tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53050538686130456292024-03-13T08:46:45.581-07:00My name is Mary, I like to Dance!I'm mostly insane. But I love Jesus and Jesus loves me.Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-10786977644288326322017-12-03T08:10:00.004-08:002017-12-03T12:52:42.020-08:0013.1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://wonderopolis.org/_img?img=/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/house-plate-no-13_shutterstock_38275090.jpg&transform=resizeCrop,720,450" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://wonderopolis.org/_img?img=/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/house-plate-no-13_shutterstock_38275090.jpg&transform=resizeCrop,720,450" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thirteen can be an unlucky number for some. There are no 13th floors in some skyscrapers. Horror movies are named for the 13th. And, there is even an official term for many people who fear the number thirteen :: Triskaidekaphobia<span style="color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">.</span></span><br />
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But right now, thirteen is a sweet number. Yesterday,<b> I ran 13 miles for St. Jude</b>. It was my 3rd time and maybe my last...we'll see, I said that last time too. The race is so special to me and I love being a small part of fundraising for St. Jude. <span style="color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/at-play/fitness-for-st-jude/memphis-marathon/register/_jcr_content/image.img.800.high.jpg/1496324631136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="800" height="248" src="https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/at-play/fitness-for-st-jude/memphis-marathon/register/_jcr_content/image.img.800.high.jpg/1496324631136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I really <b><i>love</i></b> running but for some reason long distances never get easy, at least not to me. On long runs, I get in my head about not being fast enough, not training enough...just not being <b>enough</b>. <br />
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This year I really wanted Matt to run with me. He has <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2012/12/my-st-jude-hero.html">run</a> several half marathons, and I decided, on my own, this would be the coolest way to celebrate our wedding anniversary this year. I told you 13 was a sweet number, and on 12.4.2017 we will have been married 13 years. <br />
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So, I had this vision of us running in together-- 13 miles for 13 years. Too cute right?!<br />
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Unfortunately, I didn't listen to what Matt wanted, which was <b>not</b> to run 13 miles. You see he doesn't <i><b>love</b></i> long distance running. But, he signed up anyway because he loves me, even though I ignored him.<br />
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In the end, he didn't train and he really didn't want to get hurt or be miserable by making himself run. <br />
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What he did instead was grab his bike and followed me all around Memphis to cheer me on. He took my sleeves when it got hot, gave me GU packs when I was depleted, supplied fresh headphones when batteries died and told me I looked strong when I felt very, very weak. He was there for 13.<br />
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Yesterday, I was given a great anniversary gift. I was shown for 13 miles I am enough for him and he is enough for me. We can do what we love individually and magically it can be for each other. <br />
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I don't have to write a perfect day in my head, because we already have all the imperfections that we love about each other, that make us our own version of perfect. Making it thirteen years is about showing up... when you're sad, hurt, angry, lonely or glad...you're still there. Some days are like mile 12, you feel done, you haven't trained for this and you want to retreat, but then you look up and he's there with water and says...you look good, and you make it to 13.<br />
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<b>Happy Anniversary love. Thank you for showing up, and for bringing headphones.</b><span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-4301637478180501282017-05-14T16:12:00.004-07:002017-05-15T10:21:33.956-07:00Yield and Trust<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This year has sucked. I mean adulting is hard for everyone right? But this year has sucked. It feels sacrilegious to admit that out loud which is why it has taken me a year. I have a beautiful little girl. I have an amazing husband. and I have a wonderful job. What do I have to complain about?!?!? My life is great.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In the past I have known when I am anxious and depressed the canned solution is to count my blessings. Gratitude is the antithesis of despair. And I have desperately clung to that. I have reminded myself of God's goodness and grace at every turn. And yet, life is tragic and sometimes things are just sad. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In August 2016 I was finally pregnant. After 6 years of trying and waiting I was with child. For seven weeks, only one known to me, I carried a sweet little life. But on August 21st in the wee hours of the morning that life left me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is sad. It hurts. I wanted that baby. I had prayed for that baby. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Shortly after that our sweet family lost our cousin Gray, and I had two close friends lose parents. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is sad. It hurts. Death stings.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">In February personal hurt struck again. A very private sadness hit our lives that we were in no control over.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is sad. It hurts. I wanted more for my friends, I wanted more for my church.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Since then I have again experienced <a href="http://www.roanoke.com/obituaries/munsell-betty-jane/article_919bce2d-5f6e-5c74-b74c-7d916daa05cc.html">significant loss</a> in a mentor and friend. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Meanwhile life was hard all on it's own. Work has ups and downs. Kids try your heart and your patience. And homes never stay in one piece for long (thanks tree limbs).</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">What can we do with this. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Well, I have walked several avenues..I have tried seeking comfort. This entails eating a lot of bad food and watching a lot of bad tv to dull the pain. I have tried being in control, this looks like intense house cleaning sessions, hard workouts and unrelenting standards for myself and those around me. I have tried pride, being the best at work, the best at home...the happiest, the funniest. And I have tried anger, sulking, venting and good ol' pity partying.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I can say comfort, control, power and anger have not satisfied. No idol can soothe me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So, after a school year of <b><i>surviving</i></b>, I am ready to turn the page. I want to <b><i>thrive</i></b>. And so I do the work. I go to counseling (don't get me started on how much I believe EVERY adult needs this), I journal (as you are witnessing, sorry for the TMI), I pay attention to my health, trying not to obsess, but maintain. And I confide, again TMI, but seriously we have to say some of these things out loud! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>Miscarriage, death, deception, manipulation and disappointment exist in this broken world. If we are going to power through we have to admit to others "I am human and this hurts can you walk with me in this pain?"</b></span></span></div>
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Another coping mechanism has come in the form of study. I have to remind myself of truth, even when it doesn't feel true. God is good. God is faithful. God is in control. </div>
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This has led me to my latest "shocking" (for some) choice. I got a tattoo. Yep. I permanently changed my body. This is shocking if you know me well. I have always been anti tattoo. Not really for others just for me. I never "got it." Why would you permanently scar your body? What could be important enough you would tattoo it on your skin forever? Then I lived this year. And sometimes words are big enough you need to remember them forever. You may think I'm crazy (mom) and that's okay. But these words made sense to me, and I wanted them to be part of me. And now they are.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">"Self is the opaque veil that hides the Face of God from us. It can be removed only in spiritual experience, never by mere instruction. As well try to instruct leprosy out of our system. There must be a work of God in destruction before we are free. We must invite the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross for judgment. We must prepare ourselves for an ordeal of suffering in some measure like that through which our Saviour passed when He suffered under Pontius Pilate. Let us remember: when we talk of the rending of the veil we are speaking in a figure, and the thought of it is poetical, almost pleasant; but in actuality there is nothing pleasant about it. In human experience that veil is made of living spiritual tissue; it is composed of the sentient, quivering stuff of which our whole beings consist, and to touch it is to touch us where we feel pain. To tear it away is to injure us, to hurt us and make us bleed. To say otherwise is to make the cross no cross and death no death at all. It is never fun to die. To rip through the dear and tender stuff of which life is made can never be anything but deeply painful. Yet that is what the cross did to Jesus and it is what the cross would do to every man to set him free. Let us beware of tinkering with our inner life in hope ourselves to rend the veil. </span><b>God must do everything for us. Our part is to yield and trust. </b><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">We must confess, forsake, repudiate the self-life, and then reckon it crucified. But we must be careful to distinguish lazy "acceptance" from the real work of God. We must insist upon the work being done." </span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i>from "The Pursuit of God" by A. W. (Aiden Wilson) Tozer</i></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Take heart friends! And if you need a tattoo ...I'll go with you.</span></div>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-28172848750986874942015-03-27T14:06:00.000-07:002015-03-27T14:06:39.110-07:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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When we are coming out of winter, I always get a sense of too much. I've been eating too much, wearing too much and my house is full of too much stuff! It all just "snow balls" during those hibernation months.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">At the first sign of sun I shed coats and scarves, which in turn reminds me to shed pounds, and with the windows open and the sun streaming in, I take an extra look at all the STUFF everywhere in my </span>house.</div>
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This year I was especially eager when it came to getting rid of the clutter because during our hibernation I read a life changing book. LIFE CHANGING BOOK Y'ALL! Have you seen it?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="a-size-large" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><i><br /></i></span><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Life-Changing-Magic-Tidying-Decluttering/dp/1607747308">"The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing"</a></i></span></span></div>
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I mean, the words "life-changing" are in the title! This is not your ordinary "organize your sock drawer" kind of book. It is more about <b><i>why</i></b> we have too much stuff and how we can change the way we think about letting things go. It really addressed my problem of "what if?" What if I need it? What if I lose 20 lbs and fit into it again? What if that style comes back? What if, What if, What if?!?!?</div>
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Let me officially highly recommend this book to you. Within a day of starting it 5 garbage bags of just clothing, of just mine, left my house. Another 2 bags of Wesley's old toys followed shortly after and three tubs of her old clothes also left our humble abode that week. That is a lot of clutter that is no longer in my way! And the book claims, once you try it you will never go back to your cluttery ways.....</div>
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And then, this weekend when the weather was finally nice enough to spend more than two minutes in my attic, it happened. ....Matt and I showed no mercy. I wish I could show you a before picture, but I was 1. too embarrassed and 2. the pics wouldn't do it justice, because all of the crap that lurked in every square inch of that space. What I do have is pictures of <i>some</i> of what left that day.</div>
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Boxes on boxes, bags on bags. It had to go. This does not include the trash we threw out, this is just the goodwill donation. Dude. It was cathartic. Will I need the elephant lamp we let go of? Possibly. Will I miss some of Wesley's tiny baby things? Most definitely. But were they giving me any joy in my attic, or improving my life on a day to day basis? Not at all.</div>
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This is the key. I thought shoving things away didn't hurt, saving something for a rainy day can't bother you, but it does. This is Marie's point. IT'S NOT ABOUT THE STUFF! It's about the mind set. If your life is packed physically, you feel it mentally. No one will ever see my clean, sparse attic or clean, drastically reduced closet of clothes.....but when I need something from the attic or the closet, I can now easily go find it and this frees me. You see, the stuff that clutters our houses, steals our time.</div>
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Your space shouldn't just be organized, it should be downsized. It's not about shoving it out of sight, it's about knowing where everything you own is. You can only do this when you own less, or at the very least only own what you love and what you need. With less things in our house, there is automatically less to clean up, it is just a positive, physical fact. It has made "cleaning up" very easy.</div>
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I feel like I could go on and on, but I won't. There is so much more to it and I have miles to go to be a true student of Marie's. But the small changes we've made so far have had such a positive effect, that I know I want to continue. In the meantime, every time I pick something up in my house I ask myself "Does that bring you joy?" "Do I need it?"and if so, "Does it have a specific place to go?" The answers have to be all yes. And it has made a big difference. </div>
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Happy Purging! Happy Spring!</div>
Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-44410911202600214122015-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:002015-03-04T13:39:54.910-08:00Back to the FutureHave you heard of timehop? Of course you have, I'm late to the train. If by some chance you are later than me, I'll explain. timehop is an app that pulls data from all your social media accounts and everyday it sends you a little recap of your life on this day. I love timehop. Love it.<br />
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I mean how stinkin' fun is it to see the progression every morning. It's like a picture growth chart right on my tiny magic box every day. </div>
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But then of course I start to wonder. Is it good or am I obsessed? I mean is it normal to know/remember every detail of your life.</div>
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Have you ben watching Black Mirror? It's a British show about the negative effects of technology on our lives. It is very dark and very extreme. At first when you watch an episode it feels absurd, they've obviously distorted technology so much and made it into something awful, we would never let that happen. Would we?</div>
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In one episode, set in the not so distant future, everyone has memory implants. It's a tiny chip, called a grain, that holds everything in your life, every moment. Everything you do and say and see is there to review and relive. I won't spoil it for you, but needless to say this power has a costly effect on the people's relationships and emotional health. It was ridiculous to watch, but are we far from that.</div>
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Throwback Thursday, timehop, facebook archives....our last 8-10 years are all "backed up" for reviewing and reliving. Is that a good thing?</div>
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Well, I believe yes and no. Again, I LOVE timehop. I love pouring over every fat-cheeked picture of my girl from 3 years ago. I love that it reminds me to soak up time with her because it is most definitely flying by. </div>
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But, we are getting to a point where we hold on to too much information. We have access to too many memories, many of which aren't even our own. </div>
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The moral of my story, and my sermon to myself is, be selfish with your memories. Enjoy your life and your family and your friends. But guard your extra space, your heart and your emotions against being pulled into the constant flood of digital noise. </div>
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Again, preaching to myself. I struggle so much with this.</div>
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My goal- Stop spending your extra time reading everyone else's memories and make some of your own.</div>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-43334093362541287282015-01-29T19:25:00.004-08:002015-01-29T19:26:10.363-08:00Somebody's Watching MePrivacy is a hot topic these days. Especially the lack of it. It seems the world is getting smaller and more transparent by the second, which seems to be scary, but I'm not sure of a few things:<br />
One, do I care. B. Did we do this to ourselves. And, finally what could I do if it did matter to me.<br />
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First, do I care. Well my short answer is <b>no</b>. So far "those people" buying/stealing my data haven't seemed to affect me. I don't <i>feel</i> exposed. I haven't been falsely accused of anything. And I have never been overly harassed. But, after some consideration and research, it turns out I kinda do mind. I mean, it is awkward to think someone out there has read all of my emails {although it must be super boring for them} And it isn't healthy to believe, or God forbid know, that nothing in your life is private. <b><i>And</i></b> if you pan out to the global view, real evil can take place when people hide in the shadows with secrets to tell. But......<br />
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....... didn't we do this to ourselves? Come on y'all, like for real, isn't it our fault that everyone knows everything about us. For heaven's sake I have blog! With my name in the title! I ain't shy. And, no one forced me to join facebook, or get a Kroger card. Since I willingly tell people where I go on vacation, I have to accept the government may know that I support the Florida Travel Bureau. And because I like saving money on gas purchases, someone out there knows I buy cuties, coconut water and sister schubert sausage wrap rolls every week {I know those things don't go together, judge away}.<br />
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So if all of this is so....what can we <b><i>do</i></b> if we <i><b>do</b></i> care. Well, I guess there are some common sense fixes. I could delete social media and any app that GPS tracks me. I could stop using bonus cards that track my purchases. And if you were really worried you could go up a level of security and "encrypt our firewall" {I only know what one word in that phrase means, you can guess which one} or get special cell phone plan that couldn't be monitored. But the truth is I'm not going to do any of those things. And one day I may regret that decision.<br />
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Do you think we will? Does this scare you? Or could you care less?<br />
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For more info, and for what got me thinking about all of this you can listen to this weeks TED talk radio hour <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/">here</a>. It's called Keeping Secrets. And, although I'm sure this is assumed, it's a way more intelligent argument. Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-88116737241362744792015-01-26T20:28:00.000-08:002015-01-26T20:28:00.023-08:00Essentials: Getting OilyI'm sure you are all already aware of the new health craze called "essential oils." It didn't take much for me to get interested, we all know I'm a bit susceptible to marketing. But for reals, a lot of close friends really seemed to be benefitting from these expensive little bottles, and I was curious.<br />
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I jumped in by purchasing a starter kit. It included 11 "everyday oils" and a diffuser. Oils range in price from about $12 to over $100 per bottle {depending on the oil and how hard it is to "harvest"}, and diffusers {which pumped the healthy oils into your air} are between $75-$200. So grabbing this kit for $150 seemed like a good deal. And if it didn't work, it was just a really expensive air freshener.<br />
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So, I got my kit and started slathering on the oil right away, whatever they said they were for, I tried it. Bruise? Lavender promptly applied. Ollie had a flea, let me get the purification. My friend had sinus congestion? Ravinsara to the rescue. I won't bore you by breaking down all the oils I use or how, that's what pinterest is for, but as you can tell, I'm addicted. LIKE LOVE THEM!<br />
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I've had my kit since October, and the Washburn's have been to the dr. exactly 0 times. ZERO. Of course now that I out that in print, we will all get sick. No really, every time the slightest thing comes up, I grab my oils. Wesley had a fever and a cough last week, oiled her up for 24 hours {thieves, peppermint}, fever and cough gone. Matt had a migraine, oiled him up {peppermint, deep relief}...bye bye headache. I suffer with hormonal acne...you guessed it, oils to the rescue {lavender, tea tree, frankincense} and I'm really seeing a change in my skin finally! And just let someone whisper they can't fall asleep....lalalalalala lavender.<br />
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So here's my true life, no bull assessment. Oils make me super happy, and I will use them everyday for all kinds of things. But, oils should not replace healthy, modern medicine for the big stuff, although I will argue keeping the little stuff in check helps keep the big stuff away.<br />
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So, I promise {Matt}, I won't choose lavender over stitches if my kid busts her head open {again} BUT...if oils keep me from running to chemical-laden quick fixes everyday AND keeps us out of germ ridden dr. offices for little illnesses, then I'll keep the oil flowing. And if Wee does ever need stitches again, I'll probably be rubbing Joy on her wrist. Judge away. Or ask away.Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-69624396804549056242015-01-15T11:10:00.000-08:002015-01-15T11:10:25.579-08:00A Human Voice UnderneathOnce there was a time when I would write all the <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2014/02/interventionaddicted-to-costume-parties.html">funny</a>, <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-fake-campout.html">meaningful</a>, and down right <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-love-you-like-whoa.html">weird</a> things that happened in my life. And then came social networking. Facebook, twitter and instagram replaced storytelling with constant status updates and filtered photos of our <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2012/11/wordless-wednesday-1-2-3-4.html">precious life</a> and I used my time to look at those updates constantly. These are not inherently bad things. Social technology has made some feel more connected over the years, and I believe I will continue to use it, but I don't know if I feel more connected lately, or just more aware, and I don't think those things are equal.<br />
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As I look back {thanks timehop, yes I see the irony} and I read blog posts of <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2013/09/go-jump-in-lake.html">wonderful memories</a> about <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2013/01/can-we-talk-about-birthdays.html">wonderful people</a> I see how real stories, that require more than 140 characters, really connect me to my memories. So, even if this is a journal just for me, I'm back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vqqbryG7uvYqp3BjCraOhf6qf3yDnxsrPHdFVniK_I53OyjtzcQEzoG6ChoCZGQxohsXEVkvCHJKLgSI-DpktW9oFT5ndTWHYNBnPXMxI780hHDwvWRH_s-7qLjEx_VBZ_hPmu1aaS8/s1600/IMG_7470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vqqbryG7uvYqp3BjCraOhf6qf3yDnxsrPHdFVniK_I53OyjtzcQEzoG6ChoCZGQxohsXEVkvCHJKLgSI-DpktW9oFT5ndTWHYNBnPXMxI780hHDwvWRH_s-7qLjEx_VBZ_hPmu1aaS8/s1600/IMG_7470.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo cred: Well Worn Co.</td></tr>
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-13256803614688992652014-02-06T10:01:00.001-08:002014-02-06T12:49:00.848-08:00Kiddie Lit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that Wesley is a fully formed functioning kid we have stepped up our bedtime reading choices. Here are our favorite things to go through in the evening, that is when we aren't skipping them because we've been out late (again!) and we have to go to bed right now or you are going to be so sleepy tomorrow!! I mean....that never happens.</div>
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Anyway, first up isn't really a book but it does promote thinking skills and great conversations. It's called <u>Q&A a Day For Kids</u>. It gives a prompt or question every night, and then the questions repeat for 3 years. For example on February 5th it might ask "When were you proud of yourself recently?" and then you answer that same question in 2014, 15 and 16 and watch how your child's answers change and mature.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zP957LLdUS9VM8ZYGuY01OJAmSKp4BRWHBy2Fu_9yyhsy1H96Z0gbYomXWH1zruURFdZXtc5ggRzg2gQrPbhjd2242MwrbU3HR9-WkDf-yBkGZi7o9qZGBF-1KL1tuuBGne0GgvSZcY/s1600/Q&A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zP957LLdUS9VM8ZYGuY01OJAmSKp4BRWHBy2Fu_9yyhsy1H96Z0gbYomXWH1zruURFdZXtc5ggRzg2gQrPbhjd2242MwrbU3HR9-WkDf-yBkGZi7o9qZGBF-1KL1tuuBGne0GgvSZcY/s1600/Q&A.jpg" height="400" width="320" /></a></div>
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We started this activity in March of 2013, so we are about to start round two and I am very excited to see how she processes the questions as a 5 year old. When we first started I really had to dig some nights for answers that made sense. But after a few weeks I figured out the random answers were way better and completely stopped leading her. By December she even started answering for herself!</div>
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So after sticking with it for 11 months I give this bedtime book a big two thumbs up! And it runs about $12 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Day-Kids-Three-Year-Journal/dp/0307952967/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391697565&sr=8-1&keywords=q%26a+a+day+for+kids">Amazon</a>.</div>
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Our next go to is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Whispers/dp/0310708257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391703793&sr=8-1&keywords=jesus+storybook+bible">Jesus Storybook Bible</a>. This is by far my favorite bible for kids. And maybe even adults. We have been through it twice now and I tear up almost every night. The way that Sally Lloyd-Jones breaks down the passages in such an understandable way, that always points to Jesus, it's just fantastic. No more cheesy Daniel in the Lion's Den picture books that paint him as the hero, when God did all the saving! No more kids bibles scaring them into thinking you have to be perfect for God to love you by just saying over and over again how to be good and obey.<br />
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(disclaimer: I have never seen a kids bible that directly says that, I'm just saying sometimes that's how kids feel about the bible, and grown ups too)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVad7xiwJLY0_67BYo2JUCCiugzpDNKcwOdjvQavWRm9VZ4KrTsVrAouSOmQHNBNfdUgkODp-ks7rzHyPuFkYFiDfal74s6Egg38xY3v7hSnN_ee4d8VlASNIm3mYQs2CG56i3lRAlaYw/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVad7xiwJLY0_67BYo2JUCCiugzpDNKcwOdjvQavWRm9VZ4KrTsVrAouSOmQHNBNfdUgkODp-ks7rzHyPuFkYFiDfal74s6Egg38xY3v7hSnN_ee4d8VlASNIm3mYQs2CG56i3lRAlaYw/s1600/bible.jpg" height="400" width="336" /></a></div>
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If you don't own this book I cannot recommend it highly enough. It is just a wonderful way for children to process a very complex text deeply and on their level. There are a ton of resources out there that pair with it as well, if you are looking for more with an older child. It runs around $10 on Amazon.</div>
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My next favorite story we are reading a lot of right now is called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Paper-Princess-Classic-Munsch/dp/0920236162/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391707346&sr=8-1&keywords=paperbag+princess">Paper Bag Princess</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1FAG1UtwHnqnqfjdN7AWFsHeNU4jCDRhhDOk_rfcoez2-B25AokeiaIhxguzabGVHfH-BgQ3gtOXHIamal2jmtdZxTtLKgloeBcRVuWd1mkt4xPcQD30-CF6iWQNUFGciid8DRqhGjQ/s1600/PBP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1FAG1UtwHnqnqfjdN7AWFsHeNU4jCDRhhDOk_rfcoez2-B25AokeiaIhxguzabGVHfH-BgQ3gtOXHIamal2jmtdZxTtLKgloeBcRVuWd1mkt4xPcQD30-CF6iWQNUFGciid8DRqhGjQ/s1600/PBP.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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For parents raising a little girl who is obsessed with all things <a href="http://mynameismaryiliketodance.blogspot.com/2011/07/pretty-pretty-princess.html">princess</a>, very much to our chagrin, this is the perfect book. Because when I say chagrin, I don't at all mean I don't love dress up, make believe, Disney, or girly girls. I don't like the superficial princess--- the one who has an attitude of entitlement or an idea that a Prince gives your life meaning. And I have to hand it to Disney, they have done a pretty great job flipping that stereotype lately with Princess and the Frog, Tangled and of course the end all be all Frozen! ( More on that one soon!)</div>
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So back to the book. I hate to ruin it for you, but **Spoiler Alert** the princess saves the day in this one. But that's not why I love it, because a lot of stories are doing that lately. I love it because not only does she save the Prince, she also exposes him for being superficial and entitled! When she gets to him, dirty, disheveled and left only wearing a paper bag he tells her to go fix herself up to look like a "<i>real princess"</i>. To which she replies "Ronald, you look nice, your clothes are neat, your hair is fixed, you look like a "<i>real prince"</i>....but you are a bum." Love it!! </div>
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And FYI this story was published in 1980, so they were on it years before the princess craze!</div>
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It is $5 on Amazon, paperback, and I highly recommend it for girls and boys!</div>
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My last recommendation, for now, for children's story time is a set of cards my best friend Alexis got Wesley for Christmas. They are called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tell-Me-Story-Fairy-Mix-Up/dp/B001FYH1UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391708280&sr=8-1&keywords=tell+me+a+story">Tell me A Story</a> and there are actually several sets to chose from. We have the fairytale mix-ups set (because it has a princess card in it, duh!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ML5edk6AMc8qEDOGR6Vc5TbfFytgOw-zj9lMlf_KecEqjqiJe2Pf3MLDEwN81dFXV0eE5e1zoVHc2kM1WxGcD06p9UFzSPBeq7KFc21dCOXNujYbkxvK4V_M2wH-1i6BWNgCbLgFG8Q/s1600/TMAS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ML5edk6AMc8qEDOGR6Vc5TbfFytgOw-zj9lMlf_KecEqjqiJe2Pf3MLDEwN81dFXV0eE5e1zoVHc2kM1WxGcD06p9UFzSPBeq7KFc21dCOXNujYbkxvK4V_M2wH-1i6BWNgCbLgFG8Q/s1600/TMAS.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a great game with limitless possibilities for creativity. You just select a few pictures and then make up a story using those pictures for your child. It shows them they are allowed to create the story, which they need to be taught. They also start to notice sequencing and story structure- that all stories have a beginning, middle and end, which they will be expected to understand in Kindergarten. </div>
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After a few tries at it, pick cards for your child. Let them create a story for you. Wesley has never disappointed, she has come up with the most creative plot lines, I thought she would just regurgitate our stories or known stories for a while-- no way. She even does character voices, it is hilarious! In fact we all get so tickled some nights it actually turns into a bad bedtime habit because she can't calm down! Whoops...</div>
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These card sets run about $10 on....wait for it....Amazon.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">These are the things we are reading/doing to keep bedtime fun and creative. </span><br />
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<b>What are your favorites? Anything calming...cause that's were we are lacking!</b></h3>
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I leave you with what she actually does at bedtime, in case you thought from this post we picturesquely sat and read and grew smarter every evening.</div>
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-46859249026280886702014-02-05T09:06:00.000-08:002014-02-05T11:02:44.851-08:00Intervention::Addicted to Costume Parties and Contests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At what point to you grow out of the dress up phase of life?</div>
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*Note::All pictures for this post were narrowed down to after college years, none involving a play or theater, we simply dress up a lot. If I included theater pictures we would be here all night. </div>
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I don't think anyone who knows us will ever wonder again why dress up is Wesley's favorite game.</div>
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Yep, we have a problem...........</div>
<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-39978630117120104232014-02-05T07:12:00.001-08:002014-02-05T07:26:45.904-08:00Gallery WallI refuse to apologize for not blogging for exactly two months today. Number one cause none of you care, it's not like I say things that are that riveting. And number two I haven't had time because I was busy doing fun stuff I'm not sorry about.<br />
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Whew! Now that that's off my chest.<br />
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Gallery Walls. Ahhhhh decorating. If you have known me for long you know that decorating my house stresses me out. I never know how to make a decision, I don't want to be matchy matchy, but I'm not bold enough to be daringly different. I'm a dork.<br />
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Luckily I live in the age of Pinterest and I surround myself with snazzy decorating friends who I can copy :)<br />
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So when we sold the piano, and <strike>got rid of</strike>, <strike>sold</strike>, moved the antique buffet ( anyone want a antique buffet?) that weighs a bazillion pounds, we ended up with a big blank wall in our dining room. I had a collection of pictures and mirrors I liked, I just had to get them in the right order.......<br />
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I also ended up cutting up newspaper in the shape of all my decor so I could tape it on the walls and move it around until it was exactly right, but somehow I have misplaced that picture of my insanity. I did use the trick of laying a blank piece of paper under my finished arrangement and drawing it so I knew where to tap all my nails in on the wall! That was a very helpful trick, thanks Pinterest!</div>
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So here is the finished wall.<br />
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I still feel like it is missing something.....I want something that is not in a frame. Something that will add dimension and a different texture to the wall. But for now I love it. Gallery Wall = done!</div>
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<b><br /></b><b>What do you think? What would you add? Where?</b><b><br /></b></h3>
<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-27956650930508384012013-12-04T09:14:00.002-08:002013-12-04T09:17:20.221-08:00Remember the time I got married...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Nine years ago, on a warm December day, much like today actually, Matt and I got married. Looking back there are so many things I would change if I had to do over. I would have picked different bridesmaid dresses, sorry girls... I would have had simpler LIGHTER flower bouquets. I would have spent more money on a photographer with more experience. I would have had a bigger reception that everyone stayed at to dance the night away.</span></div>
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But I was so young. And really didn't want to spend a lot on one day. I think even then I knew the wedding wasn't the main event. It was just a fun formality. These nine years have proven that point. It was a great day. But it hasn't even come close to my favorite day with Matt Washburn. </div>
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Thank you to all the family and friends who were there to support us and who continue to play a huge part in our marriage. And thanks Matt, here's to 99 more.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-5w611CWOo/Tjc1hWM7IdI/AAAAAAAAnIY/blaMOs7UGV8/s1600/00000775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-5w611CWOo/Tjc1hWM7IdI/AAAAAAAAnIY/blaMOs7UGV8/s1600/00000775.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here 9 things I remember looking back. </div>
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<li>My dress didn't fit. I had to tug all day because it kept sliding down. The bridal shop talked me into ordering a size up because they swore they ran small. But of course I dieted and exercised like crazy for my wedding day and by December 4th it was THREE sizes too big and we didn't have time or money to alter it. So in all the pictures it's sinking in instead of fitted. '</li>
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<li>I was oblivious to what anyone else was doing all day. Apparently the flowers were wilted and someone fixed them, a bridesmaid forgot her ribbon sash and went to Hobby Lobby and bought/improvised another, my 3-year old brother in law got lost in a giant pile of leaves minutes before picture time. A cell phone rang during the ceremony. There was a tacky Christmas tree contest on the lawn in front of the chapel that day, I never noticed until this picture was developed. And someone, maybe a groomsmen, listened to the SEC championship game during the service on a head set.</li>
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<li>Someone, that was not an actual lady of the night, wore a sexy Mrs. Claus outfit to my wedding, including fishnet stockings and thigh high black boots.</li>
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<li>My mom's friend told me it wasn't too late to run while I was waiting to go down the aisle, and Matt's sister (also a bridesmaid) assured me it was indeed too late.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I forgot to put my veil over my face to walk down the aisle, after I had specifically bought a veil to do that with.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I shook and bounced up and down so much during the service during one of the prayers my pastor had to tell me to be still.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">I got the giggles when that happened and couldn't stop laughing during the unity candle song.</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWBW4lk-xQ4/Tjc1fLrtdzI/AAAAAAAAnIQ/TTwrip90vQo/s1600/00000771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWBW4lk-xQ4/Tjc1fLrtdzI/AAAAAAAAnIQ/TTwrip90vQo/s1600/00000771.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a><br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">Matt blew a snot bubble when he hugged my Mom at the end of the ceremony</li>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3h_p8_4gk/Tjc1eDBaPRI/AAAAAAAAnII/L0zltTwMEwk/s1600/00000768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo3h_p8_4gk/Tjc1eDBaPRI/AAAAAAAAnII/L0zltTwMEwk/s1600/00000768.jpg" height="400" width="245" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">We were both exhausted by the end of the ceremony and just wanted to lay down and watch Saturday Night Live. Which is what we did.</li>
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What a great day, as a matter of fact, I wouldn't change a thing.<br />
<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-72459221304846844252013-11-20T11:16:00.002-08:002013-11-20T11:16:51.239-08:00Wordless Wednesday::My Brother Got Married!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-49230548376413047482013-11-20T10:29:00.000-08:002013-11-20T11:33:33.811-08:00Bandwidth Error:: Looking for GraceLately my brain has been giving me the error symbol. You know the spinny wheel that just goes and goes and then the program your running has to force quit. Sometimes it's a bug, but sometimes it's a memory problem. It's not that your computer can't remember, it's that it is so busy remembering everything else you can't start anything new, even if you really want to. You have to go in and close out other programs, empty your trash, and clean up your desktop before you can move forward.<br />
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That's me right now. In this phase of my life, my bandwidth is full. Every moment of my day is not full, but my mind is and I can't quite keep up with everything I'm suppose to anymore.<br />
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But here's the thing, I love it! It's a great phase.<br />
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My husband and I are best friends and we want time together to talk and laugh everyday.<br />
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I have a fun 5 year old (WHAT FIVE!) and she does fun things all day long that I want to be a part of.<br />
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I have a cool job, where are teach kids the joy of music and help them discover their own talents.<br />
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I have an amazing <a href="http://www.christcitymemphis.org/">church</a> that I get to call my home, where I am reminded of the gospel and challenged to live it. I get to help lead our children's ministry with amazing volunteers and leaders.<br />
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I have a shameful amount of genuine, close friendships that others can only dream of, people I truly want to spend time with daily.<br />
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I love to craft and sew and make.<br />
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And I have a beautiful home that we have been in the process of reorganizing and redecorating.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIPQRU85pnU/Ul6gNOGzO-I/AAAAAAAAtUw/Gv1u9RIptMA/s1600/IMG_2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sIPQRU85pnU/Ul6gNOGzO-I/AAAAAAAAtUw/Gv1u9RIptMA/s320/IMG_2896.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdUJZg7EVKY/Uoz0cXBB9XI/AAAAAAAAu2I/kSAHhdyeBiw/s1600/IMG_3406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdUJZg7EVKY/Uoz0cXBB9XI/AAAAAAAAu2I/kSAHhdyeBiw/s320/IMG_3406.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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Oh and I want to run 13.1 miles on December 7th so I have to make time for training!<br />
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So right now this post sounds like bragging, but I'm just trying to be honest. When we rush around and talk about how stressed we are, how busy we are, how overloaded.....when we go in and try to figure out which "programs" should be closed to free up space and memory.....what do we mean? I'm asking myself. Because lately when people ask me to do something my first response is "I don't have time" 'I'm too stressed." But I'm not too stressed. I choose all the things I'm doing because I want to do them. Even if they run me ragged.<br />
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I ask simply for grace from family and friends. If I forget to call, or email, or blog, or I can't come to your get together that weekend. I'm not too stressed. I'm not to busy for you, in particular. I'm just living. I'm making room for as many programs as I can. Cause life is fun, and I want to magically do it all at 100%. But there are {cliche} only so many hours in a day.<br />
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So, I may be stretching my memory card, but that's not going to change any time soon.<br />
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<b><br /></b><b>How do you fit it all in? </b></h4>
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<b>What helps you prioritize? </b></h4>
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<b>What tools keep you on track to not forget anything?</b></h4>
Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-51838406793954658732013-10-16T08:42:00.002-07:002013-10-16T18:42:41.352-07:00Our {Fake} CampoutFall weather means it's time to spend as much of your life outside as you can! But being the technology junkies we are it means, moving things you love like Alabama football games and The Wizard of Oz outside with you.<br />
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Enter homemade drive in movie theater.<br />
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Here's how we did it, not rocket science. And it cost $0, because everything we needed we found around the house.<br />
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1 piece of plywood, laying in the attic. 1 white bed sheet, stuffed in a box in the attic. And a staple gun. That was our "screen"<br />
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Then I found hooks and metal rings in the basement that attached to the porch decking to hang the screen up.<br />
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Then we hooked up our projector to our laptop and voila!<br />
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And now that we have the set up, we are looking for every opportunity to get outside in nature and watch TV.<br />
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Like a kid's first "Wizard of Oz" experience!<br />
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But this time I ramped up the outdoorsy experience. I added a fire pit, hotdogs on a stick and marshmallows for roasting! That's downright camping y'all. I mean, as long as you define camping as having a bed, blankets, access to a fridge, bathroom and wireless internet, right?<br />
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I think I earned a merit badge on this one, for reals.<br />
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-58206065198961488082013-10-04T07:45:00.000-07:002013-10-04T07:45:30.951-07:00It's Fall Y'allIt is finally October again. I love Fall, along with everyone else on the internet. The heat finally breaks, everyone gets outside, and you get to eat and drink every thing in pumpkin flavor.<br />
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But before we start instagramming our pumpkin beers and pumpkin lattes check out what the Kid President is trying to do this October...or should I say "Socktober!"<br />
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I know I know, get over Kid president already...but I dare you to watch this and not feel inspired and not have a grin on your face when the 4 minutes are up.<br />
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If you can watch this and you are annoyed when it is over, we can't be friends. I said it.<br />
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Happy Fall Y'all!Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-57971888158560045942013-09-19T12:20:00.000-07:002013-09-19T12:23:11.785-07:00DIY:: Home Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are slowly but surely updating the decor in our home. You know how you just need a fresh look every once an awhile?!?!</div>
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So here's what we've done so far, some rooms are close to done, some rooms only have one step.<br />
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Bedroom:<br />
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Our bedroom got a fresh look using old ideas. We purchased a mid century modern bedroom set from an antique store and it made the room SOOO much better! Turns out giant furniture from the 21st century just doesn't fit a tiny room built in 1922. The lower profile furniture looks so much cleaner and the room looks more spacious!<br />
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So of course I don't have any before pictures cause I'm a great blogger like that. But here is our updated (vintage) bedroom:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJulG_rJ3h5Q2jLluMeXNeT-DzygFqRmTNCLWHG1PiY1-lgTO60lwi-LE2nfWW6zL3fqBHWDENndmEkR6IVSHypNS24z8uufPbtuC3cNj2U4NalhMvHHT9VYgemZ5Qd9ZeZKywrc9kmD4/s1600/IMG_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJulG_rJ3h5Q2jLluMeXNeT-DzygFqRmTNCLWHG1PiY1-lgTO60lwi-LE2nfWW6zL3fqBHWDENndmEkR6IVSHypNS24z8uufPbtuC3cNj2U4NalhMvHHT9VYgemZ5Qd9ZeZKywrc9kmD4/s400/IMG_1373.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chest of Drawers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side table ( I spy little lambs....)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Console Dresser</td></tr>
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Still looking far a few wall accents for this room. But other than that it's done for now!<br />
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Next two rooms is just a sneak peak. The official revel will be by the end of September.</div>
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Here are some hints from what's happening in the dining room.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV1Ky3XS2IM/UgUx9LewFBI/AAAAAAAAr70/eYRsaEJhv_8/s1600/IMG_2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV1Ky3XS2IM/UgUx9LewFBI/AAAAAAAAr70/eYRsaEJhv_8/s400/IMG_2040.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It may be a new color</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn58oPhvK-g/UjtKljgm_NI/AAAAAAAAssk/nW8Yfwo29KI/s1600/IMG_2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xn58oPhvK-g/UjtKljgm_NI/AAAAAAAAssk/nW8Yfwo29KI/s400/IMG_2698.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New chairs are involved...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMddVdmb3nw/UjtKnBKNkeI/AAAAAAAAss8/GyJYWcfj51U/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fMddVdmb3nw/UjtKnBKNkeI/AAAAAAAAss8/GyJYWcfj51U/s400/IMG_2640.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some great new lamps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQuc5tJ-nmg/UjtKn3Ua6yI/AAAAAAAAstE/epZ1gvokShs/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQuc5tJ-nmg/UjtKn3Ua6yI/AAAAAAAAstE/epZ1gvokShs/s400/IMG_2641.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_UT_DcRpWU/UjtKmqCiOsI/AAAAAAAAss0/_ptTr2f7Q0I/s1600/IMG_2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_UT_DcRpWU/UjtKmqCiOsI/AAAAAAAAss0/_ptTr2f7Q0I/s400/IMG_2639.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a brand new, antique, china cabinet ( I spy missing French Doors)</td></tr>
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This is what is so hard about decorating for me....it is a process. Unless you have A LOT of disposable income and you can just open a West Elm catalog and buy every piece in the room, it comes together pretty slowly. We have learned from some very gracious friends (hm hm Lara and Aaron) that it takes patience and "just trying it out" to find out what really fits in a room and what should be returned. Even if you have to return 18 curtain panels and an 8 x 10 rug.<br />
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So last set of sneak peak pics are of our guest bedroom, that may or may not contain our future Mid Century Modern buffet ( if my massive Art Deco monster ever sells on Craigslist, I'll move it to it's rightful place in the dining room). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spy a rug that needs returning!</td></tr>
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So thats my horrible post about our decorating journey, that is far from finished. But we are beginning to see the end....<br />
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-28568045281344269202013-09-13T09:26:00.001-07:002013-09-13T09:31:13.200-07:00Happy Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Just cannot help but smile when I watch either of these videos today. Be Happy. Teach someone to be awesome.</b></div>
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-63818036552197413652013-09-05T06:58:00.000-07:002013-09-05T06:58:27.015-07:00Go Jump in a LakeNorfork Lake that is. This Labor day weekend, that's what we did. And it was Wesley and I's first time ever. For her that makes sense, being that she's 4 and we don't live near a lake. But for me it was a little bit of a bigger deal.<br />
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See I'm not the bravest of people. I don't do heights, planes, open water, falling, roller coasters, or roaches to name a few things that send me over the edge. So jumping off a boat into open water that you cannot see through....a murky 100ft abyss that possibly had roaches.....Ok maybe I didn't think there were roaches, but still.<br />
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But here's the other side of it. I don't enjoy being a fearful person. I don't choose to lose control of the volume of my voice when I fly somewhere. I don't like having heart palpitations when swimming a few extra feet out at the beach. And therefore I certainly don't want Wee to get that from me. I want her to be safe, but not anxious. Anxiety is no fun.<br />
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And so I vowed to try new things at the lake and not be {openly} fearful.<br />
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Saturday morning we loaded up the boat and headed out. See how excited I am.<br />
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I actually did really enjoy being in the boat. Norfork Lake and the surrounding forrest and mountains are gorgeous. I could lay on the boat all day long. But about 30 mins in, the boat stopped and we dropped anchor and it was time to jump in. Moment of truth. The kids jumped right in. My sweet angel baby girl was in deep water without a care in the world. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And that was what inspired me to jump. Not a conscious choice to just "stop being scared" which is what my husband wants me to do all the time. Nope, I just transferred my fear. I was more afraid of having my 4 year old in the water without me, then me being in the water. And so I jumped.</span></div>
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The day continued. Everyone swam, and tubed and lived. And the weekend was a success. I am currently scouring websites for cabin deals, and craigslist for boats. So I say, "go jump in a lake!" You just may have the time of your life.</div>
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<b>What did you do for Labor Day? Have you ever tried something you were terrified of, just to fall in love with it? What will you do for your kids even though you hate it?</b></h4>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-604315356014014482013-08-26T12:03:00.001-07:002013-08-26T12:03:46.184-07:00Family Fun Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weekend we were lucky enough to have out of town family visiting. Aunt Sue, from Birmingham, and Uncle Randy all the way from Ft. Lauderdale. Friday night we went to Overton Square and had a delicious dinner at Local and dessert at YoLo afterwards. Sorry no pics, we were busy eating crazy amazing bar fries.</div>
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Saturday all us girls met for lunch and a little pampering. And lucky for Wesley, her Sissy and Aunt Sue convinced me she should be included in this... So here are some shots from the nail salon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she likes it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ridiculous and Adorable all at the same time.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man it's hard work keeping up appearances!</td></tr>
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After a quick nap, we got ready to meet back up with the whole family for dinner and catching up. And whole lot of storytelling. Man, that is my absolute favorite part. Especially as the "outsider" I love hearing all the stories from when Matt was little, or his Dad or Mom...anything. I find it all fascinating.<br />
Needless to say, we had a wonderful time catching up. As you can tell from these snapshots.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Matt is hilarious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Wesley trying to teach Olivia how to color.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wouldn't cooperate, so she taped, with a bandaid, the crayon to her hand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday hugs for Aunt Sue before we go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget sweet snuggles with Uncle Randy!</td></tr>
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It was a great week and we miss you guys already!! </div>
Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-53818533065882553092013-08-09T12:38:00.000-07:002013-08-09T12:39:22.750-07:00First Day of SchoolWell it the day finally came. Wesley has started big school! Granted, she is in the preK room, so I tried not to get too sentimental because it's not kindergarten yet.... but it's still school. She is at my school this year and we have made a whole week. Which is a miracle, let me tell ya! I barely make it out the door with all I need everyday, and now there's two of us! Matt may have driven to Bartlett twice this week, already, to bring things for us. Thank goodness we have the most organized and patient husband/daddy ever!<br />
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Here are a few shots from our first day as a Singerella Sea Turtle (Class mascot).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First time she has ever been up and dressed by 6:50am!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already sick of pictures and mommy just started.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off her sea turtle necklace from Gamma.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy drove her and walked her in the first day.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eyes say make it stop people.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're here!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for our name.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Already busy, no tears, no big deal.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schools out! The backpack is bigger than she is!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more grin for Mom!</td></tr>
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<br />When we got home we realized the back to school fairy had visited! You know she only comes on the first day of school each year. The picture is really blurry because someone was just too excited to play with her princess present, and she was also D-O-N-E complying with the photographer.<br /><br />
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<b>How were your first days back? Everyone liking their new schools/teachers? </b></div>
Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-2037918371594530192013-07-19T08:42:00.001-07:002013-07-19T08:42:41.851-07:00DIY:: Home Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you know, we live in an old house. Which makes quick fixes that normal homeowners take care of on a Sunday afternoon, giant ordeals to us that have to wait till I have summer break. </div>
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Take this minor hole from an old towel rack that had fallen out of the wall. Just get a quick wall patch kit and fix it right up you say? What you can't see from the picture is these walls are plaster. So when I used the good ol' patch kit, it left me with a bumpy mess!</div>
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YUCK! The patch just wouldn't lay flat. I pulled it down and repatched with just plaster the second time.....slightly better</div>
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But now the problem is, I don't have the paint to cover it up, so I have to repaint the whole bathroom now. Another project for another day.</div>
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What I did paint on the other hand was Wesley's bedroom dresser. The white drawers where looking a little grimy, so I did a quick coat of rose pink and ta da!</div>
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This project went much smoother.</div>
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And finally we installed a new dining room light. I have never really liked the chandelier in the dining room, but it's not that offensive so it's taken me 4 years to replace it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the best picture I could find of it, because I (of course) forgot to take pics before I took it down.</td></tr>
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Like I said, nothing really wrong with it, just not my favorite. And we have gone pretty vintage in the dining room, with an art deco buffet, several mid century modern serving pieces and a early twentieth century piano. So the modern light fixture just didn't fit in.<br />
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Luckily I found a light I did like at the Habitat for Humanity Restore for just $7! I figured it was worth the risk for that price!</div>
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Here's Matt installing it in his work clothes because I had started installing it 10 minutes before he came home, thinking it would only take me 10 minutes....not so much. Nothing in our house takes 10 minutes.</div>
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All in!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail </td></tr>
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So this is only 3 projects done (ish) from a list of at least 14! Some being as small as replacing dead outlets, some as big as wanting to knock down a wall in our kitchen. I have just run out of summer, and run out of will power to get in over my head.</div>
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What do you think? Any hints on how to get better at "This Old House"? Maybe don't start projects at 5:50pm? Hire professionals?</div>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-67836889527935701472013-07-12T07:50:00.001-07:002013-07-12T07:50:53.337-07:00In case you missed it:: Wesley got a haircut<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So this happened back on June 11th, so I'm officially a month behind on blogging. But I still wanted to post about it for our memories. </div>
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Wesley started begging for a haircut at the beginning of June but as someone that is way too emotionally attached to her hair, I kept putting her off. I love her long hair. And I know the feeling when you want a change but then when it's all gone your sad and I didn't want to deal with that for her. But she persisted. And finally I said yes.</div>
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I mean if we were going to do it this was the best possible time, before it got really hot, before we went to the beach and in time for it to grow back for school pictures in the fall if it was awful (J/K, kinda).</div>
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So here she is getting ready for the big cut at Mrs. Jen's!</div>
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First cut! She looks like she regrets it already, but I swear she was never sad for a moment. We were just so serious about her being still I think she got nervous.<br />
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All done! That is one excited little girl, who LOVED her haircut immediately.</div>
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Have to admit, when she woke up the next morning and it perfectly feel into place with now tangle battles, Mommy started to love it too!</div>
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-83567339235886504052013-07-09T20:06:00.001-07:002013-07-10T08:22:19.618-07:00Brancis, MO:: Final Round-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our last night in Branson we went to a show. But first we had to grab some dinner. Being on the laid back, country tour that we were on means we landed at Cracker Barrel. One of my guilty favorites. While we waited Wes and I checked out the Old Country Store.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think she has talent y'all, there is a future in accordions</td></tr>
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After dinner we went to see Hamner Barber's Variety and Magic Show. It was cheesy and awesome. I laughed the whole way through, but no pictures allowed so you'll have to take my word on that.<br />
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One quick story that happened because of the show. At the the end they did a beautiful tribute to Veterans since it was Memorial Weekend. The tribute included footage from an interview with WWII survivors, along with pictures of them going off to war as teenagers. It was very moving and several adults teared up, but I didn't think Wesley understood any of it, until I looked down to find her silently crying while flags bellowed and a life size statue of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima magically appeared out of thin air on the stage.</div>
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I picked her up and asked her if she was all right and she said she was but she needed to have a serious talk with me as soon as we got out of there. So we made it to the car and I asked again, nope she wanted to tell me when we got "home" it was very serious and everyone had to be "sitting down and paying attention."Direct quote. So we got back to the hotel and I asked again. She had to make sure Mom and I were sitting still and looking directly at her and then she said "Remember that show were they talked about soliders." ME: "Uh, the one we left 5 minures ago?"Wee: "Yes, well this is very serious...{tears up}...it's just that...{more tears}....they were so...so...OLD! {melts into tears}." Mom and I literally had to hold our faces at this point. Wee: "I was trying hard to care about them, but they were so old, and I wanted them to be like they were before in their pictures." I cannot make this stuff up y'all. Hilarious. We explained that everyone grows older and we need to care for everyone no matter their age. Wow Mom.</div>
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The next day we just wanted to take a quick drive down "the strip" to get the full experience of Branson, then head on back to Memphis. I'm sure glad we did or we would have missed this giant statue of President Reagan's head! I know all my friend's love to tease me for being a card carrying Democrat, but in all seriousness, I'm actually just patriotic and want good, strong, honest, smart leaders leading our country, so I was happy to pose with one of our nation's presidents, so there. </div>
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Our drive landed us at the outlet mall, how fortuitous! Wesley didn't last long in the stores, but they did conveniently place these cooky rides around every corner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please notice the foam visor with stick on embellishments and crossover glitter purse.</td></tr>
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After "stores and stores and stores"-Wesley, we finally started the long trek home. The drive was long but gorgeous. The Ozarks are just another reminder of God's glory and power. I really enjoyed the scenic route, even though it went by quite slow--- up and down so many mountains. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Hills are Alive....With the Sound of Music!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and My girl! The picture is awful because it was on the side of the highway and raining, but I needed this shot!</td></tr>
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So that finally wraps up the Branson trip, one month after the fact. It was a great one, and I loved doing it with all three generations of Larson girls this time! Very special. Can't wait till next year!</div>
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-46239805571843217992013-07-08T15:12:00.000-07:002013-07-08T15:12:46.452-07:00Diary of a Bad Runner:: Improvement and SetbackMy last runner entry was full of high hopes to improve pace and finish a four miler. Here's the update on that.<br />
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I did successfully finish Zoom thru the Zoo with an official time of 48 minutes but my Runkeeper tracked it at 45, so we'll go with that and blame the 3 minute deficit on the starting line crowd. Either way I proved to myself I could run for 45 minutes straight and that was a big confidence booster in the way of training.<br />
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As far as improving my pace I have kinda gone in the opposite direction and it is totally working for me. I've still been training with <a href="http://gip.is/">Gipis</a> ( I discussed in my last entry) that I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone running out there. There are countless running apps and programs out there but this one didn't just give me a set training plan, or just pace me as I trained. This app takes you where you are and factors in where you are trying to get to and makes up a plan just for you. It is straight up a personal running trainer on your phone.<br />
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So far in my training I am up to running 1:10 at a 12:00 min pace. So I have almost made it to 6 miles. My program has me finishing a 2:11, with a 10:03 pace so obviously I have some work to do but I'm pretty excited that I went from feeling like I couldn't go on after 3 miles, to sailing through 5 and feeling fine now. The key is to worry more about how long I run instead of how far, for now. Which is something I knew all along, but still couldn't help but want to push.<br />
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The small set back is that I had some outpatient surgery last week and I am not suppose to run at all for two-four weeks depending on how I feel. This really stinks because I was making some great progress, but also totally worth it as it has to do with some good ol' family planning and we definitely want that in the near future. So the surgery did not need to be put off.<br />
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So here I am just sitting and dreaming of running like a nerd. Hope your summers are going well!<br />
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<b>Anybody else training? What has been the biggest help? Ever had to power through an injury?</b><br />
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<br />Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5305053868613045629.post-20718963555731159892013-07-04T17:06:00.001-07:002013-07-04T17:07:17.075-07:00Brancis, MO:: Bears in Nature<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">A big part of our road trip was spent enjoying the great outdoors. One of the greatest gifts my mom ever gave me was an appreciation of God's creation. There is just so much beauty in nature. So of course when we spotted this little waterfall at the Arkansas-Missouri border we had to stop and take it in.</span></div>
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On day two of our trip we hit up Branson Landing. It's a great outdoor shopping center right on a lake. It's anchored with Bass Pro Shop where my little model had to pose witha grizzly bear, because we love all Grizz.</div>
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Then we went to build a bear and she picked out her on bear to love and cuddle. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding a kiss to her heart</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now getting the heart nice and warm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Putting the heart in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giving her a " bath"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All done! Posing with Gamma</td></tr>
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Next we took a trip on "The Ducks" these are those touristy things that start out as a truck on land then they drive into the water and it becomes a boat tour. Super fun.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wes getting ready to eat her duck on the Duck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waking up after a quick nap, surprisingly a tour of downtown Branson did not hold her attention.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woke up just in time to get to drive the boat! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a little over confident, captain had to step in</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now a licensed Duck Boat Captain!</td></tr>
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As you can see the second day was a blast. Relaxing, tousity, natury, just ducky!<br />
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Mary Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623638527574441486noreply@blogger.com0