tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19508902208250540172024-02-18T23:57:47.485-06:00The Smith Family JourneyWe are all on a journey in this life here on earth. We can't always choose what happens to us along the way, but we can choose how we face our challenges, how we celebrate our successes and how we deal with our disappointments. We have found that faith in a Savior, trust in eternal life and love of those around us make our journey that much sweeter.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.comBlogger447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-12965134194390274132013-11-16T09:32:00.000-06:002013-11-16T09:32:01.056-06:00A Few Minor Changes<div style="text-align: center;">
There are going to be a few changes here at The Smith Family Journey.....</div>
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Let me explain!</div>
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I started blogging here in 2008 after I had a miscarriage and needed a place that I could pour my heart out to. It was a place of healing for me. Then I started posting updates about my family. My extended family started following along and it was a way to keep us connected. I love that about blogging to this day!</div>
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Last November I was asked to be a part of the God Sized Dream Team and I felt that I needed a space where I could focus on my writing. So my new blog <a href="http://www.therichesofhislove.com/" target="_blank">The Riches of His Love</a> was born! I thought that writing a book was my God Sized Dream and didn't feel family updates worked well in there.</div>
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Over the past 11 months I have struggled to keep updating both sites well. This space especially has suffered.</div>
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So I have decided to combine the two and will be blogging about all things faith and family at my <a href="http://www.therichesofhislove.com/" target="_blank">new blog</a>. I don't know if writing a book is in my future - and I am ok with that! What I do know is that my family is one of the main reasons I blog and have a faith life so combining the two just makes sense to me!</div>
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I would love it if you would join me over there.</div>
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I have a button where you can "subscribe" to email updates. That way every time I post you will get my post in your inbox! How fun and easy is that?!</div>
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I also have a page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/therichesofhislove" target="_blank">Facebook</a> - if you are on FB and like my page then you can get post updates there as well.</div>
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I am so very grateful for each of you that has followed along here, encouraged me and be a valuable part of my journey! I would be honored if you wanted to continue on with me!!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-36722435306237758662013-10-08T20:52:00.000-05:002013-10-08T20:52:33.267-05:00Long Overdue Updates<div style="text-align: center;">
I know, most of you probably thought that I had given up blogging all together. I have found it hard to make time for updating this site and my <a href="http://www.therichesofhislove.com/" target="_blank">other blog</a>. But a few weeks ago I was looking for an old post that I knew I had written and I was searching for it and got to re-read some of the posts I wrote about our kids and just loved seeing how they have changed....so I am going to try and keep this going a little longer!</div>
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This past Saturday we had our family pictures taken by my friend Heather from our church. She is super talented and I am just thrilled with how the pictures turned out!</div>
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Here is just one of my favorites. Love this family of mine!</div>
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Isaac is a junior this year and has a tough schedule for school. 2 math and 3 science courses along with some others...it is going to be a hard year - but he is doing the work and his grades are showing for it. We are proud of how hard he is working! He also has a part time job at Hy-Vee in the produce department and a 2nd side job cleaning at a financial investment office a couple of times a month. He stays very busy! In just a few days we are heading over to SDSU to visit his first choice in colleges! I can't believe that we are even at the place where we are thinking about all of this....but I am confident that he will succeed at whatever he decides to do.</div>
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Gabriel is in the 4th grade and loves his teacher and going to school. Math continues to be his favorite subject and he also enjoys reading. Goosebumps is the series he is reading right now. He has been getting through the books so fast that he is almost done with all of them and we will have to find another series to start. Any ideas?? He got a set of youth golf clubs from my uncle Jim this summer and would be playing golf all the time if he could. Wish my brother Mark was closer and could teach him how to play because I have no idea! :)</div>
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Elijah is in all day preschool 2 days a week this year and then also goes for "Fun Friday's" each Friday morning. This week they are making scarecrows out at the teachers farm on Fun Friday! Elijah LOVES school and wishes he could go every day. Well every day except today when it was fire safety day. He was scared by the fire alarm and now talks non stop about our house burning down! ;) We even had to walk through the house and show him all the fire alarms in every room. But I am certain that he understands the importance of "stop, drop and roll"!</div>
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Karlena is every bit sass and sweetness. The biggest news with her is that she is totally potty-trained!! It went amazingly fast and all thanks to our daycare "mom" Markel. She thought Karlena was ready and worked with her and had it figured out in a week! So amazing. We are very grateful for her in so many ways! Karlena wants to go to "scoot" just like her brother and copies everything Elijah does and says. When Elijah was hunting cicadas this summer, so was Karlena. :) They also find ways to get in trouble together and then blame the other one. Last week Karlena found an old toothbrush and opened the tub of diaper rash cream and "painted" all over the carpet in her room. When I caught her red-handed she said "Elijah did it". :)</div>
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Dominic and I are going on 8+ months working together at LEPS. We have been unbelievably busy. Like "this isn't us but all God" kind of busy. It can be a bit overwhelming at times because we work long hours and lots of weekends...but we can see how much of a blessing this has been so it is worth it.</div>
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But goodness we are in desperate need of a date night! :) When Heather was taking our pictures she told us to kiss and told Dominic to put his hands on my face (or something like that)...when he did she said "Don't make it look like you are trying to kill her!"</div>
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Oh my goodness it was hilarious....seriously we started laughing and couldn't stop!</div>
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And Heather being the good photographer, caught it all! I love that we have these....but we were joking that we didn't know how to be romantic and how bad we needed a date night!</div>
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I am glad that in spite of the difficulties we have had in the past, we can still laugh together. Dominic is my best friend and I am grateful that we get to work together...(even if I drive him nuts every once and awhile)</div>
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So in a nutshell that is where we are. Goodness, what am I going to use for my Christmas letter now?? Maybe I shouldn't post this huh?! :)</div>
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Thanks for sticking with me here when I have been so bad about updating. Hope you are enjoying the start of fall! Blessings to all of you!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-43782118303624519802013-09-23T07:14:00.000-05:002013-09-23T07:14:38.128-05:00Scarf Swap!!<div style="text-align: center;">
So last year was the first time I participated in a blog "swap" of any kind. One of those was a scarf swap. Meredith from <a href="http://www.thetichenorfamily.com/" target="_blank">The Tichenor Family</a> has been doing this scarf swap for 5 years! It is just a fun way to meet another blogger and send them a surprise in the mail.</div>
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This year I was paired with Cherry Wood from <a href="http://campingatthewoods.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Camping at the Woods</a>. Cherry is a wife and mother of 2 adorable and fiesty boys. (Oh how I can relate!!) Hop on over to her blog and give her a little comment love won't you? :)</div>
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So we have this amazing shop here in Marshall called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Noble-Woman-Boutique/190202457663859" target="_blank">Noble Woman Boutique</a>. It is my favorite store here in town and I knew it would be the perfect place to find a scarf for Cherry. You will have to check out her blog for exactly what I sent! :)</div>
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But she and I have very similar taste because we both love purple and both sent each other a purple scarf! </div>
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So I wore it to church last week and after the service I asked Isaac if he would take a couple of pictures of me showing off my newest accessory.</div>
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Let's just say I don't have the modeling skills....luckily the scarf is awesome and makes up for my lack of coolness.</div>
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In the fall especially, I love wearing scarves to add a pop of color to a neutral and because my neck is usually cold I treat it as my necklace.</div>
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My husband was outside with us and kept making me laugh...I think here is saying something like "Own it like a boss"....which is NOT something he would ever say to me so I couldn't stop laughing. And Isaac had trouble getting a clear picture too!</div>
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I think I am maybe telling myself to focus here...I just have no words.</div>
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You know when you see a fashion blog the women are usually looking down or very serious....I tried really hard but I just couldn't pull it off!</div>
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Nope...I just look either slightly angry or like I am just about to throw up. I can't quite decide. :) So while my ability to take a good picture is questionable - the scarf thankfully stands on its own.</div>
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It is soft and the perfect shade of purple. I love it!</div>
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Thanks so much Cherry for making this a fun swap!</div>
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And that my friends is a wrap.</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-44409798690073378122013-08-09T15:54:00.001-05:002013-08-09T15:54:58.489-05:00Preparing for College<div style="text-align: center;">
This post is sponsored by <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" target="_blank">Campus Book Rentals</a>.</div>
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I feel WAY too young to be thinking about having a child that will be preparing for college, but the reality is that Isaac will be doing just that after 2 short years! In fact it is already on our minds as we had to make some pretty major changes to his schedule at High School so that he could be best prepared for the career path he wants to pursue.</div>
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So when I was contacted by <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" target="_blank">Campus Book Rentals</a> to check out their site I was intrigued. I remember that when I went to college 20 years ago (how has it been THAT long?!), books were some of the most expensive items to pay for. At least the cost I was most aware of! :)</div>
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It always seemed crazy to me that I would pay $100+ on a book that I would use for a short time and then sell it back for $7!</div>
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Campus Book Rentals has decided to tackle this problem with an interesting option for students!</div>
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They rent textbooks online! And here are some of the perks:</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">-free shipping both ways</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">-can highlight in the textbooks</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">-flexible renting periods</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: start;">- they donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented</span></b></span></div>
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When the time comes we will be checking this option out for Isaac as well.</div>
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And as an exciting new option you can also chose the "Rent Back" option. <b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">RentBack is new initiative that allows students to rent the textbooks they own - to other students... which is awesome because it makes them 2-4x more money compared to what they'd make through buyback options!" </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;">So if you are a college student, or the parent of an upcoming student - check out <a href="http://www.campusbookrentals.com/" target="_blank">Campus Book Rentals</a> to see if they carry the books you need! </span></div>
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Watch the video below for more info!!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xfNgvwOtjrg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**Disclaimer - this is a sponsored post from Campus Book Rentals but all thoughts and opinions are my own. **</span></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-76978611374630752912013-07-07T18:06:00.000-05:002013-07-07T18:06:14.692-05:00Fun in the Pool<div style="text-align: center;">
We are having a really lazy day today. We drove to Sioux Falls yesterday for a family wedding and had planned on staying through Sunday but our plans changed last minute and we ended up driving home really late last night. We didn't get home until after 12:30am and poor Karlena was so messed up with her sleep that she wouldn't go to bed until almost 2am and then woke several times in the night. </div>
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Needless to say we needed a recovery day and so we have been lazy today. Isaac is gone this week with our church's youth group in Montana on a mission trip and Gabriel got to stay in Sioux Falls to go on a special camping trip this week with his Grandpa Johnson!</div>
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Because it is terribly hot here the kids wanted to fill the pool and play a bit - here is some of the fun I captured!</div>
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The best part is when the pool is filling....</div>
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In and out they would go.</div>
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I don't even know what Elijah was doing here....he looks like he is really serious though! ;)</div>
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What can I say...I LOVE seeing Karlena with a ponytail in....she looks so grown up!</div>
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I think Karlena stole his coin...serious business happening here folks!</div>
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Karlena has this old pan and she loves to fill it up and dump it on the patio....</div>
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And drink from it of course!</div>
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Nothing better than this is there??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qmtZAcKjF_dAaWrZqlQ93IDssd7FNdEoOPze_gQvs3v-PM0AhZ9TxrCabY2W8aBnNPZwCVN-pkhOZ_bdtHDS8sRz8_U0KbW10MLigGZffZR7BCCEFYVmW2dm-aR9C__0AzXIo37MmgDC/s1600/IMG_6231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qmtZAcKjF_dAaWrZqlQ93IDssd7FNdEoOPze_gQvs3v-PM0AhZ9TxrCabY2W8aBnNPZwCVN-pkhOZ_bdtHDS8sRz8_U0KbW10MLigGZffZR7BCCEFYVmW2dm-aR9C__0AzXIo37MmgDC/s320/IMG_6231.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I asked Elijah what he was doing....he said trying to start a fire!</div>
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He tried really hard for a long time....unfortunately the sticks were wet and there was no fire today!</div>
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Love seeing their sweet smiles.</div>
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How was your Sunday??</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-77135539266392470082013-06-17T15:32:00.002-05:002013-06-17T15:32:47.782-05:00Roses<div style="text-align: center;">
There are these amazing rose bushes in the back of our home. They are probably overgrown but the past 2 years they have produced some beautiful flowers.</div>
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This past fall Dominic cut them down a bit and it seems that wherever he cut stopped growing, but in places he didn't cut, tons more buds erupted! (Is this normal??) I know nothing about pruning/taking care of rose bushes!!</div>
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And I have no idea what "kind" of rose this is....it isn't the traditional rose that you find in a flower shop!</div>
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Aren't they pretty??</div>
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This is common to see 4-5 buds on a branch in a clump like that.</div>
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We have some more "established" growth...</div>
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And some new...I think these bloomed into the later part of the summer last year if I remember correctly!</div>
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Do you have roses and how do you take care of them? Do you know the secret to cutting them back each year? I'd love to hear what you know! :) </div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-61602891667616159682013-06-02T21:12:00.002-05:002013-06-02T21:14:32.087-05:00Our Little Garden<div style="text-align: center;">
When we lived in Beresford we decided one of our first few years there that we would love to have a garden and grow tomatoes and peppers to make our own salsa. Dominic came up with this great idea to put garden plots between our 2 detached garages. They were awesome and we used them year after year.</div>
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We moved to Marshall in mid-June so the first year we didn't have time to get anything going. Last year Dominic was feeling the pressure of starting a business so it really wasn't something either of us were ready for. But this year I really just wanted even a couple of tomato plants, even if they were in pots on the porch.</div>
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We have a big yard now, but it is odd shaped and we weren't sure where to put a garden. There is this empty lot behind our house that "belongs" to a home on Main street that is (from what we can see) abandoned. The owner doesn't live in town, doesn't take care of the lot and it is over grown with weeds.</div>
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We had talked with several of our neighbors and they all expressed interest in a possible "community garden" in that back lot, if we could get permission from the owner. Dominic has taken every measure possible to locate this individual and offer to mow the lot in exchange for use of a portion for a garden....but we can't find him or reach him.</div>
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We'd even like to look at buying that portion of land, it isn't very much, and then we know it would be well taken care of...but since that doesn't seem like an option now we had to come up with a different plan.</div>
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So I thought we could do it right at the farthest portion of the lot line, by our rhubarb patch...but when the electrical line locator people came out, they confirmed what I had feared...that lines are buried right where we wanted to dig.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92a3Fluq5XApSmyovjoRcAFxTk-kbd26Fg4cwq4PKRz99iNyntAfzkA5BTSTydqbHPh3Q4WBf8dzxSjnPdaFQTcRyxOQcxDpK4HNIpzOeP_EJ7fVb9wYa2eKVjnpucO1deMaOYMOKyMPV/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92a3Fluq5XApSmyovjoRcAFxTk-kbd26Fg4cwq4PKRz99iNyntAfzkA5BTSTydqbHPh3Q4WBf8dzxSjnPdaFQTcRyxOQcxDpK4HNIpzOeP_EJ7fVb9wYa2eKVjnpucO1deMaOYMOKyMPV/s320/IMG_6157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So, at least for this year, we are going small. We found a small space behind a big pine tree that gets lots of light and set to clearing a spot. We got a tiller to use...but it wouldn't start for us :( so we had to dig by hand...and foot...which means Dominic may not be able to walk tomorrow (please pray for him!!)</div>
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The plants are a little closer together than they should be...but I think they will be fine. We bought 1 of each of the different kinds of tomato plants that Wal-mart had and then some jalapenos, red bell, yellow bell and orange bell peppers.</div>
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While it isn't quite what we had hoped for we are both excited to see how this little garden grows!</div>
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Oh and I had already started some of the pepper plants in some old hanging baskets we had....so those 3 will just stay on our back porch area!</div>
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Do you plant a garden each year? And if so what do you grow?? I have dreams of lettuce, beans, cucumbers and asparagus someday....a girl can dream can't she?! :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-55770510986349029232013-06-01T13:26:00.003-05:002013-06-01T13:26:33.545-05:00Homemade Laundry Detergent<div style="text-align: center;">
So I heard about homemade laundry detergent from a friend on FB and started doing a little research into it. Almost every site I found had the same recipe and everyone that used it raved about it. What I loved about the idea was that it claimed to last for months and the cost of the ingredients was $20!!</div>
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For a family of 6 that does at least a load of laundry, if not 2 every day...I can use savings like this!</div>
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The site that I found and saved the recipe is<a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/making-your-own-laundry-detergent-worth-the-cost/" target="_blank"> here.</a>..she has some reviews etc so check it out!!</div>
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So here are the details....</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">1 Box of Super Washing Soda 3 lb. 7 oz. </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">1 Box of Borax 4 lbs 12 oz. size </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">1 Box of Pure Baking Soda 4 lb. </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">3 bars of Fels-Naptha 5.5 oz. or you could also use Ivory soap (I used Fels-Naptha)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">1 container of Oxy-Clean 3.0 lb (My container was 6.0 lbs so I used 1/2)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.984375px; text-align: start;">Oh and if you like scented detergent you can add Purex Crystals to the mix - I prefer unscented so I left those out.</span></b></span></div>
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I was able to find everything at Wal-mart in 1 place - they are smart and know people are doing this and had everything I needed in the laundry detergent isle! Loved that!!</div>
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I forgot to take a picture of all the ingredients before I started...</div>
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The worst part is grating the bars of soap. I started with my cheese grater and then used my food processor to chop it up even finer.</div>
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And I forgot to take a picture after I ground it up even more too! :)</div>
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It was suggested that you dump everything into a 5 gallon bucket to mix....</div>
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Which I did initially - but Dominic found a long Rubbermaid bin that seemed to work better for me.</div>
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So you just stir everything together and then put it in airtight containers for storage.</div>
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So there you have it! I have read this IS safe in HE washers (which is what we have) but you add it to the load directly and don't use the filler spot on the top of the machine. The sites have also said you only need 1-2 Tbls for each load....so this could last a long time!</div>
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I am running my first load right now so I am excited to see how it turns out!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-7716509408650925082013-05-04T19:38:00.000-05:002013-05-04T19:38:43.343-05:00Karate Tournament<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Dominic and I traveled with Gabriel to Hutchinson, MN so that Gabriel could participate in his first karate tournament! He has been taking Shotokan Karate classes through our local community services program. It was a fun and fairy inexpensive way for him to try out a new "sport" to see if he likes it.</div>
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He started this fall (I think??) and he has really progressed. He recently got his orange belt and we are so proud of him!</div>
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He participated in individual kata and team kata. (<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">an exercise consisting of a sequence of the specific movements of a martial art, used in training and designed to show skill in technique)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">He did SO good! He was nervous about it and wasn't sure initially if he even wanted to go. But I reminded him that no matter what his score/ranking we would be proud of him and that I thought he was brave for being willing to even try something new like this.</span></div>
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Basically it is a elimination type event. He was paired against another child his age range and ranking and then 2 perform at the same time. One person wins and then the winner/loser goes against other people until the all have placed.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">In the individual kata he got 3rd place! I thought he did great and he was excited to get a medal!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">Then he and 2 other people from his class performed in the team kata. This is where they all do the same kata together.</span></div>
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They did really good too!</div>
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They won their 1st round, and then their 2nd and then their 3rd and finally won the last round for 1st place!! It was really exciting and fun to watch and Gabriel was so proud of himself!!</div>
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And VERY excited to have a 1st place medal!! He said that he had a great day. After he was done we found some little Mexican restaurant downtown for a late lunch that Gabriel thought was fancy because they played music and had silverware wrapped up in a napkin! ;)</div>
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It's the little things right?! Congrats Gabriel on your awesome performance today. We are so very proud of you!!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-9004915422487765822013-04-14T15:52:00.003-05:002013-04-14T15:52:50.242-05:00Updates<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems like I never post here any more. I apologize to those of you still sticking with me! :) I thought I would give a few updates of what have been happening in the Smith home lately.</div>
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Isaac is on his way right now with our church's youth group to see Chris Tomlin in concert in Minneapolis. I am jealous. :) He got his "official" driver's license in February and has been driving himself to school every day. It is nice. What's even nicer are those nights when I need to wrap something up at the office and he can run over and pick up Elijah and Karlena for me.</div>
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Gabriel is doing great in school and is still taking Shotokan karate through Marshall Community Services until mid-May. Recently he tested and received his orange belt! He is learning a lot and we are really proud of him! (Will post a picture after Tuesday when he has his gi on again) A few weeks ago Gabriel has his school concert and he had the part of a general. I was able to find this costume for him at our local Goodwill for less than $18 total!!</div>
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Elijah will be 4 in just over a month. I can hardly believe that. He is just getting so big and so much more grown up. He is ready for it to be nice outside so that he can ride his bike! I think we are all ready for it to be nice outside again!</div>
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Karlena is changing and growing more every day. She is getting so tall! When I was going to start this post I hear her yelling..."mama, I'm stuck, help me!" And I found this....</div>
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She likes to follow the kitties everywhere they go and got stuck under the chair! :)</div>
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I found some more clearance paint at Menards and started painting Karlena's room. I did an accent wall in dark brown and the other 3 walls will be a tan (with no yellow undertones) :) Here is a sneak peak....</div>
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I LOVE it. The room does look a bit smaller now...but I don't mind. I like how it looks....they are very similar colors to what we had in her old room in Beresford....I guess it is nostalgia - but now all the walls will be fresh and clean again. And I have a ton of paint left over again....so may have to use that for something else!</div>
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I wrote a post about getting organized over at <a href="http://therichesofhislove.com/?p=1042" target="_blank">my other blog</a>. I am even giving away a copy of the e-book I got to review - go check it out and enter before Thursday!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.legalestatesolutions.com/" target="_blank">The business</a> is going great - busy and more busy. Dominic and I both are working at finding the right balance between work time and family time....but we are both so grateful for this amazing opportunity to work together and thank God for how He has blessed this so far.</div>
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Speaking of Dominic, it has been almost 10 months since <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/06/prayers-for-my-husband.html" target="_blank">his accident.</a> He still walks with a pronounced limp and lots of pain every day. While he tries to remain positive about everything....it is frustrating and painful and frustrating. :( He sees the surgeon in July...we have been talking about what options he might have....possibly removing all the hardware they put in to hold his heel together. The pain he has is exactly where the plate and screws are - not the heel....he is still so young and we feel like this can't be the best it can get. Please pray with us for clear answers!</div>
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We recently bought an elliptical machine. It is the one thing that the PT's encouraged him to use for exercise to work his foot with the least amount of impact. We knew it would be cheaper, and easier in the long run, for the whole family to have a machine at home instead of paying for gym memberships. We are loving (and hating) it....but it is already getting well used. We are going to be one healthy family! :)</div>
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Wow - is anyone still with me?! This has gotten to be a long post! I guess that is what happens when you post once every 3 months huh?! I hope you have a wonderful week and I will try to be back sooner than later!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-81527047153365661682013-04-01T18:45:00.000-05:002013-04-01T18:45:03.095-05:00Running and dancing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh how I love these kiddos of mine!!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-39404462888733330672013-03-30T12:10:00.001-05:002013-03-30T12:10:54.699-05:00Waiting Here for You Lord....<div style="text-align: center;">
This is one of my favorite songs, so I wanted to share it here with you!!</div>
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As we wait in anticipation for the Easter celebration tomorrow - let us praise the One who conquered death.</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-2949805205459462582013-03-22T13:08:00.000-05:002013-03-22T13:08:03.807-05:00My Gabriel<div style="text-align: center;">
Poor Gabriel is really sick. He has Influenza B and it taking every bit of energy out of him it can. He has barely moved from the living room in 3 days, is still running a fever of 103 and since Tuesday afternoon has had 2 pancakes and about 20 grapes. I haven't see him this sick in a long time.</div>
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The worst part is that he was the "Star Student" for the week at school and each day they do something fun for that child. He has missed out on so much fun stuff. And today I have to stop and get his homework and he will probably have to work on it all weekend.</div>
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But as a part of the Star Student week we were asked to write a letter to Gabriel that his teacher could read to the class. That was supposed to be on Wednesday - which he missed. So I am posting it here and on my other blog so that we have "record" of it and can read it for years to come!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Dear
Gabriel,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Congratulations!!
You are the Star Student this week! I don’t know that there are enough words to
describe just how proud of you that your dad and I are. We are so lucky to have
you as a part of our family. After having Isaac we waited 7 long years to add
you to our family and everyone was so excited when you were born! When you were
3 months old you got very, very sick and spent 9 days in the hospital. It was
very scary for us, but you were strong and a fighter and when you got better we
knew that God had something special planned for you in your life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You
are a wonderful brother and do such a great job helping to take care of Elijah
and Karlena. Elijah loves to be able to
share a room with you and always wants to do what you are doing! He thinks you are a pretty cool big
brother! You are always looking for ways
that you can be helpful at home and we really appreciate that! School has always been easy for you and we
are thankful that you enjoy it and work hard to complete your homework. We know
that you always try your best and we have always been proud of your efforts in
school.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Gabriel,
you are always finding ways to entertain us! You like to tell jokes and do
magic tricks and recently you are learning karate and have really progressed
quickly! It is amazing how fast you can learn something new and remember it!
You are very smart!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>When
we went to California for a vacation you wanted to ride on the scary roller
coaster Space Mountain at Disney World. Even though you were only 5 you were
very brave and insisted on riding with the big boys. When we went to Florida a
few years later you rode on every scary ride – even ones that mom wouldn’t go
on! You have no fear Gabriel!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You
have an enthusiasm for life and we love that about you! You are passionate and
caring and are always looking for ways to do nice things for other people. When
we moved from South Dakota to Minnesota you had a positive attitude and never
complained. You saw the changes as an adventure and you have made Marshall your
home.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>You
aren’t afraid to try new things like basketball and karate. And when you do try
a new sport you always do well and practice so that your skills improve. You
should be proud of all you have accomplished!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>One
of the best parts of my day is when I pick you up from school and get to ask
how your day was, how lunch was and if you have any homework. Even though I
always know the answer, I ask anyways and like to make you laugh. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Gabriel,
I wish that I had time to share all of the fun stories that I remember about
you. I want you to always remember that your dad and I love you very much and
we are just so thankful that God gave us the honor of being your parents. We
know that you will do great things when you grow up and we will be here to
support you in any way we can as you learn and grow.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Thank
you for being you Gabriel – we don’t ever want you to change because you are
perfect just the way you are! Love, Mom
and Dad</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-54872923185130912682013-03-18T09:23:00.000-05:002013-03-18T09:23:11.575-05:00Follow along with Bloglovin<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello friends!</div>
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I know, I know....it has been a LONG time since I have posted here. I am so sorry. I need to get better about blogging and taking pictures of my family! One of these days I promise! ;)\</div>
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Anyway - as so many of you know already Google Reader is going away and so we will need to find alternate ways to "follow" the blogs we love. I know some of you subscribe via email - and those should still be fine. </div>
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But I am not sure how this change affects Google Friends Connect - so if you follow me that way please consider subscribing by e-mail or you can follow me with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3543091/the-smith-family-journey" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>.</div>
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I am using Bloglovin to follow many of the blogs I currently follow. It is just a different platform - but you can organize the blogs you read into categories and I get an e-mail when ever there is a new post. I love it!</div>
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I am so grateful for each and every one of you that stops by to share life here so I'd love to keep you around even when the changes happen this summer!</div>
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And soon I will update on all that has been happening in our family recently!!</div>
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Happy Monday!</div>
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3543091/?claim=t245hscxhky">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-43587182422715721452013-02-14T06:01:00.000-06:002013-02-14T06:01:10.839-06:00You're Made for a God-Sized Dream - Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey friends!! Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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I wanted to invite you all to hop over to my other blog and <a href="http://therichesofhislove.com/?p=890" target="_blank">enter this fun giveaway</a> I am having to win one of three copies of <a href="http://holleygerth.com/" target="_blank">Holley's </a>new book that aren't even available to the public yet!!</div>
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I was able to get my hands on a few copies early and would love to share them with 3 of my readers!! So <a href="http://therichesofhislove.com/?p=890" target="_blank">click on this link</a> and leave a comment - it's that easy! :)</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-34244266321112409962013-02-05T05:31:00.000-06:002013-02-05T05:31:42.488-06:00Entertaining your Kids - The Lego You Tube Channel <div>
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Parents - are you like me and find it difficult to keep your children entertained at times? I am thinking of those times where we are waiting somewhere, and they are bored, and want to be doing something fun....but as the parent we are doing our best to keep them as still and quiet as possible. (Or maybe this has only ever happened to me?) :)<br />
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I was recently introduced to the <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/132-O-E5?bfak=BFA-FI&bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2fuser%2fLEGO%3ffeature%3dwatch" target="_blank">Official LEGO® Channel on YouTube</a>. This is a YouTube channel that is kid-friendly and safe. Parents don't need to worry about the content that their kids are watching because it is all geared specifically for kids.<br />
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Want to see for yourself?? Check out one of the favorite videos that we came across while were were searching the LEGO® channel.</div>
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Fun right? And there are several short videos just like that. In fact they make it easy because you can make your own personal channel and add in all of the kids favorite LEGO® videos for easy watching.<br />
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My kids loving playing with LEGOS®...and these videos help take their building imagination to a whole new level. After watching a couple of these videos Gabriel wanted to go and build some of the things he saw in the clips.<br />
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This video is called LEGO® Money Tree,<br />
another favorite!</div>
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As you can see these would be a perfect way to keep your child quiet...um I mean entertained during those difficult "wait" periods!<br />
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And because they make it so easy to create and save your playlists...there is no excuse for you not to start your own channel today!!<br />
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There is a lot of content on web; creating a playlist on the Official LEGO® Channel is a great way to ensure your kids are entertained and watching videos you can feel good about.<br />
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Visit the Official LEGO® Channel to build your own playlist to watch with your kids and then reply below for a chance to win a $1000 gift card to buy your family’s favorite LEGO® products!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="rendered usergenerated">This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/132-O-E5?bfak=BFA-FI&bf_url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.lego.com%2f" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">LEGO</a>. The opinions and text are all mine. <a href="http://share.theblogfrog.com/nf/132-O-E5?bfak=BFA-FI&bf_url=https%3a%2f%2fdocs.google.com%2fa%2ftheblogfrog.com%2fdocument%2fd%2f1C_Se0bcf41Q2bPrvhLB3Kbw2EO9Zw2FcgCxV7xEmfqc%2fedit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Official Sweepstakes Rules.</a></span></span></i></div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-75938983665117715002013-02-01T18:47:00.000-06:002013-02-01T18:47:28.626-06:00Playing with Dad<div style="text-align: center;">
For whatever reason, when the kids play with dad, it always ends up in a dog pile. :)</div>
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There is lots of screaming and laughing and carousing...</div>
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And sometimes, if he's lucky, time with dad ends with the realization that someone has a poopy diaper and is in desperate need of changing! ;)</div>
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Gotta love time with dad! :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-15935877218453019002013-01-31T13:32:00.002-06:002013-01-31T13:32:17.863-06:00A Weekend Trip, An Adorable Niece and a Stomach Ulcer?!<br />
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So this past weekend my sister Beth and I took a quick trip out to California to visit my brother Mark, his wife Mindi and their new daughter Adalyn.</div>
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This was the first time that Beth and I have ever had the chance to get away together. A couple of things I realized on this trip...flying is WAY overrated. I don't love the waiting and the boarding and the concern about the luggage....or being squeezed between 2 strangers for 2+ hours...if you could fly anywhere in the US in under 2 hrs and no layovers....that would be ideal!</div>
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The other thing that I realized even more was just how awesome my sister is. As kids we weren't really "friends". She always seemed so much younger than me. But now that we are both married and have kids...we do share some common ground and it was just so much fun getting to spend time talking about life together! She is just an awesome mom and we had such fun laughing together over our kids!</div>
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The main reason though that we went to CA was to see miss Adalyn.</div>
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Oh my goodness she is just a sweet ball of adorable!! She has such a nice personality. And while, like most babies, she had a few hours of "fussy" time in the evening....she was such a sweetie all day long that she is forgiven! ;)</div>
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Beth is giving her a little baby massage to calm her down one night and she was liking that! :) And Mark and Mindi are doing such a great job as parents...it is cool to see my little brother in that role - so very proud of them both!</div>
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The only down part to the trip was that I didn't sleep well...I woke up a couple of the nights with this bad pain in my stomach/rib cage. I was worried that I was coming down with something or didn't know if it was nerves because of flying or what was going on.</div>
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The night I got home the symptoms got even worse and I was really hurting....turns out I have a stomach ulcer. Good times. Thankfully I have been feeling MUCH better today with the Prilosec I am on - but this is a reminder to me of how my health can suffer when I am trying to do too much and not taking good care of myself.</div>
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That is changing! And the how's and why's are details that are coming....but for now I will say that after this weekend I just feel so blessed. I have such a wonderful family, from my husband and kids that "let" me leave them for a weekend to a sister, brother and their families that make my life more full just having them in it! I am blessed!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-48551859072952376472013-01-13T17:15:00.000-06:002013-01-14T05:42:34.241-06:00(in) RL 2013 - Register today!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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So one of my most favorite sites that I read almost every day, is <a href="http://www.incourage.me/" target="_blank">(in)courage</a>. They have writers and guest bloggers share their faith journey through encouraging posts. They also have fun giveaways, and it is where I signed up to review all of the beautiful <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/" target="_blank">Dayspring</a> products that I have in my home!</div>
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Last year the women behind (in)courage decided to have a conference.....but they wanted to make it accessible to everyone - so they had an "online" conference of sorts. They encouraged women from across the globe to get together on a Saturday and share life.</div>
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I hosted last year and it was so much fun. There were only 4 of us - but we really had some great conversation and just enjoyed spending time with other women.</div>
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Well the conference was a hit and they are doing it again this year!</div>
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Starting today you can <a href="http://www.incourage.me/inrl-countdown" target="_blank">register</a> and become a part of a group in your community. The actual day of the conference is <b>April 27, 2013.</b><br />
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So what's this conference going to be about?? Well in their own words...<br />
<b> </b><br /><b>"This year we're taking a closer look at what it takes to stay rooted
in community when sometimes just walking away would be so much easier
and tons more convenient."</b> <br />
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Oh and did I mention that it is free this year?! AND if you sign up today you will also get a <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/books_and_journals/_in_rl_resources/in_courage_home_for_the_hearts_of_women_perpetual_calendar/" target="_blank">(in)courage 365 Daybrightener</a><b>...</b>so don't wait!!<b> </b><br />
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Check out the video below to learn more...and then register to attend in a community near you!! And if you are in the Marshall area (or want to make a road trip) sign up for the group I have already started!! I would love to host again...but also want to see if it is someone else's hearts<b> </b>desire to do it first! Either way I will be there and would love to hang with you!!</div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-17548509128948881052013-01-12T07:34:00.000-06:002013-01-12T11:31:16.686-06:00Taco Cups<div style="text-align: center;">
So I have to start with a disclaimer that this recipe was not my idea....these are something that Markel (our wonderful daycare provider) makes for the kids. They are always a hit at her house and I am always looking for something new to try....so I thought I would give these a go.</div>
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This is such an easy recipe too - even better right!!</div>
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So here is the list of ingredients:</div>
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Wonton wrappers</div>
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Ground beef (browned)</div>
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Taco seasoning</div>
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Shredded cheese</div>
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Sour cream</div>
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Black olives</div>
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So obviously you start by browning the hamburger and then add the taco seasoning according to the package directions. </div>
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To start assembling the taco cups, spray a regular sized muffin tin pan with cooking spray and put 1 wonton wrapper in each spot. ** Update - cook just the wonton wraps for 5 minutes so they crisp up and then add the meat** :)</div>
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Then add a spoonful of the taco meat to each cup.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8372239489/" title="IMG_5323 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5323" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8211/8372239489_94d5ecf1ae_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Top with cheese....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8372239759/" title="IMG_5324 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5324" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8372239759_95bba819e6_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Then bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes. I wanted to make sure that the wonton wrapper was a little crunchy....</div>
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Once they are out of the oven add any toppings you would like, sour cream, salsa, black olives etc...and there you have it!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8372240067/" title="IMG_5326 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5326" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8372240067_05414b13ea_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A fun and easy recipe for the kids....and the adults loved them too! Markel said she also has made these with ham and cheese and the kids love those as well!</div>
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Thanks Markel for the fun idea and a new easy recipe for me to use at home!! :)</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-50465156181880135752013-01-04T20:53:00.000-06:002013-01-04T20:53:04.973-06:00A new "space" for my writing!<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of you may know this already....but if not I wanted to share with you that I now have a 2nd blog! Yikes right?! :) I have had this blog since 2008, and for the most part I blog about my family....every once and awhile I was writing a more personal, heartfelt post.</div>
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But not as often as I would like.</div>
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But because of some exciting new developments, I knew that I needed a space where I could focus more on writing and sharing my "story".</div>
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And one afternoon, while I was at home baking Christmas cookies, the idea for <a href="http://www.therichesofhislove.com/" target="_blank">The Riches of His Love</a> was "born". I am using a Wordpress site for that blog and it is WAY different than Blogger, and in my opinion, not as user friendly. So it is pretty basic right now as I try and figure it out.</div>
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But I would love to have you stop over and check it out...and subscribe via email if you are at all inclined!! :) I am excited to see where this might take me and I would love to have you all along for the ride!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-32837218885269835592012-12-31T16:16:00.000-06:002012-12-31T16:16:06.449-06:00What a Year - 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
I have enjoyed reading all of the re-cap posts from other bloggers 2012...and decided that it would be fun to do one on my own. This year has had its share of big ups and downs....but we are entering 2013 stronger and more reliant on God...He has been faithful to us this year that's for sure!</div>
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<b>January</b> started with the very unexpected news that my 13yr position with the bank was being outsourced and I was for the first time, unemployed...Even then I could see that the beginning of 2012 was going to be <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/01/adventure-in-faith.html" target="_blank">an Adventure in Faith. </a></div>
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<b>February</b> was just one of this months that I was reminded of the generosity of others...and also reminded that God is caring for my specific needs. I still don't know who gave that <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/02/anonymous-gift.html" target="_blank">Anonymous Gift.</a>..but I remain grateful today.</div>
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<b>March</b> started with the news that little Isaac from our old church family had gone to be with Jesus after a short but tough battle of JMML. I grieved for his parents as I sought myself to understand the whys of something like this. But was reminded at his service Who is <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/03/only-hope.html" target="_blank">the ONLY hope.</a></div>
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In <b>April</b> I was finally able to share some <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/04/exciting-news.html" target="_blank">Exciting News</a> in our family, with the start of Dominic's new business, Legal Estate Planning Solutions, PLLC.</div>
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In <b>May</b>, my adorable little <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/05/welcome-little-gavin.html" target="_blank">nephew Gavin</a> joined the family. He is such a joy and it is so fun to look back at how tiny he once was!!</div>
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<b>June</b> was the month we titled "<a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/06/go-big-or-stay-home.html" target="_blank">Go Big or Stay Home</a>"...after Dominic's 15ft fall from a ladder and broken heel. While he continues to recover slowly we are so grateful that his accident wasn't much worse!</div>
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In <b>July</b> we had <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/07/another-post-with-updates.html" target="_blank">lots of updates</a> along with Dominic's heel surgery, the discovery of Gavin's Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and the news that my brother Mark and his wife Mindi were having a baby girl!!</div>
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In <b>August</b> <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/08/his-name-in-lights.html" target="_blank">Dominic's new sign</a> at his business was installed...and he was able to get back to work after 8 long weeks of recovery at home!</div>
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<b>September</b> was filled with lots of home improvement projects and LOTS of painting and I shared my <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-five-dollar-bathroom-makeover.html" target="_blank">$5 bathroom makeover</a>!</div>
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Dominic's parents came to visit us one weekend in <b>October</b> and we spent some time <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/10/pumpkin-fun.html" target="_blank">carving pumpkins </a>before Halloween...boy did we have fun!!</div>
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In <b>November</b> I shared a little about how I was feeling <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/11/overwhelmed.html">Overwhelmed.</a> And gave you a glimpse into my crazy, unrealistic to-do list that I had made for myself!</div>
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The greatest joy in <b>December</b> was the birth of Mark and Mindi's daughter Adalyn.(Which I haven't blogged about yet because I haven't asked for permission to share pics etc....but I will, ask that is) and our girl celebrated her 2nd birthday and I shared the fun <a href="http://www.dominicandkristin.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-birthday-tree.html">Birthday Tree</a> that we had up for her this year.</div>
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Phew...I am exhausted just looking back at how much has happened this year! There were so many things that I didn't "record" and wished I had....but I am grateful that through this entire year God has been walking with us and I know that 2013 won't be any different!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-14907398320455241042012-12-30T19:57:00.000-06:002012-12-30T19:57:39.150-06:00The Birthday Tree<div style="text-align: center;">
So this post is coming a little late, and in all honesty I took the pictures right before I packed it up for the year...but I wanted to share this fun idea with you.</div>
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Last year right around this time I saw the idea (can't remember where) to have a special "birthday tree" for the child in your family that has a December birthday.</div>
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Karlena's birthday is the 20th and so close to Christmas. I have heard friends, who were also December babies, share that their birthday was often overlooked. Especially when it fell so close to the Christmas Holiday. </div>
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So the idea was to have a tree with ornaments just for the birthday child as an extra special way of celebrating and remembering that December birthday.</div>
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I LOVED this idea so after Christmas last year I shopped all of the 50-75% off sales to find the perfect ornaments for Karlena's tree this year.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8327337455/" title="IMG_5289 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5289" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8327337455_ce65b38742_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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I don't know if you can see it or not but I found these little letters in the colors I chose that spelled her name. Because her name is so special to me, I love seeing it on her things.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8328395606/" title="IMG_5291 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5291" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8500/8328395606_917d628e5b_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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I found the cutest cupcake ornaments and everything that I bought is shatterproof - so her little hands can't break them!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8327335981/" title="IMG_5292 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5292" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8327335981_c5c2b9ddf7_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Of course we have to have her initial on the tree too! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8327335493/" title="IMG_5293 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5293" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8327335493_05d8e062f4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Instead of buying an expensive tree skirt, I found this scrap of green fleece in the remnant bin at Wal-mart...I think I paid just over a dollar for it! And it made the perfect skirt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8327335053/" title="IMG_5287 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5287" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8327335053_f5754e4ea8_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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This really was one of my favorite trees. It was so girly and pretty. We had it in our kitchen...but some day I will probably set it up in her room.</div>
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So those of you with December birthdays, or kids with them....what have you done to keep a little extra special in your celebration??</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-79730017559314452562012-12-26T23:32:00.000-06:002012-12-26T23:32:18.020-06:00Christmas Fun!<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know about you guys but this was a strange Christmas for me...We have been trying all month to keep a right focus and talking about the true meaning of Christmas, the house was all decorated and the presents were wrapped....but somehow it didn't totally "feel" like Christmas.</div>
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Dominic's mom was really sick so we weren't able to go back to Parker for the weekend...so we spent that time at home as a family. We didn't do anything terribly special....but it was fun to have a couple of extra days off to spend with family.</div>
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On Monday we went back to SD so that we could see my parents and then have Christmas Day with my sister's family. We had cajun chicken linguini for Christmas Eve dinner and I have to say it might be my new favorite choice!! :) YUMMY!</div>
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Beth hosted on Christmas Day and we arrived to an awesome Christmas brunch! And her beautifully decorated house!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8313635674/" title="IMG_5207 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5207" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8313635674_1e46033ca2_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312575885/" title="IMG_5179 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5179" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8312575885_c082c4217a_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Oh and of course my sweet niece and nephew!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8313625058/" title="IMG_5181 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5181" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8313625058_d865fe4760_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312577597/" title="IMG_5194 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5194" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8360/8312577597_35111fb97b_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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My kiddos were pretty cute too! :)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312576969/" title="IMG_5184 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5184" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8312576969_f3f1e416fa_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312577347/" title="IMG_5190 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5190" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8312577347_103e7e5ae0_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312586543/" title="IMG_5206 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5206" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8312586543_7baa82306c_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312587059/" title="IMG_5213 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5213" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8076/8312587059_e9c00f9c89_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once the gift opening started...it was chaos!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312589243/" title="IMG_5233 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5233" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8312589243_4d586b9132_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312587361/" title="IMG_5234 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5234" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8312587361_eeed0156a1_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312587907/" title="IMG_5239 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5239" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8312587907_a0f2aaeb87_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Someone had a little too much fun in the discarded wrapping paper...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312588951/" title="IMG_5251 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5251" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8312588951_60ccfc00a8_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312588283/" title="IMG_5254 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5254" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8312588283_bb71302ac6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was such a fun and relaxing day....I just felt so blessed that we could be together. While we missed having my brother and his wife with us....they get a pass since their sweet daughter was born a few days ago, and traveling from CA would have been too much! We got to Facetime with them though and that was nice!</div>
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As long as everyone stays healthy we hope to celebrate with Dominic's family on New Years Day! I hope that you all had a blessed Christmas!</div>
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Merry Christmas from our family to yours!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8312588595/" title="IMG_5277 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5277" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8312588595_3250d516f8_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1950890220825054017.post-6550390180840378832012-12-20T05:17:00.000-06:002012-12-20T05:17:16.788-06:00Happy 2nd Birthday Karlena!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Oh my heart - where has the time gone? How is it possible that you, my sweet girl, are already two??</div>
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It seems like just yesterday that you were born.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix28JEa3vwxV2wU4h7DSL1b91HMgdb2rdf7HTkWpk7k-Jn_c7Lgp10YkkOogqVkFd-kKlDAjmIlQTOPlDQWgAqAzhGMUNF73orfXN6YVA05-OwLa_LzpSTcmGZgksQYFUPdAr2FUig8d8/s1600/20101224_IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix28JEa3vwxV2wU4h7DSL1b91HMgdb2rdf7HTkWpk7k-Jn_c7Lgp10YkkOogqVkFd-kKlDAjmIlQTOPlDQWgAqAzhGMUNF73orfXN6YVA05-OwLa_LzpSTcmGZgksQYFUPdAr2FUig8d8/s320/20101224_IMG_1548.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our best Christmas present in 2010!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y5gWmB4sL-xKK6pBk3NeIxxNZNVNe-Cr6QTTexYbi7QXUHcA4y5d0RLOgN_VikuS6d7sQAAUsLQH9sNu8g1g2mqm8HTuvBlGCaBwJEdPNpVHBQB5euPOW_-4lPM9Pe0TIVt3r8pKwkY/s1600/Karlena+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y5gWmB4sL-xKK6pBk3NeIxxNZNVNe-Cr6QTTexYbi7QXUHcA4y5d0RLOgN_VikuS6d7sQAAUsLQH9sNu8g1g2mqm8HTuvBlGCaBwJEdPNpVHBQB5euPOW_-4lPM9Pe0TIVt3r8pKwkY/s320/Karlena+002.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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23 days old....I love your innocence. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzT90fqReMAuVUuGHSP2aWOyBs0FEEPjZhxUNEc7rd6gWJu2xL6-tb55dwEHvcxx9z7YzpVvv4ReSqOCr2G3SOQnpnWLaM46wK0CHAkQB2KxVjdlkRUksYLYb9k1eDatCd8_2gdnjhiI/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzT90fqReMAuVUuGHSP2aWOyBs0FEEPjZhxUNEc7rd6gWJu2xL6-tb55dwEHvcxx9z7YzpVvv4ReSqOCr2G3SOQnpnWLaM46wK0CHAkQB2KxVjdlkRUksYLYb9k1eDatCd8_2gdnjhiI/s320/IMG_8644.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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You have always had a contagious smile that just lights up the room!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2vaSYyx3YpcVoSbXR_cBafKwnIOz6RWkUktfDIJuAltoHOHPFDVHkbdDDRSNk-65EQhg3Z_9dRoVBXVs3A_6IfB2gkXDvp4sGks7lvJ8eraGgC559zps4DUbVWAmkIhWBjkANjqgCR4/s1600/IMG_9231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2vaSYyx3YpcVoSbXR_cBafKwnIOz6RWkUktfDIJuAltoHOHPFDVHkbdDDRSNk-65EQhg3Z_9dRoVBXVs3A_6IfB2gkXDvp4sGks7lvJ8eraGgC559zps4DUbVWAmkIhWBjkANjqgCR4/s320/IMG_9231.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Even when mostly bald and toothless - you have always been a beauty.</div>
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Blurry pic - but it captures who you are...such a joy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqmz_ZYrihmzxuXdlzvgH6_Vz5UJ1ofwhl-ImJ-WG1VRs3_UnFb8czi2TUwYM5l7D1OxWMJxfq2U_DjDo6-X4wdhGuABdIjLYvevLcc3Xce3I0SNTTHKckdVTo_6sqUxUF2YXI9-jc7o/s1600/IMG_1013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqmz_ZYrihmzxuXdlzvgH6_Vz5UJ1ofwhl-ImJ-WG1VRs3_UnFb8czi2TUwYM5l7D1OxWMJxfq2U_DjDo6-X4wdhGuABdIjLYvevLcc3Xce3I0SNTTHKckdVTo_6sqUxUF2YXI9-jc7o/s320/IMG_1013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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When you were little you were such a little princess...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNYmbhFTLWrpE2TPuCAIYl3NUH7ZuWExncScXQSAxVQZDxIjU_4f0wvB0gRoRMJaUFh564VgwAlH4lSkuw1UxzhpV94JLm9np5oWgSyXBMQdraKzTXY2cRt82FAyr0N7C4J86ELGNk8Fv/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNYmbhFTLWrpE2TPuCAIYl3NUH7ZuWExncScXQSAxVQZDxIjU_4f0wvB0gRoRMJaUFh564VgwAlH4lSkuw1UxzhpV94JLm9np5oWgSyXBMQdraKzTXY2cRt82FAyr0N7C4J86ELGNk8Fv/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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But trust me there are days when I see a lot of your brothers in you! ;)</div>
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You are such a love and give the most wonderful hugs!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8287480397/" title="IMG_5128 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5128" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8287480397_8334515833_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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You are learning new words and phrases all the time...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8287471409/" title="IMG_5120 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5120" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8287471409_e5781521d9_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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You are already independent and like to do things your way!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/90384053@N07/8287476347/" title="IMG_5135 by kasmith03, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5135" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8287476347_57faf8af33_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Karlena - you are such a joy to this family. We celebrate you today and thank God for allowing us the privilege of being your parents. Happy Birthday my miss. I love you!!</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06708414960946762766noreply@blogger.com0