tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45774515243279339112012-02-01T10:56:54.641-07:00Potter's HandRachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-4804884286416508152012-01-31T09:35:00.000-07:002012-01-31T09:35:01.761-07:002012-01-31T09:35:01.761-07:00My Hair, My Office, My Heart.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So by this time it has been firmly established that I am a terrible blogger......but hopefully that is because I am being a present Mother in the lives of my children. Do forgive me.<br />
<br />
I blogged only 4 times in December and left you with questions.....<br />
<br />
Am I still going shampoo-free? How is that going?<br />
<br />
What about that grand office reveal???<br />
<br />
I made it 9 weeks without shampoo, using baking soda and apple cider vinegar. I loved every minute of it and proudly told everyone I met that I didn't wash my hair anymore. But mid December I ended up with a bit of a dandruff problem (which I am not convinced was related to going poo-free, cuz I've had it on and off before).<br />
I was super stressed in December because of everything that goes on in December combined with sickness etc, that I felt too overwhelmed to begin researching natural ways to deal with my dandruff (which shows up nicely on my black hair). <b>So I quit. Lame. I know.</b><br />
<br />
I have been using shampoo again since mid-December and the first time I used it my hair felt so soft and......flat and dry. My head got kinda itchy from being so dry since I wasn't used to drying out my head with shampoo anymore. I have noticed that although I am shampooing again, my hair does not get very greasy anymore. I used to HAVE to wash my hair every other or third day and now I am only needing to wash it about once a week - SCORE! That makes me happy cuz I'm kinda busy.<br />
<br />
I will probably quit the shampoo thing again, but being on the verge of possibly more kids makes me a little hesitant to begin the experiment just yet. I don't want to take on too much at once.<br />
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The office. Oh my. Ok it is definitely much better than it was but it's still a bit of a gong show. It looked GREAT for like 3 days after I organized it and then got pretty bad again. I think I have organized it two more times since the supposed "great reveal" and it's less chaotic now, but still needs work. I think the real problem is that it is a dumping ground and I don't really use it much. Maybe if I actually used that room more, it would be more organized and functional. I need to develop better habits when it comes to that room and I think it needs one or maybe 2 purposes at the most - currently it probably has about 7 uses...I AM making tons of progress over here with the rest of the house and it looks better more often and I am feeling less and less stressed about it. <br />
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My heart is next on the list for this blog post and by far the most exciting for me. For the last month or so I have been feeling God tugging at my heart concerning orphans and adoption and fostering. Obviously this has been a passion in my life for awhile, but this is a new and strong desire to really make a difference in this world.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul id="results_list"><li> <h3><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/John%2014:18">John 14:18</a> </h3><div id="p43014018_01-1"><span class="woc">“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.</span></div></li>
<li> <h3><a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/James%201:27">James 1:27</a> </h3><div class="virtual" id="p59001027_01-1">Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.</div></li>
</ul><div id="sub_pager"> </div><div id="sub_pager">These and other verses like them have greatly impacted me. I have been content to be a foster to adopt mom and to love and raise my kids. I have always loved kids and thought that I'd have a big family. I always felt that I'd have a bunch of kids (maybe 10ish) and that'd be it. (LOL) Then they'd grow up, leave home, get married, have their own kids, and I'd get to be Grandma. I don't feel that way anymore. I want to adopt. I don't see an end in sight. When these kids are grown, I don't want to stop adopting, I want to take more difficult or special needs kids and love them (since I'll be able to focus on them without babies underfoot). I want to adopt the whole world. I want everyone to know what a blessing it is to love with all your being for the glory of God. I want to share my love of adoption and influence others to do the same. I want to save all those kids out there that need a mom and a dad to love them. I can't do it alone, but I can do my part. I am so excited! (I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes and saying, "oh Rachel" but I'm serious!) </div><div id="sub_pager"> </div><div id="sub_pager"> I could go on and on, but my kids need me, so that's it for today :) </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-480488428641650815?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-87880387870229842012011-12-07T11:51:00.000-07:002011-12-07T11:51:05.065-07:002011-12-07T11:51:05.065-07:00Putty Goop Slime<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This is super fun stuff to play with and really easy to make! I promise your kids are gonna love it and it's going to keep them busy for awhile! There are three ways to make it: with or without the cornstarch, and the with the third method, you add water to the glue before mixing. If you use the cornstarch you'll have putty and if you don't use it, you'll have goop - a little softer and more workable, and if you add water to the glue before mixing you'll have slime. Thus the title - putty goop slime.<br />
<br />
So here's what you need:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLw-45w3rg4/Tt-w7MiovsI/AAAAAAAAAN8/IZDGSIOrViU/s1600/IMAG0902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QLw-45w3rg4/Tt-w7MiovsI/AAAAAAAAAN8/IZDGSIOrViU/s320/IMAG0902.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/4 cup of warm water</li>
</ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/2 tsp of Borax </li>
</ul>Dissolve the borax in the water in a bowl and put aside.<br />
<br />
Then in another bowl:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1/4 cup of cornstarch *(if you are making goop)</li>
<li>1/4 cup school glue</li>
<li>1/4 cup water *(if you are making slime) </li>
<li>food coloring</li>
</ul><br />
For Putty:<br />
<br />
Mix the cornstarch, glue, and food coloring together, then add to the borax water mixture and stir it up. Remove the lump from the water and discard the leftover water. The mixture will be quite firm and pliable. Press it against different things and see what patterns you get!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apFYDv2tDiI/Tt-x1IWY5CI/AAAAAAAAAOE/LX2AAgThynI/s1600/IMAG0903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-apFYDv2tDiI/Tt-x1IWY5CI/AAAAAAAAAOE/LX2AAgThynI/s320/IMAG0903.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Borax and water... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jNuteIJyVU/Tt-x8lItF0I/AAAAAAAAAOU/V8nhGf6JqxA/s1600/IMAG0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jNuteIJyVU/Tt-x8lItF0I/AAAAAAAAAOU/V8nhGf6JqxA/s320/IMAG0905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Glue and cornstarch mixture... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kb7cVnU52E/Tt-x_--s9KI/AAAAAAAAAOc/LKWJYCzmm9s/s1600/IMAG0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kb7cVnU52E/Tt-x_--s9KI/AAAAAAAAAOc/LKWJYCzmm9s/s320/IMAG0906.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Glue mixture in borax/water mixture...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VBY5l9H_aU/Tt-ySzLGzjI/AAAAAAAAAOk/G6NooeMi0oA/s1600/IMAG0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VBY5l9H_aU/Tt-ySzLGzjI/AAAAAAAAAOk/G6NooeMi0oA/s320/IMAG0915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Putty - the color is swirled because I added it after. You should add the coloring to the glue mixture before mixing with the borax and water. </div><br />
For Goop:<br />
<br />
Mix the glue and food coloring together and then add to the borax water mixture. Stir. Remove the lump from the water and discard the leftover water. This mixture will be a little wetter than the putty and more pliable and soft.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfDETc99L3k/Tt-zIcYnuzI/AAAAAAAAAOs/4mKX4jIcVgo/s1600/IMAG0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfDETc99L3k/Tt-zIcYnuzI/AAAAAAAAAOs/4mKX4jIcVgo/s320/IMAG0907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The glue poured into the borax water. I added the food coloring to the borax water, but I should have added it to the glue first... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm_BZsuP1Jo/Tt-zMarQcNI/AAAAAAAAAO0/DHXS_K8exvQ/s1600/IMAG0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mm_BZsuP1Jo/Tt-zMarQcNI/AAAAAAAAAO0/DHXS_K8exvQ/s320/IMAG0910.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Goop.</div><br />
For Slime: (this one is messy)<br />
<br />
Mix the glue, water, and food coloring and then add to the borax water. You will have to work the mixture for a 2-3 minutes with your hands while it is still in the water. Then when you feel like it is solid enough to remove from the water, take it out and discard the excess water. This stuff is amazing and SLIMY!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5EH1-Xaf-k/Tt-zQZWAhfI/AAAAAAAAAO8/IhILoJIxZuo/s1600/IMAG0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5EH1-Xaf-k/Tt-zQZWAhfI/AAAAAAAAAO8/IhILoJIxZuo/s320/IMAG0911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Glue, water, food coloring mixture...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bhaqnfVmag/Tt-zTrE3vgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/f5ij8J5XyvA/s1600/IMAG0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bhaqnfVmag/Tt-zTrE3vgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/f5ij8J5XyvA/s320/IMAG0912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Glue, water, food coloring mixture all stirred up...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NI3n1LuN3Cs/Tt-zWhxr1XI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ITgGthF8KxI/s1600/IMAG0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NI3n1LuN3Cs/Tt-zWhxr1XI/AAAAAAAAAPM/ITgGthF8KxI/s320/IMAG0913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> After adding the glue/water mixture to the borax/water mixture....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kmWXV2UKTs/Tt-zaQuAwbI/AAAAAAAAAPU/YZQcZa1uZ4Q/s1600/IMAG0914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2kmWXV2UKTs/Tt-zaQuAwbI/AAAAAAAAAPU/YZQcZa1uZ4Q/s320/IMAG0914.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Slime :) After working it for a few minutes in the water. </div><br />
All three can be stored in ziplock bags indefinitely. If they start to get a little too dry, just add some water to your bag and it'll be like new again. This makes the PERFECT gift/stocking stuffer for that boy on your list!<br />
<br />
I would not recommend this for children under 3 as it should not be eaten.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-8788038787022984201?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-46620518014817879732011-12-06T18:46:00.000-07:002011-12-06T18:46:55.428-07:002011-12-06T18:46:55.428-07:00No Shampoo - 8 weeks & 3 days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have not used shampoo for 8 weeks and 3 days. So far I like it! I've had a few bad hair days, but nothing crazy and nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little dry shampoo or a hat :) I have ended up having a small amount of buildup - almost like dandruff or something - so I am working that out and going to try a few things. But my hair is fine. Totally fine. It's weird.<br />
<br />
I don't like that shampoo is full of chemicals. I don't like that it dries out your hair and kicks your scalp into overdrive, producing too much oil. I don't like HAVING to wash my hair every 3 days. I like the freedom of once a week hair. It makes me happy.<br />
<br />
I am trying the hemp oil today for the first time and I will let you know what I think. Yeah, yeah, I know. You want pics. Proof. Evidence. Fine then. Just a sec, I will make my son take some right now.......brb......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-040cHk8KmnY/Tt7FBy2zG5I/AAAAAAAAANs/N37JoQCsn6o/s1600/IMG_67951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-040cHk8KmnY/Tt7FBy2zG5I/AAAAAAAAANs/N37JoQCsn6o/s320/IMG_67951.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd3ldyNTUNs/Tt7FCgaYvRI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ucBDvtezQFA/s1600/IMG_67961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd3ldyNTUNs/Tt7FCgaYvRI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ucBDvtezQFA/s320/IMG_67961.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div>Not too shabby :) I tried the hemp oil and it's great :) I had wet hair and then rubbed a little on my hands and then put my hands through my ends and it made my hair quite smooth and soft. I think I will be using it more often, just on my ends. <br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-4662051801481787973?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-87021059313399165662011-12-01T09:46:00.000-07:002011-12-01T09:46:25.967-07:002011-12-01T09:46:25.967-07:00My Office - Part 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My "office" is a mess. Always. All the other rooms <strike>in my house</strike> on my main floor are pretty organized and clean - for the most part - and that is thanks to my good friend, Office. Here's a picture of him......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HzzuAUMdEM/TtepbWPzn_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/RGxEdSpY1DY/s1600/IMG_6747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_HzzuAUMdEM/TtepbWPzn_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/RGxEdSpY1DY/s320/IMG_6747.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Going in...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsKrPE4fWVI/Ttepj086CHI/AAAAAAAAAM8/9ziR-O5xMzQ/s1600/IMG_6748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QsKrPE4fWVI/Ttepj086CHI/AAAAAAAAAM8/9ziR-O5xMzQ/s320/IMG_6748.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Inside......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii0vMatHLjI/TtepsubkAwI/AAAAAAAAANE/EBlo5zLvRiM/s1600/IMG_6754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ii0vMatHLjI/TtepsubkAwI/AAAAAAAAANE/EBlo5zLvRiM/s320/IMG_6754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> What IS all this stuff??? Craft supplies, tools, junk that needs to be organized......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMsjB_9A5R0/Ttep0HhsyWI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tg1pU345C0o/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TMsjB_9A5R0/Ttep0HhsyWI/AAAAAAAAANM/Tg1pU345C0o/s320/IMG_6755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Storage for tools and sewing.....LOL</div><div style="text-align: center;"> What was I thinking?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Huag3iEEBzg/TteqFeQb3kI/AAAAAAAAANU/FKU_Q_tgUZo/s1600/IMG_6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Huag3iEEBzg/TteqFeQb3kI/AAAAAAAAANU/FKU_Q_tgUZo/s320/IMG_6756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Oh yeah, and the washer and dryer that aren't hooked up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YqdeMc4a3M/TteqNxYp_7I/AAAAAAAAANc/ORp6HFbaTTU/s1600/IMG_6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YqdeMc4a3M/TteqNxYp_7I/AAAAAAAAANc/ORp6HFbaTTU/s320/IMG_6757.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The floor......I think??</div><br />
Pretty ain't he? He's really accommodating and goes out of his way to help me out. All the time. He hangs on to all kinds of stuff for me while I get other, more important things done. There's a LOT going on in there. It is the craft/storage/ironing/sewing/tool/filing room as well as housing a future stackable & space saving laundry area. I know, a little too much for an approximately 10'x10' room. Poor guy :(<br />
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Let me introduce you to my other friend, Desk. You saw him already, but in case you missed it......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPfxFywr4UU/Ttet8zbB36I/AAAAAAAAANk/b_eAO4MZR7s/s1600/IMG_6754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pPfxFywr4UU/Ttet8zbB36I/AAAAAAAAANk/b_eAO4MZR7s/s320/IMG_6754.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This is where I am supposed to get all my crafting done. Obviously that isn't happening, so I have to haul out all my stuff to the dining room table and we eat 3 meals a day here, so that can't be for very long. Problem.<br />
<br />
I should insert here that I TOTALLY reorganize this room about once a month. It ends up looking great for about 2 days and then it's back to this again. I need to find a REAL solution. Fast. <br />
<br />
My intention is to fix this problem TODAY. I don't know what I am going to do exactly, but telling you about it is the first step. Telling you means I have to do something about it - <strike>I think. </strike>K. Going to do that now. Be back later with after pics........any after pics would be awesome in comparison to this! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-8702105931339916566?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-82203850395412878702011-12-01T08:41:00.000-07:002011-12-01T08:41:40.750-07:002011-12-01T08:41:40.750-07:00Middle Child?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you know me, it is common knowledge that I have been potty training my middle child for the past TWO YEARS. Enough said.<br />
<br />
I have tried everything. Nothing has worked. How many times have we heard that from parents?<br />
<br />
I really have, though. And I have been at a loss for awhile now. I have been very frustrated.<br />
<br />
My husband came home yesterday and said something to me that I think (and am hoping and praying) will make all the difference in the world.<br />
<br />
He said, "The oldest gets all the responsibility and privileges, the youngest gets all the attention, and the middle child is just stuck in the middle."<br />
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Ok those weren't his EXACT words, but they are my interpretation/paraphrase of them. My plan now has been to really spend time with her. I've given her attention in the past in hopes of it helping in the potty training area, but this is different. I think I need to change the way I am with her for the long haul. Reading a book to a kid one day and not the next 5 doesn't change anything. But really investing in who they are and getting down on their level on a moment by moment basis and including them in everything I do is what I am getting at here.<br />
<br />
This is Day 1. I will let you know how it's going :) I'm optimistic! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-8220385039541287870?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-47391101263109674762011-11-04T20:26:00.001-06:002011-11-04T20:31:39.360-06:002011-11-04T20:31:39.360-06:00No shampoo & decluttering pics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I promised you guys some pics of my hair since I have stopped using shampoo and I've been soooooo busy that I haven't had time to blog much. I've been decluttering my house like CRAZY and I have those pics here for you today, too! (Not pics of the house yet, but of what's come out of it)<br />
<br />
I haven't washed my hair with shampoo for 3 weeks and 6 days now! (I'm using water and sometimes baking soda and apple cider vinegar) So far so good. I've had some questions, so I'll try to answer those and if you have any more questions, please feel free to comment below and I'll get back to you!<br />
<br />
Q: Why not use shampoo?<br />
A: Because shampoo dries out your scalp and hair, stripping it of it's natural oils. Your scalp then goes into overdrive to produce MORE oil and you end up going back and forth between oily and dry. Not healthy.<br />
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Q: Why use baking soda and how much?<br />
A: Baking soda removes the buildup from your hair. I use about 2-3 tsp mixed into a cup of warm water. Pour it on my wet hair and massage my scalp, then rinse.<br />
<br />
Q: Vinegar? Can I use regular vinegar or does it have to be apple cider vinegar? Will I smell like vinegar when I get out of the shower?<br />
A: Vinegar acts as kind of a freshener/conditioner for your hair. You don't have to use apple cider vinegar, but it doesn't smell quite as strong as regular vinegar. You will not smell the vinegar when you get out of the shower. I use about 2 tsp mixed with 1 cup of warm water and pour it over my wet hair and then rinse. I use it after the baking soda treatment.<br />
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I also use a dry shampoo that I bought in the states called "batiste dry shampoo". It's like a talcum powder aerosol can and you just shake, spray it on your roots, work it in, and that's it. I use it maybe once a week.<br />
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Q: Was there a hat only stage?<br />
A: I think there would have been if I didn't curl my hair or use dry shampoo. Both of those things really helped. You can make your own dry shampoo by grinding oats into a powder (add cocoa powder to it if you have dark hair) and then work it into your roots and shake out/brush out vigorously over the tub. Sounds weird, but works. It took about 2 and a half - 3 weeks for my hair to feel great.<br />
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Q: Is your head itchy?<br />
A: The first week it was, but not at all since then.<br />
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Ok, so here's all the pics I promised! First hair pics and then all the junk I've gotten rid of this week! (except for the 6 garbage bags of stuff I got rid of at the beginning of the week)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFlvA65c3dk/TrScjSHJomI/AAAAAAAAAKg/KwMUa8wAx40/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rFlvA65c3dk/TrScjSHJomI/AAAAAAAAAKg/KwMUa8wAx40/s320/1.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2nxBG11D6k/TrSckzzlCeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hXXfLJ4QORE/s1600/IMAG07591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2nxBG11D6k/TrSckzzlCeI/AAAAAAAAAKo/hXXfLJ4QORE/s320/IMAG07591.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GIfTdBs-S8/TrScmYcyvMI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KfUltV1Kkfg/s1600/IMAG07601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8GIfTdBs-S8/TrScmYcyvMI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KfUltV1Kkfg/s320/IMAG07601.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I took these pics 10 minutes ago, so they are RECENT lol 3 weeks + 6 days with no shampoo!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WumiMdbQHNk/TrSf-73vK8I/AAAAAAAAALY/Ym6UDnqrpx8/s1600/IMAG07541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WumiMdbQHNk/TrSf-73vK8I/AAAAAAAAALY/Ym6UDnqrpx8/s320/IMAG07541.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhvgLgJnNjI/TrSdBnT3AAI/AAAAAAAAAK4/_yi01gmWWRA/s1600/IMAG0754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the back of my suburban loaded (there's a dresser under there!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWMnT8bpoKg/TrSdI1643OI/AAAAAAAAALA/g-ikCh2mOeM/s1600/IMAG0755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWMnT8bpoKg/TrSdI1643OI/AAAAAAAAALA/g-ikCh2mOeM/s320/IMAG0755.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> midsection of my vehicle :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsoNObm5Clg/TrSdNBCSfII/AAAAAAAAALI/g0ejIaZep-4/s1600/IMAG0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsoNObm5Clg/TrSdNBCSfII/AAAAAAAAALI/g0ejIaZep-4/s320/IMAG0756.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> There's the dresser and some chairs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcbhV9dOi7M/TrSdSMVmSaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6FelzDxi7_4/s1600/IMAG0757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IcbhV9dOi7M/TrSdSMVmSaI/AAAAAAAAALQ/6FelzDxi7_4/s320/IMAG0757.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">front seat, too :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't wait to take the next load away! It really feels great! </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-4739110126310967476?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-8774921117255079282011-10-25T10:19:00.001-06:002011-10-25T10:20:57.203-06:002011-10-25T10:20:57.203-06:00New and Improved Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey, guys :) So awhile back I posted a recipe for homemade laundry soap that I've been making and using for the past 2 years (and have loved) and you can find that <a href="http://maidenwalking.blogspot.com/2011/01/laundry-soap-and-mayonnaise.html">here</a>......however, I have found a new recipe that is a little easier, costs about the same, and I think I like a little more! The recipe was found <a href="http://greenwillowpond.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinerest-inspired-creation-1-laundry.html">here</a> at Green Willow Pond's blog and I'm going to share it with you today.<br />
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Pros:<br />
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1. It's a powder instead of a liquid, so you don't need the 5 gallon bucket and it takes up a lot less room in your laundry room.<br />
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2. It's better on stains!<br />
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3. It takes 5 minutes to make instead of 10-15 minutes. <br />
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4. It's still cheap cheap cheap!<br />
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K, so here it is:<br />
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1 cup Washing Soda<br />
1 cup Borax<br />
1/2 cup Oxiclean (I only used one scoop = 1/4 cup)<br />
1 bar of Ivory soap (I am pretty sure you can use whatever kind of soap you like)<br />
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Very finely grate the bar of soap and mix with the other ingredients. Store it in a mason jar with a measuring spoon attached. Use 1 heaping Tablespoon per load and 2 or 3 if the load is really dirty (work clothes, cloth diapers, etc) Use either hot or warm water when you start the wash, add the soap, then add your clothes. You can then switch it to cold water or whatever you prefer. The warm water just helps dissolve the soap at the beginning. I bought my Oxiclean at Walmart and it cost about 5 bucks and should last a few months for sure. Hope you like it as much as I do!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-877492111725507928?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-67229271422239249042011-10-24T08:41:00.000-06:002011-10-24T08:41:45.887-06:002011-10-24T08:41:45.887-06:00Too Much To Do and Too Little Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This is a topic that always comes up when women are talking.<br />
"Oh I've been sooo busy lately!"<br />
"There just isn't enough time in the day!"<br />
"I don't know how to get it all done!"<br />
"I can't keep up."<br />
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It's a common theme in all of our lives, no matter what our circumstances are. It doesn't matter if you have one kid or 7, work outside the home or stay home or work from home, married or not.......the tasks seem endless and the days too short. I find that I pendulum between "super-mom" and "losing-it-mom" most of the time. How do I find balance? I know I can't be super mom and I don't ever want to be losing-it-mom, but how do I do that?<br />
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One thing I have discovered is that the more kids you have, the worse it gets! There are more mouths to feed, more messes to clean, more stuff in the house to manage, more fighting going on, more training needed, more love to give, more safety concerns, more, more, more! I think it is possible to "wing it" (as is my personality and my preference) if you've got a couple kids - maybe - but past that and it's either going to be complete chaos or things are gonna run smoothly (aka discipline and a plan).<br />
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For years we've had the same old problems in our home -<br />
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I can't seem to keep up with the laundry (now it is worse than ever!)<br />
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There's too much clutter and we can't find what we need when we need it.<br />
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The dishes are endless and the kitchen is always a mess! (Matthew doesn't dare try to cook in there most of the time)<br />
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My office is a dumping ground and too small of a room with too much going on in it.<br />
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On top of all that, I am trying to get a workshop for my new business set up in my basement and because power tools and foster children don't mix, that means we have to have a whole room made for it - build a wall with a lockable door and move all my storage........<br />
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STEP 1: DECLUTTER<br />
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I am in the midst of GETTING RID OF AS MUCH STUFF AS POSSIBLE. Most of it is donated or thrown out and a few things have been sold, but there is much more to sell/get rid of. I think one issue is that, sure, I get rid of lots, but I get given lots, too! I'm gonna have to stop giving other people's junk a loving home.....that's all there is to it.<br />
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STEP 2: ORGANIZE WHAT YOU'VE GOT LEFT.<br />
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This is so much easier said than done and it's gonna be difficult if you still have too much stuff (which most of us are guilty of). The way I am doing this is I am making a list of all the things in my entire house that need storage. Example: Bedding, clothing, dishes, out of season platters/baking pans etc, sewing, keepsakes, toiletries, toys, files, artwork, tools, craft supplies, out of season clothing/coats/hats/mitts etc. , baby accessories (highchair, cradle, exersaucer, swing, etc). Then I decide where it should be stored, how much room it needs, if it needs to be purged further, and what it should be stored in.<br />
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What you store something in makes a HUGE difference. For example, all my kids clothes that don't fit are stored in rubbermaids labeled according to size, so every time I do laundry, the small pile of "no-longer-fits" is easy to put away in storage. But it's NOT easy to put away (even though it's so nicely categorized) cuz the rubbermaids are in a dark room in the basement - they are stacked on each other - and I have to unstack them, find the right one, and then take the lid off to put the stuff in = HASSLE. So what happens instead is I throw all the clothing in a grocery bag, run it down the stairs....and pitch it in a corner or on top of something to deal with on a rainy day. So I need to get some bins that have slide out drawers, like those craft carts, I think. Or dog food bins, or something like that, to store our out of seasons in.<br />
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IF YOU AREN'T GOING TO USE YOUR STORAGE SOLUTION THEN IT IS NOT A SOLUTION.<br />
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That's enough for today, I think. I guess this is now a "getting back on your feet" series and this is part 1. It's all about time management, stuff management, and discipline......not fun, but necessary and VERY rewarding :) This is gonna be fun! See you soon...........</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6722927142223924904?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-35251795401022720352011-10-04T10:24:00.001-06:002011-10-06T09:05:28.309-06:002011-10-06T09:05:28.309-06:00Intentions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"I didn't intend to leave my phone on my bumper"<br />
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"I didn't intend to lose my temper and yell at my kids"<br />
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"I didn't intend to forget to pay that bill on time"<br />
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We don't intend to. That's the problem. <b>WE NEED TO INTEND TO. </b><br />
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This morning I do not feel like being a good mother. I am tired. I am a little grumpy. I have a cold. I feel lazy. BUT I have kids and they are gonna go all haywire on me if I don't set some <b>GOOD INTENTIONS! </b><br />
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So for today, I needed to start off my day INTENDING TO BE A GOOD MOTHER.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you, Sharpie, for my custom mug this morning! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua-a64kMabw/Tosv9xq0KdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/JFJhjlliaAU/s1600/IMAG0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ua-a64kMabw/Tosv9xq0KdI/AAAAAAAAAJI/JFJhjlliaAU/s320/IMAG0662.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also have these reminders on my stove for me to read every time I am in the kitchen - which is often:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAz_IrfEUS4/TosugXFvwjI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WiuX2RZPunQ/s1600/IMAG0329+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PAz_IrfEUS4/TosugXFvwjI/AAAAAAAAAJE/WiuX2RZPunQ/s320/IMAG0329+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></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: center;">Left:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am the thermostat that sets the emotional climate for the entire home. I am positive, excited, and encouraged.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Middle:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not called to be perfect, I am called to be at peace. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Right:</div><div style="text-align: center;">My children are a BLESSING in my life and I am raising them to be a BLESSING to this world.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(you can find these at Hannnahkeeley.com!)<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I choose my thoughts carefully. I don't let my mind think what it wants. Instead, when I feel like crap, I think things like......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I would like to read with my children this morning!" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I am going to spend one-on-one time with each of my kids today and this is what I am going to do with each of them......" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"I can't wait to see how fabulous my kitchen is going to look when I have finished washing all these dishes! Maybe I'll make something yummy for dessert......"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Instead of thinking things like.......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Ugh. I have SO much housework to do. What is the point anyway? It's always such a mess. I can't keep up. And the kids are acting like brats! I wish they would just be quiet and clean up after themselves for once......"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So far so good :) I have a feeling that today is gonna be one of those FABULOUS days! ;)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</tbody></table><span class="versiontext">Philippians 4:8</span><br />
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.</td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-3525179540102272035?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-81874007320879963982011-09-24T22:06:00.000-06:002011-09-24T22:06:11.228-06:002011-09-24T22:06:11.228-06:00Yucky Dresser to Rustic Entry Table<div style="text-align: center;">I bought this dresser about 10 years ago for $5. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTpNgJBi0L4/Tn6kzmzM4qI/AAAAAAAAAIU/BTRVUd56I1w/s1600/IMAG0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oTpNgJBi0L4/Tn6kzmzM4qI/AAAAAAAAAIU/BTRVUd56I1w/s320/IMAG0509.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I call it the "gack" dresser because I painted a gack from a Dr. Seuss book on the side when Logan was a baby. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPZqKtRroPc/Tn6lIj4HASI/AAAAAAAAAIY/NooeDtxWs58/s1600/IMAG0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPZqKtRroPc/Tn6lIj4HASI/AAAAAAAAAIY/NooeDtxWs58/s320/IMAG0510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The dresser is well made, but the drawers always stuck, so I hated using it. The only reason I've kept it for so long is because of the gack I had painted on it. So for the last year and a half it has sat outside my back door, slowly weathering away. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided a couple weeks ago, to tear it apart and make something out of it AND save my gack painting. I ended up replacing all the pieces except for the top and the front (where the drawers used to slide in) which I made into the back of my new entry table. It was a learning experience but I love the end result! Here are some pics of the transition:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7itwjcQs-s/Tn6niHdJdPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/-cxW8uizNHI/s1600/IMAG0608_edit0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N7itwjcQs-s/Tn6niHdJdPI/AAAAAAAAAIw/-cxW8uizNHI/s320/IMAG0608_edit0.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A piece of old horse tack </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTsU93zSWII/Tn6nmNNLMNI/AAAAAAAAAI0/u0Km6RsYwCs/s1600/IMAG0610_edit0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTsU93zSWII/Tn6nmNNLMNI/AAAAAAAAAI0/u0Km6RsYwCs/s320/IMAG0610_edit0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRJ_V3iRY7U/Tn6nx06gubI/AAAAAAAAAI4/QtsFnhCnFf0/s1600/IMAG0612_edit0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cRJ_V3iRY7U/Tn6nx06gubI/AAAAAAAAAI4/QtsFnhCnFf0/s320/IMAG0612_edit0.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">view from the back</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Now the question is: Do I sell this beauty? Or do I keep her? Hmmm.......thoughts?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-8187400732087996398?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-71785995089603030702011-09-19T11:48:00.000-06:002011-09-19T11:48:26.789-06:002011-09-19T11:48:26.789-06:00My Fabulous Secret....EXPOSED! ;)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am in love.....with wood. I am sooo passionate about woodworking and I've made 2 little things so far and working on a 3rd bigger project that I won't tell you about yet. I will show you the things I've finished, though :) cuz I'm nice like that ;)<br />
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So the first is a gift for Marla (shhhh! don't tell her, cuz I haven't given it to her yet!) I saw this cute saying online and just HAD to make it my own! Marla has 3 boys and I wanted it to be a personalized gift, so I altered it a bit......You'll see what I'm talking about in just a minute. So I grabbed the side piece from an old drawer and the piece that the drawer would slide on......<br />
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and I turned it into this........</div>
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I hope she likes it :) Her kids names are River, Roman, and Jack, and thus came the "new" dictionary definition of Boy.<br />
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Second thing I made is the COOLEST. THING. EVER. I am truly in love with this project and I will let you in on a little secret at the end of this post! They are ancestor blocks. Know how we have these old pics of ancestors and we don't really know who they are or when they lived or how we're related to them? And we never really look at the pics and who wants to put up a framed pic on our limited walls of people we don't actually know? Well, I made this ancestor block, which sits on a shelf in my living room and I am making tons more! It is a pic of my (I think) great great grandfather, Edgar Saunders. He is my grandmother's (on my dad's side) grandfather. I say I think because she had an uncle with that name, so he could be my great great uncle, but I am going with grandfather for now, until I find out otherwise. Here's the block, front and back.....<br />
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I am planning on adding the year of birth/death under the name. Anybody related to me out there that happens to be reading this and happens to know that particular info - please let me know! lol thanks!</div>
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So wanna know my secret? 2 of my sisters and I are opening our own online store! It is in the works right now, so I will keep you posted. We will be handcrafting things out of natural materials as much as possible. I will be making things with wood, refinishing vintage furnishings etc (Marla will be working with me on this) and Gerda will be making jewellry and other accessories, all of which you can order for yourself! Yay! The online store will be coming very soon and is called .........(drum roll please!).....Wood Island Wonders! Wood Island is where our ancestors on my father's side were born and raised. It's a tiny Island in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, about a mile long and half a mile wide. No road, just a path, and no electricity or running water etc. I will let you know when it's up and running! Yay! We are starting a new Blog called Wood Island Wonders and will be putting up pics on there and you can order what you like. If you like something you see and want me to custom make something for you, let me know and I'll see what I can do. Still working out pricing and shipping costs and the like. Have a fabulous week!</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-7178599508960303070?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-68982855918518500932011-09-08T09:29:00.000-06:002011-09-08T09:29:39.204-06:002011-09-08T09:29:39.204-06:00My Woodworking Dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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When I was a kid, I was amazed by my mother's many talents. She was a teacher, had taken dancing, fencing (the fighting kind, not the building kind), had made a cool bookcase and a baby cradle BY HERSELF, and was a wealth of knowledge. She always had an answer for everything - unless it was something we wanted to do, in which case she would most often say, "Ask your father." And she had lots of kids. 8 to be exact. (I know cuz I was there)<br />
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It must be noted here that I am a little bit like my mother. <br />
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I remember ALWAYS wanting to be a mom when I grew up. (But I wanted more like 97 children, not 8) I wanted to be a nurse. Or a doctor. Or a carpenter. Or an artist or a missionary. AND I wanted to run an orphanage. I had decided all this by about the time I was 5 years old. What I didn't know is that I could (and would) be ALL those things.<br />
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I am a Mother to 2 beautiful, biological children.<br />
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I have been Mother to 4 beautiful foster children.<br />
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My children and my friends and neighbors are my mission field.<br />
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I've given medications, cleaned and bandaged woulds, cleaned up bodily fluids, pulled out splinters, tended to fevers and colds and rashes.<br />
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I am a teacher. (I know that one wasn't on my list, but I'm enjoying it!)<br />
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I am an artist and thrive with creativity.<br />
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But what about carpentry? I have dreamed and dreamed of adding this to my repertoire, but to date it hasn't happened.......until this week!<br />
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I discovered (thanks to my dear husband) a GOLD MINE in my own backyard! In the form of........an old shed. Actually 2 old sheds. He hauled them down with his truck (cuz he's cool like that...wink) and I have spent the last few days dismantling and de-nailing all the boards and shingles that I want to use for my projects. There's some pretty cool stuff out there! More weathered, distressed wood than I could use in a lifetime! I am ecstatic. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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And of course we discovered all this on our first day of school, so bookwork went out the window on Day 1 and we had the kids out there learning about wood :) in the great outdoors. The weather has been perfect and it's been a perfect family activity to start off our school year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vycNbT0Ge3U/TmjcQ46xU1I/AAAAAAAAAH0/8PQokzXv53E/s1600/VIDEO0016.3gp"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://v9.nonxt5.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D085c75bcec04426a%26itag%3D5%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1315516697%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D2F5F9BA924AD8DC7B6A3185642930E80A57B13A7.AB3B6BE313A72F51D9F28511F67E36CD67099100%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http://v9.nonxt5.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D085c75bcec04426a%26itag%3D5%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1315516697%26sparams%3Did,itag,ip,ipbits,expire%26signature%3D2F5F9BA924AD8DC7B6A3185642930E80A57B13A7.AB3B6BE313A72F51D9F28511F67E36CD67099100%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Coolest First Day of School Ever.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5NZXgtZywc/Tmjai9HX8NI/AAAAAAAAAHU/6mbU5gQEpkE/s1600/IMAG0482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5NZXgtZywc/Tmjai9HX8NI/AAAAAAAAAHU/6mbU5gQEpkE/s320/IMAG0482.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">They were eager to help!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HadxQfb63sk/Tmjay5zb60I/AAAAAAAAAHY/Z6VHb7tdpGo/s1600/IMAG0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HadxQfb63sk/Tmjay5zb60I/AAAAAAAAAHY/Z6VHb7tdpGo/s320/IMAG0486.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jasna wanted to help with everything :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nZvwL8Wuro/TmjbAATO2tI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DCZJpEdpFUo/s1600/IMAG0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7nZvwL8Wuro/TmjbAATO2tI/AAAAAAAAAHc/DCZJpEdpFUo/s320/IMAG0489.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Working with my kids is so fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YptFQj1ozIw/TmjbOQfvaJI/AAAAAAAAAHg/qmnvc6c_tyE/s1600/IMAG0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YptFQj1ozIw/TmjbOQfvaJI/AAAAAAAAAHg/qmnvc6c_tyE/s320/IMAG0491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Logan worked really hard!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNZpZesFraU/Tmjbmmr53vI/AAAAAAAAAHo/30qUwFHWfeY/s1600/IMAG0497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNZpZesFraU/Tmjbmmr53vI/AAAAAAAAAHo/30qUwFHWfeY/s320/IMAG0497.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv5-UloiyEk/TmjbztP3adI/AAAAAAAAAHs/2nkW_QVP2Ks/s1600/IMAG0504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv5-UloiyEk/TmjbztP3adI/AAAAAAAAAHs/2nkW_QVP2Ks/s320/IMAG0504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jasna surprised me with her nail-pulling capability! She just grabbed a hammer and jumped right in! (has to be the yellow one, though)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_sRm0h_XA/TmjcA0yacjI/AAAAAAAAAHw/SZAJrehvmKI/s1600/IMAG0505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae_sRm0h_XA/TmjcA0yacjI/AAAAAAAAAHw/SZAJrehvmKI/s320/IMAG0505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Daisy liked being with us while we worked :) And we liked being with her :) She rewarded us with lots of smiles!</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6898285591851850093?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-13598314852680686902011-09-03T14:37:00.001-06:002011-09-03T14:38:54.103-06:002011-09-03T14:38:54.103-06:00Family Rock Magnets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I wanted to do an easy, fun craft with the kids that would not end up being thrown out. I wanted it to cost nothing (use stuff on hand) and not be too difficult for Jasna, who is only 4, but fun enough for Logan, who is 10. This is what I came up with! (inspired by a blog I follow: <a href="http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2011/09/my-sponsors-rock.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PrettyHandyGirl+%28Pretty+Handy+Girl%29">http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2011/09/my-sponsors-rock.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PrettyHandyGirl+%28Pretty+Handy+Girl%29</a> and varied a bit)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Kids got some rocks from the driveway - small and smooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-l0Ft8NXbk/TmKI7jWt_EI/AAAAAAAAAGI/RnlX2zpwuU4/s1600/IMAG0434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b-l0Ft8NXbk/TmKI7jWt_EI/AAAAAAAAAGI/RnlX2zpwuU4/s320/IMAG0434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They washed them in warm, soapy water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HGixFsGj8k/TmKJFHJ85gI/AAAAAAAAAGM/WMT2hhoUHzg/s1600/IMAG0432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HGixFsGj8k/TmKJFHJ85gI/AAAAAAAAAGM/WMT2hhoUHzg/s320/IMAG0432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Got out the paints and brushes and paper plates and napkins (cuz I don't have paper towel) and cups of water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD_PgDW12Zg/TmKJQB21mII/AAAAAAAAAGQ/kX3c3tsI3mY/s1600/IMAG0438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PD_PgDW12Zg/TmKJQB21mII/AAAAAAAAAGQ/kX3c3tsI3mY/s320/IMAG0438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put a napkin or papertowel on the plate and wet it a little - this will keep your paints from drying up too soon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JtuBIWmsYs/TmKJ-d_guDI/AAAAAAAAAGU/E22bMTgpaKo/s1600/IMAG0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JtuBIWmsYs/TmKJ-d_guDI/AAAAAAAAAGU/E22bMTgpaKo/s320/IMAG0437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let 'em at it! Let them use their imaginations! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huW-IntDU4M/TmKMA65U7mI/AAAAAAAAAGY/KysDIdoqCUQ/s1600/IMAG0441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huW-IntDU4M/TmKMA65U7mI/AAAAAAAAAGY/KysDIdoqCUQ/s320/IMAG0441.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxIcf5ek4mg/TmKMIYOaADI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-HvRXZmnNgI/s1600/IMAG0444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxIcf5ek4mg/TmKMIYOaADI/AAAAAAAAAGc/-HvRXZmnNgI/s320/IMAG0444.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Like her "blue" shirt? lol she took her shirt off so she wouldn't get it messed up with paint) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mixing colors.....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jasna's.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PojRPLATbEk/TmKNbtdgvrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/t5KRmj8YPoU/s1600/IMAG0445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PojRPLATbEk/TmKNbtdgvrI/AAAAAAAAAG4/t5KRmj8YPoU/s320/IMAG0445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Logan's....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW4kw1MQbVk/TmKNp7YbfaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/scwRpUoV1hQ/s1600/IMAG0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW4kw1MQbVk/TmKNp7YbfaI/AAAAAAAAAG8/scwRpUoV1hQ/s320/IMAG0446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It turned into finger painting....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rFFPyob3U/TmKMckHuTMI/AAAAAAAAAGg/pctqih4RMLI/s1600/IMAG0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-rFFPyob3U/TmKMckHuTMI/AAAAAAAAAGg/pctqih4RMLI/s320/IMAG0447.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fbp4sKKGDE/TmKMmpzykJI/AAAAAAAAAGk/WD9thcOvNTU/s1600/IMAG0449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fbp4sKKGDE/TmKMmpzykJI/AAAAAAAAAGk/WD9thcOvNTU/s320/IMAG0449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then hand painting......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scV8R1DavhY/TmKMxc1DaII/AAAAAAAAAGo/uiLXQN3_7v4/s1600/IMAG0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scV8R1DavhY/TmKMxc1DaII/AAAAAAAAAGo/uiLXQN3_7v4/s320/IMAG0450.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrg9gvb53TA/TmKM5FBXNbI/AAAAAAAAAGs/L6pkKaO8pV4/s1600/IMAG0451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zrg9gvb53TA/TmKM5FBXNbI/AAAAAAAAAGs/L6pkKaO8pV4/s320/IMAG0451.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UJsYW7QGgk/TmKNDR3bRnI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Ez9xGNuMziE/s1600/IMAG0452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5UJsYW7QGgk/TmKNDR3bRnI/AAAAAAAAAG0/Ez9xGNuMziE/s320/IMAG0452.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And then ARM painting LOL!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzysCFv-yL0/TmKNACMAk2I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tgkrcub9L-8/s1600/IMAG0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzysCFv-yL0/TmKNACMAk2I/AAAAAAAAAGw/tgkrcub9L-8/s320/IMAG0453.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wash up your kids. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I encouraged Jasna to put her fingerprints on her rocks, since they were just solid colors. And Logan painted a design on each of his.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then we painted on a clear coat of Varathane. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next, glue them each onto a magnet. I used school glue and it worked just fine. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Top row: Logan's</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bottom row: Jasna's</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/-npMXX0Yjiuc/TmKOF4CUCWI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OshiOmCwyUc/s1600/IMAG0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-npMXX0Yjiuc/TmKOF4CUCWI/AAAAAAAAAHA/OshiOmCwyUc/s320/IMAG0461.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These ones weren't dry yet, so they hadn't made it onto the fridge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Left: Logan's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right: Jasna's</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAIS_0vU8xU/TmKOY50uZWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/LSOCvPxszOA/s1600/IMAG0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UAIS_0vU8xU/TmKOY50uZWI/AAAAAAAAAHE/LSOCvPxszOA/s320/IMAG0462.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to do one for each of the children we have had in our home. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This is before I put the clear coat on...... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPehOOMevrE/TmKOzOpQNiI/AAAAAAAAAHI/RxTQfoH7UB4/s1600/IMAG0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPehOOMevrE/TmKOzOpQNiI/AAAAAAAAAHI/RxTQfoH7UB4/s320/IMAG0456.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">and after the clearcoat.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XP196si_wmo/TmKPR9VNgoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/rJOxcA7pgFI/s1600/IMAG0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XP196si_wmo/TmKPR9VNgoI/AAAAAAAAAHM/rJOxcA7pgFI/s320/IMAG0457.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put 'em on the fridge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmfI0taK1Ms/TmKPctW3YJI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Wgmlhd0U5jI/s1600/IMAG0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UmfI0taK1Ms/TmKPctW3YJI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/Wgmlhd0U5jI/s320/IMAG0459.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I LOVE these :) </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-1359831485268068690?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-34539042690338535342011-08-26T14:31:00.002-06:002011-08-27T09:33:10.655-06:002011-08-27T09:33:10.655-06:00Faux Window Insert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Once a year (or so) I get super motivated to do a ton of projects around the house......for about a month. Well, this is that month, I guess. :) For quite awhile now, I've wanted to fake a window insert in the girls' bedroom window, but wasn't sure how I was gonna do it. My thoughts were: cheap/use what's on hand. As usual :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Luckily I couldn't find my white electrical tape anywhere (don't think it would've turned out as good as what I did use) and so I opted for this......</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzfgLQMLveQ/TlgAjVzmw_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/r2sHQXaBRO0/s1600/IMG_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JzfgLQMLveQ/TlgAjVzmw_I/AAAAAAAAAFs/r2sHQXaBRO0/s320/IMG_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Silver dollar store curling ribbon...Yay! I should write a book for all the uses for ribbon lol</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So this is the window before (which you can't see very well since it is daytime and there is so much light coming in)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URICuhNW-C0/TlgA0TfJiGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/0Vs42z2qKYw/s1600/IMG_0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URICuhNW-C0/TlgA0TfJiGI/AAAAAAAAAFw/0Vs42z2qKYw/s320/IMG_0556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They're old, dirty, and inefficient, with holes in the screen - yuck. boring. </div><br />
I used my "new" handy-dandy glue gun (thanks Dad #2) and measured and hot glued the ribbon in place. I opted for gluing it onto the back (outside) part of the window, instead of on the inside where the girls could rip it off. Plus it should hold up fine since there's another window panel between it and the outside.<br />
<br />
I got my diamond shapes a little off, but what I learned about measuring for them was:<br />
<br />
I measured my Left Height and divided that number by 3.<br />
I measured my Bottom Width and divided that number by 3.<br />
I measured from the Bottom to the Top on the Left side and marked every 9 1/4 in.<br />
Then from Top Left to Right every 7 1/4 in.<br />
Then from Top to Bottom on the Right side every 9 1/4 in.<br />
and from Bottom Right to Left every 7 1/4 in. <br />
Then I used a blue marker and marked the window frame with little dots where I would need to put glue.<br />
I started by gluing a piece of ribbon from Bottom Left corner to Top Right corner and then another piece from Bottom Right corner to Top Left corner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLcKNkEO0U/TlgBGPaLeGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/EHu1AHYZ_Sw/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YuLcKNkEO0U/TlgBGPaLeGI/AAAAAAAAAF0/EHu1AHYZ_Sw/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I glued my ribbons on diagonally. For the criss-crossing ribbon (the ones going in the opposite direction to the ones already glued on) I didn't have to measure, just line it up with the existing ribbons. Hope that made sense.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--twxCVm2kak/TlgBbSgRbBI/AAAAAAAAAF8/fKxOLzMjEtw/s1600/IMG_0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--twxCVm2kak/TlgBbSgRbBI/AAAAAAAAAF8/fKxOLzMjEtw/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like how the silver ribbon matches the windows so well :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">End result (after cleaning windows, of course):</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOZDXkVzi4o/TlgBlkhZnuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Hvh5fNhf6qA/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gOZDXkVzi4o/TlgBlkhZnuI/AAAAAAAAAGA/Hvh5fNhf6qA/s320/IMG_0563.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It gives the room more of a girly/castle feel :) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgaTVwKQ1cI/TlkOEpP667I/AAAAAAAAAGE/GMvbss_ZwcM/s1600/IMG_0571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DgaTVwKQ1cI/TlkOEpP667I/AAAAAAAAAGE/GMvbss_ZwcM/s320/IMG_0571.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Changed the curtains for now - made these a couple of years ago.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-3453904269033853534?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-54826999500077106732011-08-24T16:18:00.003-06:002011-08-24T16:21:10.821-06:002011-08-24T16:21:10.821-06:00Logan's New Study Nook<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So I got MOTIVATED today to do something, but I didn't know what. The list of what needs/I want to be done is seemingly endless......<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>organize my storage area</li>
<li>organize and CLEAN the laundry room</li>
<li>weed the gardens - I think that's useless at this point in the season</li>
<li>scrub down and fix up the "new" bbq I got off freecycle</li>
<li>facelift my kitchen - without spending any money (haven't figured out how yet)</li>
<li>paint the chairs to Sarah's kid's table</li>
<li>refinish our kids' table and chair set</li>
<li>refinish the computer desk</li>
<li>refinish our dining table</li>
<li>finish the walls in the entrance</li>
<li>fix the gate on the deck</li>
<li>create a bench in the entrance</li>
<li>........</li>
</ul>and so on and so forth.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So around noon I picked this closet that I didn't know what to do with......It's changed it's purpose so many times, but usually looks something like this........</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNE1-3cFjjQ/TlV3PrZ_vaI/AAAAAAAAAFY/1rYVZ5g7T0w/s1600/IMG_6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNE1-3cFjjQ/TlV3PrZ_vaI/AAAAAAAAAFY/1rYVZ5g7T0w/s320/IMG_6592.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">or worse.</div><br />
I don't have a whole room to dedicate to homeschool, so I have never really had a <i>place</i> for Logan to do his work. He just sits on the couch or at the dining room table - which has been fine. But the other day, I <i>again </i>asked him to take his books down to his room so the girls won't get them and he said, "Mom, I don't have anywhere to put my stuff up here. It's all your guys' stuff. Can't I have a shelf or something?" To which I didn't have an answer at that moment.<br />
<br />
So.........inspiration + motivation + 2 hours + napping babies =<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RV-aZylTa4/TlV3knsFQsI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7KILYDn7eq4/s1600/IMG_6595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RV-aZylTa4/TlV3knsFQsI/AAAAAAAAAFc/7KILYDn7eq4/s320/IMG_6595.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzzc1wXoMYw/TlV3wwiP6lI/AAAAAAAAAFg/KAs8knYE6QM/s1600/IMG_6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uzzc1wXoMYw/TlV3wwiP6lI/AAAAAAAAAFg/KAs8knYE6QM/s320/IMG_6597.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I used a can of paint I found in my basement that I didn't even know I had - I think I picked it up a couple years ago at the ECO station. I also had half a can of chalkboard paint left. I didn't have any rollers and I couldn't find my large paintbrush, so I was stuck with 2 options: Postpone the project until I had the proper tools (yeah right), or paint the closet with my 2" brush. I chose the latter - OF COURSE!!!<br />
<br />
I used a couple pieces of wood from the yard to make a shallow shelf and grabbed Matthew's cork board off the wall in the hallway (shhhh...don't tell!) and found a piece of fabric in my sewing closet that I like - ripped it to size and tacked it onto the board with thumbtacks. The bottom shelf in the closet is now his desk. I would've painted it white instead of blue but I didn't have enough white paint left. So I might do that later just to brighten it up a bit. I also need to put a light of sorts in there. I'm thinking a battery operated wall sconce from Home Depot. I'm quite happy with this project - fast and fun and functional - my fave!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNeVQ4BJ5Xo/TlV4ATFhvCI/AAAAAAAAAFk/TEyTvjtbzSU/s1600/IMG_6593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wNeVQ4BJ5Xo/TlV4ATFhvCI/AAAAAAAAAFk/TEyTvjtbzSU/s320/IMG_6593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkNqX1ti0m4/TlV4LDylAFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/MqFtpah5Zbo/s1600/IMG_6594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkNqX1ti0m4/TlV4LDylAFI/AAAAAAAAAFo/MqFtpah5Zbo/s320/IMG_6594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jasna is a great little helper :)</div><br />
The boys aren't home yet and haven't seen it. I really hope he likes it! So yeah, I've been super motivated lately.....who's gonna come pick up the pieces when I crash??? ;)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-5482699950007710673?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-58725901366999207112011-08-24T11:33:00.000-06:002011-08-24T11:33:56.893-06:002011-08-24T11:33:56.893-06:00Dollar Store Clothes Line & Our Family Name Scrabble Board<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div>Hey! 2 more projects that I did recently........<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I REALLY wanted to hang our clothes on the line (my favorite summer activity) and we don't have a clothes line, so I looked around to see what I could use and found this.........</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XlE18M-P_Q/TlUzaOSgFuI/AAAAAAAAAFA/D8IQDxGOIo8/s1600/IMG_6591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5XlE18M-P_Q/TlUzaOSgFuI/AAAAAAAAAFA/D8IQDxGOIo8/s320/IMG_6591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Actually the one I used was <span style="color: #f1c232;">yellow</span> but that one just rolled off the deck and I didn't feel like going to get it for the picture)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fabulous eh? Got this for free, but it was from a dollar store originally. So I wrapped it around this a few times and stretched it across my deck... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r11t4Wmn-7c/TlUz5GwdRkI/AAAAAAAAAFE/K97-6K0e5gk/s1600/IMG_6586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r11t4Wmn-7c/TlUz5GwdRkI/AAAAAAAAAFE/K97-6K0e5gk/s320/IMG_6586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">and wrapped it around another one over here......</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2I1zpd0ZpYg/TlU0G1sWO8I/AAAAAAAAAFI/Ekf6zofiK2A/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2I1zpd0ZpYg/TlU0G1sWO8I/AAAAAAAAAFI/Ekf6zofiK2A/s320/IMG_6588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">(you'll notice that there's rope in the pic, too, but that didn't come until after - explanation to follow)</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it works great! See?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gioaMHukII/TlU0mLIjozI/AAAAAAAAAFM/HFJWzvKOgaI/s1600/IMG_6517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0gioaMHukII/TlU0mLIjozI/AAAAAAAAAFM/HFJWzvKOgaI/s320/IMG_6517.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are 4 lines to use</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiFfOmuTUXQ/TlU0zsJDpEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CSKoQuapigo/s1600/IMG_6518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiFfOmuTUXQ/TlU0zsJDpEI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/CSKoQuapigo/s320/IMG_6518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So Matthew came home and I very excitedly showed him my creation and he promptly went out to the garage and found me some rope that he wasn't using - nice guy :) and so I actually only got to use the ribbon version once, so I cannot guarantee how long it would've lasted. But I LOVE my rope clothes line! (we're thinking of getting a real one soon, but this is working great, so we'll see)<br />
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Project #2: Family Name Scrabble Board.<br />
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I stole this idea from Matthew's parents, who have one hanging in the entry at their home.<br />
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Things you will need for this project:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Scrabble game</li>
<li>A family (preferrably one with people that have first names) </li>
<li>White school glue or any kind of glue really</li>
<li>15 minutes of your time</li>
</ul></div>And you figure out how you want your names configured on the board and glue them on. Then I glued our last name onto the thingy (don't know what it's called) and glued that on. Ta da!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuNxNQMN6iQ/TlU1KY5sT_I/AAAAAAAAAFU/_znjZqEebGQ/s1600/IMG_6584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuNxNQMN6iQ/TlU1KY5sT_I/AAAAAAAAAFU/_znjZqEebGQ/s320/IMG_6584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Like it? (That's a question - me likes comments) :)</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-5872590136699920711?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-60654680426957633972011-08-23T16:35:00.001-06:002011-08-23T16:36:07.202-06:002011-08-23T16:36:07.202-06:00From Bed to Gate and Our Latest Craft!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey, so I had these leftover parts from a taken apart IKEA twin bed that have been sitting in my basement for......well, a long time. And I NEEDED another baby gate cuz Daisy LOVES to run down the hall and go in the bathroom after someone leaves the door open and splash in the toilet.<span style="color: magenta;"> YUCK! </span>We've kept this bucket of blocks in the hallway to keep her out....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN8Qpl1A3x8/TlQm-4BYa5I/AAAAAAAAAEI/vTlzllg7R7s/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hN8Qpl1A3x8/TlQm-4BYa5I/AAAAAAAAAEI/vTlzllg7R7s/s320/IMG_6582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
but it's annoying to move or jump over (especially for Jasna) and Daisy is so strong that she is starting to be able to move it just enough to squeeze thru!<br />
<br />
So I took a headboard and a footboard like this one (only red)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcqpwEFasCE/TlQnQYKfxrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/jsanOeG-8X4/s1600/IMG_6579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CcqpwEFasCE/TlQnQYKfxrI/AAAAAAAAAEM/jsanOeG-8X4/s320/IMG_6579.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and flipped one of them upside down and attached them to each other. (To keep Daisy from crawling underneath) and this is how it looks in our hallway....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPdDaSiUCUU/TlQnZBLlIiI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/TIDGMKwrKBo/s1600/IMAG0416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPdDaSiUCUU/TlQnZBLlIiI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/TIDGMKwrKBo/s320/IMAG0416.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QISj52VnbBc/TlQne1KE1XI/AAAAAAAAAEU/hsgJrW7AXdw/s1600/IMAG0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QISj52VnbBc/TlQne1KE1XI/AAAAAAAAAEU/hsgJrW7AXdw/s320/IMAG0417.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
I may paint it at some point, but I'll haven't decided.<br />
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The other project for the day was inspired by this......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmVqYRnsKbI/TlQnydcaYdI/AAAAAAAAAEY/XrxO7xyUNlk/s1600/IMG_6580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmVqYRnsKbI/TlQnydcaYdI/AAAAAAAAAEY/XrxO7xyUNlk/s320/IMG_6580.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
given to me by my good friend, Amber, from her trip to Africa. I thought it was so cool so I decided to help Jasna make one to hang on her door. So out came the old sheet<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVWxWOKhboc/TlQn9iqy3kI/AAAAAAAAAEc/r5ziR8Xh3p8/s1600/IMG_6566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nVWxWOKhboc/TlQn9iqy3kI/AAAAAAAAAEc/r5ziR8Xh3p8/s320/IMG_6566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
and some cut off dowels from my last project (that I didn't blog about - a spring horse that needed new dowels to be functional. It sat on my deck for years, waiting patiently for it's turn to get fixed and now it is - see!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OgccoFMAHY/TlQoMiYVA8I/AAAAAAAAAEg/_XNzOnZ8CaU/s1600/IMG_6578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OgccoFMAHY/TlQoMiYVA8I/AAAAAAAAAEg/_XNzOnZ8CaU/s320/IMG_6578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">dowels</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF3DL9N7ynY/TlQooTZRVEI/AAAAAAAAAEk/FqeUgyiQehk/s1600/IMG_6583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF3DL9N7ynY/TlQooTZRVEI/AAAAAAAAAEk/FqeUgyiQehk/s320/IMG_6583.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">spring horse with new dowels (and so faded from sitting in the sun for years)</div><br />
I sawed one of the dowels by hand cuz it was the wrong size and I couldn't find my extension cord for my table saw, and then I grooved each dowel on each end with........yeah, my serrated kitchen steak knife - I'm just a "use-what's-on-hand" kind of girl ;)<br />
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I ripped my sheet into a long rectangle and folded over the edges and then ironed the edges down.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvGEWTnRHA4/TlQpHnrxKMI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Ct146C9aVlk/s1600/IMG_6570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gvGEWTnRHA4/TlQpHnrxKMI/AAAAAAAAAEo/Ct146C9aVlk/s320/IMG_6570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then I let Jasna have-at-it with the paint - she loved the green </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cql-u0P-9EM/TlQpV0w9L1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/O1SbMG3pfVE/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cql-u0P-9EM/TlQpV0w9L1I/AAAAAAAAAEs/O1SbMG3pfVE/s320/IMG_6571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rruantx9Fd4/TlQpnSDNyCI/AAAAAAAAAEw/QDoy5vtTvuk/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rruantx9Fd4/TlQpnSDNyCI/AAAAAAAAAEw/QDoy5vtTvuk/s320/IMG_6573.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBzKGqlqjj8/TlQpx1-VoHI/AAAAAAAAAE0/7KZPezEHPHg/s1600/IMG_6574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OBzKGqlqjj8/TlQpx1-VoHI/AAAAAAAAAE0/7KZPezEHPHg/s320/IMG_6574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then when it dried, I glued the sides down and glued the twine between the cloth on each end. Then tied the twine into the grooves on the dowels, and glued a piece of twine for the handle. Outside it went to dry again.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_yQlXY9Iko/TlQqVnX4jkI/AAAAAAAAAE4/90QcKIlmEHY/s1600/IMG_6576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S_yQlXY9Iko/TlQqVnX4jkI/AAAAAAAAAE4/90QcKIlmEHY/s320/IMG_6576.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And this is the finished product........</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDc0zr07IbM/TlQqn81zKNI/AAAAAAAAAE8/dvym_hURss4/s1600/IMAG0418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DDc0zr07IbM/TlQqn81zKNI/AAAAAAAAAE8/dvym_hURss4/s320/IMAG0418.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">pretty cool eh? Favorite craft to date :)</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6065468042695763397?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-83219804136817002582011-08-23T13:30:00.004-06:002011-08-23T13:36:55.195-06:002011-08-23T13:36:55.195-06:00A Woman's Face<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So we've all got faces and we use 'em for many things. Mainly they help us to portray to others how we are feeling. Facial expressions can help or hinder us in our attempts to communicate, though. Here's an example from my life that I've run into countless times..........<br />
<br />
I was really busy, running one of my fundraising things (there was a lot going on), when someone said to me, "Hey, it's ok to smile!" I was a little stunned. I had no idea that my face was communicating misery! I was having a fantastic time, but I forgot to consciously make my face reveal that.<br />
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Sounds dumb, I know, but I've gotten this one a lot in my life. Friends often asking, "what's wrong??" when life couldn't be better!<br />
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When I was younger, early 20s, people often thought I was mad or upset because of the tone of voice I used. That was just how I had always talked. That's just the way I was. I wasn't upset, I was just me. But I had to make a decision to change that about myself because I want to be a better person. I don't want to stay in the muck just cuz that's where I've been for a long time. That doesn't make any sense.......unless you like muck, I guess.<br />
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So I will keep this one short and sweet, but I want you women to do a couple of things this week....<br />
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<br />
1. Go in front of a mirror and make all of your typical facial expressions at yourself and see what they really look like. Then pick out the ones you'd like to drop and make an effort not to let those expressions cross your face.<br />
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<div class="line" id="p20015001_01-1">2. Pay close attention to the tone of voice you are using when you are talking to your family members.<b style="color: magenta;"> Who you are at home is who you really are.</b> When you combine the harsh tone of voice with the bad facial expression - that can be pretty uninviting. </div><div class="line" id="p20015001_01-1"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc-NNwv4FMw/TlPz5Xz6POI/AAAAAAAAAEE/ihij5I0leCM/s1600/IMAG0412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc-NNwv4FMw/TlPz5Xz6POI/AAAAAAAAAEE/ihij5I0leCM/s320/IMAG0412.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><div class="line" id="p20015001_01-1" style="text-align: center;"> Who would wanna kiss <i><b>THAT</b></i> face??</div><div class="line" id="p20015001_01-1" style="color: blue;"><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">Proverbs 15:1</span></div><div class="line" id="p20015001_01-1" style="color: magenta;">A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.</div><span style="color: blue;"> </span> <br />
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3. Be positive. There is sooo much negativity all around us and it isn't doing anyone any good! Some people like to call it "realism" but we already know that the world is a bad place sometimes, so why focus and dwell on that?? Being positive enables you to<span style="background-color: black;"></span> have peace in tough or unpleasant situations and it helps the people around you, too. So choose a positive thought, choose a positive word, choose a positive action. No one wants to be around a complainer - so don't be one.<br />
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The End.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-8321980413681700258?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-58639375413582453742011-08-16T11:47:00.000-06:002011-08-16T11:47:44.621-06:002011-08-16T11:47:44.621-06:00Kids' chairs project!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hey! It's THE NEXT DAY since my last post! Aren't I doing good!!? :) So, on <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">www.freecycle.org</a> you can get anything and everything for FREE! You DO have to offer some things from time to time to keep things fair and flowing, of course, but it's fabulous! So I found these little kids' chairs on freecycle last week and they looked great.....BUT they had no seats. No problem. I asked for them, went and picked them up, and got to work. They are in great shape....see?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYXzfXqKENU/TkqqDOAKlFI/AAAAAAAAADU/klUeQ4DuIn0/s1600/IMG_6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uYXzfXqKENU/TkqqDOAKlFI/AAAAAAAAADU/klUeQ4DuIn0/s320/IMG_6480.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So I started by using a flat screwdriver to scrape the remnants of the old, missing seat off of the front and back edges of the chairs....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPu68k3FQA/TkqqP-RUFII/AAAAAAAAADY/tGscnIuJBAo/s1600/IMG_6483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwPu68k3FQA/TkqqP-RUFII/AAAAAAAAADY/tGscnIuJBAo/s320/IMG_6483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Then I found a board from an old Ikea bed I had laying around. I'm sure you've all seen these before :) I have an abundance of them and they are GREAT for stuff like this :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPj_HEqtKuA/TkqqadQ2yKI/AAAAAAAAADc/e8IvGoBIKBA/s1600/IMG_6485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPj_HEqtKuA/TkqqadQ2yKI/AAAAAAAAADc/e8IvGoBIKBA/s320/IMG_6485.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I used my handy-dandy, scary table saw to cut the board in 3 pieces - each 10 1/2 inches long.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxwROUlZkKY/TkqqnvipGVI/AAAAAAAAADg/ZnbDE0eHbTQ/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LxwROUlZkKY/TkqqnvipGVI/AAAAAAAAADg/ZnbDE0eHbTQ/s320/IMG_6497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XP3ftbIBfY/Tkqqzkx_hpI/AAAAAAAAADk/SXT5oqQ1AyY/s1600/IMG_6486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XP3ftbIBfY/Tkqqzkx_hpI/AAAAAAAAADk/SXT5oqQ1AyY/s320/IMG_6486.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9m039bM7oE/Tkqrc1aHh5I/AAAAAAAAADs/NQ36L9jJqdg/s1600/IMG_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I had to use pliers to pull out those staples and fabric.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The edges were really rough and splintery, so I used my green sandpaper (given to me by my sister, Gerda - thanks, G!) and sanded the ends smooth....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cI_BqDhPr20/Tkqrr4r90JI/AAAAAAAAADw/lrDKbqK5FmA/s1600/IMG_6495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cI_BqDhPr20/Tkqrr4r90JI/AAAAAAAAADw/lrDKbqK5FmA/s320/IMG_6495.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3lVwcFMzDg/Tkqr2GkK7GI/AAAAAAAAAD0/jIZmKr2ztIA/s1600/IMG_6503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3lVwcFMzDg/Tkqr2GkK7GI/AAAAAAAAAD0/jIZmKr2ztIA/s320/IMG_6503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I used these finishing nails to nail them onto the edges of the frame. I was a little worried that the wood might split, but I just tried to nail the boards in an area that wasn't right on the grain......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLuuW5HnYos/TkqsBt_DS2I/AAAAAAAAAD4/vZuC94MzuNg/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eLuuW5HnYos/TkqsBt_DS2I/AAAAAAAAAD4/vZuC94MzuNg/s320/IMG_6494.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9u5P2bnF2IQ/TkqsLu9mO7I/AAAAAAAAAD8/6V5CP8E5kFE/s1600/IMG_6490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9u5P2bnF2IQ/TkqsLu9mO7I/AAAAAAAAAD8/6V5CP8E5kFE/s320/IMG_6490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfxBZ35D9Uw/Tkqse2JbpgI/AAAAAAAAAEA/pNDzUY7VQzo/s1600/IMG_6491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lfxBZ35D9Uw/Tkqse2JbpgI/AAAAAAAAAEA/pNDzUY7VQzo/s320/IMG_6491.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And VOILA! A beautiful, little kids' chair - perfectly functional and safe :)</div><br />
I may woodburn my kids' names in the backs of the chairs and maybe even do a woodburned design on the seats, but we'll see :) If I do, I will for sure update this post and add those pics! I just LOVE a fun + quick project! This project took me about 20 minutes per chair..... </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-5863937541358245374?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-64888518579556801542011-08-15T14:19:00.000-06:002011-08-15T14:19:12.992-06:002011-08-15T14:19:12.992-06:00Couponing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wow. I'm a bad blogger! I guess I have just gotten caught up in all the summertime stuff and let this slide - sorry guys! I am making a commitment to writing at least once a week - here goes! So as promised, I will say a few words about my couponing experiences so far :) I've bought an album from Walmart and the wallet size photo sheets and the dividers. I've categorized my coupons that I'll be using and I put 2 empty sheets in the front of my binder. So I plan my shopping trip and meals around the stuff that's on sale in the store flyers, then I add coupons, then I try to go shopping on the 15 percent off day (which I just heard may become a no-no - using coupons on 15 percent off day. at Saveon anyway) I planned which coupons I would be using and put those IN THE FRONT SHEET OF MY BINDER, still categorized - like with like - so they'd be easy to find. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACe8EuQMVlw/Tkl466drw1I/AAAAAAAAADM/WDpXFyfFHg0/s1600/IMG_6477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ACe8EuQMVlw/Tkl466drw1I/AAAAAAAAADM/WDpXFyfFHg0/s320/IMG_6477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHO7Bb3Y49g/Tkl3tOVrILI/AAAAAAAAADI/p4uGQ9lvAH4/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHO7Bb3Y49g/Tkl3tOVrILI/AAAAAAAAADI/p4uGQ9lvAH4/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>SO......trip # 1 I didn't write my shopping list til I was IN THE STORE PARKING LOT!!! lol silly me, but I needed to go that night and I really wanted to try out couponing. It was not a 15 percent off day, but I saved $29 using coupons and another $33 using my saveon card, equalling a total of $62 of savings! Yay for my first attempt! It was fabulous. And worthwhile :)<br />
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Trip #2 I also saved about $69 but I could've saved more if I had planned better. I went to three stores (all near each other) First Walmart (cuz there are certain things I buy there - like bread) but I bought too many things at Walmart since that is what I am used to doing. I should have bought a lot more of those things at Saveon since it was 15 percent off day - but I still saved lots, so I am happy. Oh if you are wondering how much I would've spent - the bill was $309 and I only paid $240!<br />
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I can think of SO many things I would rather spend that $69 on! Where do I get my coupons? Well, so far Save.ca, websaver.ca, brandsaver.ca, gocoupons.ca, and womenfreebies.ca. You can also get them in the weekend paper and at the stores you shop at. I am starting to get the hang of it and am glad to save some dollars here and there - it makes a big difference in the long run!<br />
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My favorite savings so far is on formula. I buy Enfamil A+ which is about $28.95 a can! It was on sale for $24.95 + I had a coupon for $5 off + I had another coupon for $3 off + it was 15 percent off day at Saveon so that equals a savings of $14.54 and I paid $14.41 for the can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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There. That's my post. As promised and very late :) Cheers! </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6488851857955680154?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-21140962833771553082011-07-16T11:11:00.002-06:002011-07-16T20:41:30.181-06:002011-07-16T20:41:30.181-06:00Porch Swing Cushions and Kid's Table MakeoverSorry there's been nothing from me in over A MONTH! We have a new addition to the family - baby Kailyn! She's a preemie and she's lovely, but she sure keeps me up at night and if I can keep up with the housework - I'm doing good! Blogging?? What's that? lol Ok, so I have had a ton of things I want to blog about, but at the moment I can't seem to remember any of them! So consider this a life update :)<br />
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Right now I am working on a couple of projects and having a lot of fun with them. I am considering adding a DIY category to this blog..........ok, I am. :) My latest projects are a new set of cushions for my cushion-less, free, porch swing (got the swing off of freecycle). And my other project that I am in the middle of is refinishing and repairing a really old kids' table and chairs for my Sister-in-laws' little girls. Table is half done. It had a badly broken leg, which I glued and then sanded the whole table and repainted it. I have free-handed a stencil on the table top that I like and I still have to paint it. (maybe today?) I still have to finish sanding the 2 chairs and do a small stencil on each and paint the girls' names on the backs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDjkYnpqkmo/TiHDTKkVcsI/AAAAAAAAACg/4arfUVar8fo/s1600/IMAG0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDjkYnpqkmo/TiHDTKkVcsI/AAAAAAAAACg/4arfUVar8fo/s320/IMAG0198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WwOxH4KMBg/TiHDz-CMIHI/AAAAAAAAACw/renoDw6rfN0/s1600/IMAG0229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1WwOxH4KMBg/TiHDz-CMIHI/AAAAAAAAACw/renoDw6rfN0/s320/IMAG0229.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi_i22L7DZI/TiJLyBJ4ABI/AAAAAAAAADE/oqyff2SuBPU/s1600/IMAG0231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi_i22L7DZI/TiJLyBJ4ABI/AAAAAAAAADE/oqyff2SuBPU/s320/IMAG0231.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
The swing cushions were pretty easy. I should share at this point the I love DIY, but I also love to cut corners and do things cheaply (if possible without wrecking the outcome). I am a results kind of girl. I had the very worn out cushions that came with the swing - so I "de-fabricced" them. They weren't nearly thick enough to just recover, so I put ALL of the cushions (back and seat) together to make one thick cushion. Then I found some foam on freecycle that was in the form of a camper mattress. I picked that up for the seat of my swing and cut it to the right size with a knife. I found some upholstery fabric leftovers at Walmart for $3 A YARD!!!! and bought it. (I was not too worried about getting outdoor fabric cuz our swing is under our gazebo and won't be getting that wet).<br />
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So then I took 30 MINUTES, lol, and "sewed" my cushion covers. I laid out the rectangle of fabric on the floor, put the foam in the center, folded the fabric over and HAND-SEWED it with very large stitches. Looks great. Works. Sooooo comfy. And if it's really thundering out there, I can just bring the cushions in for the night (the swing is on our deck). Besides, the little girls LOVE to play on them and pretend they are beds :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMa1El0z5x4/TiHEIBKNKLI/AAAAAAAAAC4/6ebV_wQHLvc/s1600/IMAG0225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uMa1El0z5x4/TiHEIBKNKLI/AAAAAAAAAC4/6ebV_wQHLvc/s320/IMAG0225.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwCDaY_S7kY/TiHEQUHTmtI/AAAAAAAAAC8/-5fHkU9UWvE/s1600/IMAG0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwCDaY_S7kY/TiHEQUHTmtI/AAAAAAAAAC8/-5fHkU9UWvE/s320/IMAG0226.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESwkH_ZkOA4/TiHEXlkyZ9I/AAAAAAAAADA/TgnmWPYi0pQ/s1600/IMAG0228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESwkH_ZkOA4/TiHEXlkyZ9I/AAAAAAAAADA/TgnmWPYi0pQ/s320/IMAG0228.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My next projects are a rocking chair that needs to be refinished and cushions made, and I would like to spray paint my porch swing a dark brown (right now it's a yucky faded porch-swing green). I am sharing a link to one of my all-time FAVORITE DIY craft projects ever. It's soooo cool, you just have to check it out! Hope you enjoyed today's post and hopefully I'll get enough sleep this week to be able to come back here more often! Here are 2 links. One for Freecycle and the other for that project I love :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">www.freecycle.org</a><br />
<a href="http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/07/photograph-tiles-from-midwestern-sewing.html">http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2011/07/photograph-tiles-from-midwestern-sewing.html</a><br />
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On Freecycle, everything is FREE! Give stuff and get stuff :) Free to sign up :) It keeps stuff out of the landfill and one woman's trash is another woman's treasure!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-2114096283377155308?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-75804756114545875032011-06-13T11:38:00.000-06:002011-06-13T11:38:47.172-06:002011-06-13T11:38:47.172-06:00Schools are for Fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Don't take offense to the title of this post. I am not judging anyone, nor do I think it is wrong to send your kids to school. It is totally a personal decision and is different for everyone. I just heard this "schools are for fish" recently and had to laugh. I am a homeschooler, as most of you know. I was homeschooled, my husband was homeschooled, my mother-in-law is STILL homeschooling (unschooling actually), and now we homeschool our kids.<br />
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Why????<br />
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Some days I ask myself that same question. So much work! Well...some days it feels that way, but really it's not.<br />
I homeschool because <b>I get to be with my kids all the time and I don't miss anything! </b><br />
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I am best friends with them because I know so much about them. I spend so much time with them. I can guide and love and laugh with them. It's FUN!<br />
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I am learning just as much as they are, if not more, and I love learning!<br />
It is a blessing to be able to teach my children. I get to choose what they learn, when they learn it, how they learn it, if it's important for them to learn it, etc.<br />
Each child learns differently, so we tweak our "curriculum" to meet their specific needs. They get one on one whenever they need it.<br />
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They are learning life skills at home with their siblings. Learning to get along with people is very important and what better way than to learn to get along with your own siblings? It's easy to be nice to a stranger. Not so much when it's your own flesh and blood. That takes SKILLS! (and patience)<br />
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Some days, we do lots of bookwork. I like to have goals for the kids and actually cover material........<u>BUT</u> if it ain't fun and it ain't colorful and it ain't interesting.......we don't do it! I spend a bit of time each summer talking with the kids to find out what they hated about the previous school year, how they wish it could be different, and what they would rather do. Then I go through some curriculum websites and store websites and find stuff that will teach them what they need to learn in a way they will LOVE to learn it. If they love learning, they will learn. If they hate every minute of it and you have to spoon feed it to them, then it's probably a waste of everybody's time.<br />
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Logan really didn't like math and it was such a drag to try to get him to do it. But he loves computer, so now we do math on the computer and it's his favorite subject! (He also really likes to play monopoly a lot, which teaches him how to be $$$ savvy)<br />
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Today, he wasn't really into doing bookwork. He was struggling with a couple of things and was having trouble concentrating, so instead I got him to take apart Daisy's music box that wasn't working so well and figure out how it works and what's causing it to jam up and fix it. So much more fun, so much more practical, and a very useful skill. Problem solving and mechanics 101......never mind relationship building and a very nice thing to do for his sister!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3-tcO7ZdY/TfZJrTJWUNI/AAAAAAAAACc/zBpecLdG27I/s1600/IMG_6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3-tcO7ZdY/TfZJrTJWUNI/AAAAAAAAACc/zBpecLdG27I/s320/IMG_6402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then Jasna wanted to rollerblade........IN THE HOUSE. lol That's what you get when you're on an acreage and nothing is paved, I guess. So Logan put on his rollerblades, too, and they rollerbladed around my dining room for a bit. Now they are in the playroom playing VERY nicely together. Using their imaginations. Logan asked if he could teach Jasna how to play spongebob monopoly later.........sure! That sounds very educational and would be a great relationship builder and character builder all in one! Go for it.<br />
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</div>Yes, we'll get to the boring Language Arts book later today, but I'll find a way to make it interesting for him. He'll get to have some quality time with mom, which he values, and then maybe when we're done that we can compete on his new Mario DS game! (I'm soooo gonna win this time!)<br />
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Jasna comes up to me <i>all the time</i> and says stuff like,<br />
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"Mama, please can you teach me how to make cupcakes!!!!"<br />
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"Mama, please can you teach me how to play this game!"<br />
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"Mama, please can you teach me how to make dresses!"<br />
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"Mama, please can you teach me how to make lemonade!"<br />
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You get the idea. She wants me to teach her everything. Yesterday it was making french toast. She is gonna make some guy a nice little wife some day! :)<br />
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So those are some of the reasons we homeschool. Not all the reasons, but it's a start :) Enjoy the pics!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50CWsJjW9Ms/TfZJUAC4T2I/AAAAAAAAACQ/uQVpyjC39A0/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50CWsJjW9Ms/TfZJUAC4T2I/AAAAAAAAACQ/uQVpyjC39A0/s320/IMG_6366.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U66PbkGNFOE/TfZJbjoEY1I/AAAAAAAAACU/n_2I30FSOds/s1600/IMG_6381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U66PbkGNFOE/TfZJbjoEY1I/AAAAAAAAACU/n_2I30FSOds/s320/IMG_6381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-7580475611454587503?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-60722063433304911042011-06-13T00:30:00.001-06:002011-06-13T00:33:46.904-06:002011-06-13T00:33:46.904-06:00My Second Chance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When faced with death, people react differently. If you know you are dying, you can do some of the things you want to do before you die. People say things like, "If I had another chance, I'd.......<br />
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..tell my family I loved them more often."<br />
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..live debt free."<br />
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..make amends with people in my life."<br />
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..spend more time with my kids."<br />
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..work less."<br />
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..enjoy every moment."<br />
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..live and walk closer to God."<br />
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..truly serve God with every bit of my life."<br />
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4 years ago, today, I got a second chance at life. I was hanging in the balance between life and death for days after delivering our sweet daughter, Jasna. The doctors weren't sure if I'd make it. My chances were slim. I suffered an amniotic embolism where the survival rate was 1 in 5. Not good. And then I had to have an emergency hysterectomy where the survival rate was 1 in 2. Many many complications followed and I spent a total of 30 days in the hospital. The doctors were amazing, but I wouldn't have made it if it weren't for the prayers of so many around the world.<br />
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I felt strongly, and still do, that God has a plan for my life. I don't know exactly what that entails, but I'm excited about it.<br />
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4 years later, I look back and I reflect. I remember that time vividly, even though I was quite drugged throughout most of it. I ask myself if I am living up to my second chance. Am I doing, daily, the things I would do if I were given a second chance?<br />
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Am I spending more time with my kids?<br />
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Am I living debt free? (or trying to)<br />
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Am I making amends where they need to be made?<br />
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Am I utilizing every moment for God and His glory?<br />
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Am I in constant communication and relationship with my God?<br />
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Am I being the wife that my husband needs?<br />
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Am I enjoying every moment?<br />
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Am I sharing and helping and loving as much as possible?<br />
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It's good to think about all of that. Every day is a new day.<br />
I am thankful for every moment I have.<br />
I am thankful for my family and friends.<br />
I am thankful for the blood that people gave so I could live. (over 100 units)<br />
I am thankful for my life.<br />
I am thankful for my Creator.<br />
I am living up to this second chance the best that I know how, with His help.<br />
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Having been so close to death gives me a new and wonderful perspective on life. I am thankful for what I went through because of this end result. Going through that was worth what I know now. And so I am doing my best, with His help, to spend my energies on being positive, not negative. On loving everyone I can. On doing my best with what I've been blessed with. Tremendous blessings. I feel as though I have a responsibility to not waste this precious life that is coursing through my veins. Each life is a gift and living it wisely and fully is an honor to our King. <br />
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Thank you, Jesus, for saving me......more than once.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6072206343330491104?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-56643562962095163612011-06-08T15:54:00.000-06:002011-06-08T15:54:19.622-06:002011-06-08T15:54:19.622-06:00Precious Flower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been quite overwhelmed lately with facing the possibility of losing my Daisy. There have been days where the tears were too hard to fight back. I was reading in Matthew the other day and praying about Daisy and what might happen to her and God said 2 things to me.<br />
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1. He showed me Matthew 10:39 which says, "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."<br />
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I understand the context and meaning of this verse, but it means more to me than what it is saying. To me it is saying, "Don't hold on tight to the things that you love, but let them go. For My sake. And I will bless you." (a Rachel paraphrase)<br />
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2. He reminded me of the story of Abraham and Isaac. Abraham longed for a son. Waited for a son. Was blessed with a son. And then was asked to sacrifice that only son. Wow. And he was willing. But God stepped in and blessed Abraham for his willingness to obey.<br />
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But can I do that? Can I say, "Hey, God, take my daughter from me if that is your will, and I will trust in You"?<br />
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I can and I do, but some days it's tough. What we have here is only temporary, but it doesn't feel that way.<br />
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I find peace in the promises of my Father. I am grateful for His plan and protection and love. I know I can do life as long as I have my King by my side. For now I am focusing on the tremendous blessing Daisy is in our lives, soaking in the miracle that she is, and basking in the moments we have together.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vII9OWuy-r4/Te_vJjs9EGI/AAAAAAAAACM/LR68F5OUr-g/s1600/IMG_0396+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vII9OWuy-r4/Te_vJjs9EGI/AAAAAAAAACM/LR68F5OUr-g/s320/IMG_0396+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Thank you, Lord, for this precious flower~</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-5664356296209516361?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4577451524327933911.post-68311004038495176552011-05-22T22:14:00.001-06:002011-05-22T22:15:12.065-06:002011-05-22T22:15:12.065-06:00To be a Foster Parent<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">When people think of becoming a foster parent, they think of helping abused and neglected children.<br />
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They think of poor little souls coming into their homes and being nurtured and loved.<br />
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They think of building relationship and bringing healing.<br />
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With foster to adopt, which is what we do, the hope is always for us to be able to adopt the child(ren) brought into our home. For that child to become a part of our family and not be moved around in the system. It's the best case scenario for the child.<br />
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But that's not how it is.<br />
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It starts out that way, though. Workers tell you stories about how no one is fit to care for the child. None of the family can take them. How bleak the situation for reunion with the bio family looks. How likely that it is that the child will go PGO (permanent guardianship order) quickly.<br />
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So you love and you give and you nurture and you heal and you <u><b>bond</b></u>. Especially with a baby. It feels like it's your own child from your own body. No different from your bio children. <br />
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Things are looking good. Nothing has been happening.......Then everything changes.<br />
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Visits start. First with one parent, then maybe the other. Then a relative changes their mind and wants the child. This unwanted, uncared for child is not that at all. EVERYONE wants this child.<br />
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But this is now MY child. My baby. My love. My sweet sweet child, whom I've loved and now fully cherish with every part of my being. She is confused and being passed around and doesn't know why. And I have no say in it. <br />
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Soon enough, we'll find out what's going to happen.<br />
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Imagine how awful it would be to have your children taken away from you. Imagine that it's your fault and that you messed up. You only did drugs once or you only lost it on your child cuz you were under a lot of pressure or you left them home alone cuz you had no one to watch them and no money to pay a sitter and if you took a day off work you'd lose your job and then your apartment. Imagine. It's awful. You're torn up and your mind is racing trying to think of everything you have to do to get them back. The list is long. You are emotionally spent and feel you have nothing left in you but you have to fight.<br />
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Now imagine that you have loved and nurtured your child. You have done everything right. You have bonded so strongly. And <i>then</i> they come and take your child away and give them to somebody else. You will never see that sweet face again. It is pure and true loss. It must be viewed as a death. The grief is intense and long. The hole in your heart is deafening.<br />
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It's not easy being a foster parent. It's not glamorous. It's supposedly for the "good" of the child. But in a lot of situations, that's just not the case.<br />
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If I was not a christian, I could not be a foster parent. Without God on my side, holding me up when I am falling in despair, making me strong when I am weak, giving me hope when there is no hope in sight, carrying my sweet daughter when I will no longer be able to hold her in my arms....I could not do this. I pray every day to my God to protect and care for my sweet girl, no matter the outcome. I can have peace because I know He cares for her and loves her even more than I do. <br />
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God is in control of it all. Not the judge. Not the parents or relatives. Not the social workers. Not me. Only God. He will do what is best for her. He will carry her through and us, too.<br />
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Thank you, God, for watching over and protecting all of my children. For going with them when I can't. I trust. I believe. I hope. I know......the love and protection and plan and guidance of my King......because He's always been there for me. My children are all in His hands. <br />
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Job 1:21<br />
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> gave, and the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> has taken away; blessed be the name of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span>.”<br />
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This is how I feel. This is what's on my heart day after day. I cherish each moment I get. I cherish my role as a temporary mother. I cherish my children. I cherish my God. I'm learning that nothing is set in stone......unless God sets it in stone. Thank goodness He's on my side.<br />
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If you have a relationship with God, please take the time to pray for us. Prayers matter. Thanks :)</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/4577451524327933911-6831100403849517655?l=maidenwalking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01979663364547240191noreply@blogger.com3