tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76475906123154975772024-02-07T05:15:34.966-05:00Simply ComplicatedShellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-46053323317049382532014-05-14T07:01:00.001-04:002014-05-14T07:01:53.135-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOA1m0nIv4Z6B0y5CHSRxjyePlY0D9sg4gxzO9JedPYqvGl4J813OtNRaqQ0bgz9snP9hL7TkYu0-IOHUp7JsPixo0v4FwcH0YpL6zhGplGhbw9WZaWJE5fTaXu_fYyRmTUP9D7lCVQ1t/s1600/Babcha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOA1m0nIv4Z6B0y5CHSRxjyePlY0D9sg4gxzO9JedPYqvGl4J813OtNRaqQ0bgz9snP9hL7TkYu0-IOHUp7JsPixo0v4FwcH0YpL6zhGplGhbw9WZaWJE5fTaXu_fYyRmTUP9D7lCVQ1t/s1600/Babcha.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-42298809305777668172014-03-05T07:27:00.000-05:002014-03-05T07:27:12.914-05:0020 Precious Minutes.At 6:10 AM I get 20 precious minutes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3QUmYMTWJeazcyp175696zPjRN5apEQnD5TsbGAT2GNDaHPy5vmdRxSDLzfq_Pd43Zx_t_2yvgeUbiYxZIw715w-hmNNry1NVkyyndp8RHvEd-c7BI-32DokvZhof9LeVuUISzxaEjng/s1600/sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3QUmYMTWJeazcyp175696zPjRN5apEQnD5TsbGAT2GNDaHPy5vmdRxSDLzfq_Pd43Zx_t_2yvgeUbiYxZIw715w-hmNNry1NVkyyndp8RHvEd-c7BI-32DokvZhof9LeVuUISzxaEjng/s1600/sunrise.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
I get up between 5:30 and 6:00 AM every morning. It is a habit that developed because of my previous job and it is one that I have chosen to continue. Caitie also gets up at 5:30 so she can shower before Tim gets up. Their bus comes at 6:50. It is nice little routine they have established. Caitie gets out of the shower at 6:00 and Tim gets in.<br />
<br />
When I first get up I get online and see what is going on with Facebook and what not until right at 6:10 and then I go into the kitchen start the coffee and make Dan's lunch.<br />
<br />
And then it happens ... Caitie comes out of her "cave". She hops up on what has become her spot on the kitchen counter (I know right, ON the kitchen counter) and she talks. Usually first about why it is too early and why she doesn't want to go to school that day. But then, about other things. The latest bands. What her friends are doing. What she is thinking. For 20 minutes it is just me and her in the quiet of the morning and we TALK. Do you have any idea how wonderful that is.<br />
<br />
At 6:30 I have to say that it is time for her to hurry up and finish getting ready. Then she usually has to rush to make the bus. Tim will say something like "You get up at 5:30 how can you not be ready" (insert huge exasperated 16 year old sigh). But it is worth the last minute hassle to get that time.<br />
<br />
She is 13 almost 14. I have no idea how much longer these mornings will last. These 20 precious minutes that I wouldn't trade for an extra hour of sleep for all the money in the world.<br />
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<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-71986195256937094292014-02-28T07:16:00.001-05:002014-02-28T07:34:16.531-05:00Good Bye FebruarySo what did I accomplish this month? Pretty much what I set out to accomplish so that is pretty amazing. In words my hustle was to do something productive every day. But in spirit it was to quit sitting around feeling sorry for myself and make a plan to get my life back on track which was what I knew the result of being productive every day would be. It worked.<br />
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I have had 2 job interviews, turned down one job because of pay, have another interview today and looks like one next week. I went to two classes on searching for a job and read 48 Days to the Work You Love by Dan Miller.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt34D6V3MfAqMozsZtjPBSYdugDq-Veaiu-ofRYNW-HAAM8wtD1ig6i_7qyIiH4Zg7oxma046wtbKka_fUr3LdFAhn0PYG6ZyhyphenhyphenqD4ykuGf2K7m3dozscWMgMIaFSJoCOve8KQamHTsTlF/s1600/74022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt34D6V3MfAqMozsZtjPBSYdugDq-Veaiu-ofRYNW-HAAM8wtD1ig6i_7qyIiH4Zg7oxma046wtbKka_fUr3LdFAhn0PYG6ZyhyphenhyphenqD4ykuGf2K7m3dozscWMgMIaFSJoCOve8KQamHTsTlF/s1600/74022.jpg" height="320" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.48days.com/store/48daysbook/">48 Days to the Work You Love</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
I have started to dream again and my husband and I talked about how we could work towards our longtime dream of living a more self-sustaining lifestyle. It is fun to dream a dream with someone you love. We decided to start a blog about our Journey and I am having fun getting that ready to launch.<br />
<br />
I made the decision to help with the AWANA group at church (this was a bigger one than you can imagine as I did it for years at our church before we moved and said no more) and am begining to form community a this church here.<br />
<br />
I made some big decisions about the food I choose to put in my body and changed the way I think about exercise because of a few good people on here who have talked about getting fit. I am going to choose to exercise because I love my body not because I hate it. (That was a big one for me but I don't remember who posted it) and I have found a beginners bike trail I can ride on and identified a safe walking trail near my house.<br />
<br />
WOW! When you list it all out like that I would say February was quite a month. So come on March BRING IT ON!<br />
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<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-17880814017481727632014-02-26T09:37:00.000-05:002014-02-26T09:37:09.817-05:00Hustle Report<div class="MsoNormal">
So for the month of February I
joined <a href="http://acuff.me/">Jon
Acuff</a> in
the 30 days of Hustle Adventure. The point behind this is simple. Take 30 days,
set a goal, work towards it. Okay well it sounds simple anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OWNhDfPnI_0NIIeR4hzj8uj8YbBMyoHE1cy6izr3agQcW-q4okboRTNnSga1Fv46fV-fv6vQZNz5sigV5rG_ZEniQ4F8nJ3-ipBgcvcKKB8j8kv_rr3DFjeABFYQ5DYCr2i6oLxQEPxP/s1600/HUSTLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OWNhDfPnI_0NIIeR4hzj8uj8YbBMyoHE1cy6izr3agQcW-q4okboRTNnSga1Fv46fV-fv6vQZNz5sigV5rG_ZEniQ4F8nJ3-ipBgcvcKKB8j8kv_rr3DFjeABFYQ5DYCr2i6oLxQEPxP/s1600/HUSTLE.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
So here we are at the end of the first 30 (which is
technically 28 because it is February) and I thought I would answer today's
challenge question here and talk about how the month has gone.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I picked what I am sure seems like a simple goal for this
first month. My goal was to do something productive each and everyday. Now that
really wasn't as simple for me as it sounds. I had found I was having more and
more days where <a href="http://shellgirard.blogspot.com/2014/01/some-days-dragon-wins.html">the
dragon won</a> and less and less days where I was able to fight him off. I
decided that for me to truly set a goal and be excited about it I had to dig
myself out of that pit first.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It hasn't been an easy month and I wasn't 100% successful.
Some days I just didn't have the energy or will to fight but most days I did.
Most days I felt more like me and that is a good thing cause truth be told I
kinda like myself. Through out the month I adjusted what it meant to be
productive. I began thinking about what I was moving toward not what I was
moving away from. I found ways to do what I needed to do versus what I felt
like doing (which most days is nothing BTW).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But this month was important. I was reinforcing the
foundation for my real Hustle. Making it strong and preparing it to build on. I
am pleased with what I accomplished on the inside even if it doesn't look like
I accomplished anything on the outside.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know it was a success because I am excited about the next
30. I am ready to make something happen. I am dreaming again. Feeling hopeful
again. I feel like I am on the right track for the first time in probably 7
months because the truth is I shut down months before the company I worked for
did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that brings me to today's questions:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you do another 30 days of hustle, where do you want to be
after the second 30 days?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
That is hard for me to answer today because I am so excited. I need to narrow
down my focus a bit and choose my main hustle for next month. I have a few more
days to do that so I am going to bit a bit vague here. After a second 30 days I
hope to have continued to strengthen the foundation but I also hope to have
clarified exactly what my goal is and to be working towards that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you hustled for 12 months, what do you hope is true
of your life next year?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This one is easier for me to answer. What I want to be true of my life next
year is to be working with purpose towards my goal not floundering to figure
out what my goal even is. I want to be working in a job I enjoy. I want to have
formed <a href="http://shellgirard.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-word-of-year.html">community</a> here
where I live. I want to enjoy the present while I build the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here's to the next 30 days!<o:p></o:p></div>
Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-58720623964765059812014-02-22T10:56:00.003-05:002014-02-22T10:56:47.990-05:00Stuffed Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIDVZ7atpdWi1Ay3InB6gYayhLl9bwnDFPr9YG-RPljOUcFRlW-V5ggi5WVQlBWNPVK9sN2QS-JQMsX97SDlcIFbdWVPdshb4saUjPJs_gWgaXLMrpd2rXlqZnPmoBgpqVCDJxPdSkc10/s1600/stuffed+chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyIDVZ7atpdWi1Ay3InB6gYayhLl9bwnDFPr9YG-RPljOUcFRlW-V5ggi5WVQlBWNPVK9sN2QS-JQMsX97SDlcIFbdWVPdshb4saUjPJs_gWgaXLMrpd2rXlqZnPmoBgpqVCDJxPdSkc10/s1600/stuffed+chicken.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-85504923538678847312014-02-22T10:30:00.003-05:002014-02-22T10:35:19.270-05:00Yummy Mushrooms.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd0PweWp55svcP1PuDNXqBRprCz5kq2mMfttVhUThy-PQaYNMMtBCh313Dqv-FTw-GjXctbduGWN2kgcisgP-EFSMlqSIUhumvYttICx3rQS_ah8wmQMbuLjh9jLhhTCbrrMtlKkfSg7h/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxd0PweWp55svcP1PuDNXqBRprCz5kq2mMfttVhUThy-PQaYNMMtBCh313Dqv-FTw-GjXctbduGWN2kgcisgP-EFSMlqSIUhumvYttICx3rQS_ah8wmQMbuLjh9jLhhTCbrrMtlKkfSg7h/s1600/mushrooms.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-48890510173293771792014-02-10T08:49:00.003-05:002014-02-10T08:53:53.623-05:00And we thought she was crazy.<br />
So when was the last time you paid attention to what is on your television? I mean really actually paid attention. The language, the sexual reference, the inundation of unbiblical principals and lifestyles that are both subtle and unsubtle; it is everywhere.<br />
<br />
It is in the commercials, the sitcoms, the dramas, even in the game shows. The idea that the abnormal is normal. That sin is not so bad. Values and morals are presented as old fashioned and silly. Faith is presented as fodder for those intelligent enough to realize how silly it is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I remember when I was a very little girl my Great Aunt Ruby pronounced TV as evil. She, and her church I think, believed television was from Satan and she wasn't allowed to watch it. Now keep something in mind here, I am from Texas where football is king. So every Sunday everyone watched the Cowboys play ball. I remember everyone sitting around in the living room of my grandmothers house watching the game and there Aunt Ruby sat. In the room with us. With her eyes closed because she was not allowed to "watch" TV.<br />
<br />
We loved her but we all thought she was a little bit crazy. There wasn't really anything "bad" on TV in the 70's so none of us could see what was so wrong with it. Now in hindsight I realize that was the deal wasn't it. It took 30+ years but here we are. Right were my "crazy" Aunt knew we would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIbJMarrqMCGa5TuLW4noZEVdBg9QwTHu1PUAnbGdMORCAYJnmGpArAgrvA6NeCcguPEv8YTiY0rs2qRg7b8tpKi0HW8g0uY492yb9jZ9AF0Kl5RdHpwfWr1kd917VnHsBZ9ZcO1U1Key/s1600/Family_watching_television_1958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVIbJMarrqMCGa5TuLW4noZEVdBg9QwTHu1PUAnbGdMORCAYJnmGpArAgrvA6NeCcguPEv8YTiY0rs2qRg7b8tpKi0HW8g0uY492yb9jZ9AF0Kl5RdHpwfWr1kd917VnHsBZ9ZcO1U1Key/s1600/Family_watching_television_1958.jpg" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
It happened slowly. Kind of like the old how do you boil a frog analogy. Very slowly our very ideals and values were replaced with an alternate view of what is acceptable. Slow changes to what a family looks like. Slow changes to what justifies bad behavior. A slow normalization of things we know are wrong.<br />
<br />
By showing us everyday that EVERYONE else believes these things are good and proper the media turned a majority into a minority. Even if we still have the numbers we don't have the platform.<br />
<br />
I don't have any solutions. I am worried about the direction we are headed. I fear it is like a snowball already headed the mountain. It has momentum and I don't know how we can stop it. Especially when it has so much support behind it. All I do know is that while I don't really know that much was gained by sitting in the room with her eyes closed, I don't really think she was Crazy after all.<br />
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</div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>Shell</i></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22.5px;">Family watching television, c. 1958. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.</span>Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-13419118212140084042014-02-09T14:07:00.003-05:002014-02-09T14:07:47.706-05:00Sounds Yummy!<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">Herbed Seafood Mac & Cheese</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$2:0">8 oz. elbow macaroni</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$4:0">2 tbl butter</span></span><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$1:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$2:0">½ tsp salt</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$3:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$4:0">¼ tsp ground fine black pepper</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$5:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$6:0">2 cups milk</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$7:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$8:0">2 tablespooons fresh chopped mixed herbs OR mix your own: dried thyme, sage, chives, rosemary, basil</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$9:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$10:0">1 package 5.2 oz. Boursin Cheese with garlic & herbs (in the gourmet cheese coutner)</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$11:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$12:0">8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$13:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$14:0">½ cup shredded Parmesan Cheese (2 oz.)</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$15:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$16:0">1 cup soft breadcrumbs (make your own from day old bread)</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$17:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$18:0">2 cups of your favorite seafood: crab, lobstah, shrimps, etc.</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$19:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$20:0">2 tbls. buttah</span><br data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$21:0" /><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0">Preheat oven to 350. Grease 2-1/2 quart baking dish. In saucepan melt 2 tb butter over med-low heat, add the flour & stir (over low) until well blended and bubbly. Add salt & pepper, milk. Cook, stirring until thickened. Add the herbs, Boursin cheese & Cheddar & Parmesan cheeses. Cook stirring until cheeses have melted. Stir in raw seafood and sauce into the cooked/drained macaroni. Spoon evenly into baking dish. In a bowl soss the bread crumbs with the melted butter & sprinkle over casserole. Bake 25-30 minutes until macaroni & cheese is bubbly and topping is lightly browned. Serve with (garlic, if adventurous & both eating it, lol) toast.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0"><img alt="Sandra Jackson Lewis's photo." src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/s261x260/1620934_10203253373521489_1824458919_n.jpg" /></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14.079999923706055px;"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".1ty.1:3:1:$comment10203253066513814_89819016:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$22:0" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Thanks for the recipe Sandra</span></span></span>Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-73515491807183586662014-02-05T14:04:00.000-05:002014-02-05T14:04:04.399-05:00Rice Krispie Treat or 5K<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was inspired by Ryan Eller to write a bucket list this morning. You can check out his blog here <a href="http://ryaneller.com/bucketlist/bucket-list-by-threes/">Live Your List</a> if you dare. He has some great ideas about ... well about bucket lists.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So anyway I was making my list on Pinterest of course because that is where I do everything and I set out to put at least 30 pins in my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/shellgirard/my-bucket-list-in-pictures/">Bucket List in Pictures board.</a> As I searched Pinterest I am thinking about the things I want to do, things I want to learn, and places I want to go. So many ideas. So many thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pinned art I want to make and places I want see. Then I remember thinking last fall that I really wished I was in shape to do the Color Run. It just seems like such a fun idea. At this point in my life I have High Blood Pressure, am over weight, and just walking up a flight of stairs winds me so the Color Run really wasn't an option last fall. But the next run isn't until July so I think "Hey I could maybe be ready to do one by then". So as I pin a picture of the Color Run the irony just about knocks me over. I am pinning about how I want to do a 5K while sitting on my couch eating a Rice Krispie treat, drinking a cream soda, wearing my baggie sweats (believe me it ain't cause I am headed to the gym), and doing what I normally do....nothing.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwhsk4mcfqUMeMKoza_V48CIo5ZwkHJPUlk0Zn5NEwMZJyziGdXqvQ8dPTsPhyiDoUx6hyphenhyphenBDasEEPp9XJhj6IXDdMzKWaeFGrUKi-s0YRR5VLtLZ6DgvdETHukcDW8OlLnhQAlpyeGYvT/s1600/colorrun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwhsk4mcfqUMeMKoza_V48CIo5ZwkHJPUlk0Zn5NEwMZJyziGdXqvQ8dPTsPhyiDoUx6hyphenhyphenBDasEEPp9XJhj6IXDdMzKWaeFGrUKi-s0YRR5VLtLZ6DgvdETHukcDW8OlLnhQAlpyeGYvT/s1600/colorrun.jpg" height="203" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Okay. Might be time to put down the Rice Krispie treat and GO DO SOMETHING!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks Ryan!</span><br />
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-4628008656305254212014-01-24T18:16:00.001-05:002014-01-24T18:16:28.795-05:00What's for dinner: Baked Reuben<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3mms0CoprgDkAX58Jx3Tzb_kPsjF7d-muXgtlrORxlK0TDJUMQCGazHpdFUzIxtozRVftMk5qV8YQQpUvA5ExYekhlzqWVUD7R2wLApQbm0pY_Q_kWSSATKYLiiS6sDbNc4fAvZr4-pf/s1600/cb2ddfb715dd5fcc3813cdd716eca98d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3mms0CoprgDkAX58Jx3Tzb_kPsjF7d-muXgtlrORxlK0TDJUMQCGazHpdFUzIxtozRVftMk5qV8YQQpUvA5ExYekhlzqWVUD7R2wLApQbm0pY_Q_kWSSATKYLiiS6sDbNc4fAvZr4-pf/s1600/cb2ddfb715dd5fcc3813cdd716eca98d.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Reuben Crescent Bake</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />1 pound sliced Swiss cheese<br />1-1/4 pounds sliced deli corned beef<br />1 can (14 ounces) sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained<br />2/3 cup Thousand Island salad dressing<br />1 egg white, lightly beaten<br />3 teaspoons caraway seeds<br /><br />Unroll one tube of crescent dough into one long rectangle; seal seams and<br />perforations. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake<br />at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Layer with half of the<br />cheese and all of the corned beef. Combine sauerkraut and salad dressing; spread<br />over beef. Top with remaining cheese. On a lightly floured surface, press or<br />roll second tube of crescent dough into a 13-in. x 9-in. rectangle, sealing seams<br />and perforations. Place over cheese. Brush with egg white; sprinkle with caraway<br />seeds. Bake for 12-16 minutes or until heated through and crust is golden<br />brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.<br /><br />Yield: 8 servings.<br />Source ~ Taste of Home</span>Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-62230178390339637942014-01-22T15:34:00.000-05:002014-01-22T15:36:42.185-05:00Some days the Dragon wins.For the most part I am positive person mostly just because I refuse to be any other way. For ages the kids told me "It is what it is" should be my tag line. I figure there is no point in worrying yourself to death over things you have no control over so why bother. Why not just make the best of what comes your way.<br />
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Most days even now with my job just gone. I have a pretty good outlook. I figure I will find something else. Who knows maybe it is time for me to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. So I plan and I job search and I enjoy this short time I have at home because it really isn't something I have done before. Maybe I should start a business, write a book, move to a new place, go back to school shoot my options seem almost unlimited. Most Days.<br />
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But some days getting dressed seems like a waste (it isn't like I have anywhere to go and it is cold outside). Some days I am sick of career builder and indeed and monster looking at a ton of jobs I don't want (even though I realize the job I want doesn't exist anymore because with no notice they closed the door). Some days doing anything but sitting on the couch reading or watching TV requires more than I have to give.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VJ_ZhxPyu9s7xJj2d5phcjilknDXsMbvMpfn0GVGPY_A_0PogHz0yhEXL844KIc1ZO3abqMYXbIZhX7xhLg1ORRB4FfcPbsgcAgVQ7uaQXWWzQU9Mrvt_6eyJ-ow3u-giN5f5eJK4TI1/s1600/dragon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VJ_ZhxPyu9s7xJj2d5phcjilknDXsMbvMpfn0GVGPY_A_0PogHz0yhEXL844KIc1ZO3abqMYXbIZhX7xhLg1ORRB4FfcPbsgcAgVQ7uaQXWWzQU9Mrvt_6eyJ-ow3u-giN5f5eJK4TI1/s1600/dragon.JPG" height="93" width="320" /></a></div>
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So as I have been having one of those days today I was thinking you know what that is okay. More days than not I am the victor. I get up get dressed and find something productive to do. Most of the time I feel pretty good all things considered. So maybe I will take today and have a little pity party. And that is okay cause tomorrow I will get up and start again. Today maybe the Dragon wins but tomorrow I will be victorious.</div>
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-19669431689756858482014-01-18T18:35:00.002-05:002014-01-18T18:35:35.136-05:0017 yearsSo today Dan and I have been married 17 years. I meant to post wedding pictures on here but I haven't unpacked all the boxes and the album with our wedding pictures is one of the boxes I haven't unpacked. Yes I know we moved last May but I just haven't made it that far yet.<br />
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So anyway 17 years.<br />
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I don't even know what to say to be honest with you. Some days it seems like there is no way it has been that long and then again I can't imagine a time when it wasn't the two of us. So I think what I will do is just make a list of 7 things I like about being married to Dan. Why 7? Cause 10 is just too main stream LOL<br />
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1. He is funny. Seriously funny. People underestimate the value of being with someone who makes them laugh but they shouldn't cause it is awesome.<br />
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2. He knows what I mean even when I don't know what I mean.<br />
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3. He is great dad.<br />
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4. He is so good when I get a little crazy and kind of lose my mind. He is the calm to my storm.<br />
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5. He has a way of keeping my feet on the ground without making me feel tied down.<br />
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6. He will let me go on and on about stuff I know he doesn't care about. Like chickens and scrapbooking and Montana and pinterest.<br />
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7. Because being married to my best friend is the very best possible way I can think of to spend the next 17+ years!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRBU_tn1Fo0CbhaY9V-6mp4K3-cWDllQcKypVBiBAwBNaS9RJlL5W5whnRNKLB3JCLcKJ5zZByCnGm7iFoxffanwWf4DH8lO_iXyiqhlXwHDI9NQRqSW0Ac-23TSVcTvD9d-OeTiZDcwo/s1600/marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRBU_tn1Fo0CbhaY9V-6mp4K3-cWDllQcKypVBiBAwBNaS9RJlL5W5whnRNKLB3JCLcKJ5zZByCnGm7iFoxffanwWf4DH8lO_iXyiqhlXwHDI9NQRqSW0Ac-23TSVcTvD9d-OeTiZDcwo/s1600/marriage.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-43736183758327337782014-01-17T15:42:00.002-05:002014-01-17T15:49:33.375-05:00Spoken Word Poetry<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always loved poetry. Now I feel like I should clarify the whole love poem type thing people usually think of isn't really my cup of tea. I don't have collections of "How do I love thee let me count the ways" kinda poetry. I like things a little darker. A little more macabre. I think it probably started with Poe. Because I loved his stories I read his poems and from there I was hooked. </span>Then I read<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">In the Desert by Stephen Crane. Most people know he wrote Red Badge of Courage but have no idea he wrote </span></span><span style="line-height: 20px;">poetry</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">. But In the Desert is my all time favorite because it was the first poem I loved enough to memorize.<span style="color: #333333;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
Here it is for anyone who hasn't read it:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">In the desert</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I saw a creature, naked, bestial,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Who, squatting upon the ground,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Held his heart in his hands,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">And ate of it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I said, "Is it good, friend?"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"It is bitter – bitter", he answered,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">"But I like it</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Because it is bitter,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">And because it is my heart."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Over the years I haven't had the time to read much poetry. It isn't mainstream. It isn't published much anymore and it takes time to search out new stuff. But being off work right now and having nothing to do but peruse You Tube for part of the day I have fallen in love with Spoken Word Poetry. I wish I lived near enough to a large area so I could go to some of the Poetry Slams. So here are a few of my favorites so far just to give a taste of what I have found. </span></span><br />
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Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-39684680019888180272014-01-13T20:50:00.000-05:002014-01-17T15:47:05.483-05:00For Just Such a Time as This<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQug4Yc-HO-NFibELRXX28MaiviRLNTx9aTvVc5xoZV8r4dbNmRKHFD54w0VQJmfSkhb6xzG3VNGZSYxV83ydUlxv-9V2NyN8toQN1AJTdpKWlv1UZiXw48lTNWCiw5VqoymWsooZ5Lhx2/s1600/Old+Clocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQug4Yc-HO-NFibELRXX28MaiviRLNTx9aTvVc5xoZV8r4dbNmRKHFD54w0VQJmfSkhb6xzG3VNGZSYxV83ydUlxv-9V2NyN8toQN1AJTdpKWlv1UZiXw48lTNWCiw5VqoymWsooZ5Lhx2/s1600/Old+Clocks.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you ever wish you were born in a different time? </div>
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It seems to me that things used to simpler. I mean I am talking like Little House on the Prairie or Mayberry simple. Back when values counted for something. When innocent wasn't a bad thing. I know it wasn't really easy then. I do. But I also think it is harder now. Harder to be a kid. Harder to be a parent.<br />
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I just saw a post on Facebook about girls posting nude pictures of themselves on Instagram and someone mentioned guys taking pictures of other guys in the locker room without them not knowing and posting them online. Seems like I read a similar story once a week now.<br />
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Technology. Man the geek in me loves technology. I love the internet. I love Facebook as a way to keep up with family and friends who are far away. I love it to pay bills and to get info immediately. For me, I love that everything is right at my fingertips. I love my smart phone. I have Pinterest while in the store to look at recipes and GPS so I never get lost. My music and books all in one place!<br />
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As a mom I hate technology. The internet is like inviting strangers right into my house. It provides a scary way for others to hurt my kids and a way for my kids to unintentionally hurt themselves. Cell phones can be great. I love being able to get a hold of them any time I want. But the fact that pictures and texts can be sent instantaneously with no time to think it through . No time to wonder if posting that was a good idea or not. No time to wonder if the person you are communicating with is who they say they are. No do overs. Once it is out there it is out there FOREVER!<br />
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I wish this wasn't the world I was raising my kids in. It is crazy out there. As I was reading those post I was thinking that I wish it was a different time. A time when it doesn't seem like everyday things are spirally further and further away from what is good and closer and closer to what is ugly. But then I remember:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">For just such a time as this</span>.<br />
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I think of Esther 4:14 when another woman thought she was the wrong person at the wrong time. But Esther was placed in exactly the place God wanted her in exactly the time He wanted her there. Did God "need" Esther to do what she did? No of course not. God could have used what ever method He wanted to accomplish his plan. But when the call came Esther answered.<br />
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I wasn't born in the wrong time. My kids were meant to be kids right now in the middle of this craziness we live in. I was meant to be a parent right now. We are right where we are supposed to be. Don't get me wrong things are going to happen the way they are supposed to with or without me. But I pray as things get crazier and as things get harder that I will be open to being a part of God's plan because I know I was born for just such a time as this.<br />
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-62888996626782185512014-01-06T08:52:00.001-05:002014-01-06T08:52:05.157-05:00Bill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_FyHU6z2Zajd4rGEU8MYbBkRFVlQk127hWzybtFaHbydaIqrD8SZksKLRJMNZ9BzL2wmEk8-QlYCFI0xwnmUI5FVBul4X5c6UIT36TAPC8w2ugli-xF8MnEAK8YEDD16dSqyGvnAWcc-/s1600/bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_FyHU6z2Zajd4rGEU8MYbBkRFVlQk127hWzybtFaHbydaIqrD8SZksKLRJMNZ9BzL2wmEk8-QlYCFI0xwnmUI5FVBul4X5c6UIT36TAPC8w2ugli-xF8MnEAK8YEDD16dSqyGvnAWcc-/s1600/bill.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
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Today I want to say Happy Birthday to a very special man. I love you Bill and I am so grateful that you are a part of our family and a part of our life. </div>
Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-90341966151683490652014-01-06T08:18:00.001-05:002014-01-06T08:18:17.492-05:00ResolutionsI know a lot of people make New Years Resolutions. I never really have been much of one to make them. However this year is a little different. I am planning to make some changes. Big changes. Not because of the New Year Year but because of the change in our life style now that I no longer employed. Now don't get me wrong I am not making these changes because I am unemployed because I hope that situation will not last long :) I am making them because the last weeks of being at home have given me time to look at our life and see how being so busy has allowed us to get off course.<br />
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So that said here are my New Life Resolutions:<br />
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1. Dinner at 6 pm. At the table. Everyone!<br />
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2. I am going to use my membership at the YMCA. The class times for what I wanted never worked with my work schedule but for now (at least until I find a job) I can go what ever time I choose.<br />
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3. I need to plan our meals and go to the store for 2 weeks at a time like I used to. Not only was it cheaper but it was way less frustrating.<br />
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4. I am going to get involved at church. We have been going but not really plugged in. We chose a church 30 minutes away from the house. I really do believe this is the church we are supposed to be at but that said I have to stop using the drive as an excuse not to go for extra things.<br />
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There are other things I need to change and other things I want to do but I figure this should be enough for now. We will see how these go.<br />
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<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-33483046542139494652014-01-01T08:47:00.000-05:002014-01-01T09:24:57.013-05:00A Word of the YearSo some of my friends are choosing a word of the year. I thought about doing that. I like the idea of having a single word I could use as a touchstone. The closing of the company I worked for has left me at lose ends. There are options to weight and decisions to make. Decisions. I hate making decisions so having a word weigh these choices against might be good.<br />
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Then I remembered... I chose a word of the year last year. I am pretty sure I did. I am almost positive I did. What was the word you ask? I have no idea. I only remember choosing one I don't remember what it was. So I guess I forgot it as quickly as I chose it. That is so like me. I chose a word last year to be the thing I would weigh my actions against and I can't even remember what it was.<br />
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Then I decided just because I didn't use the word last year doesn't mean I can't chose one this year. Also so like me. So I decided to try it again. I AM choosing a word this year. But it is more of a goal than a touchstone. I might even say a mission of sorts.<br />
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We have lived here for 2 years now. The kids love it here. The worst thing they can think of would be for us to move back to Virginia.<br />
It. Is. All. I. Can. Think. About.<br />
I have held myself apart from this place wishing for home, wishing for my friends, wishing for my church, wishing for my family.<br />
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I HAD an excuse. I worked from 5 am to 8 pm pretty much 5 days a week and had to be available on Saturday to take calls. Then on Sunday afternoon I spent a few hours each week setting the schedule for the next week. I didn't have time to meet people. To join clubs or groups. To establish relationships. And even if I had the time I was hesitant. It is hard to be part of a group when you have to excuse yourself every 10 minutes to take a phone call.<br />
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Dan and I had discussed how all encompassing the job was. We had talked about the fact that it might be time to move on to something new.I just hadn't decided for sure when the company made my decision for me and closed its doors. <br />
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I didn't lose myself because of the job. I knew who I was I just didn't have time to BE myself. I have missed that person who loves people, volunteer work, scrap booking, crafts, and book clubs. Two years I have lived in this place and I don't even know if those things exist here.<br />
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This was all brought home to me yesterday. This town I live in is small. Very small. I decided to run by the library to get something to read and I couldn't find it. I know generally where it is but I just wasn't sure which road I needed to turn down. Two years. I have been in this town two years and I have never been in the post office. I have been to the library once.<br />
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I have time now. Time to do things. Time to meet people. No excuses.<br />
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So my word of the year this year will be COMMUNITY. Its time for me to find one.<br />
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<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-25273912100247641852013-03-24T17:26:00.002-04:002013-03-24T17:26:54.514-04:00Do you want "it" or the idea of "it"?I get on these crazy kicks sometimes. I have a list of things I think would be amazing. For example I really really thought I wanted to live in Alaska. I loved the idea of small little towns where everyone minds their own business unless you need help and then they all come together as a community and sing Kumbaya. <br />
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Or.... Maine where there are these tiny little towns where everyone knows everyone. They ride their bikes around town and they sail on windy days. The have cool community festivals and great accents.<br />
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Or.... In the mountains where there are these tiny little mountain towns where everyone goes to a community church and takes care of each other. <br />
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Most of my crazy ideas either come from books or TV. Truth is I like having places to shop so while I am fine with a small town it needs to be close to a mall. I don't like to ride bikes or walk I am lazy and I want to drive. It gets really cold in Alaska and Maine and Ohio has taught me I am not a big fan of snow. I hate to drive on icky snowy roads in the winter especially mountain ones. <br />
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When I come up with some crazy idea Dan says to me "Do you want to live in Alaska or do you just like the idea of living in Alaska?" or "Do you really want another dog or do you just like the idea of having another dog?" and usually he is right I just like the idea of things. <br />
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So here is the latest idea I have (okay this one has been hanging around for awhile but still it is the one I haven't given up on yet) I really want a goat farm. I want to make goat milk soap and well what ever other things you do with goats. This is all <strong><em>The Fabulous Beekman Boys </em></strong>fault. I fell in love with their show when they were on Planet Green. I just downloaded this book:<br />
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But all that said I am pretty sure I don't really want goats. I don't even like to go outside so seriously a goat farm probably isn't for me. It is really hard physical work (something else I am not really a fan of) and pretty messy too. <br />
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So regardless of what I say truth be told as much as I like the idea of being a small town goat farmer I am really a mall shopping office worker. Hmm might want to think about a condo when the kids are gone instead of my cabin in the mountains huh.<br />
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Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-13277845357909926492013-03-17T12:29:00.001-04:002013-03-17T12:29:36.385-04:00Seriously?So I have become completely obsessed with Pinterest. I love the exchange of ideas. It is fun and inspiring to see what other people are thinking. To see what they believe or value enough to pin. I have always LOVED inspirational quotes and pictures. Not to mention the food...oh the recipes!<br />
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But ever so often I will see something on Pinterest that just makes me go ... Seriously? Really? You have got to be kidding me.<br />
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So for today I am sharing a few of those I saw over the last couple days.<br />
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1. Here is the first one. It looks like some strange thing from an episode of Dr. Who. I can totally see Steven Moffat creating a weird episode where babies heads are trapped in some kind of space helmet. Maybe it is just me but this "cute" craft idea is a bit creepy.<br />
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2. and 3. kinda go together. They are both treadmills. One for your dog and one for your work. Really a treadmill for your dog? I don't know about you but my dog would NOT stay on treadmill. That is just insane. One of those crazy products for people with more money than sense in my opinion.<br />
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Then you have the treadmill desk combo which takes multitasking to a whole new level. While I think treadmilling while working is a bit extreme I just want to say if you are coordinated enough to use this product while typing a report and having a conference call you are my new hero.<br />
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4. The winner of the weirdest product of the week goes to this weird little gadget. It gives you the "sensation" that you are kissing the person on the other end of the webcam. Seriously? Really? You have got to be kidding me!</div>
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Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-23146433348518698082013-03-10T18:31:00.001-04:002013-03-10T18:41:32.762-04:00This weeks "I saw it on Pinterest"So for the last couple of weekends I have pulled some craft or something I saw on pinterest and tried it for myself. This weekend I just wasn't feeling very crafty but I sure was craving some chocolate soooooo...<br />
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Here they are<br />
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Chocolate turtle cookies. Mine were a little bigger than they should have been and next time I would be careful to make them smaller so the caramel to chocolate ratio is right but still they were yummy. I would put the recipe on here but I really want to give credit where credit is due so if you want to try them for yourself here is the blog I stole them from. Not only does she give step by step directions but her cookies are WAY prettier too!</div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Shell</span></em></div>
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Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-58073636348244246192013-02-10T22:47:00.000-05:002013-02-10T22:50:51.231-05:0025 Things Tim should know.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVJbsZ-9dsyq4lnvwgKmEetkUmAw7ObRmkWk7cQc1pBFpdElvhyphenhyphendiZvWLShzbkhiiqAIWkO0c2GajoT9jYePyc4V-YpJz5_SETzU44meEOAgxsszmpQIcCbuDK34_YkYA5exQzNVC50dE/s1600/earth_holding_sml-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVJbsZ-9dsyq4lnvwgKmEetkUmAw7ObRmkWk7cQc1pBFpdElvhyphenhyphendiZvWLShzbkhiiqAIWkO0c2GajoT9jYePyc4V-YpJz5_SETzU44meEOAgxsszmpQIcCbuDK34_YkYA5exQzNVC50dE/s1600/earth_holding_sml-300x200.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
So I did my <a href="http://www.shellgirard.blogspot.com/2013/02/25-things-i-want-caitie-to-know.html">25 Things I want Caitie to know</a> so I figured to be fair I should do one for Timothy as well. A list for him is a little bit harder for me to come up with since I can only look at things from a female perspective but here goes anyway:<br />
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1. Nobody owes you anything. NO ONE. Not me and dad, not the school, not your boss, not your friends. NO ONE.<br />
<br />
2. Life isn't fair. Just isn't.<br />
<br />
3. Not every one's mind works the way yours does. You see things others don't. It is up to you if you take advantage of it or not.<br />
<br />
4. YOLO doesn't mean throw common sense out the window and have a good time. Take the time and learn from others so you don't have to make the same mistakes they make so you can make the most of the one life you have.<br />
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5. You don't always get to choose what life throws at you. But even though you don't get this yet .... you ALWAYS get to choose how you react to it.<br />
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6. Some of the smartest people who have lived believe in God and have the most amazing stories of faith. Don't let anyone tell you that because you are smart you can't believe.<br />
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7. If a girl ever tells you that you can "hook up" no strings attached she is lying to you. She may be lying to herself too but I am telling you right now girls aren't wired the same way guys are and no matter what she says to her it will mean something even if she never tells you it did. <br />
<br />
8. Take chances. Safe isn't always the best.<br />
<br />
9. Never ever ever get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or get in with someone who has. Some stupid choices are forever and boy this can be one of them.<br />
<br />
10. Actually interaction with real live humans is important. Gaming is fine and I know it is social but sometimes you need face time.<br />
<br />
11. Ask for what you want. People can't read your mind and the only way anyone will know you need something is if you speak up.<br />
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12. Look people in the eye when you talk to them.<br />
<br />
13. Sunblock... always<br />
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14. You are you. I don't know anyone else like you. I mean that. You are smart, you are funny, and you capable of doing whatever moves you. Don't settle just because you don't know what that is.<br />
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15. "Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings" Salvador Dali<br />
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16. If I could pick a son I would pick you. Truth is I like you which is cool cause there is no rule that says I have to. I am supposed to love you I am hard wired for that but it is an extra blessing that I get to like you as well.<br />
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17. Treat people the way you want to be treated. <br />
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18. Everyone is faking it. Everyone has a persona they show to the world. No one is as happy as they seem, as cool as they seem, and no one's life is as perfect as it looks. Everyone has things they don't want the rest of the world to see. Just be as genuine as you can.<br />
<br />
19. Don't ever change who you are for someone else. Get to know the guy you see in the mirror. Do you like him? He is the only person you should change for.<br />
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20. Get good at giving gifts and remember the important days when you should give them. It matters.<br />
<br />
21. Goofy is okay. Stay goofy.<br />
<br />
22. Girls are weird. We change our minds a lot. We say one thing but mean another. We worry a lot about what other people think. Sometimes we are worth it but usually we aren't. So before you decide to turn your life upside down for a girl make sure she is one of the ones who are worth the trouble.<br />
<br />
23. While it may be true that sometimes we say one thing but mean another No means No every single time period.<br />
<br />
24. You may think it is funny to make PMS jokes but trust me girls don't.<br />
<br />
25. Like I said in the list I made for your sister... No matter what happens. No matter how scared or embarrassed you are. No matter
how bad you mess up or what you think we will think ... you can ALWAYS ALWAYS
come homeShellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-74024555313906433362013-02-07T18:18:00.000-05:002013-02-07T18:22:24.932-05:00Home?My friend Andrea Anderson got the greatest gift today. The adoption of her foster son became final today. Matthew John-Daniel Anderson who was already the son of her heart became theirs legally. It was a long road. He has been with them almost 2 years. There were times it seemed like it wouldn't happen and times it seemed like it would and then finally it did. Matthew John-Daniel Anderson has a forever home.<br />
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I had that thought. When I saw the pictures she posted on facebook I thought wow he has a home. Then I thought to his little self today isn't really any different then yesterday. As far as he was concerned he already had a home. That of course got me to thinking about home in general. <br />
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What makes a house a home? A family a home? A town a home? It makes me think home really isn't a place. Home is a feeling. When I refer to Texas I always call it home. When I think about Quanah I think of it as home that is where my memories are. But you know the more I thought about it when I go back to Texas I go to Abilene and it feels like home. I barely even lived there but you know what my mom and brothers are there. When I see a facebook post about Newington I think of it as home. I have been gone over a year but you know what there are people that I love there. Here in Ohio we are renting a house. It isn't really ours but it is home. That is because the people I love most in this world are here. <br />
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So what is home really? It isn't a structure or a place or any other physical thing. Home is where you love and are loved and Matthew John-Daniel Anderson was already home.<br />
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<br />
ShellShellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-57068171343134987432013-02-03T21:18:00.000-05:002013-02-03T21:18:14.202-05:0025 things I want Caitie to know<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0PgW5t1KScIYYq_EPA5HtLGJQvbIYxjtRyrQrvucbBsq5BmG-FZHiOfgVTKfStVZnkFWz0C4P09luOyREiOLXjmZ8FwAU4SXFuOlED0_kXVpzWv96ZN9LixiTFCFYAIj_oeY6BiK7GpU/s1600/caitie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_0PgW5t1KScIYYq_EPA5HtLGJQvbIYxjtRyrQrvucbBsq5BmG-FZHiOfgVTKfStVZnkFWz0C4P09luOyREiOLXjmZ8FwAU4SXFuOlED0_kXVpzWv96ZN9LixiTFCFYAIj_oeY6BiK7GpU/s200/caitie3.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmNAWB7wgmKu7u7BjZErEqSZTI-xQF0lgbsr5tLTaRvYAr-9ux4OWwOpaCk5dvF75GhTnmVj83TvZG1md8gEy8M9SwtrSKRwmjplA8btPphhqyVygY-bZ3dBB64dvdg9owiIVWjDs0GwJ/s1600/caitie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnmNAWB7wgmKu7u7BjZErEqSZTI-xQF0lgbsr5tLTaRvYAr-9ux4OWwOpaCk5dvF75GhTnmVj83TvZG1md8gEy8M9SwtrSKRwmjplA8btPphhqyVygY-bZ3dBB64dvdg9owiIVWjDs0GwJ/s200/caitie1.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-XY4sS_2RgcHbYmYMQjQXdNSUc9cyVmOSR926mJG1vrcurwcU1D7LcmS8q3JtJaUa0Xy2mFwnUNnAHBA3c88Nsl-DZjRTKemBn6T9AfkfKxcpqyrx6deD_0s7s4aJc8kVxQtCwbnWD36/s1600/caitie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-XY4sS_2RgcHbYmYMQjQXdNSUc9cyVmOSR926mJG1vrcurwcU1D7LcmS8q3JtJaUa0Xy2mFwnUNnAHBA3c88Nsl-DZjRTKemBn6T9AfkfKxcpqyrx6deD_0s7s4aJc8kVxQtCwbnWD36/s200/caitie2.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Caitie,<br />
<br />
<br />
1. To quote Dr. Seuss “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” The fact that you are you is one of the most special things about you. Don't ever let anyone take that away.<br />
<br />
2. Don't grow up too fast. I am not sure when 12 became the new 17 but enjoy yourself and have fun. There is no reason to rush into all that drama.<br />
<br />
3. Sometimes people aren't who you thought they were. It happens. They will let you down sometimes. It hurts. It sucks. It will be okay.<br />
<br />
4. Choose your friends wisely. Right or wrong, fair or not... people will judge you based on the company you keep.<br />
<br />
5. The clothes you choose to wear make a statement. Make sure you mean what they are saying.<br />
<br />
6. Always create. You have a creative spirit that makes me smile. Don't ever let any person's criticisms cause you to stop being artistic.<br />
<br />
7. Take care of yourself. You need to eat good foods, sleep at night, and be active. Physically, mentally, spiritually it all matters. <br />
<br />
8. Don't let any boy define who you are. You do not belong to any person. You are a child of God and you belong to Him. <br />
<br />
9. Read! Always Read!<br />
<br />
10. The day will come when you will love all that crazy curly hair. <br />
<br />
11. Don't ever let the fact that you are a girl stop you from doing whatever you want to do. You can do anything. I know people are supposed to tell their kids that but I really mean it. You have the talent, the intelligence and the fortitude to do ANYTHING.<br />
<br />
12. Go places! See things! There is a whole lot of world out there to experience. There is nothing wrong with Virginia or Ohio but there is also Seattle Washington, Denver Colorado, Dallas Texas, Paris France and of course London England.<br />
<br />
13. Breathe! In and out slowly and deeply. When you are stressed breathe. When you are angry breathe. When it feels like the world is crashing in Breathe! It seems crazy but really it is calming. It allows your body to respond appropriately to the situation. So stop and breathe!<br />
<br />
14. Don't use prayer as a last resort. It should be the first thing you do not the last.<br />
<br />
15. Choose to be grateful. Choosing to be grateful can truly change your life. Even when things are going wrong if you stop and look there is so much to be grateful for. <br />
<br />
16. Music sets the tone for your day. It truly honestly does. The kind of music you choose to listen to has a great impact on your mood. Choose wisely.<br />
<br />
17. Sometimes you just have a bad day but remember "It is a bad day not a bad life."<br />
<br />
18. The one time I was the most wrong in my whole life is when I said I only wanted one child. I am so grateful every single day that Dad wanted two. My life wouldn't be half as wonderful if you weren't part of it.<br />
<br />
19. You are going to mess up. We all do. Learn from it. Move on and forgive yourself. Carrying around the weight of all the times you messed up will keep you from being your best.<br />
<br />
20. Smart is the new cool. Never ever be ashamed of the fact that you are smart. Go ahead be good at Math and Science. There is nothing wrong with being smart.<br />
<br />
21. Mean is never okay. Making others feel small is never the way to feel bigger. Treat other people the way you would want to be treated. <br />
<br />
22. When people do things you don't understand remember that we all have a story and you might not know theirs. You never know what people are carrying around with them. Parents who don't care, parents who drink too much. Mom's with too many boyfriends, Dad's who are in jail. Physical abuse, emotional abuse. Family members who are sick or who have died. Remember that decisions they make are about them not about you and cut them some slack.<br />
<br />
23. Drugs are bad. Simply enough they destroy lives and ruin futures. Just don't. <br />
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24. Never ever ever take a picture (or allow a picture to be taken) of yourself that you don't want everyone to see. Once things are out there in cyberland via text message, email, or on the web it can never be completely erased. <br />
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25. No matter what happens. No matter how scared or embarrassed you are. No matter how bad you mess up or what you think we will think ... you can ALWAYS ALWAYS come home.<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MomShellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-84217939540113040432012-12-01T18:53:00.000-05:002012-12-01T18:53:12.902-05:00Thankful November 15-30Okay so here is my second half of Thankful stuff<br />
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16. Snow<br />
17. Coffee<br />
18. Cream Soda<br />
19. Books<br />
20. Audio Books<br />
21. Books on Kindle<br />
22. Office Supply Stores<br />
23. DSL<br />
24.Thankful my kids have outgrown legos (those suckers hurt)<br />
25. Iphone Apps<br />
26. Chinese buffets<br />
27. Local Honey<br />
28. Ideas<br />
29. Old Friends<br />
30. New Friends<br />
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So there it is some small thing that I am thankful for each day of the month. <br />
<br />
<br />
ShellShellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7647590612315497577.post-6595172770757099382012-11-15T21:06:00.001-05:002012-11-15T21:11:29.692-05:0015 days of Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Year before last I did a blog a day in November of what I was thankful for. Last year I didn't because we had just moved and things were crazy. This year I have been to busy too blog but not too busy to be thankful. I have so many things I am truly truly thankful for that trying to pick one a day seems impossible and I tell you what that is a good problem to have. <br />
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Part of the problem is that after reading 1000 Gifts, which I have talked about probably 10 times too many, I view gratitude differently than I did before. Once again like in my journal these aren't the biggies. The biggies are too easy. These are the little things that make me look for things to be grateful for everyday everywhere.<br />
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But anyway I decided that I wouldn't do a thing a day. I am doimg half the month today and the second half the end of the month.<br />
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So here goes ... 15 things I am thankful for:<br />
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1. Carmel Frappe' from McDonalds<br />
2. A warm house<br />
3. Food in the cabinet<br />
4. Jobs: Mine and Dan's<br />
5. A school Tim likes<br />
6. The view on my way to work in the morning when it is all frosty out.<br />
7. Facebook cause it lets me stay in touch with my family and friends who live far away.<br />
8. Water that doesn't need a filter to be clear instead of rust color.<br />
9. Good Report Cards<br />
10. Jigsaw Puzzles<br />
11. Bing Cherries<br />
12. Coffee<br />
13. The Hot Tub<br />
14. The Amish Market<br />
15. Highlighters. Crazy I know, but for a color coding fool like me they are amazing!<br />
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<br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Shell</strong></span></em><br />
<br />Shellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06846980738840650936noreply@blogger.com1