tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11918811755535594522024-03-13T12:03:42.495-05:00Stitch 2 Buttercups~ Sharing a love of Life, Laughter, Family and all things Handmade ~Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-50963655109564604322011-12-14T16:03:00.002-06:002011-12-15T20:59:39.825-06:00Quick & Easy Gifts ~ Hand CreamQuick and Easy Gifts seem to be the theme here lately. My hope is that you'll find something that will help inspire you for a last minute gift. I'm always looking for those. :-) Pinterest is my inspiration for quite a few of these finds. Please tell me I'm not the only one that's completely hooked!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A49MLY6VEfA/TukYjmVViFI/AAAAAAAAApU/LNEJQWSNQ_M/s1600/Blog+34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A49MLY6VEfA/TukYjmVViFI/AAAAAAAAApU/LNEJQWSNQ_M/s320/Blog+34.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I found the recipe for the homemade hand cream on <a href="http://www.patchworktimes.com/2010/03/06/homemade-hand-cream/">Patchwork Times</a>. So thankful I did! I get seriously dry hands (and heels, gross...I know). Sometimes the skin on my fingers will split and bleed around the fingernail. Again, sorry for the detail. :-) Must be the dry air out here in West TX. Anyway, all you need is 3 ingredients! I found them all in the lotion aisle (or whatever it's called) at Walmart.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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16 oz baby lotion - I used Johnson's Shea & Cocoa Butter Baby Lotion)<br />
8 oz Vaseline<br />
8 oz. Vitamin E cream<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNU8UtnIAoY/TukYdDnSOnI/AAAAAAAAApE/HfM-g4I680k/s1600/Blog+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rNU8UtnIAoY/TukYdDnSOnI/AAAAAAAAApE/HfM-g4I680k/s320/Blog+31.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vitamin E jars are 4 ounces each.<br />
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</tbody></table>Put ingredients in a medium/large bowl and use electric mixer. Mix until it looks like frosting. Warn the kids to not lick the bowl. :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw6NlShPs5w/TukYhgGwIdI/AAAAAAAAApM/gyK7a1iG0TQ/s1600/Blog+33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw6NlShPs5w/TukYhgGwIdI/AAAAAAAAApM/gyK7a1iG0TQ/s320/Blog+33.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this hand mixer at Ace Hardware for $13. That is AWESOME. : -)<br />
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</tbody></table>Here comes the messy part if you have containers with small openings ( I used a small funnel and a small medicine dropper to kind of poke it down into the container). Put the hand cream in containers. I bought the small hand lotion bottles (3 oz each) in the travel size section at Walmart. The white containers are the ones that the Vitamin E cream came in, with the labels removed. There was about 12 ounces left over that I put in the green container. I ran out of bottles. :-)<br />
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I tried this right after making it, and it is the best hand cream I've ever used. Not joking! My hands actually felt softer, not like the lotion was just sitting on top of my hands. It seemed to sink in. I could see the difference. Sounds like a miracle cream, huh? Pretty sure it's not, but it's what I'll be using from now on, and I know I'd be thrilled to receive this as a gift. Do you have someone on your list that would feel the same way? It would be a great stocking stuffer, too. It smells good just the way it is, but you could use a lavender baby lotion, or add a fragrance of your own. Mix it up! Have fun!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2jV0pSE-50/TukYlpyAklI/AAAAAAAAApc/TV7znZOhu2o/s1600/Blog+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2jV0pSE-50/TukYlpyAklI/AAAAAAAAApc/TV7znZOhu2o/s320/Blog+35.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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Have a blessed day, and thanks for stopping by!<br />
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~ Jaime<br />
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Come have some fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties!</a><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.createdbycori.blogspot.com/" title="Created By Cori"><img alt="Created By Cori" src="http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h332/Corids84/cvisions_chocolateoverload_pp_paper02-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.raisingoranges.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Crafty Christmas at RaisingOranges"><img alt="Crafty Christmas at RaisingOranges" src="http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt137/funshinegrl/craftychristmas.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-31932474056789841032011-12-12T07:00:00.000-06:002011-12-11T20:00:23.683-06:00Quick & Easy Gifts ~ Polymer Clay Bracelets<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuLkkG52rC0/TuVdQVXzF-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/OZoMjxZnbus/s1600/Blog+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuLkkG52rC0/TuVdQVXzF-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/OZoMjxZnbus/s320/Blog+30.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The possibilities are almost endless.<br />
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</tbody></table>I found a <a href="http://www.delightedmomma.com/2011/06/diy-bangles.html">Polymer Bracelet Tutorial</a> over on Delighted Momma's blog, and the only word that came to mind was "brilliant". So easy, and yet it had never crossed my mind to try it! This takes us way beyond 3rd grade and making clay dishes and ashtrays for our parents. :-) This is awesome. So many choices! Chunky bracelet, thin bracelets to stack, somewhere in between. The mix of colors. The choices are kind of overwhelming. Do you know someone that loves bracelets? Know their favorite colors? Great! The hard part is done. :-) Have fun with it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ocfb08BroY/TuVb-fVPNyI/AAAAAAAAAno/__lcXUcaFds/s1600/Blog+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ocfb08BroY/TuVb-fVPNyI/AAAAAAAAAno/__lcXUcaFds/s320/Blog+17.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have my clay, one of my bracelets to use for size, and one of my daughter's bracelets. She is a Princess, and must have her jewelry. : -)<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcZx47CoBYg/TuVcAXEbAJI/AAAAAAAAAnw/G2Knl11oM4g/s1600/Blog+18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcZx47CoBYg/TuVcAXEbAJI/AAAAAAAAAnw/G2Knl11oM4g/s320/Blog+18.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First one... Light purple with black wrapped around it.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qicv-ziK2rI/TuVcCbLN-8I/AAAAAAAAAn4/SxQnsCL8vME/s1600/Blog+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qicv-ziK2rI/TuVcCbLN-8I/AAAAAAAAAn4/SxQnsCL8vME/s320/Blog+19.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I discovered that using this pizza pan to roll out the bracelets gave me a smoother, more uniform roll.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_4k7k1CVgM/TuVcEQlFArI/AAAAAAAAAoA/HZ6c7Xnke8I/s1600/Blog+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_4k7k1CVgM/TuVcEQlFArI/AAAAAAAAAoA/HZ6c7Xnke8I/s320/Blog+20.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't like how the black covered most of it after rolling, so I wrapped a thin roll of the purple over it.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xorMHg-AiQE/TuVcGR_tyKI/AAAAAAAAAoI/k4ch1g0jRmY/s1600/Blog+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xorMHg-AiQE/TuVcGR_tyKI/AAAAAAAAAoI/k4ch1g0jRmY/s320/Blog+21.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted pink and brown together to wrap around the metallic purple. I used the excess from the pink/brown to make one of the smaller bracelets.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MwLy_-wOKo/TuVcIS22gEI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r_sOLZNlv0M/s1600/Blog+22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_MwLy_-wOKo/TuVcIS22gEI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r_sOLZNlv0M/s320/Blog+22.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is. : -)<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4P4F3JjDOsY/TuVcKif0czI/AAAAAAAAAoY/SetrKC8XRbs/s1600/Blog+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4P4F3JjDOsY/TuVcKif0czI/AAAAAAAAAoY/SetrKC8XRbs/s320/Blog+23.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chunky bracelet. Can you tell I like a mix of colors?<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDD7rdwrSQA/TuVcM4vAeXI/AAAAAAAAAok/6Dt30YOm960/s1600/Blog+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDD7rdwrSQA/TuVcM4vAeXI/AAAAAAAAAok/6Dt30YOm960/s320/Blog+24.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracelets all ready to bake, at 275. I love the red/white one. There is a metallic grey look to the white. Very Christmasy.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy7wrSTHVRg/TuVdLoIKMcI/AAAAAAAAAos/l_IaBqhkVQA/s1600/Blog+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cy7wrSTHVRg/TuVdLoIKMcI/AAAAAAAAAos/l_IaBqhkVQA/s320/Blog+28.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done! Baked and cooled. They all fit fine. The photo doesn't show how vibrant the yellow is in the yellow and tan/gold one.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vqHuKIu5os/TuVdOEW-szI/AAAAAAAAAo0/BfNWhc9I9lQ/s1600/Blog+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5vqHuKIu5os/TuVdOEW-szI/AAAAAAAAAo0/BfNWhc9I9lQ/s320/Blog+29.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter's bracelets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuLkkG52rC0/TuVdQVXzF-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/OZoMjxZnbus/s1600/Blog+30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yuLkkG52rC0/TuVdQVXzF-I/AAAAAAAAAo8/OZoMjxZnbus/s320/Blog+30.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll definitely be making more of these in the next 2 weeks. : -)<br />
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</tbody></table>I hope you'll give these a try! They are so much fun, and you can let your creative side go wild. :-)<br />
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Have a blessed day!<br />
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~ Jaime ~<br />
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Come join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties!</a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-47844607133934913082011-12-11T19:14:00.001-06:002011-12-11T19:25:27.469-06:00Quick & Easy Gifts ~ Bird Seed Wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M32Fe9xh3cY/TuVQlaDS9cI/AAAAAAAAAmU/fnRjzd6V4qk/s1600/Blog+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M32Fe9xh3cY/TuVQlaDS9cI/AAAAAAAAAmU/fnRjzd6V4qk/s320/Blog+10.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll also need cooking spray. : -)<br />
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</tbody></table>I came across <a href="http://www.themotherhuddle.com/tutorial-bird-seed-wreath/">this tutorial</a> on how to make a bird seed wreath. It looked so easy, that I had to try it! We have a bird feeder on our front patio, and birds are flitting about all the time. I made 2 of these about a month ago. I sent one to my Mom:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjTJ0A_kIE/TuVQzlgzbBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dplbrohssnI/s1600/Blog+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjTJ0A_kIE/TuVQzlgzbBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dplbrohssnI/s320/Blog+26.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mailed it, and miraculously, it made it from Texas to Maine in one piece!<br />
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</tbody></table>The second one I put up in a tree at the edge of our driveway:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nXsurVf5aQ/TuVQ0IUMcwI/AAAAAAAAAng/3FI1pgtef-4/s1600/Blog+27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--nXsurVf5aQ/TuVQ0IUMcwI/AAAAAAAAAng/3FI1pgtef-4/s320/Blog+27.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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For the gelatin, I use 1 package of unflavored Knox Gelatine. This is a great project for the kiddos. My daughter and I made another one this afternoon, since our birdies have already devoured the first one. :-)<br />
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Materials Needed:<br />
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4 cups bird seed<br />
3/4 cup flour<br />
1/2 cup warm water<br />
3 Tbsp. corn syrup<br />
1 package gelatin<br />
cooking spray<br />
bundt pan<br />
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Dissolve gelatin in warm water. Mix in corn syrup and flour. It makes a nice paste. :-) Add in bird seed, mix well. Put in bundt pan, and press down, smoothing out the top. Let set for 24 hours. Turn out onto a plate or paper towel. Let set another 1-2 days. Add a ribbon or twine, and hang up for all your birdie friends!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHD58_BMmp0/TuVQnTUDoUI/AAAAAAAAAmc/YW96DO2l_SI/s1600/Blog+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHD58_BMmp0/TuVQnTUDoUI/AAAAAAAAAmc/YW96DO2l_SI/s320/Blog+11.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whisking the water, gelatin, corn syrup and flour.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wVZLtaJItw/TuVQp2SN48I/AAAAAAAAAmk/Hn8dh7Z14yc/s1600/Blog+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--wVZLtaJItw/TuVQp2SN48I/AAAAAAAAAmk/Hn8dh7Z14yc/s320/Blog+12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing in the bird seed. : -)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4mFtqFnCl8/TuVQsUMAJgI/AAAAAAAAAms/lmTBOjFl53M/s1600/Blog+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4mFtqFnCl8/TuVQsUMAJgI/AAAAAAAAAms/lmTBOjFl53M/s320/Blog+13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bundt pan sprayed with cooking spray.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2fTklRvNQM/TuVQuaDDm8I/AAAAAAAAAm4/W0gaJ5Fa3fY/s1600/Blog+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2fTklRvNQM/TuVQuaDDm8I/AAAAAAAAAm4/W0gaJ5Fa3fY/s320/Blog+14.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the mix into the pan. : -)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aV9o_xq-Mk/TuVQwvGU2eI/AAAAAAAAAnA/8CJnBu-q_x8/s1600/Blog+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4aV9o_xq-Mk/TuVQwvGU2eI/AAAAAAAAAnA/8CJnBu-q_x8/s320/Blog+15.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoothing out the bird seed mix with a spatula.<br />
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</tbody></table>I discovered that a spatula worked much easier than a spoon to smooth out the top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSsW3FhoGII/TuVQy7ZGZcI/AAAAAAAAAnI/O1rudVRegJ8/s1600/Blog+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSsW3FhoGII/TuVQy7ZGZcI/AAAAAAAAAnI/O1rudVRegJ8/s320/Blog+16.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let it set for 24 hours before removing from the pan.<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkwpITu3PRs/TuVQzVFkyfI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/7mWkK3TYI_4/s1600/Blog+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hkwpITu3PRs/TuVQzVFkyfI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/7mWkK3TYI_4/s320/Blog+25.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looks like after 24 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjTJ0A_kIE/TuVQzlgzbBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dplbrohssnI/s1600/Blog+26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwjTJ0A_kIE/TuVQzlgzbBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/dplbrohssnI/s320/Blog+26.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more look of what it looks like after 3 days of drying.<br />
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</tbody></table>This would make a great gift for any bird lover, and a great gift for the kids to make and give. Hands on time is 10-15 minutes. I hope you'll give it a try!<br />
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~ Jaime ~<br />
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Please come and join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties!</a><br />
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<a href="http://sewcando.blogspot.com/p/kids-can-craft-link-party.html"><img src=" http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac133/cerise422/sewcandoKidsCanCraftbutton.jpg" /></a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-3330632170668915832011-12-09T09:17:00.000-06:002011-12-09T09:17:06.366-06:00Quick & Easy Gifts ~ Flower Bookmarks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_sco7j58Ec/TuIgzdDtqwI/AAAAAAAAAmE/gAVPEj58bio/s1600/Blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l_sco7j58Ec/TuIgzdDtqwI/AAAAAAAAAmE/gAVPEj58bio/s320/Blog+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Today's Quick & Easy gift are these flower bookmarks! I found the pattern on <a href="http://rockin4god.com/2011/07/flower-tales/">Rockin 4 God</a>'s blog. Cute, right? The great thing about these is that you can make them as long or as short as you need. All the ones pictured above were made by the instructions. They take 5-10 minutes to make. I think the longest part is chaining 70 to make the length of the bookmark. :-) <br />
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To make these, you need to know how to chain, single crochet, half-double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet. I am putting a few of these in my daughter's Christmas stocking. I discovered that with cotton yarn (the light pink one), it doesn't curl as much on the end. The rest are made out of worsted weight yarn (Red Heart and Hobby Lobby's I Love This Yarn!).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnoiRhnTEWc/TuIgw9YMsKI/AAAAAAAAAl8/fR7oo0Nsmog/s1600/Blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vnoiRhnTEWc/TuIgw9YMsKI/AAAAAAAAAl8/fR7oo0Nsmog/s320/Blog+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little long for this book, but still oh so cute. :-)<br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUYXxL1WnoA/TuIg1m4sdYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/M8mpB27rn_I/s1600/Blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUYXxL1WnoA/TuIg1m4sdYI/AAAAAAAAAmM/M8mpB27rn_I/s320/Blog+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter's favorite book, Goodnight Moon, on the top of the pile. :-)<br />
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</tbody></table>Have a Blessed day!<br />
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~ Jaime ~<br />
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Please come and join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these great parties!</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" /></a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-37160697920302847842011-12-08T08:00:00.003-06:002011-12-09T07:48:55.640-06:00Quick & Easy Gifts ~ Spiral CoastersI thought I'd start doing a series of posts about Quick & Easy gifts. I find my inspiration in many places. Craft magazines, blogs, Pinterest, friends. Having a list of quick gifts to pick from is great for me, especially this time of year. We have stockings to fill, teacher's gifts to make, friends to send gifts to. How long is your list?<br />
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Today I'm posting about Spiral Coasters. I found a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkukuCuO7dc">video</a> on YouTube, posted by Crochet Geek, that showed how to make them. I wrote down the instructions as I watched the video.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtll08Mqmes/TuA0GH2FIII/AAAAAAAAAls/1_bCimE2iOw/s1600/Blog+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtll08Mqmes/TuA0GH2FIII/AAAAAAAAAls/1_bCimE2iOw/s320/Blog+8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I keep a basket of these coasters on our dining room table.</td></tr>
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Materials Needed:<br />
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Size L crochet Hook - I find that the size made with the L hook is perfect for my small candles. I prefer a slightly larger coaster for our glasses and mugs. I found that with an N hook, I got what I was looking for.<br />
Cotton Yarn - You'll be crocheting with 2 strands held together throughout.<br />
Scissors/Needle for weaving in ends<br />
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Directions:<br />
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Holding 2 strands of yarn together, make a slip knot.<br />
Chain 2.<br />
6 Single Crochet in the first chain. [6sc]<br />
2 Single Crochet in each Single Crochet. [12sc]<br />
Place marker around last stitch made, so you'll know where each round begins, since you're not joining with a slip stitch at the end of each round.<br />
2 Single Crochet in each Single Crochet. [24sc]<br />
Single Crochet in each Single Crochet. [24sc]<br />
Skip 1 stitch and slip stitch into the next stitch, to even out the round.<br />
If you want to make a reverse Single Crochet edging, watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_DPQw2Dykg&feature=iv&lr=1&user=tjw1963&src_vid=FkukuCuO7dc&annotation_id=annotation_257471">this video</a>. It shows it better than I can explain it. :-) Basically, you're doing Single Crochet in reverse. It makes a great border.<br />
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It takes me about 10 minutes to make one of these coasters. The possibilities are almost endless, with the mix of cotton yarn out there to choose from! I know I would be thrilled if I received something like this as a gift. Anyone on your list that would feel the same??<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXKGAQQ8x-Y/TuA0AIorswI/AAAAAAAAAlU/TfjZ1H8IaSI/s1600/Blog+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CXKGAQQ8x-Y/TuA0AIorswI/AAAAAAAAAlU/TfjZ1H8IaSI/s320/Blog+5.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first 2 spiral coasters that I made.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pry7IqOrjyM/TuA0Dqf5HjI/AAAAAAAAAlk/jMi93c7Dxjk/s1600/Blog+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pry7IqOrjyM/TuA0Dqf5HjI/AAAAAAAAAlk/jMi93c7Dxjk/s320/Blog+7.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These Christmas coasters were made with a variegated red/green/white yarn and a solid green yarn. Love how they turned out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1PJZDh62p8/TuA0JPM8oWI/AAAAAAAAAl0/RXx9bv0C0KE/s1600/Blog+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r1PJZDh62p8/TuA0JPM8oWI/AAAAAAAAAl0/RXx9bv0C0KE/s320/Blog+9.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many colors to choose from. :-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF11bDToFpU/TuA0Am88T1I/AAAAAAAAAlc/oSdJSGil7cI/s1600/Blog+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BF11bDToFpU/TuA0Am88T1I/AAAAAAAAAlc/oSdJSGil7cI/s320/Blog+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cozy! These make great candle coasters. :-)<br />
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</tbody></table>I would love to know if you give these a try!<br />
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~ Jaime ~<br />
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Come join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these great parties!</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" /></a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-62522048633907908032011-12-07T19:41:00.000-06:002011-12-07T19:41:33.333-06:00*Yarn Along* A Finished Sweater & Scarf, Flowers & CoastersThis is my first time joining in the fun of the Yarn Along over at <a href="http://www.gsheller.com/2011/12/yarn-along.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gsheller%2FqXrF+%28small+things%29">Small Things</a>, and I'm excited about it! I've been inspired by my friend Serena over on <a href="http://serena-castingpearls.blogspot.com/2011/12/yarn-along-christmas-vest-alpaca-hat.html">Casting Pearls</a>. Inspired enough to write a blog post after almost 3 months. :-)<br />
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Before I share a few photos, I need to apologize... the quality of my photos are not the best. The lighting in my house at night isn't great.<br />
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I FINALLY finished a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girls-cap-sleeved-spring-shirt">sweater</a> for my little cousin (she turned one a few months ago) last night. Yay!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw-V0sTyynM/TuASOgCywHI/AAAAAAAAAlE/4vvrPpVVMfQ/s1600/Blog+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cw-V0sTyynM/TuASOgCywHI/AAAAAAAAAlE/4vvrPpVVMfQ/s320/Blog+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> In the upper right hand corner, there are 2 flowers that I crocheted this afternoon to go with it. Now I just need to attach them to hair clips.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlJg2PhfQCY/TuAS8HVx-MI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ToNXrXZWJL8/s1600/Blog+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlJg2PhfQCY/TuAS8HVx-MI/AAAAAAAAAlM/ToNXrXZWJL8/s320/Blog+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another sweater made from the same pattern.<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Two nights ago I finished a <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_MB3Rby1AijY/ShSlguskXNI/AAAAAAAAA-0/JInB-K-um-0/s1600-h/COVER+New+Shell+Scarf+Pattern.jpg">Shell Stitch Scarf</a> for my niece. I hope she likes it!<br />
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Note: If you try this pattern, I discovered that in Row 2, after you work 5 double crochet, you need to skip 2, single crochet, then skip 2 and 3 double crochet to finish off that row. :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr8fbvJob5s/TuASLnb0HrI/AAAAAAAAAk8/cBnDqo6Gbxo/s1600/Blog+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr8fbvJob5s/TuASLnb0HrI/AAAAAAAAAk8/cBnDqo6Gbxo/s320/Blog+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measures just over 5 feet long.<br />
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</tbody></table>This is what I'm working on now. I am finishing up a set of 6 <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkukuCuO7dc">coasters</a> for my cousin. The link takes you to a Crochet Geek video on YouTube. These work up quickly, about 10 minutes for me.<br />
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I am also making a basket/bowl of sorts to put them in. I just made a crochet coaster, going one round more, then did a row of single crochet in the back loop only, and now I'm just doing single crochet around in a spiral to build up the sides. :-)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7y0DWd8sI0/TuARb9zOccI/AAAAAAAAAkw/J6F5eHneypU/s1600/Blog+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7y0DWd8sI0/TuARb9zOccI/AAAAAAAAAkw/J6F5eHneypU/s320/Blog+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This set of coasters was inspired by my cousin's favorite colors.<br />
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</tbody></table>I am currently reading By The Light of The Moon by Dean Koontz. I never get tired of his books.<br />
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Good luck with your projects!<br />
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~ Jaime ~Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-48006088725572070372011-09-13T23:32:00.001-05:002011-09-17T00:25:42.132-05:00Day Eight - Servant's Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><br />
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<i>Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11</i><br />
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I found a great <a href="http://www.nbc.edu/includes/chapel/pdffile/em20090916pm.pdf">article</a> about having a servant's heart. The following passages/quotes are from that article.<br />
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"Our God is a servant God. It is difficult for us to comprehend that we are liberated by someone who became powerless, that we are being strengthened by someone who became weak, that we find new hope in someone who divested himself of all distinctions, and that we find a leader in someone who became a servant."<br />
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Jesus emptied himself. For us. He emptied himself of his deity to take upon himself his humanity. FOR US.<br />
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"To follow Christ means to relate to each other with the mind of Christ; that is, to relate to each other as Christ did to us - in servanthood and humility."<br />
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"The world in which we live - a world of efficiency and control - has no models to offer to those who want to be shepherds in the way Jesus was a shepherd. The leadership about which Jesus speaks is of a radically different kind from the leadership offered by the world. It is a leadership which is not modeled on the power games of the world, but on the servant-leader, Jesus, who came to give his life for the salvation of many."<br />
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If we are to grow in Christlikeness, we must be willing to empty ourselves, to hold nothing back. We must forget about polishing our image, saving face, or making sure that we look Christian enough. To grow in Christlikeness means to be empty of any and everything that would hinder a servant's heart.<br />
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"God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves."<br />
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If your sons are anything like Spencer, they're not full of themselves. They're not pretentious, don't know how to be jealous. Regardless of where they're at, I love this illustration at the end of the article, and think it would help in getting the point across on working towards a servant's heart.<br />
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<u>The Suitcase:</u><br />
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What you need to empty out of your suitcase -<br />
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<ul><li>Pride</li>
<li>Selfish Ambition</li>
<li>Jealousy</li>
<li>Unforgiveness</li>
<li>Hatred</li>
<li>Temper Tantrums</li>
</ul>(add what you need to this list...think of what would apply to your sons)<br />
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Okay, your suitcase is empty - now what?<br />
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To be filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the heart of a servant, fill your suitcase with -<br />
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<ul><li>Love </li>
<li>Joy</li>
<li>Peace</li>
<li>Patience</li>
<li>Kindness</li>
<li>Goodness</li>
<li>Faithfulness</li>
<li>Gentleness</li>
<li>Self-control</li>
</ul>In conclusion, <b><i>What's in your suitcase??</i></b><br />
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I pray that our sons will grow with a servant's heart. That they will be filled with the fruits of the Spirit. My mind is spinning with how I can explain the suitcase analogy so Spencer will understand. I'm excited about trying to get the point across.<br />
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Pray the Servant's Heart prayers over your sons. Fight for them. Intercede on their behalf. Try finding ways to serve with your family. Take a meal to a sick neighbor, or maybe rake up leaves for an elderly neighbor. Volunteer in your community. It would also be a great way for our sons to socialize while serving.<br />
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Tomorrow we will be praying the Honor prayers.<br />
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I pray God will give you strength on your journey.<br />
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JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-2426049006741007122011-09-12T22:59:00.001-05:002011-09-16T23:31:02.274-05:00Day Seven - Purity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. I John 3:2-3</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. I Thessalonians 4:7</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Purity doesn't just happen, it takes planning. The heat of the moment isn't the time to plan on setting boundaries. Okay, most of our sons are probably not yet old enough to be worrying about these situations, but now is the time to prepare them. I'm no expert, and I feel like I've been thrown in the deep end of the pool some days, trying to figure out how to approach delicate subjects with Spencer. Will he understand what I'm talking about? Will it just confuse him? Will it make him more curious than he would be if I didn't bring it up? I do know that I can set an example for him, answer any questions he has, teach him to respect everyone, and try to help him figure out what "personal space" means. Each of our sons are different in their own special way, and will need to be approached in the way that works best for them.<br />
<br />
<i>Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Think about this verse in regards to purity. Let's do our best to teach our sons that not only do we need to keep ourselves pure, we need to consider how our actions affect other's struggle to stay pure. How we dress, what we say, things we watch on TV, where we go, how we treat others. Empathy for your friends, for those around you, may help one of those friends stay within the boundaries of purity that they've set for themselves.<br />
<br />
This was a tough one for me, because, as I said before, I don't quite know how to approach Spencer on this topic. I would welcome and appreciate any thoughts and/or suggestions. We are praying the Purity prayers over our sons today. Tomorrow's prayers will be the Servant's Heart prayers.<br />
<br />
~ Love and Blessing to all of you ~<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-47521605009483266802011-09-11T22:46:00.009-05:002011-09-12T00:09:12.031-05:00Day Six - Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. Psalm 37:11</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And he said: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">The following is from <a href="http://www.aish.com/f/p/48899407.html">this article</a> about instilling Humility in Children:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Do we want our children to be humble? Most of us would hesitate to answer yes, because we tend to equate humility with weakness. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">A humble person is not someone who thinks he's nothing. A humble person knows he's something, but he recognizes God as the source of his greatness. Thinking one is something without recognizing God as the source leads to arrogance. And who would want to raise arrogant children?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">We want to teach our children that they are special, talented, skilled, and everything wonderful, but we also want to teach them that all these things are a gift from God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">They should take pleasure in their accomplishments, not pride. They are choosing to use the gifts that God gave them for good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
Your son could have used his physical agility and strength to be a bully in the schoolyard, but instead chose to participate and excel in sports. Your daughter's academic accomplishments means she used the brain that God gave her for something good. Both children should take great pleasure int that. They are cashing the check that God wrote and gave to them.<br />
<br />
Humility engenders respect for others. Only the biggest among us can acknowledge the bigness in others. It's the small-minded person who puts others down. We all want our children to know and appreciate who they are, and to respect others.<br />
<br />
A child must respect the experience, knowledge and maturity of those who are older than he is. When a child knows his place, he <i>asks</i> his parents, rather than <i>tells</i> his parents.<br />
<br />
A final aspect of humility is the ability to admit our errors. The arrogant person can do no wrong, while the humble person admits his mistakes freely. More importantly, the humble person always keeps in mind the possibility that he could be mistaken.<br />
<br />
TOOLS FOR INSTILLING HUMILITY IN CHILDREN<br />
<br />
#1. Don't let parental power go to your head.<br />
<br />
The best way to teach our children is by example. An arrogant person can never teach humility. Since being a parent means we're in a position of authority, it's easy to slip into arrogance. "HOW DARE YOU DISOBEY ME!" is not the right way to react to a child who is not listening. Our job is to teach patiently and respectfully. The very manner in which we deal with our children's misbehavior can be one of the strongest tools for teaching humility. When we educate quietly, without yelling or insulting, we model humility.<br />
<br />
#2. Kids should ask, not tell.<br />
<br />
Parents must not only model behavior, they must also verbally teach it. When a child raises his voice to a parent, he must be corrected.<br />
<br />
#3. Don't tolerate disrespectful speech.<br />
<br />
The young child who is rude and disrespectful will grow into an even ruder teen who may actually swear and curse his parents. These behaviors don't arrive suddenly with puberty. They develop many years earlier from unchecked arrogance.<br />
<br />
When teaching a child to speak with greater humility and respect, be patient! It can take many years for children to really integrate these speech patterns into their automatic behaviors. Consistency on the part of parents greatly speeds up the process, as does concurrent modeling, generous praise and an overall positive relationship. Humility will become a way of life and the respect that flows from humility a matter of course.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow. Pardon me while I humble myself before all of you and say that I saw myself as the parent yelling to get the attention of one of my children. Anyone care to raise their hand and join me?? Sometimes, and the end of the day, I'm tired, I'm frustrated, I wonder if I'll ever get a full nights sleep and feel rested the next morning ever again, I feel like I need 2 more of me to get everything done, patience left out the back door several hours ago, and I can't seem to find the kind, gentle voice of reason. I yell to be heard, and yet I'm still ignored. That is usually with my 4 yr old daughter, not with Spencer, but still, Yikes. This whole parenting thing is HARD. The more I read, and write on each topic we're covering, the more I see just how inadequate I really am. I am responsible for molding my children into young people that love God. I don't feel qualified for the position.<br />
<br />
I worry about Spencer. When reading about bullys and teaching our children about respect and not looking down on others, I see him on the opposite side of it. I see him as an easy target for bullys, to be made fun of. He hasn't figured out what "personal space" means yet. He tries so hard to make friends, to be social. I want other kids to look beyond the jumping up and down, flapping of his arms, the stimming. When he's on sensory overload, and can't handle anything else. I can only pray that any potential bullys will be empathetic and respectful instead. I can love him just as he is, while trying my best every day to help him. Speaking of sensory overload, I highly recommend watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plPNhooUUuc">this video</a>. I saw it for the first time about 6 months ago, and it changed my perspective drastically. It helped me understand more of what Spencer deals with when we go out in public.<br />
<br />
In the midst of the day-to-day chaos, let's stop to pray for our sons. Let's pray for patience for ourselves, that we can be the example of humility that they need in their lives. Let's teach our sons to delight in their accomplishments, but not use those accomplishments to make others feel less than. Each and every one of us has gifts that God has given us. We need only to use them. It's not an easy journey, but it is a rewarding one. We've been given precious gifts, our sons, entrusted to us for a reason. God knew that through the good times and the bad, that we could handle it, no matter what. Let's pray that instead of having proud and arrogant sons, that we'll have humble and respectful ones. We need to lead by example, and we need to lean heavily on God to help us provide the example.<br />
<br />
Pray the pride prayers for, and over, your sons. I'm asking God to give me the strength I need when patience seems low. I pray the same for each of you.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow's topic is Purity. I pray your journey is going well. It's an eye-opener for me.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you!<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-78807941940847578452011-09-11T22:46:00.001-05:002011-09-12T00:02:10.802-05:00Day Six - Pride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. Psalm 37:11</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Though the Lord is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar. Psalm 138:6</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Psalm 149:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor. Proverbs 29:23</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>And he said: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." </span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">The following is from <a href="http://www.aish.com/f/p/48899407.html">this article</a> about instilling Humility in Children:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">Do we want our children to be humble? Most of us would hesitate to answer yes, because we tend to equate humility with weakness. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">A humble person is not someone who thinks he's nothing. A humble person knows he's something, but he recognizes God as the source of his greatness. Thinking one is something without recognizing God as the source leads to arrogance. And who would want to raise arrogant children?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">We want to teach our children that they are special, talented, skilled, and everything wonderful, but we also want to teach them that all these things are a gift from God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span">They should take pleasure in their accomplishments, not pride. They are choosing to use the gifts that God gave them for good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span><br />
Your son could have used his physical agility and strength to be a bully in the schoolyard, but instead chose to participate and excel in sports. Your daughter's academic accomplishments means she used the brain that God gave her for something good. Both children should take great pleasure int that. They are cashing the check that God wrote and gave to them.<br />
<br />
Humility engenders respect for others. Only the biggest among us can acknowledge the bigness in others. It's the small-minded person who puts others down. We all want our children to know and appreciate who they are, and to respect others.<br />
<br />
A child must respect the experience, knowledge and maturity of those who are older than he is. When a child knows his place, he <i>asks</i> his parents, rather than <i>tells</i> his parents.<br />
<br />
A final aspect of humility is the ability to admit our errors. The arrogant person can do no wrong, while the humble person admits his mistakes freely. More importantly, the humble person always keeps in mind the possibility that he could be mistaken.<br />
<br />
TOOLS FOR INSTILLING HUMILITY IN CHILDREN<br />
<br />
#1. Don't let parental power go to your head.<br />
<br />
The best way to teach our children is by example. An arrogant person can never teach humility. Since being a parent means we're in a position of authority, it's easy to slip into arrogance. "HOW DARE YOU DISOBEY ME!" is not the right way to react to a child who is not listening. Our job is to teach patiently and respectfully. The very manner in which we deal with our children's misbehavior can be one of the strongest tools for teaching humility. When we educate quietly, without yelling or insulting, we model humility.<br />
<br />
#2. Kids should ask, not tell.<br />
<br />
Parents must not only model behavior, they must also verbally teach it. When a child raises his voice to a parent, he must be corrected.<br />
<br />
#3. Don't tolerate disrespectful speech.<br />
<br />
The young child who is rude and disrespectful will grow into an even ruder teen who may actually swear and curse his parents. These behaviors don't arrive suddenly with puberty. They develop many years earlier from unchecked arrogance.<br />
<br />
When teaching a child to speak with greater humility and respect, be patient! It can take many years for children to really integrate these speech patterns into their automatic behaviors. Consistency on the part of parents greatly speeds up the process, as does concurrent modeling, generous praise and an overall positive relationship. Humility will become a way of life and the respect that flows from humility a matter of course.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wow. Pardon me while I humble myself before all of you and say that I saw myself as the parent yelling to get the attention of one of my children. Anyone care to raise their hand and join me?? Sometimes, and the end of the day, I'm tired, I'm frustrated, I wonder if I'll ever get a full nights sleep and feel rested the next morning ever again, I feel like I need 2 more of me to get everything done, patience left out the back door several hours ago, and I can't seem to find the kind, gentle voice of reason. I yell to be heard, and yet I'm still ignored. That is usually with my 4 yr old daughter, not with Spencer, but still, Yikes. This whole parenting thing is HARD. The more I read, and write on each topic we're covering, the more I see just how inadequate I really am. I am responsible for molding my children into young people that love God. I don't feel qualified for the position.<br />
<br />
stimming. When he's on sensory overload, and can't handle anything else. Speaking of sensory overload, I highly recommend watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plPNhooUUuc">this video</a>. I saw it for the first time about 6 months ago, and it changed my perspective drastically. It helped me understand more of what Spencer deals with when we go out in public.<br />
<br />
In the midst of the day-to-day chaos, let's stop to pray for our sons. Let's pray for patience for ourselves, that we can be the example of humility that they need in their lives. Let's teach our sons to delight in their accomplishments, but not use those accomplishments to make others feel less than. Each and every one of us has gifts that God has given us. We need only to use them. It's not an easy journey, but it is a rewarding one. We've been given precious gifts, our sons, entrusted to us for a reason. God knew that through the good times and the bad, that we could handle it, no matter what. Let's pray that instead of having proud and arrogant sons, that we'll have humble and respectful ones. We need to lead by example, and we need to lean heavily on God to help us provide the example.<br />
<br />
Pray the pride prayers for, and over, your sons. I'm asking God to give me the strength I need when patience seems low. I pray the same for each of you.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow's topic is Purity. I pray your journey is going well. It's an eye-opener for me.<br />
<br />
Blessings to you!<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-73696031601327858162011-09-10T21:36:00.002-05:002011-09-11T22:13:52.881-05:00Day Five - Avoiding Foolishness<i><br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><i><br />
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<i><br />
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<i>Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. Matthew 7:24-27</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I found a <a href="http://kenanderson.net/bible/html/builders.html">sermon</a> that sums it up well. Most of us have heard all that Jesus had to say. How many of us really put it into practice? Do we think, oh that sounds nice and lovely, and leave it at that? Or do we really apply His message to our lives? When hard times come, when we are hit with a diagnosis that rocks <i style="font-weight: bold;">our foundation</i>, when a storm hits that we didn't anticipate, are we overwhelmed, find it hard to function, feel helpless and hopeless, or do we rely on our <i style="font-weight: bold;">ROCK.</i> Do we immediately run to Jesus? Do we cry out to him? Do we find a peace that passes all understanding in the arms of our Lord? The storms of life will blow. The rains will come and the streams will rise. Are we going to be like the foolish builder, or are we going to be like the wise builder that had a strong, firm foundation?<br />
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<i>The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalms 14:1</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
The foolish man says there is no God. The wise man fears and obeys God. When you don't believe there is a God, it makes it easy to justify acts of disobedience. Foolish choices bring unpleasant consequences. The wise man has security in loving God and all the power of heaven on his side. (taken from the leader book)<br />
<br />
It may not always be easy, but in the way you know best to communicate with your sons, show them the difference between foolish and wise. When Spencer is disobedient, I do my best to explain to him WHY it was wrong, and what he needs to do to change the behavior. Does it always work? No, but I can't stop trying. I know he understands most of what I say. Our son's hearts are at stake. We need to fight, to pray, every day. We need to do what we can to help them understand that foolishness always brings negative consequences, sooner or later.<br />
<br />
How is everyone doing with the 21 days? I know it was probably hard to keep up daily with the start of school for some of you. I know I haven't been on time everyday with my posts. I feel like my kids have been starved for my attention lately. I work full-time, and when I get home there is another whole days worth of work waiting for me. :-) Thank you for being patient with me! I am praying for y'all daily, that God will give you the strength needed each day. I have extended the link up until Wednesday night, in the hopes that a few more may share their journey with us.<br />
<br />
Pray the Avoiding Foolishness prayers over your sons. I hope you're reading the book and considering the study questions.<br />
<br />
Blessings To You!<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-48003772265200175282011-09-09T11:17:00.000-05:002011-09-09T11:17:47.787-05:00Link Up For 21 Days of Prayers For SonsI thought it would be a good idea to have a link-up for any of us that would like to share a blog post about our journey through the 21 days. The ups and downs. Give us a chance to laugh and cry with you. To get a glimpse into what you're going through. I hope you'll join us!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<script src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=80922" type="text/javascript">
</script>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-19203079524411410512011-09-09T11:05:00.001-05:002011-09-09T11:08:05.150-05:00Day Four - Integrity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><br />
Integrity. So much in that word. The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Standing up for the lesser than. Admitting when you're wrong. Holding strong to your beliefs.<br />
<br />
<i>The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. Proverbs 11:3</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. Proverbs 20:7</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. Proverbs 21:3</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the yes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. II Corinthians 8:21</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:18</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
These verses don't come close to covering all the verses in the Bible that talk about integrity. Having a clear conscience. Honor. Doing what is right and just. Being truthful.<br />
<br />
We are responsible for our sons. We want to teach them to be little men filled with integrity, with the hopes that they will grow into men with integrity. Honest men. Faithful and truthful men. Honorable men. Men that will treat people right, will respect women, and everyone else around them. Men that will do the right thing, even when it's hard. Men that won't cave to popular opinion. How can we do that? It starts with us.<br />
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We need to look at ourselves. I find that that isn't always easy. It isn't always pretty. Am I filled with integrity? Do I always do the right thing. Am I always respectful? Sadly, the answer is no. Sometimes, especially in moments of tiredness and frustration, I say something I shouldn't. I raise my voice, and say some not so nice things to others or about others. Yuck. Looking at myself and my heart is not something I care to do, but i HAVE TO. I have to examine my own heart and actions, and correct them, so that I can set the example for my son. I don't always know what he is thinking, but I know he watches and listens to what I say and do. If it's okay for mama to say not so nice things, it's okay for him, right? Ummmmm.... reality check for mama. I have little eyes watching me. Little ears listening. What kind of an example am I setting? It needs to be one of integrity. I need to be honest in my actions. I need to have a clear conscience when I do something. I need to stay true to my beliefs. I need to take personal responsibility for my actions. We live in a society where nothing is ever your fault. You did something bad? Blame it on your parents, or your upbringing, or your teachers, the government, or almost anything else besides your self? What ever happened to taking responsibility for your actions? It starts at home.<br />
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I found a <a href="http://www.savvydaddy.com/content/site/savvypack/00301/raising-kids-strong-character-integrity">great article</a> on Raising Kids of Strong Character and I want to share a few lines from that article:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>"Be the example.</strong> Children learn their character traits best by watching others. Who better to watch than their father? Fathers are the role models in the household and they need to act that way. If you're doing shady business deals, cheating on your taxes or not practicing what you're preaching, your children will see that and pick it up as one of their traits as well. Even everyday things like running red lights when nobody is around, leaving a small tip for your waitress or taking the extra change that the cashier at the grocery store gives you shows a lack of integrity, too. Although these might seem like trivial things to you, they can still have a huge impact on an observant child. If you're going to act without integrity, don't let your children see it. The best thing to do is just <a href="http://www.charactered.net/parent/parenttentips.asp" style="color: #82212a;">act with integrity</a> all the time - even when they're not watching."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This, of course, applies to mothers as well. Let's not try to "get away with it" when no one is watching. That's not integrity. That brings to mind that mentality of "I'm only sorry because I got caught". It takes daily practice to learn a trait. Let's do that! We need to be at battle for our sons, and that means we need to be at the forefront, leading the way, by example. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>"Keep your promises.</strong> A child's memory is unbelievable. They might not remember to eat their vegetables in the cafeteria at school, but they'll remember two weeks ago when you said you'd take them to the baseball game. If you break that promise, they're going to remember it for years (and maybe even a lifetime). <a href="http://singleparent.lifetips.com/newsletter/2007/5/11/teaching-children-integrity/index.html" style="color: #82212a;">Keeping your word</a> is part of showing integrity, so be sure to follow through with your promises at all costs. If it's just impossible to keep your promise, discuss the situation with your child and see if they'll let you "off the hook." But make sure this is more of the exception rather than the rule when you say you'll do something."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Ahhhh, the promise. It seems like promises are so easily made and broken, without a thought. Let's not do that. If we say we'll do something, let's do it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">A quote from Brooke:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"Did you know that we can't give our sons something we don't have? Look back over the last week or month of your life. One of the BEST things we can do for our sons is to admit when we've sinned and ask them to forgive us for it. Show your sons the power of humility and use every opportunity; even your failures, to teach them to walk in the truth. What a wonderful God we serve, who allows even our sin to draw our sons closer to Him!"</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Let's do our best today to walk with integrity, to be a shining example to our sons, to our families. Pray the integrity prayers over your sons. Be intercessors for them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Tomorrow is Day 5 - Avoiding Foolishness. I look forward to hearing from y'all, and I pray you have a wonderful, blessed day!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Jaime</span>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-61723498195068779222011-09-08T12:08:00.001-05:002011-09-09T10:25:36.124-05:00Day Three - Submission to Authority<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's topic is Submission to Authority. It flows from Obedience, and I want to quote some from a great article I found on the topic. It is well explained, and better than what I could come up with on my own. :-) Here is the link to the full <a href="http://www.gospelway.com/family/children-authority.htm">11 page article</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Authority is the right to give instructions and require obedience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As it is with love, so it is with authority. To relate properly to the children, parents must begin by relating properly to one another. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. Proverbs 1:8</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When people work together, organization and cooperation are needed in order to accomplish good. But organization and cooperation require someone to be recognized as a leader with authority. This explains why God ordained authority in every human relationship that He ordained.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. Guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Proverbs 4: 10-13</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Children generally know their parents are wiser than they are. They know they need guidance at times. They may act confident, but behind the false front they are often insecure. Parental guidance assures the child that he is doing what is best. As a result, children actually have greater respect for adults who enforce fair rules than they have for permissive parents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To illustrate, consider driving a car across a bridge over a deep chasm. If there were no guardrails, we would be very fearful. With guard rails, we are confident, even though we may be just a few feet from the edge. So the limits set by parents give children security. They know their parents will not let them do anything that would be seriously harmful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If we train children to develop good character and habits, they will probably maintain those habits. But habits come by repetition. So parents should insist that children practice what is right till it becomes ingrained.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main reason so many children today grow up rebellious and maladjusted is simply that they have <i style="font-weight: bold;">not</i> been properly required to submit to authority. They manipulate their parents, and the parents don't know what to do about it. They get away with rebelling against their parents, so they proceed to rebel against the whole "establishment": parents, government, employers, church, and God. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If parents do not teach their children to get along with parental authority - if they allow their children to manipulate them and get their own way against their parents' better judgment - most likely those children will always have difficulty relating to authority and will live a miserable life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dr. James Dobson points out: When a child can successfully defy his parents during his first fifteen years, laughing in their faces and stubbornly flouting their authority, he develops a natural contempt for them... The result is that they lose respect for all the parent stands for and believes in, including their religious Faith.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">..If a child grows up without learning respect for authority - if he is permitted to rebel against his parents' restraints and get away with it - he will naturally rebel against God's limits and think he can get away with that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is exactly the point at which many Christian parents lose their children to the world. If you do not restrain you children but let the manipulate you and evade your authority, they will most likely grow up to disrespect God and His will - just like Eli's sons did. And God will hold you accountable, like he did Eli.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It follows that proper exercise of authority is not something the parents do to please themselves, but something they do for the good of the child. It teaches lessons that will benefit the child both now and for eternity. This is why use of authority is not contrary to love but is a proper exercise of love.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In all areas of life that we have studied, respect for authority requires obedience. So a child who persistently disobeys in the home is a child who simply has not learned respect for authority. Yet in home after home - even the homes of Christians - children repeatedly refuse to obey, but parents apologize for it, laugh it off, or simply ignore it like it's an everyday occurrence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Parents, you are trying to raise <i style="font-weight: bold;">godly</i> children. The ultimate goal of your authority is to teach your children respect for <i style="font-weight: bold;">God's</i> authority. <b>You should expect your children to obey you like God will expect them to obey Him.</b> Do they?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do your children obey promptly, or do they procrastinate, make excuses, manipulate, and seek to evade your instructions? Do they obey with an attitude of love and good will, or do they groan, complain, and whine? Do they obey exactly, or do they try to bend the rules and justify partial obedience? Do they obey when you are not watching or only if they know they will get caught? What kind of obedience does God expect of us? If your children have not learned to obey you like they should obey God, then you have work to do. God says it's your job to teach it to them!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We should train our children to speak respectfully to us, not for our own selfish pride, but because they need to learn respect! [Cf. Ezek. 2:3-7]"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wow. A lot to take in. This may not always be so clear cut with our oh so very special sons. Something that stood out to me was the discussion of setting boundaries. Our sons do much better when they know what is expected. A routine. Knowing what they can and can't do. With a loving heart, a soft, kind voice, our sons will hear us. I pray that all of you find peace in that. Even on the toughest days, God is right there with you. I can remember times with Spencer, dealing with hitting, kicking, biting, pinching, so much frustration. It was a wrestling match just to get him to take medicine when he needed it. By the end we would both be so exhausted, and about 75% of it would be all over us, instead of inside him where it needed to be. We've come so far since then. His verbal skills are so much better and he works hard at being social. It's hard work everyday, but we need to continue the fight for our sons. Love, blessings and prayers to all of you. Brooke wrote this in the Leader Guide for Day 3, and I want to share it with you:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"By the way, when was the last time you told your son you were proud of a choice he made to submit to authority? Even when they're little, our boys need to know that mama sees and rejoices over their wise choices and cries out to God over their foolish ones. Today, make a point to lavish love and praise on your son when he chooses wisely....even in the small things."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jaime</div>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-89894639186460061742011-09-07T10:00:00.003-05:002011-09-07T10:09:19.235-05:00Day Two - Odedience<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Because I said so!</i> </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Was that ever said to you as a child? Have you ever said that to your children? In moments of frustration, I know I have. Repeated questions, and instead of explaining why I've asked one of my children to do something, I fall back on that phrase.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. </i> Ephesians 6:1 </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Our children need to be taught to obey us, but should they blindly obey? What would that teach them? To never question what they're told. Questions aren't a bad thing, although it may seem that way to a tired, frustrated mother. God loves our sons. Teaching them to be obedient will help them throughout their lives. When we are obedient to God, it shows our love for Him. When our sons are taught to obey us, it shows their love towards us, and makes an easier transition to God. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><i>If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His Love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.</i> John 15: 10-11</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">We need to teach our sons to be commandment keepers. Will it be easy? No, probably not. Battles never are, and we are in a battle for our son's hearts. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Some may ask, "Can we require any standards of behavior in our sons?" I think we would being doing them a huge disservice if we didn't. Our son's hearts before God are no different from any other child, and the reason that your child is so special will not limit God from revealing Himself to your child. We, as mothers, need to allow God to love our sons through us. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><i>In the night I remember your name, O Lord, and I will keep your law. This has been my practice: I obey your precepts. You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.</i> Psalm 119: 55-60</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">When you son asks, "Why?", let them know why they need to obey us. <b>1</b>. It shows love and respect towards others (you, God, friends, teachers, therapists, etc.). <b>2</b>. It keeps them safe. If we see them going near a hot stove, or trying to put something in their mouth that they shouldn't, or try to break free from you in a parking lot, teaching them to be obedient will keep them safe, protect them. If we just allow them to do whatever they want, they could burn their hand, choke on the object going into their mouth, or get hurt in that parking lot. <b>3</b>. It PLEASES God when his children are obedient. <i>Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. </i>Colossians 3:20 <b>4</b>. It shows them their need for God. Obeying parents leads into obeying God.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Have you ever given into your son, just to end an argument? Just to calm the turbulent waters? It's easier sometimes, isn't it? You can see the agitation building, the melt down coming, and you give in. It may seem fine in the short term, but are you helping your son by doing that? No. It is our responsibility to train our sons. I've found that keeping my voice soft, warm, kind and loving helps. Raising my voice, even just to be heard above the racket, doesn't help. It agitates Spencer even more. It hurts his ears. While praying for your sons today, pray, ask God for extra patience. Extra love. Extra compassion. Be an intercessor for your son. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><i>Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.</i> Proverbs 22:6</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Obedience is learned through trust in those we obey. If you don't follow through with what you say, for example, not enforcing consequences, your son won't trust your word, and won't learn obedience. If you tell your son, "If you don't do (insert something here), then you don't get (insert something here). If he doesn't do the first thing, and you still give him the second thing, it teaches him that he doesn't need to listen to what you say because he'll get what he wants anyway. He won't trust you and won't learn obedience. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;"><i>It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have hard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.</i> 2 John 4-6</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Pray the Obedience prayers over your sons today. Have you read the chapter to go along with it? This sentence stood out to me while reading it. "If our boys never learn the importance of obeying and see their inability to obey by themselves, how will they ever recognize their need for a Savior?"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Please feel free to share here, or by email, what works for you in teaching your sons obedience. Where do you struggle? I think it will help, the more we interact and share with each other, our successes and our struggles. I'm praying for you, as I'm sure others are as well. The journey isn't always easy, but it's worth it!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">I want to share something with you from the book, <a href="http://www.parentingfromtheoverflow.com/">Parenting From The Overflow</a>:</span></span><br />
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"It's hard work, this parenting gig! And it's exhausting and demanding and never ending. But none of us would trade the world for one of our [son's] glowing smiles. So we must persevere and be self-controlled and disciplined ....living out of the over flow of the Father's grace in our lives. How do we live that out?<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Be faithful to time alone with the Lord. Sometime. Somehow. Every single day.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Memorize long verses that you will repeat to yourself before responding.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Learn to laugh!</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Give grace - to [him] and to yourself."</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Note: Tomorrow, day 3 will be covering Submission to Authority, and will be praying the prayers from that section over our sons. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px;">Blessings to all of you and your sons!</span>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-16338551092663914782011-09-06T09:56:00.001-05:002011-09-06T09:57:55.756-05:00Day One - Heart Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div><br />
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Happy Tuesday Morning!<br />
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This is a new journey for me. I don't usually volunteer to be a leader. I'm the quiet, shy type that prefers to let others take the reins. Why would anyone listen to what I have to say? Well, my son is precious to me. I worry about him. I wonder if he'll be able to lead a normal life. I'm passionate about my children. I hope and pray that that passion will show through in the next 3 weeks.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Heart Change</i>. What is in the heart will eventually come out. If we have bad things in our heart, bad is going to come out. If we have good things in our heart, good will come out. When we get hit, when life gets hard, when something goes wrong, when patience seems to be wearing thin, when we get a diagnosis that knocks the wind out of us and turns our world upside down, and we're so tired we can hardly keep going, what is going to come out? Is it going to be good? Do we immediately turn to God? Or do we fret, worry, yell, scream, lose our temper, say things we'll regret as soon as they're said? I can't say for sure if we've all been there....we've been hit, and the bad comes out,... but I can honestly admit that I've been there. I've been so low that I wondered if I'd ever find my way out.<br />
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<i><b>Consider this</b>: What comes out of your heart when you get hit? Our response matters to God and it matters to the people watching and learning from us along the way.</i><br />
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Our sons are watching us. They watch how we react to everything. They're even more sensitive to our emotions. I know when I become agitated or upset, my son notices right away. It upsets him. He deals with enough on a daily basis without me, his mother, the one that should be making life easier for him, adding to his stress. Do we want our sons to see anger, stress and agitation when we get hit, get taken off guard? Does it matter, in the grand scheme of things, if someone cuts us off in traffic, or says something they shouldn't, or (I struggle with this one the most) comments on our sons behavior in public? Yes, I want to say something back, make a snippy remark, or yell at the car in front of me, but it's more important to stay calm. To react in a rational way. To smile and walk away. I used to get upset so easily while driving, and then one day, while waiting our turn to pull out into traffic, my son yelled from the back seat, "Come on people, MOVE!!". Yikes. I realized how familiar that phrase was. He was upset when we couldn't immediately go. I felt about 2 inches tall that day, and I learned my lesson there. Now, I find myself soothing my son, sometimes on a daily basis, when we're in traffic. He gets upset. I'm the reason why. <i>OUR SONS ARE WATCHING US. </i><br />
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Autism, Aspergers, ADHD, ADD, ODD, VPD, Chronic illness, heart condition, delayed cognitive development, learning disabilities, overgrowth syndrome, a terminal illness... whatever it is that makes our special sons so <i>special</i>, is in God's hands. He gave us these precious angels, entrusted them to us. I feel so blessed that I have Spencer. Over the past 5 years, since he was diagnosed, I've watched him grow, change, struggle, triumph, melt down, and I've felt every emotion with him along the way. I may not always feel like I can, but God knew I could handle it. I believe that whole-heartedly.<br />
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"So many of you moms, right this very moment, are kneeling down or lying flat on your face before God, asking Him to help you. You're lost, overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed, heartbroken, and seconds away from waving the white flag in defeat. I know where you are. I've been there. I'm still there. I have no idea how to make this dream of mine come true. I have no idea how to raise men who will be different: respecters of women, lovers of God. I have no idea how to teach little men to work with their hands, take commitments seriously, and protect the least of these. And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers, and friends by myself.<br />
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But I do know how to get down on my knees and cry out to God on their behalf. I do know that God's Word is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12)."<br />
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I've been there, and I'm there quite often. Are you? Have you been there? I wonder sometimes, will my boy be able to have a relationship with God? Will he understand what it means? I don't know what goes on in that precious little mind of his most of the time, but I do know this. God knows him. God loves him more than I could ever imagine. God wants him. God made him the way he is, and my son has a purpose in this life that I can't see just yet. Your sons do as well. They are so precious to God. You know how much you love your sons. Multiply that by a million and we still won't be able to touch the mightiness of God's love for them.<br />
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I encourage you to go over the study questions. If you can find the time, keep a journal. Write down your thoughts, your worries, your prayers. Pray the Heart Change prayers for your sons today. I want to ask you to do this as well.... Write out a prayer, or 2 or 3, written specifically for your sons. Tailored to what they need. Pray it over them every day. Are they struggling in a specific area in school? Are they having trouble being social with friends? Are they struggling with behavior issues? Do the same thing for all your children. Maybe your daughter doesn't always know how to interact with her brother? My daughter, Laura (she's 4), adores Spencer, and is his little shadow. Sometimes Spencer can't handle the constant attention and needs his space and alone time. We deal with it as it comes each day. Some days she seems to understand his need to be alone, and other days she doesn't.<br />
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I am encouraging each of you, from a far, in this journey. I'm praying for you. I'm excited for you. I want to leave you with this. I think it will be great encouragement for the not so good days. It's a snippet about Overflowing Joy from a book called <a href="http://www.parentingfromtheoverflow.com/">Parenting From The Overflow</a> by Teri Lynne Underwood. I encourage you to read the whole book. It's directed towards daughters, but most of it can apply to our sons as well.<br />
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"Perhaps this scenario will be familiar to you: 5:15 pm. Dinner is cooking, house is a wreck, and everyone is hungry and frustrated - including mom. A simple question, "What time will we eat?" and Hurricane Crazy Woman rages through the room. Angry words, slammed cabinets, and the not-so-subtle huffing ensue.<br />
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Joy? Seriously? In those situations?<br />
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To be frank, I think for the most of us, it is easier to find reasons for joy in the midst of great tragedy than in the smaller moments of daily chaos...but what about the 5:15 craziness? Is there joy there too? As the long day's end becomes visible, is the picture we give our children and our husbands one of grumpiness and frustration? I know there are all sorts of practical tips out there for managing the evening madness...there is a better answer.<br />
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JOY.<br />
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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4"<br />
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It's not always easy, but let's try to find joy in the little things, in the daily ups and downs. When crying out to God, fighting for our son's hearts. Praying for them. Praying over them. Whispering prayers throughout the day. Keep Joy right there with you.<br />
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"Nothing is so small that we do not honor God by asking His guidance of it, or insult Him by taking it out of His hands."<br />
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Blessing to all of you, and I pray you have a wonderful, Heart Changing day!Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-42104375503665902812011-09-04T16:21:00.001-05:002011-09-05T21:43:51.414-05:00Welcome to 21 Days of Prayer for our Special Needs Sons!"When we begin by pouring out our hearts to the Lord - about our children, about ourselves, and most of all in order to seek Him first - we will find the wisdom and discernment we desire (and NEED) is far more quickly found. And the grace and tenderness we want to give our children comes more naturally as a response to the grace and tenderness we have been given." ~ <a href="http://www.parentingfromtheoverflow.com/">Parenting From The Overflow</a> ~<br />
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Welcome! I started reading the book, Parenting From The Overflow, a few days ago, and this stood out to me, like it was yelling at me to pay attention. Parenting isn't always easy. It's never perfect. Add to that a child, a son, that struggles trying to communicate his wants, needs, and desires to you, his mother, and sometimes grace and tenderness can get lost in the mix. I've been there, trying to hold back tears as I watch my son get so frustrated because I don't understand what he wants. Some days patience seems to be lacking. Have you been there? I know you have. No matter what it is that makes our Angels so special, we've all been there, and are there on a daily basis.<br />
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God hears us. He's there with us during the good times and the bad. He sees our tears. He sees our joy. He rejoices with us and He hurts with us.<br />
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I pray that as we take this journey together, as we pray over our sons, that we'll more clearly see God in all that we do, and in everything around us. That it will make the rough days a little easier. That it will make the joyful, triumphant times even more wonderful. That during the times when we feel like we're so alone, we'll realize that we're never alone.<br />
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"All it takes to lose the truth of the Word of God is one set of parents who fail to teach it. And the result can be generations of men who don't know and fear the Lord. Imagine the impact for a moment." ~ <a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/warriorprayers/the-ebook/">Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys</a> ~<br />
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We need to go to war for our sons, and the battle is best fought on our knees (taken from the Warrior Prayers book).<br />
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I'm ready for the battle. I'm excited about it. Day one, we'll be praying the Heart Change prayers (from the book) over our sons. Do this however it works for you. Get up early to pray, pray these prayers throughout the day, make it part of your family devotion time, praying out loud over your sons, pray at night before bedtime, or any other way/time that fits.<br />
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I encourage you to comment and interact here, sharing how this journey is going for you, for your family. Several of you have already connected with me on Facebook. Thank you for the emails, letting me know about your families.<br />
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I plan on having a link-up party each Friday (if I can figure out how to do it!), so those that want to, can link up their own post, sharing the journey with us. I will keep you posted on that. :-)<br />
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The Day 1 post should be up Tuesday morning. I am in the Central Time Zone. I hope all of you have a blessed and safe weekend!<br />
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Jaime<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7j842i3XIk/TmWIw5XcL5I/AAAAAAAAAks/zegCsXwX2sE/s1600/21-Days-Fall-250.png" /></a></div>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-19347515977115095512011-08-30T17:21:00.001-05:002011-09-03T10:13:20.956-05:00Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Au20P6a9XU/Tl1eNOWtK9I/AAAAAAAAAkg/HHOnyMLklKo/s1600/Blog+Photos+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Au20P6a9XU/Tl1eNOWtK9I/AAAAAAAAAkg/HHOnyMLklKo/s320/Blog+Photos+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I wanted to make cookies, and couldn't decide between Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip. I decided a marriage between the two would be divine, and along the way, thought that an addition of Hershey's Special Dark cocoa would be wonderful, too.<br />
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This is what I came up with:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNKOZUeavgg/TlzlBW6B8SI/AAAAAAAAAjY/9ldTlGO7570/s1600/Blog+Photos+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNKOZUeavgg/TlzlBW6B8SI/AAAAAAAAAjY/9ldTlGO7570/s320/Blog+Photos+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<u>What You'll Need:</u><br />
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1-1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter<br />
2 cups white/whole wheat flour<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
12 oz. chocolate chips<br />
4 Tbsp. Hershey's special dark cocoa<br />
Parchment paper<br />
Cookie sheets<br />
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Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 dozen cookies, and can be cut in half to make a smaller batch of cookies.<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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Cream butter and sugars together. Add eggs and vanilla and mix. Add peanut butter and blend.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICOe4o5NEHo/TlzlJcaSphI/AAAAAAAAAjg/XzFP9fMJ5I4/s1600/Blog+Photos+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICOe4o5NEHo/TlzlJcaSphI/AAAAAAAAAjg/XzFP9fMJ5I4/s320/Blog+Photos+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add flour, baking powder and cocoa. Mix together, and then stir in chocolate chips.<br />
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I tried just baking these as drop cookies, but wasn't thrilled with how they turned out. Took longer to cook, and the bottoms were a little overdone, so I tried baking them like I would when making peanut butter cookies, and was thrilled with the results.<br />
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Roll into a small ball, place on parchment lined cookie sheet, and then flatten with a fork.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr3HDTG87kA/Tlzl1WfCjsI/AAAAAAAAAj8/UeswNo8D-AQ/s1600/Blog+Photos+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kr3HDTG87kA/Tlzl1WfCjsI/AAAAAAAAAj8/UeswNo8D-AQ/s320/Blog+Photos+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRfWl8T2JYM/Tlzl9P0lycI/AAAAAAAAAkE/wnJKrRHWJEo/s1600/Blog+Photos+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRfWl8T2JYM/Tlzl9P0lycI/AAAAAAAAAkE/wnJKrRHWJEo/s320/Blog+Photos+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flattened with a fork.<br />
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</tbody></table>Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes (I found that 12 minutes worked for me). Remove and let set a few minutes before placing on a cooling rack.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKZIuRnr15w/TlzmEybm2vI/AAAAAAAAAkI/V6qaZ3FUSko/s1600/Blog+Photos+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dKZIuRnr15w/TlzmEybm2vI/AAAAAAAAAkI/V6qaZ3FUSko/s320/Blog+Photos+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done!<br />
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</tbody></table>These cookies are so yummy. They have the texture of a peanut butter cookie, with the delectable blend of chocolate and peanut butter. If you decide to give them a try, I hope you enjoy them as much as we did!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1Doi56IEJc/Tl1eVPhkceI/AAAAAAAAAkk/mu9tNSaXnbY/s1600/Blog+Photos+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1Doi56IEJc/Tl1eVPhkceI/AAAAAAAAAkk/mu9tNSaXnbY/s320/Blog+Photos+008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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~ Happy Baking! ~<br />
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Jaime<br />
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Please come join in the fun at all of <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties</a>!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" /></a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-78170539145816962422011-08-30T13:49:00.001-05:002011-08-30T13:50:12.245-05:00Hoo Are You?<br />
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<center><a href="http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/"><img alt="NightOwlCrafting" border="0" src="http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g354/lesliejorgensen82/NightOwlCraftingwhobutton2.jpg" /></a><br />
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It's that time again. A little fun get-to-know me post. Head on over to <a href="http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/2011/08/hoo-are-you-53.html">Night Owl Crafting</a> to join in the fun!<br />
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This weeks questions:<br />
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1. <b>What are some of your pet peeves?</b><br />
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<ul><li>Crazy drivers - if you almost hit me, don't flip me off as if it's my fault. Grow up....and don't tailgate me. That will cause me to slow down, not get out of your way.</li>
<li>Spelling errors, especially misuse of the words your, you're, their, they're, there, not using capitalization. I can't even send a text with abbreviations.</li>
<li>Overly exuberant advice givers. If my son (he's autistic) is having a meltdown in the middle of Target, don't come up to me and tell me that if I would just give him a good beating, that would straighten him up. You don't know me or my situation. Shove that advice down someone else's throat...like maybe someone that asked for it. (Grrrrrrr)</li>
<li>Being late. Yes, it happens sometimes. Things come up. I still don't like to be late. I prefer to be a few minutes early.</li>
</ul>2. <b>Do you have a favorite or lucky number?</b><br />
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I have 3 lucky numbers, and they change every year. They used to be 3, 8 and 44. Now they're 4, 9 and 45. Yep, the ages of my loves. :-)<br />
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<b>3. What is one of your family traditions?</b><br />
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My brother and his family, my sister and her family, and my family all gathering at our parents house on Christmas Eve each year to read the Christmas story, exchange gifts, and eat great food. The number of people have been growing steadily over the last few years. My parents now have 10 grandchildren, (doing quick math in my head...makes a grand total of 18 people) and it makes for a wonderfully chaotic gathering of loved ones.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Is there anything you are OC about?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
YES. There are several things....<br />
<br />
<ul><li>I have to have even numbers over odd....for example, it drives me crazy if the volume in the truck is set on 7. I'll put it on 6 or 8. Same thing for the temperature setting. </li>
<li>When I eat Peanut M&Ms, or any other solid colored candy, I eat 2 at a time and the two I'm eating have to be the same color. What a wonderful feeling on the rare occasion that there aren't any candies left over at the end of the bag because they all matched up. </li>
<li>How I fold my towels. Don't think anything of it if I turn down your offer to help. Nothing against you. It's me. :-) </li>
<li>I don't use my dishwasher. I don't like any residue left over on my dishes, and besides, it didn't make any sense to use it since I would wash the dishes clean before I would put them in there. I can't stand the thought of having food stuck to the plates/utensils. </li>
</ul><b>5. What is your favorite kind of food?</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Hard to pick just one. Mexican food is a fave, and so is Italian.<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope you join in and post all about YOU!<br />
<br />
~ Thanks for stopping by! ~<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-72863746655808124242011-08-29T17:50:00.001-05:002011-09-03T10:12:50.825-05:00It Is Easy Being Green: Reusable Makeup Remover Pads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6j7avfWvWac/TlwS8ZPuOnI/AAAAAAAAAiU/dFBzHaym1ng/s1600/Blog+Photos+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6j7avfWvWac/TlwS8ZPuOnI/AAAAAAAAAiU/dFBzHaym1ng/s320/Blog+Photos+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I used to use throw away makeup remover pads. Sometimes it would be the dry cotton circles that I would put the remover on, and other times I would use the pre-moistened kind. About a week ago, I was playing around with some cotton yarn and a crochet hook, trying to make circles, and came up with these. I thought they would be perfect to use in place of the removers I had used before.<br />
<br />
<u>What You'll Need:</u><br />
<u><br />
</u><br />
Cotton Yarn<br />
Size I Crochet hook<br />
Scissors<br />
Needle for weaving in ends<br />
<br />
These are very easy and quick to make!<br />
<br />
1. Chain 4<br />
2. Join with slip stitch to make circle<br />
3. Chain 2 (counts as 1st double crochet)<br />
4. DC 14 into circle<br />
5. Join with slip stitch at the top of Chain 2<br />
6. Chain 2<br />
7. DC in same stitch as Join/Ch2<br />
8. 2 DC in each stitch around (you'll have 30 DC)<br />
9. Join with slip stitch at top of chain 2<br />
10. Weave in ends<br />
<br />
You're done! This is a great way to use up scrap yarn you have left over from making dishcloths, potholders, or anything else you use cotton yarn for. :-)<br />
<br />
These also work great in the shower with body scrub. So many possibilities!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93sI7SR6XsU/TlwTTGGm0EI/AAAAAAAAAik/F0vxQLL4u1M/s1600/Blog+Photos+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93sI7SR6XsU/TlwTTGGm0EI/AAAAAAAAAik/F0vxQLL4u1M/s320/Blog+Photos+044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNYy_aZMz0k/TlwT28NT6oI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Z452NPydIFs/s1600/Blog+Photos+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNYy_aZMz0k/TlwT28NT6oI/AAAAAAAAAjA/Z452NPydIFs/s320/Blog+Photos+049.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display them in a nice glass container.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VdeJPoc2Q8/TlwU30-sgFI/AAAAAAAAAjI/lFteTkE7XtE/s1600/Blog+Photos+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3VdeJPoc2Q8/TlwU30-sgFI/AAAAAAAAAjI/lFteTkE7XtE/s320/Blog+Photos+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....or in a basket (this one is a little big, but it was what I had on hand!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgDvo_Bm5z8/TlwVAE-zIDI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/37sMUc98BVg/s1600/Blog+Photos+055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgDvo_Bm5z8/TlwVAE-zIDI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/37sMUc98BVg/s320/Blog+Photos+055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are so soft and easy on your skin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I hope you'll give this easy pattern a try.<br />
<br />
~ Thanks for stopping by! ~<br />
<br />
Jaime<br />
<br />
Come join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties</a>!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Weekend Bloggy Reading" border="0" src="http://i985.photobucket.com/albums/ae332/Amanda_SerenityNow/Blog%20Party%20Buttons/WeekendBloggyReading.png" /></a>Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-55100411145018158802011-07-24T10:01:00.000-05:002011-07-24T10:01:00.405-05:00Cookie Bar SurpriseThis is one of those recipes where I took a basic chocolate chip recipe that I had, threw a bunch of "stuff" in and crossed my fingers, hoping it would work. :-)<br />
<br />
After I mixed it all up, I decided that it was too hot to have the oven going any longer than necessary, so I decided to make them into bars.<br />
<br />
What You'll Need:<br />
<br />
1/2 cup butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
3 large eggs<br />
1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant pistachio pudding<br />
1 cup oats<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
2-1/4 cups white whole wheat flour<br />
3/4 cup mini choc. chips<br />
20 mini heath bars, crushed/chopped<br />
1/2 cup caramel sauce (I used the ice cream topping kind)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSDbtK0tBs/Titmxg1xssI/AAAAAAAAAhI/TKnShJjfQAM/s1600/Blog+Photos+155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QSDbtK0tBs/Titmxg1xssI/AAAAAAAAAhI/TKnShJjfQAM/s320/Blog+Photos+155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 egg is missing... I started out with 2 and needed to add a 3rd. : -)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugars together until smooth. Add in eggs.Next, add the flour, baking soda and pudding. Blend, and then add in the caramel, oats and chocolate chips. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Next, chop up the mini heath bars.</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oz147qgdEsY/TitnA7J0C3I/AAAAAAAAAhU/88AUPqGPLxU/s1600/Blog+Photos+157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oz147qgdEsY/TitnA7J0C3I/AAAAAAAAAhU/88AUPqGPLxU/s320/Blog+Photos+157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.....<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaIDcjbnbec/TitnH_54aQI/AAAAAAAAAhY/6G7K-zqzmN4/s1600/Blog+Photos+158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaIDcjbnbec/TitnH_54aQI/AAAAAAAAAhY/6G7K-zqzmN4/s320/Blog+Photos+158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....and After! : -)<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Add the heath bars to the bowl and stir until well incorporated. At this point, you should have a big gooey mess in a bowl. :-)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Grease a 15x11 inch baking pan, and spoon the batter in a spread it in an even layer.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4n0h6nll3FI/TitnQr6GRkI/AAAAAAAAAhg/TMunrX1lpF0/s1600/Blog+Photos+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4n0h6nll3FI/TitnQr6GRkI/AAAAAAAAAhg/TMunrX1lpF0/s320/Blog+Photos+159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Bake for 18-20 minutes. I would normally say at this point, "Use a toothpick to check for doneness", but that didn't work in this instance. Between the caramel, chocolate chips and heath bars, it was hard to tell by that method. :-) I do know that they were DELICIOUS. They didn't last long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ECNvlgmNc/TitngeZi6wI/AAAAAAAAAhs/V-ur5vpJLI8/s1600/Blog+Photos+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6ECNvlgmNc/TitngeZi6wI/AAAAAAAAAhs/V-ur5vpJLI8/s320/Blog+Photos+165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done!<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>If you give these a try, please let me know what you think!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVU1DTvrB_Y/TitnwZ08M6I/AAAAAAAAAiA/LM3Z3K90S4g/s1600/Blog+Photos+169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vVU1DTvrB_Y/TitnwZ08M6I/AAAAAAAAAiA/LM3Z3K90S4g/s320/Blog+Photos+169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>~ Thanks for stopping by! ~</div><div><br />
</div><div>Jaime</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><br />
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Come join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties</a>!Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-17584572159562261332011-07-23T18:56:00.003-05:002011-07-24T10:16:44.742-05:00Knit Dishcloths: Seed Stitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKiWN5mNrBU/Tita-P2xfvI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_6EWNji8Y9s/s1600/Blog+Photos+176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zKiWN5mNrBU/Tita-P2xfvI/AAAAAAAAAgs/_6EWNji8Y9s/s320/Blog+Photos+176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I find knitting to be very relaxing, especially when it is a simple, repetitive pattern. Several times a year, I add to my supply of dishcloths (and my Mom's as well!). Knit dishcloths are the only ones that I use, so I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite patterns with y'all.<br />
<br />
<br />
The pattern used for these dishcloths is the Seed Stitch Pattern.<br />
<br />
<u>What You'll Need:</u><br />
US Size 9 Knitting Needles<br />
Cotton Yarn<br />
Needle for weaving in the ends<br />
Scissors<br />
<br />
<u>Pattern:</u><br />
Cast On 33.<br />
Row 1: K1, P1, K1 - continue in this pattern to end of row<br />
Row 2-50: Repeat Row 1<br />
Bind-off<br />
Weave in ends<br />
<br />
So easy! I do 50 rows and it comes out square. Adjust the number of stitches CO if you want, just make sure, for the Seed Stitch, that you have an odd number of stitches.<br />
<br />
If you need some help with the knitting stitches, go to <a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/learn-to-knit">Knitting Help</a>. They have great videos that show you all you need to know; cast on, knit stitch, purl stitch, etc.<br />
<br />
Here are a few photos of the ones I've made so far:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpX_mYncRFw/TitbGjvtOGI/AAAAAAAAAgw/h-qyGfyu0WM/s1600/Blog+Photos+177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KpX_mYncRFw/TitbGjvtOGI/AAAAAAAAAgw/h-qyGfyu0WM/s320/Blog+Photos+177.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE lots of color in my dishcloths. May as well make washing the dishes as exciting as possible! : -)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOvGURoNvMw/TitbXu3v8dI/AAAAAAAAAg8/qirzM6mVTOc/s1600/Blog+Photos+179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOvGURoNvMw/TitbXu3v8dI/AAAAAAAAAg8/qirzM6mVTOc/s320/Blog+Photos+179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gobi-wFEmGg/TitbfYzgNAI/AAAAAAAAAhE/PB76rMHTpuI/s1600/Blog+Photos+180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gobi-wFEmGg/TitbfYzgNAI/AAAAAAAAAhE/PB76rMHTpuI/s320/Blog+Photos+180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seed stitch is great, because you have little "scrubbie" bumps all over the dishcloth.<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>~ Thanks for stopping by! ~<br />
<br />
Jaime<br />
<br />
<br />
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Come join in the fun at <a href="http://stitch2buttercups.blogspot.com/p/time-to-party.html">these fabulous parties</a>!Jaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-22815400166390754552011-07-13T12:29:00.000-05:002011-07-13T12:29:12.530-05:00Crochet: Granny SquaresGranny Squares. Something I've wanted to try for a long time, but didn't think that I could, so I talked myself out of it before every trying. I am a self-taught crocheter and haven't been very brave in trying new things. A few weeks ago, I found <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/granny-square-tutorial---over-simplified">this tutorial</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">Ravelry</a>. If you like/love to knit and/or crochet, and don't know about Ravelry, please leave this page immediately and go sign up (it's free!). It is a yarn-lover's paradise. Thousands of patterns. Some have a price tag attached, but so many are freely shared as well. This Granny Square tutorial is a free Ravelry download.<br />
<br />
After reading through the tutorial several times, I jumped in and gave it a try. This is what my first attempt at a Granny Square looked like:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9pKnqwojnU/Th3UbtGRAoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/MNPblpT41S0/s1600/Granny+Square3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O9pKnqwojnU/Th3UbtGRAoI/AAAAAAAAAgY/MNPblpT41S0/s320/Granny+Square3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was thrilled with how it turned out!<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I used cotton, and once I got the hang of it, added a few more rows/rounds, and will use it as a hot pad.<br />
<br />
I had a few friends on Facebook that were starting a private group called The Granny Square Exchange, and I wanted to participate. It was great motivation for me! We each make 8 squares a month, using the same pattern, and at the end of the year, we'll each have 48 squares to turn into an afghan.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpOSeKZZf5c/Th3UZjT-Y8I/AAAAAAAAAgU/nKQYdM5K35E/s1600/Granny+Square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpOSeKZZf5c/Th3UZjT-Y8I/AAAAAAAAAgU/nKQYdM5K35E/s320/Granny+Square.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the first square I made for July's exchange.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmfX-0k3OWE/Th3UZOOkshI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/0AcRBTYK6JE/s1600/Granny+Square2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmfX-0k3OWE/Th3UZOOkshI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/0AcRBTYK6JE/s320/Granny+Square2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! Over the weekend, I made all 8 squares. I love how they look together. : -)<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What have you tried lately that you didn't think you could do?<br />
<br />
~ Thanks for stopping by! ~<br />
<br />
JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-6880142892152268192011-07-06T10:22:00.000-05:002011-07-06T10:22:38.892-05:00Trying To Find BalanceHello Friends! I haven't posted anything. In forever. Okay, it's been 17 days, which is forever in blog land. I've been working on a few projects, but haven't finished them, and I have been struggling to try and prioritize my days, fitting everything in.<br />
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I work a full-time job, have 2 wonderful children that need and deserve most of my attention when I'm not at work, housework doesn't get done if I don't put in the effort, and I've discovered lately, that without adequate sleep time, I can't seem to function the next day. I've been trying to add exercise into my routine in the mornings, but I've been so exhausted that I've been over-sleeping. As much as I love it, blogging has fallen to the bottom of a very long list.<br />
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Okay, enough of my whining. :-) I hope y'all had a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend, and I am looking forward to finding some sense of order in my life and get back to having fun in blog land!<br />
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~ Thanks for stopping by ~<br />
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JaimeJaimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01358952082632859000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191881175553559452.post-63225386417810157112011-06-19T16:54:00.002-05:002011-06-21T13:45:16.385-05:00What's For Supper? Pulled Beef Enchiladas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrB52REItY/Tf5q0M1em7I/AAAAAAAAAes/euh1U8lC13I/s1600/Blog+Photos+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zrB52REItY/Tf5q0M1em7I/AAAAAAAAAes/euh1U8lC13I/s320/Blog+Photos+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Yesterday morning I had planned on making my favorite pulled pork recipe. I usually substitute the pork for beef, and it comes out great. I'm not sure where it's gone, but my slow-cooker cookbook that has that recipe in it is missing. What to do? I had the Crock pot out, I had the beef, and I needed something to put in there with it. This is what I came up with.<br />
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
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</u></b><br />
2 - 2 1/2 pounds beef<br />
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 15 oz can Fire Roasted Tomato Enchilada Sauce<br />
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6-8 Flour Tortillas<br />
1 15 oz can Refried Beans<br />
1 15 oz can Medium Enchilada Sauce<br />
Mexican blend shredded cheese<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBMfVy5PUsw/Tf5ppeAbCmI/AAAAAAAAAd8/hrPnZzdbP0s/s1600/Blog+Photos+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBMfVy5PUsw/Tf5ppeAbCmI/AAAAAAAAAd8/hrPnZzdbP0s/s320/Blog+Photos+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used 2.4 pounds of beef<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Place beef in Crock pot. Add water, apple cider vinegar and the fire roasted enchilada sauce.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVM4MWyP_ko/Tf5px8J11gI/AAAAAAAAAeA/T32eEsTyLSg/s1600/Blog+Photos+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVM4MWyP_ko/Tf5px8J11gI/AAAAAAAAAeA/T32eEsTyLSg/s320/Blog+Photos+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything placed in Crock pot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Cover and cook on high 1-2 hours, and then cook on low until done. I cooked mine about 6 hours on low.<br />
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Remove beef from the Crock pot and place on a large platter. Take 2 forks and shred the beef.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eof_wI8HFg/Tf5p6KMOyjI/AAAAAAAAAeE/b3Uz8lJL_1M/s1600/Blog+Photos+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9eof_wI8HFg/Tf5p6KMOyjI/AAAAAAAAAeE/b3Uz8lJL_1M/s320/Blog+Photos+011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded beef</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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I poured a few ladles of the liquid left in the Crock pot over the shredded beef so it would add even more flavor to it.<br />
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At this point, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpzTaktyFY/Tf5qCMp-BvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/oJwJI-8usEQ/s1600/Blog+Photos+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARpzTaktyFY/Tf5qCMp-BvI/AAAAAAAAAeI/oJwJI-8usEQ/s320/Blog+Photos+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Using a butter knife, spread refried beans on a tortilla.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0arp-baDAxE/Tf5qKq-ZSXI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/eJXVE5vq6as/s1600/Blog+Photos+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0arp-baDAxE/Tf5qKq-ZSXI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/eJXVE5vq6as/s320/Blog+Photos+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TakVDXSKcM/Tf5qTIb1dAI/AAAAAAAAAeU/MTbM7YBNi5c/s1600/Blog+Photos+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2TakVDXSKcM/Tf5qTIb1dAI/AAAAAAAAAeU/MTbM7YBNi5c/s320/Blog+Photos+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refried beans spread on a tortilla.<br />
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<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Using a slotted spoon to drain away the excess liquid, scoop up some shredded beef and place in center of the tortilla. Spread out and sprinkle some cheese on top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jsNHrbj9_Sw/Tf5qblEo5YI/AAAAAAAAAec/1EHZ8zpyaGQ/s1600/Blog+Photos+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jsNHrbj9_Sw/Tf5qblEo5YI/AAAAAAAAAec/1EHZ8zpyaGQ/s320/Blog+Photos+015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Roll up the tortilla and place in a 13 x 9 inch pan. Repeat until the pan is full.<br />
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Pour the can of Medium Enchilada Sauce over the rolled up tortillas, and then sprinkle cheese on top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ad9HyNtwGB4/Tf5qjqID95I/AAAAAAAAAeg/zYSdIy0aREs/s1600/Blog+Photos+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ad9HyNtwGB4/Tf5qjqID95I/AAAAAAAAAeg/zYSdIy0aREs/s320/Blog+Photos+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEW49OLDNIQ/Tf5q8CdG9wI/AAAAAAAAAew/K7u_5NP1Z6c/s1600/Blog+Photos+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEW49OLDNIQ/Tf5q8CdG9wI/AAAAAAAAAew/K7u_5NP1Z6c/s320/Blog+Photos+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. They came out great! I'm not trying to brag (okay, maybe a teensy-weensy bit), but my Fiancee, who loves my cooking, said after dinner that this was the best meal he had EVER had. Well, Yay! He loves spicy food, so that probably helped me out. :-)<br />
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I hope you'll give it a try.<br />
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~ Thanks for stopping by! ~<br />
<br />
Jaime<br />
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