tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41536166590395994952024-03-13T09:26:03.863-04:00A Whisper of GraceTammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-39801889356235353702015-01-10T21:31:00.000-05:002015-01-10T21:31:03.190-05:00We've MOVED<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">A New Year, A New Beginning...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The time has come...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We have moved from this site to a new home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Over <a href="http://tammaraheaslip.wordpress.com/">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Come on over and visit, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay awhile...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">yes, we're still blogging...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">homeschooling... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Loving Niagara...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">etc. etc. etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">We've just decided we needed a new platform, it's been 7 wonderful years...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">But it's time for a change. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Some technical advantages, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">All my blogs have a new home and some exciting new things will be coming soon too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">xoxo</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(use whichever name you know me by best...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tammara</span></div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-31308348012153014342014-12-30T12:52:00.000-05:002014-12-30T20:09:36.500-05:00Holiday Happenings 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>First of all, go and get a coffee and maybe one of those cookies you've been avoiding - you will need it to get through this post - it's very long...to make up for month or two of living it and not blogging or posting to Facebook... we have enjoyed this month long celebration to the fullest, hopefully you'll enjoy reliving it a bit with me. Good luck!</i></div>
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<b><u>Advent</u></b></div>
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<i>Back in early December, we began our Advent celebrations. I love advent and taking the time to quietly reflect on the reason Christ came, and the reason we do all the work to prepare for the celebrations, it makes the work part of the celebration, for me anyways.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDxdcg-DsYA/VKDcVSQ4aDI/AAAAAAAAEuI/2Zblh8Vrr6g/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SDxdcg-DsYA/VKDcVSQ4aDI/AAAAAAAAEuI/2Zblh8Vrr6g/s1600/009.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I refurbished our Advent Tree with new envelopes. I really liked the look of this, Each envelope contained small activities to do together like caroling, calling a relative, writing a poem, etc. A fun way to do some "learning" stuff, since we finished school around the 12th. I am ready to get back at it, but not for the arguing that accompanies it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmq8ThW82M/VKDc9ThHjCI/AAAAAAAAEvM/KMEF_cJpCsk/s1600/061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmq8ThW82M/VKDc9ThHjCI/AAAAAAAAEvM/KMEF_cJpCsk/s1600/061.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our advent activities basket, Miscellaneous games, <br />
colouring books and such that I've collected through the years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNzq6tQeBbg/VKDeFV4Mv5I/AAAAAAAAExw/5qy-36ns8g4/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XNzq6tQeBbg/VKDeFV4Mv5I/AAAAAAAAExw/5qy-36ns8g4/s1600/060.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each Sunday in advent we share a time around the advent wreath singing songs, <br />
reading scriptures and talking about God's Story. </td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8H1s5qiOmU/VKDeFu4lWcI/AAAAAAAAEx0/G-tUAbyuKH4/s1600/065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A8H1s5qiOmU/VKDeFu4lWcI/AAAAAAAAEx0/G-tUAbyuKH4/s1600/065.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>Tree Lighting with Caroling</b><br />
<i>Having a high schooler in the house brings us many new opportunities to get out and enjoy the community. Isabelle is a busy girl involved in many groups, but my favourite is her school choir. It's very active and great fun to listen to. They had a tree lighting ceremony outside her school complete with hot chocolate and candle light. Loved it.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p09fKOTBoaY/VKDcU5I-MxI/AAAAAAAAEuE/iDiEnw6W7dM/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p09fKOTBoaY/VKDcU5I-MxI/AAAAAAAAEuE/iDiEnw6W7dM/s1600/016.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaina screamed out "IGABELLE!" which made Isabelle laugh <br />
in the middle of a song, such great memories.</td></tr>
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<b>Stir Up Sunday - Plum Pudding</b><br />
<i>I tried my hand at making homemade plum pudding since it was $10 for a tiny one in the store. It does not cost close to that much to make, and was tasty. But next year I'll make it MUCH smaller. My mom helped me by making the run sauce, and I have lot's left over. I think maybe I'll have a get-together for my Plum pudding loving friends.</i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tahMKwWjRM/VKDcvDvStbI/AAAAAAAAEuw/jVFeWnc5_Kk/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4tahMKwWjRM/VKDcvDvStbI/AAAAAAAAEuw/jVFeWnc5_Kk/s1600/042.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Cookie Baking/ Decorating</b><br />
<i>In years past we've participated in baking exchanges, but this year, I decided to just have a baking day and make just our favs including sugar cookies to decorate. This worked perfectly as they all get eaten as they are favourites. We should be out of cookies by Jan 1st :)</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x39HUMmfjV4/VKDcvzXWvnI/AAAAAAAAEu4/ion5fMAoB0s/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x39HUMmfjV4/VKDcvzXWvnI/AAAAAAAAEu4/ion5fMAoB0s/s1600/046.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabelle hard at "work"</td></tr>
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<b>The Boy's Christmas Concert</b></div>
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<i>The boys are in a <a href="http://www.jubalcottageschool.com/">choir</a> this year, so their concert and potluck dinner was a must. It was enjoyable to see them participating in this this year.</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rw9Dhn7zvw/VKDdN8dRhTI/AAAAAAAAEwU/jYaQ5Pyx9_k/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3rw9Dhn7zvw/VKDdN8dRhTI/AAAAAAAAEwU/jYaQ5Pyx9_k/s1600/004.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN4xyTS-GL4/VKDdND-JWKI/AAAAAAAAEwI/Ii075Fr95_M/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN4xyTS-GL4/VKDdND-JWKI/AAAAAAAAEwI/Ii075Fr95_M/s1600/005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Homeschool Christmas Party</b><br />
<i>Our local group of HS families had a Christmas party complete with games, craft, caroling, skits and of course cookies and hot chocolate~!</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3LJtYPRjFI/VKDdNZFEBMI/AAAAAAAAEwM/YkQErpXth9s/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3LJtYPRjFI/VKDdNZFEBMI/AAAAAAAAEwM/YkQErpXth9s/s1600/021.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorate a mom for Christmas!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ_rOOj5wec/VKDdbb1c0GI/AAAAAAAAEwo/Y70t7CzdjK4/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZ_rOOj5wec/VKDdbb1c0GI/AAAAAAAAEwo/Y70t7CzdjK4/s1600/027.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relay races.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bikKXiWfi4Y/VKDdbszUm4I/AAAAAAAAEws/OE1wRgfxh-g/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bikKXiWfi4Y/VKDdbszUm4I/AAAAAAAAEws/OE1wRgfxh-g/s1600/031.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Isabelle's Roadshow</b><br />
<i>Isabelle's choir performed as part of the entire Music department - ensembles, rock band, jazz band, vocal groups, drum line, etc. A great festive (and loud) night!</i><br />
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<b>Santa Claus Parade</b><br />
<i>We go to the Niagara on the Lake Santa Parade each year, Partly because it's smaller, it's a quaint little town, we go early enough to tail gate and partly because it's one of the last ones in the region, so it's in December and not November, smack in the middle of the holiday season.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1xcZX912AU/VKDdpkbjvyI/AAAAAAAAEw8/_eKWCnUPetE/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1xcZX912AU/VKDdpkbjvyI/AAAAAAAAEw8/_eKWCnUPetE/s1600/039.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 year olds do not like being told they can't run into traffic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue-Zm8dU-KI/VKDdpk-4nHI/AAAAAAAAExA/01jV0umGa_s/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue-Zm8dU-KI/VKDdpk-4nHI/AAAAAAAAExA/01jV0umGa_s/s1600/042.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cozy set up! Next year we need another family to join us, it's a fun activity to share with others.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUHcTgoi1Vw/VKDd22LWVjI/AAAAAAAAExQ/hKTWgxxb2xo/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IUHcTgoi1Vw/VKDd22LWVjI/AAAAAAAAExQ/hKTWgxxb2xo/s1600/044.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our hot chocolate and snack center.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PdWvGZlQdQ/VKDd3j_6GKI/AAAAAAAAExc/YIJpYBcIpzs/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PdWvGZlQdQ/VKDd3j_6GKI/AAAAAAAAExc/YIJpYBcIpzs/s1600/054.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal favourites are the marching bands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AepbHPwLrk0/VKDeERcWHyI/AAAAAAAAExo/Gr_yMnsVJYY/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AepbHPwLrk0/VKDeERcWHyI/AAAAAAAAExo/Gr_yMnsVJYY/s1600/058.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's such a relief to know we can get ready to leave when we see Santa's sleigh. <br />
It's fun, but after a few hours outside, it's COLD.</td></tr>
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<b>Living Nativity</b></div>
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<i>Each year I try to find some kind of activity to enjoy together. This year, <a href="http://www.redeemerbible.ca/">the church around the corner</a> hosted a living nativity/ visit Bethlehem event with live animals and activities, drama, etc. It was a well done event and a lot of fun.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIknzNMi1_E/VKDc-fXpxsI/AAAAAAAAEvk/Sx-CH7sii9M/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIknzNMi1_E/VKDc-fXpxsI/AAAAAAAAEvk/Sx-CH7sii9M/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg018.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met up with some homeschooling friends who had the same idea as us to attend that day.<br />
Here we are all squished into the hay ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lk6m_LILcDE/VKDc-mST7CI/AAAAAAAAEvo/sPbB1yKJaUk/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lk6m_LILcDE/VKDc-mST7CI/AAAAAAAAEvo/sPbB1yKJaUk/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elaina loved the animals!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting water from a well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vwJlhDq-UQ/VKDc9pn6zYI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/357387zVLh4/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0vwJlhDq-UQ/VKDc9pn6zYI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/357387zVLh4/s1600/Living%2BNativity.jpg013.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabelle really enjoyed all the Christmas experiences.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olive Oil Press. Smelly!</td></tr>
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<b>Christmas in the Village with <a href="http://www.melissashriner.com/Melissa_Shriner_Website/Home.html">Melissa Shriner</a></b></div>
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<i>One of my personal highlights each year is Melissa's concert. It never disappoints and always gets me ready for Christmas week. She sings a combo of jazz, classical and opera and more. I love hearing my friend sing and love seeing her succeed. This year was a sold out show jam packed with guests and holiday specials!</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bgjtz50xS8/VKDeTDzhvDI/AAAAAAAAEyA/n6J_ZVYwXxs/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bgjtz50xS8/VKDeTDzhvDI/AAAAAAAAEyA/n6J_ZVYwXxs/s1600/033.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The church was all decked out this year and my friend Andrew Braun did the sound and lights. <br />
His work really made her shine. Great job Andrew. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melissa and her sister Vanessa (who hosted the reception - cupcake goddess of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VanessasCupcakery">Vanessa's Cupcakery</a> and Confections)<br />
It always makes me happy to see friends who've known me since I was barely an adult :)</td></tr>
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<b>Annual Family Christmas Eve Day - Ice Skating</b><br />
<i>For the past I don't know how many years, my sister and brother in law have rented an arena and hosted a family skate. It's lot's of fun to get out and enjoy some activity and fun before the week of feasting causes us to lie on the couch for endless hours and watch the kids play Just Dance...at least someone ends up burning those calories.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have the cutest bunch of nephews around!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See what I mean.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrQO0V4MOgc/VKDehRsLw4I/AAAAAAAAEyk/uzqxueLvPHw/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrQO0V4MOgc/VKDehRsLw4I/AAAAAAAAEyk/uzqxueLvPHw/s1600/043.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her early Christmas gift was a pair of skates.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHxZrlQWC5w/VKDet9zPkQI/AAAAAAAAEyw/avuqJ-CLPmI/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHxZrlQWC5w/VKDet9zPkQI/AAAAAAAAEyw/avuqJ-CLPmI/s1600/044.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love seeing the aunts and uncles and cousins all having fun together!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgXUXmrdckE/VKDeur36ZuI/AAAAAAAAEy4/l3CY43nreZU/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zgXUXmrdckE/VKDeur36ZuI/AAAAAAAAEy4/l3CY43nreZU/s1600/047.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every Canadian boy probably has one of these photos, even if he doesn't play hockey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom stays in the picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlVnQAVOqLY/VKDfJB8JjqI/AAAAAAAAEzo/6jI5kyxgP_4/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlVnQAVOqLY/VKDfJB8JjqI/AAAAAAAAEzo/6jI5kyxgP_4/s1600/059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sisters! Elaina had fun sliding around, being carried around and snagging the rice crispy treats.</td></tr>
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<b>Christmas Eve Service</b><br />
<i>Our church had a lovely concert that we did manage to stay in throughout, despite having a wriggly 2 year old in our midst. The best part of the night - singing Silent Night of course.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The platform was just so lovely and cozy but elegant.</td></tr>
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<b>Christmas Eve Dinner</b><br />
<i>The first of the guests to arrive joined us for our traditional dinner of homemade soups, fresh bread and cheese.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Netpf1cVwXc/VKDf13PBmqI/AAAAAAAAE1A/KT55VsplwEw/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Netpf1cVwXc/VKDf13PBmqI/AAAAAAAAE1A/KT55VsplwEw/s1600/090.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In our dresses for church.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-docBeIpZK9k/VKDfh4WHUrI/AAAAAAAAE0c/SSxA2-gJxSU/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-docBeIpZK9k/VKDfh4WHUrI/AAAAAAAAE0c/SSxA2-gJxSU/s1600/078.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The menu...French Onion Soup & Seafood Chowder with fresh crusty bread, <br />
various cheeses and veggies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1LumOYOWOk/VKDfufxeqmI/AAAAAAAAE0w/pLR9JsBwzwY/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w1LumOYOWOk/VKDfufxeqmI/AAAAAAAAE0w/pLR9JsBwzwY/s1600/084.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids did a gift exchange for the annual opening of one gift on Christmas Eve.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNzPqJ-mVnk/VKDfuwOgCCI/AAAAAAAAE00/lGKv9DP4LLQ/s1600/086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rNzPqJ-mVnk/VKDfuwOgCCI/AAAAAAAAE00/lGKv9DP4LLQ/s1600/086.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did up a Christmas Eve box for everyone. It had our movie (A Christmas Carol); Slippers for all, <br />
PJ's, Popcorn, Candy, and a new bedtime book for Elaina. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTV5m1XtwAg/VKDf9l_MTcI/AAAAAAAAE1I/E4glM6GOOAU/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTV5m1XtwAg/VKDf9l_MTcI/AAAAAAAAE1I/E4glM6GOOAU/s1600/095.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the movie, we completed our Advent Wreath lighting the Christ Candle and singing together.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas socks.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTPICeSi0rA/VKDf92s5e-I/AAAAAAAAE1M/lZfTraymFnI/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTPICeSi0rA/VKDf92s5e-I/AAAAAAAAE1M/lZfTraymFnI/s1600/097.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SC7YZ3IU5g0/VKDgLGBTCYI/AAAAAAAAE1g/gJiE472nRmA/s1600/099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SC7YZ3IU5g0/VKDgLGBTCYI/AAAAAAAAE1g/gJiE472nRmA/s1600/099.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3bRqnZfa1o/VKDgNNJqpBI/AAAAAAAAE1o/ekQaAai96Qo/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G3bRqnZfa1o/VKDgNNJqpBI/AAAAAAAAE1o/ekQaAai96Qo/s1600/100.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the movie, the kidlets went to bed, the socks got stuffed and we created the scavenger hunt for the boys' gift.</td></tr>
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Christmas Morning<br />
<i>It goes like this, we tell the boys they cannot leave their bed til 7:00 - since their stockings are on their bed, this usually isn't a problem and we listen to their exclamations of joy from our bed. Then they all come in and open them all again, showing us what they got. Then we get the girls, and repeat it. The we go upstairs, get coffee (I throw in the baked french toast) and the put Christmas Pumpkin, Cranberry and carrot bread out, and repeat the socks with the grown ups who slept at the house. After that, more grandparents arrive in the midst of the chaos and we continue opening gifts and break out the Christmas Mimosas - yum! Then after all the gifts are opened, their was one last little unlabeled gift, which led the boys on hunt through the house for clues which led them to their gift (a laptop computer = wanted <b>and</b> needed). Then we have brunch, the baked french toast and overnight crock pot casserole.... then the various people retire to get dressed, play with gifts, play cards, ensure plenty of snacks and sweets are available throughout the house, prep for the dinner later, etc, etc.... and I basically don't sit again until dinner.</i><br />
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<b>Christmas Dinner</b><br />
<i>It sounds like a lot of work, but to me it's really not. At the end of the day, I'm tired, but not exhausted. These kinds of things energize me. I've also got a pretty awesome family full of people who dig in and help each other so we all have fun. I start weeks before with planning what will be best for every guest - food wise, activity wise, etc... and then start pulling together all the details. Thankfully I can set the table days in advance and I cook as much food as I can ahead too, I also assign the side dishes and desserts to my guests who are able to bring something. </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our place settings (it's only practical to use plastic when 25 are sitting down to dinner)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our "itinerary" I find when I write it down, it happens. <br />
When I don't, it doesn't. So I do, write it down for everyone to see that is.<br />
That way, it's not just sitting down to eat, but we get to enjoy being together<br />
and having meaningful and fun elements too. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our giganticus table!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzyZVSUNciE/VKDgrT7fwzI/AAAAAAAAE2g/Q14jQAF4-nI/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzyZVSUNciE/VKDgrT7fwzI/AAAAAAAAE2g/Q14jQAF4-nI/s1600/009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naughty and Nice punch - was a hit. Thank you pinterest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group shot, next year, we'll avoid the tacky chandelier. <br />
Side note, Lucas , my 10 year old found me those red chairs on the side of the road. Score!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGYPH9yH0Y/VKDhACDS6HI/AAAAAAAAE3I/ySteI3k1xhM/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZGYPH9yH0Y/VKDhACDS6HI/AAAAAAAAE3I/ySteI3k1xhM/s1600/024.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toddler corner!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj5WsG2vAow/VKDg97Tt_lI/AAAAAAAAE24/s9rj6GYGSUE/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qj5WsG2vAow/VKDg97Tt_lI/AAAAAAAAE24/s9rj6GYGSUE/s1600/025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jokes and poems and prayers...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlTAx3k5Sg8/VKDg-ndmLgI/AAAAAAAAE3A/LnMXiQUuU2E/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xlTAx3k5Sg8/VKDg-ndmLgI/AAAAAAAAE3A/LnMXiQUuU2E/s1600/026.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It makes my heart happy to see people enjoying my hard work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The newest nephew in good hands.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HOLIDAY FAMILY FEUD!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yaya Rudolph!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final answer ladies?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xfm4HvXAPA/VKDhkQ3zZlI/AAAAAAAAE4A/TDmEno7xOgY/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xfm4HvXAPA/VKDhkQ3zZlI/AAAAAAAAE4A/TDmEno7xOgY/s1600/045.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Survey says...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take your places!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three strikes for the steal...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pu2d5c3jp7o/VKDhz-vEV_I/AAAAAAAAE4g/UkzxciPqIwY/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pu2d5c3jp7o/VKDhz-vEV_I/AAAAAAAAE4g/UkzxciPqIwY/s1600/057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Christmas gift...JUST DANCE!</td></tr>
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After the games, we have dessert and more cards, visiting, gift opening, etc. until the wee hours, when we gratefully collapse to begin again in the morning. I actually have one personal tradition of sitting by myself by the light of the tree with a mug of cider and reflect on the day with gratitude. A perfect ending to a perfect day.<br />
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<b>Boxing Day</b><br />
<i>Every year I tell myself to pack the bags for boxing day in advance, and every year I forget, so we wake up in a stupor and then the flurry of packing and chaos to get out the door to drive to my hubby's hometown for his step dad's family Christmases. I actually love this day, because I have very little work to do - we always stop for coffee, we always bring a book or two, we always chit chat while the kids read or watch a video... I love the drive and I love the visiting, and the awesome food at the open house first, then more food and cards at the family dinner later. </i><br />
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The boys love the cousin time. 7 boys under 10 = CAHRAZY!</div>
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This year, they actually got to play cards too. My babies are growing up!</div>
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<i>The dinner is hosted by an aunt and uncle who live in this jaw dropping century home. I love her decorating style, and every year walk around snapping pics for inspiration for the next year.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TySnEwpsM0/VKDh-RcS4cI/AAAAAAAAE4w/BjtOCc1AxZg/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TySnEwpsM0/VKDh-RcS4cI/AAAAAAAAE4w/BjtOCc1AxZg/s1600/063.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this fairy door not the sweetest thing? Elaina kept knocking on it saying "hello?"</td></tr>
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Love the details, mini white vintage tree...holiday tea set? LOVE!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this kitchen!</td></tr>
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Formal sitting room, flocked tree (to die for) the winding staircase (gasp, lovely!) and every year it's a different decor...just like me - we are kindred decorators - I swear.<br />
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<i>Afterward, we return to Grandpa and Nana's house which is so cosy, the kids go to bed and we reflect on the days over a glass of wine. Then I read a book until late listening to their grandfather clock pass the time.</i><br />
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<b>Max's Birthday</b><br />
<i>The next day is middle boys bday, so we always go out to lunch and celebrate him. After the drive home, we try to muddle through the mess of the house in prep for the "leftover dinner" with friends the next day, we also have been known to ignore the mess and go to the movies (the final Hobbit movie is awesome by the way)</i><br />
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<b>Best Christmas Present Ever...</b><br />
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<b>Annual "leftover dinner"</b><br />
<i>Our good friends join us to demolish what's left from Christmas and have a relaxing visit. This year, was a Just Dance marathon between the girls and boys!</i><br />
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<i>The end is not here, not even close. After the left over dinner, the Christmas decor comes down. It takes two days... interrupted by an annual get together with my sisters and mom for our <b>Old and New Night</b> - reflecting on the past year and the one to come - over greek donuts, port and coffee. One of my favourite traditions in the days leading up to the final hurrah! Now off to put away the rest of Christmas and prep the house for New Years, apparently we have company coming!</i><br />
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<i>Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog, have a Happy New Year!~</i><br />
<i>xoxo</i><br />
<i>Tammara</i><br />
<br />Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-40932595068284235022014-12-29T01:44:00.000-05:002014-12-29T01:44:02.291-05:00Holiday Home Tour 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Well, it's better late than never to post about our holiday home, especially since it starts to come down tomorrow... loved celebrating the Lord's birth this year, loved all the special moments and loved being in my home, and enjoying the coziness and togetherness. My style is definitely my own, part woodsy cabin, part country, part eclectic/classical. It's not perfect and certainly can look cluttered, but it's very much LIVED in and LOVED. Hope you enjoy a tour of our holiday home and tomorrow I'll post about all the Holiday happenings that took place. Happy Holidays everyone.</i></div>
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Outside</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTvgbdKmYhQ/VKDiscyfigI/AAAAAAAAE50/bBFeuf3DBN0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oTvgbdKmYhQ/VKDiscyfigI/AAAAAAAAE50/bBFeuf3DBN0/s1600/005.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added real greenery to faux garlands, and it looked great! Plus later some red mesh ribbon. I was happy with the outside decor. Will post pics of finished product if I remember to take some.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLx_BO_XiRg/VKDisYBJUPI/AAAAAAAAE54/Nqzf6AO0LGk/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLx_BO_XiRg/VKDisYBJUPI/AAAAAAAAE54/Nqzf6AO0LGk/s1600/007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same with the wreath and a giant red matching bow.</td></tr>
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Main Floor Entrance</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnLuwH5DGbU/VJ15F7IGaUI/AAAAAAAAEno/niugSURhw_0/s1600/November%2B051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnLuwH5DGbU/VJ15F7IGaUI/AAAAAAAAEno/niugSURhw_0/s1600/November%2B051.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right by the front door is this little display and underneath is a basket full of slippers for guests.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entry way</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entryway with view of living room - flash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OQX1hp9W5c/VJ15S-sG1bI/AAAAAAAAEoA/FqTwkpxAiYE/s1600/November%2B057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OQX1hp9W5c/VJ15S-sG1bI/AAAAAAAAEoA/FqTwkpxAiYE/s1600/November%2B057.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up, no flash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G5o6o7Aumg/VJ15VgKEvPI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Nw5hON5gDcw/s1600/November%2B068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_G5o6o7Aumg/VJ15VgKEvPI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Nw5hON5gDcw/s1600/November%2B068.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Past the tree is my angel collection on the sideboard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60sHy8tcnUg/VKDpu4X9OnI/AAAAAAAAE9I/mQbUX0QJon0/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-60sHy8tcnUg/VKDpu4X9OnI/AAAAAAAAE9I/mQbUX0QJon0/s1600/023.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I eventually removed the lower feathers, Here's a closeup.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UCpZSQOtZI/VJ15WFkXPvI/AAAAAAAAEoM/j1D4ISQotmk/s1600/November%2B070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UCpZSQOtZI/VJ15WFkXPvI/AAAAAAAAEoM/j1D4ISQotmk/s1600/November%2B070.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from hallway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-om0D2yVw0Nc/VJ15gH-G0EI/AAAAAAAAEoY/V1ZB2suD8PU/s1600/November%2B074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-om0D2yVw0Nc/VJ15gH-G0EI/AAAAAAAAEoY/V1ZB2suD8PU/s1600/November%2B074.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this pic you can really see the dried hydrangeas I painted gold.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallway to bedrooms. I forgot to take pics of the kids rooms<br /> - they each have mini trees we use as night lights through the holidays.</td></tr>
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Master Bedroom<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKQAudFUvVA/VKDpALt2KWI/AAAAAAAAE8M/ChDEzWCUuTw/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zKQAudFUvVA/VKDpALt2KWI/AAAAAAAAE8M/ChDEzWCUuTw/s1600/009.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I carried the feather theme through this room I apologize for the messy bed.</td></tr>
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Bathroom<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3j1yW8zov60/VKDpPyubkRI/AAAAAAAAE8k/d77idZSzh2s/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3j1yW8zov60/VKDpPyubkRI/AAAAAAAAE8k/d77idZSzh2s/s1600/013.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This thrift store find is a great lamp to use through Jan.6th.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8Jh6Rsetko/VKDpeKu8qCI/AAAAAAAAE8w/LcEVSVhkyyY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H8Jh6Rsetko/VKDpeKu8qCI/AAAAAAAAE8w/LcEVSVhkyyY/s1600/014.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another thrift store find (mother and child)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuUpS6fdQRs/VKDpfYdvMXI/AAAAAAAAE9A/KTyOjgUI_hw/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuUpS6fdQRs/VKDpfYdvMXI/AAAAAAAAE9A/KTyOjgUI_hw/s1600/020.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poinsettia's really add some drama.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grouping of cone trees in window.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V00JPE5xD1k/VKDp9TW9TOI/AAAAAAAAE9o/wafBd_hmZhM/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V00JPE5xD1k/VKDp9TW9TOI/AAAAAAAAE9o/wafBd_hmZhM/s1600/030.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little DIY sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AmGiT2rGVg/VKDpvUsjkXI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gvGLwwRBFWI/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AmGiT2rGVg/VKDpvUsjkXI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gvGLwwRBFWI/s1600/024.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this countdown snowman.</td></tr>
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The Basement - AKA Party Room</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNyIMNDS6M0/VKDqMBTPvxI/AAAAAAAAE94/sv1d-3JnJY0/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNyIMNDS6M0/VKDqMBTPvxI/AAAAAAAAE94/sv1d-3JnJY0/s1600/032.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nativity set on stairway shelf.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wnJ6AdttvY/VKDqf266gVI/AAAAAAAAE-c/8znXPi6OP3A/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9wnJ6AdttvY/VKDqf266gVI/AAAAAAAAE-c/8znXPi6OP3A/s1600/045.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of the stairs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1W0_rZPmXc/VKDqOFReJwI/AAAAAAAAE-A/pC1VkNR7WEM/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y1W0_rZPmXc/VKDqOFReJwI/AAAAAAAAE-A/pC1VkNR7WEM/s1600/035.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another thrift store find. It tells the Christmas story with songs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9vkUolOwvE/VJ14g7kJWiI/AAAAAAAAEmo/LGYu4Jcu1rM/s1600/November%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T9vkUolOwvE/VJ14g7kJWiI/AAAAAAAAEmo/LGYu4Jcu1rM/s1600/November%2B038.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of sitting area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLmmGNYZbtk/VJ14rzjS5AI/AAAAAAAAEm4/1mxKlVlxSI8/s1600/November%2B043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JLmmGNYZbtk/VJ14rzjS5AI/AAAAAAAAEm4/1mxKlVlxSI8/s1600/November%2B043.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 6 foot tree sat on a dining room table with the village underneath. <br />I loved the look of the hydrangeas painted red on this tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwNrrpAhYY0/VJ14uL33MpI/AAAAAAAAEnA/QCNq8oQg7d4/s1600/November%2B044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwNrrpAhYY0/VJ14uL33MpI/AAAAAAAAEnA/QCNq8oQg7d4/s1600/November%2B044.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full room view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YU-91rx5eo/VJ14uo6fHII/AAAAAAAAEnI/B7HSueVMuXU/s1600/November%2B045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1YU-91rx5eo/VJ14uo6fHII/AAAAAAAAEnI/B7HSueVMuXU/s1600/November%2B045.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before adding lights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HlmejmgyuI/VKDqlDFiAGI/AAAAAAAAE-o/HZRE9nSt7v4/s1600/046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0HlmejmgyuI/VKDqlDFiAGI/AAAAAAAAE-o/HZRE9nSt7v4/s1600/046.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually really enjoyed the multi-coloured lights.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcyXcaZjBM8/VJ144jJsPyI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/uI5Opa8Bylo/s1600/November%2B046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FcyXcaZjBM8/VJ144jJsPyI/AAAAAAAAEnQ/uI5Opa8Bylo/s1600/November%2B046.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuffy tree</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWMFivF8eNM/VJ1461yEu-I/AAAAAAAAEnY/2jN0rO2QuaU/s1600/November%2B048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWMFivF8eNM/VJ1461yEu-I/AAAAAAAAEnY/2jN0rO2QuaU/s1600/November%2B048.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FOgWQNm928/VJ14hfZPjJI/AAAAAAAAEms/TUaPwgva9Jg/s1600/November%2B040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6FOgWQNm928/VJ14hfZPjJI/AAAAAAAAEms/TUaPwgva9Jg/s1600/November%2B040.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Revamped chandelier.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYk_TjJJec/VKDqPKmM2pI/AAAAAAAAE-I/QrXGkgVZ3Ao/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_NYk_TjJJec/VKDqPKmM2pI/AAAAAAAAE-I/QrXGkgVZ3Ao/s1600/036.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friends on top of the fridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9xtLXhqmZo/VKDqeqyNpMI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/D4_IEz3xyC4/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9xtLXhqmZo/VKDqeqyNpMI/AAAAAAAAE-Q/D4_IEz3xyC4/s1600/037.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From pinterest.</td></tr>
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The Loft - Main Living Area</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2m9nUggRf4/VKDovv9_l4I/AAAAAAAAE7w/9PQz0HpsCSM/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2m9nUggRf4/VKDovv9_l4I/AAAAAAAAE7w/9PQz0HpsCSM/s1600/003.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hangs in the hall going upstairs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KalIvw0rOTs/VJ16yyujL4I/AAAAAAAAEqw/Qz82hsLZPDM/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KalIvw0rOTs/VJ16yyujL4I/AAAAAAAAEqw/Qz82hsLZPDM/s1600/079.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the look of my pinecone garland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc24UqXCr9o/VKDiscTijiI/AAAAAAAAE5w/VflxYM5fP2g/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc24UqXCr9o/VKDiscTijiI/AAAAAAAAE5w/VflxYM5fP2g/s1600/011.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did not love the look of this wall hanging over the stairs. <br />Will try again next year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUiLYgVpwac/VKDjOEnbjyI/AAAAAAAAE64/SNkKItXDyI8/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vUiLYgVpwac/VKDjOEnbjyI/AAAAAAAAE64/SNkKItXDyI8/s1600/024.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't mind these mini versions,...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVSpPR6lI00/VKDjOwn2LPI/AAAAAAAAE7A/osyobBxmlFw/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XVSpPR6lI00/VKDjOwn2LPI/AAAAAAAAE7A/osyobBxmlFw/s1600/026.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But preferred them without the greenery.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v29NP1Rwb6I/VKDjAf4a2_I/AAAAAAAAE6g/IV23K5CeI4I/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v29NP1Rwb6I/VKDjAf4a2_I/AAAAAAAAE6g/IV23K5CeI4I/s1600/014.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vignette at top of stairs. The blue sign got plopped there, and then never moved. Woops</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa0RJlpcWC0/VJ17MN2ihGI/AAAAAAAAErk/RTM1gyFY2F4/s1600/096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sa0RJlpcWC0/VJ17MN2ihGI/AAAAAAAAErk/RTM1gyFY2F4/s1600/096.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Another DIY candle arrangement.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JO0jWYq5fNY/VJ16zTfvdBI/AAAAAAAAEq0/JOY4hNx7_eI/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JO0jWYq5fNY/VJ16zTfvdBI/AAAAAAAAEq0/JOY4hNx7_eI/s1600/081.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Nativity Set.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyWdMLkuB50/VJ166HSDgqI/AAAAAAAAErA/6D4jZFE9WuE/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyWdMLkuB50/VJ166HSDgqI/AAAAAAAAErA/6D4jZFE9WuE/s1600/083.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Woodland Tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nutcracker collection moved a few times, til it found a home in the curio cabinet.</td></tr>
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Family Room<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved the querky look of the antler on the wall.</td></tr>
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Kitchen<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchy Christmas Photos...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our first nativity sets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mantel...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas cards on the message board.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mistletoe over the table.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_lrFq1cqvc/VJ15wTKMK3I/AAAAAAAAEo4/rrxmFQPgpws/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_lrFq1cqvc/VJ15wTKMK3I/AAAAAAAAEo4/rrxmFQPgpws/s1600/053.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine cart.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8vemTK9b1Y/VJ15w6Gkd5I/AAAAAAAAEpA/HL_8bH7pIWc/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S8vemTK9b1Y/VJ15w6Gkd5I/AAAAAAAAEpA/HL_8bH7pIWc/s1600/054.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Chocolate Bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDeh3zfkhhc/VJ154o9BR6I/AAAAAAAAEpI/Lm4CnVMvIic/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDeh3zfkhhc/VJ154o9BR6I/AAAAAAAAEpI/Lm4CnVMvIic/s1600/055.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen Window</td></tr>
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Guest Room</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tin garland.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute, the boys kept asking if they could sleep in here.</td></tr>
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Bathroom<br />
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-89419569114988162112014-11-28T22:15:00.001-05:002014-11-28T22:15:06.046-05:00Harvest Round Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Always a lover of Autumn, we celebrated the season in very natural stages, and we are well into our holiday preparations, so I thought I'd include this post on a tiny bit of our Harvest Home Decor, and finish up with our Thanksgiving Table for the sake of the record. I'm in an inward thinking season right now, so blogging hasn't been high on my radar as I know I'm needing to work through my thoughts and life, eventually they'll make it onto print somewhere, somehow...</div>
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In September, after the summer clean up and getting our home school and student rooms ready, then getting the schedule happening, and finally the baby girls party finished (with post), in Canada, we were READY to embrace all things fall. I've been embracing my functional country chalet home, and letting the decor and seasonal decor reflect that, it's working for me.</div>
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This was my portable table centerpiece. Very eclectic but festive and cheap as I used all things I already had.<br />
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Again, re-locating older items, I created this "mantel" with items from around the house.<br />
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putting out "harvesty" plates and bowls on the open shelves made for some "functional decor".<br />
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A thrift store basket filled with canning rings.<br />
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The vignette at the top of the stairs to the family room...<br />
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A cosy space to enjoy the final weeks of warmth and sunshine outdoors.<br />
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Front entrance...<br />
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Formal Livingroom. There were other touches of fall throughout the house, these were my favs this year.</div>
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Thanksgiving 2014</div>
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In honour of the American Thanksgiving yesterday, here are the pics from our Canadian thanksgiving almost 6 weeks ago - lol!</div>
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Table set for 12.<br />
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Centerpiece from my flowerbeds this year.<br />
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Each place setting had a reading to share at the dinner.<br />
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Thrifty Turkey always finds a place on the table :)<br />
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Conversation Starters from pinterest worked really well.<br />
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When you're feeding 20, there is no shame in plastics - loved my place cards though.<br />
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I love guests who bring good wine :)<br />
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The kids table...<br />
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My kinda sad attempt at a garland.<br />
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Goodie Bags.<br />
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Bountiful Dinner...<br />
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My attempt at decorating the hideous light fixture.<br />
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Setting up the tripod for the group pic.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving!!!</div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-68326349470178286042014-10-06T10:48:00.001-04:002014-10-06T10:50:29.705-04:00Tea for "Two"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After 10 years of Lego and Superhero birthday parties (all in the <i>winter, </i>mind you), yes I am so excited to host little girlie birthday parties in the fall (the most wonderful time of the year!) This year for E's birthday we had a little tea party for her little friends, their moms and few big sisters, her brothers and aunties...</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We put on our party dress...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We decided to host the party in the back yard. The weather held and the sunroom and yard was still presentable enough to be enjoyed before the great fall clean up begins next week.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a perfect day, not too hot, not too cold...and some flowers were still in bloom.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The little girls' table</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We pulled out the heirloom teacups - this one was Great Aunt Fern's - we found out we were expecting Elaina shortly after she passed away, but they shared the same birthday month.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The big girls table.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We mixed a bunch of heirloom stuff with paper plates, etc for ease of setting up, cleaning up and also to not get stressed over possible breakage outside.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.3333339691162px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I converted our old TV cabinet to a "dress up" center for the girlies. It added to over all pretty decor.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfldjCF1Uqc/VDKcGxGKCnI/AAAAAAAAEZU/sPfQDv8VLEI/s1600/140930_Elaina2_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gfldjCF1Uqc/VDKcGxGKCnI/AAAAAAAAEZU/sPfQDv8VLEI/s1600/140930_Elaina2_11.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red velvet with Cream cheese icing.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our menu was simple, crab salad on croissants and vegetable cream cheese roll ups. We had veggies, fruit and cheese trays and of course coffee and tea. For dessert we had a variety of mini cakes and cookies, candies of course chocolates.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "take home treats" were personalized dress up fairy outfits.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bling for the littles... I figured this was nicer than sending them home with more candy. There were enough sweets to enjoy at the party, I hoped the moms appreciated not having more candy later at home.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTC8thc-swU/VDKcL6YHHtI/AAAAAAAAEZs/HpBUFypRcf8/s1600/140930_Elaina2_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pTC8thc-swU/VDKcL6YHHtI/AAAAAAAAEZs/HpBUFypRcf8/s1600/140930_Elaina2_14.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girlies! So so cute!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch, the littles decorated tea party hats from the dollar store with silk flowers.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yaya helping the birthday girl decorate her hat. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_jycwr-1yk/VDKcbea27gI/AAAAAAAAEag/YSztYA8ZrPY/s1600/140930_Elaina2_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_jycwr-1yk/VDKcbea27gI/AAAAAAAAEag/YSztYA8ZrPY/s1600/140930_Elaina2_24.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the big sisters helping with hat decoration.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Then we released them into the dress up cupboard.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DRESS UP TIME!!!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldFAH_NkXYY/VDKch9cojdI/AAAAAAAAEa0/RCKIxC-ChoQ/s1600/140930_Elaina2_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldFAH_NkXYY/VDKch9cojdI/AAAAAAAAEa0/RCKIxC-ChoQ/s1600/140930_Elaina2_27.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After much play time, we gathered for the present opening and cake.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Opening Presents...so thankful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZD_L_iuUiQ/VDKczVBFADI/AAAAAAAAEb0/vnk8c5aMLto/s1600/140930_Elaina2_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CZD_L_iuUiQ/VDKczVBFADI/AAAAAAAAEb0/vnk8c5aMLto/s1600/140930_Elaina2_35.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all the birthday celebrating, she finally got the hang of "blowing out the candles"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf1jNrhQu0M/VDKb_WvSYtI/AAAAAAAAEY0/ItBah2yj9Go/s1600/140930_Elaina2_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf1jNrhQu0M/VDKb_WvSYtI/AAAAAAAAEY0/ItBah2yj9Go/s1600/140930_Elaina2_06.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our cheeky two year old!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope you enjoyed this post, we certainly enjoyed our day, and love every day with our little princess.</span></span></div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-83031884119911875502014-09-23T11:43:00.002-04:002014-09-23T11:54:24.383-04:00The Beginning of the Gathering Together...<dl style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 24.8888893127441px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1b/05/00/1b05008613abf0f14f42349de8e8a864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/1b/05/00/1b05008613abf0f14f42349de8e8a864.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><i>For man, autumn is a time of harvest and gathering together. Edwin Way Teale </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;"><span style="color: black; font-family: futura-pt, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;">The end of our summer was marred by the loss of a beautiful soul, Robin Williams, this post is not about</span><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;"> him - but I do think he was brilliant gift to humanity and I am thankful for the laughs and thoughtful art he left behind. This poem has stuck with me from the very first time I watched Dead Poet's Society. Robin is quoting Virgil I think... To this day it's one of my favourite films... and this little bit, one of my </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4Hz2pg4sdU" style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;">favourite parts of the film</a><span style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;">. While I was pulling together this blogpost, it kept floating thru my mind again...</span></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 1.6;">Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,</b></div>
</dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Old time is still a-flying;</b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>And this same flower that smiles today</b></dd><dd style="font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Tomorrow will be dying.</b></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 24.8888893127441px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>The glorious lamp of heaven the sun,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>The higher he's a-getting,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>The sooner will his race be run,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>And nearer he's to setting.</b></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 24.8888893127441px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>That age is best which is the first,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>When youth and blood are warmer;</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>But being spent, the worse, and worst</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Times still succeed the former.</b></dd></dl>
<dl style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 24.8888893127441px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Then be not coy, but use your time,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>And, while ye may, go marry;</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>For, having lost but once your prime,</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>You may forever tarry.</b></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></dd></dl>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 25.679012298584px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know if it was way back then that the idea of "Making the Most of Time" began to take root in my soul, but I know that for most of my life I have endeavoured to do just that. Savour it, gather together my heart, my people, my thoughts and memories, and express love and gratitude in the moment. I don't always succeed, but when I do, I find I have few regrets from that period of time. Sometimes it's expressed in the events I plan, sometimes in decorating the house, often in my food, sometimes in intentionally giving a gift or direct communication... it manifests in many ways... and I'm always trying to listen to my heart and to the Spirit for direction for the present...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 25.679012298584px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 25.679012298584px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since yesterday was technically the beginning of Autumn, this post is a "gathering" in of sorts for me... before sharing with you how we're celebrating fall here, I need to share how we said goodbye to what honestly was an almost perfect summer. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Farewell Thee Summer</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half of our summer went out in a flurry of fun, work and memory making for us... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDQHlyaPCA/VCF9DZccaFI/AAAAAAAAET0/VZJ_zJSSnSI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDQHlyaPCA/VCF9DZccaFI/AAAAAAAAET0/VZJ_zJSSnSI/s1600/001.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2O5pdoHqhY/VCF9Dcm9UgI/AAAAAAAAET4/JXevwcVDRjc/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k2O5pdoHqhY/VCF9Dcm9UgI/AAAAAAAAET4/JXevwcVDRjc/s1600/011.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufqYAYayq2g/VCF9U1PHhEI/AAAAAAAAEUI/Z8S3ufqNm3I/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufqYAYayq2g/VCF9U1PHhEI/AAAAAAAAEUI/Z8S3ufqNm3I/s1600/002.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3g5SS7fURlE/VCF9U5AWVoI/AAAAAAAAEUE/_yZHpdb8RGY/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3g5SS7fURlE/VCF9U5AWVoI/AAAAAAAAEUE/_yZHpdb8RGY/s1600/003.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPPM63UWFRc/VCGB9I9HmRI/AAAAAAAAEVk/lH35t-UeEk8/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPPM63UWFRc/VCGB9I9HmRI/AAAAAAAAEVk/lH35t-UeEk8/s1600/022.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Akb0_ELBIJM/VCGB_6_hwfI/AAAAAAAAEV8/ePLRbJsCMXU/s1600/121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Akb0_ELBIJM/VCGB_6_hwfI/AAAAAAAAEV8/ePLRbJsCMXU/s1600/121.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-3vcsJl9s8/VCGB9U7pMCI/AAAAAAAAEVs/GKsj_LdCKw0/s1600/114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2-3vcsJl9s8/VCGB9U7pMCI/AAAAAAAAEVs/GKsj_LdCKw0/s1600/114.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Chinese "daughter" Isabelle is with us for high school</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were days full of baseball tournaments, summer dresses, frozen treats, beach days, BBQ's, canning, clearing the garden, drying herbs, prepping the school room, hosting guests from Korea, welcoming a daughter from China, bike rides, pool parties, campfires... late nights, sunny humid days... we relished every moment of our summer and then rode the gentle wave that changed the season and the rhythm of our days... but first, we had to say a proper goodbye...with a party of course!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Heaslip Family Farewell Thee Summer Potluck and Campfire...</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLNJZEskAzk/VCF-XYdrLOI/AAAAAAAAEUo/E_PgMkU9rCo/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KLNJZEskAzk/VCF-XYdrLOI/AAAAAAAAEUo/E_PgMkU9rCo/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B036.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Yd50MKaQo/VCF-XEbE8QI/AAAAAAAAEUk/Z6v28ihSF7U/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-Yd50MKaQo/VCF-XEbE8QI/AAAAAAAAEUk/Z6v28ihSF7U/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My first attempt at a DIY Banner</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSdAjvcQAo/VCF9nk02F-I/AAAAAAAAEUY/UIESwNt3GZ4/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sSdAjvcQAo/VCF9nk02F-I/AAAAAAAAEUY/UIESwNt3GZ4/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B015.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Entertainment was simply the company of good friends - new and old, the trees, the play yard and the trampoline...and of course the fire.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD6-GRKwAz4/VCGDuCVZmoI/AAAAAAAAEWE/Fh_F_RUl7kQ/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wD6-GRKwAz4/VCGDuCVZmoI/AAAAAAAAEWE/Fh_F_RUl7kQ/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B008.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Lot's of yummy food! Love potlucks!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zD_YO_F9oiQ/VCF-XCuwMzI/AAAAAAAAEUs/TT1wZSVaWy8/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zD_YO_F9oiQ/VCF-XCuwMzI/AAAAAAAAEUs/TT1wZSVaWy8/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B032.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The decor was multi-coloured lights borrowed from the Christmas bin and flowers cut and gathered from the property in mason jars...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Smores Station was a big hit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The "optimists board" - both summer and autumn had alot of great qualities... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We finished the night with a summer sparkler send off...baby girl loved it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EgBoQT5UqQ/VCF-arbMizI/AAAAAAAAEU8/uB4sDvmWb88/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5EgBoQT5UqQ/VCF-arbMizI/AAAAAAAAEU8/uB4sDvmWb88/s1600/Farewell%2BSummer%2B078.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back to School</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're officially a family with kids in traditional school, and kids in school at home, so we celebrated the "first day" with relish.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58d-zs6AyPs/VCF8IP2IKVI/AAAAAAAAETs/1g87JV5vDkg/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-58d-zs6AyPs/VCF8IP2IKVI/AAAAAAAAETs/1g87JV5vDkg/s1600/021.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out our special Ceremony <a href="http://youtu.be/AYB46I6SyVY">here</a>.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First Day Photos - The kids in traditional school</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grade 9</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK6Vdqf6wOU/VCGITwrSaJI/AAAAAAAAEW8/g5ySQwAPT5o/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JK6Vdqf6wOU/VCGITwrSaJI/AAAAAAAAEW8/g5ySQwAPT5o/s1600/006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcI2Sor9tbU/VCGIN1rrFEI/AAAAAAAAEWs/VjgcGB-arJ8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GcI2Sor9tbU/VCGIN1rrFEI/AAAAAAAAEWs/VjgcGB-arJ8/s1600/005.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grade 6 & 7</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>First Day Photos - </b><b>The Home Schoolers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDRXTP0WQ5w/VCGIZ9WUo4I/AAAAAAAAEXc/JwX5k_NQ5M4/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XDRXTP0WQ5w/VCGIZ9WUo4I/AAAAAAAAEXc/JwX5k_NQ5M4/s1600/018.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First Day Treat Bags</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyzGNVD4Udg/VCGIaYDCTuI/AAAAAAAAEXg/InIOH9-bHKg/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fyzGNVD4Udg/VCGIaYDCTuI/AAAAAAAAEXg/InIOH9-bHKg/s1600/024.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPYBU5921XY/VCGIefrVggI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ENPaLmmeFIk/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RPYBU5921XY/VCGIefrVggI/AAAAAAAAEXs/ENPaLmmeFIk/s1600/043.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greek Festival</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, the real sign that summer is over is the Niagara Greek Festival. In one way or another my sisters and I all end up there and share memories of our dad with amazing food, music and dancing. It reminds me of the times I travelled to Greece with him and the village always had some festival or another, the smells the sounds the laughter and the heady end of summer heat and nostalgia really help me get centered on what really truly matters as we head into the busy and beautiful season of fall. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mmm... Greek Donuts (loukoumades)...a treat we only indulge in twice a year, at the festival and on Christmas Eve.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goe04Hxvu5Q/VCGIgXRu4sI/AAAAAAAAEX4/Ol6MZuF-rAI/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-goe04Hxvu5Q/VCGIgXRu4sI/AAAAAAAAEX4/Ol6MZuF-rAI/s1600/047.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elaina and Yaya enjoying the traditional Greek Dancers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Another farewell...</b><span style="text-align: center;">We bid our Korean boys (Alex and Mark) a sad farewell just after the begnning of the school year. Our family loved every minute with these two - the 5 weeks flew by and were filled with many great laughs and precious memories.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the best Alex and Mark! We'll never forget you.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Transitioning to Fall...</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our home, the transition includes a deep cleaning of the house, clearing out the garden, canning the last of the tomatoes, putting away the summer decor. One day in the week after Labour Day I pull out my autumn books of poetry, cookbooks and magazines to get inspired (or I surf around Pinterest for a while) - while drinking spiced coffee or cider of course. Then the bins of decor come out (just like Christmas but smaller) and I slowly look for where I want to add the flavour in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walk around the yard and neighbourhood collecting hydrangea blooms, branches, pinecones and other interesting bits of nature to pull into the house and front step. I usually buy at least one mum (and there's a super cheap place that sells amazing mums by hubby's work for next to nothing - score!) and well, then we're ready for a fall house tour. But that for later this week. So come on back for that and the rest of my gathered thoughts as I've fully embraced the fall... in both my heart and home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">XOXO </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tammara</span>Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-16664917475600437932014-07-04T17:26:00.000-04:002014-07-04T17:26:25.438-04:00My "Summer Kitchen"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7qhqPUVqwk/U7cVPKPHtHI/AAAAAAAAD_I/OUYQr802lTM/s1600/WordItOut-word-cloud-443401.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7qhqPUVqwk/U7cVPKPHtHI/AAAAAAAAD_I/OUYQr802lTM/s1600/WordItOut-word-cloud-443401.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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We've been having a lot of fun around here, living over blogging. Though I love the writing, and I often think, oh, I'd like to blog about this or that topic that crosses my mind...but then we get on with living. I <strike>plan</strike> hope to write more this summer. The word wall above kind of says it all, some of them we've checked off the list, some we'll do again and again, and some we've yet to do! </div>
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Anyways, a fun-though sometimes hectic spring passed us by, and the HOT summer days are upon us and summer around here, is all about FUN. I have my summer reading list, my summer to do list, my summer playlist, summer movie list and now, a Summer Kitchen. What is that you may ask? </div>
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<b>The BackStory</b></div>
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We are very fortunate to have a house with 2 kitchens. Sometimes the basement is rented out to boarder so we haven't really made use of the basement kitchen until now. I guess I need to explain, my house is unique in that our regular kitchen/family/school/etc rooms are on the second floor (and the bedrooms are on the ground floor with a sitting room) of our Chalet style house. I love, love, LOVE my unique house, but the drawback is that the summers are very HOT upstairs, even when it's not hot outside - great for our COLD winters, not so much in summer. We have ceiling fans, but the vaulted ceilings just seem to hold the heat IN. </div>
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So this year, my hubby convinced me to move our kitchen/living space to the basement. Since we're all basically in one big room down here, it feels like we're at a cottage. I'm actually loving it, because even though we're not going away (except to visit my grandma for a few days up north) - it's like we are away from home.</div>
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I call it my summer kitchen after a friend reminded me that in the old days (as in a couple generations ago) it was very common to have a second kitchen... I looked it up...</div>
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<span style="background-color: #eef2d0; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Cooking in an open fireplace in summer can cause the kitchen to become extremely hot, so in Early America it was common for people to build a separate building called a "Summer Kitchen" where much of the food would be prepared during the summer months. The summer kitchen would contain a large fireplace with an oven, and usually a large table which was used as a work surface.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: #eef2d0; font-family: verdana, geneva, lucida, 'lucida grande', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The purpose of summer kitchens were to keep the main house cooler in the summer by putting the cooking and cleaning duties in a separate building.</span></blockquote>
It has been fun, we've basically "closed" the upper floor of the house (meaning we can turn the AC down or even OFF-yay! I have direct access to the backyard (aka my garden) from here, and canning down here is WAY better. Love to be able to use my home to it's fullest potential.<br />
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Here we are, all cozy in our "cool" summer kitchen. Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are!<br />
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-32266506889843277212014-01-17T12:52:00.002-05:002014-01-17T12:52:26.447-05:00What I Read in 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize it's been a LONG time. Far too long in fact, since I have had a post on what I've been reading. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last time I posted, was in </span><a href="http://tammaymay.blogspot.ca/2013/05/what-ive-been-reading-in-2013.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MAY last year</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Yikes. I've spent all my time since then reading and not </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">blogging</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> about it...sorry, and I will try harder in 2014.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I did not read all the books that I had written down on that list, but I did read a ton of books that I came across through the months.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>Tam's Top 5</u></b><i> (Based on the fact that I learned the most, read more than once or simply is timely based on where we are in our life's journey)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>When Life & Beliefs Collide...</b>James * </span></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">I absolutely love books that make me think, question myself, challenge what I believe and examine my foundations and motivations. This book was one of those, it helped refine what I think and how to convey it.</i><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><b>Revolution The Story of the New Testament Church (the first 17 years)</b><i>.</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-indent: -0.5in;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honourable Mention goes to:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>God's Favourite Place on Earth...</b>Frank Viola* </span></span><i style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I loved this book. A really different take on the house in Bethany and it's role in the life of Jesus then and now.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Educating the Whole Hearted Child...</b>Clay Sally Clarkson</span><i><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> This is a must read for all homeschoolers, and one to go back to again and again through the process.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Roaring Lambs..</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">.Bob Briner </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>The Alchemist...</b>Paulo Coelho</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>The Gospel of Ruth...</b>James </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Lost Women of the Bible</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">..James</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Dumbing Us Down (The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling)</b>...John Taylor Gatto</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Last Child in the Woods</b>...Richard Louv * </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"> <i>I read most of this. It's definitely one to keep on hand. Such a good book to come back to when you are trying to change your family habits of being indoors so much.</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Wheat Belly</b>...William Davis</span></span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Same Kind of Different as Me...</b><span style="background-color: #fff8e7; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fff8e7; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Ron Hall and Denver Moore's</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Fall of Rome</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Place Called Freedom</b>...Ken Follet</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><b>The Silas Diary</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><b>The Titus Diary</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><b>The Timothy Diary</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><b>The Priscilla Diary</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><b>The Gaius Diary</b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">..Gene Edwards </span></span><br />
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<u style="font-size: 13px; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Books I STILL check in on Every Year</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px; text-indent: -0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-indent: -0.5in;">Simple Abundance - Sarah Ban Breathnach</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grace Based Parenting - Tim Kimmel</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><u><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Currently Reading</span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">The Happiest Toddler on the Block</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13.333333969116211px; line-height: 16px;">...Harvey Karp</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Orthodoxy</b>...GK Chesterton</span></span></span><br />
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<u style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up Next</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">The Way they Learn...</b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Cynthia Tobia</span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">s</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>When the Church Was a Family</b>...Joseph H Hellerman</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Jesus Manifesto...</b>Frank Viola & Leonard Sweet</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>The Key to your Child's Heart</b>...Gary Smalley</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Hind's Feet on High Places</b>...Hannah Hurnard</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>Emma</b>...Jane Austen</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;"><b>The Guests of War Triology</b>...Kit Pearson</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Einstein </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">-</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Walter Isaacson</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prisoner in the Third Cell-Gene Edwards</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A Briefer History of Time </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Stephen Hawking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">A Short History of Everything </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Bill Bryson</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -40px;">The Pursuit of God – A</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -40px;"> </span><st1:place st="on" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -40px;">W Tozer</st1:place></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -40px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Works of Charles Dickens</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; text-indent: -40px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u>The Big Ones I Hope to Tackle someday...</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-indent: -40px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confessions or The City of God....Augustine</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: normal;">Mere Christianity</span><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060652926" height="1" style="border: none !important; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="line-height: normal;"> by C.S. Lewis</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Divine Comedy<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1613824769" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by Dante</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Paradise Lost<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0872207331" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by John Milton</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060608528" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by Dietrich Bonhoeffer</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Imitation of Christ<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1420926357" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by Thomas a Kempis</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Great Divorce<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0060652950" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by C.S. Lewis</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Odyssey<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140268863" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by Homer</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The Cost of Discipleship<img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=lifeingrace-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0684815001" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /> by Bonhoeffer</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-2526293836381705772014-01-14T13:42:00.002-05:002014-01-14T13:42:45.457-05:00To All Little Sisters...<h2>
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/j-ZpcJzGBpE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></h2>
<h2>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Little Sister<o:p></o:p></span></i></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know life seems dark and overwhelming right now. It seems
lonely and like you’re trying so hard with so little results. It’s not fun, I
get it. Hang in there.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You are in a season. Seasons last only so long and before
you know it, the next one is upon you. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s ok. Take a deep breath. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we fight against the seasons, we will never find a true
rhythm and rest in life. That joy and peace that is present in the wrinkles of
the wise who have lived through many seasons and embrace them in their
fullness. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seasons are not just in the passing of months and days on
the calendar. They are in seasons of life. You will have seasons in relationships,
in spiritual growth, in your career, in a greater calling, in parenting and in
personal growth and maturity. Sometimes, when you are in one season in one part
of life, you are also in a different season in another area, sometimes they
converge… the point is to embrace them. To live through each taking the good and the
uncomfortable of each, knowing they produce one thing. A Life. YOUR LIFE.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, look around you. What season are you in? Is it dry, is
it barren and maybe even cold? Does everything and everyone seem to be buried? Out
of reach?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/winterseason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://www.chinesemedicineliving.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/winterseason.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to WINTER.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What a beautiful season! <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s a much needed one. It is a season of rest, of SLOW, of
quiet and separation and preparation. It is a season of peace and calm.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Winter is the season for reflection and introspection. It is
one where on the outside, not much growth is visible, but underneath the
surface, the roots are going deeper and getting stronger. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In winter, you can hear better. There is not as much
fighting for your attention.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In winter, the skies are clearer and the air crisper. Unless
there is a storm. There will be storms.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The snows and winds, the winter storms come to cover the
earth. To blanket her, and provide a means for cleansing in the spring thaw. In
winter, the fat is burned. The excess gets used up, or frozen and discarded.
This is good. In winter, things die off. These things need to die, to make room
for the new growth to come.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is such beauty in the winter season of life. Sometimes
it seems like relationships are hard, maybe it’s time to back off and rest for
a bit. Everything is harder to do in winter. That’s why animals hibernate or
migrate. We could learn from them if we watch them. Sometimes we hit those dry
patches, we feel like we’re not learning anything, nothing seems to “catch us”…that’s
ok. The ground is hard, impenetrable. The creator is at work in the ground of
our hearts. In winter, we reflect back on what we’ve learned in the past “year”,
and we plan…knowing the energy and excitement of a new season will come, it
always comes. The warmth of the sun will touch our skin again. But then winter
will be over.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Or perhaps you are in a SPRING.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://stuffkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Beautiful-Examples-of-Spring-Season-Photos-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://stuffkit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Beautiful-Examples-of-Spring-Season-Photos-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring usually comes slowly. If we have truly embraced
winter, and loved it. We will see the signs of spring and not grow impatient.
They will encourage us. In spring, the thaw comes as slowly the position of the
sun changes and the warmth and light extend into longer and longer stretches.
The ground opens up. The waters wash away the debris. There is work to be done.
Time for reflection and planning has passed. Hopefully, you used your winter
well. It’s time to plant, to raise up seedlings, to turn the soil, to open the
windows and sweep away the dust. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In spring, everyone seems to begin to tentatively venture
outdoors again. They open up their lives and hearts again. Spring is dirty. It
is wet. Sometimes it is uncertain. We aren’t sure if we need a jacket or a
tshirt. So we wear both. We hear lovely birdsongs again. We see green sprouting
and flowers bursting through the dirt and patches of snow. Spring is full of
new life, rebirth. Ideas abound, hope is high. Love is easy, new life is
celebrated and welcomed with great joy. Summer is on its way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">SUMMER<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLeO1w0s9kXEgtzs5vIdXwXnv4hzU98fAlw6ntokyP7jxckVLr" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQLeO1w0s9kXEgtzs5vIdXwXnv4hzU98fAlw6ntokyP7jxckVLr" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh the days of summer. Summer arrives in glory! The joy of
days of fullness. Some harvesting, some playing, long days. Fruitful days. Food
is abundant. Summer is noisy, full of song, laughter, shouting and greetings.
Getting together with others is easy. Connecting with ideas and being
productive is second nature. Celebration is common. Even work is fun. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As summer passes, the calendar fills up. The days become so
full, they pass quickly, and thus summer seems to be short. It’s no shorter,
just busier. Not as busy as fall mind you, but a different kind of busy.
Everything is growing, until it isn’t. Then it gets hot. And DRY. Uncomfortably
so. Enough to make us look forward to the cool winds of autumn. But not yet.
Despite the heat and dryness, there is much work to be done, and the last of
the summer fun to be had.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">AUTUMN<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the midst of the busyness (and often the longing for more
summer) people don’t even notice the early changeover of fall. Often, because
of regrets in not living well in the preceding seasons...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQr8d5DPlO6EPU8VC23IUDO0XcTwGYXZcIv0Fk9yNlK5kQdkNuS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQr8d5DPlO6EPU8VC23IUDO0XcTwGYXZcIv0Fk9yNlK5kQdkNuS" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But autumn is MAGNIFICENT! Many times, people lose the full
benefits of the fall. It becomes rushed and harried…they lose their joy. But regardless, it comes and speeds by with the
harvesting and the people, everywhere people. Too many to be able to really
take care of, but many hands make light work. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanksgiving. The reasons for a heart full of gratitude and
praise are everywhere. There is beauty and abundance everywhere. While
harvesting, the preserving and the setting aside the seed for the next spring. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The cleanup, so much clean up. There is anticipation of a joyous celebration at
the end of the autumn in the holidays. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The autumn has shorter days though, and
the weather and circumstances are always uncertain. It is windy, and the beauty
can be blown away quickly. The Harvest rains come, to prepare the earth for the
rest of Winter…but by then we are usually already inside, preparing for the
celebrations that ease us from one season into another and mark the passing of
the circle of time bound in a growing year. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Little sister… look up.</b> Behold the season. Behold the passing
of time. The ONE who has quietly observed the passing of the times and seasons
through the ages, HE is with you. HE holds your days. Your moments in the sun
and moments covered in the snow. Your moments caught in the storms. He is HERE.
HE is HERE. In your heartbeat, In the breath of heaven that created us, that we
use to walk on the earth. In the still
small voice. In the rising and setting of the sun. Calm your heart, still your
mind. REST. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is HERE. HE IS HERE.</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-22623391239403800342014-01-02T15:03:00.002-05:002014-01-02T15:03:29.312-05:00Yes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.davidwhiting.org/.a/6a00e552737cff8833019b03004e09970d-pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.davidwhiting.org/.a/6a00e552737cff8833019b03004e09970d-pi" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
2014 is barely begun. Outside my window a winter freeze is blustering with a fury, and I am hunkered down with a tea and a lit candle gently glowing. One boys is playing in the snow, 2 boys are are reading hoping to have some time on the xbox later... and the baby is napping- for a brief moment it is quiet here. My heart is not completely quiet though.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Christmas is packed up and put away, the house is back in order, laundry and "home love" is under control...in the quiet, I start to think...maybe this year...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe this year, I'll finally lose the weight that has haunted me since 1999.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe this year, I'll get the chaos of pictures under control in the office.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe this year, I'll memorize something grand like the book of Romans, or a passage from the Odyssey or from Othello.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe this year, I'll write that book, or do something...anything significant...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The expectation is overwhelming...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This I know, I cannot fulfill this list on my own. Impossible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But this I know more, GRACE. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The sufficiency of that five letter word, is so simple, it overtakes everything you put in it's path. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have decided to pick a word for this year, to sum up what lies ahead...the great unknown. Perhaps some faith is required. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The word makes my heart start to race...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So I can only get to it, by going through GRACE first. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The word is YES.</div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #717274; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><span style="color: #717274; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">adverb</span></i></b><span style="background-color: #e8ecf5; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">\</span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;">ˈ</span><span style="color: #717274; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">yes\</span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"><i>used to
give a positive answer or reply to a question, request, or offer</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"><i>used to
express agreement with an earlier statement or to say that statement is true</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15pt;"><i>used to
introduce a statement that corrects or disagrees with an earlier negative
statement</i></span></li>
<li><i><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/all+right"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">allright</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alright"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">alright</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aye"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">aye</span></a> (also <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ay"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">ay</span></a>), <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exactly"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">exactly</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ok"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">OK</span></a> (or <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okay"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">okay</span></a>),<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okeydoke"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">okeydoke</span></a> (or <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/okeydokey"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">okeydokey</span></a>), <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yea"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">yea</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yeah"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">yeah</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yep"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">yep</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolutely"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">absolutely</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assuredly"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">assuredly</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/certainly"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">certainly</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indeed"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">indeed</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indisputably"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">indisputably</span></a>,<a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positively"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">positively</span></a>, <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undoubtedly"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">undoubtedly</span></a>, <span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unquestionably">unquestionably</a></span></i></li>
</ul>
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I am so used to having to say no... no to my kids, no to myself, no, no, no.</div>
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This is the year of YES. It all started a month or so ago when I watched this...</div>
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...and I felt something shift inside me... the road less traveled was whispering my name.</div>
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The one who said YES to the cross in my place, is whispering my name at every corner. </div>
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Of course ever since then, I seem to encounter it everywhere...in conversations, on the radio, things I read, blogs, Television... Yes universe, I am listening...</div>
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and by grace...my answer is YES.</div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-50103424951958910672013-12-18T01:13:00.001-05:002013-12-18T01:19:54.580-05:00Holiday Home 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi there! I wasn't sure if I would participate in a Holiday Home Tour this year, but then at the last minute decided I would, just in case I never get around to including this in a scrapbook, at least it's recorded here. I've done my best to repeat some of the traditional decor I've used in the past, but also incorporated new ideas this year, hopefully you like them. We kinda do :) </div>
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I also would like to apologize for the picture quality, the only camera I have right now is on my phone, and it's pretty old, but it'll do until I can afford a new one :)</div>
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Come on in! Did you notice the urns I pulled together from greenery I cut down on our property? I was pleased with how they turned out. I also put together the simple wreath on the door too from our own bushy cedar :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRrne0Ty-bg/UrEvh3_mSjI/AAAAAAAAD-A/dF6CoCHgxZg/s1600/Dec+2013+2996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRrne0Ty-bg/UrEvh3_mSjI/AAAAAAAAD-A/dF6CoCHgxZg/s400/Dec+2013+2996.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioXCp8RMV4o/UrEvaHLc1DI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/INrCs_5Tcl8/s1600/Dec+2013+2899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ioXCp8RMV4o/UrEvaHLc1DI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/INrCs_5Tcl8/s400/Dec+2013+2899.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I repeated the "heavenly peace" theme from last year using the feather boa's as the garland throughout the entry and main floor. Lot's of gold, sparkle and white lights.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSXgN0u62r8/UrEryomzpZI/AAAAAAAAD3c/yrr32xhF7xI/s1600/2013-11-28+09.03.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vSXgN0u62r8/UrEryomzpZI/AAAAAAAAD3c/yrr32xhF7xI/s320/2013-11-28+09.03.36.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mlx0mSXkvSY/UrErzThDLKI/AAAAAAAAD3w/_6_XJw1mKjo/s1600/2013-11-28+09.07.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mlx0mSXkvSY/UrErzThDLKI/AAAAAAAAD3w/_6_XJw1mKjo/s320/2013-11-28+09.07.28.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>DAYTIME</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uizAMsoFrV4/UrEs4I7C0_I/AAAAAAAAD5o/vLhRYiwFocw/s1600/2013-11-16+18.44.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uizAMsoFrV4/UrEs4I7C0_I/AAAAAAAAD5o/vLhRYiwFocw/s320/2013-11-16+18.44.13.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54_ZK0oIq4U/UrEs6oSUQHI/AAAAAAAAD6M/IKY21GN32VA/s1600/2013-11-16+18.47.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-54_ZK0oIq4U/UrEs6oSUQHI/AAAAAAAAD6M/IKY21GN32VA/s320/2013-11-16+18.47.46.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>NIGHTTIME</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_44CZn4GO8/UrErzj10d7I/AAAAAAAAD3s/QUakLOR_6Pg/s1600/2013-11-28+09.07.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_44CZn4GO8/UrErzj10d7I/AAAAAAAAD3s/QUakLOR_6Pg/s320/2013-11-28+09.07.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I added some pretty ornments to my plain old light fixtures. Voila! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRvyHxnoSQ8/UrEvb4ih7ZI/AAAAAAAAD8o/MBk7DPahb1k/s1600/Dec+2013+2875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRvyHxnoSQ8/UrEvb4ih7ZI/AAAAAAAAD8o/MBk7DPahb1k/s320/Dec+2013+2875.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I grouped some old wreathes and traded out golds, white and sparkle on tabletops, etc.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGmwINCAg4M/UrEvZd4dtyI/AAAAAAAAD74/uKnz9GvZoxA/s1600/Dec+2013+2882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RGmwINCAg4M/UrEvZd4dtyI/AAAAAAAAD74/uKnz9GvZoxA/s320/Dec+2013+2882.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqWe_y4aLd8/UrEvZk3JWaI/AAAAAAAAD8A/cJb67yDje5E/s1600/Dec+2013+2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqWe_y4aLd8/UrEvZk3JWaI/AAAAAAAAD8A/cJb67yDje5E/s320/Dec+2013+2884.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sidebar, daytime - angel collection.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uitIgYUVwCY/UrEs4Bc8OmI/AAAAAAAAD5s/cSKaNUh47e0/s1600/2013-11-16+18.48.34+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uitIgYUVwCY/UrEs4Bc8OmI/AAAAAAAAD5s/cSKaNUh47e0/s320/2013-11-16+18.48.34+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Nighttime too.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqniOtjumxo/UrEr0ZBwgSI/AAAAAAAAD34/j7QYYczYGXk/s1600/2013-11-28+09.08.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqniOtjumxo/UrEr0ZBwgSI/AAAAAAAAD34/j7QYYczYGXk/s320/2013-11-28+09.08.26.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sReEDXnVWVg/UrEr2KmM7zI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/fG9oUD6fUl0/s1600/2013-11-28+09.10.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sReEDXnVWVg/UrEr2KmM7zI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/fG9oUD6fUl0/s320/2013-11-28+09.10.37.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Formal living room tree.</div>
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Feather garlands everywhere, hung the feather wreath and kissing ball in the hall to the bedrooms. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGUw9whKqOo/UrEs5HAUKlI/AAAAAAAAD6E/E9JHZTFOtLs/s1600/2013-11-16+18.55.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGUw9whKqOo/UrEs5HAUKlI/AAAAAAAAD6E/E9JHZTFOtLs/s320/2013-11-16+18.55.51.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Master bedroom, added the silver stockings, some greenery onto shelf tops, and the purple tree/ candles on the dresser.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_Ob60l_PA/UrEs4iZmvmI/AAAAAAAAD5w/PvxPI5An4cs/s1600/2013-11-16+18.52.59+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UU_Ob60l_PA/UrEs4iZmvmI/AAAAAAAAD5w/PvxPI5An4cs/s320/2013-11-16+18.52.59+-+Copy.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5tiLrYcGCQ/UrEs5eHQRkI/AAAAAAAAD6A/4qcqVavqDAQ/s1600/2013-11-16+19.10.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5tiLrYcGCQ/UrEs5eHQRkI/AAAAAAAAD6A/4qcqVavqDAQ/s320/2013-11-16+19.10.36.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Mini Trees in the boys room, the baby's sparkly pink tree (not shown is the guest room - blue tree)<br />
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The baby's holiday wardrobe is ready!</div>
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Bannister to family room (I've added to this since the pic was snapped)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OXSUirwnJQ/UrEs7A_xyuI/AAAAAAAAD6U/iqF61Sj8bXA/s1600/2013-11-16+19.13.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_OXSUirwnJQ/UrEs7A_xyuI/AAAAAAAAD6U/iqF61Sj8bXA/s400/2013-11-16+19.13.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Christmas village on hutch at top of stairs.</div>
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FAMILY ROOM - Red, Gold and Green</div>
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KITCHEN</div>
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Advent wreath</div>
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The Heart of our Home</div>
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Nativity Mantel</div>
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Practice for Christmas Brunch.</div>
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Kitchen Window </div>
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Tried my hand at creating my own pine garland.</div>
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Our Jesse Tree</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTj3geADjrY/UrEs-VHNLZI/AAAAAAAAD7I/AaOg2Cd4ZdY/s1600/2013-11-16+22.07.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WTj3geADjrY/UrEs-VHNLZI/AAAAAAAAD7I/AaOg2Cd4ZdY/s320/2013-11-16+22.07.05.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiPaG1i2os/UrEs7uRaOGI/AAAAAAAAD6c/oQzEymDNWaw/s1600/2013-11-16+21.47.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MeiPaG1i2os/UrEs7uRaOGI/AAAAAAAAD6c/oQzEymDNWaw/s320/2013-11-16+21.47.41.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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NIGHTTIME KITCHEN</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dId9mbTmHgw/UrEs8PpD6FI/AAAAAAAAD6k/gtyp8nnDmCA/s1600/2013-11-16+22.00.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dId9mbTmHgw/UrEs8PpD6FI/AAAAAAAAD6k/gtyp8nnDmCA/s200/2013-11-16+22.00.40.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlaZHTkm3R4/UrEvYlb9agI/AAAAAAAAD7w/kMlDsxY71GE/s1600/Dec+2013+2776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlaZHTkm3R4/UrEvYlb9agI/AAAAAAAAD7w/kMlDsxY71GE/s320/Dec+2013+2776.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bathroom, highlighted the GREENS and GOLDS.</div>
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Most of these pics were taken a couple weeks ago, so there's been some tweaking since, they may or may not make it to the blog. Until the next post, I'm going to go and enjoy some of the baking from our baking exchange earlier this month, if I can manage to keep the kids out of the baking first! </div>
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Thanks for taking the time to tour our home and Happy Holidays!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJILXzJkUFc/UrEvex3gjAI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/BNJjObv2qqg/s1600/Dec+2013+2977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iJILXzJkUFc/UrEvex3gjAI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/BNJjObv2qqg/s400/Dec+2013+2977.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Linking up to the Holiday Home Tour at the Nesting Place <a href="http://www.thenester.com/">here</a>.</div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-79392786413168234672013-12-02T22:54:00.001-05:002013-12-03T10:12:55.434-05:00The Heaslip Herald 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a friendly reminder... there are<a href="http://www.scienceinschool.org/repository/images/advent2010day23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.scienceinschool.org/repository/images/advent2010day23.jpg" /></a> days til Christmas!</div>
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I must preface this post with a disclaimer... The reason we are posting the newsletter online this year is simply to save money (printing and mailing costs). If we get enough complaints that you don't like this format, we hopefully will have it in the budget to print next year if the majority of you wish for that. </div>
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Second, I apologize that I am not tech savvy enough to post this on here differently (ie - so it's bigger). The hubby has promised to figure out a way to create a link for you to be able to access this in a couple other formats - so you can read it easier (esp. if you also are not tech savvy enough to know how to enlarge the view) and also so you can print it out if you are so inclined (without having to print the whole blogger page. So if you are too annoyed with this format, just wait a wee bit longer, and you'll have other options. </div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/1ivG83p"><i><br /></i></a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://bit.ly/1ivG83p"><i><span style="color: #660000;">As promised - here's the link to download your own PDF.</span></i></a></b></div>
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Without further ado...I give you the 7th edition of the Heaslip Herald! Grab a coffee and enjoy. </div>
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Much Love and Happy Holidays,</div>
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<img alt="Tammara" height="53" src="http://images.cooltext.com/2274752.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; padding: 5px;" width="190" /></div>
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<i>(aka Mama T aka Tammaymay aka Mimi, etc.)</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gah0BIV4_KU/Up1Q9U1JleI/AAAAAAAAD28/C41x_YRcqxc/s1600/2013d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gah0BIV4_KU/Up1Q9U1JleI/AAAAAAAAD28/C41x_YRcqxc/s640/2013d.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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<br />Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-35775787084494303222013-12-01T21:31:00.002-05:002013-12-01T21:31:30.552-05:00It's coming....!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig1VM3Vtjo4/Upvo59FtKpI/AAAAAAAAD2I/LBRt4BT-MHs/s1600/IMG_1128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig1VM3Vtjo4/Upvo59FtKpI/AAAAAAAAD2I/LBRt4BT-MHs/s640/IMG_1128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>OOPS!</b></div>
<br />
Due to technical delays...the Heaslip Herald (newsletter) is obviously not up yet... working on it. Hopefully will be up by tonight or tomorrow...my apologies.<br />
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Here's a sneak peak of what's coming...<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">A Year in Review...obviously</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgT0kaCXN1s81LNRqO8DkvMz0UrtCAL5ensGelFYf4PE8GOIft" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgT0kaCXN1s81LNRqO8DkvMz0UrtCAL5ensGelFYf4PE8GOIft" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our Awesome Kids</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrlL3HQWGC8/UpvqZ5Myu1I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/kth4p9-SJT0/s1600/2013-09-20+12.15.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrlL3HQWGC8/UpvqZ5Myu1I/AAAAAAAAD2Y/kth4p9-SJT0/s320/2013-09-20+12.15.29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Some of our Stand Out Friends...</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfDgnUYOWlw/Upvoymc_XrI/AAAAAAAAD2A/O0QLs7ZPi2w/s1600/1359155828665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KfDgnUYOWlw/Upvoymc_XrI/AAAAAAAAD2A/O0QLs7ZPi2w/s1600/1359155828665.jpg" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>New friends we made...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEX_XbgD1I/UpvqP9ptd0I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/X0rtqRIPlHg/s1600/2013-09-12+19.24.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PpEX_XbgD1I/UpvqP9ptd0I/AAAAAAAAD2Q/X0rtqRIPlHg/s320/2013-09-12+19.24.42.jpg" width="320" /></b></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Stuff we did...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://bonairbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/homeSchool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://bonairbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/homeSchool.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://oldermommystillyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-bpfYIRROThw/ThpuHZHr1XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BcNm_drVNKk/s1600/snoopy-camping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://oldermommystillyummy.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-bpfYIRROThw/ThpuHZHr1XI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/BcNm_drVNKk/s1600/snoopy-camping.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://www.gaychristian101.com/images/housechurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://www.gaychristian101.com/images/housechurch.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://tbclife.net.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/u/0e1098469_upward-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="http://tbclife.net.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/u/0e1098469_upward-header.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Places we went...</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.billavista.com/atv/Articles/Ontario_Trails/maps/Ontario_Counties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://www.billavista.com/atv/Articles/Ontario_Trails/maps/Ontario_Counties.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/CSSRegionMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.ikfkickboxing.com/CSSRegionMap.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Some things we love... </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://theabundantartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/i_love_blogging1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://theabundantartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/i_love_blogging1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="http://areyoucapable.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fd1370rabbit-s-vegetable-garden-posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://areyoucapable.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/fd1370rabbit-s-vegetable-garden-posters.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>our hopes for the New Year...</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>a</b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">nd maybe some more...</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned and thank you for your patience!</b></div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-65739947625832754792013-11-17T01:15:00.000-05:002013-11-17T01:15:06.022-05:00The Palm Tree and Me<div class="articlesummary" style="background-color: white; color: #001c43; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em; margin-bottom: 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Palm Tree and Me<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I remember clearly the preacher
describing how a Palm tree grows and it’s characteristics and purpose. I still
get shivers when I think about it...<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">My thoughts in summary as it was
about 22 years ago when I first heard it are written first. I’ve followed up
with notes I’ve collected through the years on The Palm Tree (mostly from other preachers - I can't site any by name as their are many and they all overlap. After 20 plus years of trying to find that specific sermon I heard on TV, I've never been successful in locating it. But it really did happen, and it changed my life. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Most of the
metaphors are pretty obvious. I’ve noted the ones that have hit me hardest
through the years. That day, the preacher </span></i><i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">showed a video clip of this palm tree that had been leveled by a tropical storm. The video then showed how it was
preserved through God’s design. When a palm tree grows, the roots go deep
through the earth until it finds the bedrock and attaches itself to it. (the
metaphors here and pretty awesome – Jesus the Rock) </span></i><i style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Because of this, it’s foundation
is so secure, it is almost impossible to destroy a palm tree.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Also, it grows incredibly tall,
reaching up to the heavens, deriving much strength from the sun. (Jesus – the SON) Most palm trees are found
in areas that are exposed to fierce storms, a lot of fierce storms. Sometimes after a storm, the palm trees look
like they are dead. They are horizontal and roots are exposed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">But they are not dead. Somehow,
the light of the sun and their strong root system cause them to rise up and
stand tall once again – sometimes even within a day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I am definitely like a palm tree.
Absolutely. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The great news is though – we are all like palm trees, by the Grace
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">………………………………………………………………………………………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
Bible says, “<i>The righteous shall flourish
like the palm tree…</i>” (Ps. 92:12) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Blessed is the man that walks not
in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in
the seat of the scornful.<b><sup>2</sup></b></span></i></span><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">but his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law
he meditates day and night.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/1-3.htm"><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3</span></i></a><span class="highl"><i><span style="background: #FFF4EC; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">He will be like a tree firmly
planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf
does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></i></span><a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/1-4.htm"><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4</span></i></a><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the
wind drives away</span></i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">.…(Ps 1:1-3)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In fact </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm
trees are mentioned more than 30 times in the Bible. The first mention of the
palm tree occurs in Exodus 15:27,
where, upon departing from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites "<i>came to
Elim, where there were 12 wells of water and 70 palm trees</i>."</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> I’ve always thought that it was
interesting that God’s people were brought first to a place with many palm
trees, when they were brought out of captivity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Palm Trees Grow Upright</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A palm tree
grows straight up. It has no branches, only fronds (leaves – which it will shed
during a storm, to preserve life) Always looking up towards heaven the palm
tree grows to great height, sometimes even hundred feet. A believer is always
looking up towards heaven, trying to know and follow the Will of God. Rooted in
a land whether fertile or not, it grows up sucking the moisture from the earth.
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm trees invoke a sense of paradise and peace. No matter
which way they are planted, palm trees always grow towards the sun, even if it
means that they must twist and contort themselves. A Christian centers his life
on Christ, striving always to grow closer to God. We bend and twist ourselves
as necessary both to avoid sin and resist temptation, while at the same time we
reach for God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm trees are lean and slender,
shedding excess branches as they grow. The wind still blows on them, but there
is less for the wind to grab ahold of. As we grow stronger in our faith,
deepening our relationship with God, we shed our desire for worldly things. We
become less vulnerable to temptation and center our lives on Christ. That way
when the difficult times come we don’t worry about material loss, but rather we
maintain our hope in</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
what matters most, our </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">salvation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It Grows Tall</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm trees are unique </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">and</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> have a
distinct appearance</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
in their height. T</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">hey grow much taller than other
trees. Even trees that are much older don’t compare to the height of the palms.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
Christians we stand out in a crowd—or at least we should—since we are called to
be the “light of the world.” It’s not to say that we are better than others,
but the way we carry ourselves—our speech, our demeanor, our disposition—should
be dramatically different than our non-believing counterparts. There is
something special about us. People can see that you have something that they
don’t have, and they want it. What we have is God’s grace. That is what makes
us special.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Palm
trees are easily spotted and identified.
Palm trees are difficult to hide. They don't blend in with their
environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It Cannot be Grafted<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Horticulturists say that to graft a palm tree is to kill it.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1. The palm tree is distinctive and unusual.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2. This is why grafting kills it.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">To graft a Christian into the world is to kill
his testimony and influence.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1. The Christian is to be distinctive, easily
distinguished from the world.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">2. Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech you therefore
brethren...."<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><b>Palm Trees Are Durable.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They are deep rooted. They will bend
under extreme conditions but they rarely break or become uprooted. They are
designed to weather storms. Although palm trees may look weak and scrawny,
appearances can be deceiving. They sway to and fro in the wind, but they never
break as opposed to the dense, bulky trees whose branches snap under pressure.
Just like the palm trees, we have the special ability to weather the storm.
That special ability is none other than the hand of God working in our lives.
Christians don’t have fewer problems, but we do have an all-powerful God to
help us get through them. We embrace our struggles, our difficulties, our
crosses. We still feel the pain, but we don’t allow our pain to overcome us and
we never lose hope. We bend and sway, but we never break!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">The palm tree is noted for its hidden life. The life of most
of the other trees is near the surface, just under the bark. All that is needed
to kill them is to girdle the tree -- just cut down to the wood, and the sap
quits flowing, and the tree dies. There is a class of professed Christians who
live near the surface. Their feelings are easily hurt, and a little persecution
discourages them. They cannot stand a long siege of opposition. You may hack,
peel, and girdle the palm tree, and it continues to live. This is true of a
palm tree saint. You can peel, slander, and cut their reputations to pieces
with cruel tongues, and still they have </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">unbroken
fellowship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br />
<b>It is A Tree Not Affected by Drought<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Whatever
the weather, a palm tree is not affected in any way, not even surface injuries,
until you cut it down. Likewise the Christian life is not overcome by any trial
or tribulation in life. He is completely dependent on God and takes everything
according to the will of God. He draws his strength of life through his trust
in God and always rejoices. The palm tree not only survives but flourishes in
the desert.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It Will not Burn<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br />
</span></b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">It
is not used for firewood because it refuses to burn as ordinary wood.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The child of God will never, not even
for a moment, suffer the fires of hell. He will never burn; he is a palm tree.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is Coniferous <br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The palm tree is
perennially green throughout all seasons. Life flows within its being
continually and keeps it fresh. Rains may fail. Storms may shake and sway the
tree with great force. But nothing happens to the palm tree. ‘Palm-tree
Christians’ are unique because they never change. They are the same vibrant
witnesses of God’s grace throughout the day because Jesus Christ Himself is
‘the same yesterday, today and forever.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.8em;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Palm Trees Are Fruitful.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">They
were a major food source for the Israelites. They bear their best fruit when
they are old. In fact <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">the older the palm tree
the sweeter the fruit (Psalm 92:14).</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">With over 3,000 species: The date palm produces over 300
pounds of dates annually.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The
African oil palm, very widely cultivated in the tropics, gives a higher oil
yield per hectare than any other oil plant. It produces two quite different
types of oil, and that from palm kernels, used for making margarine and soap,
and that from the fleshy part of the fruit, used more widely for industrial
processes. This is one of the most rapidly expanding plantation crops today.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Palm Trees are Useful<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Each
and Every Part of it is Useful. The Palm tree is known for its usefulness, from
top to bottom each and every part of the tree is useful. Found in warm
climates, it gives the cooling effect in effect by its shade as well as its
fruit. It also has many medicinal purposes. Palm leaves are known for their
cooling effect and thatched roofs were made from these for thousands of years.
Even today they are used as beams in construction. Until modern printing was
invented,,a form of palm leaves/ Cyprus grasses had been used for making
papyrus – a form of early paper – even that which was used for writing the
Bible. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Syrians had over 360 uses for
the palm tree. In addition to fruit:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1.
Its sap could be mixed with water to make wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2.
The seed from its fruit was ground and fed to livestock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3.
Fibers from its leaves were used to make rope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4.
The leaves were used to make baskets and mats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">5.
Wood from the trunk was excellent for building.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">6.
Every part of the palm tree was useful. It was held in such high regard for its
beauty and practicality, that it was a common name given to women in the
OT--"tamar".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It is a Universal Emblem of Victory <br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Palm trees were
sympbolic of victory in many cultures through history. In Mesopotamia, the palm
had long been sacred as a symbol of triumph, eternal life and peace. In Inda,
the palm leaves were sent to the neighboring kings carrying messages of war and
peace. Many ancient cultures celebrated victories with the palm tree. In
ancient Greece, a palm branch was presented to winning athletes. The palm tree
itself was associated with victory in the belief system of ancient Rome. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Because victory can also signify an end of conflict, some cultures, such as
Islam, associate the palm with peace and paradise. In a1ncient Egypt, the palm
represented eternal life; in Jewish tradition, the palm was connected to the
festival of Sukkot. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the palm branches that the
people were placing before him already had symbolic value. It is also mentioned
in the book of Revelations as a token of victory. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">After the death and
resurrection of Jesus, later Christian leaders took the palm as a symbol of the
victory that martyrs won over their oppressors and of the victory of the spirit
over the desires of the flesh. Both of these meanings earned the palm a place
on several flags and seals representing countries in later history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Palm Tree Shows the Place of
Water<br />
</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Palm tree has a
very acute sense of finding water. Its roots go deep to find out water even in
dry places. Even in a desert filled with hot sand, the palm tree survives
bearing the scorching heat of the sun. As believers we find our livelihood
in Christ ‘the living water’. He is the living water that can quench any
thirst. Jesus said, “Those who drink of the water that I shall give will never
be thirsty” (John 4: 14). A Christian can show the way towards ‘the living
water’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Group Of Palm
Trees Forms An Oasis.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">One palm tree standing alone will not provide much shade from
the burning sun.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>A group of palm
trees forms an oasis. Stay together and stand as Christians. Get in and stay in
the N.T. church. These are even described at "families" - the group of trees.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>The oasis
provides shade for the weary traveler.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Often
in the desert, you will find orange and lemon trees growing beneath the shade
of the palms grouped together. When we group ourselves together in the church,
we provide shade for those weaker than ourselves. This is why Hebrews 10:25 is
so important to us. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves
together..."<span class="apple-converted-space"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">To appoint
unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of
joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they
might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might
be glorified. Isa 61:3 </span></i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">*This verse was read at my wedding, one of the things that
spoke so clearly to my heart that my husband was a match for me, was that I saw
him as a tree that I was planted together with – and this verse was our
mandate for our family, our group of trees. That He might be glorified.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-21356963853196275392013-11-15T11:06:00.000-05:002013-11-15T11:21:20.194-05:00Five Minute Friday - TREEI was about 11 or 12 years old and my mom had left a Baby Names book on the kitchen table. She was expecting one of my youngest sisters at the time, and for some reason I felt compelled to look up all our names...<br />
<br />
Dad - Aristotelis - the Best<br />
Mom - Brenda - Fire Brand/ Sword<br />
Sisters - Jennette - God is Gracious<br />
Stephanie - A Crown<br />
<br />
All such nice, meaningful names...inspiring...beautiful.<br />
<br />
With excitement I looked up my name... Tammara... there it was in black and white...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
PALM TREE</div>
<br />
What?! I checked and re-checked. Nope. That was it. Hebrew...or Russian depending on spelling.<br />
<br />
No matter how I looked at it, it did nothing for me. I could think of nothing good about it except that they grew in far away places...I closed the book, disappointed.<br />
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Fast forward about 5 years, the teen years. I was a "deep" kid, spent a lot of time reading, studying history and language, symbolism and metaphors... a thinker.<br />
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When the big questions started coming, I had a hard time finding myself.<br />
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What am I going to do with my life? Do I go to college/ university? Where? Missions? Where? With what organization? Who am I? What do I do with my life? What does God want? The answers eluded me...and I felt like I was swimming in a sea of confusion and darkness.<br />
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Then one weekend I was checking out a college with my mom and I was sitting in our hotel room flicking stations on the TV... this television evangelist who I'd only heard of but never met was speaking, normally I would have flicked past, but something he said caught my attention. He then proceeded to talk about the Palm Tree believer...goosebumps.<br />
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Basically in ten minutes I had all the answers I needed...it was one of those crazy all consuming moments when your world stops, you wonder if you are even breathing. It was a definite AHA moment. God used that guy to show me who I was in Christ, and that if I am planted in Christ, it doesn't matter what storms may come (and they will...and they have) - I will survive and thrive. That my peace and future and fruitfulness was in Him.<br />
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More than that, God used something as simple as the meaning of my name - Palm Tree - to turn it around for my good, and to reach me in a dark place, and show me a better way.<br />
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Done - that was five minutes...<br />
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PART TWO - if you are interested, come back tomorrow... I'll post the Palm Tree Christian and why it's so meaningful to me, and why it's lead me to study all trees and their significance to us.<br />
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Thanks for reading. What's your name mean? Any other "trees" out there?<br />
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<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/category/five-minute-friday/">Linking here - to Five Minute Friday</a></div>
<br />Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-78596546737768093802013-10-27T22:33:00.000-04:002013-10-27T22:34:31.231-04:00Our Thanksgiving TableSince it's technically still October, I then believe I can still post this "Thanksgiving/ Harvesty" post on what my Thanksgiving table looked like. I was super happy with how it turned out, and it was a great celebration of the goodness of God and our many blessings!<br />
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<b>Mini Thanksgiving List 2013</b></div>
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<b>My hubby</b>, he is the best.</div>
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<b>My kiddos</b>, and especially having a baby girl around.</div>
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<b>Homeschooling</b> - and our new Classical Conversations Curriculum! love it - thanks LJ for the referral.</div>
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<b>My home</b>, though it needs many a repair, I am thankful we have it, that we have the rooms to rent out and host guests in. It is our little haven, and I'm so thankful for it.</div>
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<b>A fruitful garden this year</b>, and friends with a shared passion for organic foods/ homesteading and canning/ preserving.</div>
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Authentic, fun, challenging, divinely given <b>friends</b> to share all the seasons of life with.<br />
Peace in the midst of the storm.</div>
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A song to sing for every situation.</div>
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So many <b>happy memories</b> over the past year, and the last 20 too.</div>
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Soup.</div>
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Youtube and Netflix.<br />
Yoga Pants and green smoothies.<br />
New journals and empty idea books and a new pen.<br />
New followers on my blog who leave comments :)<br />
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<b>Our Table</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK1Drc_TtF0/UmneOdHYt5I/AAAAAAAADug/-0NtqlgmlGA/s1600/2013-10-13+16.50.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK1Drc_TtF0/UmneOdHYt5I/AAAAAAAADug/-0NtqlgmlGA/s640/2013-10-13+16.50.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i>I decided to do up a large "centerpiece" at one end of the long table and have it "trail down" the rest of the table. I used all florals and greenery from my yard (and possibly my neighbors yard! </i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8yiieNK9Zo/UmneQTeePnI/AAAAAAAADvE/4QFGaaUjPi0/s1600/2013-10-13+16.52.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p8yiieNK9Zo/UmneQTeePnI/AAAAAAAADvE/4QFGaaUjPi0/s400/2013-10-13+16.52.29.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13.333333969116211px;"><i>The goal was a "free centerpiece" - it was acheived. I added in the pumpkins which had been pink, spray painted them gold - added real and fake fruit from around house to an old cornucopia basket and an elevated glass bowl and presto!...free fall beauty.</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy12dva7JS4/UmneQ-rTB_I/AAAAAAAADvY/5GaTAitzV5Y/s1600/2013-10-13+16.53.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy12dva7JS4/UmneQ-rTB_I/AAAAAAAADvY/5GaTAitzV5Y/s400/2013-10-13+16.53.13.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Additional View</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nweq30PB5QU/UmneRcYbvBI/AAAAAAAADvs/ydOzuzEOK3E/s1600/2013-10-13+17.01.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nweq30PB5QU/UmneRcYbvBI/AAAAAAAADvs/ydOzuzEOK3E/s400/2013-10-13+17.01.31.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I knew the grown ups would want candy too!</i></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHENTlhCno/UmneOWt8xPI/AAAAAAAADuk/h-Tkwn58720/s1600/2013-10-13+16.50.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vBHENTlhCno/UmneOWt8xPI/AAAAAAAADuk/h-Tkwn58720/s400/2013-10-13+16.50.37.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Place card was a leaf shaped sugar cookie with nutmeg and cinnamon.<br />I used cardstock with chalk and tied together with twine.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm963CCF4Os/UmnePGnqJEI/AAAAAAAADuw/08H4NKeXxaM/s1600/2013-10-13+16.51.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm963CCF4Os/UmnePGnqJEI/AAAAAAAADuw/08H4NKeXxaM/s400/2013-10-13+16.51.18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Changed out JT's blinged branches with leaves for the pink birds which we used for the bday <br />
party a few weeks before. Added in my turkey and voila, mantle done.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaGIPIIXyLg/UmnePZpvodI/AAAAAAAADu4/f95MnAhhfUE/s1600/2013-10-13+16.51.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaGIPIIXyLg/UmnePZpvodI/AAAAAAAADu4/f95MnAhhfUE/s400/2013-10-13+16.51.59.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kids table - personalized pie plates with goodies.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7OA3mncq8A/UmneP8ojWiI/AAAAAAAADvA/hhfaRrZjhKU/s1600/2013-10-13+16.52.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7OA3mncq8A/UmneP8ojWiI/AAAAAAAADvA/hhfaRrZjhKU/s400/2013-10-13+16.52.17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plush Mr. Turkey had a couple of candy cornucopia's for fun.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv4JzpWhvtg/UmneQit9UGI/AAAAAAAADvQ/JOQQkNbnKYc/s1600/2013-10-13+16.52.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv4JzpWhvtg/UmneQit9UGI/AAAAAAAADvQ/JOQQkNbnKYc/s400/2013-10-13+16.52.35.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mmmm...Dessert Table - pumpkin Pie!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh6MfIc3xwY/UmniGJaFIXI/AAAAAAAADv8/mbqmP2bzylo/s1600/2013-10-13+17.14.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uh6MfIc3xwY/UmniGJaFIXI/AAAAAAAADv8/mbqmP2bzylo/s400/2013-10-13+17.14.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Thumbs up means it was a success to me!</i></td></tr>
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Thanks for reading today, how did/will you celebrate Thanksgiving this year?</div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-75123972497021505862013-10-25T13:31:00.003-04:002013-10-25T13:31:36.594-04:00Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's Five Minute Friday topic was...</div>
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TOGETHER</div>
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I love to get together with people. To really "be with" people, in a real and authentic way. Ever since high school (maybe even before), I had this innate ability to steer clear of relationships that I felt would honestly be a waste of time. If I sensed they were superficial with me or that they weren't being honest with me (or themselves), I mean, not everyone is going to like/ trust/ open up to me, right? I'm OK with that. I've always tried to be the kind of friend that <i>I</i> would want for a friend. It's hard to convey this without sounding like I'm full of myself...</div>
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I'm just confident that I'm a good person to have in your life because of the One who lives in me.</div>
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I believe that God's design was for us to be together with others. He said it was not good for man to be alone. He also says that he puts the solitary into families...that it's better to have a friend who is close by than a brother who is far away...that two are better than one...He depicts the church as His bride and as a family of brothers and sisters...and to let brotherly love continue... I think He doesn't want us to be alone. That He designed us to be together.</div>
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I've got some really great friends. There's that old adage that if you can count your good friends on one hand you are a lucky "man". I would say then, that I am among the luckiest.</div>
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I've chosen to see my life as a garden, and all the people in it are the living things that have been planted there. When I gave my life to Christ, I recognized that He is the Gardener of my life, not me. So I don't really have a say as to who/what is done with the plants in my garden...how long they bloom or produce or even when they need to be removed. Every plant in my garden have seasons, some are long term, some are short. Some are ever blooming, some I'm still waiting for the first bloom, years later.</div>
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Some of them are people I see every week (or more), some of them because of different seasons of life or distance, I see only rarely...but we have one thing in common, we are real with each other. We pick up where we left off, there's no worry or fear that one or the other of us is hurt or offended by our lack of time together, no insecurity...there's a common thread that I do my best to convey that I care about them and want to spend time with them (as do they). Some are friends that we laugh together - a lot. Some are friends who together we lament over and solve all the worlds problems together. Some are people I immediately call when I need someone to pray. Some are the ones you have tea with, others a glass of wine, some both. Some have kids, some have no kids, some are grandparents and a few are still in high school or college. Some share the same blood as me, most don't. Some live in other countries, some live a few hours away, others live on my road...most share a relationship with Christ, but some don't. Many I've known for almost 20 or more.</div>
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Being together takes work, it takes effort. I requires dying to myself, often. I try to consciously not be overbearing or bossy or a know it all or any other traits that I know are my own weaknesses, and trust that my friends are well aware of their own and do my best to give them the benefit of the doubt, and not judge or draw attention to their weaknesses, rather to Christ and to the blessings we already have.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4tIpz87WQ/UmqSKDxn1vI/AAAAAAAADyk/zTEFMib_OzM/s1600/Franziska's+Visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4tIpz87WQ/UmqSKDxn1vI/AAAAAAAADyk/zTEFMib_OzM/s200/Franziska's+Visit.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7NUisIcxWo/UmqS9cOqCGI/AAAAAAAADy8/4HJpw3Czz0c/s1600/Becky+and+Tammara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7NUisIcxWo/UmqS9cOqCGI/AAAAAAAADy8/4HJpw3Czz0c/s200/Becky+and+Tammara.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccjnJ75f7n0/UmqT1aLiHpI/AAAAAAAADzU/GO3gKo2GSgE/s1600/Sept+2011+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccjnJ75f7n0/UmqT1aLiHpI/AAAAAAAADzU/GO3gKo2GSgE/s200/Sept+2011+048.JPG" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtP7DNv01rI/UmqT20pcuZI/AAAAAAAADzY/TtUygB3T5YQ/s1600/Labour+day+-+Melissa1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FtP7DNv01rI/UmqT20pcuZI/AAAAAAAADzY/TtUygB3T5YQ/s200/Labour+day+-+Melissa1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I want to be an encouragement. Someone who, when I've been with them and after we've parted, they feel better, uplifted, helped and loved. I hope to learn from others much more than I can teach, though I will share any wisdom that has been passed on to me, since it's not my own...it's not mine to keep :) I try to be a light, a messenger of hope and someone who brings peace wherever I go. I love to get together with people. I love the people in my life, the flowers in my garden. I'm very very blessed indeed.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYXC-ATJJEo/UmqgGW9RWtI/AAAAAAAADz4/F-UCEGkMrdc/s1600/DSC09029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xYXC-ATJJEo/UmqgGW9RWtI/AAAAAAAADz4/F-UCEGkMrdc/s200/DSC09029.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H3IBIAKHT4/UmqhpxaGIII/AAAAAAAAD0A/LQ2z_-a6sHo/s1600/2013+So+Far+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_H3IBIAKHT4/UmqhpxaGIII/AAAAAAAAD0A/LQ2z_-a6sHo/s200/2013+So+Far+019.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linking up <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/">HERE</a></td></tr>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-89589967748640869792013-10-24T22:52:00.001-04:002013-10-24T22:52:17.270-04:00Ist Birthday and Dedication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love to throw a good party... you know, with a theme and lot's of details. Beautiful decor and really really good food. For a long time I felt like I needed a reason to do this for others, for bridal or wedding showers, for work or church events. I felt like I needed to justify all the effort, not just for myself or my little family. However in the most recent years, not having a specific church or work family to party plan for and I also realized that if I can't put that effort into celebrating my own little family, I really shouldn't be doing it for others...</div>
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So we pulled out all the stops to celebrate our Baby Girl's 1st Birthday and dedication ceremony.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJOyHR86mE/Ult1EIbUCfI/AAAAAAAADn8/x3fQyeWvpyk/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUJOyHR86mE/Ult1EIbUCfI/AAAAAAAADn8/x3fQyeWvpyk/s640/130929_Elaina1stBday_05.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scrumptious dessert table...all sorts of decor was borrowed from bestie JT of course (keeps the costs down) and the heirloom quilt was dear hubby's grandma's - perfect for the pink baby girl party.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UniFhyLqsVg/Ult1EOg0abI/AAAAAAAADoE/NDPuWkMSK5g/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UniFhyLqsVg/Ult1EOg0abI/AAAAAAAADoE/NDPuWkMSK5g/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_06.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mason Jar Ring Pumpkin</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McJbSOc-HtQ/Ult1BCCp3OI/AAAAAAAADng/N0mQF62KbG0/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-McJbSOc-HtQ/Ult1BCCp3OI/AAAAAAAADng/N0mQF62KbG0/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_02.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pink Harvest Theme with Diamonds and Bird Houses</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dErtoPjWPTM/Ult1BV7WPvI/AAAAAAAADno/Fi0jbVyCCsg/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dErtoPjWPTM/Ult1BV7WPvI/AAAAAAAADno/Fi0jbVyCCsg/s640/130929_Elaina1stBday_03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Perfect opportunity to display the baby books and a year of photos. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NICILs1vC4/Ult1DpA63vI/AAAAAAAADn4/e6WsA2Ioejo/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7NICILs1vC4/Ult1DpA63vI/AAAAAAAADn4/e6WsA2Ioejo/s640/130929_Elaina1stBday_04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Painted pink pumpkins and pearls...</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoywF7bvWFI/Ult1FO2JOyI/AAAAAAAADoI/8UeFtM5rwAY/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoywF7bvWFI/Ult1FO2JOyI/AAAAAAAADoI/8UeFtM5rwAY/s640/130929_Elaina1stBday_07.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The birthday girl checking out her balloons in her pj's with Grandma before the party starts.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv9oIoNUhM0/Ult1GgSXpDI/AAAAAAAADoY/pJbOHYxoytk/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv9oIoNUhM0/Ult1GgSXpDI/AAAAAAAADoY/pJbOHYxoytk/s640/130929_Elaina1stBday_08.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Menu: Harvest Soup, Split Pea Soup and Beef Stew</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YuOQsIk2nc/Ult1HFYyvWI/AAAAAAAADoc/3GPw2jtVFbE/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_YuOQsIk2nc/Ult1HFYyvWI/AAAAAAAADoc/3GPw2jtVFbE/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_09.jpg" width="266" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa8yDWLO1XI/Ult1HiRCYeI/AAAAAAAADok/jqBgS9okzW4/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sa8yDWLO1XI/Ult1HiRCYeI/AAAAAAAADok/jqBgS9okzW4/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_10.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pretty in her party dress.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrx4NpLTLYI/Ult1I_pZmEI/AAAAAAAADow/v-rAlNjT8V4/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nrx4NpLTLYI/Ult1I_pZmEI/AAAAAAAADow/v-rAlNjT8V4/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Grandpa and Nana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Asn_v50BURs/Ult1KTyab-I/AAAAAAAADo8/NOL-sDJXczY/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Asn_v50BURs/Ult1KTyab-I/AAAAAAAADo8/NOL-sDJXczY/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_13.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dedication</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I60C3ydTSiM/Ult1NL7qEWI/AAAAAAAADpU/HeKF0XkRyoQ/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I60C3ydTSiM/Ult1NL7qEWI/AAAAAAAADpU/HeKF0XkRyoQ/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_16.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great grandma reading a scripture verse</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAm54AHTzLQ/Ult1NryhRaI/AAAAAAAADpY/ugfL3I4EYSQ/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAm54AHTzLQ/Ult1NryhRaI/AAAAAAAADpY/ugfL3I4EYSQ/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Everyone shared a verse</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbYwmMf9do/Ult1PtMrxHI/AAAAAAAADpo/KyJfM4LwUJk/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tbYwmMf9do/Ult1PtMrxHI/AAAAAAAADpo/KyJfM4LwUJk/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_18.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Including big brother</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oA86QZxc-xo/Ult1S9U9sUI/AAAAAAAADqE/yX9oVL_gQ2Y/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oA86QZxc-xo/Ult1S9U9sUI/AAAAAAAADqE/yX9oVL_gQ2Y/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_21.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And Geema</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9yRe4K5l_w/Ult1VtIiiWI/AAAAAAAADqY/YYnNXyUEP4w/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9yRe4K5l_w/Ult1VtIiiWI/AAAAAAAADqY/YYnNXyUEP4w/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mom and Dad read a letter written for your first birthday.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK_cKBi8R6M/Ult1WM5LCSI/AAAAAAAADqc/N3OejwusVxk/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK_cKBi8R6M/Ult1WM5LCSI/AAAAAAAADqc/N3OejwusVxk/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_25.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Surrounded in prayer</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kwUvcT2Zy4/Ult1epz9xcI/AAAAAAAADrw/JSUCzZD6LYQ/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9kwUvcT2Zy4/Ult1epz9xcI/AAAAAAAADrw/JSUCzZD6LYQ/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_35.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great Grandma, Aunties and Mama in front of the Photo Wall</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWAZ9uNDItU/Ult1hvli_5I/AAAAAAAADsI/oSsDoIRYke0/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BWAZ9uNDItU/Ult1hvli_5I/AAAAAAAADsI/oSsDoIRYke0/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_38.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cupcake!</i></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scZw4WmF1hc/Ult1hijW1HI/AAAAAAAADsE/lXzE4TV2UYo/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-scZw4WmF1hc/Ult1hijW1HI/AAAAAAAADsE/lXzE4TV2UYo/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_39.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWXHyWPnwGw/Ult1jk3OGII/AAAAAAAADsc/wPHApDF0XNQ/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWXHyWPnwGw/Ult1jk3OGII/AAAAAAAADsc/wPHApDF0XNQ/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2IIvmqfCck/Ult1mMlAMaI/AAAAAAAADs8/OoF7YD7EzZY/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H2IIvmqfCck/Ult1mMlAMaI/AAAAAAAADs8/OoF7YD7EzZY/s400/130929_Elaina1stBday_44.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Presents!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glbEdDHwR5w/Ult1pjLDrCI/AAAAAAAADtU/TooWDfVsXtI/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_48.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glbEdDHwR5w/Ult1pjLDrCI/AAAAAAAADtU/TooWDfVsXtI/s320/130929_Elaina1stBday_48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlR2WZRRTn8/Ult1p-T7SoI/AAAAAAAADtc/VpKh4h8RGek/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_49.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YlR2WZRRTn8/Ult1p-T7SoI/AAAAAAAADtc/VpKh4h8RGek/s320/130929_Elaina1stBday_49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOXBfLx5To4/Ult1BOb4UNI/AAAAAAAADnk/r0AF0kEPDtk/s1600/130929_Elaina1stBday_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOXBfLx5To4/Ult1BOb4UNI/AAAAAAAADnk/r0AF0kEPDtk/s320/130929_Elaina1stBday_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Baby Jar Jelly Bean Favours</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thank you to all the friends and family who were able to celebrate with us! A birthday on September 30th is the perfect way to kick off celebrating Fall each year, looking forward to it :)<br />
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-63204994710042869322013-10-24T22:52:00.000-04:002013-10-24T22:52:05.835-04:00Dear Elaina<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNmhVod8oyQ/Umnchg1nLaI/AAAAAAAADuU/w1tioF7mYdE/s1600/130708_Boloninos_60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNmhVod8oyQ/Umnchg1nLaI/AAAAAAAADuU/w1tioF7mYdE/s640/130708_Boloninos_60.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Dear
Elaina,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We don’t know if we’ll ever be able to convey
how much we love you…but we will spend all of our remaining days doing our best
to show and tell you just that. You are
a special jewel in the crown of our lives. Our family is better because you are
in it. We are all smitten with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We wish that we could protect you from all
the sorrows and hardships that life will bring you, but we can’t. If we did,
you would miss out on all the beauty and joy that is born out of pain. We can
promise you that we will be there for you, and when we am not, we trust that we
have and will have always pointed you towards the ONE who will never leave you. Your name can always be a reminder to you on
what our intention was in raising you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Elaina</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> means “shining
light” or “torch”. </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: FreesiaUPC; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It represents Jesus” the light of
the world” and His victory. It represents Truth, Divine Wisdom and Victory…as
well as Life, Peace and leaving a Legacy. Please always remember, you can never
fulfill this apart from the Grace of God in your life… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: FreesiaUPC; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: FreesiaUPC; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This leads to your middle name…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Grace</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> is God’s
undeserved favour and blessing. We live a life that we don’t deserve because
Jesus took our place. We hope and plan on raising you in Grace…because that is
the only way we can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> We are so excited to fill these next
years with great memories together and to live life to the fullest together as
a family. As we dedicate ourselves to raising you for the Lord, we also
reaffirm that this is our intention for all of our children, for your brothers
– Lucas, Max and Carter. They will be your greatest friends, and bring you much
joy. They will also bring you grief. This is good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is our responsibility to help you find
your way, to know who you are in Christ and to live up to your names, as well
as to know what it means to be a Heaslip. The Lord will help us, and give us
the wisdom, provision and spiritual gifts we need for this. As for us, and our House… We will serve the
Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Happy first birthday Elaina! It’s
been an amazing year of firsts with our baby girl, and we’re anticipating
another year full of God’s richest blessings for, not because we deserve it,
but because of His great love for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">With
all our Love,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Mommy
& Daddy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-14189863183849627172013-10-11T22:44:00.002-04:002013-10-11T22:52:11.005-04:00Ordinary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/"><img border="0" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" /></a></div>
Ordinary...<br />
<br />
I've had a fear of being "ordinary" for as long as I can remember. It's driven me to try to accomplish something, to "be" someone, to leave a legacy that is...special.<br />
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I haven't wanted to be "just like everyone else"... and lately, as in the last few years, I've had to examine this drive. This sense of inadequacy and where it comes from.<br />
<br />
Most people do not live to see the significance their life has or hasn't had on their world and it's far reaching effects...and yet I've been constantly aware of it. I've lived with a shadow on my heart because I didn't find 'significant' education, or 'significant' success in business or ministry...<br />
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I think I've even tried to find 'significance' in my relationships with underlying motives of becoming significantly "wise"... what's wrong with that you ask. Pretty sure that pretty much everything is wrong with that. I am a person, and the people in my life are significant because we are HERE. We all matter to someone. We all matter to God.<br />
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I don't want anyone to think that I've developed some kind of psychological imbalance or spiritual deficit because I haven't. I think I've just come to a place where I've realized that it's not necessary for me to stand out from the crowd to be significant. I am no more or less significant than any other person...I am ordinary. Ordinary is not insignificant.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_zS6zq6ac/TX5rQRerjpI/AAAAAAAAAAM/EzqLSG82Yio/s1600/header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HN_zS6zq6ac/TX5rQRerjpI/AAAAAAAAAAM/EzqLSG82Yio/s320/header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I matter to Him, but more than that, I'm not the only one that matters to Him. Yes I am beloved...highly favoured and blessed...but I don't deserve it any more than the next person...none of us deserve His love, His forgiveness and grace...Yet He loves us anyways. We matter to him.<br />
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I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't feel that I have to matter to <b><i>everyone</i></b> else in order to matter to God. (And yes I know I am significant to my friends and family...my people - I am blessed among women). It's just been a bit of a day of inward reckoning...<br />
<br />
I've been very comfortable focusing on thinking about <b><i>my</i></b> place in the world, <b><i>my</i></b> place in history, the things<b><i> I</i></b> feel and think... without honestly giving a whole lot of thought to the fact that others maybe live like that too. I haven't really thought about the role that others have might have NOTHING to do with <b><i>ME</i></b>. Thinking in that small minded way that everything happening around me, is about me. Crazy I know... I think I've been a slow learner at this... or maybe just an ordinary learner - lol.<br />
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This morning I read this post from a lovely soul (Thank you PW) who is an inspiration in her authenticity and transparency, it sums up how I've been feeling... <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I sat in my usual spot.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I am a creature of habit.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I saw him coming down the bus aisle.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Pierced face.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Mohawk.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br />Pants hanging way past his waist.<br /><br />"Please God don't let him sit beside me"<br /><br />I thought.<br /><br />I put my purse down on the chair beside me.<br /><br />Closed my eyes and leaned against the window.<br /><br />Avoiding eye contact.<br /><br />I felt his presence.<br /><br />Standing beside me.<br /><br />I opened my eyes.<br /><br />He looked down at my purse and motioned me to move it.<br /><br />"Fine" I thought to myself.<br /><br />As I wondered why God had ignored my previous request.<br /><br />He smelled like a mixture of drugs and alcohol.<br /><br />I rolled up my sweatshirt and tried to ignore the smell.<br /><br />I was feeling pretty sorry myself.<br /><br />And wondering what I did to deserve this kick off to my Thanksgiving weekend.<br /><br />I look over and noticed him texting someone.<br /><br />"I want to die, everyone hates me"<br /><br />The message said.<br /><br />Whoosh...I could feel Jesus reminding me of where I use to be.<br /><br />I started to take in this stranger beside me.<br /><br />Starting at his feet.<br /><br />His shoes were falling apart.<br /><br />The back pack on his lap was held together with duct tape.<br /><br />It was then that I noticed.<br /><br />His arms.<br /><br />There written with something sharp.<br /><br />Were words like these:<br /><br />Failure.<br /><br />Worthless.<br /><br />No value.<br /><br />Garbage.<br /><br />My eyes filled with tears.<br /><br />I know what it feels.<br /><br />To feel like that.<br /><br />I started to pray.<br /><br />For this man sharing.<br /><br />My bus space.<br /><br />"Are you ok" he asked.<br /><br />"You aren't worthless" I replied. "You have infinite value"<br /><br />His eyes welled with tears.<br /><br />"No one has ever said that to me before"<br /><br />I gave him my cell number.<br /><br />And said.<br /><br />"Next time you feel like that, text me"<br /><br />I got off at my stop.<br /><br />Nodded my head goodbye.<br /><br />And thanked Jesus for my new friend.<br /><br />Be in prayer.<br /><br />He has infinite value.<br /><br />His creator said so.<br /><br />Thankful that He who created me.<br /><br />Sometimes says "No" to my selfish requests.<br /><br />Blessed and Grateful.<br /><br />For many things.<br /><br />And that's a great thought to kick off my Thanksgiving weekend.</span><br />
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It really is a great way to kick off the weekend!<br />
Linking up <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/">here</a>. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone (in Canada)!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cjFYCNSVVE/TdtIXnIHcqI/AAAAAAAACcs/nutZuACGWZM/s1600/WordArt_Ordinary+People_green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cjFYCNSVVE/TdtIXnIHcqI/AAAAAAAACcs/nutZuACGWZM/s400/WordArt_Ordinary+People_green.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-14827978758751663472013-09-20T09:37:00.000-04:002013-09-20T17:17:09.761-04:00She<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">On Fridays a bunch of brave writers gather here to all spend 5 collective minutes writing on a single prompt.</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" style="color: #e17d03; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;" title="Here’s how">Here’s how</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">it all got started, back story, details and all. The short version is:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<img alt="" class="alignleft" height="180" src="http://thegypsymama.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; height: auto; margin: 0px 15px 10px 0px; max-width: 100%;" title="5 minute friday (1)" width="179" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
1. <strong>Write</strong> for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word. (On your blog or in the comments).<br />
2. <strong>Link</strong> back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}.<br />
3. <strong>Go</strong> leave some comment props for the five minute artist who linked up before you.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; line-height: 25px; margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">She</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU5LiPWsI6w/UjyyJnOMlEI/AAAAAAAADms/wrWKRZNGYt4/s1600/IMG_0809email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU5LiPWsI6w/UjyyJnOMlEI/AAAAAAAADms/wrWKRZNGYt4/s640/IMG_0809email.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">She is turning one next week. </span></div>
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My heart feels a little bruised, a little softer for wearing. Times flies...</div>
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All those moments that make up the first year, almost gone.</div>
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I've done my best to enjoy those moments, trying to savour them. </div>
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The sweet smiles, the firsts, the chub, the giggles.</div>
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The brothers taking it all in with me.</div>
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My baby girl, is toddling into girlhood and I hope I'm ready.</div>
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I hope I'm soft enough for her.</div>
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To help her through this next chapter with grace.</div>
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I hope I continue to see what it's like to be surrounded by boys,<br />
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that I never become blind to her heart.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhUgOMTG5lM/UjyzznJza8I/AAAAAAAADm8/l9OfW562jbo/s1600/IMG_0805email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NhUgOMTG5lM/UjyzznJza8I/AAAAAAAADm8/l9OfW562jbo/s640/IMG_0805email.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">I hope that I can get down on her level in these years, as much as I have this past year.</span></div>
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Bending over to see what she's looking at, to show her something new, to keep her safe.</div>
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Bending down to pick her up, to play peak a boo, to help her take those first faltering steps.</div>
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I hope I remember to keep slowing down as I have this past year.</div>
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To feed her, to change her, to snuggle and comfort her.</div>
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To watch her sleep.</div>
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Lord, keep my heart soft and my eyes wide open.</div>
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So I won't get caught up in the daily grind, as to miss the joy.</div>
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I hope that she continues to be the reminder to me to slow down, </div>
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To enjoy every moment, </div>
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to be softer, </div>
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to smile more, </div>
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to speak less and listen more.<br />
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Not just with her, but with the boys and my love and my friends too. </div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bqR89nWfzg/UjyzzjG69BI/AAAAAAAADm4/_VoO1Y2IaRM/s1600/IMG_0871email.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bqR89nWfzg/UjyzzjG69BI/AAAAAAAADm4/_VoO1Y2IaRM/s640/IMG_0871email.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 16px;">She is my baby girl, and she is almost one.</span></div>
Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-83177609645358998052013-09-18T23:22:00.001-04:002013-09-18T23:22:42.608-04:00Fall Mantels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Autumn has arrived again!</div>
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I've been gradually nesting and making the house cozier with blankets, cushions and odds and ends. </div>
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Since the changes in the <a href="http://tammaymay.blogspot.ca/2013/08/my-new-kitchen.html">kitchen</a> this summer, it's been fun changing up the mantel/shelf in the dining/homeschool area.</div>
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As seems to be the trend, I've tried to create my vignettes without purchasing anything. My hydrangeas were stunning this year, here's some dried ones, and the herbs I hung to dry here, work in with the decor. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLHZC11uWjk/Ujpiu4LOksI/AAAAAAAADmA/sbY-yZ5R-As/s1600/fall+decor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bLHZC11uWjk/Ujpiu4LOksI/AAAAAAAADmA/sbY-yZ5R-As/s640/fall+decor3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRLxTLh2kUc/UjpivZMMJyI/AAAAAAAADmU/zL0ZjZJgtGU/s1600/fall+decor8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRLxTLh2kUc/UjpivZMMJyI/AAAAAAAADmU/zL0ZjZJgtGU/s640/fall+decor8.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The lighting here is terrible, but here's a first glimpse of the vignette in the entryway. I have absolutely loved highlighting ORANGE in my decor again. As much as I appreciate the neutrals, I need the splashes of colour <i>inside</i> my house as well as outside in the changing landscape.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WHZvqxbSTg/Ujpiu7x0rxI/AAAAAAAADmE/Uly_HwAUeRY/s1600/fall+decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WHZvqxbSTg/Ujpiu7x0rxI/AAAAAAAADmE/Uly_HwAUeRY/s640/fall+decor.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here's a small neutral toned vignette one that I used my dollar store owl in. Again, sorry for the picture quality, all I've got right now is my phone camera... ha!<br />
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I've decided that my family room will employ the "retro cottage" look - we're employing a <i>VERY</i> multi-coloured palette (thanks to employing all the handmade afghans and quilts we've acquired through the years. This school year I've decided that our homeschool will be a part of our home rather then stuff we pull out and put away all the time, so my bookshelves in the living room are jam packed full of books and supplies we use all the time, so I've not used much fall decor in the room, but the cozier feel is definitely here because of the extra books and blankets - and the fact that we're using them!<br />
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Anyways, I'm linking up to a fall <a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/09/16/fall-nesting-link-party">linky party</a> to keep my momentum going around the house and to savour each and every moment at home with my lovelies.Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-30091006937245518242013-09-12T23:54:00.002-04:002013-09-13T00:13:42.469-04:00A Father's Hands...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yesterday was one of <i>those</i> days. </div>
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It started out ok...</div>
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Then quickly spiraled down and out of control. </div>
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The oldest boy had ATTITUDE.</div>
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The middle boy was EMOTIONAL with ATTITUDE.</div>
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The youngest boy was WHINY.</div>
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They were all fighting, running in the house, making wrong choices.</div>
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The baby was cranky...teething? diaper rash? fussy? </div>
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All of the above.</div>
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Even the dog was annoying.</div>
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That morning I'd been reminded of a few personal setbacks... </div>
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Waves of worry, fear, doubting self, doubting God...</div>
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Feeling like the little we had, would never be enough to meet the need. </div>
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Feeling unsettled, words in my mind wearing away at the Peace</div>
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That usually keeps me calm in the midst of these storms.</div>
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Feeling pretty ugly inside and out.</div>
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So I kept losing my cool... </div>
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yelling...</div>
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threatening...</div>
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lashing out... </div>
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probably worse, </div>
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I've blocked it from my memory.</div>
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We were all ready for a change of pace, a change of scenery.</div>
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I remember driving to the organic farm to pick up the veggies</div>
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On the verge of tears. </div>
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At the farm, the dear farmer sensed my duress.</div>
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She made me laugh. </div>
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A moment outside of the moment. </div>
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She encouraged me like only a mama of mamas can.</div>
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We drove home in almost silence. A hymn was playing on the radio.</div>
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The quiet was needed...appreciated.</div>
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The baby had fallen asleep.</div>
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The boys were not fighting, not even talking.</div>
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I pulled into the drive.</div>
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Thinking about what to make for dinner.</div>
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Giving instructions for unloading the veggies...</div>
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...</div>
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...</div>
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The middle boy was not in the van...</div>
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...</div>
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Momentary panic.</div>
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...</div>
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...</div>
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Call the farmer.</div>
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He's there. Relief.</div>
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Drive 25 mins back there to get him.</div>
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Beat myself up most of the way.</div>
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Afterall...how could I not notice he wasn't in the van?!</div>
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Sigh...</div>
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I really felt like crying on the way home again.</div>
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Decided, that the day was basically lost now</div>
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A lost day...</div>
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When I should have loved my kids better...</div>
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When I should have been gentle, and kind. </div>
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And now it was half hour to bedtime...</div>
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No time to make dinner...</div>
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MacDonald's it is.</div>
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At least the boys were thrilled.</div>
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I beat myself up for not providing a healthier dinner.</div>
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In the drive-thru...I had to dig into the recesses of my wallet to pay.</div>
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Tucked inside a pocket, was shoved one of these.</div>
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I haven't seen one in years. </div>
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(for my American friends - we have dollar coins here)</div>
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<a href="http://stevebriggs.netfirms.com/osmrm/images/1dollarback512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://stevebriggs.netfirms.com/osmrm/images/1dollarback512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For some reason, it reminded me of my dad.</div>
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How his hands hardened by work, would always offer to give me money.</div>
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When I was around 9 and first allowed to ride my bike to the corner store.</div>
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When I was 16 and driving the car and needed gas.</div>
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When I was visiting home from college and always in need of a little extra cash.</div>
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How on a day like this, he would have put his arms around me...</div>
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And the world would have felt better again.</div>
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Sometimes we'd just sit in the garden, quiet.</div>
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I thought about how much I miss those hands, </div>
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How that final goodbye felt a few short years ago...</div>
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How much I wanted my daddy at that moment.</div>
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Mercy, the tears would not stop...</div>
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I almost had to pull over the van.</div>
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...</div>
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Then the kindest whisper...</div>
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A reminder really.</div>
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That there was another set of hands...</div>
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Readily available...</div>
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Hands that were not only work hardened...</div>
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But pierced.</div>
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For me.</div>
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Hands, eagerly waiting for me to surrender the day</div>
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Ready to provide, </div>
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Ready to take fish and bread, and meet those needs and more.</div>
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Restoring peace, reminding me of Eternity </div>
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and how my earthly daddy lives there now, with Him.</div>
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Redeeming the day, in a moment.</div>
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Making the world feel better again.</div>
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Oh how wonderful to to fall into my Heavenly Father's Hands</div>
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To be enveloped in His grace and mercy.</div>
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Psalm 31:14</div>
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<i>But as for me, I trust You, oh Lord,</i></div>
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<i>I say,"You are my God"</i></div>
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<i>My Times are in your hand...</i></div>
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And as the day came to a close, </div>
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Kissing soft cheeks, whispering thanks</div>
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whispering "I love yous"</div>
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Watching the steady rise and fall of little bodies at rest.</div>
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Peace...I am still.</div>
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Knowing the day is saved, and a new one is at hand.</div>
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A new one, that is in His hand,<br />
As I am.<br />
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Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-33413212562491337122013-08-16T11:22:00.000-04:002013-08-16T11:22:06.249-04:00My Garden in August 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reflections on the Garden...</div>
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This is a super long post (mostly pics again). I could have broken it up into several smaller posts, but honestly then it wouldn't get done at all. I'm more likely to be <i>out in the garden</i> than at my computer, and with the kids and summer in full swing, I'm fortunate to actually be posting at all :) </div>
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I have <i>LOVED</i> working in my garden this year. It's been a great growing year, and I've loved watching the plants thrive throughout our property. Last week we spent about 4 solid days outside ripping out dying trees, transplanting, planting new ones, weeding, trimming, etc. We're quite happy with our work and hope that all the new trees "take" in their new home. Thankfully, we can get replacements at very low cost quite easily.</div>
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Here's the garden back in June/July...</div>
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Front Beds...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnY4mWO2vTc/UgOlnnsOaFI/AAAAAAAADJg/CDltR9vzWWc/s1600/2013-06-20+15.44.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnY4mWO2vTc/UgOlnnsOaFI/AAAAAAAADJg/CDltR9vzWWc/s640/2013-06-20+15.44.29.jpg" width="640" /></a> The Yarrow needs a friend... any suggestions? </div>
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I've wondered about Russian Sage, or another perennial?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut5osJqQzWs/UgOlnhTrb1I/AAAAAAAADJI/tkrzQDURVdY/s1600/2013-06-20+15.44.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ut5osJqQzWs/UgOlnhTrb1I/AAAAAAAADJI/tkrzQDURVdY/s640/2013-06-20+15.44.38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Knock Out Rose is delish - we decided to plant a Yellow Knock Out in the back this summer.</div>
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Sunroom...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-JhuWe-0cM/UgOlnmYEZoI/AAAAAAAADJE/n8JaQygpydI/s1600/2013-06-20+15.45.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m-JhuWe-0cM/UgOlnmYEZoI/AAAAAAAADJE/n8JaQygpydI/s640/2013-06-20+15.45.18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNa7-Ifx54U/UgOloVbVxqI/AAAAAAAADJU/P4BcOS48hAI/s1600/2013-06-20+15.45.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lNa7-Ifx54U/UgOloVbVxqI/AAAAAAAADJU/P4BcOS48hAI/s640/2013-06-20+15.45.29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Water Feature in Sunroom...all the hydrangeas are thriving. </div>
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Endless Summers (Blue and Pink), Limelghts (giant teardrop Green-Whites) and Annabelles.</div>
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The Rose in here may need to find a new home. </div>
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We've not done much in here as we have long term plans </div>
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to re-do this whole room as part of a deck project.</div>
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Here's an example of the Endless Summer's before they all were picked for centerpieces...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XPSVqbm5EQ/Ug481Ag7H1I/AAAAAAAADls/uAMRHmIIdo8/s1600/2013-06-23+23.10.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2XPSVqbm5EQ/Ug481Ag7H1I/AAAAAAAADls/uAMRHmIIdo8/s640/2013-06-23+23.10.37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rose Garden...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3Wf_piP9Pw/UgOlobBVvII/AAAAAAAADJY/o5FuwejdUP0/s1600/2013-06-20+15.45.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3Wf_piP9Pw/UgOlobBVvII/AAAAAAAADJY/o5FuwejdUP0/s640/2013-06-20+15.45.50.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The giant pinks roses are Memorial Days, the Fuscia Standard are knock Outs and the one in the yellow pot is our Yellow Knock Out to be planted. The Perennials are Heucheria, Poppies, Daisies and some ground covers I forget the name of. The front standard is a flowering crabapple.</div>
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Perennial Bed<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wji2cX8CM64/UgOlo9l2VTI/AAAAAAAADJs/YaAbHWv3x_Q/s1600/2013-06-20+15.45.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wji2cX8CM64/UgOlo9l2VTI/AAAAAAAADJs/YaAbHWv3x_Q/s640/2013-06-20+15.45.56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Love the yellows - daylilies, primrose, and I forget the others right now. </div>
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Yet to bloom are Purple Phlox and Daisies. </div>
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They always look nice nestled in amongst the </div>
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Japanese Maple/ Blue Spruce and Lavender Twist.</div>
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Lovers Garden (see the anniversary bench)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKsE37KydpY/UgOlpL9eVuI/AAAAAAAADJw/HRilHgEl-m8/s1600/2013-06-20+15.46.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KKsE37KydpY/UgOlpL9eVuI/AAAAAAAADJw/HRilHgEl-m8/s640/2013-06-20+15.46.07.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next Spring a bunch of these perennials will need to be divided.</div>
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Veggie Garden...<br />
(Look at the size of that burn pile in the back!)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4gvRUV3gJY/UgOlpz8WUGI/AAAAAAAADKo/DnlrzpnXu2E/s1600/2013-06-20+15.46.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d4gvRUV3gJY/UgOlpz8WUGI/AAAAAAAADKo/DnlrzpnXu2E/s640/2013-06-20+15.46.27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm excited to be growing potatoes for the first time this year!</div>
Herb Garden<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diSBOJX86go/UgOlqVkQtPI/AAAAAAAADKI/RXsp2YQzURQ/s1600/2013-06-20+15.46.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-diSBOJX86go/UgOlqVkQtPI/AAAAAAAADKI/RXsp2YQzURQ/s640/2013-06-20+15.46.43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have enough mint to last til Kingdom Come! </div>
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Peppermint, 2 kinds of oregano, sage, 2 kinds of thyme, lavender, chives, </div>
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rosemary, lemon balm & sorrel</div>
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A couple of surprises...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtyETclhIWA/UgOlsR30O5I/AAAAAAAADK8/yHfv4HVVVH4/s1600/2013-06-20+15.47.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qtyETclhIWA/UgOlsR30O5I/AAAAAAAADK8/yHfv4HVVVH4/s640/2013-06-20+15.47.54.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I thought we lost this rosebush last year.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6827MSarcOk/UgOlsQ5GqfI/AAAAAAAADLA/KImVCgih95w/s1600/2013-06-20+15.47.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6827MSarcOk/UgOlsQ5GqfI/AAAAAAAADLA/KImVCgih95w/s640/2013-06-20+15.47.45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When we trimmed the lilac earlier this summer, it gave these guys room to grow.</div>
And now in August...<br />
Front Porch...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzmlkv9ibrc/UgOltFvvLAI/AAAAAAAADLg/EYQ0BA0SKpU/s1600/2013-08-01+13.23.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzmlkv9ibrc/UgOltFvvLAI/AAAAAAAADLg/EYQ0BA0SKpU/s640/2013-08-01+13.23.15.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I must remember what these yellow plants are in the boxes, I love them. </div>
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I also LOVE my geraniums. The potato plants did well as expected. </div>
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Front Bed<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7ewqOPiUM/UgOltS24wtI/AAAAAAAADLQ/y2iNiMj2gfA/s1600/2013-08-01+13.23.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ew7ewqOPiUM/UgOltS24wtI/AAAAAAAADLQ/y2iNiMj2gfA/s640/2013-08-01+13.23.25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had been given Cana Lilies and put them in behind the yarrow for now. </div>
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They'll find a new home next year where I can really highlight them. </div>
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Upstairs Balcony Boxes<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ere3Umsrlmk/UgOlu2kwrMI/AAAAAAAADL4/rhWXL-17bHs/s1600/2013-08-04+17.50.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ere3Umsrlmk/UgOlu2kwrMI/AAAAAAAADL4/rhWXL-17bHs/s200/2013-08-04+17.50.02.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9UHipQuA0U/UgOlvrESArI/AAAAAAAADMM/oZcD0ZfDiig/s1600/2013-08-04+17.50.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9UHipQuA0U/UgOlvrESArI/AAAAAAAADMM/oZcD0ZfDiig/s200/2013-08-04+17.50.08.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Had to show these because they are doing so well!</div>
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Looking down on Rose Garden and Perennial Beds<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MthzL-JoTM/UgOlueaPPpI/AAAAAAAADL8/5MoSP0WmFCY/s1600/2013-08-04+17.49.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--MthzL-JoTM/UgOlueaPPpI/AAAAAAAADL8/5MoSP0WmFCY/s640/2013-08-04+17.49.26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Post edging, multching, trimming, etc. This was in between the Memorial Days blooms. </div>
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All our roses give consecutive blooms straight through til early November.</div>
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Looking Down on Veggie and Herb Gardens<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-JE_O6-cE/UgOlus4i4VI/AAAAAAAADL0/7A8Kz6HlJJs/s1600/2013-08-04+17.49.32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7S-JE_O6-cE/UgOlus4i4VI/AAAAAAAADL0/7A8Kz6HlJJs/s640/2013-08-04+17.49.32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The big plum tree by the sandbox is now gone. We'll be planting 2 apple trees on that side of the yard. Look at that crazy herb garden!</div>
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Up close...<br />
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<i>the mint is going CRAZY and the lemon balm... ugh.</i></div>
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<i>The Creeping Jenny is doing nicely</i><br />
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Beans - Bush and Pole<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMPNLCZTUs/UgOlwuz9zbI/AAAAAAAADMg/5HZ1-egokzA/s1600/2013-08-04+19.12.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nRMPNLCZTUs/UgOlwuz9zbI/AAAAAAAADMg/5HZ1-egokzA/s320/2013-08-04+19.12.37.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H_TiEAUTxU/UgOlw8xcDjI/AAAAAAAADMw/dZ8VjhFWkb8/s1600/2013-08-04+19.12.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--H_TiEAUTxU/UgOlw8xcDjI/AAAAAAAADMw/dZ8VjhFWkb8/s320/2013-08-04+19.12.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Zucchinim - we've already harvested 3 good sized ones.<br />
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Potatoes - love! I will be doing these again. </div>
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We've already harvested 2 basket fulls and there's lot's more.</div>
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Cucumbers (almost lost them, but they came back) and broccoli</div>
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Kale, romaine, Chard, Beets, Cabbage - we lost our spinach :(</div>
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Another view...<br />
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Onions</div>
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Sunflowers and Corn for Decor.</div>
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And happiness - PUMPKINS!</div>
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We planted an English Oak tree back here at the corner of the garden.<br />
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We added gravel to the walkways<br />
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Lover's Garden<br />
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The clematis flowered this year. I put up the trellis late, so hopefully next year it'll grow taller. </div>
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Love my phlox and daisies! The cold snap made the tips of our burning bush turn red.</div>
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Back of House Before the trimming...<br />
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and after...<br />
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Rose of Sharon</div>
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I have a love-hate relationship with these beauties. They are gorgeous and bloom when so little else does, they thrive pretty much anywhere, but they also reseed - EVERYWHERE. So I've become selective where they can be planted.</div>
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Side of House<br />
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The Iris did nicely this year, In fact, I was quite happy with this little hidden gem of a garden.</div>
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New Planting in front in shared dividing bed with neighbour - Cedars and Hydrangea Standard.<br />
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Now for mulch or some kind of ground cover to keep the weeds under control.</div>
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That's all for now. You may or may not hear about the garden again this year :)</div>
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<br />Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4153616659039599495.post-77330886867938256502013-08-13T17:28:00.003-04:002013-08-13T17:28:44.237-04:00Pumpkins in My Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Everyday I go and take care of my garden and see 7 of these beauties. They make me smile, because each day they get bigger and I know that means it's a day closer to my favourite season...Autumn.</b>Tammarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12022827102272488856noreply@blogger.com0