amazing. The picture doesn't do it justice, believe me. Or don't. Just go try it for yourself. :-)</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kale Pizza</b></span><br />
<br />
3 really large handfuls chopped kale (You can buy a bag of pre-chopped kale or chop it yourself)<br />
3 cloves garlic (use more or less to taste)<br />
olive oil<br />
parmesan cheese<br />
mozzarella cheese<br />
goat cheese (optional)<br />
<br />
Make <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2010/01/homemade-pizza-dough.html">homemade pizza dough</a>. Yum!<br />
<br />
Spread the dough out on a 9x13 pan. <br />
<br />
{I actually like to use one recipe of dough to make 2 pizzas sometimes. It makes a more thin and crispy crust. I have done the Kale Pizza with the thick crust and the thin crust, and we liked the thin better.}<br />
<br />
Spread olive oil all over the top of the dough.<br />
<br />
Place the kale and garlic in a medium sized bowl (you need a bowl with a lid that fits it). Drizzle a good amount of olive oil on the kale and garlic.<br />
<br />
Put the lid on the bowl and shake until the kale and garlic are all coated with oil.<br />
<br />
Dump it all on your pizza. :-)<br />
<br />
Sprinkle goat cheese, a little parmesan cheese, and then mozzarella cheese on top.<br />
<br />
Pop it in the oven and cook for 10-15 minutes. I do 10 for thin crust, 15 for thick crust.<br />
<br />
The kale will get a little crispy, and it's oh.my.goodness, soo good.<br />
<br />
My husband said it was the best I'd ever made.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-60340892038273501552013-01-22T13:56:00.000-05:002013-01-22T13:56:15.724-05:00Books to Read in 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've loved to read for as long as I can remember. I definitely owe this to my parents, who instilled the love in me when I was young. I always remember that they fed my appetite for reading too...we were at the library often, and in a bookstore even if I couldn't afford to buy a book, I would grab one and sit down and read as much of it as I could while we were there. Books were popular gifts in my home growing up, and my siblings and I loved to spend our own money on books also.<br />
<br />
Reading has been a fun shared interest for my hubby and I also, as he loves books just as much or more than me! ;-) He truly inspires me with his desire to learn and grow constantly. So, now as a wife and mama, I continue to love to read, though my interests have shifted some over the years. I used to read more fiction, biographies, and such, but now I lean a lot more towards non-fiction. I love books that make me think and grow and learn new things.<br />
<br />
So...this is my goal book list for 2013 (and maybe beyond if I don't finish them all this year).<br />
<br />
1} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581346107/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581346107&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20"><strike>Don't Waste Your Life</strike></a><br />
<br />
2} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">One Thousand Gifts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0310321913" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(currently reading this one)<br />
<br />
3} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1557421803/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1557421803&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">The Duties of Parents</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1557421803" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
4} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1885904673/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1885904673&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">A Gospel Primer</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1885904673" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
5} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0781408237/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0781408237&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0781408237" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
6} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433531119/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433531119&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">This Momentary Marriage</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433531119" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
7} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581349130/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1581349130&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Shopping for Time</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581349130" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
8} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433502801/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433502801&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Worldliness</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1433502801" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
9} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1892754002/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1892754002&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Equipped to Love</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1892754002" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
10} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0805444602/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0805444602&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Now You're Speaking My Language</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0805444602" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
11} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875524982/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0875524982&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Family Practice</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0875524982" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
12} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875520162/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0875520162&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Christian Living in the Home</a><br />
<br />
13} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400205387/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1400205387&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Real Marriage</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1400205387" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
14} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600063055/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1600063055&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Trusting God</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1600063055" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
(reading through this for our Small Group study)<br />
<br />
15} <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440302634/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1440302634&linkCode=as2&tag=clinhiha-20">Organized Simplicity</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1440302634" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
<br />
<b>I'd love to read more parenting books this year also, if I can get my hands on some through <a href="http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php?n=6&r_by=skdorn">Paperback Swap</a>. If I do, I may alter this list to include them. What are your favorites on parenting?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>*This post contains affiliate links.</i>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-43173209257753685682013-01-19T22:11:00.001-05:002013-01-19T22:44:50.677-05:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
After a year's hiatus, here I am. It has been a full year. Filled with lots of parenting...the joys, the struggles, the snuggling, the commitment of time and energy, and realizing how fast my children are growing...it has been so good to focus on them. Full of learning and growing in my marriage (oh what a blessing it is to me!). Full of knowing God more (what could possibly be better?!), learning to trust Him more, seeking Him more. Full of family, big decisions, hard times, new ministry opportunities, and relationships with friends. Looking back, I can see so many bumps in the road...several difficult times, but most of all...I see God. Through everything, always there, constant, sovereign, always good. I can't be thankful enough.<br />
<br />
I've truly missed blogging over the past year, but I know taking a break was the right thing for the time. As I looked back over the past few years of my blog, it brought back so many memories for me. It really made me miss having this "journal" to keep track of what goes on in life. And to share. I love that life isn't meant to be lived alone, but also to share. To learn, to grow, to inspire and be inspired by others. I really do appreciate all of you who have been my readers (and hopefully will come back!!).<br />
<br />
I have so much to write about...what God is teaching me, photos, crafts, organizing, kids, healthy eating and living, stories of life's special moments, recipes, homeschooling, marriage, and all kinds of stuff in between.<br />
<br />
So stick around! I'll be posting very soon about the books on my list for 2013 and other new year's goals!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-61681957644658181962012-01-19T10:35:00.003-05:002012-01-19T10:36:06.647-05:00The moments that are joy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Me with my sweet snuggle-bug.</i></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-72288229916199447452012-01-13T23:32:00.001-05:002012-01-13T23:32:17.164-05:00A moment to museI sit here.<br />
<br />
Thinking. Mind spinning.<br />
<br />
So much to say. So long since I have said anything here.<br />
<br />
My head is full of new thoughts and ideas. And old ones too. Memories I want to share, happenings from the holidays.<br />
<br />
Whenever I sit down to write here...I get overwhelmed by all the stuff I have to say. And then I must jump up to chase down my 11 month-old, the one who is walking EVERYWHERE, and the one who likes to eat EVERYTHING. <br />
<br />
Then I sit back down, but not for long and I'm off to help with a potty trip, or to solve a sibling argument.<br />
<br />
Then it's time to nurse my baby. I have always been able to type while nursing...until this baby. He is WAAY to easily distracted and he won't have it. I can get on the computer and use the mouse with one hand, if I don't move too much, but typing, that's just out of the question, according to my little man.<br />
<br />
Sigh.<br />
<br />
I get frustrated because I feel like I NEED a moment. To focus. To get out all this stuff in my head.<br />
<br />
But it's more impossible than it was even a few weeks ago. With a new walker, homeschooling, and all the other stuff that's going on...you get the picture.<br />
<br />
Then I remind myself. Being here with my children, playing with them, solving arguments, chasing, cleaning up messes, giving hugs, cooking for my family, trying to clean up the tornado-struck living room strewn with toys, that's my job. That IS most important. That is what I NEED. That is what I'm here to do. First.<br />
<br />
So I can't promise you when I'll blog next. I hope it will be soon. I miss it.<br />
<br />
I'm working on getting better sleep and trying to get a routine down so that I won't be so brain dead when I finally do get a chance to sit down.<br />
<br />
I hope to share my goals for this year soon.<br />
<br />
But now the kitchen still needs to be cleaned and I'm getting very sleepy...<br />
<br />
Off I go!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-48503539475734947122011-12-25T15:19:00.000-05:002011-12-25T15:19:08.630-05:00Merry Christmas!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -</span><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Isaiah%209:6" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none;" title="Isaiah 9:6"><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 9:6</span></a></span></blockquote>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-55815325709940708122011-12-20T16:01:00.000-05:002011-12-20T16:01:04.188-05:00Haul out the holly...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Tis the season to celebrate! :-)</i></div>
<br />
We're deep in celebration mode around here...<br />
<br />
making ornaments<br />
<br />
decorating the tree<br />
<br />
enjoying Christmas parties<br />
<br />
baking cookies {healthy cookies, of course!}<br />
<br />
making homemade gifts<br />
<br />
shopping<br />
<br />
battling colds {doing a lot of <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2010/11/healing-cold-naturally.html">this</a>, yet being so thankful for good health overall}<br />
<br />
pondering resolutions for the year ahead<br />
<br />
gazing at the Christmas lights<br />
<br />
trying to balance generosity and <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/12/5-simple-tips-for-frugal-christmas.html">frugality</a><br />
<br />
wrapping gifts<br />
<br />
taking pictures<br />
<br />
talking about Jesus and His birth in a stable<br />
<br />
singing Christmas carols {LOVE the way my girls sing them} :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
In other news, my husband started a new job yesterday {such a blessing}, so there is lots of working going on too...finishing out his last two weeks at the old job and working into the new one at the same time. Changes in life, trying to maintain some kind of routine amidst it all, thinking ahead, planning, realizing that the new year is just around the corner...how did it sneak up so fast??<br />
<br />
I'm loving that as the children get just a little bit older their understandings of Jesus and our celebration of Him, is deepening. I know that things <i>should be</i> more crazy as we celebrate the Joy of the world, our Savior, The Changer of our lives, yet at the same time, we try hard to keep it simple, so that we can focus on Jesus without too much distraction of hustle and bustle, so that we can <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2010/11/keeping-children-focused-on-christ.html">teach our Children what this season is really all about</a>.<br />
<br />
Making homemade gifts has been so much fun. It's ok if they're not perfect, it's about the love and the time spent to bless another person. I want to post more about what I have been making, but haven't had the time yet. Maybe soon. Remember, we can teach our children to delight in the simple. No need to spend lots of money for it to be special. Last year my hubby made the sweetest doll house for our girls {I've never showed it to you, sorry!} Here are a few simple, last minute ideas that are DIY projects I have featured in the past. These would make wonderful gifts! :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/08/girls-ruffled-t-shirt-skirt-tutorial.html">Girl's Ruffled T-Shirt Skirt</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/10/girls-ruffle-pants-tutorial.html">Girl's Ruffle Pants</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/05/boo-boo-rice-bag-tutorial.html">Boo Boo Rice Pack</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/06/felt-pizza-play.html">Felt Pizza</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/01/diy-massage-oil.html">Massage Oil</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/05/diy-braided-fabric-necklace.html">Braided Fabric Necklace</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/10/diy-photo-frame-hair-bow-holder.html">Photo Frame Hair Bow Holder</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I'll tell you some of the things hubby and I are making this year...</b><br />
<br />
Magnetic Cookie Sheet Bulletin Boards {tutorial to come soon}<br />
<br />
Sweet Sleep Pillows<br />
<br />
Ruffle Aprons {tutorial to come soon}<br />
<br />
Doll Bed {out of a pallet}<br />
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Doll Bed Bedding<br />
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...and some surprises for hubby, but I can't tell you yet!<br />
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<b>Happy <i>week before</i> Christmas!!</b><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-26024201360794681272011-12-20T10:56:00.002-05:002011-12-20T10:56:43.264-05:00Lil' Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDllVonpGurU1z8U_WwV1jucao2fxlpfrrJRQ1qqeaVlfE4ikCpLRdtABcUZmoOfx7uJQNXYz5W4zzjK-vwCf5qhSmjRDSnTL1LTD8Bx2H4sAQ6CeuEAN-4QXwy0l3VplhI3GwgCzyTbs/s1600/IMG_9579-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDllVonpGurU1z8U_WwV1jucao2fxlpfrrJRQ1qqeaVlfE4ikCpLRdtABcUZmoOfx7uJQNXYz5W4zzjK-vwCf5qhSmjRDSnTL1LTD8Bx2H4sAQ6CeuEAN-4QXwy0l3VplhI3GwgCzyTbs/s1600/IMG_9579-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-90520806272492869872011-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:002011-12-07T10:41:55.795-05:00From our family to yours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GDhKkQy566oqjo1TmWKFbwXMhcr5iUViqBwSHdf7sk53STmbpaTSE6xXh3t9zKYNNtfiItrPROct43iYvZPhp1M3jXeBdR39b3LZDH_5wiV-Lx5f4WG6Tw98usDMYLEmJwOXQHzvX-w/s1600/IMG_8347-2web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GDhKkQy566oqjo1TmWKFbwXMhcr5iUViqBwSHdf7sk53STmbpaTSE6xXh3t9zKYNNtfiItrPROct43iYvZPhp1M3jXeBdR39b3LZDH_5wiV-Lx5f4WG6Tw98usDMYLEmJwOXQHzvX-w/s1600/IMG_8347-2web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>Wishing you all a Christmas season full of God's joy and peace!!</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-52927213387656028122011-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:002011-12-06T06:33:44.137-05:005 simple tips for a frugal Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1} set a budget for gifts - <i>and stick to it! Instead of three gifts per person, give one.</i><br />
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2} give handmade gifts - <i>there are so many simple, yet nice, DIY gifts out there, so get searching for ideas!</i><br />
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3} set a budget for Christmas dinner and keep the food simple - <i>who said fancy is better? Focus more on the people than on the food.</i><br />
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4} decorate using things already around the house or yard - <i>get creative!</i><br />
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5} stay home - <i>stay out of the store and do something fun and free at home with your family.</i><br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-79251297471595379052011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:002011-12-05T07:03:54.002-05:00Menu Planning Monday 12-5-11Getting up at 6:00 in the morning is seeming like a pretty good idea lately. Right now it means I have a few minutes of quiet to spend with Jesus and blog or whatever before the children all get up. That is a REALLY GOOD THING for this mama, considering the high stress of life lately. Even the chance to write out my menu plan is rather exciting. I know, <i>call me crazy!</i> :-)<br />
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So here we go. What we're eating this week...<br />
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Monday - Baked Brown Rice, Black Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Salad<br />
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Tuesday - Cilantro Lime Rice, Black Beans, Salad<br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/05/garden-spaghetti-sauce.html">Spaghetti</a>, Garlic Bread, Fruit<br />
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Thursday - Leftovers<br />
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Friday - Crockpot Taco Soup<br />
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Saturday - <a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/2007/10/14/my-recipe-for-whole-wheat-pumpkin-pancakes/">Pumpkin Pancakes</a><br />
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Sunday - Leftovers<br />
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For more menu planning visit <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog" style="background-color: white; color: #4ec7a2; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-20203204890505100262011-12-01T16:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T16:13:57.338-05:00The 200 Challenge - December 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSBirA4yZRNoG_QKU92JyMH4i13GLv5lITn29CMO1kgLMzjHWh87s3Pnh5lfwbO9HCiMRextQ4vJcVJmvIxZIy5wQv9EZr022COmrwq_z5BxdXo3Ee5CvEUDHvY2abfbfdPZMev9RRJg/s1600/The200Challengefinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSBirA4yZRNoG_QKU92JyMH4i13GLv5lITn29CMO1kgLMzjHWh87s3Pnh5lfwbO9HCiMRextQ4vJcVJmvIxZIy5wQv9EZr022COmrwq_z5BxdXo3Ee5CvEUDHvY2abfbfdPZMev9RRJg/s320/The200Challengefinal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, we used cash for the month of November, and it was really good. It helped out a lot with keeping track of where we were at with the spending and with having a visual of how much was left. I also managed to stay out of Walmart for almost the entire month, and it looks like my guess of what we would need for the month was pretty close. :-)<br />
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I was thinking a bit today about how much our eating has changed with being back on this <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/07/200-challenge-july-2011.html">$200 budget</a>. We are learning to be content with less and to be content without many of the things that we want {but don't need}, which is good. For example, we used to eat a lot of bread, muffins, etc. and now we eat so much less of that. We don't make as many sweet treats, because we have cut way back on how much honey we buy. We also eat A LOT of rice and beans. But that's ok, because we are learning many ways to make it new and different. So overall, it's going well.<br />
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For the monthly totals, in November we spent <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;"><b>$219.94</b></span> out of our <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;">$200</span></b> budget, meaning that we were <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232;"><b>$19.94</b></span> over. Better than <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/11/200-challenge-november-2011.html">last month</a>, but we've still got to get just a little bit tighter. So far we haven't been to the store for December yet, and I know we still have enough food for several more dinners. Hopefully I can stay out of the store for a little bit longer!<br />
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<b>How did you do with your budget for November?</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-37180913126690263542011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-30T08:04:23.211-05:00Favorite Books for PreschoolersAs Christian parents we believe that everything we do {and read} matters and that it is important to include God in what we read and discuss with our children. Because we want our children to be always learning about God, most of our favorite reads are focused on that. So, here are some of our favorite books for preschoolers. They make great gifts too!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581340052/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1581340052"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1581340052&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=clinhiha-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581340052&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581340052/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1581340052">My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581340052&camp=217145&creative=399369" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
has a Bible verse to learn for each letter of the alphabet, and includes a story built around each verse with questions that help your child to remember and apply what they are learning. Great for story time or as a school supplement!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581341067/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1581341067" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1581341067&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=clinhiha-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div>
<center><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581341067&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </center><center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581341067/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1581341067">Big Truths for Little Kids: Teaching Your Children to Live for God</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581341067&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
is a wonderful storybook that helps you to teach your child about God and helps them to learn important truths of the Bible. This book is a great character building tool!</center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0739900218/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=0739900218">Bible Stories to Read</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0739900218&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is another excellent book filled with Bible stories. It is different from the first two in that it actual stories from the Bible. It also has a memory verse and questions with each story and there is a coloring book titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000727Y8W/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=clinhiha-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=B000727Y8W" style="text-align: -webkit-center;">Bible Pictures to Color</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=clinhiha-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000727Y8W&camp=217145&creative=399373" style="border-bottom-style: none !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-top-style: none !important; border-width: initial !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; text-align: -webkit-center;" width="1" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-center;"> that can be used with it as well. My children love to color the corresponding picture when we read a story!</span></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*The links in this post are my affiliate links. I only recommend things to you that I would buy and use myself.</span></i></center></center>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-79066375311187371492011-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-29T08:00:04.714-05:00It doesn't matter...that the dishes are not done<br />
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that my 3 year old's clothes don't match<br />
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that my couch <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/11/real-life.html">looks like this</a><br />
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that I have plenty more loads of unwashed laundry waiting<br />
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that there are cobwebs in the corner<br />
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that we're out of bread<br />
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that I have errands to run<br />
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that my Christmas tree looks like it was decorated by toddlers {it was} :-)<br />
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that I haven't finished reading my book<br />
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that my bed isn't made<br />
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that there are 20 projects I would like to finish<br />
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that the floors need to be swept<br />
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that I only got one quick chance to take a family photo and it didn't turn out how I wanted it to<br />
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that my hair needs to be washed<br />
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...because right now the most important thing is just being present with my children and teaching them to love Jesus. :-)<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-82369131296461096092011-11-28T09:20:00.001-05:002011-11-28T09:49:54.648-05:00Real Life<div style="text-align: center;">
Real life is that my couch looks like this right now...</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-80135966675900459172011-11-17T10:30:00.000-05:002011-11-17T10:37:06.756-05:00Thankful Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUZpha6RJdH3rKcEJm6LqVxU6X6dJXKbSXcC8qyzb3gUYuPH9S_tH4HAwgp9KSCv6FS17KuQSSUF51WEDT5deo8GoqxrkoqCV0a6IkuLbqFBcW8EF7TFYLUl0iChomRtNFTh23ckFDk0/s1600/IMG_8065-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUZpha6RJdH3rKcEJm6LqVxU6X6dJXKbSXcC8qyzb3gUYuPH9S_tH4HAwgp9KSCv6FS17KuQSSUF51WEDT5deo8GoqxrkoqCV0a6IkuLbqFBcW8EF7TFYLUl0iChomRtNFTh23ckFDk0/s1600/IMG_8065-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been wanting to make a <i>Thankful Tree</i> ever since I first saw one last year. The girls had lots of fun thinking of things they are thankful for and we wrote them all down on the little "leaf" tags, then they helped to hang them on the tree.<br />
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To make this, I traced circles onto scrapbook paper and then cut them out and used a hole punch to make a hole for hanging them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz-RPpX73TwjPu0Lwavjd7MdyJ2HHFjLpty81aEbH7wHzIGGe5aBxansZI7tPiNw8l-d91o7m0XIIGL488vJRFLJlpAjBJ0Sb0ZJqLtpuTiqYKMAuvAlzwKe_VXaUIdfgN_pMqHOoFbM/s1600/IMG_8082-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz-RPpX73TwjPu0Lwavjd7MdyJ2HHFjLpty81aEbH7wHzIGGe5aBxansZI7tPiNw8l-d91o7m0XIIGL488vJRFLJlpAjBJ0Sb0ZJqLtpuTiqYKMAuvAlzwKe_VXaUIdfgN_pMqHOoFbM/s1600/IMG_8082-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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I cut a branch off a tree in our yard, filled a vase with acorns {also from our yard}, and stuck the tree in the vase.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBFVt0kw1WCy2agjYKH9cnpzHRFQp2ahW6DWyau46LuCpQ8S2e4cyEph7b2LRUQgIByQ-IiVZ-0h8EvpAyhLeGVcht4FpOnlTZFFddnHEjBvwU0Gr-63KMfjEM__LumIOVY8VqohQjBI/s1600/IMG_8074-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBFVt0kw1WCy2agjYKH9cnpzHRFQp2ahW6DWyau46LuCpQ8S2e4cyEph7b2LRUQgIByQ-IiVZ-0h8EvpAyhLeGVcht4FpOnlTZFFddnHEjBvwU0Gr-63KMfjEM__LumIOVY8VqohQjBI/s1600/IMG_8074-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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After we wrote what we are thankful for, we hung all our "leaves" on the tree.<br />
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We are so thankful for so many things and I love getting the little ones involved thinking of things! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1-1P_4wt8sLsuqBSUEFAKgW-Ln93_Den7TpDftL1tqvfgSmCfTQr_Bw_tAo_FYtwg15Xh0Xs4U4UJBuYAdd-vezzdoQxdm4QD9OTnv773SwPuE1SMdcxZOBHKXPK0tiOkawVav-MALM/s1600/IMG_8102-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1-1P_4wt8sLsuqBSUEFAKgW-Ln93_Den7TpDftL1tqvfgSmCfTQr_Bw_tAo_FYtwg15Xh0Xs4U4UJBuYAdd-vezzdoQxdm4QD9OTnv773SwPuE1SMdcxZOBHKXPK0tiOkawVav-MALM/s1600/IMG_8102-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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This makes a great Fall or Thanksgiving decoration or can be used as centerpiece for the table. :-)<br />
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I've seen several different versions of the thankful tree, but ours was mostly inspired by <a href="http://www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/2010/11/27/the-thankful-tree/">Simply Vintage Girl</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-91427134628706268112011-11-15T10:30:00.000-05:002011-11-15T10:41:18.094-05:00Name matching for children<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHHr4DFFe-k3pPbWxsyViInef9v-tgZ1qqY7qMdatvQ1n8HcF3yS4kxc3K-eJhmF-7PWfhyJJHAw8mqDqLGB1ol7OVvER3Jf1jwkk_bLSKb-daOJ0wY_jQ5mEbCahOHLuv2WPhImACwk/s1600/IMG_7209-1web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHHr4DFFe-k3pPbWxsyViInef9v-tgZ1qqY7qMdatvQ1n8HcF3yS4kxc3K-eJhmF-7PWfhyJJHAw8mqDqLGB1ol7OVvER3Jf1jwkk_bLSKb-daOJ0wY_jQ5mEbCahOHLuv2WPhImACwk/s1600/IMG_7209-1web.jpg" /></a> <br />
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This is one of the best ways that I've seen for teaching a child how to spell their name. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9ukJBitu5Pj4xvrC8asm8eBsEVnRUXyZupdHoZe2jbb66_RqSCJfUwNgLfkgpuUMUsA-fs-5yf8gdnSjwG4-FzxmFskHuTV003Pz9kEqCZnMVJzSi9xPLeY80gfmx2XCLTqE9Cfx6g/s1600/IMG_7215-1web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvm9ukJBitu5Pj4xvrC8asm8eBsEVnRUXyZupdHoZe2jbb66_RqSCJfUwNgLfkgpuUMUsA-fs-5yf8gdnSjwG4-FzxmFskHuTV003Pz9kEqCZnMVJzSi9xPLeY80gfmx2XCLTqE9Cfx6g/s1600/IMG_7215-1web.jpg" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A little bit of cardstock, a sharpie, scissors, and some sticky velcro, and you have a reusable name learning tool!</div>
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This has been great spelling practice for my 2-4 year olds!</div>
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I got this name matching idea at <a href="http://funinecse.blogspot.com/2011/08/name-matching.html">Fun in ECSE</a>. :-)<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-62194961651067516492011-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-15T07:00:04.856-05:00Loving Our Husbands - Dress The PartI'm sure it's safe to say that all husbands want their wives to look nice. Being <b><i>a wife</i></b> and <b><i>a mom</i></b>, it is super easy to let the mom side take over and just go for comfortable, not so nice clothes so I don't have to worry about them getting messed up. I have found, however, that taking the time to <b><i>get dressed for the day</i></b> and not just wearing sweats and a t-shirt, does a lot for my productivity level {even if I am staying at home}, and also shows my husband that I care about looking good for him. <i>Husbands like for their wives to be <b>productive</b> too, so really it's a double win.</i> :-)<br />
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Now, when I say we should dress attractive for our husbands, what I <b><i>don't mean</i></b> is that you have to get dressed up <b><i>fancy</i></b> every day. Just a pair of jeans or a simple skirt paired with a casual top {even a nice tee - think <b><i>not</i></b> boxy, printed tee shirt} will do the job. Sure, we can have a comfy, down day every now and then, but it shouldn't be the norm. <br />
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Also, <b><i>fix your hair</i>. </b>:-) This does a lot to show that we take care of ourselves. I've been working on trying some different hairstyles lately, so that I don't fall in a rut with <b><i>always wearing it the same way</i></b>. <br />
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Another of my new favorite ways to spruce up a bit is to <b><i>accessorize</i></b>. A necklace, some earrings, a belt, a headband or pretty hair clip makes a big difference! If you're worried about baby yanking on your favorite necklace, <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/05/diy-braided-fabric-necklace.html">try this</a>.<br />
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<b>So let's not get in a rut, ok ladies? This is one of the many ways that we can love our man. Go pretty up for your hubby today! :-)</b><br />
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Thanks for joining me in <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/search/label/Loving%20Our%20Husbands">Loving Our Husbands</a>!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-52424567421741624692011-11-14T07:00:00.000-05:002011-11-14T07:09:43.406-05:00Menu Planning Monday 11-14-11I've been MIA with the menu planning for the last few weeks. I did menu plan part of the time, but just didn't post it, and the rest of the time was just a make-random-meals-as-they-come type thing. Menu planning helps so much! Whenever I get loose on it, it is so much harder to get dinner done on time and to stay on <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/11/200-challenge-november-2011.html">budget</a>. Although I do have to say that I'm getting much better at throwing together decent meals super quick. :-)<br />
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I've managed to stay out of the store so far since <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/11/200-challenge-november-2011.html">this post</a>. Here's what we have on the menu for this week!<br />
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Monday - Cheesy Vegetable Chowder, Baked Butternut Squash, Breadsticks<br />
<br />Tuesday - Lasagna {with <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/05/garden-spaghetti-sauce.html">Homemade Sauce</a>}, Salad, Breadsticks<br />
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Wednesday - <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2009/08/minestrone-soup.html">Minestrone Soup</a>, Oranges<br />
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Thursday - Taco Salad, Chips & <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2009/06/fresh-homemade-salsa.html">Salsa</a><br />
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Friday - Leftovers<br />
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Saturday - <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/07/easy-italian-pasta.html">Easy Italian Pasta</a>, Garlic Bread, Fruit<br />
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Sunday - Pancakes<br />
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For more menu planning visit <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/blog">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-65970771484152186382011-11-13T11:15:00.001-05:002011-11-13T11:30:43.647-05:00First Haircut<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I gave my little girl her first haircut in October.</i></div>
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<i>It was probably way past time for it to be trimmed, but I'm kind of sentimental about these things.</i></div>
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<i>Before:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2AOA0LqkWwEBVegymdWC179VdsFhKqb-KMYKk1_C5cJdWmZHZOEEfsUc1zOIQxbksWwmmQeNIcouZ6QadtemSjh3hT7fxJ3m019QbtZdawnaNDcYDWRXomris6_1uAMbXkxBpx8dm-4/s1600/Ahaircutbeforeweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2AOA0LqkWwEBVegymdWC179VdsFhKqb-KMYKk1_C5cJdWmZHZOEEfsUc1zOIQxbksWwmmQeNIcouZ6QadtemSjh3hT7fxJ3m019QbtZdawnaNDcYDWRXomris6_1uAMbXkxBpx8dm-4/s1600/Ahaircutbeforeweb.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>I saved most of what I cut off in an envelope with the date on it so she can have it when she grows up. <b>Is that over the top?</b></i></div>
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<i>After:</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCMOfKOyfqGN_lSYfuZAcJuDKWr3kOlHs-4TDqOs5xDJEhW6NRl71HlUC-qsxNld1Kfl5EtYNrN9khqlBGc-9PVthKG2kZhPZhIZJ6mnG1rsXvn-6wT7FLC1OvREpzneQCy25IO6Kvs/s1600/Ahaircutafterweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjeCMOfKOyfqGN_lSYfuZAcJuDKWr3kOlHs-4TDqOs5xDJEhW6NRl71HlUC-qsxNld1Kfl5EtYNrN9khqlBGc-9PVthKG2kZhPZhIZJ6mnG1rsXvn-6wT7FLC1OvREpzneQCy25IO6Kvs/s1600/Ahaircutafterweb.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>It does look better. What a cutie I have!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnya_4tWxXNuTbMPGMGar1SHmxsb5vfGaPvegaQmnjyIaHwcrBRBRVjr7UpApuAM0KGnJxz8gNwVF_oogOa_d-7U_YlfY9JfTSVpIp9C-EI8Rm3emGLxRy1k5PwcbnLQVN_rsF9y-Hnw/s1600/IMG_6900-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnya_4tWxXNuTbMPGMGar1SHmxsb5vfGaPvegaQmnjyIaHwcrBRBRVjr7UpApuAM0KGnJxz8gNwVF_oogOa_d-7U_YlfY9JfTSVpIp9C-EI8Rm3emGLxRy1k5PwcbnLQVN_rsF9y-Hnw/s1600/IMG_6900-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-70983333019827338492011-11-09T11:05:00.002-05:002011-11-14T07:03:06.688-05:00What's going onHere lately we have a lot going on...I figured it's time for an update. :-) Seems like we've been doing a lot of just living life {in a good way}, but there hasn't been much time to blog about it {or about anything, really}.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1OLmBC6mxiREPcURftSvKAXQ-PSi7xeC0yroI_wQ1dXpdBhGxTqcQFaSrwYlyXo6gx4JTTs6o9kgYvFX8TPhqnJasoIt6XsWjk2oUq2OkY5D13heXhl2Haq-WVdERuxvzBjlthlEEX8/s1600/IMG_7514-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1OLmBC6mxiREPcURftSvKAXQ-PSi7xeC0yroI_wQ1dXpdBhGxTqcQFaSrwYlyXo6gx4JTTs6o9kgYvFX8TPhqnJasoIt6XsWjk2oUq2OkY5D13heXhl2Haq-WVdERuxvzBjlthlEEX8/s1600/IMG_7514-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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~ My oldest just turned 4 years old. Four! Hard to believe that I really have a 4 year old. We are so thankful for our Abigail. She is thoughtful, smart, creative, curious, and loves to help. Four years ago she made me a mommy, and I wouldn't trade being a mommy for the world!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Gu-GuVnS7ypUJd5se3Wujiu58glmd0RVsLGhs0GgrDKreiTYL_eghaDXilp96_v7WwpKzpsSd7T1tYV-FxyTRG6cBBw25qt8o9asXE0FnStfZshBL2v_-aGI5jgx79L40lztkVDSCc/s1600/IMG_7743-1web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Gu-GuVnS7ypUJd5se3Wujiu58glmd0RVsLGhs0GgrDKreiTYL_eghaDXilp96_v7WwpKzpsSd7T1tYV-FxyTRG6cBBw25qt8o9asXE0FnStfZshBL2v_-aGI5jgx79L40lztkVDSCc/s1600/IMG_7743-1web.jpg" /></a></div>
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~ We've been having lots of playdates. It's fun for the kiddos and I usually get a little adult interaction too, which is great! I struggle with getting so absorbed with house work and cooking sometimes that I kind of just bury myself right here in my own house and don't get out with the little ones enough. It has been really great to get out and just drop everything and have fun for a while.<br />
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~ Micah has changed a lot over months 6, 7, and 8. He got two teeth at 6 months {he has 4 now}, sat up on his own, and started saying mama a lot. He says dada too. Somewhere in the 6th or 7th month he started crawling everywhere! He is my first to really get into so many things. He likes to play with electrical cords {!!}, stand up to the bathtub {and everything else!}, knock lamps over, climb into the dishwasher, pick up trash off the floor {and eat it!}, plus more. He also pinches and bites a lot. <i>Just saying.</i> He'll want to remember that one day maybe. :-)<br />
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I think it was at 7 months that he started pulling up on stuff. Now he is a pro at it. He even stands up to moving objects like people and curtains. :-) He also lets go and stands by himself some, and he is transfering from one thing to another. I think he will be walking soon. He doesn't like his jumperoo much anymore...in fact he doesn't like anything that keeps him contained and restricts his exploring. :-) He still loves avocados, baby cereal, and lemons and he is starting to eat more foods. He loves to eat things I just smash between my fingers and feed him off my plate. He doesn't seem to need things pureed much, just smashed up a little bit. He finally decided that he does in fact like banana {yesterday!}.<br />
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He also says "Nana", "bye-bye" and "banana" now and he is working on "hi" {sometimes I think he is saying this}, and he likes to wave. He loves to go outside and pretty much would dive out of our arms to get there if we didn't hold him tight. He likes to dance and sing too. Oh plus he sleeps the best, and he is still <i>THE happiest baby</i>!!<br />
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~ Matt and I started leading a small group at our church. We both have a heart for ministry and we love that we have this opportunity to be involved. We are really enjoying building relationships with the people in our group and getting to know everyone better. Best of all we love being able to study the Word and learn and grow with our group! We are excited to see what else God has in store.<br />
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~ As our girls are getting a little older, craft time has become pretty big around here. We've been busy making all sorts of things {that I plan to share here soon}. It has been lots of fun!<br />
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~ I have about <i>onehundredeleventymillion</i> things to blog about...all spinning around on the endless brain track in my head.<br />
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~ Emma and Sophia have a birthday coming up too. Amazing that they are going to be 3 years old! Time really does fly faster and faster the more children you have. Sometimes I just want to stop it,<i> time, that is</i>, because it feels so out of control and I get so emotional thinking about how my babies won't be babies much longer.<br />
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~ I know it is God's plan for my children to grow up though. My job is to make sure they are as prepared as they can be. On that note, we have been having Bible time with the children every night for several months now. They have memorized a bunch of Scriptures, Catechism questions, and some songs too! We are working on separate verses during the day also and they are memorizing so much so fast. A child's mind is an amazing thing!<br />
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~ With Matt's work schedule he is home in the evenings most days now, which means less time for blogging after the kiddos are in bed, because I just can't resist spending time with my Love. It's so nice having him here, but that is another reason I've slacked on blogging. Well, that and the fact that all four kiddos rarely nap at the same time {or at all} anymore, and it only takes <i>half-a-second</i> for Micah to eat some paper or trash or tissue off the floor or for the girls to get into something they shouldn't. I kind of feel like I'm going around and around in a constant circle checking on one child then the next and and the next and the next and back around to the first again <i>all day</i>. <i>Hmmmm, maybe that's why I'm always so tired?</i> ;-)<br />
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~ Even in all our busyness Matt still finds time to romance me. :-) He is constantly bringing me little surprises and writing me little love notes and such. He is great with the children too and lets me get out for little breaks pretty regularly. Even if it is just to go grocery shopping alone sometimes...I enjoy it. :-) He listens to me and studies me and I can tell he takes mental notes, because the things he does for me so many times are things that I have mentioned or things I specifically love and not just random things. I feel so very blessed to be married to such an amazing man and I am so thankful for how he loves me!<br />
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~ I hope you're not too bored after reading all about what's happening in our household these days!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82328239864285014.post-51179576439656684012011-11-07T23:20:00.002-05:002011-11-14T07:05:18.922-05:00The 200 Challenge - November 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I KNOW. I'm super late posting this...sorry. Life has been busy, and I just got carried away living it. But, I'm back now. :-)<br />
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Ok, so I'm beginning to think that we just need to raise <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/07/200-challenge-july-2011.html">the budget</a>. Seems like we have a trend of going over now. I don't think my <a href="http://www.clayinhishands.com/2011/10/200-challenge-october-2011.html">strategy from last month</a> went very well. Being in the store more inevitably makes me spend more. Since that wasn't the best plan, I'm trying something a little different this month. But first for the totals...<br />
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Out of our <b style="color: #f1c232;">$200</b> budget for October, we spent <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">$224.28</span></b>. Yikes! That means that we were <b><span style="color: #f1c232;">$24.28</span></b> over our budget.<br />
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So...new plan for November? I decided that it would be better to withdraw cash and put it in an envelope for our food budget. I used to be good about doing this, but recently I have been in the habit of just using the debit card, which makes it a bit harder to keep up with everything exactly. So, back to the envelope system...I think this will be really good.<br />
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Also, I took a big trip to the store today and bought a bunch of staples {things like beans, rice, peanut butter, etc.} and tried to guess about what we would need for the rest of the month. I also bought produce and some dairy items and I plan to stay out of the store for most of the rest of this month. We'll see how that goes! I think this will help me to see how many bags of rice we use a month, etc. and hopefully help me plan better.<br />
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The main plan is...we're just going to keep working at it. :-)<br />
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For November we've spent $152.30 out of our $200 budget. I'll <i>try</i> to update on this again later!<br />
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<b>Please tell me that someone else is having a hard time staying under budget <i>too</i>?</b><br />
<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07437413277649118472noreply@blogger.com2