tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22462625078666073502024-03-13T09:33:18.392-04:00Great is Your FaithfulnessAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.comBlogger528125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-82712602830706739752016-02-03T21:01:00.001-05:002016-02-03T21:01:50.137-05:00Job LossI haven't blogged in forever. Close to 6 months. Turns out homeschooling and working and mothering takes up a lot of time. At the end of the day, I don't really want to do anything else except sit and relax. But God has been just extraordinarily kind and gentle to me since Justin lost his job. I find my self wanting to post a little excerpt on Instagram, but find myself being like John when he said "Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written". And that's how it is. God is being abundantly kind to me and a short blurb just can't contain all the little ways God is actively loving me and whispering "Trust me. I care about you. I have this".<br />
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When Justin found out he got laid off, I was overcome with a peace that really does only come from God. When faced with the reality of losing all of your financial security, including your dream house you JUST bought, it does not come from anywhere within to instantly be calm and at peace. I knew God had a plan. I knew he loved us. And should we lose our home and all that goes with it, I knew God still had a good plan and I knew He still loved us.<br />
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Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" I knew, that God didn't send Jesus to die a brutal death on the cross, to bring me to Him, and then just ignore us. If God would allow such calamity, I knew it would be for our good, even if we didn't understand how or why. The fact that God would GIVE me that trust instantly, was so precious.<br />
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The next day was a little rougher, but I continued to focus on what was true and not all the "What ifs". Since then it has been one continuous story God is writing for our family. How he is going before us and how he is right here with us in the thick of it. Justin's old colleagues have just been, bizarre. Bizarre in the most wonderful way. He has had them coming out of the wood work to write good recommendations for him on LinkedIn. Obviously I know Justin is wonderful and hard working. But to see so many other people recognize that in him, has been awesome to see. People have gone way out of their way to help him. People love Justin. And I know why. Because he loves Jesus. Yes he is a hard worker and did great at his job. But its because he wanted to work hard for the Lord and honor Him. And when his colleagues worked alongside of Justin, I know they were blessed because of Justin's love for the Lord.<br />
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Here are some of the very real and tangible things God has done for me to show me that he cares for me. After <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/2012/03/great-is-his-faithfulness.html" target="_blank">my miscarriage</a> I saw the same side of God. Tender, sweet, and loving. It's that same side of God I am seeing now. Yes, he is big, holy, and in control of all things. But he is also near to the brokenhearted and he knows each tear that falls. He cares for me (and for you). So anyway here are some of those ways, God has been near to me.<br />
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-That week a sweet friend texted me and asked how she could tangibly help our family. At that moment there was nothing we needed, but I knew she was a pray-er. So I asked if she could pray. This friend has a lot going on, but set an alarm to pray for us everyday at noon. And I know she is. I can tell. In fact, I can tell that so many others are doing the same thing. That's the only way I am not curled under my blankets and depressed. So thank you to those who are putting us before the Father and asking for us.<br />
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-Some of you may know that I like using essential oils. I have been ordering monthly from Young Living and get a little bit of a kickback when I order for other people. I have never seen myself as "selling" them, but I really do just like using them and am excited to share about them to see if they can help others. I don't NEED to use them, but I really like to. As soon as Justin lost his job, I thought "oh yeah, I should probably stop my monthly order, since we should save that money for other things." Totally not a big deal. But this month has been my most successful oily month. I will MAKE money this month. Enough to cover about 2 months worth of orders. WHAT? When all these people wanted to order stuff, I was just so surprised. Each order was God whispering "I love you. I will take care of you. Here is a gift." I know it may not seem like a big deal and I think that's the point. Oils AREN'T a big deal. I do really like them, but they aren't a priority! And if God was going to be extravagant with tiny things, I know I can trust him with the biggest things.<br />
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-We still have our old house for sale. We had a lot of showings all at once and then they sort of tapered off. One day I thought "I wonder if I should contact our realtor and discuss what we need to do to get it sold." But then it was just like "No, be patient. Its ok. It's only been on the market for 2 weeks. Don't be pushy." Moments later, my phone buzzed and it was a notification that we had a showing scheduled for the next day. Once again, God showing me He is in control and I can trust him.<br />
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-My job typically doesn't have any opportunity to pick up extra. The first day I went back to work after Justin lost his job, my director sent out an email asking if anyone wanted to increase their hours. Justin and I didn't want to permanently increase them. If he got a job soon, then we would prefer that I continue to work part-time. Long story short, I'm working extra but not permanently. Exactly what we wanted, God made a way for that right now.<br />
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-The other day I was at the gift shop at work and they had some Wood Wick candles on sale. I really wanted to buy one. I love the crackling sound, so relaxing to me! But I knew spending extra money, wasn't a great idea. So I passed. Once again, not a huge deal. Then just this week, our new housemate bought us a thank you gift for opening up our home....a Wood Wick Candle. Guys. I can't make this crap up.<br />
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-Each year I throw a "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP3xf6BFEIo" target="_blank">Treat Yo Self</a>" party for my friends. Just a little ladies night that has some special things. Manicures, good food and drinks. This year I wanted to send my friends home with something fun. I thought if I could find some small glass jars for cheap enough, I could send them home with some essential oil infused bath salts (my new fave!). I figured its worth looking around. This week I stopped by Hobby Lobby and all their glass jars were 50% off. I heard two ladies who were stocking up saying "These are rarely on sale!". But of course they are. So I got a bunch of little jars to bless my friends with. God is even helping me bless others. It's crazy, people.<br />
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It's so small, but tangible, and so personal. Why God? Why do you care about me this way? It's really just overwhelming, that God, who is in control over all things. He knows my name. He knows the depth of my nasty heart yet, sent his Son to die for me and make a way for us to be together. Jesus is waiting in Heaven to welcome me home when the time comes. God gives me the Holy Spirit to encourage, convict, and lead me. He could just stop right there and it would be the most amazing gifts one could give. But He doesn't....he keeps giving. He keeps loving. Keeps being tender and gentle and kind. "I'm here. I'm with you. I'm for you. I love you." It's really just too much. I'm often overcome and weepy when I think of how over the top God is right now.<br />
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<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-69694666464881067192015-07-21T21:49:00.000-04:002015-07-21T21:49:33.990-04:00I'll never do that!I remember before we had kids, Justin and I both said we never wanted to homeschool. It was fine for all the other people who want to, but not us. "I'll never, ever, ever, EVER homeschool". Meanwhile, God was all like "Mmmhmm"<br />
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And obviously, never say never. Because we will definitely be homeschooling next year. It is crazy how God put together His plan for our family. A few months ago Justin and I were thinking about what we would do with Inara next year. She is pretty smart for her age and based on a bunch of different kindergarten assessments I found, she already knew most of the stuff they teach in kindergarten. Plus it is only half a day in our area, and since I work a couple days a week, how would she get from school to wherever Shepherd would be?</div>
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We really were struggling with it, and then I asked Justin if he had prayed about it. He said "No" and neither had I. So we decided to take 2 weeks and pray and ask God for wisdom and to show us His plan for our family. I really wanted to know if we were going to homeschool for a long time, or not. But God showed me, that I was wanting something from God that he doesn't promise. He doesn't promise our life will be one way forever. He DOES promise he will be with us wherever we go and he'll never leave us. <br />
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Literally the next day, my friend Jordan messaged me and asked if we knew of anyone who would need childcare in the fall. I told her might, depending on whether we homeschool or not. She is a first grade teacher and said she would love to help us homeschool! We discussed a few details and it was really a no brainer! We are excited to employ a friend and help her stay home with her son. And since she is a first grade teacher, she'll be able to help us know what Inara needs to work on to be ready for first grade. <br />
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We will be trying out <a href="https://www.classicalconversations.com/" target="_blank">Classical Conversations</a> this year. I am nervous and excited. Even last week, I kind of freaked out and was like "Oh my gosh. What was I thinking?! I can't do this!" But I am so thankful that God gave us such peace that we will be doing it for this year, and just taking one year at a time. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-38400408138453734702015-07-12T20:07:00.000-04:002015-07-12T20:07:24.059-04:00Stitch Fix #7<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This weekend I got my 7th Stitch Fix. It is one of my favorite treats and ways to shop. Especially as a busy mom! I usually ask for credit for my birthday and Christmas which covers most of the cost.</div>
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So what IS <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>?</div>
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<b>Create your style profile </b></div>
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Fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire about your style.<br />
You can even link it up to a specific <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nurseduke/stitch-fix-inspiration/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.</div>
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<b>Get five hand picked items</b></div>
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You can even specify what you want/don't want. (No jewelry, only dresses, etc)</div>
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<b>Keep what you like and send back the rest</b></div>
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Try on the items in the comfort of your own home.<br />
Send back items in bag with pre-paid shipping.</div>
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<b>Comes with styling tips</b></div>
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Each piece comes with styling tips,<br />
how to dress it up or dress it down</div>
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Ok, so how much does this cost?</div>
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<b>$20 Styling fee</b></div>
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Use this towards the cost of your final order</div>
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<b>Get 25% off</b></div>
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If you keep all 5 items, they give you 25% off your purchase</div>
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<b>Average price</b></div>
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They state on their average price per items is $65, that being said most of my items have been under $50. Although this month the dresses were more. </div>
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Here's what I got this month!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shirt was fun, but was just a tad too small. I sent it back</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This fit perfect and was stripes, so I was sold! I kept this one<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I asked for a Kimono and there weren't any in stock so they sent me this.<br />
It looks way better in this picture than in real life, but it wasn't what<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dress was a good fit and SOOO soft. But also expensive, <br />
so I sent it back. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even though this was less expensive than the other dress, I still<br />
couldn't justify spending that much money on a dress that I could <br />
probably find a similar version of at Old Navy or Target. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-68000707234236182332015-07-05T14:29:00.000-04:002015-07-05T14:29:35.263-04:00Bedtime sweetnessShepherd is crazy and wild, which makes our bedtime snuggles even sweeter. He ALWAYS wants me to put him to bed and I'm going to lie...I love it. We sit in the rocking chair and sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star", "Jesus Loves Me", "Your Are My Sunshine", and then "Happy". And I can't change the order or skip any, either. It is so sweet as he sings along with me and I just want to die and keep his little baby voice forever. Is that too much to ask? I tried to record it so I could keep it forever :) <br />
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<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-4717903576376753772015-05-24T21:47:00.003-04:002015-05-24T22:01:20.022-04:00Stitch Fix #6<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">I received my 6th fix this month! It is always so fun to get something fun in the mail for ME, that isn't a bill or junk mail.</span></div>
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So what IS <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>?</div>
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<b>Create your style profile </b></div>
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Fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire about your style.<br />
You can even link it up to a specific <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nurseduke/stitch-fix-inspiration/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.</div>
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<b>Get five hand picked items</b></div>
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You can even specify what you want/don't want. (No jewelry, only dresses, etc)</div>
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<b>Keep what you like and send back the rest</b></div>
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Try on the items in the comfort of your own home.<br />
Send back items in bag with pre-paid shipping.</div>
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<b>Comes with styling tips</b></div>
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Each piece comes with styling tips,<br />
how to dress it up or dress it down</div>
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Ok, so how much does this cost?</div>
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<b>$20 Styling fee</b></div>
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Use this towards the cost of your final order</div>
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<b>Get 25% off</b></div>
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If you keep all 5 items, they give you 25% off your purchase</div>
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<b>Average price</b></div>
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They state on their average price per items is $65, that being said most of my items have been under $50.</div>
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Here's what I got this month!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2aluOihhvI/VWEuP_RkuMI/AAAAAAAAnG4/E5exx6EFvCY/s640/blogger-image--2057507901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v2aluOihhvI/VWEuP_RkuMI/AAAAAAAAnG4/E5exx6EFvCY/s1600/blogger-image--2057507901.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first item was a Papermoon Holburn Keyhole Top. The back was sheer <br />
and perfect for hot summer nights. It was $48 and I kept it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDJvDYM-FZg/VWEuCf_wV5I/AAAAAAAAnGA/GRVquxuBk9k/s640/blogger-image--409179848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RDJvDYM-FZg/VWEuCf_wV5I/AAAAAAAAnGA/GRVquxuBk9k/s640/blogger-image--409179848.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the Papermoon Holland Zipper Blouse. It looked SO much better off than on. <br />
It was just too big, especially around the arms and just hung on me, kind of weird.<br />
It too would have been perfect for the summer, as it was a really thin material. It was $44 and was sent back.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SAB_orwwJGU/VWEuE_qLu-I/AAAAAAAAnGQ/i4woabgjnzg/s640/blogger-image--922500985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh! I almost didn't post his picture because both pieces were so bad. They don't look as bad<br />
in the picture as they did in real life. The Dear John Roll Cuff Shorts were too long and<br />
just screamed "I'm an uncool Mom", plus they were $58. No thanks! I really liked this <br />
Papermoon Sheydon Trim Blouse, but it too was just a tad too big and hung off me.<br />
It was $44 and was also sent back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxtw8hwp-ks/VWEuHUR0ZVI/AAAAAAAAnGg/qxNd69kfr6k/s640/blogger-image--204932812.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Skies are Blue Haleiwa Tie-neck top actually looks way better in pictures than in real life.<br />
That piece at the bottom was see through. Not a huge deal, but it also just was in a weird <br />
spot on the shirt and brought attention to my muffin top :) It was $44 and was sent back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OrYtGGGX3mE/VWEuDnIbzSI/AAAAAAAAnGI/wfylUoh4GFA/s640/blogger-image--1677729761.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little shadow wanted in on the show, too :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fR9xU88wRtA/VWEuIyuQ_ZI/AAAAAAAAnGo/UX9WbDWCw_c/s1600/blogger-image-956821018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fR9xU88wRtA/VWEuIyuQ_ZI/AAAAAAAAnGo/UX9WbDWCw_c/s640/blogger-image-956821018.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each piece comes with a styling card to show you how to dress up and dress down each piece. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Overall I was pretty happy with this month. I liked most of the pieces, but they didn't fit right. This happened last month too, so I think I need to make my shirt size a small instead of a medium and see if that helps. I think I am probably in between a small and a medium, but the brand sizes seem to run a little large, so I'll see how the next month goes :) <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">And if you haven't tried it, you totally should :) And don't forget to </span><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">sign up under my link</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">! I'd love you forever for it! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-25731177042242558532015-03-26T14:43:00.000-04:002015-03-26T14:43:27.296-04:00Happy Birthday, Shepherd!<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.479999542236328px; text-align: center;">
Oh the second child! This post is 2 months later, but butter than nothing huh?!<br />
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Weight: 26 pounds</div>
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Length: 35 inches</div>
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Favorite moments: Our slap happy moments right before bed, his sweet belly laugh when tickled or played with, seeing Him and Inara becoming buddies.</div>
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Least favorite moments: Hitting Inara all the time</div>
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Milestones: learning colors and shapes, new words everyday</div>
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Likes: Inara (we are always hearing "Nara. Come on!"), The Lego Movie, Legos, MawMaw and PawPaw, cousins, chipotle, blankie ("kankie"), cars, seeing the Penguins at the Zoo.</div>
<br />
Shepherd is such a fun addition to our family. Right now he is <i>really </i>into The LEGO Movie. He carries around a little Emmet and Wyldstyle all day long, switching their heads, hair which he calls "hats", and pants. He follows around Inara and does whatever she does. He is really mastering the art of being an annoying little brother. It is really sweet how he just wants to play with her all the time. Inara is so sweet and patient with him, way more patient than I would be. She is always looking out for him, too. Just today, they were coloring together at the table and I heard this:<br />
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Inara: Ok Buddy, these are the scissors and they will hurt you. So don't touch them ok?</div>
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Shepherd: Ok</div>
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I can't believe my baby is two. Time raced after Inara was born, but with Shepherd it has flown by. I mean he was <i>just </i>born, how can he possibly be two?! But I guess I officially can't call him my baby anymore. I always say "Are you my baby?" and he would reply "Uh-huh." Now it's "No!" As much as I hate the baby phase is gone, it really is so fun to watch him learn new things. Inara had an amazing vocabulary at this age. And even though he doesn't, he seems to be smarter in other ways and just really understands how things work.<br />
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He's such a blessing to our family, and it is hard to remember a time when he wasn't in it.<br />
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For a long time I have loved Francesca Battesteli's music. When she released a new album this year, my bestie bought it for me for my birthday. It's so good and just like her other 2 albums, they just really speak God's truth to my soul. Not only do we both love her music, so do our daughters! So when she released tour dates, we found the closest place she was coming and planned a trip. <br />
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A couple months ago was that trip and it was one of the most precious memories I have. This post is really just for me to not forget all of the fun and sweet details. <br />
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Inara had been waiting for months for the concert and when it was October she started saying "I can't wait. Friday, the 31st will be Halloween and then Saturday is the FRANCESCA concert!" She would say Francesca in the most excited voice ever. So Saturday we woke up, finished packing, and drove to Katie's house. We loaded the girls and our stuff in the van and headed out. It should have taken 3.5 hours, but took 4 because <strike>we</strike> I missed a step in our directions then got stuck behind stupid traffic. I say stupid, because it really was. We saw it happen and honestly can't explain it at all. 2 cops were going <em>super </em>slow and created traffic for about 10 miles and then stopped. It was one of the weirdest things ever.<br />
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The girls did great on the way there. We only stopped once for a potty break and they ate tons of Ritz crackers and Craisins for snacks. We stopped at Chik-fil-a for dinner, which is always amazing. We planned on getting there early because we bought VIP tickets which included getting to meet her and get our picture with her. Before we couldn't find when that part really started so we looked one last time and realized the VIP stuff started in 5 minutes! Thankfully we made it there on time, no thanks to a slow moped driver, wrong turns, and <em>every red light</em>. We got there in time to grab seats in the 5th row and snap a picture.<br />
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So we get there at 5:15, doors open at 6:15, for the concert to start at 7.00. So we had about an hour an a half to kill. We walked around, bought some merchandise, and played "Head's Up." Inara had so much fun with that game, and I was actually pretty impressed at her ability to play it correctly. The opening act went on at 7:00, followed by another act, and then FINALLY around 9:00, Francesca went on! For being there for such a long time, the girls did really great. They were both so excited about seeing her, and the lights! It was really just so sweet to see how childlike they were. If we had gone there for ONLY a light show, they would have been fine. Every time the lights from the show did something fun, they both got so excited.<br />
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After the show, we went back to our hotel. The girls had been asking if they could sleep together and we said yes, but they got ONE chance to go to sleep. If they were loud or fighting, then we would split them up. So we put them to bed and Katie and I stepped out into the living room to chat. It was so great to have some time with the girls and then time with my bestie.<br />
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Morning came and we went downstairs to our breakfast. Loaded up our purses with cereal and fruit for the ride and headed to the Indianapolis Children's museum. It was pretty great. 4 floors of fun. Here are some of the highlights!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both girls taking a snooze on the way there</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting Francesca!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nDUdE0QSNs/VJ4TcL5QPQI/AAAAAAAAmyA/DVFgErhWKX0/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nDUdE0QSNs/VJ4TcL5QPQI/AAAAAAAAmyA/DVFgErhWKX0/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were so sweet. This was their expression from <br />
seeing the lights from the show. What a blessing<br />
to see their child-like wonder at something so simple.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bestie and Inara's bestie! <3 td=""><!--3--></3></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a little loud at first </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No joke, she fell asleep in my lap at the end of the concert</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggled in bed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They held hand the entire time we were gone.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millennium Falcon </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Writing Japanese Calligraphy </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1luJH5Z0tI/VJ4Tr4U4bHI/AAAAAAAAmzM/2hwKRoWF0uE/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1luJH5Z0tI/VJ4Tr4U4bHI/AAAAAAAAmzM/2hwKRoWF0uE/s1600/IMG_4279.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls took a little art lesson at the Indianapolis<br />
Children's Museum. They were drawing a rabbit and I KNEW<br />
right away that she would draw Pikachu. I was right.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley rescued Inara from this big web. I was seriously in tears and so<br />
thankful Inara has such a good friend at such a young age.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then she was brave enough to climb through the web herself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last stop in the Museum was this music room and the girls, LOVED<br />
these little rainbow ribbon dancers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLbrrM8ZJuQ/VJ4UBhwUq1I/AAAAAAAAm04/Oyf0gbtV23c/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLbrrM8ZJuQ/VJ4UBhwUq1I/AAAAAAAAm04/Oyf0gbtV23c/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely framed her picture when we got home. </td></tr>
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After the museum we took the 2 hour drive home. We figured it out and in 2 days they spent 4 hours in the car, but they were really great about it. I brought some toys to play with and they did a <i>pretty </i>good job taking turns. They are getting to the age where they will argue about something then come to us to help, but we have no idea what they were fighting about, so we just told them "Well, you guys gotta figure that one out by yourselves." And it worked!<br />
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Inara, I simply cannot believe 5 years have past since you were born into this world so abruptly. I couldn't have hoped things would have turned out as well as they did! But God had different plans.<br />
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I used to tell Mamaw I was never having kids because they ruin your life. And Baby, I couldn't have been farther from the truth. The ONLY thing that you have done has been making my life richer. I know when you read this when you are older, you will roll your eyes. And I totally get that. That was me! But one day, when you have children, then you will finally understand how much I love you. You try to tell me that you love me more, and my answer is always "Impossible." <br />
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Inara means "Heaven sent", and we prayed you would be a blessing to those you met. But honestly, I never thought I would be the biggest benefactor! You are so sweet and giving. You give away your toys to anyone. Seriously, nearly every friend who comes to visit, leaves with something. It's so sweet to see your generous spirit. You really are just too sweet. Tonight after some cake and ice cream with Mamaw and Papaw, you said "I just don't think a birthday could get any better." <br />
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You are <i>such </i>a good big sister. You always look out for Shepherd. Just the other day I heard you say "Come here, buddy. Let me wipe your nose." And that's just what you did. You can make him laugh and he often will says "Sister. Sister." But by far the sweetest thing is when you help me put him to bed. We rock in the chair together as you help me sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and he always asks for another kiss from us both once he's in his crib.<br />
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You are so fun and so <i>very </i>smart. Too smart sometimes. Dad and I can't really spell things around you anymore, because you figure them out. You like to learn about really anything. You tell me you want to be a veterinarian, and I believe you! When the World Cup was on, you learned a lot about other countries, and you still remember those things too. It's fun to see how your brain works. Since you are so smart, you make some good jokes too.<br />
<br />
Just recently you have become quite the artist. You went from scribbles to really good drawings in the matter of about 3 or 4 weeks. It's fun to see you use your imagination and nearly everything you color is rainbow colors. <br />
<br />
Baby, you are just the best. Momma loves you so much. And we always talk about who loves you the most. You know the answer is God, and I'm praying for that knowledge to make its way to your heart. Its interesting though. It seems the harder time I have parenting and just screwing up, the softer your heart becomes for things of the Lord. So if it takes years and years of me coming and asking for forgiveness, and just being a total parental mess for you to run to Jesus..I'll gladly do it. I see so many wonderful things you could do for the Lord when you are older. But why wait, you really are doing so many wonderful things now! You are such a sweet and precious gift to me from God. I pray I'll hold you loosely, while also wrapping you in my arms. Inara Sarai Duke, you will always be my baby :)<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-j7Z7VSDm1IQ%2FUMkpVv4xHPI%2FAAAAAAAARmo%2Fl6D-wd1REWc%2Fs1600%2Flaurensig.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-85824053608417949062014-10-07T21:17:00.001-04:002014-10-07T21:17:15.195-04:00Stitch Fix #4 This is my fourth fix and probably my last one for awhile. My referral credit is gone and so is my birthday credit. So until Christmas comes or other people sign up under me, I'll be having a hiatus. PS, the few people who have signed up under me are amazing! You can sign up and get refer other people to you! I've probably gotten $100 is free clothes, just from referrals!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So what IS <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a>? </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Create your style profile </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire about your style. <br />
You can even link it up to a specific <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nurseduke/stitch-fix-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Get five hand picked items</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can even specify what you want/don't want. (No jewelry, only dresses, etc)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Keep what you like and send back the rest</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try on the items in the comfort of your own home.<br />
Send back items in bag with pre-paid shipping.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comes with styling tips</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each piece comes with styling tips,<br />
how to dress it up or dress it down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, so how much does this cost?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>$20 Styling fee</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use this towards the cost of your final order</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Get 25% off</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you keep all 5 items, they give you 25% off your purchase</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Average price</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They state on their average price per items is $65, that being said most of my items have been under $60.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
So I'll be honest, this was my least favorite fix. But mostly because I forgot it was coming and didn't leave specific instructions on what I wanted. Here's what I got!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta30-IBRLP4/VDSKnb9FlWI/AAAAAAAAmjk/Gdp4tYIIKoU/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta30-IBRLP4/VDSKnb9FlWI/AAAAAAAAmjk/Gdp4tYIIKoU/s1600/IMG_4012.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First of all, I love opening my box to find a personal note each time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rcRfYMF2IU/VDSKfouOnxI/AAAAAAAAmiw/zGCQrHTfDpk/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7rcRfYMF2IU/VDSKfouOnxI/AAAAAAAAmiw/zGCQrHTfDpk/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(3).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please excuse the terrible lighting. I'm obviously not a fashion blogger :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsEfR6nht_I/VDSKj-6RAMI/AAAAAAAAmjM/TSWlj-EAiDw/s1600/FullSizeRender_1%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsEfR6nht_I/VDSKj-6RAMI/AAAAAAAAmjM/TSWlj-EAiDw/s1600/FullSizeRender_1%2B(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't wait to get my hands on this sweater!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3RagJp3Pe0/VDSKfVgd0_I/AAAAAAAAmis/Nn_7JUpHFFw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3RagJp3Pe0/VDSKfVgd0_I/AAAAAAAAmis/Nn_7JUpHFFw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was SO cute and had black sparkly stripes down the side.<br />
You can't tell in this picture, but it was unfortunately it was <br />
about a size too big. I couldn't justify $68 on a too big sweater, even if it<br />
was super dreamy and comfy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ND9KJmH5OU0/VDSKm9G-iOI/AAAAAAAAmjg/-Q3FsMPhGAk/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ND9KJmH5OU0/VDSKm9G-iOI/AAAAAAAAmjg/-Q3FsMPhGAk/s1600/FullSizeRender_2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was not as excited about this blouse. <br />
(PS, does anyone else hate that word?)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0BHccLaqWQ/VDSKifKyV7I/AAAAAAAAmjA/20qzVJeAHkI/s1600/FullSizeRender_1%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b0BHccLaqWQ/VDSKifKyV7I/AAAAAAAAmjA/20qzVJeAHkI/s1600/FullSizeRender_1%2B(3).jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and I both agreed it looked better on. It had a great fit,<br />
but we didn't love the pattern. Plus for $58, I'll pass.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSnQQhDoKjA/VDSKk1dSA8I/AAAAAAAAmjY/PHrbsTA5ZeA/s1600/FullSizeRender_2%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bSnQQhDoKjA/VDSKk1dSA8I/AAAAAAAAmjY/PHrbsTA5ZeA/s1600/FullSizeRender_2%2B(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't sure why they sent me a maxi dress heading into fall, but whatevs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ARwiX9ZEw/VDSKjJTJsuI/AAAAAAAAmjI/PJL1M8zxa98/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3ARwiX9ZEw/VDSKjJTJsuI/AAAAAAAAmjI/PJL1M8zxa98/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turns out it was so soft, comfy, and flattering.<br />
Buuuut also $74 so no thanks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3bbZbaRwMY/VDSKfJ4UThI/AAAAAAAAmio/jY-PKA4gl_4/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3bbZbaRwMY/VDSKfJ4UThI/AAAAAAAAmio/jY-PKA4gl_4/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(2).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have 2 pairs of jeans from this Just Black brand, and LOVE them. <br />
That being said, they had a price tag of $88. And I don't need 3 pairs of <br />
skinny jeans. The jeans I wore in the pictures above are the ones <br />
I bought from my second fix.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k03D-c4Fwgs/VDSKo1Mb3tI/AAAAAAAAmjw/lJUOLa8q-qE/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k03D-c4Fwgs/VDSKo1Mb3tI/AAAAAAAAmjw/lJUOLa8q-qE/s1600/IMG_4014.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's item #5. A minimalist necklace $28</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Like I said before, this was my least favorite fix. However, I normally give VERY specific instructions on what (and what not) to send, and I had a blonde moment and forgot to do that this time. I would have asked for tops only and said specifically no jewelry, accessories, pants, or dresses. I really do feel like when you give specific instructions, the stylists do what you ask. I had $29 in credit. $20 paid for my box to be sent to me, so I kind of felt if I didn't buy ANYTHING it would be wasted credit. I've been wanting a simple necklace and have watching <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/stellabellaboutique" target="_blank">Stella Bella Boutique</a> because I love her necklaces and earrings. So I only kept the necklace.<br />
<br />
Even though I didn't love my fix this month, I still give Stitch Fix 2 thumbs up! It's made my try (and like) articles of clothing I would have otherwise overlooked. Like that blouse from this fix? I NEVER would have tried on that style. But now I see how it's actually flattering and comfortable. So when I shop on my own, I can look for similar items. And if you haven't tried it, you totally should :) And don't forget to <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">sign up under my link</a>! I'd love you forever for it! <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-j7Z7VSDm1IQ%2FUMkpVv4xHPI%2FAAAAAAAARmo%2Fl6D-wd1REWc%2Fs1600%2Flaurensig.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-68535994010671874352014-10-02T21:05:00.000-04:002014-10-02T21:21:46.277-04:00Stitch Fix #3I figured since box #4 is on its way, I should hop to it and blog about my 3rd box. I asked them to send me a few dresses because I was going to wedding. I thought it would be fun to try something new!<br />
<br />
<br />
So what is <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix </a>anyway? Well I'm glad you ask. Even though this was my third fix and I'll likely get them only a few times a year, I LOVE IT! <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> is like having your own personal stylist, here's how it works<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Create your style profile </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire about your style. <br />
You can even link it up to a specific <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nurseduke/stitch-fix-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Get five hand picked items</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can even specify what you want/don't want. (No jewelry, only dresses, etc)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Keep what you like and send back the rest</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Try on the items in the comfort of your own home.<br />
Send back items in bag with pre-paid shipping.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Comes with styling tips</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each piece comes with styling tips,<br />
how to dress it up or dress it down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, so how much does this cost?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>$20 Styling fee</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use this towards the cost of your final order</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Get 25% off</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you keep all 5 items, they give you 25% off your purchase</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Average price</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They state on their average price per items is $65, that being said most of my items have been under $60.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here's what I got!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f68dKRAhvs/VC3z786ue4I/AAAAAAAAmh0/mPpHhCt8QrE/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9f68dKRAhvs/VC3z786ue4I/AAAAAAAAmh0/mPpHhCt8QrE/s1600/IMG_3574.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dress was just "eh". It looked ok on, but I just wasn't loving it. <br />
But it was only $48, so not to shabby. I sent it back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb-6Lt_LvZU/VC3z-ub3sBI/AAAAAAAAmh8/ofEMYrb5h78/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wb-6Lt_LvZU/VC3z-ub3sBI/AAAAAAAAmh8/ofEMYrb5h78/s1600/IMG_3573.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVED this dress. It was soft and comfy, and I thought it could easily be dressed up or dressed down<br />
But it was $68 and I really liked my last item, so I sent it back too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_CubFQul-Y/VC30AsJFJRI/AAAAAAAAmiM/tDRnLn-CVQo/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_CubFQul-Y/VC30AsJFJRI/AAAAAAAAmiM/tDRnLn-CVQo/s1600/IMG_3575.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh! This dress. I mean, what? It was so awful, I almost didn't take a picture in it.<br />
It was really thin, and REALLY ugly. Even though it was pretty cheap, it went STRAIGHT back.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmkJOkexDs/VC3z_f6LbOI/AAAAAAAAmiA/y5kFcdzGB3o/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQmkJOkexDs/VC3z_f6LbOI/AAAAAAAAmiA/y5kFcdzGB3o/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YES! I loved this asymmetrical cardigan. I pinned this EXACT item, so I was SUPER<br />
happy my stylist sent it to me! Even though I was hoping to buy a dress I loved this <br />
so much, that I kept it! I think it was $50, but I had birthday credit still, and wasn't <br />
passing it up. It's been my go to sweater when its chilly outside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
This time around I didn't take pictures of my style cards, oops! I've been kind of busy. But my 4th box is on its way and I'll show you the goodies sooner this time! So, who's going to give it a try? Its a perfect thing to ask for for Christmas! If you haven't tried it out, I would love for you to sign up through <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">my link</a>! I get a $25 credit when your first box ships. Thanks!<br />
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I can't even believe my baby boy is 18 months old. Technically he's 19 months old, because I can never get his WCC done on time. And I am super behind and never published this, so now he's technically 20 months old! Whoops!<br />
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Weight: 24.5lbs</div>
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Length: 34.5in</div>
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Favorite moments: Hearing his sweet giggle when he gets tickled, rocking before bed</div>
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Least favorite moments: Learning how to hit, kick, and throw in anger</div>
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Milestones: New signs- please and thank you, learning new words all the time</div>
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Likes: Buzz, Jessie (he yodel's when he sees her and its so funny), Thomas the train (He calls him "go-go", which is the cutest), Elmo ("Melmo"), Olaf, "Let it Go", Inara, Paw-Paw, Uncle Ben, noodles, brushing his teeth</div>
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Dislikes: Not getting his way, when I hold other babies. </div>
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This boy is crazy guys! He has SOOO much energy and is so physical. He hits and wrestles. Its super fun to have a boy in the house because I can be rough with him and he can take it. But he does like to be rough back. He hits a lot, and kicks, and throws things when he gets mad. Its a whole new parenting world for me because Inara wasn't like that at all. I try hard not to compare them, and use the words "good" or "bad", but honestly, sometimes he's just BAD! But I try to remember God gave me THIS son who is very physical. It was no accident I am his Momma, and that gives me much peace. God gave us to each other. But every once in a while, he'll lay his head on my shoulder, or we'll snuggle in the rocking chair and I have hope he might have a calm, more gentle side too!</div>
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But it really is so fun to see how different boys and girls are. By this age Inara was talking in short sentences and I never had trouble understanding her, BUT she was unsteady on her feet still and had trouble with fine motor skills. Shepherd does speak a lot, but frequently I have no idea what he is trying to tell me and he is a climber and loves to feed himself with a fork and spoon already. I seriously think Inara was almost 3 before I trusted her with a fork.</div>
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I can't believe he's closer to 2 years old than he is 1. Even though he's wild, crazy, and can really test my patience, I really can't imagine our family without him!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a><br />
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<b>Boy (Age 2-4)</b></div>
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<b>Total cost $13.60</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-h7vJ3McTc/U-Q4eoehZFI/AAAAAAAAmVM/R3j5V1w8pWo/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-h7vJ3McTc/U-Q4eoehZFI/AAAAAAAAmVM/R3j5V1w8pWo/s1600/IMG_3522.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ruler- $0.25</div>
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Maraca- Unused toy from my house</div>
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Library shirt- Inara got this from reading books, but didn't want it. So I saved it for a box!</div>
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Hard candy- $0.60- I found 3 bags on clearance and divided them between all the boxes</div>
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Coloring roll- $3</div>
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Band-aids- Free (I had 3 unopened boxes, I split between all the boxes)</div>
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Crayons $0.50</div>
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Finger puppet- Unused toy</div>
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Punch ball balloon- $0.25 (Pack of 4 divided between boxes)</div>
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Jake and the Neverland Pirates Toy- $4 (clearance section at Kroger)</div>
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Toothpaste- Free from Inara's dental cleaning</div>
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Flossers- Free from dental cleaning</div>
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Tooth brush- Free from my bathroom closet</div>
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String bag- Free from VBS</div>
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Flashlight with batteries- $3</div>
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Soap- $0.5</div>
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<b>Girl (Age 2-4)</b></div>
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<b>Total cost: $11.60</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeaLglA-vcY/U-Q4ey-yBAI/AAAAAAAAmVI/6k8Tsei9QqM/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FeaLglA-vcY/U-Q4ey-yBAI/AAAAAAAAmVI/6k8Tsei9QqM/s1600/IMG_3523.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shirt- $1 (Clearance at Kroger)</div>
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Minnie Mouse Toy- $4 (Clearance at Kroger)</div>
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Flossers- Free from dental cleaning</div>
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Toothbrushes- Free from dental cleanings</div>
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Flashlight with batteries- $3</div>
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Bracelets- $0.50</div>
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Castanets- Unused toy from home</div>
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Crayons- $0.50</div>
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Flashcards- Free from house. (I bought them $1 at the Target dollar spot, but Inara never used them)</div>
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Band-aids- Free</div>
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Bag- Free from VBS</div>
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Punch Balloon- $0.25</div>
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Soap- $0.50</div>
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Happy Meal Toy- Free</div>
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Hair rubber bands- Free because I have ONE MILLION of them for Inara</div>
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Barrettes- Free- Bought them for Inara and after they were opened (of course) they never used</div>
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<b>Girl (Age 10-14)</b></div>
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<b>Total Cost: 12.85</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgPOMbnVXPc/U-Q4e4amWZI/AAAAAAAAmVE/RfbcilnIcqc/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgPOMbnVXPc/U-Q4e4amWZI/AAAAAAAAmVE/RfbcilnIcqc/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bag- Free from donation at church</div>
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Homemade sewing kit- Thimble, needle, thread, tape measure- Free from my sewing box</div>
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Ribbon- Free from sewing box- Could use to embellish clothes or tie in hair</div>
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Bow- Free- bought for Inara, she didn't like it.</div>
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Stretchy headbands- $4</div>
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Clips- $4</div>
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Earrings (3 pair)- Free- Made by me</div>
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Band-aids- Free</div>
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Candy- $0.60</div>
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Ruler $0.25</div>
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Soap- $0.50</div>
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Poncho- Free from my bathroom closet</div>
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Bracelets- Free (bogo at Kroger)</div>
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Solar string lights- $2- Clearance at IKEA</div>
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Composition book- $0.50</div>
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Colored Pencils- $0.50</div>
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<b>Boy (Age 10-14)</b></div>
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<b>Total Cost: $12.60</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 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50UBEe0D2Pk/U-Q4gLOm8kI/AAAAAAAAmVc/YQ2KWPPWxQg/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50UBEe0D2Pk/U-Q4gLOm8kI/AAAAAAAAmVc/YQ2KWPPWxQg/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I rearranged a few items from other boxes and added them after I took this picture.<br />
This one looked kind of empty when I compared it to the others</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
String backpack bag- Free from VBS</div>
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Composition book- $0.50</div>
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Candy- $0.60</div>
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Colored Pencils- $0.50</div>
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Legos- $6 for 2 packs (Target Clearance)</div>
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Ruler- $0.25</div>
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Paddle ball- Free from (BOGO at Kroger)</div>
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Flossers- Free from dental cleaning</div>
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Soap- $0.50</div>
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Jump Rope- $1</div>
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Gum- Free (Unused from my junk drawer)</div>
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Flashlight with batteries- $3</div>
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Punch balloon- $0.25</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Boy (Age 10-14)</b></div>
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<b>Total Cost: $7.35</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfO9JSioTfs/U-wGKEj0VFI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/kBf2ktsFGDk/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kfO9JSioTfs/U-wGKEj0VFI/AAAAAAAAmZQ/kBf2ktsFGDk/s1600/photo%2B(5).JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Deck of cards- Free (Unused from my junk drawer)</div>
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HUGE bag- Free from Justin's video game tournament (Seriously, it's the size of the table)</div>
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Toothbrush- Free from dental cleaning</div>
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Gum- Free</div>
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Candy- $0.60</div>
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Solar string light- $2</div>
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LEGO- $3</div>
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Composition book- $0.50</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soap- $0.50</div>
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Band-aids- Free</div>
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Punch Balloon- $0.25</div>
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Colored Pencils- $0.50</div>
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Flossers- Free</div>
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<div>
I think what has been really apparent in packing the boxes is the sovereignty and the love of God. At first I was stressed about some of the items I was packing. Like that little tank top. I worried, "but what if its sent to a little girl in a cold climate?" Or the solar lights, "what if that gets sent to a kid who doesn't need that or doesn't get a lot of sun?" Bt then I remember, God knows! God knows where each box is going and WHO is receiving each box. So the box that I packed that has double toothbrushes, I'm praying that goes to a child with a sibling. It has been so encouraging to follow Operation Christmas Child on Facebook, I highly suggest it! Here are some of my favorite stories that show how big our God is!</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The story that we like the best is the one from a little girl who has leukemia (final stage). She opened her shoebox and found a hat that she needed because she </span></span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">didn't</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> have any more hair. We were surprised how God gave each child what he or she needed. Only God knows what our needs are."</span></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">"When I was a child I went to Sunday school at a local church. I did not have a father, and when I needed something my mom would tell me to 'ask God in prayer'. I wanted to have a watch, so I prayed for it. Later, our church had a Christmas celebration and at the end we had OCC gifts given to us. When I opened my box I found a watch. I was so glad that such a great God in heaven had answered my pr</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">ayer! I had that watch even after I finished high school and for many years it was a testimony that God answers prayers. Now I am 25 and I always wanted to write a letter of thanks to the family that put my shoebox together, but I did not have a chance. Right now I work with children and we also distribute </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">shoe boxes</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> among them. It is a huge blessing for me."</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">"After one distribution in Lithuania, a girl came up to us and shared her story. That week their class was going to the swimming pool. It's a great event for the kids living in a village area. The girl had one problem – she didn't have slippers and without them kids were not allowed to come into the pool. When the girl opened her box and found slippers, she was so excited that she rushed toward us to tell of her great miracle and show us proof that God really cares about her!"</span> </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seriously guys, you should <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes" target="_blank">follow them on Facebook</a> to see story after story of God answering the prayers of little children and changing their lives. This is my first year, have you guys ever packed boxes before? Any tips?</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a>
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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;"><img height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/p843x403/10557734_10152583896238209_3810106238658837071_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes/photos/a.104435743208.85001.98111658208/10152583896238209/?type=1&relevant_count=1" target="_blank">Operation Christmas Child Facebook Page</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But what I am more excited about than the great deals, is the lives that will be changed this year. Here are some of the sweet stories I've read from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OCCshoeboxes/timeline" target="_blank">Operation Christmas Child's Facebook page:</a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">A Collection Center Leader from Germany participated in a distribution trip to Poland. During one of the distributions, the team visited a family with two little girls in one of the villages. As both of the girls opened their gifts, the collection center leader recognized one of the boxes as one (of many) that she had packed herself. She was overcome with joy and tears at this miraculous act of God’s grace. She now has divine motivation to pack even more boxes for children in need."</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"T<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">he child of a prominent witch doctor in a Tanzanian village received a gift at an Operation Christmas Child distribution. The witch doctor was touched that someone who did not know his family would send such a wonderful gift. He heard the gospel presentation at the distribution and was so moved, he decided to accept Christ as his own personal savior!"</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 20px;">As a 10-year-old boy living in an orphanage in Central Asia, Timur had no concept of unconditional love. He had been abandoned in the hospital after birth. Survival required him to be guarded and self-reliant. At age 13, Timur received the first gift he had ever been given—an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. Inside was a yo-yo, Tootsie Roll candy, school supplies, and a letter and photo from a boy in Texas. 'The shoebox reminded me of Jesus’ love for me, that He forgave me of my sins. It reminded me that I should forgive my parents for what they did to me,' said Timur. 'When I forgave them, God set me free from the bitterness.'"</span></blockquote>
Even posting these stories is making me cry. Jesus says, "Let the little children come to me" and he is chasing after them, through Operation Christmas Child. I'm so honored to pack boxes, pray for these kids, and show them the love of a God who has not forgotten about them. Will you join me? I'd love to have some other's jump on board with me! Next week I'll be sharing how to pack a box, what was in our 5 boxes, and how much we spent. You'll see how little is actually costs to change a child's life. It didn't break the bank, but it did take some planning. Collection week is in November, so you have a little over 2 months to pack. So who is with me? <br />
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I've been slowly making my way through "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0310321913/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0310321913&linkCode=as2&tag=greaisyourfai-20&linkId=LYIUGIUYCP3FMGDR" target="_blank">1000 Gifts"</a> by Ann Voskamp. She's not the typical type of author I would read, but its still good. Just the thought of being thankful to God for little gifts throughout the day. James says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Anything good is from God, so why not thank him for all of the good things he's given. I wanted to do something clever like "Thankful Thursday" or something like that but today is Wednesday, and I haven't blogged in FOREVER, so I figured I better do it now, or I never will! I've been making a list of some things to be thankful for, so I thought I would share. <br />
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<br />
<ol>
<li>Shepherd's laugh when his legs get tickled</li>
<li>Inara's love for snuggling</li>
<li>Building LEGO's with Inara</li>
<li>Hearing a "yes" when I ask if she wants to pray</li>
<li>The breeze on a warm day</li>
<li>Colorful flowers at my parents house</li>
<li>Justin smacking my booty</li>
<li>The word booty</li>
<li>Prayer</li>
<li>Being reminded to be child like</li>
<li>A free sample inhaler and assessment at the doctor's office- a reminder of God's provision</li>
<li>Quiet house- hearing a clock tick</li>
<li>Having the windows open</li>
<li>YNAB and it's helping us with our budget</li>
<li>A warm bed</li>
<li>God's provision with our house</li>
<li>A dry place to sleep</li>
<li>More than enough of everything we have</li>
<li>God's mercy with me</li>
<li>Technology, and the ability to encourage a friend instantly</li>
<li>Inara facing her fears and jumping in the pool.</li>
<li>A husband who loves to be a good Dad</li>
<li>Books to convict and encourage- "A Praying Life" and "1000 Gifts"</li>
<li>What's been DONE on the cross and in my heart. </li>
</ol>
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Have you read the book before? Did you make a list?</div>
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Weight: *Mom fail, I threw away the paper with his information on it</div>
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Length: *I am basically a rockstar :)</div>
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Favorite moments:hearing him laugh and giggle with Inara, getting big open mouth sloppy kisses</div>
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Least favorite moments: Him waking up tired and grumpy with the sun</div>
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Milestones: Started walking around 14 months, signs more, help, please, and eat. Climbs everything. New words every day. </div>
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Likes: being outside, cars, dogs, Inara, Pawpaw, EATING</div>
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Dislikes: Getting snack catcher taken away, being told no</div>
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This little guy is such a dude. He LOVES cars and trucks. Each time he sees one, he says "vroom, vroom". And when we get to watch the garbage truck, its the best thing ever. He can find a ball from a mile away, and NEVER stops eating. He is sweet and will gives kisses, but oh my! This kiddo has a temper. He has recently been hitting when I say "no". Which is kind of a lot because he's a crazy boy who want to scale everything in my house. He follows Inara around like he is her shadow, and gets SO sad when she wants to play by her self in her room. When she is gone, however, he is a different kid. He is much more calm and playful, and actually acts like a toddler. He just is frustrated all the time when they are together because he loves her so much, and just wants to be with her. It really is super sweet. </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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFeguGDBXxo/U31DftnRYtI/AAAAAAAAmK0/V0N-CIsgcmI/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFeguGDBXxo/U31DftnRYtI/AAAAAAAAmK0/V0N-CIsgcmI/s1600/photo+2(4).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean, look at this kid? He hopped up on the couch, grabbed the ipad and was swiping away :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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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/-Ec5UPX6vsAs/U31FWJHNUsI/AAAAAAAAmK8/rem2ocyXmhU/s1600/IMG_1146.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ec5UPX6vsAs/U31FWJHNUsI/AAAAAAAAmK8/rem2ocyXmhU/s1600/IMG_1146.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? He climbs EVERYTHING! We are in trouble! But look at his cute face :)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a><br />
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Well if that isn't the most exciting title, I don't know what is?! Just kidding. I've been away from my blog for a while. 1) Its really hard to keep up with these days. Who knew having a second kid would add so much more work. 2) I feel like I've not had really anything great to write. Then tonight Justin encouraged me to blog about how I've been depressed lately. So I'm submitting to him, and here we are.<br />
<br />
Anyways, about a month ago, something changed. It wasn't a specific thing that happened, but I noticed all the joy in my life was gone. I wanted to sleep all day, I wasn't eating, and I wanted to sleep some more. I've always wanted to stay home with my kids, but found my self longing for work days, counting down the hours until Justin would be home with me, and looking for ways to leave the house. I didn't want to do anything. Go out. See people. Cook. Eat. Clean. All I wanted was sleep.<br />
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One day I was in the kitchen and just burst into tears because I had to do the dishes. Seriously folks, I'm a pretty stellar human being :) I found my self CRYING OVER THE DISHES. I thought, that surely there was something more important, more Godly, with more eternal significance, than doing dishes, changing diapers, cooking food. I would think about my day at work, how I SAW what I did, and how it mattered. I could see how bringing coffee to a tired mom, made a difference. How praying for a friend and sending an encouraging text meant something. But, this? Snotty noses, dirty counters, and laundry? What was I doing? Did it matter? Add some "mommy guilt" and I was feeling top notch. <br />
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I thought, "Oh my gosh. Why am I thinking these things? Something is wrong, this isn't me. I love my kids and being at home." And I was right. Something was wrong, but that IS me. That IS who I am without Christ. Depressed. Unmotivated. Angry. Impatient. Unkind. Unloving. Selfish. I was being me. I was ignoring my Savior. And without the love of Christ overflowing in me. There is nothing good in my heart. I'll say it again, because its true. There is nothing good in me. Everything that is good and loving and kind and sweet, is from the Lord. So when I lose sight of who He is, and what He's done for me...my heart is cold and dark and lonely.<br />
<br />
By God's grace I confessed my sin, was forgiven, repented and started
just doing the next thing. There still wasn't joy, but I was getting up
and moving. Going outside with the kids. Cleaning the 10 cup of the day
(Seriously, how do 2 tiny humans use so many cups?!). Meal planning.
Reading a book. Playing and interacting.<br />
<br />
And you know what else? Without Christ as my focus, life IS depressing. Without working for him, doing the dishes AGAIN is infuriating and insulting. Honoring Christ MUST be my focus, because Shepherd's never going to say "Wow, mom. I'm sorry I smacked you 5 times before 10am today. You look like you need a rest. Go have a nap". When my focus is on the things of this world, my outlook is bleak. BUT, when (by God's grace) I can see past the snot, to the tiny hurting heart that needs a Savior just as much as I do, that is where the work and joy is. Doing the dishes all day long, because I'm loving "the least of these" and therefor loving Jesus.<br />
<br />
My sweet, sweet friend Katie gave me these two small prints that fit
perfectly by my sink, which is where I spend a lot of my day. It was (and still is) a
great reminder that my work matters. It matters because its been given to me from a loving, perfect, and holy God.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FAC5slI1v8/U5j7P25GiAI/AAAAAAAAmRY/d3BL8W-84KM/s1600/photo+1%283%29.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FAC5slI1v8/U5j7P25GiAI/AAAAAAAAmRY/d3BL8W-84KM/s1600/photo+1(3).JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I'd love to say that it's all rainbows and unicorns over here. But I'm still fighting. But. I'm fighting. I'm choosing to trust God with what he's given me and to obey his calling on my life. It has gotten better. Last week the kids were sick and I was so sad I had to go to work. But then I was happy, that I was sad. Because that meant I wanted to be home. That meant God was working in my heart.<br />
<br />
Playing with the kids has actually been fun, instead of a chore. Wrestling when I'm sleepy didn't make me angry yesterday, it gave me energy. God is good. Being a Mom, is by far the most selfless and hardest thing I've ever, ever, EVER done. But it's also showed me so much about my dark, dirty, heart, and the sweet loving, tenderness of my Savior and my Heavenly Dad. <br />
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<br />
So what is <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix </a>anyway? Well I'm glad you ask. Even though this was my second box and I'll likely get them only a few times a year, I LOVE IT! <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> is like having your own personal stylist, here's how it works<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Create your style profile </b></div>
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Fill out a pretty extensive questionnaire about your style. <br />
You can even link it up to a specific <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nurseduke/stitch-fix-inspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.<br />
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<b>Get five hand picked items</b></div>
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You can even specify what you want/don't want. (No jewelry, only dresses, etc)<br />
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<b>Keep what you like and send back the rest</b></div>
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Try on the items in the comfort of your own home.<br />
Send back items in bag with pre-paid shipping.<br />
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</div>
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<b>Comes with styling tips</b></div>
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Each piece comes with styling tips,<br />
how to dress it up or dress it down</div>
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Ok, so how much does this cost?<br />
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<b>$20 Styling fee</b></div>
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Use this towards the cost of your final order<br />
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</div>
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<b>Get 25% off</b></div>
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If you keep all 5 items, they give you 25% off your purchase<br />
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</div>
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<b>Average price</b></div>
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They state on their average price per items is $65, </div>
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that being said 3 of my items were under $60.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inlwoOAYbGI/U30BVtp4pyI/AAAAAAAAmKg/ZtFjzBhA2bw/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inlwoOAYbGI/U30BVtp4pyI/AAAAAAAAmKg/ZtFjzBhA2bw/s1600/photo(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I honestly was so excited to get a personalized note from my stylist!</td></tr>
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So are you guys ready to see the contents of my second fix?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-EU2DP9NF4/U3z7EEkycZI/AAAAAAAAmJA/02ItAD6Nb4Y/s1600/photo+3(1).JPG" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This black lace detailed blouse was $38. I thought it was cute and different from what I normally wear<br />
However, it just didn't fit right. It was a tad too big, so I needed to wear a cami under it, and that<br />
just made it look weird. I sent this back.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ioFp4j1TA/U30BUlZS3hI/AAAAAAAAmKY/L9cYvHcazj4/s1600/photo+5(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1ioFp4j1TA/U30BUlZS3hI/AAAAAAAAmKY/L9cYvHcazj4/s1600/photo+5(1).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Each piece gets a style card with it. Something to dress it up and dress it down.<br />So fun!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt3VW_3siXQ/U3z7G9Z9UcI/AAAAAAAAmJU/PW-_dGK_7ig/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt3VW_3siXQ/U3z7G9Z9UcI/AAAAAAAAmJU/PW-_dGK_7ig/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These "Just Black" jeans were $78 and the same brand as the jeans I was sent last time. <br />
They were super comfortable and were the correct size in all the right spots.<br />
They seemed a little too "skinny" for me, but they have a little stretch to them.<br />
Even after trying them on a few times, they stretched a bit. So I kept them!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKv9VVPsuzY/U30BQG2Ce2I/AAAAAAAAmJ4/wmESCuku0o0/s1600/photo+3(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKv9VVPsuzY/U30BQG2Ce2I/AAAAAAAAmJ4/wmESCuku0o0/s1600/photo+3(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here are 2 items together. This Kut from Kloth jean jacket was $78, and the blue maxi dress was $58.<br />
I already had a jean jacket so I sent that back. I liked the skirt, but something about the way it was hemmed<br />
made my hips appear even wider that they are. Plus as a few people mentioned, I could get a maxi skirt for <br />
half the price at Target. Both sent back.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U496YyXkgVA/U30BQoVxiSI/AAAAAAAAmKE/7QwC2gk0E1w/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U496YyXkgVA/U30BQoVxiSI/AAAAAAAAmKE/7QwC2gk0E1w/s1600/photo+1(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apT4dINQ0k4/U3z7FoNLqNI/AAAAAAAAmJM/Y-HlWKTRlaQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-apT4dINQ0k4/U3z7FoNLqNI/AAAAAAAAmJM/Y-HlWKTRlaQ/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another picture of the maxi skirt. Also, check how high I had to hike that thing up, <br />
so it didn't drag the ground for like 3 inches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last item was this green button up sleeveless blouse for $54. <br />
I sent this back too. It was too big and just hung on my body. It was very soft<br />
and would be great for the summer, but not the right size/fit.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf72lXHqAKY/U30BQfXlzJI/AAAAAAAAmJ8/auyXn1yHJ0c/s1600/photo+2(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf72lXHqAKY/U30BQfXlzJI/AAAAAAAAmJ8/auyXn1yHJ0c/s1600/photo+2(2).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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So there you have it! Even though I only kept the jeans, I am super happy with this fix! I am glad I didn't love all the pieces, because I can't afford to love them all! But buying a staple item here or there seems doable. Plus the jeans I bought were made in the USA, so that makes me feel better about paying a higher price for them. In fact, 3 of the 5 items were made in the US. And I never would have thought I could wear a sleeveless blouse, but Stitch Fix made me try it! And now when/if I'm out and about shopping around, I'll be more adventurous. And that is really why I love Stitch Fix. I get to try on things in the comfort of my own home, with other clothes that I own, and see what works and doesn't work. It's been good to be pushed out of my comfort zone just a little! I already scheduled my next fix for the middle of August. I am going to a wedding in September, and I always rush out the weekend before to try to find something to wear. I am super excited to be sent a bunch of dresses to try! I mean, how fun is that?<br />
<br />
So have you tried <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">Stitch Fix</a> yet? Did you love it? Did you hate it? If you haven't tried it out, I would love for you to sign up through <a href="http://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3348823" target="_blank">my link</a>! I get a $25 credit when your first box ships. Thanks!<br />
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*Whoops! I had this one written and ready to go, but forgot to hit publish! So its a little late :)</div>
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The past 2 years we've had a Spring Party on the first day (or weekend) of Spring. (You can see the old posts <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/2012/05/spring-party.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/2013/03/spring-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I got the idea from one of my favorite Mommy bloggers, <a href="http://ohamanda.com/2010/03/23/easter-spring-party/" target="_blank">OhAmanda</a>.</div>
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Just like with Christmas, I didn't want the real meaning of Easter to be over shadowed by traditional holiday stuff. But at the same time I didn't want to throw the baby out with the bath water. So we celebrate Spring by dyeing eggs, hiding baskets, and doing a fun craft. Normally I invite my parents over and a few friends to join in on the fun. But this year, Justin's work schedule is crazy, so we did it mid-week. It was smaller, but it was still special and fun!<br />
<br />
After I wrote <a href="http://thehealthyhen.com/chocolate-worth/" target="_blank">this post for The Healthy Hen</a> about our Easter candy, I decided to change their Easter treats. I filled the plastic eggs with other treats. I put pennies in some of them (because ANY coin is exciting to Inara at this age). I bought some of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QTWUEC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002QTWUEC&linkCode=as2&tag=greaisyourfai-20" target="_blank">Annie's Bunny Grahms</a>, and some of these yummy caramelized walnuts. I put tattoos, stickers, and a cheap craft.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-33Ml03OWRpY/UzWxHF2xhcI/AAAAAAAAftk/1bFf7HsWSjE/s1600/blogger-image-762064089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-33Ml03OWRpY/UzWxHF2xhcI/AAAAAAAAftk/1bFf7HsWSjE/s400/blogger-image-762064089.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inara and her bestie taking turns dyeing the eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I let the boys hang out too, but they were too busy stealing each others food</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorting through their loot, after finding their baskets and eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wQFjrPvaK80/UzWvr5DpBDI/AAAAAAAAfs0/IowxzaHekf4/s1600/blogger-image--24003198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wQFjrPvaK80/UzWvr5DpBDI/AAAAAAAAfs0/IowxzaHekf4/s400/blogger-image--24003198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guys, I can't even handle how cute they are together!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Scd_zJRLPws/UzWvpqT93ZI/AAAAAAAAfss/dlyAVy-nL5w/s1600/blogger-image-1956095808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Scd_zJRLPws/UzWvpqT93ZI/AAAAAAAAfss/dlyAVy-nL5w/s400/blogger-image-1956095808.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YWhQAl9d8tI/UzWxJfVHLvI/AAAAAAAAfts/sAthGd93_UU/s640/blogger-image--1920791653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YWhQAl9d8tI/UzWxJfVHLvI/AAAAAAAAfts/sAthGd93_UU/s640/blogger-image--1920791653.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this man!</td></tr>
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It was fun because Inara woke up and was so excited for her Spring party! And it's been really great because she's been asking about when we get to do stuff for Easter. I'm going to start my <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/2014/03/celebrating-resurrection-with-your-kids.html" target="_blank">Sense of the Resurrection</a> activities next week, and I can't wait. I'm hoping having this party separate from our Easter celebration, keeps the fun secular things we do, but allows Christ's death, burial, and resurrection to shine even brighter on Easter Sunday!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-33837886019215481122014-05-13T12:55:00.001-04:002014-05-13T12:55:36.042-04:00Oh, hey there!Wow, it's been nearly 2 months since blogged last. I do t think I've ever gone that long. And not that y'all are waiting for me to blog, but I like to have these little accounts of our lives for me, too. But life is busy. Even now I'm typing this on my phone. I rarely get on the computer. Without my iPhone, I'd never check my mail, read a book, have a meal plan, or even know the day of the week! Really Instagram is taking over my blog. It's a love hate relationship!<div><br></div><div>But here I am with nothing to say except I have a million things I want to say and about 5 half written blog posts. But it always seems there is more pressing things to do. But this little space is important to me, so I do want it to keep going. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hopefully I'll have time to write about what I'm learning, what I still NEED to learn, what I'm reading, my trip to Las Vegas, our Spring party, and why it's hard for me to be a Mom. Like I said, I have a lot to say, and not a lot of time to write. But I'll be back. Hopefully this week! </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-71783393953329737502014-03-26T19:58:00.001-04:002014-03-26T19:58:33.788-04:00Is our Easter candy worth it?Last September, I went to the <a data-mce-href="http://www.theinfluenceconference.com/" href="http://www.theinfluenceconference.com/">Influence Conference,</a>
and I learned a lot of things. Some of those things I am still
processing. One of the phrases that stuck in my head was "You don't
have to do everything. But you can do something." Sometimes it seems
overwhelming with so many good charities, organizations, and missions
available. How do I choose which one to participate in? In true
awesomeness, I usually tend to get overwhelmed and not do anything. But
walking away from the conference I felt empowered. I <i>can't </i>support every good cause that comes my way, but just choose something, and do it. I know. I'm pretty profound.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mceItemTable" style="width: 409px;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a data-mce-href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkkPv1D54tY/UxIR_N92rmI/AAAAAAAAe5U/4Gx-yOGz5wY/s1600/chocolate_slavery_main.jpg" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkkPv1D54tY/UxIR_N92rmI/AAAAAAAAe5U/4Gx-yOGz5wY/s1600/chocolate_slavery_main.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" data-mce-src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkkPv1D54tY/UxIR_N92rmI/AAAAAAAAe5U/4Gx-yOGz5wY/s1600/chocolate_slavery_main.jpg" height="153" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkkPv1D54tY/UxIR_N92rmI/AAAAAAAAe5U/4Gx-yOGz5wY/s1600/chocolate_slavery_main.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><span data-mce-style="font-size: xx-small;" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo from <a data-mce-href="http://www.foodispower.org/slavery-chocolate/" href="http://www.foodispower.org/slavery-chocolate/">Food Empowerment Project</a></span></td></tr>
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So
anyway, I'd like to share with you a simple way to make a difference.
Easter is coming up and soon, and baskets will be filled with chocolate,
candy, and little bunnies. But what if buying your kids, grandkids, or
students at school candy for their basket, meant that another child was
sold to make it? Is <em>that</em> worth it?<br />
<br />
<br />
Hop on over, and read my full post at <a href="http://thehealthyhen.com/chocolate-worth/" target="_blank">The Healthy Hen</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j7Z7VSDm1IQ/UMkpVv4xHPI/AAAAAAAARmo/l6D-wd1REWc/s1600/laurensig.png" /></a><br />
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Tonight I snuggled with Shepherd on the couch as he had his bedtime bottle. I just kissed his head and rubbed his fingers. I thought "Ya know. He's probably old enough to get rid of his bedtime bottle". But then I thought "Eh, I like our night-time ritual, and I'm gonna enjoy this little snuggle session as long as I can".<br />
<br />
During this time Inara was having her bed-time snack of cereal. She's obsessed with cereal lately and pretty much asks for it all day long. She's just like her Dad. So she's eating at the table and I hear "oh, no! Momma. I spilled my milk on my chair and undies". (Because yeah, she eats her bedtime snack in just her undies). I reply "Its ok baby. Just grab a dish towel, wipe off your chair, and change your undies". And then it hits me. 1) God has done a <i>good</i> work in me to allow me to not reply in frustration at the mess she's making, but to reply calmly and with grace. Guys! This. is. huge. 2) I have a big kid. Big enough to eat her snack unattended. Big enough to not freak out and be emotional when something doesn't go her way. Big enough to receive 3 commands for what to do next, and then DO THEM ALL WITHOUT BEING REPEATED. It was like an out of body experience.<br />
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I put Shepherd in his crib. Covered him up with his 2 blankies, gave him his doggie stuffed animal, turned on his mobile, one last face stroke, and left the room. I went into Inara's room where she requested a story from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007WRPUFE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007WRPUFE&linkCode=as2&tag=greaisyourfai-20" target="_blank">Jesus Storybook Bible</a> (seriously though, why have you not bought this yet?). It's about the 10 Commandments. She informs me she doesn't like the way Moses looks because "That's not how Mr. Langford draws him". So we discuss that for a while. Then we discuss The Law and how its good (Thank you, Peter Laruffa, for your <a href="https://graceky.org/sermons/message/27-so-what-good-is-the-law-anyway" target="_blank">last sermon</a>). Somehow we get talking about how not everyone has a Bible and knows about Jesus. She doesn't understand how that can be possible and keeps asking "But why, Mom?" I love her child-like faith. We finish our conversation, we pray for kids without Bibles, and I sing "Come Thou Fount".<br />
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It is simple. It is my life. And it is good.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclaimer: Affiliate links used in this post</span>
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So I gathered resources from my 2 favorite Mommy bloggers of littles (Amanda at <a href="http://ohamanda.com/" target="_blank">Oh Amanda</a>, and Desire at <a href="http://www.whenyourise.com/" target="_blank">When You Rise</a>). And I put together one activity a day during to do during Holy Week (You can see what we did the past 2 years <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/search/label/Easter" target="_blank">here</a>). Well this year, Amanda has put together a something much more organized and I am SOOO excited to use it! This year she released her ebook "<a href="http://ohamanda.com/a-sense-of-the-resurrection-an-easter-experience-for-families?ap_id=Nurseduke" target="_blank">A Sense of the Resurrection: An Easter Experience for families.</a>" I've just skimmed some of it. Guys, its going to be great!<br>
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<a href="http://ohamanda.com/a-sense-of-the-resurrection-an-easter-experience-for-families?ap_id=Nurseduke" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA2eD6x1q2w/UxfPXGzrIHI/AAAAAAAAe5w/x-GTuL61wMw/s1600/Screen-Shot-2014-03-04-at-8.47.23-PM-288x375.png" height="320" width="245"></a></div>
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I love her vision for what this book is. "These are not small craft projects or little devotions. They are big experiences that will help you lead your children into an understanding of and relationship with Jesus." Yes, and yes! The book is broken down into 12 activities to allow your kids to use their senses to experience the resurrection and its power.<br>
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Each chapter or "day" is set up to include a "sense" (sight, smell, etc.), scripture, activity, and a talk. Yes, there is some sort of crafty activity, but I love that she reminds us that the craft isn't the point. Its even easier because the ebook includes a printable bunting for each day. Honestly, I'll probably pick 2 or 3 of the activities to do that I think will be the most meaningful to Inara and then do the bunting the other days. I'm not super crafty and don't love that type of thing, but I do love teaching Inara about Jesus and at this age, crafts is a helpful tool. <br>
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Now that Inara is older, I'm so excited for the conversations we will be having this year. It's only $7.99, which is really a steal since it comes with the printable bunting! I probably won't get to start until next week, but I can't wait! So, who wants to join me?<br>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I received a copy of the book as an affiliate, affiliate links are included. But all opinions are 100% mine! </span><br>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-55587979377079709632014-02-19T20:43:00.001-05:002014-02-19T20:43:18.899-05:00Write Your storyLately there have been lots of cuddling and rocking with Shepherd. It's sweet and I love it. I soak up every moment. His smell. His breathing. His growing legs wrapped around me. I gently cover his little head with kisses being oh so careful to not wake him. And as I sit there, so thankful for his life and his presence in our family, I can't help but ache for the child we never got to hold. It's a bitter sweet moment as I rock my youngest son and wonder about my middle child. For some reason I think she was a girl. I probably would have named her Corrie Elizabeth after my favorite sisters Corrie and Betsy ten Boom. I wonder about her, mourn her absence from our family, and rest in the hope of Heaven and seeing her for the first time.<br />
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I don't want to forget my miscarriage because I don't want to forget my middle child. But how to you close that chapter of pain and loss without forgetting it's story? I'm not quite sure, but I think it's by knowing and trusting the Author. He's written my story. And it might have some pain and tears, but there is more there too. There is joy, even in the tears. There is hope. There is peace. Knowing the Author and how my story ends makes it a story worth living.<br />
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I wrote most of this post sitting under a blow dryer getting my hair did. I didn't want to read the fashion magazines, so I wrote this. Somehow I made it through without sobbing, and got in my car. I turn on the radio and what do I hear? I hear God. I hear him confirming that he's a good Author and to trust Him with my story. I've never heard this song before, but when I turned on my radio I heard a Francesca Battestelli song "Write Your Story". It was perfect timing, the providence of God.<br />
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<span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">They say<br />You're the King of everything<br />The One who taught the wind to sing<br />The Source of the rhythm my heart keeps beating<br /><br />They say<br />You can give the blind their sight<br />And You can bring the dead to life<br />You can be the hope my soul's been seekin'<br /><br />I wanna tell You now that I believe it<br />I wanna tell You now that I believe it<br />I do, that You can make me new, oh<br /><br />I'm an empty page<br />I'm an open book<br />Write Your story on my heart<br />Come on and make Your mark<br /><br />Author of my hope<br />Maker of the stars<br />Let me be Your work of art<br />Won't You write Your story on my heart<br /><br />Write Your story, write Your story<br />Come on and write Your story, write Your story<br />Won't You write Your story on my heart<br /><br />My Life<br />I know it's never really been mine<br />So do with it whatever You like<br />I don't know what Your plan is<br />But I know it's good, yeah<br /><br />I wanna tell You now that I believe in<br />I wanna tell You now that I believe in<br />In You, so do what You do, oh<br /></span><br /><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">I'm an empty page<br />I'm an open book<br />Write Your story on my heart<br />Come on and make Your mark</span></span></div>
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<span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"> </span></span><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;">Author of my hope<br />Maker of the stars<br />Let me be Your work of art<br />Won't You write Your story on my heart</span></div>
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<span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"><span class="clearBoth" id="ctl00_ctl00_cphMain_cphMiddleColumn_DropZone1_columnDisplay_ctl00_controlcolumn_ctl00_WidgetHost_WidgetHost_widget_lblLyrics" style="display: inline-block; width: 100%;"> </span><br />I want my history<br />To be Your legacy<br />Go ahead and show this world<br />What You've done in me<br />And when the music fades<br />I want my life to say<br /><br />I let You write your story, write Your story<br />Write Your story, write Your story</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-31288172779043632772014-02-18T08:30:00.000-05:002014-02-18T08:30:03.187-05:00The latest quotes<div>
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I keep forgetting to keep her little quotes updated. But I love them because they are little glimpse in her little mind!</div>
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Oh my, some of these are so old, but I want to remember them!<br />
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On our way back from Florida, when she woke up in cold Kentucky, Inara said "Fall tricked us mom. It's supposed to be cool but it warm here. I don't care about the cold weather mom. I ONLY care about the warm weather and being warm."</div>
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Inara and I were playing Star Wars and I was pretending Darth Vader was coming back to life.</div>
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Inara: This is Star Wars Ten, where Darth Vader keeps coming back and back and back to life. </div>
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Me: <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">How do we defeat him then?</span></div>
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Inara: With the force of course!</div>
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Inara was trying to tell Shepherd what to do, while I was sitting right there</div>
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Me: Thanks for helping, but I'll be his mom, you can just be the sister</div>
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Inara: Well, you can be his mom, but I'm his lesser mom</div>
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We were watching a lot of Ninjago and she starts running around twirling in her dress. "My ninja move is twirl power!"</div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">"Mom, last night I had. Bad dream </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">about dinosaurs. When I close my eyes the bad dream</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> has the same episode but then when I open them the channel changes!"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Justin: Inara, what are you doing in there (the bathroom)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Inara: Oh, I'm just doing my science experiment</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Guess what? If Tick-Tock-Crock ate Captain Hook's other hand he would be called Captain Hooks.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07528452270481641936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2246262507866607350.post-30914473725394161892014-01-29T09:14:00.000-05:002014-01-29T09:14:51.950-05:00Birthday Boy<br />
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Last week the Lord gave me such a sweet moment with Shepherd. He seemed kind of sleepy and Inara was out of the house, so I thought I would just enjoy a little rocking chair time with him. He fell asleep almost instantly. It was so amazing. Worship music was playing in the living room and I was holding my baby. I was silent crying nearly the whole time. I couldn't believe that nearly a whole year had passed. I couldn't believe that we weren't planning on having another baby, but he fits perfectly in our family. It was a sweet time to pray for him and Inara and for God to work mightily in their lives. I was overwhelmed with dreams for them both.<br />
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It was fun to think back on the crazy few weeks before Shepherd was due. SO MANY TRIAGE VISITS. One visit I was even told that I would be having my baby that day, only to be informed it was an allergic reaction not <a href="http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/cholestasispregnancy.html" target="_blank">Cholestasis</a>. I remember the excitement and then disappointment of that day. I am glad I didn't have a c-section, but was blessed with the most beautiful (and fast) <a href="http://lauren-duke.blogspot.com/2013/01/happy-birthday-shepherd-justin-duke.html" target="_blank">VBAC</a>. The love that instantly couldn't be contained, is one I'll never forget.<br />
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I remember the first few years after Inara was born, I would think back to her delivery. I would remember all the hard and awful things, and praise God for being there with me through it all.<br />
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The thought of my suffering and homelessness</div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-19" style="position: relative;">is bitter beyond words.<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-20350a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A19-24&version=NLT#fen-NLT-20350a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Lam-3-20" id="en-NLT-20351" style="position: relative;">I will never forget this awful time,</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-20" style="position: relative;">as I grieve over my loss.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Lam-3-21" id="en-NLT-20352" style="position: relative;">Yet I still dare to hope</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-21" style="position: relative;">when I remember this:</span></div>
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The faithful love of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> never ends!<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-20353b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations+3%3A19-24&version=NLT#fen-NLT-20353b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-22" style="position: relative;">His mercies never cease.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Lam-3-23" id="en-NLT-20354" style="position: relative;">Great is his faithfulness;</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-23" style="position: relative;">his mercies begin afresh each morning.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Lam-3-24" id="en-NLT-20355" style="position: relative;">I say to myself, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my inheritance;</span></div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-24" style="position: relative;">therefore, I will hope in him!”</span></div>
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<span class="text Lam-3-24" style="position: relative;">Lamentations 3:19-24</span></div>
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That's also why I like to think about Shepherd's delivery. My surprise baby. My miracle baby. I was terrified when I found out I was pregnant. It was a REAL struggle. And God blessed me beyond anything I could have imagined. I didn't CARE how he came into this world, only that he came safely. But God is in the business of extravagant grace and the VBAC he allowed me to have was more than I could have asked for. </div>
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This guy. He has my heart. He is sweet and crazy, and WILD. I love him fiercely. But I know e is seriously going to give me a run for my money. He just is non-stop crazy. I can't wait to see how he lives up to his name: Shepherd Justin. I pray he tends to God's flock. He is just and cares about injustice done to the rest of God's people. I just love him. so. very. much.<br />
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Weight: 20lbs 12 oz</div>
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Length: 30 inches</div>
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Favorite moments: snuggling with his last bottle of the day</div>
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Least favorite moments: Back to back ear infections, followed by a sinus infection, cold, and allergic reaction to his antibiotic</div>
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New words: Pawpaw, ball, more, bo-bo= bottle</div>
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Likes: eating, playing with Inara, his 2 blankies, <i>obsessed </i>with his snack catcher</div>
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Dislikes: diaper changes, getting snack catcher taken away</div>
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