tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50948902536413661832024-02-08T02:41:49.503-05:00The Misadventures of an Ordinary House WifeErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-41142610856538289002016-08-29T11:28:00.001-04:002016-08-29T11:28:07.544-04:00Caleb<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I have a lot on my mind. One of those things is
yesterday’s sermon. Larry taught us about Caleb. Now we have been studying the
book of Joshua for a while now but he is honing in on Caleb right now. Back in
the book of Numbers, God said that Caleb had a “Different spirit” because Caleb
followed God “whole-heartedly”. God also promised land to Caleb and his tribe.
Specific land, special land. He promised Caleb Hebron. Hebron was where Abraham
and Sara and Rebecca and family were all buried. Hebron was God’s land; sacred
land. Well if we fast forward to the book of Joshua, when it came time to
divide up the land, Joshua and the priest were going to leave it up to God by
drawing lots. Well, all this time later (45 years to be exact), Caleb reminded
Joshua of the Lord’s promise to Caleb. So Caleb and his tribe received Hebron.
Caleb defeated all the people who were defiling the land there and he lived
there all his days. But still in the book of Joshua, Caleb is described as a
man who followed God wholeheartedly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Caleb certainly must have trusted God! He patiently waited
for 45years to receive the land God had promised him. He was 40 years old when
he was promised. That means he was 85 years old when the promise was fulfilled.
Scripture also said that Caleb remained physically strong and able to battle
even though he was at such an advanced age. Also, as a side note, Joshua lived
to be120 years old. So he spent 35 years in his promised land.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So the question posed to us in the sermon was: What does it
mean to have a “different spirit” and how can we achieve having a “different
spirit”? Caleb had a different spirit because he trusted and followed God
completely. Everything that Caleb did involved God’s council. We know this
because in the scripture Caleb says “The Lord sent me…; followed the Lord my
God…;”. Caleb references the Lord in
most of his actions when he is reminding Joshua of the promise. I know that
scripture tells us to pray about everything. God wants to be involved in our
lives, even the silly little things. So, how can we have a different spirit? We
can involve God in everything in our lives. We can pray without ceasing. We can
ask God to help guide all of our decisions. We can praise God in every
situation. We can shift our focus to God and away from our problems, those
people we don’t like and the times in our lives that we just can’t seem to stop
thinking on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I know that the things above are hard to do but we can start
small. We can start by praying constantly. First thing in the morning we can
thank God for waking us up and ask him to guide our day. We can enjoy some time
in God’s word while we are eating our breakfast or drinking our coffee in the
morning. We can pray for our country or just any situation that we see in the
news. We can pray when things pop in our minds. We can pray for correction,
comfort, peace when things get out of hand. We can spend our day talking to
God. We can make time to be in God’s Word, even if it is just a couple of
scriptures at a time. We can meditate on those scriptures. We can buy the Bible
on audiobook or a Christian bible study on audio book to listen to during a
long commute. There are so many ways we can stay plugged into God during our
day. God provides the opportunities, you have to take them.</div>
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I know one thing is for sure. It may sound like I have it
all figured out but you know what, I really and truly don’t. I don’t have that
different spirit yet. I know I am really striving to have that kind of spirit.
I am not in God’s word as much as I should be. I don’t pray nearly as much as I
need to. I don’t listen to God’s voice like I should. I am so far away but I do
know that a journey begins with one step. Just one step, then another, then
another and so on and eventually you make it to your destination.<o:p></o:p></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-91071608200515569632015-12-07T10:49:00.000-05:002015-12-07T10:49:23.397-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends. We certainly had a busy weekend here in the Misadventure household. On Sunday evening we had our annual wrapping party for Karen's Kids. Here you can see members of our church wrapping away. We had a carry in this night of soups and sammies as well.</div>
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Here is all the bags of toys. We had 28 families with a total of 83 kids this year!</div>
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On Saturday a few of our church members decorated a float for our town's annual Christmas parade. Here you can somewhat see the float. We have Shepherds around the manger at one end and angels around the cross at the other. Our float was the simplest out there but had the best message I think. Oh and it was soooo foggy! We couldnt see the other end of the lot!</div>
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Here you can see the sign on the back of our float. </div>
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This one was earlier in the day when my boys were helping put the finishing touches on the float.</div>
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We also put up a few decorations in our home. I made these mason jars last year ( I think). I used stencils, glitter and glue to make the design on the outside. Then I took a short string of white lights and shoved them in the tops of the jars. It makes me very happy to see these jars aglow on my kitchen counter.</div>
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My youngest son decorated my little firplace this year. To be honest, I havent been much in the spirit of things this year with all that has been going on BUT these decorations my sons so eagerly put up has my heart singing Christmas Carols.</div>
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Well my friends, that sums up the majority of my weekend. I fear I have come down with a cold (probably from being in the cold damp Saturday night). But, I am posting this from my phone while sitting at my desk at work. </div>
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Oh and my bloggy followers, if you read this please say a prayer for my step-dad who is undergoing surgery this morning. He has a mass in his neck and they aren't sure if it the dreaded "c" word. All prayers are appreciated.</div>
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Until next time my friends,</div>
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May God bless you.</div>
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Erin </div>
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<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-7718628810640807792015-12-03T12:50:00.000-05:002015-12-03T12:52:11.858-05:00Most wonderful...Errr...busiest time of the year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello again my friends. We are so busy in the Misadventure household. It is Karen's Kids time again. Our church has provided Christmas gifts for 83 needy kids in our community. That's 28 families who don't have to worry about Santa. Our church will hold a wrapping party and carry-in this Sunday. We will have a good meal and then wrap, wrap, wrap. Then on Friday I will transport the gifts to the center where the families can pick up their gifts.<br />
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On Saturday our church will be participating in the annual Christmas parade. We will be meeting early that morning to put the float together. We have loads of great ideas and,if I remember, I will take pictures!<br />
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With all that has been going on, I am a week behind on my Bible study! The pic above is what my desk looks like right this minute. I am very blessed to work in a small town office and with a brother in Christ. My job, our office is perty laid back so I am usually able to do my Bible studies in the mornings between clients. BUT, with last week being Thanksgiving and then working on Karen's Kids this week I am way behind.<br />
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You know, I guess it doesnt really matter if I am behind because I know I will catch up. I do read God's Word daily, even if it's just a verse or two. I pray constantly. God is always near my thoughts.<br />
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Well, I am typing this on my cell while I'm here at my desk. I certainly hope it comes out okay for you loyal readers. However, I must go and do my studies.<br />
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Until next time, may God bless you.<br />
ErinErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-39880278247524107282015-11-28T12:23:00.002-05:002015-11-28T12:23:38.838-05:00I'm Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello my friends. It has been one full year since I wrote in this blog! Oh my how time flies. So many wonderful and not so wonderful things have happened. Firstly, I went from being a stay at home mom to a working mom. I now work for a small town, family owned insurance agency here in my town. I am not an agent but I am an office assistant and you know what....I love my job! It was an adjustment to start working again after being a stay at home mom for 14 years. I had some very real feelings of guilt BUT being able to contribute to our household is an amazing feeling.</div>
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Also, hubby and I are going strong. This picture was taken on Thanksgiving Day. We had dinner at my mom's house. This picture is of my hubby and I with very full bellies and very sleepy eyes. </div>
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I am still crocheting. I am usually late to the game with the latest trending things. Here is a pic of one of my many WIPs. This is a blanket using the magic ball technique. I am really enjoying seeing the next color come up. Plus, I have to use up all the odd balls of yarn I have to make room in my tote for the 18-20 skeins I bought on black Friday!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2JaMmNYNylWzry1Uoj5LpmcLwaxsdsOp0fVX4aUAmihwU1lJsKrds26VJdIJeXYSF8gFKWZFyJ8kiQQ9iDxr2GyxaycTi5U6py0raKsNs6nLr1bBD0FM7m9ZsSwHlBsi0TMepm3gD1o/s1600/IMG_20151123_160347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2JaMmNYNylWzry1Uoj5LpmcLwaxsdsOp0fVX4aUAmihwU1lJsKrds26VJdIJeXYSF8gFKWZFyJ8kiQQ9iDxr2GyxaycTi5U6py0raKsNs6nLr1bBD0FM7m9ZsSwHlBsi0TMepm3gD1o/s320/IMG_20151123_160347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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On top of making this blanket, I am also crocheting up some hats, scarves, wrist warmers, cowls....you know, little things that go over well in craft fairs. I am making things up to sell to help pay for daughter #2's band trip to New York this summer. The trip is over $600 so every little bit I can contribute helps.</div>
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Friends, if you remember <a href="http://themisadventuresofanordinaryhousewife.blogspot.com/2013/02/it-is-what-it-is.html" target="_blank">this blog post</a> from a few years ago....well it wasn't a great time. However, times have changed. My friends, I WENT TO FLORIDA! I know!! In September we decided it was time for a good ole family vacation. We had put money back from our taxes and just went. The pic below is on Jacksonville Beach. Oh we had a wonderful week catching up with family and friends. I conquered many demons that week. All the glory goes to God because He alone carried me on this trip. I cannot wait to go back!</div>
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We have made some new additions to our house. Below you see a pic of our latest kitty Atlis (AKA Furball). My hubby was on his way home from work one day this past summer. He noticed what looked like a cage on the side of the road. So he stopped to investigate. This very sweet and beautiful kitty was in that cage! It was swealtering outside so he brought him home and well....you can see in the pic that he has taken over! Our family just loves him.</div>
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My friends, I really don't know how regularly I will update this blog...but you know, I have truly missed writing. So much has been going on and I miss updating you all. My oldest son wants to start a blog as well but for now (since he is only 12) I may just let him post here. So those of you with kids, especially boys, he will be talking about his passion, which is video games. I hope you will welcome him with open arms and make him feel at home.</div>
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So now I leave you my friends. I have a rivalry football game to watch...OSU and Michigan. GO BLUE! But first I leave you with a recent selfie....Me at my desk at work. Until we meet again, friends....May God Bless You!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDLkj5Th06zSRKM9pp8l9PMkZCde3WBrYvP_JX6BLwbJUAGcS82alLYCs1iJq2q3Vg5oEhJDPn7rmWjN7_rzMfx5e4xGqq1_GrAFHcua3Qe8OzBtMicub7-LmkcTvobEflZZpJPu630I/s1600/20151015_112826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLDLkj5Th06zSRKM9pp8l9PMkZCde3WBrYvP_JX6BLwbJUAGcS82alLYCs1iJq2q3Vg5oEhJDPn7rmWjN7_rzMfx5e4xGqq1_GrAFHcua3Qe8OzBtMicub7-LmkcTvobEflZZpJPu630I/s320/20151015_112826.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-4496307618052387612014-11-25T16:51:00.004-05:002014-11-25T16:51:29.352-05:00Michigan blanket pattern.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends.</div>
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Do you remember this blanket? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33lHaEF5hSpdIWUR7xqXmKX29vFXm0Wn079buxpfOHKTNf_F30fSPbpcYsty9lSQH8lo9PaeRTqnwwA6ipaA-q4foetygcMnojKvIN5d_MPEbpaG8Xse-3xPIa8XByghw_AOSrrGNCzw/s1600/michigan+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33lHaEF5hSpdIWUR7xqXmKX29vFXm0Wn079buxpfOHKTNf_F30fSPbpcYsty9lSQH8lo9PaeRTqnwwA6ipaA-q4foetygcMnojKvIN5d_MPEbpaG8Xse-3xPIa8XByghw_AOSrrGNCzw/s1600/michigan+blanket.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I crochet it a few years ago.</div>
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Ever since I blogged it I have been getting many questions about this blanket. Whether or not I had a pattern, how did I do it, ect.</div>
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Well,I did try to reply to all the questions. I didn't have a pattern written out. I just drew the M on graph paper and decided each square would equal 8 stitches and 8 rows and went from there.</div>
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BUT since I kept getting questions about the pattern....</div>
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Here is what I have came up with.</div>
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I used a 5.5 mm hook. That is an I or 9</div>
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I also used Caron One pound yarn in the colors of Sunflower and midnight blue.</div>
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The blanket measures 34 inches wide by 40 inches long without the border.</div>
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The blanket is worked in single crochet and is worked from the bottom up.</div>
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Directions.</div>
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With blue, ch 137</div>
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<b>Rows 1-48</b>. sc in each ch across (136 sc) ch 1, turn</div>
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<b> Rows 49-60:</b> with blue, sc in 24 st. Switch to yellow and sc in next 32 sts, switch back to blue and sc in next 24 sc, with yellow, sc in next 32 sts, with blue sc in last 24 st, ch 1 turn.</div>
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from here on out I will just tell the color and number of sc to make.</div>
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Add yellow</div>
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<b>Row 61</b>: Blue, 24 sc, yellow, 32 sc, blue, 11 sc, yellow, 2sc, blue 11 sc, yellow 32 sc, blue 24 sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 62</b>: Blue- 24 sc, yellow-32 sc, blue-10 sc, yellow-4 sc, blue- 10 sc, yellow-32 sc, blue-24 sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 63</b>: blue- 24sc, yellow-32sc, blue-9sc, yellow-6sc, blue-9sc, yellow-32sc, blue-24 sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 64</b>: blue-24sc, yellow-32sc, blue-8sc, yellow-8sc, blue-8s, yellow-32sc, blue-24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 65</b>: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-15sc, yellow-10sc, blue-15sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 66</b>: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-14sc, yellow-12sc, blue-14sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 67</b>: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-13sc, yellow-14sc, blue-13sc, yellow-16sc, blue-32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 68</b>: blue-32sc, yellow-16sc, blue-12sc, yellow-16sc, blue-12sc, yellow-16sc, blue 32 sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 69:</b> blue 32 sc, yellow 16sc, blue 11sc, yellow 18sc, blue 11sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 70</b>: blue 32 sc, yellow 16sc, blue 10sc, yellow 20sc, blue 10sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 71</b>: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 9sc, yellow 22sc, blue 9sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 72:</b> Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 8sc, yellow 24sc, blue 8sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 73</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 7sc, yellow 26sc, blue 7sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 74</b>: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 6sc, yellow 28sc, blue 6sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 75</b>: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 5sc, yellow 30sc, blue 5sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 76</b>: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 4sc, yellow 32sc, blue 4sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 77</b>: blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 3sc, yellow 34sc, blue 3sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 78</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 2sc, yellow 36sc, blue 2sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 79:</b> Blue 32sc, yellow 16sc, blue 1sc, yellow 38sc, blue 1sc, yellow 16sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Rows 80-92</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 72sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 93</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 35sc, blue 2sc, yellow 35sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 94</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 34sc, blue 4sc, yellow 34sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 95</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 33sc, blue 6sc, yellow 33sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 96</b>: Blue 32sc, yellow 32sc, blue 8sc, yellow 32sc, blue 32sc, ch 1, turn.</div>
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<b>Row 97</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 39sc, blue 10sc, yellow 39sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn.</div>
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<b>Row 98</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 38 sc, blue 12 sc, yellow 38sc, blue 24 sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 99</b>: Blue 24 sc, yellow 37sc, blue 14sc, yellow 37sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn.</div>
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<b>Row 100</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 36sc, blue 16sc, yellow 36sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 101</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 35sc, blue 18sc, yellow 35sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 102</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 34sc, blue 20sc, yellow 34sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 103</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 33sc, blue 22sc, yellow 33sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 104</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 32sc, blue 24sc, yellow 32sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 105</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 31sc, blue 26sc, yellow 31sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 106</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 30 sc, blue 28 sc, yellow 30sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 107</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 29sc, blue 30sc, yellow 29sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 108</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 28sc, blue 32sc, yellow 28sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 109</b>: Blue 24sc, yellow 27sc, blue 34sc, yellow 27sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 110</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 26sc, blue 36sc, yellow 26sc, blue 24sc, ch 1, turn</div>
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<b>Row 111</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 25sc, blue 38sc, yellow 25sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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<b>Row 112</b>: blue 24sc, yellow 24sc, blue 40sc, yellow 24sc, blue 24sc, ch 1 turn</div>
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You can drop the yellow now.</div>
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<b>Rows 113-160</b>: sc in all sts across. (136sc) fasten off.</div>
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I did a border with a couple of rounds of yellow.</div>
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I hope this helps all of you out there who want to make this blanket.</div>
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Until next time</div>
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Be Blessed, </div>
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Erin</div>
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Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-2380573095120381852014-11-19T14:12:00.000-05:002014-11-19T14:12:21.778-05:00WIP Wednesday...plus a little extra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again friends!</div>
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How are things where you are?</div>
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It is FrEeZiNg here in Ohio.</div>
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Today has been a great day! I went to Bible Study and afterwards all 9 of us women went out to lunch. You see, this past week was our faithful teachers birthday!! She is in her mid 70s! We just love her so much we wanted to do something really nice for her.</div>
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This has been a pretty good week as well.</div>
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I got all caught up on my housework on Monday! Guess why? We had a snow day and my kiddos were out of school so they decided to help me! Wasn't that super awesom of them?</div>
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Guess what else...</div>
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I actually had a little more time to crochet this week.</div>
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Look!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRDWPoUAKERm5qA6krrVj-zUWxaa-i24TX3-yzFOLCPGGUkaGpRs057EIYo8YbEWL_GbS7A4-BcP6IRD_jUcPOjlvnDcz2X3ohQSawTJABylwzI1ShXQx80RjCGlp5sTYYsMTgWpdRac/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRDWPoUAKERm5qA6krrVj-zUWxaa-i24TX3-yzFOLCPGGUkaGpRs057EIYo8YbEWL_GbS7A4-BcP6IRD_jUcPOjlvnDcz2X3ohQSawTJABylwzI1ShXQx80RjCGlp5sTYYsMTgWpdRac/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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My lovely ripple has grown from scarf size to "almost" snuggly size. I can't wait to get it all finished.</div>
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I also did another project last night that is somewhat crochet related.</div>
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You see, here lately I have been having some finger/hand problems when I crochet. My fingers hurt and go numb and it makes my hand hurt. Sometimes it is so bad I can't even hold a hook. Well, I looked online and saw that Walmart had clover hooks so I decided to brave the roads and see if I can buy one. Walmart didn't carry them in store. Well, while I was in there browsing I came across some clay. So guess what I did......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECFY2JeaCHzjbaGQ76psqIpBzXwTZ41dg1pbK3cAd6dqb4SPpcGIsEuLCupZqVLcl_xd2Um3HYSD0DhkvOWMpfWFDsOU0y04pwoiuJ1LSuUX_NUFCnpcMjiPZg4_8ZF5I0IPa0qrShFk/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECFY2JeaCHzjbaGQ76psqIpBzXwTZ41dg1pbK3cAd6dqb4SPpcGIsEuLCupZqVLcl_xd2Um3HYSD0DhkvOWMpfWFDsOU0y04pwoiuJ1LSuUX_NUFCnpcMjiPZg4_8ZF5I0IPa0qrShFk/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made handles for nearly all of my crochet hooks. The ones you see with the same handles are the same size. I have 29 hooks here ranging from 0.9 mm to 6.0 mm. I was shocked I had so many hooks BUT these aren't all I have. I also have a size N that is out on loan to my cousin and a set of plastic hooks. But anyway...Aren't they beautiful?</div>
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On each of the hooks I covered up the size but before I placed them on the sheet to bake I put the letter or number (steel hook) of the hook on the bottom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fIbnbYXsjF-P3q7_rwNnKaQvWc57J4PFKn8irHc6P5x9tVFfBRD198Y_azYFzgzV2DF6mlU2wpDNFpV3ZF-quIIfnMRYNF_KitFsoqhkd5pegahhRaVNzBO63ixQ2JPsPl73o45NJL4/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8fIbnbYXsjF-P3q7_rwNnKaQvWc57J4PFKn8irHc6P5x9tVFfBRD198Y_azYFzgzV2DF6mlU2wpDNFpV3ZF-quIIfnMRYNF_KitFsoqhkd5pegahhRaVNzBO63ixQ2JPsPl73o45NJL4/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I put the whole number, letter, size on the bottom on the side.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-DUZO8SctMHwhHhpTg_O478l7xf0_LkehVJkHgE4sbEARFAEWxXg2dfQWggIPC7MaPtZLTF2QzbgB01L-RL_G1hiVeYfoJcAVTJg36nrm8Ja0hl-am15NsMKmfyI-55C2qiWNTHA9pk/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-DUZO8SctMHwhHhpTg_O478l7xf0_LkehVJkHgE4sbEARFAEWxXg2dfQWggIPC7MaPtZLTF2QzbgB01L-RL_G1hiVeYfoJcAVTJg36nrm8Ja0hl-am15NsMKmfyI-55C2qiWNTHA9pk/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am so proud of myself for venturing out of my comfort zone and doing this. I was so afraid I was going to ruin my hooks but I think they are so much prettier AND the hook feels so much better on my hands.</div>
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OH</div>
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AND</div>
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You can't have pretty revamped hooks without something pretty to put them in soo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yPIw5NLuKyzDl8iHbcdNmFLrlGXYh_rh0fr6re7sG58O86sypXRtlF1MZXQcnepcsfDRKpvmrQs2ReurGUriJgzqqvQ5Lqa_q0jyrReQ7kMZrGOxs_hiCaonsXk-ngKzBc9DLTxAeQo/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yPIw5NLuKyzDl8iHbcdNmFLrlGXYh_rh0fr6re7sG58O86sypXRtlF1MZXQcnepcsfDRKpvmrQs2ReurGUriJgzqqvQ5Lqa_q0jyrReQ7kMZrGOxs_hiCaonsXk-ngKzBc9DLTxAeQo/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought this spotty dotty bag today. I am in love with polka dots and this bag just made my heart sing!!</div>
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Well that is going to be it for today. I have to go switch out the laundry and then I am gonna snuggle myself on my comfy couch and make my ripple grow even more!</div>
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Thank you to everyone who reads my blog. I love you all!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Stay Blessed!</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-91661594538252307772014-11-13T12:34:00.000-05:002014-11-13T12:34:16.081-05:00WIP Wed....er um Thursday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello my dear friends.</div>
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I sure hope today finds you all well!</div>
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It is a grey, dreary day here in Ohio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo-E2o24AJIrR7hHLpuDNnDb4xLPQW1e7zNTjiDSJPU12Q4ZDyOuhPX1hbrw0_4Yt7rq-4kdWLEdhM9Ucas7Wb5gHKDAKGDnpkbfdYoLGb5klqIe_ZXQ9NmnuDTyeHkQL6f96sF47vB0/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglo-E2o24AJIrR7hHLpuDNnDb4xLPQW1e7zNTjiDSJPU12Q4ZDyOuhPX1hbrw0_4Yt7rq-4kdWLEdhM9Ucas7Wb5gHKDAKGDnpkbfdYoLGb5klqIe_ZXQ9NmnuDTyeHkQL6f96sF47vB0/s320/DSC_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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See....It is so blah and ick out there...</div>
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However, It is cold AND we could see some flurries so that makes it seem ok.</div>
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Did you notice anything about the picture above?</div>
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Well, we had a couple days this week that were in the 60s so I took advantage of the warm weather and went ahead and hung up the outdoor Christmas lights. </div>
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Don't worry, I have only had them on to make sure they were all working properly.</div>
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BUT</div>
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I couldn't just decorate outside.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-m2I9HE5dLgdaPk62JTcwxe42q-vWAkoCPtqFvWdVU_tu4VsIbDEFyueReq-I0z9O-XF8nrgl9KpJ65Vgb7izq-4ygSqL-OnNoW-5wrTIoTF8TguEKaSwxuMiyI9FCiYpx3PVAbTpgw/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-m2I9HE5dLgdaPk62JTcwxe42q-vWAkoCPtqFvWdVU_tu4VsIbDEFyueReq-I0z9O-XF8nrgl9KpJ65Vgb7izq-4ygSqL-OnNoW-5wrTIoTF8TguEKaSwxuMiyI9FCiYpx3PVAbTpgw/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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I also decorated inside. I didn't go crazy this year though. All I did was put up our tree and put out the stockings. I love Christmas time!</div>
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Now for the TRUE reason for this post.</div>
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I actually found time to do some crocheting this week.</div>
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I was working on my ripple and my hands were freezing so ....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5owBQH61mK0E3LKpSH8ijLSf0HHSOuCSCYA3yCOTy0SwhZIvtLO4C5vmqSe7xZqd68vGcdxVTuvZ-iAkTFCjTfaE7LqxLlxfJOWjj7yjHG_GJhBz7fsfuq_nmL6nFn17EfxYtxNqh2VQ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5owBQH61mK0E3LKpSH8ijLSf0HHSOuCSCYA3yCOTy0SwhZIvtLO4C5vmqSe7xZqd68vGcdxVTuvZ-iAkTFCjTfaE7LqxLlxfJOWjj7yjHG_GJhBz7fsfuq_nmL6nFn17EfxYtxNqh2VQ/s320/DSC_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I whipped up some fun stripey fingerless gloves to keep my hands warm.</div>
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And I added several rows to my ripple. The colors aren't true in this pic. The camera flash washed them out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw51o3HCvhb0LDQneNWChqujq3Wi3Xd99dym6s5fQyHnSoQkNUXkT_fzqhG_-N_q1SqwJEtH-gxheOT47NHUDZWIFLW4rsXkgYSTKdfpmMhb7AjhG6AhknKj2XpsauOl7lvEHf2F6zvg/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGw51o3HCvhb0LDQneNWChqujq3Wi3Xd99dym6s5fQyHnSoQkNUXkT_fzqhG_-N_q1SqwJEtH-gxheOT47NHUDZWIFLW4rsXkgYSTKdfpmMhb7AjhG6AhknKj2XpsauOl7lvEHf2F6zvg/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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OH and do you see in pic above?</div>
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NO CARPET!</div>
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We tore the carpet out of our living room and dining room and put down wood flooring. </div>
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I will have to do another post about that at another time!!!</div>
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Well that is all for now.</div>
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I must get crocheting!!!!</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Stay blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-75048101844676084692014-11-07T11:37:00.000-05:002014-11-07T11:37:24.441-05:00Oh Boy...What a busy week!<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again friends. </div>
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First I want to say I didn't forget to blog...I seriously didn't have time to do so.</div>
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I could take a snapshot of my planner BUT I am being very lazy today and I just didn't want to fish out my camera to do so!!!</div>
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I really wanted to post on Wednesday to show progress on my ripple blanket but I really only added one row to that blanket this whole week!!! I squeezed it in one evening right before bed!! I was hoping to get that blanket finished in a month but at this rate...it'll take 6. Tee Hee</div>
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So, now about my week.</div>
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I had several meetings over this past week. Some were only a half a day...others a full day.</div>
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Thursday of last week I spent catching up on some cleaning. On Friday, I had errands and I had to be at our church for a couple hours. </div>
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Saturday, I was at the Church all day decorating for the Fall Festival.</div>
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Hubby and I planned this event for our youth. We had so much fun!! The kids participated in a cake walk, face painting, shooting games, dart games, throwing games..Our church members brought in cakes and soups and desserts. Man it was a blast!!!</div>
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Sunday we took a break!</div>
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On Monday I had an all day meeting for our church's organization that partners with our community to give Christmas gifts to needy kids in our community. You may remember me saying that the program fell in my lap after it's previous head left our church. I have been very blessed with the help and support from our church family!! I know I would be completely lost without them.</div>
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Tuesday I spent on the couch. I cannot wait to get our insurance at the beginning of the year so I can go to the doctor. I have so many female issues and this month was terrible!</div>
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Wednesday I had more meetings and yesterday I spent the day planning and doing my grocery shopping (which I saved 42%).</div>
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So...I know this post is pretty boring! I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not disappearing again. I love all of you and I love blogging. I love reaching out to everyone and reading everyone else's blogs.</div>
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So then...TODAY I HAVE A FREE DAY!</div>
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So I am going to catch up on some cleaning and hopefully some crochet!!</div>
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Until the next post</div>
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Stay Blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-65111774043050221362014-10-29T19:59:00.000-04:002014-10-29T19:59:08.235-04:00Wednesday WIP's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello everyone!</div>
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I know Wednesday is nearly over BUT I just had to write a post tonight.</div>
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I would have posted earlier BUT I was so busy today. </div>
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I took my youngest to school. </div>
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Came home and ate breakfast and had some coffee.</div>
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Went to Bible Study.</div>
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Then had a couple meetings.</div>
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I left my house a little after nine this morning and didn't get back home until nearly 3!!</div>
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I thoroughly enjoy doing the Lord's work and I just love staying busy.</div>
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Today's post is about my crochet works in progress.</div>
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I started this blanket on the 21st and this is as far as I have gotten.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sd-EOQe7wHA7E5peVLISGRlpciEbdjLh7Nl94kROxQM7KI2_5xJzwF6Cvr-qXP14L2d9HyqIRoHSRWqeCtfevL3oHIflcQ_Iab1zyXdbIbAfi-_vSmmSwOip8X8lsboqozmxVImVMtU/s1600/kays+ripple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sd-EOQe7wHA7E5peVLISGRlpciEbdjLh7Nl94kROxQM7KI2_5xJzwF6Cvr-qXP14L2d9HyqIRoHSRWqeCtfevL3oHIflcQ_Iab1zyXdbIbAfi-_vSmmSwOip8X8lsboqozmxVImVMtU/s1600/kays+ripple.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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This blanket is being made for another member of my women's Bible study group. </div>
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You know the best part? She has no idea it is for her!</div>
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I just love the surprised looks when I give them blankets.</div>
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Anyway..that is all for now. I have some studying to do.</div>
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Until we meet again..</div>
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Stay blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-22918748427178472002014-10-27T19:54:00.003-04:002014-10-27T19:54:56.227-04:00Coupon organization...an update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again all you beautiful people! </div>
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I hope this day finds you well.</div>
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Today has been crazy bad for me. I think if anything could go wrong today it did BUT that is another post altogether.</div>
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Today I want to chat a little about my coupon ventures. I have posted a few posts about couponing before. I've even shared a video I made about my previous storage method.</div>
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Well, I have tried all the methods out there I think. I did the binder thing..Let met tell ya....whew that binder was HEAVY and it was a pain to keep organized and to find coupons and clean out expired coupons. It was a hassle and it made me quit couponing for a while.</div>
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Next I ventured into the coupon box. This method was a lot easier than the binder to organize all my clipped coupons. It was easy to take to the store. I loved it. I used it. I was content.</div>
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Well, with this summer being so hectic and with no end in sight, I just didn't have the 2-3+ hours on the Sunday or Monday to clip all the coupons...so again I quit using coupons as much as I could have.</div>
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So now I am to this method. Using a file box and file folders. I will let the video tell you the details BUT I am loving this method. I can buy my papers and file them in about 15 minutes. When I get ready to go to the store I can clip what I KNOW I am going to use AND since I print out the lists (and I check the list with the inserts...sometimes my inserts don't have some of the coupons on the list and sometimes there are coupons not on the list so that is why it takes me 15 minutes) I can take my coupons to the store to grab an unadvertised deal if I need to. </div>
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Enjoy the video and if there are any questions please feel free to ask in the comments or on youtube and I will try my best to answer them.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/x1DnHiUvxyw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Until we meet again</div>
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Stay Blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-57986690845940126592014-10-24T13:40:00.001-04:002014-10-24T13:40:42.163-04:00I'm Back!!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello everyone! </div>
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I sure have missed you all! Guess what?!?</div>
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I FINALLY GOT MYSELF A NEW COMPUTER!</div>
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As most of you who follow me know, my computer decided to quit on me a while ago and being a single income family, we were not able to purchase one right away.</div>
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I missed blogging so much. So many things have happened I didn't get to tell you!</div>
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So here is a little snippet of what I have been up to.</div>
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I have been crocheting my little heart out!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtE8ZU8PoAYcIAUWtaSR9Iq_soNxY8a2ok7s3m-2PuyNLkKXfDujOKEbccmhENmQakbiWG2WBgTxVmTZ8QUnoRJTdp7byucbqqaq0CAsXt8xyf7fNmmzsOnQPRZVXG7PBxiuqULuBCzY/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtE8ZU8PoAYcIAUWtaSR9Iq_soNxY8a2ok7s3m-2PuyNLkKXfDujOKEbccmhENmQakbiWG2WBgTxVmTZ8QUnoRJTdp7byucbqqaq0CAsXt8xyf7fNmmzsOnQPRZVXG7PBxiuqULuBCzY/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlfIUfP872yVp4qVjpc3iNVIIc1Z_3f_9nnQ37tVm5j9K06BEQeNazXlBxNfEISCoxD2jh_0ziY5xfpMsa7nlTo4FO7-_sbQFa3dYp6fkPUVNHZ_Rh921qx9EkFSf7tfMHn9nQMtV2TU/s1600/Susie's%2BBlanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlfIUfP872yVp4qVjpc3iNVIIc1Z_3f_9nnQ37tVm5j9K06BEQeNazXlBxNfEISCoxD2jh_0ziY5xfpMsa7nlTo4FO7-_sbQFa3dYp6fkPUVNHZ_Rh921qx9EkFSf7tfMHn9nQMtV2TU/s1600/Susie's%2BBlanket.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have also made ninja turtle masks, scarves and a couple other blankets but I was so excited to give them to their owners I forgot to take pictures...shame on me!</div>
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My oldest daughter went to homecoming this year! I cannot believe she is in high school already!!!</div>
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Daughter number 2 is in marching band so we have been to many football games and parades here lately.She is between the two girls in the front.</div>
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And fall is in full swing and the leaves are absolutely gorgeous in my area. This picture doesn't capture the beauty of it all.</div>
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We are a super busy family as of late. On top of the kids' activities, we have been remodeling some rooms in our house. We have also been making sure we keep up with our responsibilities at church.</div>
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I tell you, we have very few days were we can just sit down and breathe.</div>
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I hope all of you are doing well. I also hope you all look forward to more blog posts from me. It may take a bit for me to get on a regular schedule BUT I certainly will try to make sure I post at least once a week.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Stay blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-32357734617913392112014-06-20T13:16:00.001-04:002014-06-20T13:16:23.613-04:00Busy, Busy, and more Busy<div style="text-align: center;">
My friends I am incredibly sorry I haven't been blogging much. Our life is so full and busy with the kids being older I just have no time to sit down and actually think!!</div>
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We have the normal Church activities on Sundays and Wednesday Bible studies.</div>
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Our boys have ball games 2-3 days a week. As a matter of fact our oldest son's team are going into the Championships!! GO TIGERS!</div>
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We have also been trying to spend time with my parents. My mom lives only 5 minutes away so I can basically see her whenever our schedules meet. My dad, however, lives 45 minutes away and has a wacky work schedule so we have to make plans for seeing him and my little brother.</div>
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We have also been trying to do some fun things with the kids.</div>
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We took them to Young's Dairy up above Yellow Springs, Oh last week. It was so much fun. We played putt putt golf, hit balls in the batting cages and ate some of the most awesome ice cream ever.</div>
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We also do free things like hiking, going to parks, and fishing.</div>
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AND last but not least we have a yearly pass for my family +2 to the Columbus Zoo so on hubby's days off (because I hate driving around Columbus) we can take them to the zoo.</div>
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Oh and we plan on going to some Chillicothe Paint's baseball games :)</div>
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See...we are always doing something.</div>
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So when we are at home we are usually cleaning, doing laundry, eating and sleeping.</div>
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So my apologies for not being an active blogger.</div>
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However, today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite things from this past week.</div>
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1. My favorite lotion: Beautiful Day from Bath and Body works. I got it as a Christmas gift and it smells so good. I also use Johnson and Johnson's Honey Apple lotion.</div>
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2. Favorite food this week has been eggs. I eat eggs nearly every morning for breakfast.</div>
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3. Favorite drink this week: Sweet tea and water</div>
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4. Favorite past time: honestly, watching movies. I bet I have watched 10-15 movies this week.</div>
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5. What I should have done more of: Reading my Bible and Crochet.</div>
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6. Favorite song this week: Blessings by Laura Story</div>
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7. Favorite tv show: It's always Criminal Minds.</div>
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8. Favorite memory of this past week: Listening to my dad sing</div>
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9. Favorite sight this week: Baby tomatoes on my plants!!!!</div>
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10. Most used app: Facebook.</div>
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Ok so that is 10 very random things. So now I am going to get off of the electronics and crochet a bit.</div>
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Ball games start in a few hours and all my housework is done so I think I deserve it!!</div>
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Until I write again</div>
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Be Blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-37042893993179332432014-06-03T11:30:00.001-04:002014-06-03T11:30:22.261-04:00Coupons and Food Stamps: A financial update.<div style="text-align: center;">
My friends if you have been following my blog for any length of time you know about my family's financial situation. For those of you who may be new to my blog I will give you a quick rundown.</div>
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We moved up here from Florida when child #3 was only a couple months old. While we lived in Florida we didn't have any financial troubles at all. We could go shopping every week and not bat an eye. All of our bills were paid, we had food, we were stable.</div>
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We decided a long time ago when my oldest child was very little I would be a stay at home mom. I did work off and on for a while. I did the fast food thing, I worked at a bank. BUT during that time my child was in daycare and seemed to get sick every other week. Each time she got sick I had to take her to the doctor and it would be upper respiratory or ear infections. I'd get her well and then boom as soon as she went back to daycare she was sick again. So we decided then that it would be best if I just stayed at home with our kids.</div>
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Fast forward to when we moved here to Ohio. My hubby got a job right away and quit a couple months later. He just couldn't deal with the politics that ran rampant in that place. Then he got another job pretty fast which decided to move to Mexico and permanently lay off their employees. A couple months went by and he got another job that closed its doors for good. Then he worked at a place that used materials he later found out he was allergic to.</div>
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As you can see we had a lot of hard times. We ended up getting public assistance as medicaid and food stamps because we just could not feed our kids. </div>
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Luckily, my the last two jobs my hubby has had were long term jobs. One was at a factory and his current job is as a manager at a home improvement store. Once we moved into our new house (which we are buying) we decided we needed to get our finances in order. So over the past 5-6 years we have been taking steps to building our credit, making sure we paid our bills on time, and trying our best to save money.</div>
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This whole time we have had public assistance which helped us focus on other things because we knew our food was covered.</div>
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Now several years ago I learned how to coupon. I did this as a hobby because I really wanted a stockpile (which I still don't have). However, I kept with it because I was doubling or tripling the amount of food I was getting with our food stamps.</div>
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I can proudly say we have finally reached our goal of becoming self-sufficient and not relying on public assistance any longer. We have our own health insurance through my husband's company and with the use of coupons, we have been able to get off of food stamps. I have around $200 dollars a month that I allot for groceries and household needs. I use coupons and bulk stores to get our family's needs for the least amount of money.</div>
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On top of my normal coupon routine I am also keeping a notebook with the prices from around 7 stores of our most commonly used items. That way I know I am always getting a great price for the things my family needs. I know this sounds like a lot of work BUT since I am a stay at home mom, I have made couponing and getting the best prices for the items we need as my outside job. This is just one way I can contribute to my family financially.</div>
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My friends, that is all I can write for now. I have loads of things to get done today. We don't have any ball games to go to today so I have a full day I can catch up on my house duties which have doubled since the kiddos have been out for summer vacation.</div>
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Until we meet again,</div>
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Be Blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-61902437922476893262014-05-25T19:20:00.001-04:002014-05-25T19:20:46.666-04:00WIP: Flowers in a Row<p dir="ltr">Hello friends. I just wanted to pop in and show you what is on my hook. The pattern is from Red Heart dot com. It is so easy to do and the effect is just lovely. I am starting my second color repeat on the flowers. I have to say I am really enjoying watching those little flowers take shape!</p>
<p dir="ltr">That's all for now as I go back to hooking and watching/listening to movies. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Be blesses,<br>
Erin</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAOcfax2v1ECFe3TvrHDZHx_e7p82HxnSEejZ-20snEScQLI85de0fTW661KSvvC1D5fc9_lV4Ym2jVHyTkwBSjifJwfFaU0LMHqI_tHpCsJCKd3784pL8XUWhnHS6K90rSAIGVyEEw/s1600/20140525_191611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqAOcfax2v1ECFe3TvrHDZHx_e7p82HxnSEejZ-20snEScQLI85de0fTW661KSvvC1D5fc9_lV4Ym2jVHyTkwBSjifJwfFaU0LMHqI_tHpCsJCKd3784pL8XUWhnHS6K90rSAIGVyEEw/s640/20140525_191611.jpg"> </a> </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-3670627908101511772014-05-23T14:16:00.001-04:002014-05-23T14:16:16.403-04:00Friday Random Five<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello my friends. </div>
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I have decided to do a Friday Five.</div>
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It just sounded like a good thing to do today.</div>
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1. This is the pattern (not my picture and pattern is on Redheart.com) of my current crochet project. I am using different colors. I will post a picture of my project once I get a little further along.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6q6XZQ9jXndntztrFOyU33DGc5niXnrCbyFpWujGv6FeqGGmTElcoMXW1flshzUf0bFeTsEtE5fG_OM-ODRt5j8uNouvd3Su8x-L5xHhDM8vNxUi36uw8l3F_7C1IetvfdPAEmI9d_Y/s1600/FlowerPattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6q6XZQ9jXndntztrFOyU33DGc5niXnrCbyFpWujGv6FeqGGmTElcoMXW1flshzUf0bFeTsEtE5fG_OM-ODRt5j8uNouvd3Su8x-L5xHhDM8vNxUi36uw8l3F_7C1IetvfdPAEmI9d_Y/s1600/FlowerPattern.png" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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2. Baseball season is in full swing in my neighborhood. Both of my boys have decided to play this year. Unfortunately, they have games on the same days of the week and sometimes at the same time! The running back and forth is keeping me in shape.</div>
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3. This little beauty was brought to me by my oldest daughter yesterday. We were working with our boys on some baseball mechanics and here she comes with it. I knew it wasn't poisonous because of the shape of it's snout and it's pupils and with a quick google search we found out it was an Eastern Fox Snake and in fact nonvenomous. However, I told my daughter NOT TO PICK UP ANY MORE SNAKES!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z2-bC-fQZQPG_FWNMD5-QjgLhLSY6LW-MwBUncFpS8eHAhBj80tVQPUAsZfy4kDpGVyik6Qy3Q9_arCU5NudRnNUKAHSFfn-YOP8YuydfGKVcMoPs8zbz9LodHY9Zl8Z_eEz8CS20dw/s1600/My+phone+pics+with+snake+547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z2-bC-fQZQPG_FWNMD5-QjgLhLSY6LW-MwBUncFpS8eHAhBj80tVQPUAsZfy4kDpGVyik6Qy3Q9_arCU5NudRnNUKAHSFfn-YOP8YuydfGKVcMoPs8zbz9LodHY9Zl8Z_eEz8CS20dw/s1600/My+phone+pics+with+snake+547.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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4. We have purchased a "new to us" vehicle. My van was screaming to be replaced. So we traded in our 2004 Chevy Venture on a 2008 Chevy Uplander. Let me tell you....I am in love. My kids love it too because it has a DVD player.</div>
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5. I have lost enough weight I can share a pic. I started at 168 pounds. I am 153 pounds in this picture. I have been stuck for over a month fluctuating between 152 and 154 pounds. My goal is to get between 130 and 140 eventually BUT right now I would just like to break this plateau and get below 150!</div>
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Hope you have enjoyed this post. </div>
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Be blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-27105422775475417292014-05-15T09:13:00.000-04:002014-05-15T09:13:45.655-04:00I am still alive....I promise.<div style="text-align: center;">
Friends I am terribly sorry to be MIA for so long. I really am. I miss blogging. Life has been crazy busy lately and I just haven't had time for much of anything.</div>
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First, some exciting news.. Hubby and I have been appointed the Youth Coordinators at our church. We are so excited to work with the local youth! </div>
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Secondly, I have been caring for and traveling with my mom. She had surgery and I have been spending a lot of time with her.</div>
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Thirdly, my sons are playing baseball this year and we have practice 3 nights a week (if they aren't canceled by rain).</div>
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Fourthly, the end of the school year means loads of programs and field trips.</div>
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Fifthly, on days I am actually home, I do house work and yard work.</div>
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Sixthly, Ok I have nothing but please don't give up on me. I have loads of updates for all of you.</div>
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I HAVE been crocheting when I can. A stitch here and a stitch there. Currently I am working on <a href="http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/flowers-row" target="_blank">this</a> pattern from Red Heart. I am doing the flowers in pastel colors and I can't wait to show everyone a picture.</div>
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I have been taking my little point and shoot camera everywhere with me and have been snapping pictures here and there. I would love to share some moments with you all.</div>
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I did something different with my garden this year and want to update you on that.</div>
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I also did something different with my flower beds and want to show you that.</div>
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So, I need to get on the ball and get it all done.</div>
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BUT right now, I am at home and I MUST get caught up with my household chores.</div>
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Love and miss all of you!!!!!</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-28954337996153715432014-04-02T14:49:00.000-04:002014-04-02T14:49:10.975-04:00TMI Tag plus a mini update.<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends. I know I have been MIA for a little while. There has been a lot going on.</div>
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The weather has finally broke here in Ohio so we have been out a lot.</div>
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My mom has been having some health issues.</div>
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Things have just been a little cray cray so I will try to do some updates very soon.</div>
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Today I am having a down day. I did 6.3 miles yesterday and I'm totally feeling it today. On top of that, I have some raging seasonal allergies so I'm just kind of relaxing today. </div>
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That brings me to today's blog post. I like to watch youtube videos and right now there is a tag going around called the TMI tag. I don't really like making videos that show me so I decided to answer all 50 questions here. So let's get on with it then.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">1: What are you wearing? A tshirt and pants</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">2: Ever been in love? yes twice. Once in high school (my first love) and I am now madly in love with my hubby.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">3: Ever had a terrible breakup? Yes. With the person I was seeing before my hubby. We had a child together and it got a little ugly.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">4: How tall are you? 5 foot 2</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">5: How much do you weigh? 152</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">6: Any tattoos? I have a blue rose tattooed on ankle</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">7: Any piercings? I once had my nose, tongue, and belly button pierced but I am now just sporting earrings</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">8: OTP? This is One true pair or partner? Hubby definitely</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">9: Favorite show? I love Criminal Minds, Duck Dynasty, Dancing with the Stars, Walking Dead and Sons of Anarchy</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">10: Favorite bands? Hmm..bands..I dunno about bands but I'm digging Bruno Mars right now.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">11: Something you miss? My grandparents.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">12: Favorite song? Best Day of My Life, Gorilla, Automatic</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">13: How old are you? 34</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">14: Zodiac sign? This is against my religious beliefs but I am an aquarius</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">15: Quality you look for in a partner? loyalty, trustworthy, funny, fun</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">16: Favorite Quote? No one can make you feel inferior without your consent~ Eleanor Roosevelt</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">17: Favorite actor? Jason Statham, Vin Diesel</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">18: Favorite color? I'm loving Turquoise right now</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">19: Loud music or soft? Depends on my mood</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">20: Where do you go when you're sad? Either to my room or I go for a walk or to the lake</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">21: How long does it take you to shower? 15 minutes or so</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? It depends. If I shower, do hair and makeup it can take an hour or more. If I just get up and throw my hair in a pony then about 5-10 minutes</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">23: Ever been in a physical fight? Yes</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">24: Turn on? Great smile, joy, happiness</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">25: Turn off? people full of themselves, people who think they are better than you or know more than you</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">26: The reason I joined Youtube? I'm going to sub blogger here. I joined blogger because I love to write. I wanted to get my struggles out there and possibly help someone who is going through the same thing.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">27: Fears? Losing my family. Failure</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">28: Last thing that made you cry? A video I watched from facebook </span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">29: Last time you said you loved someone? A few mins ago to my daughter</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">30: Meaning behind your Youtube Name? My BLOG name is what this blog is about. Just the things that go on in an ordinary stay at home mom's life.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">31: Last book you read? Mocking jay</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">32: The book you're currently reading? I am always reading the Bible</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">33: Last show you watched? Noon news</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">34: Last person you talked to? My daughter </span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? She is my other daughter :)</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">36: Favorite food? Chicken. I love chicken</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">37: Place you want to visit? Scotland </span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">38: Last place you were? Uptown with my hubby last night</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">39: Do you have a crush? Yes on my hubby</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">40: Last time you kissed someone? Last night before I went to sleep</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">41: Last time you were insulted? Yesterday</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">42: Favourite flavour of sweet? I love chocolate but I also love cherry flavored hard candies like jolly ranchers</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">43: What instruments do you play?? None too well. I can play a little piano that my grandma taught me but that's all</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">44: Favourite piece of jewellery? Wedding set hubby got me for Valentine's day</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">45: Last sport you played? baseball</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">46: Last song you sang? Daydream Believer by the Monkees</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">47: Favourite chat up line? hmm. pick up line, chat line..don't use either</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">48: Have you ever used it? see previous question.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">49: Last time you hung out with anyone? Last evening. Walked with a good friend of mine.</span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">50: Who should answer these questions next? Whoever wants too.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Ok my friends. There you have it. 50 questions. Did you learn anything about me? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Until we meet again,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Be Blessed</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px;">Erin</span></span></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-39261111196313366392014-03-18T16:17:00.001-04:002014-03-18T16:17:05.235-04:00Getting healthy: Week 10<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends.</div>
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I just realized that I haven't been updating all of you on how I've been doing on my new lifestyle. SHAME ON ME!</div>
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Well I have to say it is going pretty good!</div>
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I am currently in the middle of week 11. I will weigh in again on Friday.</div>
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So let me see.</div>
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I have been doing pretty good. I am keeping my calories pretty much in check. Usually I stay right around 1200-1300 a day but sometimes if I feel I need more like around that time of the month and when I have a cold (like last week) I will take my caloric intake up to 1500 calories per day.</div>
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As far as exercising..well I started planning my workouts in advance the weekend before last and it has helped me be more consistent with my workouts.</div>
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I also started doing Fitnessblender workouts on YouTube. If you are trying to lose weight and you want some great workouts then look them up. </div>
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I know I haven't updated in a few weeks and I honestly couldn't tell you what happened but I know I was losing a pound or so then gained a pound and a half. Then last weigh in I had lost 3 pounds putting me at 154 pounds. So that means that I have lost a total of 9 pounds since January 1st and a total of 14 pounds since November. </div>
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As I stated earlier I had a horrible head cold starting last Wednesday. I literally couldn't breathe!!</div>
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However, I did manage a couple workouts while I was sick. I honestly don't know how I lost 3 whole pounds but I imagine it was the mixture of Zumba and the fitness blender workouts I did.</div>
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This week I have my workout schedule as follows: </div>
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Monday-FitnessBlender- arms/cardio</div>
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Tuesday-Walk or Zumba</div>
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Wednesday- Fitness Blender Legs</div>
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Thursday- walk or Zumba</div>
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Friday- Fitness Blender Core</div>
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Saturday- Walk or Zumba or Yoga</div>
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Sunday- Rest and cheat day.</div>
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As far as eating: I kind of have it down to a science at this point.</div>
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For breakfast I will have a couple eggs with a little shredded cheese and salsa plus a cup of coffee with French vanilla international delight creamer.</div>
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Lunch I will have anything really. Usually it's a tuna on a whole wheat sandwich round or a salad. </div>
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But sometimes I will have a few potato and cheddar perogies ore a couple of chicken and cabbage egg rolls.</div>
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Dinner will be whatever I fix for the family. However, if there is something particularly unhealthy (like 400 calorie per half cup serving of Mac n cheese) I will substitute it with a salad.</div>
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I also try to make sure I have a snack or two between meals if I am going to go longer than a few hours without eating. I will have some hummus and blue corn chips or some veggies and hummus, guacamole, fruit, muscle milk. </div>
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I dunno. I just have a simple approach to eating. I know how many calories I need to consume daily (at least 1200) I eat what I want to eat (I'll have a small piece of cake if I want it) and just make sure I exercise!</div>
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Also, Sunday is my rest day and my cheat day. I eat whatever I would like (in moderation) and I try not to go too crazy. I try to stay below 1500 calories that day.</div>
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So there you have it. Today's workout was a walk/run. I did 3.41 miles in 58 minutes and 22 seconds. I burned 290 calories. I'm happy with that!</div>
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Ok my friends, it's gorgeous outside today so I'm gonna go out and enjoy it before dinner.</div>
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Until we meet again,</div>
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Be Blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-13427804123329425642014-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:002014-03-14T14:00:35.391-04:00Cleaning: Before and After; Just keeping it real.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends.</div>
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I'm going to apologize ahead of time if this post seems off a bit. I am still sick! </div>
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My head is so stuffy it is hard for me to think straight.</div>
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My friends, I'm gonna keep it real! I'm gonna show you what happens when I don't keep up with my house every day! This is going to be a cleaning before and after of some of the rooms in my home. I didn't do the laundry room or the bathroom because those two rooms were pretty clean to begin with. I just picked up and mopped those rooms. I also didn't include my kids' bedrooms because I just feel a little funny about showing them. However, those rooms have been cleaned by their occupants. :)</div>
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Now for a little background. We had a sleepover on Saturday. The house was cleaned on Sunday. So that means that this mess was 3 days in the making. Now sometimes things will be worse than this (a lot worse) and sometimes better. This was an in between week.</div>
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So lets start in the living room.</div>
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Here in photo one you can see the blankets and just ordinary mess on the couch. Those laundry baskets are full of clean clothes. My hubby washes and dries the laundry and I fold and put it away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8meOXnFXD6wTNfBZLzRAuHx5ZGi0iuYTixB7761wYsDiZ8VXAOlsPT7IwUxRq5Tf4SelL-4lv554zQ7_-O9DcLWsK7mnMd4QmTYUtess5VZT0qq_G9iDrOc-KdWlEibL7wf2_A-ljayY/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8meOXnFXD6wTNfBZLzRAuHx5ZGi0iuYTixB7761wYsDiZ8VXAOlsPT7IwUxRq5Tf4SelL-4lv554zQ7_-O9DcLWsK7mnMd4QmTYUtess5VZT0qq_G9iDrOc-KdWlEibL7wf2_A-ljayY/s1600/002.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the other side of the room. It isn't as bad. I just needed to put a few things away and straighten up some stuff.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9qI54lBOzrCgQI0O-M713pVNN-A73BQiqb6zUFdyXQcMcAdjTMl8CJsUM7ktCfZbBiZUHx_nbn_YD16yQxVZ3mvPocIbaLrLVxvpKrI5m00ws-BGNuKtHQmWFZlp9zHs-DdUxvrvTwo/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9qI54lBOzrCgQI0O-M713pVNN-A73BQiqb6zUFdyXQcMcAdjTMl8CJsUM7ktCfZbBiZUHx_nbn_YD16yQxVZ3mvPocIbaLrLVxvpKrI5m00ws-BGNuKtHQmWFZlp9zHs-DdUxvrvTwo/s1600/003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a good view of the majority of my living room. I put everything in it's place and dusted and vacuumed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu89devf1boos4cIos68PviDjogqOKizwWJp23n2Pr5NO8SGaW0QOneK7egv-xVZ6kxkDFfBHU4i9vkETwrPbbuPUQiRMHWcrUh3gdjt-Mk3WsNTCQTGtaWkgn2lfMmbwHrYSQXkBt04/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpu89devf1boos4cIos68PviDjogqOKizwWJp23n2Pr5NO8SGaW0QOneK7egv-xVZ6kxkDFfBHU4i9vkETwrPbbuPUQiRMHWcrUh3gdjt-Mk3WsNTCQTGtaWkgn2lfMmbwHrYSQXkBt04/s1600/005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the other side. The room looks much bigger when it is picked up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kqcssKUQGCAudxd4FDZ-PWvsQ3q0eGBouw7VZaaQFV_jRfrs31KqkHnKZxWS0pZEHXfRaT-dhmlOpPD0vksdUpaAwDTVDfHvoPpNaJx7uabL6BQOKO_5XvOZEDWVRaPr9_-kI8wTIkI/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kqcssKUQGCAudxd4FDZ-PWvsQ3q0eGBouw7VZaaQFV_jRfrs31KqkHnKZxWS0pZEHXfRaT-dhmlOpPD0vksdUpaAwDTVDfHvoPpNaJx7uabL6BQOKO_5XvOZEDWVRaPr9_-kI8wTIkI/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now for my kitchen.</div>
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My kids's chores are to do the dishes after dinner every night so there are only the morning's breakfast dishes to wash. Other than that I just had to pick up a few things and empty the trash. I also swept and mopped the floor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELDJyVdz2n1FKflFm5sBheSZlvMf__9FjHKrPqaPznu_VGmJ2CECzjrPhK8sn35QufFLlpfsO3dJdZ-Euy32Ejr9fcdmdkaBd6BYX21hJh6PaU6Y3Ue5VdpRDp1eVML5vg8iO4CXJeKc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELDJyVdz2n1FKflFm5sBheSZlvMf__9FjHKrPqaPznu_VGmJ2CECzjrPhK8sn35QufFLlpfsO3dJdZ-Euy32Ejr9fcdmdkaBd6BYX21hJh6PaU6Y3Ue5VdpRDp1eVML5vg8iO4CXJeKc/s1600/008.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my kitchen after I cleaned it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EwTVVB_SvW_vFOTMVhtwpEgMjBzRBEIyQ5FjhyDg-kmW9nihThlbr_9gJlCUiMZIPSgRxi2djCtwAgfGYQ7CH7KQujfmM8pUrTixEP0XwQeWYiLGnDifMsOn5_0ZgutAkKs1YPuYtzg/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EwTVVB_SvW_vFOTMVhtwpEgMjBzRBEIyQ5FjhyDg-kmW9nihThlbr_9gJlCUiMZIPSgRxi2djCtwAgfGYQ7CH7KQujfmM8pUrTixEP0XwQeWYiLGnDifMsOn5_0ZgutAkKs1YPuYtzg/s1600/010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next is the dining room.</div>
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My dining room is only 10 feet by 10 feet. So I literally divided it up into two sections. First is the dining room table. This is where my hubby does his school work and my kids do their homework. I also spend a lot of time here planning, studying, and deciding on things.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJZ_-8uhx7ZaszbuKf793eMueCE_m6QL8Wsy2L-HyEnW_jJVDp1kj5YDW-dyyYEgDqKeHakLNRH8pcp3k6nGzTqa6udI9knMEyMhxDSW65il0egeb35R7rxZ1XeWTCEI8SFeVL1hwmIQ/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJZ_-8uhx7ZaszbuKf793eMueCE_m6QL8Wsy2L-HyEnW_jJVDp1kj5YDW-dyyYEgDqKeHakLNRH8pcp3k6nGzTqa6udI9knMEyMhxDSW65il0egeb35R7rxZ1XeWTCEI8SFeVL1hwmIQ/s1600/012.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the other side of my dining room. It contains the kennels my puppies sleep in at night, the school supply tote and my really messy bookshelves that housed books we have already read and no one touches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwQiqey52HEcrzioahwknmci-ed56ZsywBMCioY6OkI53b4Bo1ng5s70aTtkGcj72p5wX4rJrxvL7KabjRGU81AAydLLCqnb8Kj2i1DXTijuI-aU4MmMTrzHpiZls6yn1hEVBTfDmrI/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwQiqey52HEcrzioahwknmci-ed56ZsywBMCioY6OkI53b4Bo1ng5s70aTtkGcj72p5wX4rJrxvL7KabjRGU81AAydLLCqnb8Kj2i1DXTijuI-aU4MmMTrzHpiZls6yn1hEVBTfDmrI/s1600/013.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My dining room table looks so much bigger after it is cleaned off. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21x5yJs_Q5FOfOi1UfWgltbVLm4FTOgCcFdKVulNFhNpD1PgdSBhsPodM4BR-hgY26BJEvhnks0Dmb3XDgDLivxyW6RAgeMEtR9pTAIcmqIyiLAIGgB6gj1Q0LG8C4q6pLzmVRQ_cx1Q/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21x5yJs_Q5FOfOi1UfWgltbVLm4FTOgCcFdKVulNFhNpD1PgdSBhsPodM4BR-hgY26BJEvhnks0Dmb3XDgDLivxyW6RAgeMEtR9pTAIcmqIyiLAIGgB6gj1Q0LG8C4q6pLzmVRQ_cx1Q/s1600/014.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is the after of the other side. I tracked down the lid to the school supply tote and I put a lot of our books in the purge basket. We will be selling them in a yard sale when the weather is better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETQZg_umTG_7JiWp1RpUVZwQd9x86zj0uQCVUl2b7CALqqz3EImIOiek20ccFl_pBonQgqCFUAstc-odZ_lKEiTsSW3pxp35tgNhamgpXj-nd3eKIzs865zUtteYFq9EWimI86_-NPuI/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETQZg_umTG_7JiWp1RpUVZwQd9x86zj0uQCVUl2b7CALqqz3EImIOiek20ccFl_pBonQgqCFUAstc-odZ_lKEiTsSW3pxp35tgNhamgpXj-nd3eKIzs865zUtteYFq9EWimI86_-NPuI/s1600/015.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next is my bedroom. When we moved into this house my hubby and I took the smallest bedroom in the house. My room is where everything goes when we are deciding what to do with it. I wish I could say it stays clean but most of the time it isn't.</div>
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This is how my room looked before I cleaned it up.</div>
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(Please don't be offended by the flag. It is a state of Georgia flag. That is where hubby and I met and where we are from)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIxh-Ym3uRAxSJJZw82uvT3bHYCsNZUeXYOWETQY8cDa1kCLIkTYk-tTqtR0mrY60NaTcZLGnGepw4o4CW2voppIRxsjIBqAMsE6xqE1gMpwAnwKzL1eEZe7zctL867NLMMhyPsuIvW4/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIxh-Ym3uRAxSJJZw82uvT3bHYCsNZUeXYOWETQY8cDa1kCLIkTYk-tTqtR0mrY60NaTcZLGnGepw4o4CW2voppIRxsjIBqAMsE6xqE1gMpwAnwKzL1eEZe7zctL867NLMMhyPsuIvW4/s1600/019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is after. </div>
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Our room feels so much bigger and comfortable when it is cleaned up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC1bgDW0t77lYijIMLgIGkMRLaBNfPdqQOLpvyGetrUfE75YBjAbAl2apc105k3Tk9LXadLlz7ayO21nBIpMUPHIOiL5-ovwJD_YRC8E1jbaqITeDr0NRIBgsc4sYEyLMe5CPeFdvplc/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC1bgDW0t77lYijIMLgIGkMRLaBNfPdqQOLpvyGetrUfE75YBjAbAl2apc105k3Tk9LXadLlz7ayO21nBIpMUPHIOiL5-ovwJD_YRC8E1jbaqITeDr0NRIBgsc4sYEyLMe5CPeFdvplc/s1600/022.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This shows the same view as the before picture above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-NODToHeucVJTS7ezCWNf2vgkIaQGtiWsrBs6SxmEPKwY2WJyIpkGmgXaNh9Lc8SODKfazF-stOW99buXmAnAAPJHBjPGUrTvCN9z9wmzipWXGqcDHzmdzYQx0niiL7G2UNUMDe_SjM/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-NODToHeucVJTS7ezCWNf2vgkIaQGtiWsrBs6SxmEPKwY2WJyIpkGmgXaNh9Lc8SODKfazF-stOW99buXmAnAAPJHBjPGUrTvCN9z9wmzipWXGqcDHzmdzYQx0niiL7G2UNUMDe_SjM/s1600/023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My friends please don't think ill of me or think I don't keep my house clean because I do clean a lot. However, I just to keep it real! This is what happens to my house in just a few days of me not tidying up every day. If I am sick or if we are really busy and I don't have time to clean, this is what happens.</div>
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Mainly I just want to let anyone out there who is struggling to keep their house clean know that it is normal. I have 4 kids and 3 pets and honestly I have to tidy up about an hour every day to maintain a clean house. If I skip a day or two then I have to spend a day cleaning up. This cleaning adventure took me around 6 hours to complete from start to finish and as long as I continue to tidy up daily, I will maintain my house as it is now.</div>
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I hope you all enjoyed this "keepin it real" post.</div>
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Until we meet again,</div>
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Be Blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-69866350049327109612014-03-12T12:43:00.000-04:002014-03-12T12:43:10.444-04:00Gardening: My garden is moving! New garden plans.<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again everyone. </div>
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How are you?</div>
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I can honestly say I've been better! We had a glorious day here in Ohio yesterday! The temps were in the 70s, it was sunny, and I spent most of the day outside doing some yard work and garden planning. Today is a different story. I woke up to rain and dropping temps. We are supposed to get snow this afternoon! How crazy is that?!? </div>
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I'm not feeling too well today. I woke up with a sore throat and a stuffy nose. As the day goes on this crazy cold keeps progressing. Now I have added a cough and loads of nose burning sneezes to the mix. You know, I really can't complain much because I have had fairly good health all winter long! </div>
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Okay, enough of my ramblings, this post is going to be about my garden.</div>
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I know I have stated before that my poor garden beds were looking worse for wear because they were made out of wood and the termites and weather had finally got to them. I did get a good 4-5 years from those beds so I cannot complain too much. So at the end of the gardening season last year we tore up all the wood and just left the dirt mounds. Yesterday I smoothed out those dirt mounds because my plans were to build 3 new garden beds out of concrete block and to fill them with the true Mel's Mix from the All New Square Foot Garden book. </div>
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Well, yesterday as I was smoothing out the dirt down the sunny side of my home I got to thinking. I am going to be spending $500 or more on garden supplies to rebuild my garden beds. Well, the area my beds sit in is also the area that my water line connects the city supply to my house. If we happen to have a water line problem, I would have to tear at least two of my garden beds apart just so they could dig up the line. I would be devastated if those types of repairs had to happen at the peak of growing season! I would probably cry my eyes out!!!</div>
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So, I have decided to move my garden beds to my back yard. I have a pretty small back yard. So I was worried about taking up the entire yard in garden beds. I still wanted to have room to entertain in my back yard. So I took some stakes and some yarn and measured and measured and measured and then did some mapping out and I came up with a pretty good plan that leaves a little bit of space in my back yard. </div>
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Now, I don't have any pictures because there isn't anything to show so I will tell you about it.</div>
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I have a chain link fence around my yard. If you face my back yard I have an alley side on the left, straight ahead is the end of my back yard and to the right is my gazebo and a path that leads to the spot where my garden beds used to be. My plan is to have two 8 foot by 4 foot beds with a two foot space between them about 3 feet from my back fence (3 feet so I can get behind my beds). Then I will have a 3 foot by 8 foot bed on the alley fence, right up on the fence which will be mainly an herb bed. I am really excited about being able to see my garden from my back deck and my gazebo. It will also be safer from people coming in my yard and picking my veggies.</div>
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I think the only problem I may have is the amount of sunlight I get in the back yard. During the height of summer I know I will get enough sunlight for my produce but it isn't like the previous spot that got sunlight nearly all day. But we will see.</div>
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I plan on getting most of the materials in a couple weeks and I promise I will take tons of pictures of the process to show you all! I may even take some pictures of the spots and let you see exactly what I'm talking about. </div>
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Well that is all for now. My meds are kicking in and I'm feeling a little bit better so I think I will eat a snack or some lunch and get some more of my to-dos for the week checked off my list.</div>
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Until we meet again,</div>
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Be Blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-83740393658978159822014-03-10T12:52:00.000-04:002014-03-10T12:52:19.326-04:00Let's Play Catch-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My friends, I wish to send special thank you's to each one of you who read every post I put up.</div>
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I know I am very inconsistent with my blogging and I am truly sorry. </div>
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I do have a valid excuse though. In order for me to blog properly I have to do it on a computer. The only computer available to me right now is my hubby's laptop. Now he takes online classes so I don't really like messing with it. I can post from my phone BUT I can only add one picture to the post and I just have so much more to share. So today I'm hijacking my hubby's laptop and updating you all on some things going on around Misadventure land.</div>
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First up is the crazy weather. This has been the coldest and snowiest winter since I have lived in Ohio. For most of the winter the ground has been white and icy. Here are a few pictures. These pictures are after a bit of a thaw and I'm happy to report that the past several days have been lovely and we can finally see grass!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTFenbDaHYxlNIorltUbv3T7VsR9i-emWiqPhMQom_RGzEdW38On3cE3Khkeh6Z4YAg0Ug5hYGiPlZxlQ3ywpQab4DUL5Vd5IUrq1kBUVxIiej57CkcaK1ZVQnOyC4QF-NYJwNQM0FaQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTFenbDaHYxlNIorltUbv3T7VsR9i-emWiqPhMQom_RGzEdW38On3cE3Khkeh6Z4YAg0Ug5hYGiPlZxlQ3ywpQab4DUL5Vd5IUrq1kBUVxIiej57CkcaK1ZVQnOyC4QF-NYJwNQM0FaQ/s1600/006.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_9clMLpKeRD05u8obatRfBxyNAC-BpHLLE0U5lFvle30TRcqW3T0HjZaWHgA6vKN3h_oj6qxVzAtnYjHkkNF8hKB5pb-nWmycpC7dHUHFVkCSJcZTxOXkvp4YtevGwj9TcDD1EWHO04/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_9clMLpKeRD05u8obatRfBxyNAC-BpHLLE0U5lFvle30TRcqW3T0HjZaWHgA6vKN3h_oj6qxVzAtnYjHkkNF8hKB5pb-nWmycpC7dHUHFVkCSJcZTxOXkvp4YtevGwj9TcDD1EWHO04/s1600/007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqcyTWJs3iRBdwTkaRNJAj0QkFqzLtc1ndNzGMP6xZQsIr176A6qjGR-KXf6OnUUxZyddKTcsznidpYf1vkNmin8QCSozIZvsy-YYcLZmqfMOdCZZphloLFT1ZkxKWbiwo2fcBKxCyb0/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqcyTWJs3iRBdwTkaRNJAj0QkFqzLtc1ndNzGMP6xZQsIr176A6qjGR-KXf6OnUUxZyddKTcsznidpYf1vkNmin8QCSozIZvsy-YYcLZmqfMOdCZZphloLFT1ZkxKWbiwo2fcBKxCyb0/s1600/011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Isn't all that crazy! We could walk on the ice in the creek because it was so thick!</div>
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Secondly, I have been really lazy. If I was brave I would show you a picture of my bedroom. It is the one room in the house that doesn't get a regular cleaning. Usually I just throw stuff in there when I am cleaning and by the end of the day I am too tired to pick it all up! The rest of my house looks pretty good buy my bedroom mess really annoys me but I still don't clean it.</div>
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The laziness has extended to my couponing too. I got behind a few weeks ago because I just didn't have time to sit down and clip my coupons. So now I am several weeks behind. I do still use my coupons to snag great deals only I have to search through the inserts to find the coupons I need.</div>
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Both of these things I will be tackling this week. I find I just cannot cope and be productive when I have unfinished things. I dunno if it is a mental thing or what but I just cannot do it.</div>
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My hubby was on vacation last week and we spent a lot of time traveling around. So my diet suffered significantly. It is really hard to find decent foods to eat while out. So last week my diet was on a vacation as well. I didn't over eat but I did eat a lot of fast food. My weight on the scale showed it too because I gained 1.5 lbs. However, I am back on my normal routine as of today and hope to lose at least 2 pounds this week.</div>
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My hubby has had some exciting things happen on the work front. He applied for a job closer to home but with the same company in January. They called him and he interviewed and was offered the job. So this new job offered daytime hours, evenings and weekends off, but he would have to take a $1 paycut. He was going to take it! He would be home every evening, he would be able to go to church every Sunday and it was only 15 minutes from home. However, his boss came to him and asked him what he needed to stay at his current job and my hubby laid out his conditions. He got everything he wanted! Including a nearly $2 raise. So he will not be changing jobs afterall and he will be moving up in the company this year!</div>
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My daughter Faith's birthday was this past Friday. She turned 13 years old. We had her a sleep over party. She invited 3 of her friends. The next day we went to <a href="http://www.thechiller.com/" target="_blank">Chiller</a> in Dublin and took all the kids including our boys ice skating. It was a first time for all of us and we had a blast. Here are some pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU3NlT2lJWrAtf6Ci5dxChydEyX5fUgqYb2wYN9E6IFwNghTX8M3TAqndYXdgjRvz7NXK3ZuRGRWndBQtvSxyov-mkowzcrUEw1u8Xrbh3dbKND7JCD7rs3k5erU5mzMZV1hcGpW7eYc/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU3NlT2lJWrAtf6Ci5dxChydEyX5fUgqYb2wYN9E6IFwNghTX8M3TAqndYXdgjRvz7NXK3ZuRGRWndBQtvSxyov-mkowzcrUEw1u8Xrbh3dbKND7JCD7rs3k5erU5mzMZV1hcGpW7eYc/s1600/016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mg9MI_XTo3kRuU3Xz6NHtv3VbU_6VgQ_U4NCQuS9jdio4RxJc6QHq7U8EqLVuSaniXb-Xet7JdsLiVjwrskI-F0DHYeIQtfrQXpuLGTBLQGIrdqebP3nQ79WtEsGx8U_8Cv_ZckwvrE/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Mg9MI_XTo3kRuU3Xz6NHtv3VbU_6VgQ_U4NCQuS9jdio4RxJc6QHq7U8EqLVuSaniXb-Xet7JdsLiVjwrskI-F0DHYeIQtfrQXpuLGTBLQGIrdqebP3nQ79WtEsGx8U_8Cv_ZckwvrE/s1600/017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp52ZpqOYVQQ2R9vcnVLF2wC8LsvdshxzZzLmSXRK7xOjYAyjACcGfeoQwMNMZEMNW34goMPI5vwLJGTjmWzqaBhWjD2VCoEieHlKtB4KdvrRsuN7biDS2fg7mNSM7JhsDpe2FSrkIpA/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjp52ZpqOYVQQ2R9vcnVLF2wC8LsvdshxzZzLmSXRK7xOjYAyjACcGfeoQwMNMZEMNW34goMPI5vwLJGTjmWzqaBhWjD2VCoEieHlKtB4KdvrRsuN7biDS2fg7mNSM7JhsDpe2FSrkIpA/s1600/018.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNkNZ8qEp4uT60M7ipOPUhJs8-hTU5BrweqjHXnNh73ecolsxCdOOddRNvnAMUoblROdWuf8L2pmXi69nhW7cJ_TG6G3YJcxQtpfBfQuefGMhhmF4328YF6bUNGA0e-SjSUlGJKvKpiE/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNkNZ8qEp4uT60M7ipOPUhJs8-hTU5BrweqjHXnNh73ecolsxCdOOddRNvnAMUoblROdWuf8L2pmXi69nhW7cJ_TG6G3YJcxQtpfBfQuefGMhhmF4328YF6bUNGA0e-SjSUlGJKvKpiE/s1600/019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtbkvsBed6Fnu4TKi4w0cy_RWGfvaJlqiCq1vhcRHRcHuWYuT3ISt6NZT-g9-9dU3njf9P1wwj5PzdAq9P2txZZW3Sz0mq9guXZ5Igoq8A56WmQIH3SNkkxq5shyphenhyphenZwaw8Pi-ZyjZ0pxU/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQtbkvsBed6Fnu4TKi4w0cy_RWGfvaJlqiCq1vhcRHRcHuWYuT3ISt6NZT-g9-9dU3njf9P1wwj5PzdAq9P2txZZW3Sz0mq9guXZ5Igoq8A56WmQIH3SNkkxq5shyphenhyphenZwaw8Pi-ZyjZ0pxU/s1600/020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let me tell you, if that ice rink wasn't so far away I would go every day! I loved ice skating!</div>
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Finally, I would like to tell you about my garden. Right now I don't have a garden at all. We tore all of my garden beds up and I am in the process of spreading out all of the dirt mounds from my beds. We will be making all new beds this month. We are going to use concrete block for each bed and fill them with the mix of soil in the All New Square Foot Garden book. </div>
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I just cannot wait to get my new beds put in and filled. We plan on using rock around my beds so we don't have to get the mower in that area. I am chomping at the bit to get some veggies growing. I miss my garden so much in the winter.</div>
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Well I think that pretty much catches you all up. I hope to begin blogging regularly. It may just be words without pictures but there is so much going on I want to share with all of you.</div>
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Until next time friends,</div>
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Be Blessed, </div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-1959640359627674092014-02-21T16:27:00.000-05:002014-02-21T16:27:11.142-05:00Weekly Weigh in #7 plus new workout gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again faithful readers!</div>
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I have been MIA for a while. The weather has been crazy, we've been busy, it's been nuts around here to say the least.</div>
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However, I wanted to give you an update on my journey.</div>
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Firstly, and this will be a little too much information but my monthly visitor arrived yesterday so today's results are not going to be too accurate.</div>
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So this morning I weight 157.4 which is pretty much the same as last week. However, I am really bloated from my visitor. I did weight myself on Wednesday before the visitor arrived and I weighted 156. So I know I have lost a little bit of weight.</div>
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This week went really well. I utilized all the snow and ice outside as my workout. I shoveled and shoveled and broke up ice and shoveled. In total I burned nearly 2000 calories total for the days I shoveled snow.</div>
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My eating was pretty good this week. I am still battling my sweet tooth and did really well until the pms cravings kicked in. I let myself have a little bit of what I wanted. I didn't over indulge, I didn't go crazy. I just didn't deprive myself of an oreo or two :)</div>
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I have another milestone for this week as well.</div>
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Today hubby and I went to Walmart on a whim and he noticed some workout clothing on sale.</div>
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Well, normally I am a size Large or a 12-14 BUT today (even being bloated) I was able to purchase size Medium or 8-10 in pants. </div>
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I am still a size large in shirts because I have larger breasts and my size 12 jeans are loose.</div>
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I love this progress.</div>
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Now I want to share with you all the workout gear I have purchased over the past month or so. I will try to include where I purchased them and the price.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuagrEErXml-rkAe3LY_Ob66sVXypszDiKPmS3A6Crq5nBF89FWowV6B5V-96NzNHFvhRa1ZJVrz94aVxCFd0AZWD7GbNBAJHBUZ8FW-K_Ipj1biGB6ZX3pW3LV_TCCA1RAlQ2CxzHcQ/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuagrEErXml-rkAe3LY_Ob66sVXypszDiKPmS3A6Crq5nBF89FWowV6B5V-96NzNHFvhRa1ZJVrz94aVxCFd0AZWD7GbNBAJHBUZ8FW-K_Ipj1biGB6ZX3pW3LV_TCCA1RAlQ2CxzHcQ/s1600/019.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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First is an overview picture of everything I have (so far)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDeTW-HkEk6ihl1cz542h77zU98G4abTFgqAuRGtJlOz1cIghD9kkYQBROfDh12lF6RfT6kz16BT-WDq0U7g9ItPMzx5ukznSOT8v5B_1qrzELHwOcK9RDOTKJF7bjeqZa_VPd4ERUzE/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDeTW-HkEk6ihl1cz542h77zU98G4abTFgqAuRGtJlOz1cIghD9kkYQBROfDh12lF6RfT6kz16BT-WDq0U7g9ItPMzx5ukznSOT8v5B_1qrzELHwOcK9RDOTKJF7bjeqZa_VPd4ERUzE/s1600/020.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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First up, sports bras. I have larger breasts (38 D) so it has been a battle finding good supportive sports bras. So I did a little research and headed to my local outlet mall (Tanger in Jeffersonville for those close)</div>
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I went to the Hanes, Playtex store and found these (best thing is you can try them on!)</div>
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These are made by Champion. They are a Max Support bra. I got size xl. It is a racer back bra with a 3 clasp closure. I love this bra! The girls don't bounce around, it wicks the sweat away, doesn't give you pancake boob, and it's pretty. I think these bras were roughly $44.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsUUX1LlF8SQeNm0wJDMwbEJggn7hPTbF5i-VxZ88QatLevD1Cg_TDWVHzcPQszSGGxRP_jB4bl8yoPrwOnHcf2z3XN1U3Z9YFdLlRDgAdfvYzRBg9JF9C3TChyphenhyphenSqCiUORL55fZbtg0M/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsUUX1LlF8SQeNm0wJDMwbEJggn7hPTbF5i-VxZ88QatLevD1Cg_TDWVHzcPQszSGGxRP_jB4bl8yoPrwOnHcf2z3XN1U3Z9YFdLlRDgAdfvYzRBg9JF9C3TChyphenhyphenSqCiUORL55fZbtg0M/s1600/021.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next are my shoes. I also purchased these from the Tanger Outlets mall in Jeffersonville. I bought these from the Adidas store. They are the Adidas Supernova Sequence 6 shoe. I tend to over-pronate (tilt in) when I run/walk and these corrected that. They also corrected the way my foot struck the ground. These shoes are really comfortable and the coolest feature I think is they use Continental tire rubber on the bottoms. These shoes were $120</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5grrJIwWuvPeTIeLm-ExJDXh5u2OLiRHt_cWs42-eisaBXyckquRkNW312OZpBeWiTCZ6kRzll-psvDPs64TClgPq_n-GS0MPwsifTKMijSbbSmRmmI2yullH4nLgE-443-cyhWZ3DY/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5grrJIwWuvPeTIeLm-ExJDXh5u2OLiRHt_cWs42-eisaBXyckquRkNW312OZpBeWiTCZ6kRzll-psvDPs64TClgPq_n-GS0MPwsifTKMijSbbSmRmmI2yullH4nLgE-443-cyhWZ3DY/s1600/022.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next are my hats. Both came from Walmart. Both were around $5 each. These just keep the sun out of my eyes and more importantly, my hair out of my face.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8a5HdYSPkXze5n8u7RcOuHIiE6A05HMzuOXkdw43iIOfEvB91kJpuWvm4H43ZTYNwgdYtRxiLfVNruVQ7xEsni4n4UGmlS3EfCshkgRiy3QtXcPeQ55Lyo9BUQOIT8xYnmZDgXYw5M4/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8a5HdYSPkXze5n8u7RcOuHIiE6A05HMzuOXkdw43iIOfEvB91kJpuWvm4H43ZTYNwgdYtRxiLfVNruVQ7xEsni4n4UGmlS3EfCshkgRiy3QtXcPeQ55Lyo9BUQOIT8xYnmZDgXYw5M4/s1600/023.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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Socks are very important. The colorful pair is from the same Adidas store I got my shoes (can't remember price) the white ones are from Walmart. The white ones are Danskin brand and were on clearance for $2. Both pairs are snug around my arch and both wick sweat away.</div>
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These shorts are from Walmart. They are Danskin brand. I found them on clearance for $3. They are super comfy and the best they are a size smaller than what I used to wear :)</div>
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These shorts are also from Walmart. They are also Danskin brand. They were $6.86. </div>
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And finally, I picked up some running tights from Walmart. They are also Danskin brand and cost $12.96.</div>
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All of my clothing are athletic clothing and have the moisture wicking technology. I will try to remember to update on durability and performance.</div>
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Well friends that is all for today. I have to get dinner going for my hungry crowd.</div>
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I have tons of other news from pictures of all the snow and ice to my girl's Valentines dance. I will try to post about everything as soon as I can.</div>
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Thank you to all who read my blog.</div>
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Sending warm hugs to all who read this.</div>
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Be Blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-6697781944654688382014-02-14T12:51:00.001-05:002014-02-14T12:51:22.518-05:00Happy Valentine's Day and Weigh in 6 official results<p dir="ltr">HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hello again my friends. The picture attached to this post is my Valentine's gift from my hubby.  I haven't had an actual wedding set for several years now so hubby got me one as a gift.  I absolutely love it. It has 55 natural diamonds 1/3 ct. It also has sapphires which is my hubby's birthstone and blue is my favorite color. He did a good job.<br></p>
<p dir="ltr">Note for my weigh in results. I did lose a pounds this week. I'm at 157 pounds now. I had a good strong week! I ate well and I exercised daily. I feel so much stronger mentally and physically. I'm gonna do this! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Well I'm on my phone and it is hard to type. Auto correct annoys me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I hope all if you have a wonderful day. <br>
Sending warm Valentine's wishes and big hugs to you all. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Be blessed<br>
<u>Erin</u><br></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNU9gKR4f0Wa04dctL-QeOog3TrYMQo4FTnJy_H_sOaSGwu5_sLqH-qTRk94G3dDuH-3lcQLN5T3fGevtWr5NOGWixWstyYpLsJlgZe1HysUAg3dvgvldeLHqez0PgwYflGYacCU2S0/s1600/1392399613616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXNU9gKR4f0Wa04dctL-QeOog3TrYMQo4FTnJy_H_sOaSGwu5_sLqH-qTRk94G3dDuH-3lcQLN5T3fGevtWr5NOGWixWstyYpLsJlgZe1HysUAg3dvgvldeLHqez0PgwYflGYacCU2S0/s640/1392399613616.jpg"> </a> </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-26195384479026029352014-02-13T18:53:00.000-05:002014-02-13T18:53:13.872-05:00Get Healthy Challenge: Weeks 5 & 6<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello again my friends. </div>
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I am sorry I haven't updated in a couple weeks. We have been so busy here that I just plain forgot to post.</div>
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Week 5 was really hard for me. I was very emotional all week. My eating showed it!</div>
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I got to a point to where I felt that I was not making any progress. I still weighed in at 158 pounds at the end of week 5. Honestly, I expected to gain. I did okay on my diet. I had a couple days where I was over my calorie goals. I didn't work out the way I should. Shoot one day I ate over 900 calories over my daily goal. I had a complete breakdown. I felt so worthless, useless. Well I need to get into the WHOLE story. </div>
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Honestly, I'm lazy and I'm a self-saboteur. There are few goals I've set that I have actually accomplished. Usually, I will do really good with any goal for a time and then I just quit. This goes for my college degree, keeping my house clean, well just many things. I start off with good intentions but then I just quit. Now I always have some sort of excuse to do so. Well, I started to be really down on myself. I felt so horrible about myself. I felt like I would never, ever reach my goals. Okay, I had a full on beat myself up, crying, pity party for myself. </div>
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Well I took the weekend to regroup and then started Monday with clean slate. </div>
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I found out a few things.</div>
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1. A bad day, week, month doesn't matter as long as you regroup and get back in the game.</div>
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2. I beat myself up way too much.</div>
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3. You can not better yourself until you think better of yourself.</div>
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4. I need structure.</div>
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Last Sunday night I sat down and made a few calendar pages of the workouts I was going to do. I was going to do couch to 5k training but on day 1 I found it was too hard to raise and lower the speed on my old treadmill so I abandoned that. So now on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will do some work on the treadmill and as soon as the sidewalks clear I'll take it outside. I will also do some exercises with dumbbells and my body weight.</div>
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On Tuesday and Thursday I will be doing Zumba.</div>
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Saturday I will do yoga.</div>
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Sunday will be my rest day.</div>
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I am still sticking to the dietary conditions outlined on my myfitnesspal profile.</div>
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Now for week 6. </div>
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I have not weighed myself for a few days but I had lost a pound last time I weighed myself.</div>
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I have been sticking to my diet and my exercise.</div>
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I also bought a few things to help me.</div>
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First, I bought a good pair of running shoes. </div>
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I also got a couple good sports bras.</div>
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I also purchased a watch that tells me how many steps I take, how many calories I burn, how many miles I've walked. It keeps track of my heart rate. It does it all.</div>
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Honestly, I feel like I'm on the right path again.</div>
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I really feel like I will be able to accomplish my goals this time.</div>
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I will not quit until I do. Even if it takes years.</div>
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Well, that is all for now. I may post an update tomorrow to say how much I have lost or gained.</div>
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My monthly will be here soon so I don't know how accurate the scales will be as I always get really bloated during that time.</div>
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Sending many warm hugs your way.</div>
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Be Blessed</div>
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Erin</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5094890253641366183.post-21023091851723500602014-01-31T12:03:00.000-05:002014-01-31T12:03:22.321-05:00Spring. Oh Spring. When shall thou art appear?<div style="text-align: center;">
Okay friends, I am in a little bit of a dorky mood today.</div>
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I logged onto blogger to take a look at a picture from <a href="http://teresakasner.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-bit-nervous.html" target="_blank">this post</a> on Mrs. Teresa Kasner's blog. If you scroll a bit you will see a picture of a very cute crocheted bit. It is white and between the white were beautiful little crocheted flowers. I am sure I have worked out how to do the pattern so I wanted to take another look just to be sure.</div>
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Anyway, as I was scrolling through my reading list I noticed pictures of flower and foliage. </div>
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Now that made me <strike>think about</strike> long for my garden so I thought I would update everyone on the plans for my garden this year.</div>
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At the end of last growing season we tore apart my garden beds. When we built them we could not use treated wood because of the leaching of chemicals into my veggies SO we used untreated wood. I did get a good 4-5 years out of those beds but the wood was practically falling apart so we had to tear it all up.</div>
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I have big plans for my new garden and luckily, this year, we will be able to move forward with those plans. </div>
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Here is the plan.</div>
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First for my garden beds. Instead of using wood I will be using cinder blocks to hold all the dirt in my beds. I am so excited with this idea! I will be able to plant in the holes of the blocks AND in my garden beds. I will still have 3 beds that go down the side of my house. I will be using the mixture of vermiculite, peat moss, and compost as outlined in the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Square-Foot-Gardening-Second-Edition/dp/1591865484/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391187120&sr=8-1&keywords=The+all+new+square+foot+gardening" target="_blank">The All New Square Foot Gardening Book</a>. This is the method I have been using to grow loads of veggies. I will also be revamping my trellis system by using conduit for the frames. I plan on using either mulch or rocks around my garden beds to cut down on mowing and finally I will take the kiddos to the hardware store and let them pick out a couple paint colors each to paint my new garden beds.</div>
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On top of that, my hubby will be building me a raised herb garden at the end of our back deck. That way I don't have to worry about my herbs being in pots and getting blown around by summer storms.</div>
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Finally, we have two whisky barrels that we will be putting miniature fruit trees in. I was thinking a dwarf lemon and a dwarf orange. I would also love to plant a couple of apple trees in my yard. I don't remember which company has them but there is a company that had dwarf apple trees that only get 5-6 feet tall. I would like to have a honey crisp and a gala apple tree.</div>
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Other than those I would love to have a couple blueberry bushes to go with my blackberry bushes AND maybe just maybe a grape vine or two. All in good time though.</div>
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Maybe I should make a deep bed to grow sweet corn...it's just a thought.</div>
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Anyway, we plan on getting all the things we need once we get our income taxes back which should be anytime now. I'm super excited and I cannot wait to share the results with all of you!</div>
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Many warm hugs from me to you</div>
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Be Blessed,</div>
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Erin</div>
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T</div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01656894281839841347noreply@blogger.com2